6 Fender Strat Plus Guitars 1993 1989 & 4-1987's All Original By Scott Grove

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[@pierretombale3745]

when i bought a brand new one 1994, I wasn't aware that i owned the best strat ever made. today i want to cry when I watch this video :) Fender should redo it !

[@derwood7305]

Probably the most honest review I've watched online. And at about 49 minutes, I watched it all.....these are my favorite guitars too. And this was very interesting and informative. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this out there for us all. Cheers

[@groovydjs]

You had another message about the RAZZBERRY that I don't see here. Yes, I misspoke and said it was from '97 when it was certainly not. Good catch. Trying to do that many guitars at once.....my mind turns go mush more than normal. lol

[@derwood7305]

well you sure have a lot of stock! easy to go to mush brain lol. i sure would!

[@ahoneyman]

I miss this era of Fender. They tried different things and didn't treat the pre CBS Strat as this holy Grail that can never be changed.

[@Pstaines439]

Once in a while, when I'm feeling the regret of selling my two Strat Plus(es) years ago, I come here and listen to you playing. Thanks Scott.

[@groovydjs]

Thank you so very much. I would actually have to say that the whole collection was purchased for less than a million. Most are not majorly expensive. I really can't find any guitars that cost over $3,000.00 that I care to own. Those price tags are USUALLY reserved for vintage guitars and I have no desire for any truly vintage stuff. I would rather have guitars that have more modern and usable features. Thanks for looking and asking.

[@barbarasmith3579]

Now thats a balanced attitude Scott, and rare for a musician! Really enjoy your strat plus demo!..thanks so much!...Jerry

[@soulfunk68]

I had a Strat Plus in 88 and it was amazing....stayed in tune better than other strats and lace sensors sound killer.........one of the best strats ever produced. Kind of an update of the Elite in a way.

[@harryt988]

Very nice video and well focused ! I’m looking at a Strat Plus and I’m glad that I found your channel to help me make a decision

[@adavgt2873]

This is an old video but really useful! Just picked up a 1995 Strat Plus in blue pearl dust finish... first Strat I've ever owned and couldn't be happier.

[@Themarksound]

This video came at a perfect time really. Thanks for another truly informative session I always watch them in their entirety never too long for me! I learned as usual,,Thanks again Scott.

[@xrayzerox]

Thanks for the video and it's history for those that don't know. I remember these guitars at the music stores before the music stores started closing up. I miss them.

[@FelixIsMyName]

The brushed metal work looks so nice on these. The first guitar that made me want to play guitar was the Strat Plus :)

[@exheads]

Thanks for the video Scott. Very informative.

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

Had one exactly like it same amazing blue paint job. Always loved the Lace Sensor Pickups. Very cool to see one again. I have a beautiful transparent white one on layaway right now. Can't wait. Got plenty of playing work for it too.

[@groovydjs]

Thanks so very much! I'll keep on keeping on my friend. I love the Blue / Silver/ Red set too. They came stock on the early versions of my James Burton model Teles and they are a stock set over at Lace. They are an AWESOME set to drop into any axe. There's a very good reason for them being a staple that has lasted so long for them, they simply work amazingly well together and all 3 pickups have a higher output for a sound that is much more in line with TODAY'S styles. Great stuff!

[@davechapman7735]

thanks Scott, nice demo's. I have an 87 strat plus I bought here in NZ and I love it ,the Lace's are certainly very responsive . best wishes Sir. NZ

[@groovydjs]

My pleasure my friend. Yeah, the surf is one of my favorites of all time too. Yeah, the deluxe and Utras all have the Lace's in them. Just different "COLOR" combinations of the pickups as you stated and then the Ultra has the DUALLY pickup in the bridge, which always has a split switch. They sound a bit different simply because they are not at an angle like a typical Strat. The Plus Deluxe also have the 3 different color lace pickups and the tilted bridge pickup.

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

I have a few of these, I put humbuckers in the bridge. I really like them

[@glenmcarroll]

Hey Scott, thanks for the info. I have a 89 plus in light blue sparkle. Silver lace sensors and walnut finger board. I played a ton back in the day. It’s still like brand new. They are so well built. It’s time to slap on some strings and let’er buck!!!! Cheers

[@DanielFerrellMusic]

Man..I really miss my blue burst Strat plus. I wish to god I still had it.

