Product 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
