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FENDER GUITARS
STRATOCASTERS
2006 Fender Limited Edition American Series Ash Stratocaster, (pic2), (pic3). I have serveral of these in stock, all are new-old-stock and perfect, and they're among the best deals I've had this past year. 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. The main feature of this model is a trio of Fender Special Design Vintage Noiseless pickups, which are a common upgrade players do with 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. This is a killer player, 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. If you're looking for stunning looker in a great weight, this is possibly it, and for an Ash body - with Hot Vintage Noiseless - a nice value on an unplayed Strat. A new Sienna American Standard is $1419 ($1780 list) without stock Am Std pickups - why now buy one of these with Noiseless for just $1049. (Note - the one pictured is just a sample but I have a few others in stock).
2008 Fender USA FSR Highway One Stratocaster HSS, (front/back), (headstock), (Deluxe Gigbag). Never retailed, unplayed and ships in original shipping carton. 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. The stock model Highway One HSS sells new for $899 ($1149 list), which is a nice price 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 $759. Includes Fender deluxe gigbag, tags, polishing cloth, manual, etc. If you want more of a vintage look you can have it buffed out for $60 more
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.
2007 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS QMT, (front/back), (headstock), (features), (case/acc.). One word to describe this guitar: stunning. Well two...stunning and immaculate (is that three?). If you ignore the $6K Master Built models, the American Deluxe Stratocaster QMT HSS guitar is perhaps the most elegant looking production guitar in their history. The craftsmanship is impeccable and the top isn't a 1/64" veneer like most of their figured tops, but a beautiful 1/8” slab of solid quilted maple, hand-bent to the top of the alder body. No pickguard is used on this model, so as to completely display the top. Other makers like Don Grosh have been building these kind of Strats for years, but they're around twice the price and when all is said and done, they're not Strats. Other features of this model include tobacco sunburst finish, modern C-shaped maple neck with ebony fingerboard, deluxe polished two-point synchronized tremolo with pop-in arm, abalone inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, LSR roller nut, locking tuners, and rounded heel and neckplate for comfortable access to the upper frets. Electronics include a Fender DH-1 humbucking pickup with two Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups - al controlled by Fender's S-1 switching system (click here for info) for 10 great tone choices - via the 5-way blade and push control in the center of the volume knob. For the full skinny, click here for Fender's site. Includes Fender's deluxe brown hardshell case by G&G, itself too cool for words, as well as leather Fender straps with straplocks installed, all tags, manual, S-1 instructions, and tools. Sells new for $1919 ($2400 list) but when you buy online you never know what you're going to get. Here's a sample of two from the web, with this one to the far right. Assuming their using at least an average top for their web description, this one is clearly one of the nicer ones you'll find. This one is a real beauty that plays as nice as it looks, and a sweet deal at just $1319(SOLD-John/Kerry 10/10).
2005 Fender Custom Stratocaster Pro Closet Classic, (pic2), (pic3). Custom shop model that's a cool blend of vintage and modern, featuring a factory aged body with some finish checking and a few minor dings plus slightly oxidized metal parts - combined with modern features that are popular among most players. It's a special edition model marketed as featuring "the most common and proven features for one of the most professional players grade instruments ever." Features include Closet Classic nitro finished select alder body, a satin polyurethane modern "C" shaped maple neck with black dot inlays, 21 medium-jumbo frets with a 12" radius, Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups, Greasebucket (rolls off highs without adding bass) tone system, 5 way selector switch, LSR roller nut, Sperzel locking tuners, and a contoured heel for easier upper fret access. This model sells new for $2549 ($3200 list) but this one's dead mint, with perfect frets and zero non-factory wear, for $800 less, just $1750. Accessories Include factory sealed accessory kit with all the case candy, strap, certificate, and deluxe case with Custom Shop embroidery in the lining.