[@billnicholson9095]

i still got my blue burst strat plus deluxe i bought in 1993

[@timbennett6644]

Still have mine... Now vintage..lol

[@shinyheadmusic]

Same. 89 blue burst with a maple neck. Threw on the higher gauge string roller nut, replaced the pickguard with something gray, but I loved that axe and wish I had it again!

[@derwood7305]

Awesome! My #1 guitar is my 1993 Plus Deluxe with R/S/B Lace Sensor's. My fav pickups too.....mine is an older PlDlx with the Wilkinson nut....

[@shaindaman13]

Scott! Havent talked to you in forever. I just got one of these that is SO freaking sweet! Sheer happenstance that I ended up with it not remembering how much you liked those. I was almost certain those brushed nickel looking locking tuners were added on until i checked out the vid you posted years ago with your Pewter Burst model. Im ecstatic about mine.

[@Mike_D_5150]

Great video! Thank you.

[@groovydjs]

Very cool. I like the purple one that is in my 5 string guitar. It sounds really sweet.

[@mrc7966]

Just watched the whole thing. What a superb wealth of information. I'm a touring musician, building a Strat' based on an '88 (E4) Strat' plus neck I found and purchased. Lord only know what happened to the rest of it but from the information on here I'm now pretty certain it's a genuine '88 Strat' plus neck. Has the full Wilkinson nut, no string trees and the brushed finish on the tuners, says E4 on the headstock but 88 on the heel of the neck. I couldn't afford to tour a 3k Strat plus, but I've sourced the correct plus bridge and saddles and a set of Lace gold's, a TBX pot and all the other items necessary including a new two piece alder body to build a Strat' that's as close to an '88 plus as I could make it. It'll never be the real deal, but then I couldn't tour with the real deal so it's perfect for my needs. This video is outstanding and has helped me hugely while putting my workhorse together! Thank you!

[@TheDunateen77]

Great video, lots of good info on these guitars,I love them !

[@groovydjs]

Glad you like them!

[@MrSammy1776]

Right on scott..I love fenders guitars from this period.There are some great tele's from this period too,if you find a good one you'll know it.

[@groovydjs]

Thanks Andrew. I've found a few of the Tele Plus models that I want (the version 2 that have the Strat placement of the 3 pickups), and they've all simply had some finish dings that were too severe in order for me to pull the trigger, or someone replaced the pickups etc. It's much harder to find the Tele's and even more, in great condition due to those hard corner edges. Those ding up so very easily. But, I will find one for sure with the binding on it! WOOHOO!. lol

[@groovydjs]

You are so very welcome. I've been looking for the VG Strat in perfect condition so I could add one to my collection, but I have yet to find a good one. If I had one here, I'd be doing it for sure for you. I saw the Roland one also and want one of each also. So, I'll pop them on here as soon as I find perfect condition ones to buy up.

[@smartypantznumber2840]

plus and aerodyne..luv em..nice show Dr G.....

[@groovydjs]

I'll check them out for sure. They LOOK great. I have to travel over a hundred miles to get to a store that would carry them, but....it would be worth the drive!

[@jackmaddox4960]

in 1987 when I was 17 a guy I know who worked at Guitars Etc. in Tucson AZ called me and told me they'd just gotten in these new Strats called the American Standard Strat Plus, and that they were BITCHIN'... Trippy pickups, roller nuts, 'locking' tuners (wow!), and a really cool tone control... I drove over that day, and before I left I put down a down payment on a Graffiti Yellow Strat Plus with maple neck, and the 'full' Wilkinson roller nut... It was my main stage guitar for many years because that bright yellow just jumped out under stage lights... Man I loved that guitar... Still do, actually! It's sitting next to me here on the couch! Coincidentally, given what you said at the beginning, my main stage guitar later was a Partscaster, with a Warmoth 24" scale birdseye maple Jaguar neck with ebony fretboard and stainless frets on a Swamp Ash Strat body with Lace Chrome Dome single coils and a Seymour Duncan 'Allan Holdsworth' model humbucker pickup with an aftermarket Filter'tron-style chrome cover on it just for yuks, in a HSS configuration, the TBX tone control, and a vintage Kahler 2320 flat-mount trem with Floyd Rose locking nut... Slickest guitar I've ever played, until some thieving magpie broke my heart... Vile sinner, he took something I loved like an old friend...

