Description: This is a very rare to see, Fender Stratocaster Standard model Few would know of (or even heard) of its existence and history Those that have seen them will continue to argue the specifics/details/facts until the end of days It is an anomality that should not be, but does indeed exist in very small numbers(this being only the second one I have ever seen in person) It has an interesting story to tell from Fender’s production history, making it a very nice collectors talking piece On first look, it is near identical to a Fender JAPAN Stratocaster Standard(like a ST38, ST40 of the same early 1990s period) Arguably, the neck is what you would expect of Fender JPN, in every way The profile style, gold logo, grey serial, headstock shape…almost everything However, this is indeed a Fender USA Stratocaster From an extremely short production period of 1989-1990 only These models are known as the “I, K, H, F, G” series(I, K, and H being the most common) They are known as this due to the letter prefix before the serial number This serial number is located on the headstock, as you would see with the majority of early Fender ST40 models, but there is no “Made in Japan” logo What these models do have is a never before seen “MADE IN USA” stamp pressed into the maple of the lower neck heel Some were also seen with a “MADE IN USA” factory sticker, in the same heel position(a similar sticker style as a BC RICH guitar) The best theories (with evidence to support) is that this model Stratocaster is an amalgamation and experimentation between Fender Japan and Mexico, with the USA stamp of approval The very first Mexican Fender Stratocaster Standard appeared in 1991, after the Ensenada factory was in full operation/established This oddity model is widely believed to be the “test run”, as Fender Japan (FujiGen) played the main role in bringing the Ensenada factory up to speed, in regard to production techniques This Stratocaster listed is the least common (last in line) “G” serial (refer to photos) It has the faintest of sticker shadows present on the back of the neck heal(in the position the “USA” sticker once would have been) This all lines up with other examples found, as the early 1989 “I, K, H” serials commonly have the pressed in wood “Made in USA” The neck pocket has a “April 20th 1990” factory ink stamp, in the USA/MIM used font/stamping style(see photos) The body has the “pool” route under pickguard in the same style as USA/MIM Including the CNC router locator holes in the body and neck pocket(something never seen in Fender Japan, only Fender USA and MIM) The lower neck pocket also features the “mickey mouse” ear routing (never found in any Fender JPN guitar, but normal in USA Standards) The back plate also has the non offset middle screw pattern The pickups are ceramic single coils, identical to those used in the 1991 Fender MIM models Colour finish is a Torino Red (or possibly a factory alternative name they might have had at the time) Finished with a White three ply pickguard, and white plastics (now aged/cream) It has a 1.65” nut neck width, standard 25 ½” scale Modern 9.5” radius, 21 medium frets Maple one piece neck, Rosewood fretboard It has been thoroughly tested, bench checked, and documented Aside from a new tremolo arm, everything is 100% all original and untouched Right down to every screw and solder joint, it is as it was leaving the factory in 1990 An incredibly interesting and unique 34 year old vintage guitar from Fender’s history Includes the Original Fender Gig Case ITEM CONDITION All machinery, electrical, and pickups are without issue. Surface marks and scuffing, some impressions/dings/dimples/dents, some light aging and tarnish to machinery - as pictured. Non original tremolo arm. The gig case zippers work fine, but the tag ends are snapped off and have zip ties in place to pull the zippers shut POSTAGE & SHIPPING NOTE: - Upon cleared payment, all small items (pedals, wiring etc) are usually posted within 24-72hr - Guitars and Basses are packed on Monday (courier collection Tuesday) and Thursday (for courier collection Friday) Meaning, if your purchase is on a Thursday (after 1pm), Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday (before 1pm) it will be couriered Tuesday. If your purchase is on Monday (after 1pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (before 1pm) it will be couriered Friday. We take great care and pride in making sure guitars are carefully set up and packed correctly for transport, so we do not rush this step. The String Switch Noise store operates primarily as an online business. However, we do have a dedicated showroom 30min south of the Brisbane CBD. By appointment we are available Monday-Friday 10am-5pm to test out and pick up purchased items. Please call or contact us directly through the website. String Switch Noise ---Shipping--- --- International delivery is possible for most items and can be arranged at exact cost of shipping. However, there are some restrictions with regions and package size. Please contact us first BEFORE making any purchase to check if an item can be delivered, and to organise the ACTUAL delivery costs. International shipping pricing (if found on listing) is an estimate only (it may be more, but it also may be less). Any applicable customs, duties, or taxes that your country may charge is solely the responsibility of you the buyer. Any questions you may have about this should be directed to your local countries authorities. --- We proudly