1993 Fender Custom Shop American Classic Stratocaster - Holoflake, (front/back), (headstock), (electronics), (case & acc.). Fantastic Custom Shop in the absolutely coolest finish on this model, black Holoflake sparkle this looks great under stage lights as shown in this finish close-up, Collector owned and virtually unplayed, although this is one great playing Strat. 100% original and a look under the pickguard reveals '93 pot dates, orange drop capacitor, Custom Shop Texas Special pickups with cloth wires and middle pickup RWRP and a hotter bridge pickup. The American Classic debuted in 1992 so this '93 is the first full year of production. Other features include birdseye maple neck with rosewood board, comfortable C-shaped neck with 9.5" radius, Alder body, and highly polished 2-point tremolo. The American Classic was basically an upscale American Standard but with Team Built quality and more detailed nut and fret work, figured woods, and in many cases, non-standard finishes. Among these finishes, this Holoflake is the best. It looks different in different lighting conditions and from different angles and will really pop when used on stage. Offered in 9.9 condition with no flaws that I have found and includes original deluxe Tolex case with certificate, strap, cable, polishing cloth, manual, etc. You're going to pay $1599 for a new regular production American Deluxe Strat hanging in your local super store. For just $100 more, you can have this Custom Shop model, in the coolest of finishes, and its probably as clean as their new floor models. Just $1699 for this beauty. Oh, did I mention its just 7.4 lbs?
2008 Fender Road Worn 50's Stratocaster - Olympic White, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (finish checking), (examples of wear), (deluxe gigbag/box). "Mint" Condition. I've long been a fan of distressed or "relic" guitars, ever since Fender came up with the idea in the early 90's. For a lot of 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. Problem was, original examples were selling for the price of a new home. For a fraction of the cost of an original example, players could get a guitar that was historically accurate, with the vibe and tone of the original. While these fine Custom Shop guitars brought the price within range of many more players, not everybody could afford $2600 for a Strat, and it still left most players with no where to turn other than DIY aging, frequently with less than realistic results. Finally, in 2008, Fender put a relic guitar within the price range of many more players by moving production to just over the border at Fender's facility in Ensenada Mexico. Named the "Road Worn" series, guitars feature an alder body, with misc. finish wear, chips, dull finish, etc. - and a maple neck with large 6105 frets, complete with fretboard wear and a worn finish on the back of the neck for a great broken in feel. 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, known for their snap and bit, and are preferred by many over the Texas Specials or the Vintage '57/'62. Also features the quality tremolo (shown here) with heavy steel trem block. You might think Fender would use their lower grade Alder on these guitars but not in this case. This guitar is light weight with very good resonance. This model sells new for $950 but this used one is one of the more realistic finishes you'll see on these bodies, and is offered in NOS/unplayed condition for $799(HOLD-Ed L 9/8). In addition to a great setup, it includes deluxe gigbag, sealed accessory bag with tags/paperwork/etc. Ships in original Fender box with matching serial number.
1991 Fender U.S. Stratocaster Plus Deluxe, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups), (case) . Stunning condition - great example of a 2nd generation Pus Deluxe. This era "Deluxe" came with Blue-Silver-Red Lace Sensors (neck, middle, bridge, respectively); the first version ('87-'89) came with Silver-Silver-Blue. This version offered more versatility, with the hot Red bridge pickup and the P90-sounding Blue in the neck, which gives you loads of tonal range. The Silver middle pickup is a fatter mid-range tone that sounds especially good in positions 2 and 4 for Strat's signature "out of phase" tone. Other features all the "Plus Deluxe" include locking tuners with staggered height eliminating the need for string trees,, Wilkinson roller nut, Schaller strap lock pins, highly polished 2-point tremolo with "pop-in" tremolo arm, and tone control for neck pickup with a TBX for the middle and bridge pickup. These Lace Sensors were truly a revolutionary design - they're non-magnetic and without the magnetic string pull the strings vibrate longer plus they're designed for zero-hum so they eliminate the #1 complaint of vintage pickups. 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 very well. This guitar is exceptionally clean with no noteworthy wear anywhere - even the fretboard edges, commonly worn on maple boards, are still clean. Frets are near immaculate and lettering on the original Fender Lace Sensors isn't worn, which tells me it has seen little playing time in its 18 years. With a classic 3-tone sunburst finish and maple board, you get a classic 50's vibe, only with the features of a Plus Deluxe, you've got wonderful Strat that plays great, has more tonal range, and stays in tune perfectly. $1099(HOLD-Jerry 11/16) and includes original "Plus" case with the upgraded latches, all of which are intact.
