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Average Price: $525

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar evolution, marrying classic design with modern innovation. Born from the revered lineage of Fender's iconic Stratocasters, this model is a testament to Fender's commitment to excellence and versatility. At first glance, its vintage allure is undeniable, yet beneath its surface lies a host of contemporary upgrades that seasoned musicians and collectors adore. With a flatter fingerboard radius for enhanced playability and a sleek, thinner neck profile, this guitar invites effortless navigation across its frets. The refined tremolo system adds a modern edge, offering greater stability and precision for expressive playing styles.

Whether you're a fan of the crisp attack of a maple fretboard or the warm resonance of rosewood, the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 accommodates both preferences, ensuring each player finds their perfect sound. Its body, crafted from either alder or ash, not only provides tonal diversity but also showcases Fender's commitment to quality materials. This guitar has not just survived but thrived over decades, becoming a beloved choice for musicians seeking reliability and a timeless sonic palette.

Key Features:

  • Flatter fingerboard radius for improved playability
  • Thinner neck profile for comfortable fretting
  • Modern tremolo system for enhanced tuning stability
  • Available with maple or rosewood fretboards
  • Choice of alder or ash body for tonal variety

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 type of pickups does the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 have?

The Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 is equipped with a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), which is known for its bright, clear tone and versatility across various music genres.

Is the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987?

The Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 features a comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile, which is favored for its ease of playability and suitability for a wide range of playing styles.

What are the body materials used in the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987?

The Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 is constructed with either alder or ash body materials, both of which contribute to its resonant tone and classic Fender sound.

How many frets does the Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 have?

The Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987 has 22 frets, providing a full two-octave range on the fingerboard for versatile playing options.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Selectguitars - 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster by SelectGuitars

Selectguitars - 1987 Fender American Standard Stratocaster

SelectGuitars

SelectGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1987 Fender American Std. Stratocaster, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1987 Fender American Std. Stratocaster, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional pickup sound with rich midrange and treble for classic Fender tones

  • Neck feels smooth and comfortable, described as "like butter"

  • Distinctive Inca Silver finish shifts color dramatically from various angles

  • Aged wood provides pleasing contours and weight, enhancing playability

  • High-quality tuners and tremolo from the '90s period praised for performance

  • Pristine condition despite age, showcasing stellar craftsmanship

  • Comes with a hard case, adding value and protection

  • Light and easy to handle, great for extended playing sessions

  • Offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic '60s strats

CONS

  • Two-point tremolo system feels challenging for action adjustments

  • Bridge pickup can be overly bright without tone adjustments

  • Tremolo can feel stiff, requiring adjustments for optimal use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Standard Stratocaster USA 1987.

Features and functionality

  • Early model of the "American Standard" Stratocaster known for its 2-point bridge, marking a shift in Fender's design approach post-CBS ownership.

    Source
  • The 1987 model features stock Lace Sensor pickups, known for their noise reduction and unique tonal characteristics distinct from traditional single-coils.

    Source

Build quality

  • Noted for quality improvements following the CBS era, offering better playability and sound compared to models from the early 80s.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance, such as restringing and cleaning, to maintain playability and sound quality over time.

    Source
  • Despite wear on higher frets from extensive gig use, the original frets still hold up well, indicating durable build quality over decades of use.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Properly cutting the nut and lubricating string trees with Vaseline or graphite can significantly improve tuning stability with the two-point tremolo system.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping to locking tuners with vintage pegs enhances string changing speed and maintains aesthetics without requiring extensive modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar pairs well with a Fender Blues Deville amp, producing a rich sound particularly favored at high volumes, suitable for blues and versatile for other genres like metal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
niall_m

nicely finished, smooth, mid-1980s candy apple red USA standard

candy apple red, maple neck, model no. E4- - - - - post CBS era Fender strat, which plays easily and harks back to the classic strats of the 1960s.

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