The I series of Strat from 1989 appears to be one of the oddest and maybe the rarest of Strats.

The only official word from Fender is the rather terse
"I(XXXXXXX) = Limited number of these "I" series guitars were made in '89/'90. They were made for the export market and have Made in USA stamped on neck heel."

'I' for International. The neck is thinner but feels and plays great. Inside the pots are non-standard, as are the machine heads, bridge, and tremolo. Doesn't sound impressive but as for rarity value, what does anyone think?

Given that many owners have been told that it is not a real Strat, and suffered low valuations accordingly,There were not many made, I suspect many have now gone for good. This USA made guitar deserves some consideration.

(please note prev post as 'I series' it sounded boring so I re-posted with new title)

They crop up quite frequently Davy.

A friend of mine had one that he sold 3 times only to have it returned as a fake. Despite having a letter validating the serial no' from Fender. He ended up selling it to some bloke in Newcastle for £150.

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No no and no

I guess you're from the north-east like me
I bought mine from Rock City back in 1989 from Bill White
He brought in a consignment - so there may be more around here than you might expect

No mate. Lincolnshire, for my crimes.

My mates was a lefthander with stars on the fretboard like the sambora, but wasn't a sambora.

Apparently this guy in Newcastle collects em.

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No no and no