hello one and all... got a question for you all. I found a guy that has a 1986 japanese stratocaster. he is the original owner and says it is in near mint condition. I am probably going to meet with him this weekend to check it out. He is asking $699... what is your opinion about the price? Here is what was written

1986 FENDER JAPANESE STRATOCASTER MIJ-E606326 BLACK BEAUTY INCLUDES FENDER CLASSIC HARD CASE. FENDER VERSION OF FLOYD ROSE STYLE 1 TREMOLO BRIDGE with fine tuners. TONE AND VOLUME BUTTONS ARE FENDER ORIGINALS. THE NECK IS PERFECTLY STRAIGHT. FRETS ARE LIKE NEW!! wammy bar included. tremolo chrome is slightly chipped,but doesn't affect anything.

What are your thoughts?

For that money you could afford to buy a brand new MIM Stratocaster (or Tele) and still have enough to get a solid case, too.

I know some folks like to collect the MIJ or CIJ Strats and Teles, but, I'm more into playing rather than preserving and collecting. If I were to invest in a guitar for collecting purposes, I'd go American...but that's me. I'm sure others feel differently.

If you're looking to buy a Fender to play and are low on funds (yet don't want a Squire), go MIM. The ones being offered today are very good quality. Mine is flawless and sounds great. In fact, quite a few pros own and use MIM.

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I'm primarily a bassist, but I can tell you, those MIJ/CIJ axes are top-notch. The true collector's market doesn't start until a fair bit above $1,000, so for $699, you're looking at more of a player, not so much of a collector.

Of course, with any used instrument, condition, neck issues, electronics all play a role, so a top-condition MIM might be better than a MIJ/CIJ with issues, but all things being equal in terms of condition, I'd go with the MIJ/CIJ in a heartbeat.

Hi zenbone,the only listing I have for a MIJ Standard Strat is for an 85 black or candy apple red and the value of them is listed at $500-625.The only other MIJ Strats listed are Squires and they are considerably cheaper. The only Floyd Rose style MIJs are listed from 95-96 and are Squires and valued at $175-275.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I own a 1986 Japanese Fender Esquire and the quality is top notch. Check out the history on the web. When Fender saw what they did in Japan at the Fender factories, they said it was what they wanted to do in the States (at the time).

Qaulty wise, I believe Japanese Fender copies (not made by Fender) can rival Fender Custom Shop products. Check out Van Zandt guitars, as an example.

My problem with the Japanese Fender Strat you are looking at is the Floyd Rose system. Those instruments are so "80's" that they are not very cool or sought after. You should be able to press the guy on price. I guess if you are a hair band guy or EVH follower, it could make some sense.