The BEST Stratocaster I've Ever Had | 1990s Fender Strat Plus Ultra | Review + Demo

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🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check Links In Description!
0:16 - Strat Ultra VS American Ultra
1:01 - Pertinent History
2:48 - Strat Ultra Special Features
3:17 - Special Features
6:59 - Inside Look / Specs
14:32 - Tone Demo
18:18 - Final Thoughts
20:00 - Condition
22:28 - Blacklight
23:08 - Case
📹 Mentioned Videos:
Learn All About the Strat Plus and Ultra Series: www.xhefriguitars.com/
American Ultra Strat Review: • Did You Get Wrong Pick...
70s Strat Review: • Are 70s Strats Really ...
Strat Plus Review: • Treble Bleeds and Tale...
📚 Description: In today's video we are going to learn about the 90s Strat Plus Ultra - the highest end Fender Stratocaster at the time underneath the custom shop. What makes these special? Tune in to find out!
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[@Trog]

🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/32278024-fender-strat-plus-ultra-1991-blue-burst?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly 🐕 Episode Guide: 0:16 - Strat Ultra VS American Ultra 1:01 - Pertinent History 2:48 - Strat Ultra Special Features 3:17 - Special Features 6:59 - Inside Look / Specs 14:32 - Tone Demo 18:18 - Final Thoughts 20:00 - Condition 22:28 - Blacklight 23:08 - Case 📹 Mentioned Videos: Learn All About the Strat Plus and Ultra Series: www.xhefriguitars.com/ American Ultra Strat Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3e7qGSJmJuGocU 70s Strat Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGGrp3tnd7h-rqM Strat Plus Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYbKn31smtGqZ5Y

[@tristanfeiken3695]

Have you ever played a early Korean fender ash lite?

[@marklockwoodk9115]

@@MBRMrblueroads z's

[@jonlennon3348]

I have an American Deluxe QMTseries H S S with a single push push switch/knob in a darker almost purple , ebony board made in 2006 ,locking tuners etc.This one has fender samarin single coils in front and middle and rear is a enforcer humbucker, 2 point synchronized tremelo bridge. The hang tag says rosewood when it clearly is ebony(I know woods). It also has S-1 switching ,LSR roller nut. C-shape neck with a bi-flex truss rod.It is gorgeous and worth every penny.

[@nicolaigryskevich3692]

can you do a video of the guitars that were"too good to let go".i feel like it would be very interesting to see which ones have been your favorites over the years.

[@engelsjn]

Nicolai Gryskevich love this idea 👍

[@bernardi5919]

The gold les paul axcess with the single p90 was one

[@kennethknowles8922]

This is still my main guitar, 20+ years after I bought it in installments. So good and versatile. Played grunge, metal, jazz, whatever!

[@nopants3560]

these were awesome ,my guitar teacher had one. I have searched high and low and they are so hard to find on the used market

[@avjake]

Holy cow, that's a lot of tones! It surprises me why any player would let go of a guitar like this.

[@bingobongo1615]

eJacob Cornelius I didn’t like the Sound. Strange sound.

[@5000rgb]

@@bingobongo1615 A lot of the unattractive sounds are really useful in some contexts. They may not be "big" enough if you are in a power trio but in a pop band with a keyboard or acoustic guitar they can come in handy. Some of the thinner sounds can poke through the mix without taking over, like if you were to play some arpeggios while there was big cowboy chords on the acoustic guitar. Some of the duller sounds are nice for thickening the sound while still staying in the background, so to speak, like if the vocal and acoustic guitar are sort of sparse and you want to add some harmonic content and richness while maintaining that sense of space.

[@bushcry1]

@@5000rgb Nice!

[@thomkopal1740]

I had an Ultra with that exact same blue flame. Had the gold middle Lace too. The guitar felt great, and it was smooth to play. But the Lace pickups were compressed, with no air or chime. Terrible sound for cleans. I sold mine for cheap after a couple of years. After all, music is about sound, not appearance.

[@Gr-Ra5]

@@thomkopal1740 The laces need the right amp setting. Some people use PAFs for clean. These are no darker. They just set the amp up right.

[@rokero171]

What I love about those old Lace Sensor is that you can build your own humbucker using different combinations, I love that...

[@l00t3R]

That colour is stunning

[@groovydjs]

TBX is TREBLE/BASS X-pander. So, it increases the treble and bass (passive) and leaves the mids alone.

