Fender Deluxe Series Stratocaster (MIM) – Late ’90s / Y2K Era – Active Electronics – Rare Features

This is a fantastic example of Fender’s higher-end Mexican-made Stratocasters from the late 1990s / early 2000s period — a model that packed in some surprisingly advanced features for its time and is becoming harder to find in original working condition.

Often compared to the Eric Clapton Strat concept, this guitar includes several uncommon factory features:

• Built-in 9V active preamp system
• Rear battery compartment
• No-load tone control with fully on detent and tone bypass at full clockwise position
• Hidden dummy coil under the pickguard for hum reduction
• Upgraded Graph Tech saddles
• Upgraded Gotoh tuners

The guitar delivers classic Strat tone with extra punch and versatility from the onboard electronics. Clean, articulate pickups with reduced single-coil noise make this a great studio or live instrument. Neck feels comfortable and fast, and fret wear is minimal.

Condition is very good for its age, though there are a few honest player-grade issues worth mentioning:

• The nut has had a repair on the low E slot using baking soda and super glue; it functions fine and stays stable in use
• Pickguard shows slight warping
• Tremolo screws have some surface rust
• Minor finish/wood discoloration on the upper bass side of the neck
• Tremolo arm sits slightly lower to the body than I personally prefer, though the bridge still functions properly with good up/down travel

All flaws are pictured clearly.

Overall, this is a unique and great-playing turn-of-the-century Fender with features rarely found on standard Mexican Strats. A cool piece of late-’90s Fender design that stands apart from the usual MIM offerings.

Shipped securely in a tweed hardshell case in its original box.