question about 1987 MIJ strat: what model is it?

[superbadj]

It's my brother's I'll post pics when I can.

It had a singly-ply pickgusrd stock(white) the guitar is black.

It has modern-style gotoh tuners, not vintage style. It's an Fxxxxxx serial number, and that is listed on the face of the heafstock, and says made in japan on the headstock face.

Says nothing on the heel of the neck.

Looks to be a c-profile maple neck.

We used to think it was a 57 reissue, but they have vintage style tuners, and don't have the serial # and "made in japan" on the headstock like his does.

Any ideas? Just a standard stratocaster? I don't know what models were made in 86/87.

Just curious. He bought it new in 1988 or 89.

[superbadj]

Fyi---posted this from my blackberry, so the formatting is all wonky!

[Brendan]

Sounds like one of the standards. All the RI models used Kluson style tuners.

[superbadj]

OK, answered my own question I think.

Standard MIJ strat from '87.

The '54 reissues have vintage tuners, spaghetti logo, no serial on the headstock, the MIJ on the heel of the neck, etc. All stuff done like my '62 tele custom MIJ, which is what I would have expected.

His strat is EXACTLY like this one, only in black:

Mid-'80s Fender MIJ Stratocaster Dakota Red: Remember when "made in Japan" was thought of as lower or lesser quality? Well, now it's been nearly 25 years since this one made its way through the factory and it's a shining example that boldly contradicts that statement. Slim and comfortable maple neck and fingerboard, classic Dakota red finish over the body, 3 single-coils, white pickguard; all the elements have a nice '50s vibe while offering modern playability and tone. A player's dream and a player's price!

[Post Toastie]

Are you sure your brothers guitar is not a Exxxxxx serial #? That was a common serial #.