Any thoughts on 1987 Am stds?

[tygr55]

Anyone with any experience or opinions on owning a first year Am Std.? Any thoughts on build quality, playability, or maybe collectibility?

I just purchased one earlier this week as it was made the same year my son was born. Had one once before and sold it and always regretted it.

Thanks much.

[Texsunburst59]

I love my '87 Am Std. a lot. I picked it up about a year ago. I love the neck which is just right for me. It's not too fat and not too thin,and the standard pickups sound good to me. I'm sure you're aware that even thought the neck is dated E4xxxx, it's actually an '87. They used the leftover necks from '84. Anyway, here's some pics of my '87.

[Guitarmadcat]

Aw - what a cheap excuse to show off the pool! Yea, we've all seen a 'burst Strat - you KNEW we'd all be really lookin at the pool, dintya?!

Ok ok - I'm fkn jealous.

[Texsunburst59]

Originally Posted by Guitarmadcat

Aw - what a cheap excuse to show off the pool! Yea, we've all seen a 'burst Strat - you KNEW we'd all be really lookin at the pool, dintya?!

Ok ok - I'm fkn jealous.

Man, you got me pegged ALREADY?

[Jakedog]

I've owned a butt load of early Am. Std. strats. I like them, and I don't... Forst off, great build quality, very nice necks. Second, I love the pickups of the early ones. From the first ones up to about '95 or so, the pickups are different. After that they don't sound the same. Fender claims they were not changed until the debut of the "American Series", but I'm not the only one who thinks they sound different after '95. They look the same, but they don't sound it. The earlier ones are where it's at for stock strat pickups in the modern era.

What I don't like about the early ones I've had are- 1. The body contours. Later strats (and much earlier ones) are contoured a lot deeper. They are much thinner at the edges of the tummy cut and arm contour. This makes IMO for a much more comfortable ride. The guitar just "sits" better on a strap for me, and is more comfy overall. I know, it's a personal preference thing, but it makes a big difference to me. 2. The fretboard edges on the early ones seem a lot sharper to me. The later ones getting into the 90's weren't rolled like the American series, but were not nearly as sharp as the early Am. Std. guitars. I love the neck shape of the early Am. Std., but never liked the fretboard edges.

Overall, I think they are great guitars, and will be the next Fenders to start gaining significant value. People laugh when I tell them that someday these will be valuable vintage guitars. But you have to remember, people used to think that 70's Fenders would never be worth anything. They don't fetch pre-CBS prices, but they have gone up quite a bit from the days when I was in high school and could buy them all day long in pawn shops for $200.

I hope you enjoy your guitar. My first strat was a brand spanking new 1990 Am. Std. in Midnight Wine. I would very much like to replace it someday.