STRATOCASTERS

1. Fender Custom Shop 50th Anniversary Stratocaster Relic...TRIO!  (click to enlarge pics) Choice of a 1956, 1960, or 1965 (cert's) never retailed, unplayed, including unopened accessory bags and, of course, era-correct cases.  All are "all gold" models with a Aztec Gold (nitro lacquer) and gold hardware, with light to medium relicing including checked finish and aged hardware with misc finish chips here and there, with the '65 receiving more relic wear than the other two.  I confirmed with Fender that only 100 of each piece - WORLDWIDE - was produced, which makes this a very rare guitar  for an Anniversary model.  These listed at $4677-$4690 with discount pricing to $3500.  One of these could easily be the centerpiece in many Anniversary model collections, to go along with your 25th, 35th, various 40th's, and production model 50th's. 

   1. 1956 Stratocaster Relic 50th Anniversary, (headstock/neck), (sample of relic wear), (case&accessories).  Features include Aztec Gold finish with gold hardware, gold anodized pickguard, V-shaped neck, finish checking and misc dings as well as fretboard "wear", aged hardware, and 50th Anniversary neckplate.  Nice lightweight Strat at 7.8 lbs.  Unplayed condition with Tweed case, opened accessory bag, and COA.  Store priced at $3500 (would be higher with the new '09 price list), but this one's never retailed and perfect, and just $2799.  

   2. 1960 Stratocaster Relic 50th Anniversary, (headstock/neck), (sample of relic wear), (case&accessories).  Features include Aztec Gold finish with gold hardware, "matching" headstock - Aztec gold, C-shaped "slab board" neck with clay dot inlays, finish checking and misc dings, aged hardware, and 50th Anniversary neckplate.  Nice lightweight Strat at 7.4 lbs.  Unplayed condition with Brown Tolex case, opened accessory bag, and COA.  Store priced at $3500 but this one's never retailed and perfect, and just $2699(SOLD).  

   3. 1965 Stratocaster Relic 50th Anniversary, (headstock/neck), (sample of relic wear), (case&accessories).  Features include Aztec Gold finish with gold hardware, "matching" headstock - Aztec gold, C-shaped neck with curved fretboard and pearloid dot inlays, finish checking and misc dings as well as "player's wear" in the belly contour, bold trans logo, aged hardware, and 50th Anniversary neckplate.  Nice lightweight Strat at 7.6 lbs.  Unplayed condition with proper non-logo Black Tolex case, opened accessory bag, and COA.  SStore priced at $3500 (would be higher with the new '09 price list), but this one's never retailed and perfect, and just $2799.  

2. 2006 Fender Limited Edition American Series Ash Stratocaster, (pic2), (pic3).  I have several of these in stock, fresh out of the box and untouched except for our setup prior to shipping.  These are a factory special run (FSR) with the defining features being a desirable color and wood - Sienna Sunburst over light weight and resonant Swamp Ash - plus upgrade pickups in the form of Fender Special Design Vintage Noiseless pickups, which are a common upgrade players do with their American Series Strats - plus a special bridge pickup designed especially for leads.  They're higher output, around 9.85K and, as the name implies, don't have the hum of traditional Strat pickups.  Other features include maple neck with modern C shape and 9.5" radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets, 2-point trem with stainless steel saddles, Fender/Schaller staggered height tuners, parchment plastic parts, and solid ash body.  These have all been killer players, with action set lower than factory spec (we can raise if desired). .  Includes Fender case, tags, complete and unopened accessory bag with strap, cable, polishing cloth, manual, and Allen wrenches.  A new Sienna American Standard is $1149 with stock Am Std  pickups  - why now buy one of these with these great Vintage Noiseless for just $1049.  (Note - the one pictured is just a sample but I have a few others in stock).

3. 2008 Fender USA FSR Highway One Stratocaster HSS, (front/back), (headstock), (Deluxe Gigbag).  I might have one left - all were new-old-stock and perfect.  This is a Limited Edition aka FSR (Factory Special Run) that features and all-black look including black body with matching headstock, black pickguard, and black pickup covers, knobs, and tip - plus a raised chrome logo - and jumbo frets   Highways are the best value in a USA Strat.  Fender uses a nitro satin finish on these, which is less expensive to produce than a buffed out gloss finish.  Other than that, the quality is the same as the American Standard.   Specs include: Factory Special Run (FSR) of just a few hundred pieces, matching headstock with raised chrome logo; super-size frets; '70s style large headstock; vintage tremolo with stamped steel saddles; Hot Single-Coil pickups with Alnico 3 magnets in the neck and middle positions with a Fender Atomic humbucker in the bridge; solid Alder body; modern C-shape neck with satin finish; master volume; tone 1 = neck pickup with "greasebucket" tone circuit; tone 2 = bridge pickups with "greasebucket"; Fender Ping tuners; 9.5" radius; and Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish. The thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish lets the body wood's natural tone shine through. Nitro is a rather expensive finish to do, mainly because of its long drying time - it's rarely found on a guitar in this price range.  One upgrade we offer on Highways is a buffed out finish, which gives the guitar a high gloss finish and with the thin Nitro finish, more of a vintage look, as shown here, side by side.   List price was $1149 list, very fair for an American Strat, but I have a few of these, unplayed and perfect - with a killer set up the day it ships out - for just $679(HOLD-Radiant S 7/29).  Includes Fender deluxe gigbag, tags, polishing cloth, manual, etc.  Some players like these finishes buffed out so it looks like a shiny nitro and we offer this service for $50.    

4. Fender 60's Reissue Reverse Headstock Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock).  A number of these in stock - Olympic White only.  Recently released Factory Special Run (FSR), with features that combine a Classic 60's model with a Hendrix Tribute Strat.  What immediately stands out with this guitar is the reverse headstock, and looking closer, the bridge pickup slanted the "wrong" way, much the same as Jimi, with his flipped-over rightly Strat, played lefty.  Three reverse staggered (pic here) vintage Alnico pickups, with the bridge pickup being closer to the bridge on the bass side rather than the treble side, combined with the reverse string tension (low-E is longest - high-E is shortest), are precisely the factors which many claim helped give Jimi his voodoo tone.  Finished in Olympic White, which is the color most often associated with Hendrix, the 60's Reverse features a Alder body, 1-piece maple neck with vintage 7.5" radius, aged plastic parts, vintage tremolo with stamped steel saddles, and 60's "transition" logo.  Quality electronics with CTS pots and switch, and Alnico pickups which appear to be basically identical to the old American Standard (shown here).  Typically these FSR runs are rather small, usually well under 1000 pieces, so these won't be available for very long.  If you're a Jimi fan, these are around 1/3 the price of a Voodoo or Tribute Strat and are very good quality for the money.  With the new list on a "regular" 60's Classic now at $1150, why not get one of these FSR models for just $679.  Includes Fender deluxe gigbag, manual, and tags.  

5. 2007 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster - Vintge White, (close-up), (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.).  AS NEW - unplayed with plastic still on the pickguard.  First one of these I've had with the newly-offered rosewood fretboard - if you want maple, I have a Sonic Blue on my Fender page.   This is the USA Signature Series designed for, arguably, the best shred guitarist of all time, and certainly the best neo-classical shredder.  Finished in Vintage White, which has the yellow look of a very well aged Olympic White, it features his trademark scalloped fretboard, brass nut, two DiMarzio YJM pickups and a DiMarzio HS-3, special neck shape, late '60s large headstock with "synchronized" logo, 3-ply white pickguard with aged plastic parts, Schaller vintage F machine heads, and medium-jumbo frets.  Includes original tweed case in similarly mint condition, hangtags, manual, and assorted paperwork.  I'm also including an Yngwie model leopard print faux fur strap (picture) from DiMarzio.  Current list on this model is $2299, discounted to $1699 at the online super stores but get one just as nice, with a better set up, for just $1350.  

6. 2006 Fender '56 Stratocaster Relic - Sunburst, (close-up), (front/back), (headstock&neck), (detail), (case).  As new - never retailed.  This is a perfect look for a Relic and looks more like real '56 than most of the "heavy" relics, which always seems to have wear spots that don't make sense.  This one has an authentically dull finish with moderate checking, a few buckle marks, and miscellaneous light dings all over, some down to the wood.  The hardware is tarnished or rusted as you would expected on a guitar that's over 50 years old.  Features of the '56 Relic include "Thinskin" finish in 2-tone sunburst, select alder body, maple 10/56 "boat" neck with soft V shape and nitro finish, 7.25" radius, 21 vintage frets, Custom 50's single coil pickups with 3-way selector (5-way included), Master volume, neck tone, middle tone, American Vintage tremolo with bent saddles, nickel/chrome hardware, 1-ply parchment pickguard.  If you're a fan of larger necks, this 10/56 shape will probably feel perfect.  It's chunkier than the '57 V-neck with more shoulders, and a softer V.  It's factory worn along the edges only, rather than that rather silly looking steel wool job along the majority of the back of the neck; plus fretboard wear in all the proper spots.  This guitar was never retailed thus it is "relic mint" and includes sealed accessory bag, certificate, and all the other stuff.  The '56 Relic sells at the major dealers for $3699 in sunburst.  This one is unplayed, with a great set up and truly superb tone--and just 7.4 lbs.--for just $2099.  