[@FelixIsMyName]

I've got a '93 Strat Plus Deluxe in Blue Burst, love the plus and I've been trying to find a Graffiti Yellow Plus in the UK for the last few years with no luck!

[@dagflater]

The reason for the hipshot tremsetter - at least why I installed one in my 1986 Japan Fender Contemporary Stratocaster HSS - is to keep the OTHER strings in tune when you bend one string - so you can hit another string and it will be in tune (not flat)... so I was very happy to see them in a bunch of Strat Plus's I bought later.

[@massimos6863]

Awesome playing and great Demo thanks

[@toonz9971]

When I was just starting out in the '90s I remember seeing Lace Sensor pickups in all the magazines. I've always wondered about them. Those Strat Pluses look pretty sweet. I like that surf green one.

[@CunningStuntsGoFast]

i got an early 93 in natural finish , i know early because i got the closed nut . i was thinkin of tradin it for some other strat since i got it over 20 years now , is it worth more then a normal strat from 93 ?

[@groovydjs]

Hi my friend. Yeah, the fingerboard radius makes for a HUGE difference. I prefer a 12" radius. It's nice and flat for much faster lead playing and the notes don't fart out on the bends like they do on the typical Fender necks with the 7.5 or 9'5" radius. Those tend to be more comfortable for rhythm playing. It follows the curve of your palm. The flatter, 12" radius will be found on guitars like the original Jacksons, Kramer, Ibanez Wizard necks etc. , just majorly helpful for lead playing.

[@WayneSorbelli]

i love your videos. been a fan for many years. i too have an 88 ultra plus in pink just lik ethe one on your back wall. it's also my favorite American made strat ever - not mhy favorite guitar ever, but my fav usa strat

[@groovydjs]

Thank you! Yeah, they are awesome Strats for sure. I'm glad that you have one and know what makes them superior to most all the others out there.

[@DICKSLEXIA]

Your a walking encyclopedia Scotty!!! Love your work mate (:

[@groovydjs]

The LSR is amazing for sure! They should be on every guitar out there. The Gibson style or strange string angle string pull headstocks REALLY need them bad. I would love to have them on all of my acoustics.

[@clivedavies3]

Great guitars Scott, I love Gold sensors that mellow bluesy sound just keeps me noodling away all night until I fall sleep lol. Hope you and your family are well. regards Clive

[@francescosessa8719]

I own a '91 with three gold pups. I think your review is very well done and says everything that could be said about these guitars, which are definitely the best American made Stratocaster I have ever had the chance to play. I think the quality of the wood of the neck makes also a big the difference in what you can usually aspect from a regular production Stratocaster. It adds to the clean sound that little extra "plus" that makes the guitar a must if you are a fender strat lover. Thanks for the review.

[@HAMMERTIMENOW55]

Thanks for the review Scott, I’ll be picking one up later, 1998 Fender Strat Plus natural.

[@groovydjs]

Very cool !!! I hope you love it as much as I do. The natural is beautiful.

[@scottleeper]

I LOVE those colors!

[@5150show]

Love my 91 midnight wine strat

[@groovydjs]

Very cool. The Mosrite Ventures models are the ones that are REALLY associated with them. Fender was just looking for something else to put on the market. lol They turned out great and I only remember seeing the Ventures posing with those Fender models in the one ad, who knows if they actually ever even used them for anything. lol That is great that your dad has one. Too sweet! Mosrite has/ had some cool guitars.

[@groovydjs]

Exactly, it is just a shade off and has a little something extra in it that makes you think pink when you see it, but it's stuck in limbo between those 2 colors. lol

[@groovydjs]

Good question. You have everything nailed. Silver Lace Sensors, I like the 25" scale of the PRS, I'd go with the LSR nut and a hardtail with no whammy and no pickguard, just straight into the body. The finishes were too cool to cover up.

