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Average Price: $525

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Stratocaster 1988 is a testament to the evolution of electric guitars, seamlessly bridging the classic with the contemporary. Crafted during a pivotal era for Fender, this first-generation American Standard Strat embodies a blend of vintage charm and modern innovation. Its design is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, ensuring it remains a favorite among guitarists even decades later.

At its core, the Stratocaster 1988 offers a refined playing experience with its flatter fingerboard radius and thinner neck profile. This combination caters to both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians looking for comfort and versatility. The modernized tremolo system enhances the guitar’s tonal capabilities, providing players with expressive potential and stability during performances. With options for both maple and rosewood fretboards, as well as alder or ash bodies, this Stratocaster offers personalized choices to match any player's style.

The 1988 American Standard Stratocaster showcases Fender’s commitment to quality and innovation, making it a reliable companion on stage or in the studio. Its timeless design and robust construction ensure that it continues to be a cherished instrument for guitar enthusiasts worldwide, proving that some things truly do get better with age.

Key Features:

  • First-generation American Standard Stratocaster
  • Flatter fingerboard radius for enhanced playability
  • Thinner neck profile for comfort
  • Modernized tremolo system for improved tonal range
  • Available with both maple and rosewood fretboards
  • Alder or ash body options for personalized sound preferences

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, Tanqueray Green, 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, Green, 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, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on a 1988 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1988 Fender Stratocaster typically features a modern "C" neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for most players and facilitating smooth playability across different musical styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on a 1988 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1988 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering a bright, clear tone with the characteristic "quack" in positions 2 and 4, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and funk.

Is the 1988 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the 1988 Fender Stratocaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone, though it may be more appreciated by intermediate and advanced players who can fully exploit its tonal range.

What are the body materials used in the 1988 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1988 Fender Stratocaster features a body made from either alder or ash, both of which contribute to its balanced tone with a slight emphasis on midrange frequencies.

Does the 1988 Fender Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the 1988 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing by manipulating the bridge.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1988 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1988 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1988 Fender Stratocaster Black | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1988 Fender Stratocaster by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1988 Fender Stratocaster

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1988 Fender Stratocaster US Standard by wutzdog001guitars

1988 Fender Stratocaster US Standard

wutzdog001guitars

wutzdog001guitars

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Artist usage

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See how George Harrison uses Fender Stratocaster 1988

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George Harrison is seen using a Fender Stratocaster 1988 in a video from the same year. Additionally, Harrison mentioned considering the purchase of a Fender Stratocaster in the early sixties, before the Beatles rose to fame.

Genre Usage

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