7. Fender 1966 Stratocaster Firemist Silver Metallic Closet Classic LTD,  (front/back), (headstock), (Cert), (case).  From the initial run of just 200 pieces, this killer Strat in one of the holy grails of custom colors, Firemist Silver.  Offered in true mint condition, with zero player's wear and sealed accessory bag with all the goodies inside.  For those not familiar, Closet Classic treatment has the look of a guitar made in 1966, played a little, then put away in a closet until now.  It may have a few dings, and features finish checking, lightly oxidized hardware, aged plastic parts, and it plays with a broken-in feel of a real vintage guitar.   Built by a team of skilled luthiers in Fender's Custom Shop, it's true to the specs and style features of the 1966 including the large headstock and C-shaped neck profile, and it features a silvery nitrocellulose lacquer finish and a 3-ply parchment pickguard.  Other features include maple-cap neck, 2-piece alder body, '65 C-shaped neck that's rather chunky, modern 9.5" radius, '65 vintage pickups, 5-way switch, American vintage trem, and limited edition case.  These 1965 Custom single-coil pickups have the middle pickup reverse wound to cancel hum in switch positions 2 and 4, which is a departure from the original spec but wisely used when they designed this model.  This model currently sells at the super stores for $3999 ($5000 list) but why pay 4G's when you can get this one in dead mint condition - never even had the accessory bag open - for almost 1/2 off.  Just $2199 for this "as new" beauty.  Includes Limited Edition Custom Shop certificate, all the accessories, and special Tolex case with "Limited Edition" Custom Shop seal embroidered in the lid.  

8. 2007 Fender '69 Stratocaster Relic w/mods, (front/back), (headstock), (body/neck markings), (pickguard assembly), (cert/plate), (case).  All original '69 Relic with the exception of the body, which has been replaced with a USA Fender Highway One, nitro finish, buffed out and ready for a relic treatment.  It would be a good choice for somebody who wants the tone and feel of a '69 but wants to play a clean guitar, pretty much like a Closet Classic.  In place of the stock small vintage frets this guitar now has medium jumbo frets, Stew-Mac 154 fret wire, with a pro job by AL&M with $300 job order in the case.  These frets are considerably larger than the stock vintage frets and compared with Dunlop 6105, the 154 fret wire is wider but not quite as tall (6105=.090 X .055; 154=.100 X .050).  As is common with a refret away from vintage frets, it was also re-radiused away from the vintage rounded fretboard, now with a flatter radius to prevent the fretting out common on vintage radii.  Other than the body and trem, this guitar is an original '69 Relic, including complete pickguard assembly with the famed Abigail Ybarra gray-bottom '69 pickups.  These pickups really define the tone of this guitar, with a bell chime not found on the other Relic models.  For a good demo of these pickups, click here for Fender.  Neck is a very comfortable U-shape with typical finish checking on the headstock as well as some dings and scrapes - plus some moderate flame on back.  Other features include American Vintage tremolo with large block and bent saddles, 3-way and 5-way switches included, Fender/Schaller F-tuners, Nickel/chrome hardware, 3-ply parchment pickguard, 1.65" nut width, large 60's headstock with truss rod at butt end, master volume, neck pickup tone, middle pickup tone controls.  Other than a relic appearance to the headstock, this guitar is very clean and with the body buffed out looks more like a Closet Classic than a Relic.  These Highway bodies have thin nitro finishes and relic very well if you want to make it a project.  With the cost of a new '69 Relic at $3099, or even a Closet Classic at $2999, this one is around 1/2 the price, sounds as nice, and for players who don't like small frets has a $300 fret job to make it a much better playing guitar.  Own this one or just $1550.  Includes original era-correct G&G/Fender Tolex case with chrome logo and orange lining, Fender strap, ash tray, polishing cloth, certificate, 3-way switch (5-way installed), sticker, manual, etc.  

9. 2001 Fender Standard Stratocaster Package Deal, (front/back), (headstock), (Crate V5 pic2 pic3 OR Crate XT15R Amp).  A fantastic Standard in beautiful condition - as clean as a new floor model.  Other than pickguard scratches, and the light trace of a barcode strip on the back of the headstock, this guitar is in perfect condition.  More importantly, it plays fantastic and sounds very good.  Action is lower than factory spec and with the modern radius, string bends are clean.  This model features USA electronics with CTS pots and switch, select Alder body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, vintage tremolo with stamped saddles, die-case Fender Ping tuners, and 3 single-coil stag pole pickups with 5-way selector, volume, middle tone, and neck tone.  List price on a new Standard Strat is now $750, selling at discount for $499 but why now go with a super clean used one that you know will play great - with all the accessories.  For the price of a new Standard Strat, you can have this fantastic Strat, a new in the box Crate all-tube V5 (link), a *quality chromatic tuner (pic-Fender AX-12), Fender gigbag, as well as a matching black strap, guitar cable, and dozen guitar picks.  The V5 is a 5-watt combo with a single EL84 power tube and 12AX7 in the preamp.  In a shootout with the comparable Fender Champion, Epi Valve Junior, and Vox, the V5 is the best of the bunch to me.  It has a tone control and more, the tone control really changes the character of the amp.  If you're more of a rock/metal player, I'd recommend the Crate XT15R which is a 2-channel amp high-gain amp with reverb, with the same accessories at the same price.  You can't compare this to any of the budget "Jumpstart" or "Stratpack" kits, with guitars that are at best "beginner" models with the most basic solid state amps.  I've seen plenty of working guitarists who use a Standard Strat at gigs and it's definitely a guitar that will last through the intermediate phase, into the advanced phase.  Again, you get this super clean Strat, choice of tube combo - or dual-channel solid state combo with reverb - and all the accessories, for $499(SOLD 7/2...but we can put  similar deal together with a Standard Strat and choice of 15W amps).  

10. 1988 Fender USA HM Strat - Seafoam Green, (front/back), (headstock), (detail),  (case).  Another great HM Strat and this one has is barely used.  Save a small finish chip beside the strap pin (shown here), there is virtually no wear; no pick scratches or buckle scratches, with clean frets and overall a real beauty.  Like nearly all HM's, it's a killer player and HM Strats, from my experience, and the most consistent SuperStrats from this era when metal reigned supreme and locking trems, jumbo frets, flat fretboards, and at least one bridge humbucker, on a Strat-shaped body, were requirements.  Compare these guitars to Jackson, Charvel, Rich, ESP, Hamer, Kramer, etc., and the HM's consistently have the best necks and, almost without exception, set up with the lowest possible action.  This one with the E8 serial and paint swipe logo is a USA model, although in my opinion the MIJ models were just as good.  Pickups are a DiMarzio bridge humbucker, with American Standard middle and neck single coils.  With the 5-way switch and coil split mini-switch, this guitar does all of the classic Strat tones plus the hot&fat humbucker tones that were popular in music of the day.  Other features include a Kahler Spyder double-locking tremolo (licensed by Floyd oddly enough), quality Gotoh tuners, Kahler locking nut only (rather than the locking nut behind the standard nut found on the Kahler Pro, flat fretboard (17" radius) with 24 jumbo frets, 25" scale, Strat shaped body with the cutaways and heel beveled to provide maximum ease in playing in the upper register.  This is one of the nicer examples of an HM that I've found recently and other than the small finish chip (which we can touch-up if desired), it's an easy 9.5   Beater HM's are going over $500 but you can have a real beauty for $699.  Includes square Fender molded case from my spares, not as nice as the guitar - or a modern case in nicer shape.  

11. 2007 Fender Classic Player 50's Stratocaster - 2Tone Sunburst,  (front/back), (headstock), (info tag), (gigbag/acc.).  (Whoever inquired last week, I just found the last one of these).   Never retailed - not a scratch.  This guitar was designed by Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Dennis Galuszka and features a blend of the old and the new, something Fender has been featuring throughout much of their line the past 2 years, and like the Baja Tele I posted yesterday, this whole series uses top quality pickups, electronics, and hardware, at a price that's around 1/2 of an American Vintage series.  In my opinion, these guitars are 90% as good - at 50% of the price, i.e. an excellent value for your money.  Features include a very thin poly gloss finish over 2-tone sunburst, alder body, maple "C" shape neck with modern 9.5" radius maple fingerboard, 21 medium jumbo frets, 3 USA Vintage '57/'62 pickups, 5 way pickup selector, chrome hardware with Gotoh vintage style locking tuning machines, custom 2 point vintage style tremolo bridge, Custom Shop designed neck plate and aged plastic parts.  When Fender lowered their prices on most of their guitars this one dropped from $1109 to $799 which made it a very sweet deal.  Sweeter still is this dead mint beauty priced at just $679 - and set-up better than factory specs.  Includes Fender deluxe gigbag, tags, and sealed acc. bag. 

