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1986 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar

1986 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar

$525.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 24, 2026.

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5.0 (169)

$525.00 279 available Used

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Average Price: $525

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1986 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step back in time with the 1986 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar, a pivotal entry in the Fender legacy that marries the classic with the contemporary. This iconic instrument, part of the first generation of Fender's American Standard series, pays homage to its rich heritage while embracing modern enhancements that continue to captivate musicians worldwide. The flatter fingerboard radius and thinner neck profile make for an effortless playing experience, ensuring quick transitions and smooth riffs. This Stratocaster isn't just a relic; it's a testament to enduring design and craftsmanship that feels as relevant today as it did then.

Crafted with precision, the guitar offers a choice between maple and rosewood fretboards, catering to diverse playing styles. The body, available in both alder and ash, delivers a balanced tonality that suits various genres, from blues to rock, and everything in between. The updated tremolo system adds a layer of versatility, allowing for expressive pitch variations without compromising tuning stability. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this Stratocaster stands as a versatile companion, offering a sound that has both depth and clarity, making it a staple in any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

First generation American Standard Stratocaster
Flatter fingerboard radius for smooth playability
Thinner neck profile for enhanced comfort
Available with maple or rosewood fretboards
Choice of alder or ash body for tonal variety
Contemporary tremolo system for dynamic expression

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Standard Stratocaster
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Aqua Marine Metallic, Arctic White, Black, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Caribbean Mist, Crimson Burst, Electric Blue, Frost Red, Graffiti Yellow, Gun Metal Blue, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Lipstick Red, Midnight Blue, Midnight Wine, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Purple Metallic, Sonic Blue, Torino Red, Vintage White, White Blonde
Year	1986 - 2000
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Purple, Red, Silver, Tan, Teal, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.6875"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender American Standard
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1986 Fender Stratocaster?: The 1986 Fender Stratocaster typically features a modern "C" neck profile, providing a comfortable and versatile feel suitable for various playing styles, from rhythm to lead.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on a 1986 Fender Stratocaster?: The 1986 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with single-coil pickups in an SSS configuration, delivering bright, clear tones ideal for rock, blues, and funk, with the classic Stratocaster chime and quack in the in-between positions.
Is the 1986 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginners or advanced players?: The 1986 Fender Stratocaster is suitable for both beginners and advanced players due to its comfortable playability and versatile tonal range, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore various musical genres.
Does the 1986 Fender Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?: Yes, the 1986 Fender Stratocaster features a tremolo bridge, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing, which is a hallmark of the Stratocaster design.
What materials are used for the body of the 1986 Fender Stratocaster?: The body of the 1986 Fender Stratocaster is made from alder or ash, both of which contribute to its balanced tone, with alder offering a slightly warmer sound and ash providing more brightness and sustain.
How many frets are on the 1986 Fender Stratocaster, and what is the fretboard radius?: The 1986 Fender Stratocaster features 22 frets with a 9.5" fretboard radius, providing a comfortable and familiar playing surface for bends and chords alike.

Videos

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1986 Fender Stratocaster 57/62 reissue - The rarest birth year Fender Strat

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1986 Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster

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1986 / 87 Fender Stratocaster

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Reviews

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PROS

Phenomenal pickups with a rich midrange and treble for classic Fender clean tones
Neck feels like butter, providing exceptional playability and comfort
Aged wood and finish with beautiful natural ambering over time
Inca Silver finish offers dramatic color shifts from different angles
Durable construction ensures reliability and longevity
Lightweight design suitable for long performances
High-quality tuners, tremolo, and hardware from the '90s era
Great value for a vintage American Stratocaster

CONS

Two-point tremolo system makes action adjustments challenging
Bridge pickup can be overly bright, requiring tone knob adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1986 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar.

Build quality

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The necks on '85 and '86 MIJ Strats are praised for being exceptionally comfortable, with some users preferring them over Custom Shop necks.
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The F-Serial MIJ Strats from the 80s often feature a unique one-ply pickguard and bulky roller string trees, setting them apart visually from other Strat models.
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The high craftsmanship quality is attributed to Fender's production move, which resulted in superior quality control in the Japanese models of the mid-80s.
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Features and functionality

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The System One bridge, though only locking at the neck, is noted for its excellent tuning stability, but replacement parts can be hard to find.
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The '57 reissue MIJ Strat is noted for its distinctive design elements, which are reminiscent of classic models but with unique Japanese touches.
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The guitar's bridge pickup might be an Artec rail or a Seymour Duncan Hotrail, providing a distinctive snarling tone often compared to a growling pit bull.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest replacing the nut with a bone nut for better performance, particularly if string slots are worn low.
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There's confusion around the pickup brand; some suggest it could be a Lace pickup, though it lacks visible branding typical of later Seymour Duncan models.
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Comparisons

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MIJ Strats from the 80s are often considered superior to American models from the same era, with a unique feel that isn't quite Fender-like.
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Some users find these MIJ Strats superior to American Standard models in terms of playability and build quality, despite the latter's higher price point.
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User experience

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Users report that the necks on these MIJ models are particularly skinny, which may not suit those preferring thicker necks.
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Owners report that these MIJ Strats age well, with finishes like Olympic White naturally yellowing over the decades, adding to their vintage appeal.
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Value and pricing

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While some debate exists, the consensus is that $825 is a fair price given the rising demand and vintage status of 80s MIJ Strats.
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Despite their high quality, 80s MIJ Strats are significantly cheaper than American models from the same era, presenting excellent value for enthusiasts.
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Use cases and applications

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Users appreciate the guitar's ability to produce low-end tones uncommon in typical Stratocaster models, making it suitable for heavier music styles.
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Other

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Owners humorously note the guitar's resilience, mentioning it can withstand cosmetic issues like cleaning food residue off the saddles.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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miguel_ventura

177

about 9 years ago

Very Reliable

Not the one in the image, but it´s the same, even that dark color on the top of the arm because of the lifetime she has. Was my Father´s and now belongs to me. He used to play on a band. Always in tune, good weight for long performances, they made these to last. Very reliable.

Roles:

Guitarist Drummer Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues