I was at a local guitar shop today and came across a very unique instrument (at least to me anyway). It was a MIJ Strat that had some very different hardware. I was really amazed at how good it sounded and played but had no idea what it was (and neither did the salesman). After Googling this guitar, I discovered what it was, and discovered that she was a mid 80s Contemporary System II or III because it had a cam locking nut and Kahler trem. She was in excellent condition, particularly when I found out how old she is, and was kind of a jelly bean lavender.
The store was listing her for $599.
Is this guitar something I want to go for? Are there any gotchas' with this type of hardware?? Is this a fair price??? Sorry I don't have any pictures to go with my question.
Thanks in advance for your responses.

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Fender - Vintage 57' Hot Rod
Fender - Yngwie Malmsteen Strat
A couple of Gibson Les Pauls
A couple of 80's era pointy Super Strats

The Trem is a Schaller not a Kahler. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.blackman4/trem.htm


My personal opinion of mid 80's MIJ's is: If the price is between $300 and $800 then it's probably a good deal and to get it if at all possible.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
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F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Thanks for the correction Chet. So it sounds like a good deal, I'm going to try and talk them down off of the $600 price point. I figure I'd offer them $400 and settle for $500. The more I read about these, the more it makes me want to grab her.

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Fender - Vintage 57' Hot Rod
Fender - Yngwie Malmsteen Strat
A couple of Gibson Les Pauls
A couple of 80's era pointy Super Strats

Silver I agree with Chet and being the owner of a few 80s MIJ they are great axes . Depending on the condition I would try to see if the guy would come down but if he does not it is probably because he knows 80s MIJ have a good rep and there is a market for them.

A nice guitar to pick up for $300-500. Just check to see if it has the tremelo bar. It may be impossible to find one if it does not have the original one.

Thanks for your help guys. I ended up passing on her. They were unwilling to negotiate, + he wanted to charge me $80 for the case the guitar came with (WTF)!!! Don't need the drama, though this was one of the best sounding strats I've played. Congrats for the lucky owners of these.

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Fender - Vintage 57' Hot Rod
Fender - Yngwie Malmsteen Strat
A couple of Gibson Les Pauls
A couple of 80's era pointy Super Strats