1989 Fender Stratocaster Ultra. Serial No. E967627  The Stratocaster Ultra series (successor to the Strat Plus line) was produced roughly 1989–1998. Fender’s top-of-the-line production model. Deluxe features w/ rolling nut, locking tuners, ebony fretboard, and Lace Sensor pickups -- this time in a unique 4-way configuration with two Red Lace Sensors in the bridge position. These appointments combined with some unique finishes make the Strat Ultra quite a collectable guitar. Wilkinson Roller CHROME NUT Ultra Custom Deluxe Strat.

The original Strat Ultra was introduced by Fender in 1989 as part of the Strat Plus/Plus Deluxe “deluxe Stratocaster” lineup and was built in the USA. These guitars were produced roughly 1989 through 1998. The Ultra was positioned as a high-end version of the Strat Plus line, just below Custom Shop models in quality.

*  Lace Sensor pickups (often Red/Silver/Blue sets).

*  Roller nut (earlier Wilkinson, later LSR roller).

*  Ebony fretboard (different from typical rosewood or maple).

*  Schaller hardware, locking tuners, and quality components.

* “Ultra” engraving on the neck plate.

 The 1990s Strat Ultra should not be confused with the modern Fender American Ultra series guitars sold today: Serial E967627 on this Stratocaster headstock with Made in U.S.A. marking and it’s a Strat Ultra body with Lace Sensors, roller nut, Schaller hardware, and an ebony fretboard, is part of the original early Strat Ultra production between roughly 1989–1993. The “E9” prefix suggests manufacture near the transition from the 1980s into 1990, and indeed many of the first Strat Ultras carried E9 serials though they were actually built in early 1990.

 Made In: U.S.A.

Scale Length: 25.5″ (standard Strat scale).

Number of Frets: 22 medium-jumbo frets.

Neck Joint: Bolt-on.

Body Wood: Alder (often with flame maple veneers or tops/backs on many versions).

Body Shape: Double-cutaway Stratocaster-style.

Finish: Transparent bursts.

Neck Wood: Maple.

Fretboard: Ebony with dot (often abalone dot inlays on many).

Fingerboard Radius: ~9.5″.

Nut Width: ~1.6875″.

Profile: “C” style.

Roller Nut: Wilkinson (early) or later LSR roller nut.

Truss Rod: Bi-Flex style.

Pickup Configuration: HSS (Bridge, Middle, Neck).

Pickups:  Bridge: Dual Red Lace Sensor Dually (two red sensors in one humbucking-style assembly).

Middle: Silver Lace Sensor (or Gold on some early examples).

Neck: Blue Lace Sensor.

Special Switching:

5-position blade switch.

3-way mini toggle for the dual bridge pickups (series/split/phase options), giving more tonal combinations than a standard Strat.

Tone Controls: Includes Fender’s TBX tone circuit.

Controls: Master Volume, 2 Tone knobs.

Bridge:  Deluxe pop-in tremolo.

Tuners: Schaller locking tuners.

Pickguard: 3-ply white/white-black-white, depending on year.

Hardware Finish: Chrome.

Neck Plate: “Fender ULTRA” engraved.

\Aesthetic: Highly figured maple veneer tops and back in many finishes, making them standout visually among Strat models of their era.  Compared to a typical Strat from that era, the Strat Ultra was positioned as a premium “ultimate” version.