[@Xcorgi]

Nice 👍 job schooling this young guy Dr. Groovy! You’re still the go to guru about what’s what on guitar gear. 😁😁😁

[@xxdfoster]

@@Xcorgi not sure what you're on about getting schooled. Young man made a far more in depth video than you could ever pretend to attempt to muster from the depths of your gramaws basement.

[@Xcorgi]

@@xxdfoster Apparently you’ve never checked out the tons of reviews Scott Grove from Groovy Music lessons has been doing for YEARS on KZbin.

[@Mini1124]

Also I heard that Call of Cthulhu bit during the demo!

[@K_N.H.]

Yea me too!

[@davidlouisviva]

My 89 Strat plus is hands down the best Strat I have ever played. Also a workhorse that always stays in tune and rarely needs a set-up. This guitar is more reliable than you thought a guitar can be. Having worked in guitar stores, I have played hundreds of strats so I speak from experience. This is the first time I have heard high praise for the Plus and Ultra series. I always thought it was my little secret weapon. Guess the secret is out.

[@DBCooperPDX]

89 strat plus here too, the greatest guitar I've ever owned and played, never getting rid of her

[@mikelinden214]

I have a custom shop version from the late 80s that has a set neck. Mine has a mahogany body as well. It’s an incredible guitar.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

I really didnt think fender ever did that at all till i saw this comment

[@snottyboy9983]

Holy damn

[@arthritisankle]

😳

[@big_bicep_bill7594]

That sounds cool as hell

[@stevestevens1457]

Can you share some pictures?

[@unclemoe510]

Always considered the Strat Plus era as the second golden age of Fender. Love the Lace sensors. BTW Kudos for shouting out Xhefri and his site. He is a wealth of Plus/Deluxe/Ultra knowledge... Great video.

[@Gr-Ra5]

Yep. As Strats go: The 57 (+5-way switch adaption), then the Plus with Laces. The absolute high points.

[@APPEALtoFEAR]

I always thought those "humbucker" Lace Sensors looked awesome. They look even better in black. I own an '89 Strat Plus , but it has 3 single coil Fender Lace Sensors. I don't understand why Lace's get such little recognition. They sound amazing and are extremely versatile.

[@nopants3560]

Fender were subject to snobby hate ,at the time. My Squire Tele from 1997 made in Taiwan was thought of as a piece of crap and now they are worth more than 20 years ago with a "traditional" 60's sound LOL. All the Lace haters thought it ruined the look and so it wasn't a real Strat . I bet they'd love to get their hands on one now.

[@b_errorb_error4359]

I’ve got one also in the graffiti yellow finish. My all-time favorite fender color.

[@Mini1124]

The visual explaining the two rollers on the nut was great, love your videos!

[@GolddenWaffles]

The higher quality of this videos is amazing!

[@vincec.202]

That’s a BEAUTIFUL example of one for SURE. Of all the examples in the photos, yours is by far the stunner IMHO. I remember Clapton was sporting one when they came out and(big surprise) he made it sound GREAT.

[@johncullen5230]

Lovely to see this review.I bought one back in the day.Beautiful flamed red but with the plad rectangular case.Thanks enjoyed the review👍

[@phoenixlandingstudio6594]

DUDE! Brilliant video and that is (in my humble opinion) Fenders ‘best’ strat era. I play a Jeff Beck 1992 model on my channel. And your right I have not had to repair or replace anything, she is a work horse in my studio. Great work man!

[@BeefheartLynch]

I absolutely LOVE this Stratocaster. I never knew it existed. Wow! I sure would love to get my hands on one. Ebony fingerboard, cool nut, flame top, wow.

[@Hatari2]

Loving the new camera angles on this video, it reminds me of how Emerald City Guitars do their videos.

[@garylinch3083]

Great to see a well shielded Fender guitar. Not always the case Love the Lace Sensors. Once saw Scott Gorham playing a strat with Lace Sensors. Awesome sound

[@kaicho8888]

You're right about that ebony fretboard! It's soooo smooth! I've got four Gibsons ('67 thru '99) with ebony fretboards that have more visible grain and not as smooth as that Strat! Thank you so much for all your informative videos!

[@alwaysopen7970]

I have a no name S type neck (Boogie?) I got in a store in the early 80s and it has a really tight grained RW board that looks like that; mirror sheen and all. I love it. I have played the frets down to "work on them" stage so might have that done to the guitar.

