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Post subject: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 1:48 pm
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I recently played a Strat which - according to the serial number (E9 + 5 digits) and the Product Dating information on the Fender site - could be a 1989 MIA or a 1984-1987 MIJ. I didn't have much time but do plan on going back for a closer look and hopefully to take some pictures. My question for our resident experts; are there any distinct features - eg. pups, pg, number of frets, colors - which distinguish a '89 MIA Strat from a '84-87 MIJ Strat ?

Thanks and Cheers!
BM

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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 2:04 pm
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Where was the serial number?


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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 3:19 pm
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stratmangler wrote:
Where was the serial number?


Indeed.

Many Japanese-made Strats have their serial number located here......

Image

US-built Strats usually have their serials located on the headstock with the exception of the vintage re-issues which feature the serial stamped onto the neck plate.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 3:34 pm
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The serial number was located on the front of the headstock. The color was a beautiful red. Looking at the Fender Color Chart I would guess something between CAR and Frost Red. You'd think I'd remember seeing Made in USA but I really don't recall. The pickups looked like they had Lace Sensor covers but didn't say Lace Sensor. I need to take a closer look. (Note to self: Don't look at guitars when you're in hurry! :? )

Cheers!
BM

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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 3:37 pm
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Grab a pic or two if you can. It'll make sleuthing down the pedigree a lot easier.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 4:28 pm
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Quote:
The serial number was located on the front of the headstock. The color was a beautiful red.
Was the headstock painted?


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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 5:53 pm
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Take some time and watch my 3 parts video seris on this very topic. It should clear things up.
Here's the first video. Look up, "Paris Thalheimer" to find part 2 and 3.



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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 7:58 am
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paris wrote:
Take some time and watch my 3 parts video seris on this very topic. It should clear things up.
Here's the first video. Look up, "Paris Thalheimer" to find part 2 and 3.
Thanks, Paris. That was very informative. I'm going back to take a second look at that instrument and hopefully take a few pics. Here is a short list of things to look for which I got from your videos.
  • Silver Transition Logo
  • 2 String Trees
  • Fender Tuning Keys
  • Walnut Plug
  • 22 Frets
  • 2 Point Bridge
  • Fender (diagonally on neck plate)

Cheers!
BM

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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 3:40 pm
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Bluer Monkey wrote:
paris wrote:
Take some time and watch my 3 parts video seris on this very topic. It should clear things up.
Here's the first video. Look up, "Paris Thalheimer" to find part 2 and 3.
Thanks, Paris. That was very informative. I'm going back to take a second look at that instrument and hopefully take a few pics. Here is a short list of things to look for which I got from your videos.
  • Silver Transition Logo
  • 2 String Trees
  • Fender Tuning Keys
  • Walnut Plug
  • 22 Frets
  • 2 Point Bridge
  • Fender (diagonally on neck plate)

Cheers!
BM

Great to hear.
Don't forget the "lip" of neck for 22 frets. Also, if it's American, it will say so on the front of the headstock in small print under the word, "Starocaster."


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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:34 pm
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Bluer Monkey wrote:
The serial number was located on the front of the headstock. The color was a beautiful red. Looking at the Fender Color Chart I would guess something between CAR and Frost Red. You'd think I'd remember seeing Made in USA but I really don't recall. The pickups looked like they had Lace Sensor covers but didn't say Lace Sensor. I need to take a closer look. (Note to self: Don't look at guitars when you're in hurry! :? )

Cheers!
BM


Looks like a Deluxe American Standard with Lace Sensors. Fender did a batch of those guitars in the late 1980s/early 1990s; it's possible the labels on the covers had been worn off over the years, that's why the covers thyselves are blank.


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Post subject: Re: Identifying an 80s Strat
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 2:42 pm
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chromeface wrote:
Bluer Monkey wrote:
The serial number was located on the front of the headstock. The color was a beautiful red. Looking at the Fender Color Chart I would guess something between CAR and Frost Red. You'd think I'd remember seeing Made in USA but I really don't recall. The pickups looked like they had Lace Sensor covers but didn't say Lace Sensor. I need to take a closer look. (Note to self: Don't look at guitars when you're in hurry! :? )

Cheers!
BM


Looks like a Deluxe American Standard with Lace Sensors. Fender did a batch of those guitars in the late 1980s/early 1990s; it's possible the labels on the covers had been worn off over the years, that's why the covers thyselves are blank.


The name on covers of my '87 Strat Plus also wore away to nothing. There was a time when the label, "Fender Lace Sensor" was flush with the pickup. Lace eventually recessed the logo.


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