[@drivin69]

i just had one of those lsr nuts put on… awesome little contraption my old nut got worn out from wamy .

[@groovydjs]

Thanks Michael, I'm like you I enjoy the history, wish that these would come back too. Just such great guitars. And I can't bring myself to buy a banged up guitar either. That's just such a tough thing for me to lay down good money for. lol. And the color thing, mercy, that is tough to open up all of the Musician's Friend type of magazines every 3 months and see the words "NEW" above all of these SAME guitars with the SAME finishes time and time again, but they call them a NEW model. lol

[@rtwjoe]

nice collection

[@groovydjs]

Thank you too. Yeah, I miss this kind of quality being around on a regular basis from Fender without having to go to the Custom Shop. Cool thing is that you can still get these for less than the custom shop Fenders via eBay...as long as you go for an average color...you can get them for under a grand and they will kill the Custom Shop quality. To bring them back would be amazing, and probably very costly. So, used is the way to go for sure and grab the next classic.

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, I've seen them for quite a while on eBay and have always thought that they LOOK like nice axes and they have good specs on them and the reviews are good and people really seem to like them. I was looking at their flying V style that they had out a while back that had the 3 P90 pickups and a 5 way switch. If I see another one of those discontinued models that pop up, I'll go ahead and grab it up. It looks worth a test drive for sure. So, I'm all for them so far.

[@sm1tty031]

I have a 1987 E4 Strat Plus in Antique White. E489980 I bought it used in 88 less than a year after it was built in a guitar store on Long Island and it had been modified with Humbuckers. Dimarzios . I love that guitar and I still have it

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Best Strat ever made. I put a Hipshot Tremsetter in mine from day one. They even pre-drilled the hole for the Tremsetter at factory. Mines a late 93. Edit. I didn't realize your just doing Plus guitars. Mine's a fully optioned Amer deluxe plus. Fender/Floyd Rose bridge, 3 color Lace, roller nut, locking tuners, TBX tone. In 26 yrs of use this thing never goes out of tune. My whammy is adjusted to moves up and down. I've got the tortoise shell pick guard with white pups. Don't especially like that but ain't changing from the stock guitar since I think this is the best stock Strat made.

[@jay2xtremefy]

I got mine from a friend 2 days ago. All stock except the pickguard. My first US strat and i like it. Gift for my bday coming on october and i noticed this video was also produced on october. What a coincidence. 🙃🙃🙃🙃

[@RubbnnHcaa]

Raspberry strat plus (min 27:00) have silver, silver, blue lace sensors?

[@mjhealy3714]

Great video Scott! As always I really enjoy your discussion of each guitar's history. I'm still searching for a strat plus to call my own. Most of the ones I come across are too banged-up for my liking. But I'm in no rush. I just really like the components these guitars were made with. I wish Fender would bring them back. And I very much agree about Fender needing to bring the colour back to their designs. Same with Ibanez, too. Cheers, Michael.

[@b577960]

Thanks Scott- I have two Strat Plus Deluxe guitars, a black 89 with the Wilkinson nut and a 97 wine red with the LSR. My 89 has the 2 silver and one Blue (bridge) Lace PUPS, while the 97 has the red, blue, silver combo. Personally I love the 89, it is heavier but it just sounds and plays wonderful. I have a 93 LP as well and others but the 89 Strat Plus is my absolute favourite. A thing I don't like about the 97 is the LSR nut. The Wilkinson to me anyway is superior- yes it limits the string size to 10-46 but it is fool proof. I find the with the LSR nut the high E string (1st) often comes off the bearing if playing strong rhythm. To me these guitars are the best Fenders ever produced.

[@smurphy28]

Someone parted out a 1989 stray plus and is selling the loaded pick guard (blue, silver, silver lace sensors). Is it worth buying and putting in my American Strat or should I find a Strat plus and sell my current 2001 Strat? Any advice is helpful. Thanks for making these videos!

[@user-uh4fl5jf5z]

Beautiful ❤ any ideas where I can get 2 replacement locking nuts?