[@luisgpr1]

Many years ago, I was lent one of these Ultra 1992 strats for a few months, I dare say that I have never found another like it, I am stll looking. Beautiful instrument, the loved everything about it. The details where everywhere, from the 2 point bridge with stainless saddles, great sounding pickups, immaculate finish on the neck, perfect intonation and setup. That was for me what any strat should strive to be.

[@donttalktome4696]

Been a fan since about 26k subs! Please keep doing this!

[@marc-antoinejean6428]

In fact all the American Standard from the 90s’, Lonestar Strats, Big Apple Strat, strat plus, strat plus deluxe, and ultra... they all have the swimming pool

[@stamppedals3536]

Marc-Antoine Jean sad feature

[@JohnWilliams-js7pw]

My "99" Roadhouse Strat doesn't have the "swimming pool" routing, my "93" Strat plus does...

[@xxdfoster]

Dude amazing video. I've always wanted to see what is inside my axe. Thank you for sharing

[@MichaelBrown-ny3et]

Amen brother! I have a 96’ and it was the best purchases I’ve ever made. Mine still looks new with sunburst flame top. LSR nut. A pain to restring but a killer guitar and very versatile guitar.

[@nyambe]

I found you because of this video about a year ago, been a fan ever since. I did buy the strat plus used

[@arielista]

I have a 1993 it's my number 1 strat. I've many but none play and sound like the Ultra. Mines has a gold middle sensor as well. I also own the tele version with factory tremolo.

[@pohsibkcirrag6312]

Finally got one a couple of years ago after wanting one since high school. I had an American Standard and my friend had the Plus. I would love to have the American Standard back as well.

[@TheReKinn]

Hey, mate. I really enjoy your videos. Informative and interesting with guitars I've never seen before. That being said, I would like to say that some of the audio edits you do are incredibly jarring. The different cuts seem to fade out while another one is fading in and it's just incredibly unnatural and strange to the ear.

[@277southtombob]

I had a buddy that bought one of the Ultra Plus Strats in the early 90’s. I remember being super impressed with it when I played it. I considered myself lucky to play it, he didn’t let many people touch it lol

[@chadquinn6578]

Mid way thru watching this video I have to stop and compliment Trogly for playing Call of Cthulhu. Carry on

[@brianhazelwood5749]

I've got an '88 Strat Plus in Gun Metal Blue, Rosewood fingerboard, with 3 Gold Lace Sensor pickups. I was told by the dealer that the Gold series were a traditional 50's Strat sound with a little higher output. The Lace Sensors weren't really "noiseless", but noise reduced. They work quite well. Later, they came out with the Red (distortion) Silver (beefier 70's Strat sound) and Blue (P-90 bluesy sound). I kept toying with the idea of getting some of these different pickups but never did. I absolutely love this guitar. While I wish I still had other guitars I've owned in the past, I still have to say this Strat is, hands down, my fave.

[@TimIreland]

Awesome video. I have that same guitar. Bought it new in 92, will never sell it as it’s been my main axe ever since. Taken it all over the world, stuck a tortoise shell pg on it at some stage. Removed the roller so I could put 13’s on it and locked the trem down. Silky neck that never gets old and I’ve pretty much kept it in pristine condition with only one mark where my arm has worn the paint through. Mint!

[@monstrok]

I had a slight chuckle with a play on words after hearing the abalone discussion - A Baloney inlay: one that you can really sink your chops into. I remember when these Ultras hit the stores, but I don't ever remember seeing a flame top in person. This one is stunning!

[@markcheetah4960]

That's a nice color! Those early Strat Ultras and Strat Pluses are rare. Great find!

[@emilychristoff9404]

I had that exact guitar! Blue burst. It had a grey lizard wood hard case with black leather capped ends with white piping. Also it had a trem setter

[@jacobraeker3799]

Im a proud owner of one of these babies, mine has the same wear pretty much and the same color, i loved this thing cuz i grew up with it. My father bought this for me when i was still a tot and it made me want to play! Unrul fender rereleased the ultra strat again i could never find another fender the same as this one . Never knew who made the roller nut and locking tuners before this video so thanks for the history lesson 😎

[@quasar1]

I never understood why a bunch of people on guitar forums were hating on lace sensors. These fucking things blow any single coil I've ever heard out of the water but still keep that character while having the punch, clarity, percussiveness and lack of buzz of a humbucker. It truly is the best of both worlds and I'm a huge Jonny greenwood fan so it's lace or die for me

[@johnlexus1]

They should be categorized as normal, abused and collector conditions, bugs me to say this is a player guitar, its what it’s supposed to be used for!