1988 Fender HM Strat - Blackstone/Rosewood, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (beveled heel/cutaways), (trem/controls, (detail-finish), (case). Another absolutely killer playing HM Strat in one of the coolest finishes, "Blackstone", which looks like black marble with gold cracks. I had this finish in a pointy-head HM a month ago but this is in the more desirable Strat headstock and "Strat" logo. At the risk of repeating myself, HM Strats, from my experience, are the most consistent SuperStrats from the 80's 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, Hamer, Kramer, etc., and the HM's consistently have the best necks and, almost without exception, set up with the best action. There is a lot of confusion on HM's regarding country of origin and depending on the guitar can be made in USA, in Japan, or a collaboration between USA and Japan. Personally, I consider it largely a moot point since I don't notice any difference in quality in any of these guitars. Although there is virtually no difference in quality between the USA and MIJ models, I believe this one to be a Japan model. Even though it has a Strat headstock and cursive/bold "Strat" logo with paint swipe underneath, it has a an "H" prefix in the serial which means it is at least partly an MIJ model. Regardless of origin, all of the neckplates say "Made in USA'. Features of this model include HSS pickup arrangement with a DiMarzio humbucker and two single coil USA Strats in the middle and neck. 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 guitar is all original and in beautiful shape - an easy "9" with just a few minor clearcoat flaws if you look closely - nothing through to the wood. Beater HM's are going over $500 but you can have a real beauty for $599(HOLD-Debbie 9/16). Includes era-correct square Fender molded case.
1990 Fender Stratocaster Plus - "Black Pearl Dust", (front/back), (headstock), (detail-color), (pickups), (case). Sometimes referred to as "Silverburst", the official name for this finish is actually Black Dust and it's one of the coolest finishes Fender had - during an era filled with cool finishes. Between the "Stone" finishes (Blackstone, Bluestone, etc.), "Frost" (Blue Frost, Red Frost), "Pearl Dust" (Black Pearl, Blue Pearl), old custom colors (Lake Placid, Caribbean Mist), and contemporary finishes (Torino Red, Black, Artic White, Electric Blue, etc), Fender had more color options available than any time in their history. To me, the Pearl Dust stands out as one of the best ever, just under the "Stratoburst" finishes of the early 80's. Okay, enough editorial comment...sorry. The Strat Plus made its debut in 1987 and this '90 model is considered a 3rd year model. It's in lovely shape, having seen limited playing time in its 19 years. These early American Standards and Plus's have come on strong in the past few years, with prices 30-50% higher than they were just 3-4 years ago. The Plus was essentially a deluxe model American Standard, with upgraded pickups and hardware. It featured a trio of the new Lace Sensor pickups, which provided a vintage tone without the annoying noise associated with standard Strat pickups. With 3 Gold Laces, these were the same pickups used in the Clapton signature model and he certainly made them sound good. The Plus also features Sperzel locking tuners as well as a Wilkinson roller nut, both enhancements to keep the guitar in tune, especially for players who use the tremolo to great measure. Shortly after the Wilkinson was used, Fender changed to an LSR roller nut that used ball-bearings rather than a roller shaft and the LSR was offered as a retro-fit for the earlier models. Both nuts accomplish the task - keeping it in tune better than a standard nut but if you prefer the LSR, we have a retro-kit that can be easily changed out for $20 upon request. I've been saying for a few years that these early American Standards with the silver logo would be the next Fender to take off on the vintage market and they're definitely on the upswing, especially with a new American Strat now at $1199 and worth around 30% less the week after you buy it. When you can get a 19-year old Strat in nice shape for less than a new one, there's plenty of future value there which makes this a sweet buy at $1099, whether you're a collector or a player.
