A local luthier is seeling a Japanese Strat. I have no idea what it is worth but I'm sure some of you might. It is an O+6 digits putting it around 93-94. I think it is based on the '54 and is Daphne Blue. I have not seen the guitar yet, but I will later on today. Supposedly it is in brand new condition and basically sat under a bed for 12 years. He is also throwing in a free setup, worth $150 and includes filing the frets(if needed). Is it worth it?

I'd offer him $700-750 AFTER playing it and seeing if it is a good player. But i'd imagine it is a high quality guitar, the MIJ Strats are great. Take some pics if you can.

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I got a black cat bone, I got a mojo too.

A couple of things;
You can get a used MIA Strat for that kind of money. I have 3 MIJ Strats, and can attest to the quality and value, but the price seems a little high. $400-700 seems more in the ballpark for a mint MIJ.
Also, a guitar in like new condition does not need fretwork. If it does need a fret job, or work to level them, then it is not in like new condition.
I would recommend a technician of YOUR choosing does an evaluation for you if possible. If it is in the shape the seller claims, haggle over the price. If it is truly a beauty, get it, you will like the MIJ quality.

Seems to be a couple hundred too high. IMHO! Good guitars. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies guys. I thought it was a bit high but because of its age and condition, maybe it was worth the money. Some people say that CIJ are even better that MIA but I don't have enough experience to make that statement. That being said, if he doesn't budge on the price and the guitar is every bit of awesome he claims, should I still pick it up? Also, he is my luthier so I trust him. I just have never bought a guitar from him.

$150 for a set-up?

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

At $900, I'd say no. But only you can make that decision. I'd say $700 tops and thats assuming it is MINT and also an amazing player. Otherwise I wouldn't give him more than $550-600. I loved the MIJ Strat I used to have and it even had $300 pickups in it, but the person I got it from would have sold it to me for $550.

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I got a black cat bone, I got a mojo too.

I just got back from checking it out. It is in mint condition but the guy won't budge on his price, so I passed on it. The '54 pickups aren't going to suit my "blues-rock" style anyways. And I didn't care for the color, it was a light greenish-blue.

Oh well... thanks for your help guys!

No. You can buy a new MIA for what he's asking.

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You dig?

Yeah seems high to me. I would buy a used strat plus for that much, or less.
I think the only MIJ Strats I would pay over $500 for is the JV strats from like the mid 80's.

I was kinda thinking that too. One of the mistakes I make when buying gear is that I tend to buy the CLOSEST one, rather than the best for the least.

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-Kc
"Payin' dues."

This is one of my fav YouTube videos, this guy has like 20 MIJ strats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlFIz86lNKY

damnn that was a really nice take on Voodoo Child and a sweet strat too

I bought one recently a 89-90 model in excelent shape for 450

That is to high for a MIJ model but it all depends on what you think of it. I have 3 MIJ Teles and can tell you they are beautiful guitars. In fact Fender even came out and said Fender Japan saved the company from going under in the 80s and they even put the head of Fender Japan in the Fender Hall of Fame this year. You could not go wrong with the guitar as I will trll you it will be a pro level guitar you could go play the Garden with tomorrow. I really dont get it but I put up a thread a few weaks ago about the Blue Book of guitars and was shocked at how little MIJ Fenders are going for. in fact MIM guitars are going for more very strange. But I would go with a MIJ any day of the week. $150 for a setup This guy is no friend that is for sure.