[@wilson4180]

Jonny Chase guitars have become collectibles for people who don’t play them.

[@johnlexus1]

🤢

[@stringedassassin]

While I agree, I do think the term "player" is valid. As dude above said some people just collect them.

[@xxdfoster]

Dig

[@xxdfoster]

@@wilson4180 lol a non player hoarding guitars is almost as bad as someone saying , "gee your guitar sounds goOoOood"

[@glmoore001]

I have a 1998 Inca Silver Strat Plus w\ three gold lace sensor and the LSR Roller nut in near mint condition, no dings, no rash, no chips.. My Son calls it " The most perfect playing guitar in the world".

[@Wongwongwong10000]

These Fender guitars were awesome. 87-96 Fenders or even Squiers were great guitars . The Pro Tone Models, Ultras, the elites and the plus. Fender were at the top of there game. I loved the sound of the Lace Sensor pick ups. I had a light blue 1990 Fender plus great guitar sold it, had a Squier Pro Tone Black sold it. I wish I never sold those guitars. I have a squier e series Japanese and a white Fender Pro Tone with Lace Sensor pick ups great guitars.

[@metalmover]

I had 3 of these Strat Plus Ultras...I played everywhere in LA and surrounding cities for years with them. I was cleaning them off a few months back and fixing them up again for my 16yo. I went guitar center to get some parts and saw these new AMERICAN ULTRA SERIES....I was so taken back, I bought a strat HSS; then a tele (blonde) from the same ultra series. Without a doubt, the new American ultras are the BEST guitars fender has ever made....and that is coming from an old dude who LOVES his Strat Plus Ultras. I got pics of myself playing them at the Roxy and the Whiskey....Great guitars....BUT NOT AS GOOD AS THE NEW ONES.

[@metalmover]

@@chadwickhurlburt6529 back in the day especially...I was playing a lot and always seemed to have a marshall halfstack and other amps on stage....I liked the tone and noiseless for sure back then...today I just wanted the modern version of that guitar and I am blown away by these new Ultras.

[@adiohead]

Love the old Lace Sensor Fenders. I'd love one of these and also a Tele Plus

[@florentintise9425]

Watching this right now and already liking it 🎸🎶🎼🎧🙋‍♂️ Will get back when finished watching.

[@florentintise9425]

Really enjoyed watching this review and demo. I was sure that would be a locking nut. Never seen one of those before. You play well. I enjoyed watching the demo part. Have a wonderful day 🙋‍♂️

[@RickRomanelli]

Nice review, Austin! Thanks.

[@Ratchman_5000]

Wow. This guitar looks awesome. I can only imagine how that ebony fretboard feels. There is one exactly like this on reverb. Tremendous.

[@Old-Skull.]

I love the sound , even you are so sincere about demoing , it doesnt matter as long as we got ears and preferences about tones , for me is a guitar i would put on the top of my list together with a PRS SE 24 ,not only for the aesthetics, but for sound as well. Really interesting .

[@user-pg9yl9yr8f]

I'm lucky that I had a job and no mortgage back in day and bought both the strat plus and a 90 PRS SE 24. I have more guitars now, but they are my favorites.

[@Old-Skull.]

I feel so happy for you , I'm not there yet ,but i will meanwhile it's nice to know that somebody, out there is like a soul guitar mate . All the best brother enjoy life cause we are so privileged . 🤘😎

[@gringopig]

Sounds even better than it looks actually. Great playing too!

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Always wanted one of these! Love the beefy tone.

[@soulagent79]

The TBX-system was a standard feature also on the American Standard series of the late 80s and early 90s.

[@jsirius94]

Wish I had known of your channel a couple years ago. Local store had an aluminum strat for sale for a couple years before it moved on.

[@rhylanmorgan9537]

That top is BEAUTIFUL!

[@leebatt7964]

I have a few of these, love them. They stay in tune like no other strat. That tremsetter was factory on some, absent on others for some reason, supply issues i would guess. The deluxe plus is the same setup but without flamed top for those who like solid colors. If you don’t like lace sensors, buy a loaded guard with pups of your choice but i would advise leaving the original pickguard assembly intact for resale.