2007 Fender USA Custom Stratocaster w/Knopfler Neck - Daphne Blue, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (neck/body dates), (relic hardware), (relic body/guard), (Pickguard Assem.), (case). 2007 Fender USA Highway One body with Nitro finish and light relic job married to a 2007 USA Fender Mark Knopfler Strat neck. The body only has some minor wear spots but let us know and we can go to town on it for minimal charge. The neck isn't relic'd at all and since it's such an expensive piece that may be re-used by the buyer, we left it alone. The hardware has extensive relic'ing and I even sacrificed some of my real vintage screws for the pickguard and backplate. Too nice of a guitar for the stock Highway pickups, they've been upgraded with a brand new set of Fender Custom '54s which, I recently found out, now combine beveled pole pieces in the middle and neck - with flat, although staggered pole pieces in the bridge. These are some of Fender's best custom shop pickups, selling for $189 a set, and feature staggered, hand-beveled Alnico 5 magnets and Forvar magnet wire wound for classic bell tones and clear harmonic enhancement while the bridge pickup is calibrated for increased, balanced output. The neck is a genuine Fender from a $2000 Artist Series Mark Knopfler, tinted maple and rosewood fretboard with a '62 "C" Shape, 21 Medium Jumbo Frets, vintage - 7.25" Radius and 1.625" nut width. It is finished in Nitrocellulose lacquer. The body is a USA Highway One which is a very popular model for relic jobs due to the thin Nitrocellulose finish which "wears" easily and looks realistic, especially if buffed out. This guitar plays wonderfully and the tone is exactly what you want out of a Strat with a bell-like tone that allows nuances in your playing to really come out. With a stock Highway One at $899 with gigbag, you can get a Strat that's so much better and includes Fender hardshell case. $899(HOLD-Robert N 8/20) takes it.
1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite, (front/back), (headstock), (fine-tuner nut), (case). The Cadillac of Fenders back in '83 and this one's in beautiful shape with no major cosmetic flaws, a nice setup, and excellent tone. Rather than using long descriptions, click here for a page I've created which outlines features of this innovative model. This one also has the hard-to-find fine-tuning nut which were removed on many of these. These guitars are historically significant in both innovativeness and the fact that some of these features went on to become standard on USA Strats for the next 25 years. A good buy for the Strat collector but these guitars are still cheap enough, lower than a new American Standard, that's it's within the price range of working guitarists. Includes the rectangular molded case and trem arm. Very sweet Elite for $1299.
1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite - Emerald Green, (front/back), (headstock), (features), (case, pic2). Rather than using long descriptions, click here for a page I've created which outlines features of this innovative model. Fender offered the Elite Standard in 6 standard colors and 6 extra-cost custom colors, including this transparent "Emerald Green" - plus the Stratoburst finishes. This guitar is all original and in stellar condition - definitely investment quality. Obviously has seen very little use in 26 years. This one has the "Fine Tune Lock Nut" installed and looking back, it was a pretty innovative idea. Floyd did the same thing a year or so later except with the fine tuners at the bridge end. This is one gorgeous guitar and the nicely figured ash body wasn't wasted on a painted finish and beautifully comes to life under the Emerald stain. I have other Elites in stock including a "player" at $1050 that's all original but this one, a custom color in this condition, is worth the extra money if you have the means. $1499 for this custom color beauty and it includes original case, Elite manual, trem arm, etc.
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.
