80's MIA Strat help

JB_From_Hell

Jomo's Nimions
It's been years since I posted, and now I'm asking for help. Typical :)

I'm looking at a late 80's American Standard Strat. I can actually afford to buy a guitar for the first time in forever, and I've been out of the game awhile. I'd like to know if anybody sees anything I should be worried about.

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Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Haven't heard from you in forever! Guitar looks good to me, but what do I know...


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Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Those things are bombproof. Do it.
also....serial number says its from 1984 not the late 80s fwiw....
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Google E4 Strat and you'll find a wealth of knowledge on Fender serial numbers. The bridge, third knob, and "Made in USA" point to late 80's.
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

There's one glaring defect that is cause for concern ... the blue strap. It's gonna have to be black or red or some combination of the two.
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

I was concerned about the possibility of it being a fake. Glad to see there's no red flags.

The strap will be plain black leather :)

The likelihood of me getting it is looking very good. I'll reveal the song I'm hoping to pay once the deal is done.
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

What about the tiny trem block? I don't know enough about 80's strats to know for sure but I don't think a MIA strat has ever come with a tiny trem block like that... at least to my knowledge...
 
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Re: 80's MIA Strat help

I haven't seen it in person yet, so the block could look weird because of the angle and lighting.
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Looks like one of the early US Standards to me. A good clean up and a bit of TLC and you should be good to go!
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Thanks for the input, everybody. I can't wait to rip the strings off, polish the frets, oil the board, then do all the less fun stuff that makes it play better :)
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

So the accountant, er, my wife greenlit the Strat. It's been a long time since I've had a new guitar, and never one of this quality. I can't wait to post some new pics of it cleaned up.

Thanks to everybody for the input!
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

The black guard on candy apple is far to sexy
You will have trouble sleeping at night
Wondering where she is, what she's doing, if she misses you as much as you do her.
Your wife may start to feel neglected.
It would probably be best for everyone if you just left her on my doorstep and try to forget

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

Nice guitar! Looks like it will clean up beautifully too. Are my eyes playing tricks on me, what is that thing on the pick guard...a sticker?
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

I just got it, still awhile before I get home to clean it up and really check it out. I pulled the neck, and it's dated July 87, so that mystery is solved.

Yes, that is a sticker.
 
Re: 80's MIA Strat help

I cleaned up the neck, got most of the gunk off the rest of it, and pulled the pick guard to find Fender Custom Shop pickups. The seller also included the OHSC, which I was not expecting, and it already has schaller strap buttons.

Needless to say, for $400, I'm pretty happy.
 
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