12. 2004 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (heel/plate), (case)  Fantastic higher end American Series in transparent Amber finish with stock tortoise pickguard.  This guitar is in beautiful shape and plays fantastic with all the Deluxe features including Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups with S-1 switching, Sperzel locking tuners, 1-pc maple neck with Abalone dot inlays, contoured neck heel and rounded 50th Anniversary neckplate, raised chrome logo, stainless steel bridge/saddles with "pop-in" tremolo arm, and aged plastic parts.  Tremolo is currently blocked (pic) which actually improves the tone but we will remove prior to shipping if desired.  Many players are falling big time for the new SCN/S-1 combination which yields all the traditional Strat tones you know and love, although now hum-free, plus a choice of other meatier tones not normally associated with a Strat.  Click here for a full rundown of all 10 pickup settings with the SSS pickup configuration.  A new American Deluxe is going to run $1599 at the chain stores but this one is barely broken in, with a set up that's guaranteed to thrill, for $1050. 

13. 1994 40th Anniversary American Standard Stratocaster - Ocean Turquoise, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  Although they made these for a full year, there aren't many in circulation these days.  Everybody who collects Strats is sitting on one and since the original cost wasn't at a premium, many of them have been simply played out over the past 16 years.  Specs are the same as an American Standard, with the exception of a commemorative neckplate which is engraved with "1994" and  "40 years...and still rockin'" -  plus it has a red/white/blue badge on the headstock, both shown here.   Overall excellent condition with the exception of one finish ding on the back edge, shown here, which we can color match and lacquer over if desired.  Overall it's in very clean shape for a '94.  Even though Fender made 1000's of this model, virtually every American Standard during 1994, they certainly have investment potential over and above a comparable '93 or '95 with the same features.  The good news is that at 16 years, they're still a good buy, selling just slightly higher than other Strats from this era and not priced so high that you're afraid to take it out on a gig.  Just $899 in a fairly rare Ocean Turquoise finish and includes original "red badge" Fender case and trem bar.  

14. 1990 Fender Stratocaster Plus - Candy Apple Red, (front/back), (headstock), (neck pocket), (case).  This one's a real beauty which has obviously seen very little use in its 20 years.  Prior to the "American Deluxe" in 2000, Fender's upscale American Strat was the "Plus" model, featuring a few upscale features including locking tuners, Wilkinson roller nut, "Tremsetter" device in the trem cavity, pop-in trem arm (optional '89-'93) and, most notably, a trio of Fender/Lace Sensor pickups.  These Lace Sensors were truly a revolutionary design.  Designed for zero-hum, they eliminate the number 1 complaint of vintage pickups, i.e. the noise.  Plus, they're  non-magnetic and without the string pull from magnets strings vibrate longer which contributes to increased sustain.  The Gold Laces were the pickups used on the Clapton model throughout the late 80's and 90's.  The locking tuners and Wilkinson nut are a simple but effective alternative to a locking tremolo system and even with considerable tremolo use these guitars stay in tune extremely well.  The Tremsetter is designed to return the floating tremolo to a fixed position and eliminate de-tuning during string breakage.  This guitar is extremely clean with no noteworthy scratches anywhere and just two very minor dings in the clearcoat on the back, in the finish only and all original except the trem-setter has been removed and is MIA.  Overall this guitar is a solid 9+ condition, definite investment quality but since it costs less than a new USA Strat, players shouldn't be afraid to take this out on gigs.  It plays wonderfully, sounds excellent and is a good buy in a semi-vintage Strat at $1099.  Includes original "Plus" case with key. 

15. 2000 Fender '60's Classic Stratocaster - Lake Placid Blue, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  Get the 60's vibe in a cool custom color, Lake Placid Blue Metallic, in this extremely clean 60's Classic.  Features vintage C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fretboard, solid Alder body, small headstock with spaghetti logo and vintage-tinted gloss neck, vintage Alnico pickups with staggered magnets, vintage synchronized tremolo with stamped steel saddles, aged plastic parts, and vintage 7.25" fretboard radius.  This guitar looks like it was played for a month and put under away in the closet for the past 10 years; no player's wear at all.  With a list price of $999, these sell online and at the super stores for $699 with gigbag but why buy new when you can have this beauty for less, with a an absolutely killer set up and INCLUDES a nice TKL case, which is in mint condition except for a small crack in the lid.  Just $569 for guitar with the case.  

16. 2003 Fender Classic 70's Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock/fretboard).  Fender waited for years before they came out with a 70's reissue.  Years before this model, Fender capitalized on the popularity of Pre-CBS era Strats with this 50's and 60's reissues.  Eventually, the early 70's Stag pole, white guard Strats started soaring in price which was an indicator that a large headstock/"bullet" truss rod model would be well received.  Features all the classic appointments of the early 70's including F-tuners, large headstock with bullet and CBS-era black/gold bold logo, skunk stripe neck, 3-bolt neck attachment with "micro-tilt", stag pole pickups, U-shaped maple neck, 3-ply pickguard and vintage tremolo.  This one in Natural finish also features a lightweight swamp ash body.   This guitar is hard to beat in terms of vibe and tone at this price range and it's in super clean shape.  This came in as a very mediocre player but Martin spent a few hours transforming it into a guitar that's really nice to play.  List on a new one is $999 but this beautiful barely used one is $529 with Fender gigbag.  

17. 1989 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Candy Apple Red, (front/back), (headstock).  All original and, it's hard to believe, now 21 years old.  Hasn't seen much playing time with frets in nice shape and the finish is overall very clean.  Excellent player with a comfortable setup and the tone you know and love in an American Standard.  I especially love this one in positions 2 and 4, sounds like Mark Knopfler to the max.  Overall this Strat is in great shape, save for 3 finish dings on the edge (shown here), but looks fine from the audience view and we can touch up if desired but at $699, it's a good value in a nice older Strat.  Includes later model hardshell case. 

18. 2002 Fender Highway One Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge pickup).  Slighted hot-rodded early Highway, with a Duncan Hot Rails bridge pickup.  The Hot Rails gives you the ability to deliver fat, full tones, especially well suited for heavier styles of music, and since it's a humbucker you can crank the gain up on your amp without suffering the loud hum of a single coil.  These Highway's are the best value in a USA Strat, favored by many due to their very thin finish and vintage tremolo which does a good job of transferring energy from the strings to the body.  This guitar is move lively than your average American Standard due largely to the thin finish and it sounds very good when strummed acoustically.  These early era Strats have more of a vintage vibe, with the smaller headstock and Pre-CBS spaghetti logo.  This one is also finished in a discontinued and rather rare dark blue translucent finish, and like all Highways is a satin Nitrocellulose finish.  Other features include C-shaped neck with 22 jumbo frets, Alnico single coils in the bridge and middle with the middle pickup reverse wound/reverse polarity for noise canceling in positions 2 and 4, synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles and heavy trem block, and HSS pickup routing on the body.  This guitar has seen very little use and has perfect frets, and plastic covering on the pickguard and backplate; pretty much immaculate except for a few light scratches in the finish only.  With a stock Highway costing $699, here's a very clean used one with the most popular upgrade we do to SSS Strats - for just $529.  Includes Fender gigbag.  

19. 2003 Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster,  (front/back), (headstock), (low action at 12th fret).   Great playing Squier.  The Affinity Series are, by and large, very good playing guitars with a proper set up but this one is that one in twenty that sets up as well as most USA models.  Squiers have come along way since the early Korean and Mex models and the Affinity offers the most bang for the buck in a guitar that you can play well into the intermediate stage of your playing.  In fact, we've done upgrades to these that cost more than the guitar itself because underneath it all you have a solid Alder body and a maple neck with rosewood board.  Sometimes we'll drop in a set up Duncans and a vintage logo and most players wouldn't guess they're playing a guitar that originally sold for under $200.  This guitar is in beautiful shape with no cosmetic flaws to speak of, has a classic Strat tone and, again, plays fantastically.  Don't buy a mediocre one off the rack when you can get this beauty that's guaranteed to be one of the best for just $149 with gigbag. 

20. 1988 Fender Stratocaster Plus - Pewter, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  Second year "Plus" in beautiful shape.  Realizing that the Lace Sensor pickups aren't for everyone, this one has been outfitted with a set of Fender custom shop trio of '54's.  The '54's feature staggered, hand-beveled Alnico 5 pole pieces and Forvar magnet wire wound for classic bell tones and clear harmonics with the bridge pickup having a higher output.  The rest of this guitar is stock Strat Plus with Sperzel locking tuners, Wilkinson roller nut, TBX control for the middle/bridge pickup with a regular tone control for the neck pickup, and Schaller straplock pins.  This guitar has seen very, very little use and has zero noteworthy flaws, overall around a 9.5 or better.  This guitar is highly recommended for players who want a nice 21-year-old Strat with the upscale features of the Plus, but wants a more traditional vintage tone.  One of the cleanest Plus models I've had in a quite a while and just a really nice older Strat for just $1099. Includes original rectangular case. 