1990 Fender HM Strat - Chrome Red/Maple, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (beveled heel/cutaways), (trem), (case). This one's as clean as they come and like the two below, a fantastic player that blows away the SuperStrat competition. As I mentioned below, it doesn't matter whether these guitars are USA or Japan they are, across the board, some of the best built metal axes ever made. With that said, they're not strictly for metal and on the single coil settings, this guitar sounds just like the vintage-style Strat you know and love. The main difference on this model is the tremolo, which is an "Original Floyd Rose" rather than Kahler, a Floyd nut with screws through the neck, and the logo which has the bolder "Fender" and digital "Strat". This guitar is truly a closet queen, under the bed, whatever you want to call it...it's a guitar that appears to have seen only a few days use before being put away for 19 years. The finish is also somewhat rare, Chrome Red, which might appear to be close to Candy Apple but actually has more of a "rose" tint to it. For a collector, an HM in this condition is a real find, but still player priced and considering these guitars listed the same as an American Standard in '88 to '90, a better value at just $650(HOLD~Santtu 7/10). Includes Fender molded case.
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.
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.
1990 Fender U.S. Stratocaster Plus, (front/back), (headstock), (case/strap), . A real beauty in rare Blue Frost finish. Two of the most unique finishes Fender has offered throughout the 23-year run of the American Standard were this Blue Frost and a corresponding Red Frost. Offered only on the "Plus" series, from '89 to around '96, these Frost finishes have a metallic opaque finish around the edge, feathered in to a transparent non-metallic finish toward the inside, as shown here. It's a striking look, especially under stage lights. This is the second version of the Plus Deluxe, with Blue-Silver-Red Lace Sensors (neck, middle, bridge, respectively); the first version ('87-'89) came with Silver-Silver-Blue. This version with the hot Red bridge pickup and the P90-sounding Blue in the neck, provide much more versatility while the Silver middle pickup is a fatter mid-range tone that sounds especially good in positions 2 and 4 for Strat's signature "out of phase" tone. Other features all the "Plus Deluxe" (pic here), locking tuners with staggered height eliminating the need for string trees,, Wilkinson roller nut, Schaller strap lock pins, highly polished 2-point tremolo with "pop-in" tremolo arm, and tone control for neck pickup with a TBX for the middle and bridge pickup. These Lace Sensors were truly a revolutionary design - they're non-magnetic and without the magnetic string pull the strings vibrate longer plus they're designed for zero-hum so they eliminate the #1 complaint of vintage pickups. The locking tuners and LSR 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. This guitar is in nice shape with just a few minor finish touch-ups on the edge, nicely done, with no buckle rash or deep gouges in the finish. Frets are near immaculate and lettering on the original Fender Lace Sensors isn't worn, which tells me it has seen little playing time in its 19 years. Frost Blue is one of the most sought after finishes from my experience and combined with the features of a Plus Deluxe, you've got wonderful Strat that plays great, looks great, and sounds great. I'm including a high quality blue leather strap with sparkle musical notes that matches the guitar and has a double loop on the bass end to lock in the strap pin. $950 includes original rectangular molded case.
1996 Fender Standard Stratocaster - with upgrades, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (GFS pickups), (orig. guard). A beautiful '96, barely played in 13 years, in one of the very popular finishes from the era, Electric Blue. This one has two tasteful upgrades - a blue/gray paisley pickguard which matches to blue finish very well and a new set of GFS "Hot Alnico Staggered" pickups, which received a "10" in sound quality from 6 Harmony Central reviews (link). This guitar has an excellent setup and with these GFS pickups, it definitely sounds better than a stock Standard Strat. It even has a little bit of flame on the neck which is a nice touch. If you're looking for a very clean Strat in Electric Blue, discontinued many years ago, here's one that's a real beauty. If you don't care for the cosmetic upgrade, original pickguard is included and you can switch it back to white. With a new stock Standard Strat running $499, this nice one with the GFS upgrade, is an excellent value at $399(HOLD-Lon 11/4), set up perfectly and ready to go.
