Fender American Standard Strat, olympic white, made in USA 1987-88. Here we have an unusual 'EE serial' Strat: these were early examples of the American Standard Strat, which were earmarked for the Japan and Europe markets at the time. Fender had recently been bought back from CBS by a group of employees and their Corona factory had just opened, so they were in a good spot and finding a rhythm again. The workmanship on show is very tidy: the frets are great, the neck pocket is tight, the guard is bang-on, the finish is nice and even... it's all done with some care and attention. The neck is a real highlight. It's made from some gorgeous quatersawn tightly grained maple and a super dark, rich slab of rosewood, carved to a slim C shape with a more modern 9.5" radius and twenty two medium jumbo frets. It's sublimely easy to move up and down on and playing big bends and quick runs is a breeze. The pickups are great too: this delivers a convincing clarity and sparkle balanced by a percussive low end and an airy midrange. There's a certain fullness and rounded quality to the tone that lesser Strats lack, it's an addictive tone. The olympic white finish has seen a few things over the decades, so it's faded and worn but still maintains a certain dignity and class. The creamy white finish, gold logos and dark rosewood board are a lovely combination, no doubt about it. These early Standards are starting to creep up steadily in value owing to their many virtues, so grab yourself a cool 80s classic while it's still available for less cash than a (far less charming) brand new equivalent.

Model: Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Made: 1987-88, Corona USA, pots dated 1987 (serial EE107935)
Finish: olympic white, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 22 frets, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale, moderate C profile
Weight: 3.600kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender American Standard flat pole single coil x3
Case: basic non-original hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples around the end and a scuff on the top edge near the low E tuner. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dimples on the bottom edge and widespread light scuffs and fade marks, but no major marks. The sides have light scuffs on both horns and near the jack, a minor chip and some scuffs in the elbow area and a couple of minor cracks in the finish only coming off the neck pocket. The front has some dimples in the elbow area and near the jack, as well as widespread fading and light scuffs and some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are freshly polished and look great, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.