21. 2008 Fender Road Worn 50's Stratocaster - Black - with '69 pickups,  (front/back), (headstock), (examples of wear), (electronics), (vintage routing), (deluxe gigbag).  "Road Worn Mint" and *better* than new with a pair of Custom Shop gray-bottom pickups, in the neck and bridge (middle is stock Tex-Mex).  For many players, nothing beats the feel and vibe of a genuine vintage guitar, complete with chips, finish wear, oxidized hardware, and especially a broken in neck.   Fender's Road worn series is a genuine Fender relic guitar within the price range of many more players, built just over the Corona CA border at Fender's Ensenada Mexico factory.  These guitars are excellent guitars in their own right and like the Relics, they feature an alder body with nitrocellulose finish with misc. finish wear, chips, dull finish, aged-looking parts, green guard, etc.   They also smartly chose to use large 6105 frets, which are frequently changed on vintage guitars as an improvement over the old small vintage frets, while retaining the vintage 7.25" radius.  The back of the neck has a worn finish for a great broken in feel, and that's what really makes these a joy to play.  Likewise, the hardware is dull and lightly oxidized, as with a guitar that has been exposed to the elements for half a century.  Not just looks alone, these guitars are loaded with quality USA electronics and quality Tex-Mex pickups.   Also features the quality tremolo with heavy steel trem block.  You might think Fender would use their lower grade Alder on these guitars but not in this case.  This baby weighs in at a scant 7.4 lbs., lighter than many of their custom shop Strats costing 3X the price.  Click here for Fender's site dedicated to this very cool series.  With a list price of $1179, this model sells new for $949.  This used one appears to have seen zero use and is offered in "worn-mint" condition for $779, with an excellent set up and with these two '69's, sounds as good as most Custom Shop Relics.  Includes the new style deluxe gigbag or add $75 to substitute this G&G Tweed case.  

22. Custom '69 Style HSS Strat - Cherry Sunburst, (front/back), (headstock), (trem/pop-in arm), (pickups).  Great playing, killer sounding Fat Strat in beautiful shape.  Fender didn't do a Cherry Sunburst in '69 but, hey, it still looks cool. I have no idea what the body and neck are other than its a solid Alder body with a professional gloss finish and large headstock maple neck with rosewood board with an excellent quality logo job using a '69/'70 "Synchronized Tremolo" logo and an orange vintage tint lacquer on the neck and headstock.  The neck was very nicely done, although I think the Custom Shop logo on the back of the headstock is a bit over the top.  Excellent pickups on this guitar with a genuine Duncan Invader humbucker in the bridge and a pair of Fender Lace Sensor "Gold" single coils in the middle and neck.  By choosing the Laces along with the humbucker, this guitar has very little noise, normally associated with single coils.  Tremolo appears to be from an American Deluxe with polished chrome base and saddles, with a pop-in trem arm.  For players who are constantly hitting the volume control inadvertently, this one has the normal volume pot plugged (shown here) with the volume moved down to the regular 1st tone position, and a master tone in the 2nd tone position.  Personally, I love this set up.   A lot of guys like the all black plastic parts but if it's not your thing, we probably have a white HSS guard we can swap out.   This guitar was well built, plays with ease and has some excellent components.  It's an excellent value for $499 - with hardshell case included.  

23. 2000 Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Stratocaster with upgrades, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups/controls), (graphite saddles/string tree).  A real beauty in Candy Apple Red with rosewood board and '62 era logo.  We had a number of these Deluxe Powerhouse Strats which boast a vintage look, with the addition of an active mid-boost and Powerhouse pickups.  We took this one and did a few upgrades, most notably a new set of Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups which are noted for their vintage Strat tone, without any of the noise associated with vintage pickups.  In addition, we upgraded the saddles to Graph Tech String Savers ($59), plus a graphite string tree, both of which reduce friction which helps keep the guitar in tune, and reduce string breakage.  We pulled the active electronics which wasn't needed with these pickups, and installed USA CTS pots and switch, with vintage-style cloth wiring between the jack and pots.  The wiring job is very neat, with leads cut to the proper length and twist ties keeping everything tidy.  The guitar is super quiet, plays great, and has a hot output that's very reminiscent of SRV's searing tone.  This guitar is unplayed with plastic still on the pickguard and back plate and with these mods, it's very much an upscale Strat that's good enough for professional use.  If done by a pro tech, this pickup upgrade and Graph Tech parts will run you around $250 from a pro tech which makes this a smoking deal at just $599.  Includes Fender gigbag.  

24. 1998 Fender Floyd Rose Deluxe Series Standard Stratocaster HH, (pic2), (pic3).  One of the Deluxe Series back in the 90's and sort of an Iron Maiden vibe with Olympic White finish and black pickguard.  Features a killer upgrade with REAL Duncans with a Pearly Gates and '59 in the neck, plus the "good" Floyd Rose, made by Ping (specs here) which is the only licensed model, identical to the Original Floyd in specs, which is allowed to carry the Floyd Rose logo.  Body has HSH routing so you can change to a different configuration if desired (pic here), and equipped with CTS pots and a super switch.  If you're happy with average action, you'll love this guitar, but it's one of those that won't set up extremely low.  We can offer it with a different neck if you like the strings very low, so just ask, options include a large headstock maple cap with '69 "Synchronized" logo, small headstock rosewood board with '67 "trans" logo.  Don't get me wrong, it plays good - just not our normal very low action.  When the pics were taken it was set up with DR strings that are red in color, so don't adjust your monitor.  Good value on a Floyd Strat at $499.  Includes fender gigbag.

25. 2004 Fender Standard Stratocaster Floyd Rose 1HB,  (front/back), (headstock), (Floyd/DiMarzio).  Higher end member of the Fender Standard Series, with all the features of a Standard PLUS factory Floyd Rose double locking tremolo including Floyd Rose nut.  This one has been slightly modified/upgraded with a single DiMarzio humbucker in the bridge with custom ordered 3-ply tortoise pickguard and backplate, and only two controls, volume and tone - original configuration was Hum-Single-Single Mex pickups with 3 knobs and 5-way.  Other specs include Alder body, modern C-shaped neck, Fender Ping tuners, and neck tilt adjustment via neckplate.  Olympic White finish is immaculate except for one tiny  touch-up on the back edge of the belly contour (shown here) and the normal small lacquer crack in the cutaway, worth mentioning only because this Strat is otherwise extremely clean.   This model features an excellent quality Floyd Rose, made by Ping (specs here), which is identical to the Original Floyd in specs and the only licensed model which is allowed to carry the Floyd Rose logo.  This guitar has an excellent setup and the DiMarzio makes it especially good at rock/metal tones.  The stock HSS Floyd Rose sells for $699 but for many of us, this single DiMarzio is cooler and better - for just $499.  Includes Fender gigbag. 

26. Fender MIK Yngwie-style Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock).  This was previously a Korean Standard Strat, with the serial and country of manufacture rubbed off, as shown here (this headstock is pictured over a non-modified example).  The defining characteristic of this guitar is the entire fretboard has been scalloped, which has been used by great success by Neo-Classical great Yngwie Malmsteen.  Cosmetically, the scallop job is good, although probably not professional, but it's a lot better than I could.  Functionally, it works flawlessly and will allow you to do trills by just pressing down on the fret rather than the side-to-side conventional method.  Finished in vintage white, which has the appearance of a yellowed-out Olympic White, this guitar is also accented by a tasteful combination of gold and chrome hardware, such as the bridge which is chrome, with gold saddles and gold wood screws.  I'm not sure what kind of bridge this is, but it's definitely a quality unit, with a large tremolo block of steel rather than the cheap mix that would have been stock on this model.  As far as the rest of the hardware - gold output jack and gold tuners, which are excellent quality tuners from a Japan designer series Strat, made by Gotoh and feature pearloid buttons.  Since most players who like Yngwie style music will stick to the bridge pickup, that has been changed to a DiMarzio Fast Track DP-181, a high output Strat pickup which provides the single coil tone, with hum-canceling side-by-side coils.  Not pictured but included are a back cover.  Cosmetically the guitar has a few small finish chips (shown here) as well as a few fine finish cracks in the normal cutaway area, and by each strap pin.  If you're looking for the essence of a Malmsteen signature model, this one's almost $1K cheaper and an excellent playing Strat.  $399.  Note:  We can install a '69/'70 vintage logo for additional cost if desired.  