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 13 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. Especially now that new American Standards are $1274, this very collectable and very clean 40th is a very good buy - almost $400 cheaper than a new one at just $899. Includes similarly nice original "red badge" Fender case and trem bar.
2008 Fender American Standard Stratocaster with Texas Specials, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.). "As new", unplayed condition, other than plastic film removed from the pickguard. Although this beautiful Strat appears to have seen zero playing time, it does have two noteworthy changes, most visibly a tortoise shell pickguard and back plate, which on an Olympic White Strat gives it that classic early 60's look. More substantially, this Strat has a new set of Custom Shop Texas Specials installed. These Texas Specials are considered by many to be the pinnacle of a true vintage pickup in the classic sense, all the way down to cloth wires. Regarding the new American Standard Series - After the 7-year run of the American Series, the new American Standard, officially released on Jan 1, 2008, has some significant improvements including a redesigned bridge with bent-steel saddles and elongated string slots (shown here), tinted neck treatment for a richer look, a Fender-exclusive high-tech molded case and, most significantly, a new neck and body finish, which appears to be very thin and high gloss, very close to nitro in appearance. Additional improvements include: string spacing narrowed for improved playability, saddle height screws resized to reduce rough feel, and string slot on saddle elongated to reduce string friction or breakage. The Copper Infused Cast Strat Bridge Block (steel with copper—100% metal) provides increased mass and improved tone. This new model Strat features the original headstock shape but with staggered-height machine heads allow for one less string tree and improves string angle over the nut. Custom staggered pickup magnets improve string-to-string balance and give the G-string better tone. With a new American Strat now selling for $1274 everywhere, this one has in-house set-up that's better than anything from the superstores and $300 less at just $974 - at just $950. Includes the new style Fender case - best one since the 70's - plus all accessories including cable, strap, polishing cloth, tags, manual, etc
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.
2008 Fender FSR Floyd Rose Stratocaster with EMG's, (front/back), (headstock), (EMG81/85), (low profile trem), (chunky neck), (Straplocks). One of the cooler Factory Special Run (FSR) Strats I've seen at this price. Killer looks with a high gloss black finish, matching headstock, raised chrome logo, and pearloid pickguard with black knobs and tip. It just looks like an elegant rock animal, if that's not a contradiction. Looks aside, this model is outfitted with top of the line active EMG's, with the popular EMG81/EMG85 combination, controlled by 3-way selector, volume, and individual tone controls. It's an active system, with the 9V battery easily accessible via a back cavity cover. Although it won't appeal to everyone, it's nice to see a Floyd Rose model with something other than a skinny profile neck. This neck is chunky, with a soft-V shape that's considerably thicker than even a Standard Strat, much less a Metal axe, with 22 medium-jumbo frets. The licensed Floyd Rose tremolo is a good quality unit, double-locking with the strings locked in at the bridge, recessed into the body, with a low profile and angled back fine tuners. This guitar is all stock except for two tasteful upgrades: excellent quality Planet Waves locking tuners as well as a set of Planet Waves locking strap pins and strap locks. With a list of $1149, this model sold for $749 without case or gigbag. This guitar is immaculate, with a killer setup, includes Fender Deluxe Gigbag and Planet Waves hardware, $125 in upgrades. This is the only Strat I've ever seen with the combination of factory EMG's - Floyd - and large neck - and there were very few of these made. $639 for this beauty.
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.
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.
2008 Fender American Standard Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.). New-Old-Stock condition - "As new" and unplayed, other than plastic film removed from pickguard. One cosmetic upgrade you might notice, is the black plastic kit (pickup covers, knobs, tip, backplate) for the black & white combo that a lot of players seem to like. We will ship it with either the black kit, as shown, or reinstall the white parts (shown here). After the 7-year run of the American Series, the new American Standard, officially released on Jan 1, 2008 has some significant improvements including a redesigned bridge, new bent-steel saddles with elongated string slots, a Fender-exclusive high-tech molded case and, most significantly, a new neck and body finish, which appears to be very thin and high gloss, very close to nitro in appearance. With a new American Strat now selling for $1274 everywhere, this one has in-house set-up that's better than anything from the superstores, virtually unplayed, and just $899(SOLD-Joe C 9/22). Includes the best case Fender has used since the 70's, as well as accessories, tools, and mic. paperwork. Again, ships with your choice of stock white plastic - or black plastic.
