Up for sale is a remarkably clean, all-original 1996 Fender Tex-Mex Stratocaster in classic Sunburst. For those in the know, 1996 was the introductory year for this short-lived, transitional model before it officially became the Jimmie Vaughan Signature Stratocaster in 1997.

These "Pre-JV" Strats are legendary for a reason: the bodies and necks were cut and shaped in the Corona, USA factory before being sent to Ensenada for finishing. This particular example is a rare configuration, pairing a vintage-tinted maple neck with a gorgeous rosewood fingerboard (most JV models later shipped exclusively with maple boards).

If you are looking for an incredible player with premium under-the-hood specs and a bit of unique Fender history, this early production Tex-Mex is the perfect addition to the collection.

Key Vintage Specs

• Pickups: Factory-installed Fender Tex-Mex Single-Coils. These are overwound alnico magnet pickups that offer a fatter, hotter, "in-your-face" Texas blues punch while retaining classic Strat clarity.

• Neck Profile: Comfortable 90s "C" shape with a tinted gloss finish, modern 9.5" radius, and factory jumbo frets for effortless bends.

• Body & Finish: Clean condition for a 30-year-old instrument. The gloss sunburst finish shows only minor, honest play wear (light swirling/polishing marks), with no major dings, deep gouges, or finish chips.

• Neck & Frets: The neck pocket is tight and stable. The rosewood board is clean and hydrated, the neck is dead straight, and the jumbo frets show remarkably little wear with nearly all of their life left.