Fender Stratocaster 1985 Re-Issue

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Step back in time with the Fender Stratocaster 1985 Re-Issue, a guitar that captures the essence of one of Fender's most iconic eras. This re-issue brings the classic design and sound of the mid-80s Strat into the hands of modern players, offering a distinct blend of vintage appeal and contemporary craftsmanship. Known for its signature three-single-coil pickup configuration, this Stratocaster delivers a versatile range of tones, from bright and crisp to warm and full-bodied, perfect for any genre from rock to blues.

The guitar features a solid alder body, providing a balanced tone and excellent resonance, while the maple neck offers a smooth playing experience with a comfortable 'C' shape profile. The rosewood fretboard with 21 vintage-style frets ensures a classic feel under your fingers, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing. The Fender Stratocaster 1985 Re-Issue also includes a 5-way pickup selector switch, allowing players to easily explore a palette of sounds without missing a beat.

This guitar is perfect for musicians who appreciate the fine line between nostalgia and innovation, offering a true representation of Fender’s legacy with subtle modern upgrades.

Key Features:

Classic solid alder body for balanced tone and resonance
Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' shape profile
Rosewood fretboard with 21 vintage-style frets
Signature three-single-coil pickup configuration
5-way pickup selector switch for versatile sound options
Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
Authentic mid-80s Fender design and sound

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster 1985 Re-Issue.

Build quality

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The 1985 MIJ Stratocaster features a rare modern C neck profile combined with a vintage 7.25" radius, offering unique playability for enthusiasts.
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The 1985 model is noted for its authentic vintage vibe, attributed to its early role in Fender's reissue history, offering a more worn-in feel than modern versions.
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It's noted that the casting of the System 1 bridge can be subpar, with instances of worn or broken micro tuners.
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User experience

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One owner with small hands finds 50s-style necks challenging but prefers the '64 Tele RI for easier playability, suggesting neck profiles significantly impact user preference.
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Some owners report string breakage issues with the System 1 bridge, needing frequent string changes for reliability.
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Comparisons

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An owner with extensive experience claims their 1984 MIJ Stratocaster outshines over 10 other Strat models they've owned, indicating high satisfaction and longevity.
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The 1985 Vintage 62 Reissue is often compared to the American Vintage 2, with some users preferring the feel of the former and the modern features of the latter.
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Some players suggest that, despite its age, the 1985 Reissue might offer a sound akin to a real '62 model, though this is subjective.
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The mid-80s MIJ Strats are often compared to American models, with some users favoring MIJ for build quality during Fender's transitional period.
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Value and pricing

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The 1985 version is sometimes seen as less of a collectible due to its age, yet it holds added value for those appreciating older, worn-in instruments.
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A user highlighted purchasing an MIJ Strat as a better value than a custom shop model, citing superior playability at a lower cost.
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Use cases and applications

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For home players, the newer models might provide better tuning stability and improved electronics, making them more practical for modern use.
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Players associate the guitar's tonal qualities with bands like Nirvana, pairing well with amps like the Peavey Classic 50.
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Features and functionality

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The 1985 MIJ Stratocaster often includes a System 1 bridge and LSR roller nut, praised for sustain and tuning convenience.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners frequently upgrade with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails pickups in the bridge for a massive sound, ideal for rock genres.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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simonblackmoore

almost 11 years ago

one of my latest guitar

This strat is realy a cool guitar , sharpy sound and awesome coulor

Artist usage

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Albert Hammond Jr

Singer, Guitarist

The Strokes

Verified via YouTube

Albert Hammond Jr frequently uses a Fender Stratocaster 1985 Re-Issue as his primary guitar. During The Strokes' performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2010, he is seen playing this guitar. Additionally, in a Reverb interview, he shares the story behind acquiring this instrument, highlighting its significance in his collection.

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

Verified via YouTube

In a video uploaded by NorumaniacsPlanet, John Norum is seen jamming with a Fender Stratocaster 1985 Japan Reissue 1972 after a Europe concert in Middelfart, Denmark, on June 11, 2016. This guitar was prominently used during "The Final Countdown" tour and in various television appearances across Europe in 1986. It was sold to a fan in the 2000s and hasn't been used in live performances since 1987.