[@KozumaHeiji]

Love it! Very cool guitar! Just got a 1991 Am Std Strat and it's very likely a close sibling of this one! It even has the oddball N9 serial as well

[@robertshaw8371]

I've read that in this period, build year was the first two characters in the S/N , so "N" is ninety, and 9 remains 9, thus a '99 model. Hope the vintage wasn't the selling point, but if it kicks a__, who cares?

[@Tini.F.]

Excellent!! Now there are people trying to sell Stratocaster's from the bad days of bullet and three screws plate.. this makes me hilarious 😃.. I've had the very first Stratocaster after the CBS disaster: The 1979 Silver Anniversary, but now I'm very happy to own an 89 HM Strat: this is the axe of my life forever... some period (the very best!)... tbx, versatile pick up configuration... congrats to us 😃

[@jerrystephenson1172]

Yep, I have an'89 HM Strat & I love it. Plays & sounds so good, so many tones...a bitch to restring though.

[@richnewman]

I have an early 90's Strat Plus Deluxe with the lace sensor pickups, Wilkinson nut, and Schaller locking tuners and it's the best guitar I've ever owned. Tasty color, too, in a gray/black burst with the grain showing through (Ebony Frost).

[@thomaskafafian2871]

My best friend had and still has a strat plus deluxe with the natural ash body and the aluminum looking LSR roller nut. They apparently were famous for the nuts buzzing when the inside roller part got worn out. He replaced it himself no problem though. It's a beautiful guitar.

[@johncallender9711]

90's flashback! I know that Fender sticker... Have a '93 American Standard. Had a TBX, but didn't really care for it... swimming pool cavity as you pointed out, but I recently rewired everything and got an Obsidian Wire board with the blender pot and bought a set of Fender Hot Noiseless pups. The 90's modern thing was nice, but I'm an adult now and my ear likes different tones. Love the guitar more now...

[@TheQakman]

I have a 93 strat plus 3 lace sensors. Surprise gift from the wife for our anniversary.

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Thanks for that, I was 14 years old when these were in the shops and I remember them looking so cutting edge and super deluxe. But that's also what killed them off, people wanted that classic Fender Stratocaster and the Ultra was NOT a classic strat in any shape of form.

[@snottydoggmlgdank]

god, these early 90’s strats are absolutely beautiful, and i love the sound and look of the lace sensors too, this guitar in particular reminds me of a minature guitar i bought in some place lmao, dunno where i kept it but it was just a strat with a blue burst finish on, awesome stuff man

[@Vichedges]

I think they're fugly. Different strokes......

[@bipbipletucha]

@@Vichedges agreed. Hate poly finishes

[@Vichedges]

@@bipbipletucha I don't like Poly just because it doesn't wear but I don't think they're particularly ugly, I just hate transparent or opaque finishes. That green is just fugly to me. My first decent guitar was a Strat Plus, or whatever those were called, it had the locking nut and lace sensor pickups but I can't remember the exact model. Anyway, it was pewter and I still think it was one of the best looking guitars I've ever seen and I'm sure it had a poly finish. I traded it on a Les Paul Classic which is a great guitar but I wish I still had that Strat. I've been jonesing for a Fender and can't decide between another Strat, a Tele a Jag, a Mustang or a Jagstang. Really leaning towards a Tele though. I've seen some decent looking Squiers but I'm holding out for an American or Japanese.

[@oldeshoppebluzboy2298]

