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Post subject: Question about 1989 Japanese Strat
Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:43 am
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Hobbyist
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Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:30 pm
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Hi everyone,
I am a newbie to both this forum and the world of guitar playing in general.

In my teens (many, many years ago) I started playing but other distractions took over and I dropped it. Put it down to mid life crisis if you like but I am now starting to learn to play again and have been acquiring used items to help meet this goal.

I got hold of a used 1989 Fender Stratocaster with new tortoise shell pickguard and new Fender Noiseless Pickups. It has a sunburst finish and a light "V" shape neck. The lineage was unclear. The model # information on the back of the neck was indistinct - somebody had tried to scratch it off - but I am pretty sure it is Made In Japan and I021875. From what I can see this confirms the age of the guitar.

I don't know why anyone would scratch this info off and have to admit that concerned me at first.

I had a local shop check this out and set it up for me. They confirmed that it seems in good order and plays okay.

My concern and the reason for my question is whether I should be looking for anything that might be problematic or anything that I should be considering an upgrade to as far as parts on the guitar. I am assuming that with decent pups being fitted that a lot of potential problems are mitigated.

The guitar seems to be a good buy and feels good when I play it but I am sure that you guys have got more experience than I and can tell me what to watch out for. I am looking to keep it for a long while!

Thanks in anticipation of any advice.

Dave


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Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:11 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:34 am
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I own a 1988 Fender Stratocaster (made in Japan). It is a 1972 Re-issue Pink Paisley model. It is probably the nicest Strat I have owned. I purchased it New in January 1989, and have had no touble with it at all. I replaced the pickups with a set of 3 EMG SA single coils with pots, jack and all. I cannot comment on the stock electronics, but the guitar itself has been solid and well-built. I love it, and will not sell it. Original purchase price was $350, and now values at $1200 in Vintage guitar Mag price guide.


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Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:01 am
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Joined: Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:31 pm
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Location: Southern California Mountains
Japanese fenders Were extremely well made. They were made by the same factory that Made Jackson Guitars. Fender Chose this factory to make thier over seas models because they didn't need to impose quality control, the factory held a higher standard than fender required. When Fender opened thier Mexican Factory, The Japanese Factory went back to making Jackson.

I'd keep it, if I were you.


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Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:31 am
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Aspiring Musician
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My late 80s MIJ Strat was one of the best guitars I ever owned (and I've had a couple of pre-CBS "vintage" Fenders).

If somebody tried to scrape off the ID info, it's because of a stupid prejudice toward MIA guitars and against all others. There's nothing wrong with an '89 MIJ at all.


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