I am looking to buy this guitar but am having difficulty confirming the details:



I am told by the seller it is a 1984 Strat, and I have checked the serial number confirming it was produced in the Corona plant from 1984-1988.

However, my understanding is that in mid-1983, the Corona plant switched over from the Smith Strat I's to the Smith Strat II's. This is clearly not a II as they were 2-knob and had a flush mount for the jack right on the pick-guard.

I then thought it might be a '62 reissue 1984 but I have looked these up and they did not have the 'skunk line' down the back of the neck and this one does. (It is a C neck.)

It is four bolt neck too which ties to the Smith I's. Also odd is the pick-guard looks to be 3-ply but didn't the Smith Strat's all come with 1-ply?

Finally, the bridge is completely off for a '62 reissue (I believe) and looks more like a Smith Strat I.

Below is the serial number:




Is it possible this is a first or second year 1986/87 American Strat?

Any help is appreciated.[/b]

from guitar dater project:

Your guitar was made at the
Fullerton or Corona Plant (Fender), USA
in the Year(s): 1984 - 1988


Configuration seems fine to me.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

I believe that's exactly what that is. The bridge (provided it's stock) is the giveaway.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

yes the i agree the 2 point brigde came out in 86 the neck could be left over for 84 nos fender is known to use old stock parts on newer guitars i would say its a 86

I'm in line with everyone else. It looks to be legit. If the price is right, go for it.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"