1989 Fender Stratocaster

When I offloaded the 1956 Fender Stratocaster ‘Johnny Wade’ guitar for the last time I wanted to have a cheaper Stratocaster around to play, it did not need to be anything special, but it had play ‘OK’. In the vintage guitar store where I sold 1956 Fender Stratocaster, there were many second hand, non vintage guitars adorning the walls, so I simply went through them all, and managed to get rather depressed as they all felt very average.

I eventually got to the guitar you see here, a 1989 Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe in a deep wine red colour. It was in excellent condition with very few marks on the body. The moment I held it in my hands and started playing, I knew this would be the guitar I left that store with. The neck was perfect, it felt like a classic Fender form the 60s, it felt solidly put together too.

When I announced to the dealer that this was the guitar I would be taken his response was: “really?” I suppose when you walk in with a 1956 Fender Stratocaster, it makes no sense to leave with a stock American Deluxe Stratocaster, surely a Masterbuilt would make more sense? However, I am here to tell you this guitar was something special to play.

Like most guitars in my life, I decided to offload it. Word of mouth had spread about this guitar via a friend who was a guitar teacher, and one of his students was looking for a really good non vintage Strat top play in his band. He told his student about this guitar and so he came to see me. He played it for about 5 minutes and bought it. He likes it so much that he still has it, and swears he will never sell it.

I am not sure if all American Deluxe Strats feel this good, but this very guitar will surely be a future classic when it gets older…wait, it is now 32 years old! Daniel M you are one lucky guy getting this guitar off me for what you paid me. Enjoy!