Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

[Artie]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIJ-Fender-Stratocaster-STRAT-Hard-Tail-1980s-VINTAGE-w-HS-Case-Made-In-Japan-/161157159978?pt=Guitar&hash=item2585b71c2a

Thanks all.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

I can't see anything there to suggest it's not.

 

[Artie]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

My main concern was that I thought the neck plate would say "Fender" on it. (This is for a friend, BTW.)

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

It appears to be an 'E' series. I have a friend here in Australia who searches out E series instruments, and who brought several to me to perform pickup swaps. They were all great instruments and excellent value for money. I really can't remember how the neck plates were.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

My main concern was that I thought the neck plate would say "Fender" on it. (This is for a friend, BTW.)

You can see that on the second image there, or am I misunderstanding your point?

 

[Artie]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

Dang . . . you're right. I didn't see it on the image I was looking at. Thanks Chris.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

It's a perfectly fine E series Strat.

The major concerns here are possibly random wood for the body, the trem block is definitely zinc and heavy tuners. The tuners also have the large holes so you can only replace with Klusons by getting an extra set of large bushings.

The wood often turns out to be basswood which IMHO is a good thing but not for the purist.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

BTW, did you spot the crack at the neck pocket?

 

[Artie]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

Good eyes, and no I didn't. I'll tell my friend. He's the one that bid on it.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

Crusty mentioned pickup swaps. Hopefully, a previous owner may have already upgraded from the weedy stock MIJ offerings.

 

[Artie]

Re: Does this look like a genuine MIJ Strat? (eBay content)

Well, my friend placed the only bid. He won it for $500, so we'll see.