It's a used MIJ strat, but i don't see a serial number on the headstock.
What do you think?

Look on the back of the neck near the body.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
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.

Based on those two pictures? No serial number, no year?

Real or Fake?

I'll vote Fake.

_________________
Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

I had a "crafted in Japan" at one time and the decal was where Chet said - back of the neck near the body.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

I have 3 MIJ Strats,
1985-86 Contemporary w/ serial # A####### on the neckplate
1987 Squier W/ serial # E###### on the front of headstock
1988 "72 RI Pink Paisley w/ serial # E###### on the back of neck near neckplate
All of these guitars are stock and original. All say Made in Japan on them. They also have stamps on the neck and body, but you must remove the neck to see them. Example, the 85-86 Contemp. has ST-555 stamped on the neck and body cavity. That, along with the serial # allows identification.
It is an anomaly to not have a serial # on the guitar. Also, the logo looks weird to me. Do some more research, and tread carefully!!!
PS Does it look like it has a truss rod adjuster at the headstock AND the body???? Look closely at the pickguard where it meets the neck.

_________________
A bunch of guitars, a few amps, some pedals and some other stuff that makes noise.

I'd say real - don't spend a fortune though it seems to be the standard MIJ, they do not fetch that much these days and are way less desirable than the reissues.

Indeed. It looks like a basswood body to me. It's definitely not one of the premium re-issues or an E-serial JV.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

80's MIJ Standard Strats are quite popular and are now demanding more money.

90's and up MIJ/CIJ Standard Strats are not as popular and prices are much lower.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
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.

Hi,

I found it's serial number - Q075182.
It's supposed to be a 93-94 made in japan.

compared to a 2009 MIM strat - what is considered better in terms of quality control etc.?

Your guitar was made at the
Fuji-gen Plant (for Fender Japan), Japan
in the Year(s): 1993 - 1994


Personally I would go with the MIJ.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
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.

I read on a lot of forums that the "good" Japanese guitars were during the 80's, had a decline in the 90's and got better again after 1997 with the "CIJ" production.

So - 2009 MIM or 93-94 MIJ?

Between those two I'd go for the MIJ all things being even with them.

Get the MIJ its a good little guitar Mexican fender IMO are just shocking really :/ ive played about 6 in store now and they haven't impressed!

Only problem you may encounter is I hear the Japanese electronics were crappy so you may want to swap them out dont let that deter you as the Mexicans are just as bad! (worse IMO)

Best wishes
Alex

_________________


A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski~

The truss rod slot (?) is black plastic which is indicative of a MIM or a replacement neck. I have never seen tuners of that kind also in japanese made guitars.

Japanese guitars has TRuss rod adjustments at the heel of the neck.


Also, I am not an expert in any way or form so, I might be wrong. just MHO.

If it plays well, it's a keeper!