[@shaindaman13]

Scott, I would love to talk with you about my Strat Plus. I had TOTLLY forgotten about the older videos you posted, which I had seen back when, but not recalled at the time I found my Strat Plus July 2018. In fact I was so brain dead at the time I actually thought those locking tuners on mine were something the original owner before me who had bought it new in early 89, had swapped them out to. Man,....just MAN did I ever uncover the best kept secret in the Fender Strat world. Once I got her home I wanted to do some research on it which led me straight back to your videos which, per usual informative as all hell and had me thinking, damn I remember Scott emparting wisdom on this guitar now. But I have to say after I got one in my own hands I couldn’t help but ask...Why in the HELL are these guitars not more popular?! They kick a normal USA Strats ass up one side and down the other. A farFAR superior instrument. I have a ton of questions for you, if you have time? I’d sure be grateful to [e-mail]. It’s been a long while since we spoke and I’d love to hear from you anyways.

[@rizzinthebox7124]

I think I sold part of my soul with the Strat. 1993 Fender stratocaster usa plus Lipstick red mint condition roller nut perfect ax ... I'm dead

[@groovydjs]

Thanks for the heads up on the name change my friend! Yeah, Beck is Beck and he will always sound like himself no matter what gear he uses. It's simply how a player determines the sound and tones way more than ANY of the gear used. Yeah, cool story on how these were meant for him huh? They just turned out too cool that Fender just released them anyway. lol I'll gladly do a video of that Challenger also. You are correct. I have 3 of them at the moment and just the one with the trem.

[@ddayxable]

Gosh man I really want one these. I may ask for one for high-school graduation in 2015. I just know these will be classics!

[@groovydjs]

Thanks Clive. Yeah, the old man, Don Lace, he really knew what he was doing when he came up with those original lace sensors. The kids that are in charge now are putting out junk (go figure...lol), but you are right, those original gold ones are just as soothing as they come. I honestly don't get it when ANYBODY puts them down. They are heaven wrapped in a plastic shell. lol

[@Krystof.Veritae]

Hello ...I Love the vids ...sound superb ....how would you describe the necks?...in comparesing to the Modern C shapes Fender puts out today?...any way you could give me the thickness measurement on the 1989 Silverburst one?...for the 1st/12 frets?....Cheers mate

[@shinyheadmusic]

My first electric was exactly the first guitar, same finish, except Silver Silver Blue sensors and maple neck. I miss that axe!

[@tonygrimsley]

Hi Scott, another great video. Not sure it would warrant a video on the subject but what are your thoughts on choosing fingerboard radius? I know it refers to the curvature of the fingerboard but any pros and cons to consider when you are building a guitar and have the option? Is there really any noticeable difference when playing? Thanks!

[@gerrydoyle2061]

what amp are you using ? it sounds really sweet, is it the amp or the strats ? I have a classic vibe 60s, will it sound almost identical with your amp ?

[@knust2329]

Hi Scott. Long time watcher from Germany. Thanks for all your videos. Do you prefer the regular Lace Golds or the Hot Golds? What's the main difference? Thanks again and greetings.

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, the sound is night and day. They are not even in the same ball park. It's not that I don't like Humbuckers, They are USUALLY not suited at all for classic country sounds. Humbuckers are best suited for rock and distorted tones, they have a LOT LESS high end in them. They are often referred to as MUDDY sounding because the single coil pickups are crystal clear and you can hear each and every note crystal clear where humbuckers are simply not very clear at all. But, superb for distortion.

[@simondoutre6225]

Satin/brushed finish hardware looks so good.

[@virgomonkey68]

So what happens to the value of these if you find one that has had the wilkinson nut removed …replaced with the lsr nut and black plastic gap spacer…has the sperzal tuners ….vers …ser # E46 xxxx…..does it retain the value? Top info by the way…

[@AzaelVI]

Was it production cost that moved Fender from the LSR roller nuts?

[@cliffbarone]

Thanks for this video Scott. Can you tell me if 1991 Gun Metal Blue - Strat Plus is a rare color? Seeing a stock one for sale, but price is not cheap.

[@BrilliantMuppetSex69]

by the way love ur vids, they are awesome

[@zakmichael]

Picking up a mint 95 pewter burst for a grand with the original case that most people sold.