2005 Fender Special Edition Stratocaster with DiMarzio, (front/back), (headstock), (DiMarzio/Bridge), (Deluxe gigbag). One simple upgrade doubles the versatility of beauty - a DiMarzio humbucker in the bridge for the best of both worlds, allowing this guitar the ability to cover metal to rock to country to blues. This Special Edition includes both cosmetic enhancements including gold hardware and pearloid pickguard which are a perfect match to the Olympic White body - but quality electronics as well, including Vintage Noiseless pickups. At the discretion of the customer we can swap out the bridge pickup to an original Noiseless but it's around $100 upgrade that you'd be giving away, plus a lot of versatility. For the money, it's hard to beat this one for nice looks, excellent playability, and quality tone - all for $499(SOLD-Nat 3/2). Includes Fender Deluxe gigbag.
2001 Fender Custom Artist Series Robert Cray Signature Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.). "As new" condition without a hint of use and plastic film still on the pickguard - virtually unplayed. Robert Cray, a famed blues guitarist, is a touring legend, initially 2nd gun in Albert Collins Band, in the early 70's, he went on to fame fronting the Robert Cray Band. His guitar of choice: a vintage hardtail Strat, thus the Signature model, strictly Custom Shop at the time, appeared in 1992, with a Mexican model following 10 years later. His signature model features 2-piece select Alder body, lightly figured maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and 21 frets with Cray's signature on the headstock, clay dot inlays, gold vintage hardware, non-tremolo hardtail bridge and custom vintage pickups. The neck profile is patterned after a '61 Strat with C profile, although with a 12" radius, which is much flatter than the vintage 7.25" and even the "modern" 9.5". The finish is called "Violet" although it looks more blue to me. As you would expect of a Custom Shop model, this guitar plays spectacularly with excellent sustain and a great vintage tone. For more info on this model, check out Fender Custom Shop here. With a current list of $4200, the model sells for around $3360-$4199. Get this one at 50% off list, in brand new condition, just $2099. Includes original brown case, certificate, and all accessories including factory-sealed accessory bag.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Fender Standard Strat with Tokai Neck, (front/back), (headstock&neck). Black with matching headstock. I've had this killer 80's Tokai Super Edition neck for a while, waiting for the right body to put it on and the logical choice was a black Strat body. The overall look with an all-black Strat is unique and very cool looking to me. The neck is an 80's Super Edition Model 65, which had a locking nut (as shown here) that we've removed and plugged the holes. Likewise, previous holes for the tuners have been filled and we installed a quality set of Carvin tuners. The holes are noticeable upon close inspection but look fine from a few feet away and certainly don't pose any problem with the integrity of the neck. The neck has a vintage feel, a little more chunky than a Standard Strat neck in the bottom register, and stays maintains the same thickness up the neck rather than getting thicker like a Standard. Frets are in excellent shape (pic here) and it has a slab of quality rosewood. The body is 100% stock Fender Standard Strat and in very clean shape. If you're looking for an inexpensive Strat with a killer neck and cool looks, this one's $399, with super nice action and comfortable string bends.
2005 Fender Satin Fat Squier Strat, New, Old stock and unplayed. Very nice Strat 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.