27. 1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  Rather than using long descriptions, click here for a page I've created which outlines features of this innovative model.   This guitar is all original and overall pretty nice shape for its age with the worst flaws being two small finish chips, shown here, which we can touch-up and lacquer over if desired, at the customer's request.  Unlike many of the Elite models I've had, this guitar has been played rather than spending its life in the case.   There are normal scratches in the clear coat, not through the finish, and average fret wear but with a nice set-up this is a good choice for the player who doesn't want to pay top dollar for a pristine model that's too clean to take to a gig.  A good buy for the Strat collector on a budget or player of average means - at just $1050.   Includes Fender case but not original trem arm.   

28. 2005 Fender Lite Ash Stratocaster w/upgrades, (front/back), (headstock/fretboard), (close-up).  One of Fender's fantastic upscale imports with high end features such as real Seymour Duncan pickups, Abalone inlays, birdseye maple neck, and quality tonewoods.  As the name implies, it's light in weight - but heavy in tone thanks to its exceptional light ash body and Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro Staggered  pickups.  Other features include abalone inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, 2-point fulcrum Am Std style bridge, and chrome hardware.  This one also has one cosmetic upgrade - a vintage style tortoise guard, plus has a set of Sperzel locking tuners which are some of the best on the market.  For complete specs, check out Fender's site here.  Original pickguard (pic) is included if you prefer the original look, as shown here.  Beautiful condition, great setup.  With a stock Alder body Standard Strat now over $600, this one with real Duncans and $80 in upgrades, is an incredible value at $499.  Includes Fender gigbag.  

29. 1983 Fender USA Stratocaster,  (front/back), (headstock), (Kahler Pro Trem), (Kahler Nut), (case/etc.).  '83 Strats are frequently maligned, mainly due to the surface-mounted Freeflyte tremolo system that was, admittedly, ill-conceived, plus other cost-saving measures of the era including pickguard-mounted output jack and only one tone knob.  While it took a long time for these to catch on in the vintage market, a few years ago they started to take off and now they command prices higher than a new Strat, which indicates there is some vintage value in there.  The bottom line though, is many of these are excellent utility guitars.  Fit and finish on these are actually better than the 70's 3-bolt Strats where "the gap" was commonplace, with a neck that didn't properly fit the body.  Regarding the tremolo, the good news is the Freeflyte trems can be rather easily replaced with a Kahler Pro, as was done on this  guitar.  The Kahler Pro is an excellent system and along with the Floyd Rose, is the choice of top American guitars like Jackson.  The feel isn't as stiff and it stays in tune very well.  Kahler also offered two styles of locking nuts, both used in conjunction with a standard nut.  One requires an Allen wrench to loosen while they also offered this style which loosens with a flick of the thumb.  Overall this one is very clean for 26 years with no major scratches on the body and it's obviously been well cared for.  Frets have been recently dressed and there is plenty of life left in the frets.  One major upgrade is a set of Custom Shop Texas Specials have been installed and they sound great.  It also appears as though a new pickguard was used when the pickups were installed.  At 9 lbs. on the nose, this guitar is medium weight for an '83 - I've had many of them over 10 lbs.  If you're looking for a quality utility Strat that is pretty much impervious to going out of tune, with quality Texas Specials installed, here's a nice buy at $799.  Includes original Fender case.  

30. 1994 40th Anniversary Fender American Standard Stratocaster, (pic2), (pic3).  Everybody needs one of these in their Strat collection.  Not really rare, other than they were only made for one year, and specs are all American Standard, with the exception of a commemorative neckplate which proclaims the year, model, and phrase, "40 years...and still rockin'", as well as a red/white/blue badge on the headstock, both shown here.   Overall excellent condition.  We've buffed out the body to a high gloss, removing 95% of the light scratches; frets show only minor wear on the lower few frets.  Not dead mint but what I'd call very nice for a lightly used guitar.  Even though Fender made many 1000's of this model, virtually every American Standard during 1994, they certainly have investment potential over and above a comparable '93 or '95 with the same features.  The good news is that at 16 years, they're still a good buy, selling just slightly higher than other Strats from this era and not priced so high that you're afraid to take it out on a gig.  A very collectable and very clean 40th is a very good buy when they're less than a new one; this one's just $850.  Includes similarly nice original "red badge" Fender case and trem bar.  

31. 2004 Fender Limited Edition HSS Stratocaster with Duncans, (front/back), (headstock), (circuit).  Special Edition model with a total run of 250 pieces and finished in "Spiro Light" with a matching headstock and chrome logo.  The Spiro finish, shown here, looks almost black but actually has some metal flake.  This is a very striking looking guitar but, more than just looks, this particular guitar has some serious tone, having been upgraded with Seymour Duncans in the bridge and neck with a '59 in the bridge, Hot Rails in the neck, and stock Fender single coil in the middle.  A 5-way switch gives you a good mix if traditional Strat tones in positions 2-3-4, with much fatter humbuckers tones in positions 1 and 5.  Other features include C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fretboard and clay dot inlays, Alder body finished in custom color Sprio with matching headstock, CTS pots and switch with "orange drop" capacitor, staggered height American Standard tuners which only require 1 string tree, and one cosmetic mod - pickguard changed to 3-ply white which contrasts much better with the black covers, knobs, and tip.  Also features vintage tremolo (shown here) with heavy steel block.  This guitar is in beautiful shape, plays great, and the tone is on par with an American Series - but for 1/2 the price.  This beauty is just $499 and includes Fender gigbag.

32. Fender "Custom" '62 Strat - Totally upgraded Squier, (close-up click to enlarge), (front/back), (headstock), (pickups), (inside).   Formerly a Squier Strat in Olympic White and one of the few Squiers that played way too nice to be a cheap guitar so we've given it some major upgrades.  The old logo has been painstakingly removed and a top quality repro '62 era Fender with 3 patents has been installed.  Pickups have all been changed to Duncans with a USA Hot Rails in the middle and Duncan-Designed HR-101's in the neck and bridge, while pots and switch were also upgraded to USA CTS, and the entire cavity has been lined with copper shielding tape to make a quiet guitar virtually impervious to 60-cycle hum.  My opinion of these DD HR-101 pickups is that they are so far above stock impport pickups that there is no comparison.  I think they sound nearly as good as the USA Duncans and that many players couldn't pick them out in a blind test.  Tuners have been upgraded to Fender/Schaller locking type (one of the thumb wheels is chrome instead of brushed aluminum), staggered, requiring the use of only one string tree.  LStrap pins have been changed the Schaller locking type. Cosmetically, the pickguard and back plate have been changed to black pearl, with knobs and switch changed to a corresponding black.  The only thing original on this guitar is the wood, tremolo assembly, and output jack.  It's a solid Alder body that's a nice weight and a very straight neck with clean frets.  We know a lot of players could care less about using the whammy bar so we left the trem original to keep the price down, but we can offer anything from a USA Vintage Series to or Fishman vintage style with piezo, at additional expense. Although not a pristine guitar, overall this guitar is very clean other than a finish chip that's been touched up on the back edge.  With superb playability and quality parts - not to mention a pretty unique look - this is a lot of Strat for well under the price of a new Mex Standard at just $399.

33. 1989 Fender (Korea) Squier II Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock).  Folks seem to really like the Squier II series, which was Fender's second run at the Squier series, after the Fender Japan Squiers proved to be cost-prohibitive.  As the 80's came to a close, Japan's economy was thriving and the increased labor cost forced Fender to search elsewhere for manufacturing the Squier Series, leading them to Korea and the Young Chang corporation, where this guitar was built.  During this same timeframe Fender was also producing a lot of the Contemporary Squiers, which came in different pickup configurations and featured a body with different contours and no pickguard.  The Standard Squiers, such as this model, are widely regarded as being superior to the Chinese and Indonesian models which followed in the 90's and 00's.  Just one change to this guitar - original pickup covers have been swapped out with solid (no visible poles) covers (shown here), which, along with the black body and maple fretboard, give it the look of a Clapton Blackie.  Overall nice shape for a used guitar, with fine scratches front and back but nothing through the finish and the body shines up nicely.  Nice Strat for $239 with gigbag.  

34. Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Stratocasters - from the Deluxe Series come these upscale Standard Series with all the vintage features you know and love, with the main difference being *tone*, namely the Fender "Powerhouse" ultra quiet pickup system, with pickups designed specifically for this model.  The other feature that sets this one apart is the active mid-boost circuit (9V battery), adding up to 12db of mid-boost, much like the Clapton signature Strat.  You can still get the Strat shimmering clean but turn up the mid boost and the guitar fattens up to a tone that's almost like a humbucker.  Battery will last for a year or two if unplugged when not in use and is easily accessible via a "door" on the back of the guitar, a much-improved system over removing the pickguard to get to the battery.  Get all the info here, at Fender's site.  I have a number of these in stock, all in mint or actual NOS condition and each includes deluxe Fender gigbag and paperwork - plus a pro setup that's better than factory.  With a regular Mex Standard Strat selling for $549, these are better guitars and $50 less.  

    • 1997 Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Stratocaster, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4). Candy Apple Red with Rosewood board.  This one's dead mint with Fender deluxe gigbag etc. for just $499.  