I been playing Strats as my go to guitar on stage for decades being a long in the tooth still treading the boards Roadhouse Blues Rocker and I so totally agree with you on this about Stratocaster Plus Ultra series builds being the very best Strats Fender Custom Shop ever built over the last 50 years essentially. I own a 1991 and a 1997, both ash body natural finish, Custom Shop Stratocaster Plus Ultra's with the Lace Sensor Ultra SSS pickup arrays of Red(bridge), Silver(middle) Blue(neck). These Stratocaster's were designed and built by Fender master builder Dan Smith during his tenure and era as head of Fender's Corona Custom Shop from like 83 to 98 or so I believe. The Stratocaster Plus series Dan Smith designed started showing up in 1987 with "Gold" lace Sensor pickup arrays. The Stratocaster Plus Ultra models never started showing up till 1991 I believe. Anyway, I am soooooo in total agreement that the Dan Smith designed Strats, 1987 thru 1998 Corona Custom Shop Stratocaster Plus models were the best Stratocaster builds ever built by Fender and nothing comparable to them in quality or sound has been built by Fender Custom Shop in my opinion still to this day. I am just bought another, a 1993 Stratocaster Plus Ultra from Music Go Round for $850 with its original HSC, which you know as well as I, that was a steal of a buy on a Dan Smith era Custom Shop Stratocaster. So now I own 3 ash body Dan Smith designed Corona Custom Shop Stratocaster Plus Ultra's. I prefer ash body Strats over alder body as well, totally different Stratocaster tone from a solid ash body Strat, not swamp ash either, Hank Aaron baseball bat ash...I prefer the ash body Strat Plus Ultras even though they weigh 13.8 pounds, heavy around the neck to wear for 2, 3 or 4 sets at 67, well yes for sure, but a totally different fatter bottom end soundscape and tone presence from the ash body models versus the more shimmery soundscapes from the alder body Strat Plus Ultra models..enjoy your channel uploads very much and best regards in all your KZbin and music endeavors sincerely. I have pasted a URL for one of the best informative internet sites on Dan Smith era Corona Custom Shop Stratocaster Plus series models for you and others..xhefriguitars.com/page4.html

[@TheDunateen77]

The nut In this guitar is a Wilkinson lsr roller nut,it was changed later to a smaller roller nut as people were complaining about certain string gauges not working well with the Wilkinson model

[@slowpoke7888]

I have that guitar but the blue is just slightly greener. I couldn't afford it in 1990 so I convinced a friend to buy it. He sold it to me about eight years later. My no.1 guitar.

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Great guitar Austin...I bought an Eric Clapton model bank in 96 and didn't like the mid boost feature after all...so I took it back to my local store disappointed...until the my buddy Eric (my sales guy) said...you know for the same money you can get a Deluxe Plus set up just how you want it...gave me a catalog..and I had one made to my specs...Vintage Blonde (or white) body with a solid maple neck in the vintage finish (yeah...the finish wore off the frets...so eventually had to steel wool them off), Gold Lace Sensors in all three positions, two point trem bridge with the LSR roller nut, Sperzel satin silver locking tuners, with a 3 ply white pickguard...God...I wish I still had that guitar! I feature a picture of the center of three body on my KZbin homepage...got it with a vintage tweed case with the orange velvety interior...I'm starting to cry now! Lolol Miss that guitar! 😎🎸🐦🤘

[@edwinstovall3334]

Austin, I HATE you!😄 I lusted after these things for YEARS after their introduction. I even had an opportunity to play one on a trip to New Jersey to visit my sister. Her husband of the time was nice enough to take me to 8th-Street Music in Philadelphia, and this is where the Ultra was. I saw it displayed in a glass case, and as soon as I did, I just went, "Aawwhh" ... you know, that "I want that" sound! My brother-in-law noticed and kindly offered to find a sales clerk to let me access the axe, but I wisely declined. They displayed the price for the guitar: $1500 ... a truly princely sum that was ENTIRELY beyond my means, then and now! I knew I'd love the guitar and couldn't buy it, so I passed so as to save myself some frustration! I recently got a chance to semi-replicate another guitar I lusted after but couldn't buy (Yay, me!), but I'll never be able to replicate that Strat Ultra. Ah, memories ...😎❤️️🎸‼️

[@basiledaudet5774]

I love those 80s headstocks. So unique !

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

I heard Doobie Bros sound in the beginning. Learn some of their riffs for these guitars. Nice work as usual.

[@mattmuttley]

Just when i think i dont need any more strats, you show me one of these. That guitar is gorgeous and clearly has alot of OoF.

[@xhefriguitars7946]

Thanks for the plug! You articulated the history and details well.... I am going to be rebuilding my Ultra page soon. I am waiting for George Blanda (R&D of Fender when Custom Shop first got up and going) to get back with me on some of the details about how they came into being. I did an interview with Jack Schwarz, long time Fender employee (Now Pres of Fano Guitars) who told me he came up with the Lace Dual and the mini-switch configuration. Stay tuned....