strive to send out all orders within 24 hours of purchase and/or receiving cleared payment (apart from holidays and weekends). However please allow up to 72hrs for packing and courier pickups. Once your item is packed you will receive notification and relevant tracking number and courier/postal details. --- Small items such as effect pedals and wiring harnesses are sent via Australia Post standard service, with tracking ONLY. Both domestically and internationally. No responsibility will be taken from us for the loss or damage of an item by Australia Post. At your request, signature upon delivery or postal insurance can be added for the additional cost. Please contact us before purchase, or immediately after purchase. --- Australia wide, guitars are sent via courier delivery with full insurance, tracking, and signature upon delivery services. Guitar packages MAY be sent via Australia Post if the delivery area is in a remote region/outside normal courier delivery areas/outside normal costs (and the package size is under 105cm long). --- Courier deliveries can NOT be sent to a PO Box, Parcel Locker, or Parcel Collect service. They must be sent to a physical address, where someone can sign for the item on arrival. --- All items are packed to the highest degree for transit. Proudly, our packaging is at the highest of standards, with the best reputation you will find anywhere in the industry. This comes from 2500+ guitars (and counting) being sent without issue both Australia wide and internationally over 8+ years (and counting). A great amount of pride and detail goes into making sure every item arrives safe and in a timely manner. Pedals and small items are packed in multiple layering of bubble wrap and double corrugated shipping cardboard. Guitars, pending the instrument, have strings de tuned so there is no tension on the neck and headstock. Neck/body /headstock are wrapped separately in multiple bubble wrap layers, high density foam and/or cardboard reinforced. If applicable it is then placed in gig/soft case or hard case. If in gig/soft case it is once again bubble wrapped/foam reinforced before being boxed. Each package/box is custom cut and fit in heavy duty double corrugated shipping cardboard. All voids are padded out and the body edge, base, and top of head stock foam reinforced/padded. Finally, the boxing will have copious amounts of high visibility “Fragile” and “This way up” warning labels. --- We are also extremely environmentally conscious. We re use and recycle almost all bubble wrap, foam, and cardboard packaging materials. ---INFO & TERMS--- --- We do not accept any trade, trade ins, consignment, or direct customer purchases. --- All payments to be made in full at time of purchase. The are no holds, deposits, or layby. --- Payment can be made by Paypal, Credit Card (through Paypal), Bank Deposit/Online Transfer, Afterpay, or ZIP. --- If payment is made via Paypal goods and service, the item will ONLY be posted/couriered to your registered Paypal address (NO alternative address). This is to ensure the Paypal buyer and seller insurance protection is valid. --- All photos are our own and are of the actual item being offered for purchase. We NEVER use stock photos. An extensive amount of time and effort is put in to accurately show the items true condition, colour, and shape. Though please realise the limitations of photography. Images and colours can be perceived differently depending of the type and quality of the device it is viewed on. --- Advertised photos form a large part of the representation of the items condition. Please view the photos carefully as well as reading all item descriptions and/or condition text. Whilst every effort is made to photograph all parts of items, not every little dimple/micro scratch can or will be photographed. We always photograph any and all large cosmetic flaws, such as paint chips/cracks/large dents, that we consider to be significant. --- Cosmetically, items are as per detailed photos and/or descriptions. Functionally, all pots, jacks, switch and machinery components are working without issue, and serviced upon arrival. Each item is tested and/or serviced/set up before listing. It is also tested again moments before packaging, after purchase, to insure it is 100%. ---Guitars and basses are set up with action at a standard with no playability issues, unless otherwise described. However please understand no one set-up is right for everybody. If you prefer a different action height/tuning/string gauge please adjust at your own liking. Please also realise that almost all items are used, and most are 20-30+ year vintage instruments/effects. They will exhibit some wear and tear. If you need detailed specifics, extra information/on the bench specs can be given about anything you require. Please do not hesitate to ask if this is necessary. --- No refund will be given for change of mind. There will be no warranty or refund given other than dead on arrival, broken, or faulty that is NOT already described and outlined in the descriptive text and detailed photos. In the HIGHLY unlikely event, there is damage in transit, a postal/courier insurance claim will be made to recover the cost of damage. However, we are always happy to help and work through any issue, in the rare event that one arises.
Price: 1350 AUD
Location: Browns Plains, Queensland
End Time: 2025-01-04T23:22:44.000Z
Shipping Cost: 112.56 AUD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Fender
Type: Electric Guitar