Hi guys, I’m looking for a nice used strat. I found this one which to me looks absolutely stunning and is in awesome condition. The seller says its a 1984 USA strat that never got modified apparently. Im not the best at recognizing legit strats, but this one frankly looks very real. I just want 100% confirmation. He’s asking for 1100€ Or about 1250$… but do keep in mind that i live in italy and the prices here are definitely slightly inflated. Do you think it looks legit? Is it a good deal? Im gonna go try it this sunday so all i have are pics from the seller, but they are great quality and from a lot of angles so it should be enough to have a good look at it. Thanks for the help.
Help to identify 1984 Strat usa
- Thread starter Pepe4300
- Start date
It’s definitely got a decent price for an usa strat here. Prices average 1000 to 1500. He was originally asking for 1200 but we managed to agree on 1100. How could you tell the pickguard was changed btw? Thanks for the help!
Tylerlayne
Strat-O-Master
Not experienced enough to authenticate but welcome to Strat Talk
I have an '87 American Standard (bought new in '87, my baby). Not sure about the pick guard, but on most Strats I've seen from this era are white, that having been said, everything else looks right to me, as far as decal etc, of course I'm no expert. Neck plate on the back is identical to mine, with the micro plate aperture for adjustments, which is not on all the neck plates, especially the newer ones. If the newer ones have the aperture, it's most likely with the "Spaghetti Logo" and say "Corona California" on them. One thing I did notice is the upper left hand screw on the neck plate is different than the other three as it is counter sunk vice button top. Here is a link to run the serial number, I did but nothing came up. This may mean nothing as this was a transition period for Fender. I always thought the "E" serial number decals were later than '84 but like I said, I'm no expert. Honestly though, I could see myself buying this. This price for an American made Strat, especially an '80s model (my generation) is pretty good.
https://serialnumberlookup.fender.com/lookup/
https://serialnumberlookup.fender.com/lookup/
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heltershelton
Vivamus libero Vivamus duris
its legit, but its not a 1984.
earliest it will be is a 1986, but its more than likely an 87.
this guitar was made at the corona plant and during those years they used some leftover serial number stickers.
i have an 87 with the E4 number too.
its a great guitar.
get it.
earliest it will be is a 1986, but its more than likely an 87.
this guitar was made at the corona plant and during those years they used some leftover serial number stickers.
i have an 87 with the E4 number too.
its a great guitar.
get it.
albala
Dr. Stratster
I love the E4s I've played/own
Pretty cool
Agreed; it's an American Standard. Could even be as late as mid-1988; I've seen photos of guitars with E4xxxxx numbers on guitars with neck/body dates as late as July 1988.
heltershelton
Vivamus libero Vivamus duris
very possible.
albala
Dr. Stratster
Ight thanks everyone for giving me the good news haha. I wasn’t doubtful that it looked legit but i’d rather trust people on a strat forum than the person who’s tryna sell me the item, especially this being my first serious guitar i wanna go into it feeling good about it. Again thx a lot!
Ye when i saw the ad for this one i immediately started to look into the fenders from the 80s and this whole story came up. I already knew it was probably from a little later, actually confronted the seller about it and he wasnt tryna be sneaky or whatever he legit didnt even know.
God of Thunder
Strat-Talk Member
I’ve got a 1988 with an E4 serial! Love it!
