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Average Price: $849

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Description

Step into the sonic realm of the late '80s with the iconic 1989 Stratocaster Plus. Crafted for musicians who crave both classic style and modern functionality, this electric guitar is a testament to Fender's innovative spirit. Originally released as a souped-up version of the American Standard, the Strat Plus showcases Lace Sensor Gold pickups that deliver a noise-free, crystal-clear tone. Perfect for the stage or studio, these pickups ensure every note cuts through the mix with precision.

Designed with the performing artist in mind, the Stratocaster Plus features locking tuners and a roller nut, providing exceptional tuning stability even during the most demanding performances. The TBX (Treble Bass Expander) tone control system further enhances its versatility, allowing you to sculpt a wide array of sounds from warm, vintage tones to sharp, contemporary riffs. This guitar doesn't just play music; it crafts your signature sound, making it an essential tool for any serious guitarist's arsenal.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, the 1989 Stratocaster Plus is more than an instrument—it's a partner in your musical journey, offering the perfect blend of heritage and innovation to inspire your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Lace Sensor Gold pickups for noise-free, clear tone
  • Locking tuners for improved tuning stability
  • Roller nut for smooth string movement
  • TBX tone control system for enhanced tonal versatility

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Strat Plus
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Arctic White, Bahama Green, Black, Black Pearl Burst, Blue Metal Burst, Blue Pearl Burst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Caribbean Mist, Crimson Burst, Dusty Rose, Electric Blue, Fiesta Red, Frost Red, Graffiti Yellow, Gun Metal Blue, Ice Blue, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Lipstick Red, Midnight Blue, Midnight Wine, Natural, Olympic White, Pewter, Razz Berry, Root Beer Metallic, Sonic Blue, Stars and Stripes, Surf Green, Torino Red, Vintage White, Violet Metal Burst
Year 1987 - 1998
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Pink, 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 Plus

FAQs

What pickups are used in the 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red?

The 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red features Lace Sensor Gold pickups, known for their noise reduction and clear, bell-like tones, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Does the 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red have a unique neck profile?

Yes, it features a modern "C" neck profile which is comfortable for most players, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar work.

Is the 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red suitable for beginner guitarists?

While it is a high-quality instrument, its advanced features like the roller nut and TBX tone control system may be more suited to intermediate or advanced players seeking versatility and precision.

What is the TBX tone control system on the 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red?

The TBX (Treble Bass Expander) tone control system allows for a wider range of tonal possibilities, enhancing both the bass and treble frequencies for more dynamic sound shaping.

How does the 1989 Stratocaster Plus Red handle tuning stability?

The guitar features locking tuners and a roller nut, both of which significantly enhance tuning stability, especially when using the tremolo bridge for vibrato effects.

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

1989 Fender Stratocaster Strat Plus Guitar Review Scott Grove

Video thumbnail for 1989 Fender Stratocaster Strat Plus Guitar Review Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

1989 Fender Stratocaster Strat Plus Guitar Review Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1989 Fender Stratocaster Plus | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1989 Fender Stratocaster Plus | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Plus 1989 by Mike York

Fender Stratocaster Plus 1989

Mike York

Mike York

Video thumbnail for 1989 Fender Strat Plus Daphne Blue American Stratocaster Guitar Up Close by Essex Recording Studios

1989 Fender Strat Plus Daphne Blue American Stratocaster Guitar Up Close

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1989 Fender Strat Plus by williesguitars

Vintage 1989 Fender Strat Plus

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional condition for its age; minimal wear and tear

  • Deep figured alder wood and unique sunburst finish

  • Versatile sound, from classic Strat tones to high-gain and synth-like tones

  • TBX tone control, locking tuners, and roller nut enhance playability

  • Lace Sensor pickups deliver phenomenal sound quality

  • Neck feels perfect with a smooth, buttery playability

  • Highly resonant, offering a rich tonal experience

  • Compared favorably to Fender's custom shop guitars from the era

  • No noise issues, even with high volume settings

  • Suitable for a wide range of music genres

CONS

  • Confusion with date and serial number due to part usage during factory move

  • Maple fretboards from 1994 onwards may chip along edges

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Strat Plus.

Value and pricing

  • Long-term owners emphasize the increasing value of the 1989 Strat Plus, advising not to sell due to its appreciating worth.

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  • The market value for Strat Plus Deluxe guitars ranges from $1,300 to $2,800, depending on the condition and specific model year.

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User experience

  • The guitar's weight is notable, with users often commenting on its heft, making it a substantial instrument to handle during performances.

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  • Owners report continuous satisfaction and reliability, with some using their guitars for over three decades without issues.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar originally came with two Lace Sensor Silver pickups (neck/mid) and a Lace Sensor Blue (bridge), valued for reducing noise while maintaining tonal integrity.

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  • The Hipshot Tremsetter, included in some models, aids tuning stability and allows for precise adjustments to the floating bridge, enhancing performance during unison and oblique string bends.

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  • The 1990 Strat Plus Deluxe features a Fender-Wilkinson Needle Bearing Roller Nut, which lacks moving parts and offers consistent stability, especially in demanding environments like outdoor gigs.

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  • The 1989 Stratocaster Plus comes equipped with Silver Lace Sensor pickups, known for their noise reduction and maintaining a vintage tone.

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  • The body uses individual pickup routing rather than the swimming pool route typical of a Strat Plus.

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  • The guitar features a 6-point bridge, while a genuine Strat Plus uses a 2-point tremolo.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the tuners with staggered chrome brushes and swapping the bridge to a deluxe model for improved playability and longevity.

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  • Some users have built partscasters inspired by the 1989 Strat Plus, suggesting its features are desirable enough to replicate.

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  • Consider replacing the neck with a vintage one for a more authentic feel.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently gig with this model, indicating its reliability and suitability for live performances.

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Build quality

  • The neck lacks a roller nut and has a misplaced logo, indicating it's not original to a Strat Plus.

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Comparisons

  • Initially overshadowed by classic reissues, the Strat Plus is now praised for its unique features like metal nuts and Lace Sensors.

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  • The guitar's neck has a heel truss adjust, typical of vintage models, but the logo is modern, suggesting a mix of styles.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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perry_the_platypus

pretty good

This guitar is good for any genre you want to play from old-timey blues to modern blues, to punk rock, to heavy metal. The way the neck works with the strings might need a little getting used to but it's a nice good quality guitar.

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