    • 1999 Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Stratocaster, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4).  Candy Apple Red with Rosewood board.  Sells new for $599 ($857 list).  This one's dead mint with Fender deluxe gigbag etc. for just $499.  

    • 2000 Fender Deluxe Powerhouse Stratocaster,  (pic2).  Black with maple board - Clapton vibe at a fraction of the cost.  Sells new for $599 ($857 list).  This one's dead mint with Fender deluxe gigbag etc. for just $499.  Note - we can change the pickguard to white if you want a "dead ringer" Clapton Blackie.  

35. 2005 Fender Satin Fat Squier Strat, New, Old stock and unplayed.  Very nice S trat for the money.  Solid Mahogany body with a very cool natural finish and satin lacquer which allows the guitar to resonate better and has a broken-in feel to boot.  Pickups are very good for this price range with a Duncan-Designed humbucker and a pair of Alnico single coils.  Other features are matching headstock, chrome knobs, and no-pickguard design that looks pretty classy.  Specs are on the Squier Site here.  These are a $415 list and sell everywhere at $249-$299.  This one is new-old-stock and perfect and priced at $229 WITH  a free Fender gigbag and a nice setup.  

36. 1995/2005 Fender Fat Stratocaster w/Upgrades, (pic2), (pic3).  Great playing Strat with some tasteful upgrades.  The basics are a 2004 Fender Satin Standard Strat body with a 1995 Standard Strat neck.  These satin bodies are a very thin finish which contribute to better resonance.  We've installed a killer pickup assembly (pic4) in this one starting with a white pearl pickguard, loaded with a Seymour Duncan Invader bridge humbucker and a pair of Tex-Mex in the middle and neck - with CTS pots and switch.  Overall very nice shape although the body had a few finish chips on the edge from laying around the shop which Brian touched up so they're not terribly noticeable (pic here).  Frets are in nice shape, excellent setup, and a tone that's clearly way above a Mex Standard.  Set up to perfection, excellent tone, but priced less than a new Standard at just $375

37. 1998 Fender American Standard Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock).   Very cool looks.  All stock '98 American Strat other than a cool cosmetic mod - paisley/snakeskin pickguard and black covers, knobs, and tip.  I've been hanging onto the pickguard for a long time waiting on the perfect Strat.  When I got in this black with rosewood board, that turned out to be the look I'd been waiting for.  Overall very clean shape with no major flaws, around an 8.5 overall with very nice frets and an excellent setup.  Includes modern Fender molded case at $749.  

38. 1986 Fender Stratocaster XII, (front/back), (headstock).  Rare model from Fender Japan - only the 4th one I've ever had - and the very desirable Made in Japan (not Crafted) - from the mid-80's.  The history of this model begins in the mid-60's with a Fender model call the "Electric XII", with sort of a Jaguar-shaped body and an innovative 12-saddle bridge, designed for precise adjustments of individual string heights and intonation, with strings-thru body design for increased sustain.  The 12-string craze of the 1960's was very short-lived, and the Electric XII was discontinued in 1969.  Jump ahead around a decade and a half and we have this model - a twelve-string Strat, the Strat XII, which was introduced by Fender Japan in the late 80's.   This model has 22 frets and, rather unusual, a Gibson scale length of 24.75 inches.  This model was discontinued in 1993 and was forgotten until the Crafted in Japan models came out this year.  This guitar is in beautiful shape, buffed out to a mirror gloss finish with no major flaws.  At over 20 years old it is a proven lower-end investment piece and, most importantly, a really player, with low action and a distinct chimey tone that can do a pseudo-Byrds/Petty impression or a huge sounding Strat.  An excellent value on a 23-year-old Fender Japan collectable guitar at $750.  Includes original Fender XII case with one busted latch. .  

39. Fender Squier Neck-Thru Showmaster Deluxe, (front/back), (headstock), (double-locking lic. Floyd Rose), (neck-thru).  New—never retailed and perfect.  I just *found* this guitar in a mis-labeled box where it had set for several years.  The Showmaster Deluxe is an excellent quality import from Korea.  Don't let the Squier name throw you.  The early models were called Squier but a year or two later the same guitars were produced without the Squier label.  Man, I wish they had guitars of this quality when I was coming up.   Back then you had to spend $500 to get something decent, or $300 got you a very poor guitar.  This one is quality all around:  Neck-thru construction, good hardware including an excellent licensed double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo, good quality pickups, immaculate Shoreline Gold Metallic finish.  Although labeled "Stagemaster", this model was actually called the "Showmaster", which distinguished it from the bolt-on model.  List price when produced was $583 but this one will come to you fully set-up, never played, and just $299

40. 2004 Fender Showmaster FMT HH #957, (pic2).  Killer looks - killer tone - killer price.  Showmasters have traditionally been Fender's upscale Strat, with the most radical departure being a set-neck construction.  The Showmaster FMT's most notable feature is the beautifully figured carved maple top over deep cut basswood body - but look a little closer and you'll see some high end features in these beauties, most notably, a pair of REAL Duncans, with a ‘59 (Reverse Polarity) in the neck and a Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge.  Other high-end features (pic3) are set-neck construction, locking tuners, 2-point synchronized tremolo, Abalone inlays, raised chrome logo, smoked chrome hardware - plus 24-fret maple neck with rosewood fretboard, master volume and tone controls.  With a list of $899 these sold online for $629 but both of these are unplayed with an in-house set up that is sure to please, and $100 less at $529.  Includes new and very well padded Fender gigbag.

41. 2004 Fender Showmaster FMT HH #354, (front/back), (headstock), (features).  Identical to above in features. Never retailed and perfect, $529.  Includes new and very well padded Fender gigbag.

42. 2004 Fender Showmaster FMT SSS, (front/back), (headstock), (features).  Identical to above in features except instead of the Duncan '59 and Pearly Gates, features the more traditional 3 single coils (SSS) with SSL-1's in middle and neck, with an SSL-5, with reverse wound/reverse polarity middle pickup for noise canceling. Never retailed and perfect, $529. Includes new and very well padded Fender gigbag.

43. 2006 Fender Showmaster FMT HH - "Natural" Flametop, (front/back), (headstock), (Duncans), .  Killer looks - killer tone - killer price and a real bang-for-the-buck winner.  Showmasters have traditionally been Fender's upscale Strat, with the most radical departure being a set-neck construction, plus a carved top and no pickguard.  Even the back plates are recessed into the wood (shown here).  The Showmaster FMT's most notable feature is the beautifully figured carved maple top over deep cut basswood body - but look a little closer and you'll see some high end features in these beauties, most notably, a pair of REAL Duncans, with a ‘59 (Reverse Polarity) in the neck and a Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge.  Other high-end features are set-neck construction, locking tuners, 2-point synchronized tremolo, Abalone inlays, raised chrome logo, smoked chrome hardware - plus 24-fret maple neck with rosewood fretboard, master volume and tone controls.  With a list of $899 these sold online for $629 but this one is immaculate, other than two finish cracks (close-up and distant pic) that are in the lacquer only and definitely not an issue.   This is the first one of these I've seen in Natural, and it is the best finish of the bunch in my opinion and this one has some of the most even flame I've seen on this model.  Just a really nice set neck Strat at just $499(HOLD-Manley 8/23) with gigbag.   

44. 2005 Fender Showmaster FMT HH - Black Cherry Flametop, (front/back), (headstock).  Killer looks - killer tone - killer price.  Showmasters have traditionally been Fender's upscale Strat, with the most radical departure being a set-neck construction, plus a carved top and no pickguard.  The Showmaster FMT's most notable feature is the beautifully figured carved maple top over deep cut basswood body - but look a little closer and you'll see some high end features in these beauties, most notably, a pair of REAL Duncans, with a ‘59 (Reverse Polarity) in the neck and a Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge.  Other high-end features are set-neck construction, locking tuners, 2-point synchronized tremolo, Abalone inlays, raised chrome logo, smoked chrome hardware - plus 24-fret maple neck with rosewood fretboard, master volume and tone controls.  With a list of $899 these sold online for $629 but this one is immaculate and a sweet SuperStrat at jut $479.  Includes new and very well padded Fender gigbag and trem arm.  Note:  I also have several of these in tobacco sunburst, unplayed in factory boxes, for $529. 

45. USA Customs Stratocaster w/Fishman Acoustic Bridge (close-up pick depicts actual green color), (pic2 - back pic taken with flash to show color), (neck pic - shows orangish vintage tint).   For those of you who aren't familiar with USA Customs, they've built a solid following, initially via Ebay sales and more recently directly from their web site, www.usacustomguitars.com, offering quality guitar parts and completed guitars, made to order.  I've had 2 of them in the past, both excellent guitars, but it worked out such that I needed to part them out rather than sell them whole.  I'm going to give this one a try as a complete guitar and begin by stating that the quality is at least as good as USA Fender, definitely pro quality in all regards.  Starting with an Alder body that's a nice light/medium weight, with a pearloid pickguard loaded with Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups - with CTS pots and switch.  You might recognize the bridge (pic here) as being identical to a PRS bridge and you're correct - It's a "Mann Made", the same suppliers for PRS bridges.  This particular bridge is the Fishman VMV Mannmade, which has piezo saddles which offer a pretty nice acoustic tone out of an electric guitar.  The output jack is a stereo jack and with a Y-cable, which can be included, you can send your electric tones  to one amp; your acoustic tones to an acoustic amp or mixing board.  There are also a number of wiring options which can be used but for now it's wired in the most basic layout.  This guitar has seen very little playing time and is in really nice shape.  Last owner paid $1200, which is reasonable for a quality USA guitar with these features.  If you want some great Strat tones, with the flexibility of an acoustic bridge, here's a really nice way to go - just $850 with case.  Note: Fender vintage logo can be installed for $25 to $50 (including parts & labor), depending on the style of installation.  This is a very nice Strat and...did I mention...just 7.2 lbs!  

46. 1990 Fender American Standard "Fat" Stratocaster,  (front/back), (headstock).  As most of you know, I've certainly mentioned it many times, the serial numbers for 1990 USA Fenders are nearly all "N9" rather than "N0" which is what they should have been. This anomaly will eternally be identified with an asterisk in dating Fender guitars.  Anyhow, such is this 1990 Strat in one of the popular late 80's, early 90's finishes, Pewter.  The main defining aspect of this guitar are the pickups (and switching), to Strat Plus/Ultra electronics, shown here.  Pickups have all been upgraded to Fender Lace Sensors, with a double Gold in the bridge with a blue in the neck and a silver in the middle, controlled by a 5-way plus a mini toggle for the bridge for a choice of humbucker or single coil tones.   Laces are some of my favorite Strat pickups of all time and were the choice on all higher end Strats from around '88 through the mid 90's.  They retain a vintage tone but have very little hum and being non-magnetic, there is no string pull to kill your sustain.  Overall pretty nice shape, at least from the front and back, but there are a few finish chips on the edge (shown here) which aren't nearly as noticeable in person.  20 years old in two years but still utility priced at $679(HOLD-Jeff A 8/7)  with a nice setup and quality tone.  If you want the electronics restored to stock, we can put on an old white Fender pickguard and stock pickups at no charge; or I probably have a black back plate that matches the pickguard.  Includes Fender case. 

47. 1990 Fender USA Squier Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock).  Very lightweight for this model - only 7 lbs. on the nose.  Fairly rare model, although I get in one every other year or so, but these were only made from around '89-'90 and from my understanding, were made for export only so any that are circulating were originally sold outside the USA and at some point were repatriated.  These are good quality guitars for the money with many features much the same as the American Standard of the era including the swimming pool route under the guard and Fender/Ping tuners on this model, although I've seen Fender/Gotoh and Gotoh on other examples.  This is a killer player and it's highly recommended for guys and gals who like their action low - or players who want a Clapton without the Clapton price tag.  Overall pretty nice shape with no major flaws and a good value on a USA Strat, and the lightest USA Squier I've had, at $499 with modern Fender case.  

48. 2002 Fender Squier Showmaster Deluxe, new—never retailed.  I found another one that "dropped off" the site a long time ago.  It's actually a 2002 model but never retailed so it's immaculate.  "Showmaster" is Fender's model name for their "SuperStrats", most of which have locking tremolo and no pickguard, and most are neck-thru construction.  Features desirable Shoreline Gold Metallic finish, neck-thru construction, dual humbuckers, and a very good quality licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system.  They made a few Showmasters and please don’t confuse it with the bolt-on model, this was the higher end Squier Showmaster with a list of $583 and is a killer player with stylish looks and a lot of "SuperStrat" for $299. 

49. 2003 Fender Squier Jimmy Shine Showmaster, new—never retailed, Ltd. Ed. model to commemorate Calif. Speed Shop Owner Jimmy Shine, features the SO-CAL logo on the guitar and a matching T-shirt.  The guitar itself is a cool, straight-ahead rock animal with just a single screaming humbucker and volume control.  Strings-thru-body for increased sustain, reverse headstock, black hardware, thin & fast 24-fret neck with rosewood board, best value for a new Fender and includes padded gigbag.  Listed at $499, Sale price $239.  This is an excellent playing guitar that I recommend for the player who wants simplicity and one good tone, rather than versatility.  Includes original gigbag, tags, and T-shirt.  

50. Fender Foto-Flame Stratocaster, (pic2), Squier Standard neck on a Foto-flame body - not original but read on...   Every now and then you get a great neck on a Squier, and this is one.  If you're looking for an exceptional player, something with lower action than most USA models, here you go.  We were going  pito change out theckups as well but rather than sell it for $100 more I wanted to keep the price lower and let the new owner decide.  If I've ever seen a player worth additional upgrades, this is it, and we'll be happy to upgrade to USA pickups for $75, including parts and labor.  This is one in 100 as far as playability on this model and I guarantee the new owner won't second guess their decision.  What's more - it's a cool looking foto-flame flamed maple body.  Nice Strat for $279 w/gigbag.  

51. 1990 Fender USA Squier Stratocasters:  How about a pair?  USA Squier #684 and USA Squier #338 (#338 is sold).  These are pretty rare models, made for a year or two 15 years ago.  Both of these are insanely clean with the only notable flaw being some very minor finish checking that was minor that it was impossible to photograph.  Both of these have rosewood fretboard with the vintage style truss adjustment at the butt end and the body route, like the American Standard from this era, is the swimming pool which will accommodate any pickup layout without modification.  These guitars are basically identical with the only difference being aged covers and knobs on #338.  Setup on both is excellent and are a cool and cheaper alternative to an American Standard at $450 with gigbag.  

TELECASTERS/ESQUIRES:

