For your consideration is a beautiful 1989 Fender Strat Plus Stratocaster in a stunning Black Pearl Burst finish. This American-made "Strat Plus" model represents one of Fender's most innovative and collectible production models of the late 1980s, combining traditional Stratocaster styling with numerous premium factory upgrades that were well ahead of their time. Featuring its original Gold Fender-Lace Sensor pickups, Wilkinson Roller Nut, Schaller style factory locking tuners, Deluxe two-point synchronized tremolo, Hipshot Trem-Setter stabilization system, and original Fender molded USA hardshell case, this is an exceptionally complete and highly original example.

Introduced in 1987, the Strat Plus was designed as Fender's flagship production Stratocaster, offering significant performance improvements over the Standard American Stratocaster. These guitars quickly became favorites among professional musicians for their exceptional tuning stability, reduced pickup noise, smooth tremolo operation, and effortless playability. Today, early Strat Plus models remain among the most sought-after modern-era Fender instruments due to their build quality, innovative features, and comparatively limited production.

Finished in the striking Black Pearl Burst, this guitar displays a beautiful metallic finish that shifts dramatically depending on the lighting, revealing subtle charcoal, graphite, and silver highlights beneath its darker appearance. Combined with the naturally aged parchment plastics and rosewood fingerboard, it has the unmistakable appearance of a well-preserved late-1980s Strat Plus.

The original trio of Gold Fender Lace Sensor pickups delivers the articulate, quiet performance that helped define the Strat Plus series. They retain the unmistakable Strat character while offering reduced hum and increased clarity, making this guitar equally valuable at home, on stage, in the studio, or in a guitar collection.

Features

Made in USA

1989 (possibly early 1990 due to known serial number issue at Fender) Production

Black Pearl Burst Metallic Finish

Alder Body

Maple Neck

Rosewood Fingerboard

25.5" Scale Length

Wilkinson Roller Nut

Three Original Gold Fender Lace Sensor Pickups

Factory Deluxe Two-Point Synchronized Tremolo

Factory Hipshot Tremsetter Stabilization System

Factory Schaller Style Locking Tuners

Master Volume

Two Tone Controls

Five-Way Pickup Selector

Chrome Hardware

Original Fender Molded USA Hardshell Case Included

This Strat Plus remains in very good vintage condition and has been well cared for throughout its life. The finish retains an outstanding gloss with only light cosmetic wear consistent with careful use over the past three decades. Minor surface scratches and small handling marks are present along with two small holes present on the side of the body found late in the inspection process (see photo).

The neck is clean and comfortable, the frets show only light wear, and the guitar plays beautifully with smooth action across the fingerboard. The electronics operate properly, the tremolo functions as intended, and the original locking tuners and Wilkinson Roller Nut continue to provide outstanding tuning stability.

The original Fender molded USA hardshell case is included and remains in fair condition with normal signs of age and use. However, the furthest left latch to the case is broken and the parts were not retained (see photo) and the hinge on the rear side is also broken (no photo provided due to photo limit. Contact us for more pictures) The case still closes, but a prospective buyer should be aware of these issues. The case will provide excellent protection for shipping and can be used to store the instrument once to its new home. But, a prospective buyer may wish to use another option if doing any travel with the guitar.

Why Collectors Love the Strat Plus

The Strat Plus occupies a unique place in Fender history. Built during a period when Fender was focused on refining the Stratocaster for professional players, these guitars received premium factory appointments that were unavailable on standard production models. Features such as Lace Sensor pickups, the Wilkinson Roller Nut, different branded locking tuners depending on the prodcution month, and the Hipshot Tremsetter system combined to create one of the most advanced Stratocasters Fender had ever produced.

Early examples from the late 1980s—particularly highly original guitars retaining their factory hardware, electronics, and case—have become increasingly desirable among collectors and players alike. Their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and association with some of Fender's finest post-CBS production years continue to drive strong demand.

Whether you're searching for a collector-quality Strat Plus, a dependable professional instrument, or simply one of Fender's finest modern American Stratocasters, this guitar is an outstanding example that is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Please review all photos and description carefully, as they are an important part of the entire description. Feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchasing.

Thank you for your consideration!

Please examine all the pictures and read the entire description carefully before buying. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. For payments, we gladly accept Reverb Direct Checkout, Paypal or credit card payment.

About Us:

Ray’s Mid-Bell Music is a full-service school music dealer located in Sioux City, IA. The original company was founded in 1939. We have had a Sioux City location since 1972. You can buy with confidence knowing that you are dealing with a reputable brick and mortar store with a long history of excellent customer service.

Unless stated differently above, all used and vintage instruments are sold in the condition that we received it in. All repair facilities have different pricing. Please check with your local technician for approximate repair costs and, if purchased, ultimately the repair. It is our goal to accurately and truthfully describe each item, pointing out all flaws and defects, by providing as many high-quality pictures of each item as possible. However, sometimes things can be inadvertently overlooked.

We also take great pride in our shipping department and strive to make sure that each item is properly and securely packaged. Our daily UPS & USPS pick-up assures you of prompt delivery. We do ship internationally. For interested overseas buyers, please ask for a shipping quote before buying.