[@groovydjs]

I hear you my friend. The Strat Plus Deluxe is superb. I have one of those too and they are amazing. Too bad that Fender no longer makes amazing guitars huh?

[@gabm999]

good stuuf man good stuff, goes good with beer too.

[@The8TrackChap]

Scott, thank you so much for making this video, it's much appreciated! The blue "pearl dust" finish is beautiful and I really like the surf green color too. One of my favorite Strat finishes of ALL TIME is the Bonnie Raitt Strat. Do the Strat Ultra models have Lace Sensor pickups? I remember seeing some with the Lace Sensor blue, silver, and red set. I'm not sure if these are the pickups in Strat Ultra guitars, or if people just swapped out the stock pickups for the blue, silver, and red set.

[@groovydjs]

It's worth saying 5 times for sure! Such a great color and axe for sure. Keep on saying it!

[@TSK-py2vy]

Hey Scott. Great video. Love your style. I’m looking at buying a Strat plus. The end of the neck says May but the stamp inside the neck cavity on the body says June. It’s an ‘89. Is that a problem?? Keep up the good work!!

[@xhefriguitars7946]

Nice Review!

[@groovydjs]

LOL, Thanks my friend! It's an all consuming thing for me for sure.

[@headknocker8999]

Love me some Lace sensors.. There's a deluxe plus local in gold that just looks & SOUNDS amazing!! It has Red Blue & Gold Lace Sensors.. For $1000 OTD near mint..

[@serratoanthony]

I found a really nice 93 strat plus for cheap. So happy

[@nalidbass]

anthony serrato Hello. Found myself a 93 strat plus as well. How much did you pay for yours?

[@gabeblackburn8036]

Very cool

[@H3DG3xC043]

my dream guitar

[@groovydjs]

Yeah, it's like a big bag of Skittles candy!

[@stonedrocker666]

@groovydjs its a p90 type deal right? i also love the explorer 3s you have, only because they sound great, the whole tune o matuc bridge and head angle can go somewhere

[@soulfunk68]

Scott have you ever tried a Fender Elite Strat from the early eighties? Are the flree flyte trems as bad as they say? How bout the sorta "proto lace sensors" they used in those models?

[@robrippen]

Really interesting. You say they all sound the same and seemingly so listening. I bought a Fender Strat Ultra plus pro I think. It was a 50th anniversary that was the n on the serial #. The lace pick ups were 3 different colors but the colors have faded from the guitar. Any way, in your opinion, Do you think mine falls into the category of sounding pretty much the same? Mine from what I can tell sounds pretty close to the ones you demoed to my untrained ear. Mine was blue with a pearl white pick guard... I always thought just a plain white puck guard would have been nice but like you I've just kept the original on it. I bought this guitar new but I dont remember exactly the year. I play it currently through a kemper amp and it really sounds very good to me but then again the only strat I've ever owned. Is mine being a 50th anniversary any more valuable?

[@groovydjs]

For sure. Those old ones are just buzzing machines and no 5 way switch. Just as nasty as they can be. With time comes major improvements and the Strat Plus' were AMAZINGLY heads above the dinosaur stuff. Vintage doesn't equal good.

[@scottsizemore3962]

comments are usually closed on your vids so I wanna take this chance to say that you are an excellent teacher having both watched your guitar overview vids (like this one) and bought your lessons. Keep up the quality work , and remain the beacon of guitar truth in a youtube sea of snake oil and and guitar superstition :) also what are your thoughts on the Lace Blue / Silver / Red set??

[@wootton900]

You’re right they sound identical it’s insane Rosewood or maple sounds the same

[@andrewmoran357]

Great vid scott - I really want one of these - do you happen to have any Telecaster Plus with the 3 pick ups - cheers Andrew

[@benrait6764]

Do all of your Strat Plus guitars have the Hipshot Tremsetter in them?

[@kutsbothways]

The surf green is the only Strat Plus I have ever seen like my old one. 444 serial, split nut, gold pickups and all; pretty sure mine was a 87 model. Sold it a few years back for 1200 wish I had it back.

[@philbarrows424]

PS Scott , you are Groovy and Waaay Cool, Fuck everyone's hating ways!!!