1. 2008 Fender Joe Strummer Telecaster, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (aged parts), (case).  Older guys like me have strong memories of Joe Strummer pounding away on his Tele as a only guitarist and vocalist of The Clash.  Many of us had always thought of a Tele as being "un-cool", a great Country & Western guitar, but definitely not cool enough for rock music.  It shows how foolish we were, as if the body shape and type of pickups absolutely defined a guitar's genre.  When Joe thrashed away on his Tele...nothing looked cooler, and it made me realize, hey, it's now the guitar, it's how you play the guitar.  Joe passed away back in '02 and the Strummer estate and Fender came to terms on releasing a signature model of his battle worn old Tele, which was stock sunburst when he bought it in 1972.  The Joe Strummer was, essentially, the start of the Road Worn series, although the Strummer is much more worn than the latter.  As a tribute to Joe, the guitar sports a "Revolution Rock" engraved neckplate.  Other features include a highly distressed "road-worn" treatment that emulates the worn-to-the-wood layers of gray auto primer and flat black spray paint that Strummer famously used.  Oddly enough, despite its outward appearance, Joe's Tele was an otherwise unmodified 60's Tele.  For more info, click here for Fender.  This guitar has seen virtually no actually playing time and is "relic mint" condition, virtually unplayed, and includes the original G&G 70's style Fender hardshell case.  A stock run-of-the-mill Road Worn Tele is going to run you $949 with a gigbag and they're nice guitars for the money - but if you like your Tele's REALLY worn, here's one that's virtually unplayed, with a quality Fender case rather than a gigbag, for LESS;  $849.  ...But wait, there's more...  Price includes your choice of the original pickups (bottom of pic), OR a new set of Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders (description), which is around a $200 upgrade by a competent tech.  
2. 2007 Fender Standard Telecaster, (front/back), (headstock).  Fender's original electric, the Tele has remained virtually unchanged since 1952.  The original workhorse guitar, the Tele doesn't feature the sexy curves of a Strat, with it's signature single-cutaway slab body, string-thru-body bridge, dual pickups with master volume and tone, and small headstock.  With that said, there's nothing that has the twang of a Tele, which makes it a favorite of country artists but it also fits very well into rock and blues.  Roy Buchannon, Danny Gatton, Keith Richards, Brent Mason, and my favorite, Brad Paisley, are but a few of the great guitarists who built their signature tone with a Tele.  The Standard Tele is the bang-for-the-buck winner in the Fender stable and features quality pickups, USA pots/switch, and Fender/Ping tuners.  With a new Standard Tele going for $499, why not save $150 and get this immaculate barely used model, set up better than factory, for just $350.  Includes Fender gigbag.  
3. 2007 Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom, (front/back), (headstock), (neck/body date), (case/acc.).  One of the more rare models in the vintage world, genuine vintage Tele Customs are extremely rare, compared to the regular Tele.  The Tele Custom during this era was nothing more than a Telecaster with a bound body which to some is akin to dressing up a pig (I don't share that opinion).  Due to the higher cost, most players opted to skip the binding so a very small percentage of these were shipped.  Today, in fact, the bound '62 sells for $100 higher than the unbound '52.  This fantastic reissue is made to specs of the original including double-bound alder body, C-shaped maple neck with C profile, vintage tuners, 21 nickel-silver frets, USA Vintage pickups with cloth wiring, vintage 3-saddle bridge, 7 1/2" vintage fretboard radius, and removable ash-try bridge.  Cosmetically this guitar is clean, other than one letter slightly shifted on the logo and a few very light dimples in the finish.  It has a very comfortable setup and very lively acoustic tone.  With a slight upcharge for the sunburst body, this model sells new for $1939 ($2430 list).  This beautiful used one isn't even broken in yet and is a good buy at $1299.  Includes G&G/Fender tweed case, leather Fender strap, vintage Fender cable, ash tray bridge cover, polishing cloth, hang tags, and manual. 
4. 2007 Fender Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom II, (front/back), (headstock).  These vintage modified Squiers have the vibe of some classic Fender styles for a fraction of an original model.  Many of them aren't even made as a USA model so if you're looking for a '70's Tele Custom, the only choice are imports - if you're looking for one with P90's, this is the only one.  Speaking of which, I'm a fan of Duncan Designed pickups.  Are they as good as regular Seymours?  No, not quite, but for guitars that only cost a few hundred bucks, the pickups definitely aren't a "weak" area of the guitar.  This one has the vibe of a '72 Tele Custom with dual soapbar pickups and, like the original, a huge 3-ply pickguard with large amp style knobs, two volumes and two tones, controlled by a 3-way selector on the upper horn.  Features include Agathis body, maple neck, medium-jumbo frets, hardtail bridge, string-thru-body design, and good quality sealed tuners.  The setup on this guitar is excellent with low action and no problems during 2-fret bends and it's in exceptionally clean shape.  I pass up a lot of Squiers and only pick up ones that I consider the "good ones".  You can get a new one for $229 but if you want one that's set up by a pro and definitely better than the average new one in a store, this one's $199.  Just for the heck of it, we'll offer a partial logo-job ("rough sketch" here) with a 70's black and gold "Fender" logo, leaving the rest of the logo.  Cost for this is $70 which includes lacquering over the logo and wet sand between coats. 
5. 2005 Fender Telecaster Custom, (pic2), (pic3).  The Tele-style equivalent to the Showmaster and another one of Fender's recent upscale imports.  I've had around a dozen of these and every one has been an impressive guitar in all regards.  The Tele Custom features sleek looks - great comfort and playability - and a new take on a Tele.  Mahogany body and set mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and 6-saddle string-thru-body hardtail bridge provide great resonance and longer sustain.  Pickups are stock DiMarzio's with coil splitter on both pickups which, along with the 3-way, yields 6 quality single-coil and humbucker tones.  Cast sealed tuning machines keep tuning spot-on while a stunning high-gloss finish with cream binding on both the body and neck, lend a very elegant look.  Also features large Abalone dot inlays and a super flat 15.75" radius.  These sell new for $629 ($899 list) and include no case or gigbag.   This one is in showroom condition and *includes* a quality featherlight case for less.  Just $565 with the case, plus, manual, and tools.  This is a whole lot of guitar for the money in my opinion.
6. 2004 Fender 60's Reissue Tele with Warmoth neck, (pic2), (pic3), with a new set of active EMG-T pickups and your choice of original mint guard (pic here) or the confederate flag guard currently installed.  Neck is a killer Warmoth neck with perfectly finished frets, abalone dot inlays, Fender Japan/Gotoh tuners, 60's logo, and wide 1 11/16" nut.  Body is a Fender 60's Reissue from 2004 in flawless Olympic white finish.  If you're looking for something that's a little more pro quality than the stock 60's Reissue ($$699 online), here's an easy recommendation that's $50 less, just $650 with gigbag - or substitute a nice Fender case for $699.  This is a killer playing Tele with classic Tele twang without the hum, in near immaculate condition.  
7. 1992 Fender American Standard Telecaster, (pic2), (pic3).  Some honest wear on this one, sort of a genuine relic with finish chips and wear on the edges (pic here), and moderate wear on the edge of the fretboard and frets.  Hard to see from the outside but a look inside the neck pocket (pic) shows an alder body with a thin veneer of maple.  Fender used veneers primarily on their Plus models but occasionally on their Standards.  When they came out with the "American Series" (vice "Standard") in 2000, one of the things they boasted was all solid bodies with no more veneer finishes.  It really makes little difference to my ears.  Most of the cheaper flametop models have a layer of maple that's less than 1mm thick.  It doesn't affect the tone in the least that I've noticed.  One oddity which I attribute to the softer maple veneer is this guitar has two large impressions in the wood, above the bridge and on the upper horn (shown here), where the wood is rippled, and sort of pressed in - the finish itself is quite intact.  It's not an issues at all but it does detract from the appearance.  The good news is if you're looking for a player rather than a mint collector's item, this one is priced well below a clean example plus you know what they say - good playing guitars generally have plenty of playing time.  If you're looking for an older Tele with character, here you go, $699 with Fender case (nice shape other than edge bent in back) or $649 with gigbag.  
8. 2003 Fender Telecaster Custom FMT, (pic2), (pic3).  The Tele-style equivalent to the Strat-style Showmaster and another one of Fender's recent upscale imports.  I've had around a dozen of these and every one has been an impressive guitar in all regards.  The Tele Custom FMT features gorgeous looks - great playability - and a new take on a Tele.  Mahogany body and set mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and 6-saddle string-thru-body hardtail bridge provide great resonance and longer sustain.  Pickups are excellent quality USA Fender Black Canyon in the neck with a Fender Atomic II in the bridge - same pickups found in American Deluxe models.  Cast sealed tuning machines keep tuning spot-on while a stunning transparent finish lets the brilliance of the maple figuring shine through.  Also features bound body and neck (pic3), large Abalone dot inlays and a super flat 15.75" radius.  Also, push/pull tone pot makes this one of the most versatile Tele's you can get - with the coil tap you have your choice of 6 great humbucker and single coil tones.  These sold new for $629  based on the old list price of $899, and include no case or gigbag.   This first-year model is immaculate and *includes* Fender case for less.  These sold new for $629 before the huge '09 price increase but this first year example is in stunning shape, pro-setup to perfection, and just $499 and includes Fender deluxe gigbag or substitute a quality featherlight case for $565.   
9. Boutique Tele Thinline by Joseph Zackus previously of Washington DC, SOLID flamed maple body, (scroll picture to the right) tree-of-life inlay, the nicest flamed maple neck I’ve ever seen, bound top&back, Vanzandt pickups, gold hardware.  Neck is a custom compound radius, 6.25" to 7.25".  There is very little info on this builder available so I can’t tell you a lot more.  My personal observation is that it’s a gorgeous guitar but the neck would be better suited for a different body as it’s not at all a tight fit in the pocket, i.e. the body and neck aren’t at all tight.  This guitar was brokered through a friend and I bought it sight-unseen as a “Master Built Fender” which of course it isn’t.  Selling at my cost at $1400 or will part out complete body at $700 and neck at $700.  Sorry about the pics – at some point I lost the resolution and I need to reshoot – it’s truly a stunner though. 

OTHER FENDERS: 

1. Fender Squier Set-Neck S-73, as new, excellent Korean model with an eye toward the SG.  The Squier S-73 is a double cutaway solid mahogany guitar with a set mahogany neck. The rosewood fingerboard has jumbo nickel silver frets and newly designed block inlays, and a 24 3/4" scale length. This guitar features two very good sounding Seymour Duncan-designed humbuckers.  List price on new is $726.99 but this one is dead mint with plastic still on the pickguard and back plate for just $299.

2. 2005 Fender CG-7 Classical, new-old-stock, good quality classical that features Spruce top and Meranti back/sides.  If you don't have a nylon string in your guitar collection, here's an inexpensive way to get started.  Fender builds quality into all their guitars, even imports such as this one, but the price is around what you'll pay for an off brand at $129.  Ships set-up but never retailed, in original factory box. 

3. Fender Stratacoustic - Black, good choice for electric players who want that familiar feel when they switch to an acoustic guitar.  Features laminated spruce tops, one-piece fiberglass bodies, and electric guitar necks - with the classic Fender headstock.  Amplification provided by a good quality Fishman Classic 4.  These aren't particularly nice acoustic guitars, but plugged in, they do an amplified acoustic quite nicely and can do the job for that one or two acoustic songs every set.  New, old stock, and unplayed - plus a setup prior to shipping that's guaranteed to be better than factory - including dressing the fret ends when necessary.  Includes Fender gigbag with tune-up kit with wrench, extra saddle, and shim.  List price in '05 was $428 - these are nicely discounted to $249, set up and ready to gig.  Listed at $428, discounted to $249.  

4. Fender DG-22CE acoustic/electric, beautiful flamed maple all around with a good-sounding Fishman preamp, overall in nice shape other than dings on the back of headstock by a sustaining clamp.  List price was $730 but this one's in very nice shape for a used guitar and just $225.