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
2001 Fender Standard Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock). Fantastic playing Standard Strat in very nice shape. Specs are unchanged since the 90s and include select Alder body with maple neck, vintage tremolo with stamped saddles, die-case Fender tuners, and 3 single-coil stag pole pickups with 5-way selector, volume, middle tone, and neck tone. Set-up is excellent with the action cut low at the nut so you can do barre chords at the first fret with ease, and it stays low all the way up the neck. New ones are $499 - this nice used one is clearly one of the better players and just $299 an includes Fender gigbag.
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.
2007 Fender Classic Player 50's Stratocasters , Never retailed - not a scratch. I had one of the 60's models recently and was thrilled to get in a pair of never-retailed 50's models. The first one (shown here #208) is as new with plastic still on the pickguard and back plate while the second one (shown here #259) was upgraded to a set of Vintage Noiseless pickups and subsequently sold. 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. Features (headstock, tuners, bridge) include very thin poly gloss sunburst finish 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, aged plastic parts, and a deluxe gigbag with hang-tags, manual, trem bar, etc. List on this model is $1390, selling in stores for $1109. This one is dead mint and priced at just $750 - and set-up better than factory specs.
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. .
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
2004 Fender Standard Stratocaster "Vintage Frets" and Tex-Mex's, (pic2), (pic3). Classic black finish with maple board for that classic Clapton "Blackie" look. Somebody invested some serious cash in this guitar as it was professionally refretted with vintage frets (detailed neck pics) (close-up of fret wire). It was a super fret job, perfectly finished, and was a great neck to start with so it sets up with impeccable action. I forgot to shoot the underside of the pickguard but we installed a trio of Fender Tex-Mex pickups with stag poles (pic also shows vintage trem with stamped saddles). The Tex-Mex should appeal to players who like the searing SRV type tone - overwound vintage style with increased output, sparkling highs and a very nice warm tone, constructed with Alnico 5 magnets and polysol magnet wire and featuring a reverse wound/reverse polarity middle pickup for hum canceling in positions 2 & 4. This guitar is near immaculate: body and neck are pretty much flawless and the only sign of wear are typical pickguard scratches. Frets are brand new and exhibit zero wear. If you're looking for a Strat with the vintage feel - and vintage tone - far above a Standard Strat, you can get this for the same price as a stock Standard Strat, just $429(SOLD-Gerard 6/11).
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.
2004 Fender Buddy Guy Signature Stratocaster Black/White, (pic2). A cool tribute to the blues legend's polka dot favorite and features Buddy's signature on the headstock, alder body (nice weight), one-piece maple neck with a soft "V" shape and 21 medium jumbo frets - satin urethane finish, three standard ceramic single-coil Strat pickups with stag poles and beveled edges, vintage style tremolo with the large block and steel stamped saddles (pic), Schaller strap pins, and Fender-Gotoh tuning machines. New Buddy Guy Polka Dots are running $869 at the super stores but this one is "as new" condition, set up better than factory, and $250 less. Just $619 for this immaculate Buddy Guy. Includes Fender deluxe gigbag and paperwork.
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.
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:
OTHER FENDERS:
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.
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.
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.
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.
1968 Fender Coronado Bass II , (pic2), (pic3), nice shape and an absolute killer player with low action, perfect electronics, rich & full tone. The Bass II is the more desirable 2-pickup version. I don't know why the hollowbody line never took off for Fender because all the Coronado/Wildwood's/etc. I've had have been quality guitars. I guess the public decided that they wanted their hollowbodies with the Gibson name only so the run on these was rather brief, '67 to '70, with the Antigua running through '72. This one is all stock and very nice shape with the worst flaws being original strap pin hole on the back of the headstock was filled as well as original strap pin hole at the base of the neck not being used - no biggie - plus missing the little "F" on the tailpiece. Only one worn spot on finish (visible in pic) on bass side horn and finish will buff out to a beautiful luster, which will do at no charge if desired. No overspray or touch-ups and while it will appeal to collectors, it's a seriously great playing bass for just $1350. I am including an old case for a hollowbody bass (pic here), which appears to be a 60's Victoria brand but, regardless, fits the bass perfectly.