[@donarmando916]

Very nice Strat. I had once a Garry Levinson that looked kind of similar. It also had an Ebony fretboard and it really was super comfordable to play. I like ebony fretboards for playability but for sound i think a nice old indian rosewood fretboard makes the guitar sounding a bit warmer. What also made my Strat sounding warmer is the toasted maple neck. That really made a significant difference. I've got Texas Specials on my current Strat for N and M position and i like the sound better, but i don't like the stratitis. Sensors don't have that problem.

[@landonbailey]

I've never tried Lace Sensors stock in a Strat, but I do love them in the Tele and Strat clone I modded. really cool!

[@VictoryCBGs]

I’ve owned 2 Plus guitars and love em’. Mine have stepped locking tuners-the tuners get shorter as they get further from the neck. I got one used at a discount at a local GC because they thought the tone pot was broken(just the tbx control). Although the pickups may not be perfect, they sure are quiet single coils and sound great even out of cheap solid state amps.

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

I love how it changed colour during the demo :0)

[@kevinwolf6623]

That's it!! My first real guitar! In blue of course. Now I must buy one again.

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

I have a 1996 50th Anniversary BlueBurst Strat Ultra with both FenderFloyd and standard style bridges and the Alligator case in VG-EXC condition with all case candy. Thanks for reviewing

[@alexanderdeclercq982]

I have 91 strat plus, had the frets replaced with tall jumbo frets and it is amazing, i will never give it up. Highly recommended wether it's the regular strat plus, deluxe or ultra. they are all gems.

[@jackmaddox4960]

Trogly, that is the EXACT Strat I've wanted for as long as they've been around! But every time I had the money for one, I couldn't find one in that blue color (or they were crazy over-priced), so I'd decide to wait, and invariably end up spending the money on something else! When the Strat Plus first came out, I bought one of the VERY first ones that came to Tucson, with an 'E' serial #, and the signature on the heel is of the luthier in Fender's new Corona CA factory whose work is most sought after... Plus, it's in 'Graffiti Yellow'!! my favorite color for a Strat with a maple fretboard. But for the Strat Ultra with the ebony fretboard, that blue color is THE ONE for me! I gotta confess, I'm extra jealous! But my bright yellow girl got me thru about 15 years of steady gigging, and still plays and sounds better than most; only upgrades I did was putting in the LSR nut when it became available, and putting a single red Lace Sensor in the bridge position. A few years later I picked up a very nice Olympic white Strat Plus, but it didn't have the original pickups, so I installed a set of Lace 'Chrome Dome' single coils, the ones with the closed chrome covers; they look GREAT in a white Strat. It also has a maple fretboard, which is my preference EXCEPT when I can find an ebony one like yours. Lace Sensors are unusual in that they're supposed to be adjusted to just a couple millimeters below the strings, and when set up properly they sound great; but most of the time, they're set like regular SC's, and they just don't sound right. And if you really want to hear some great Lace pickups, find a Strat with a full set of the 'Hot Gold' Lace Sensors in it; they're hotter than the regular Gold ones, kinda like a 'Texas Special', with a hotter bridge pickup. That set sounds VERY Strat-ey! But the Blee in the bridge of this Ultra is voiced like a vintage HB, and the Red ones are voiced like a modern hi-output SC. So only the Gold one in the middle sounds sort Strat-like. Last footnote, the earliest Strat Plus models used locking tuners from Schaller, later replaced by identical copies made by Fender; those have an 'F' on the locking knob, whereas the Schallers were blank. I've heard there were some with Gotoh tuners that also looked essentially identical to the other two, but I can't confirm this. Anyway, I LOVE my Corona Strats, and I love this blue Ultra as well. Great Video as always, thanks for covering it, and apologies for my crazy long comment, I just really love those old guitars! For me, they were like the second 'Golden Age' of Strats!

[@martinclayton7260]

I bought my 93 strat plus brand new, and I've still got it. I took out that crappy trem setter, and fitted a standard trem with five springs. I had a Callahan trem block fitted, and took out those Lace Sencor pickups. I just didn't like them. I had Seymour Duncan pickups fitted, and I love it. But I must admit, I I could afford to buy that, I would, it's just beautiful!

[@reno145]

I got my first guitar, a Squier Stratocaster, in December, 1987. Shortly after, I installed Lace Sensors and a Kahler Flat Mount bridge and never looked back. I just tell people it is a prototype I made for Fender. Great guitar.

[@ranman1959]

I have a '91 in Antique Burst. It has a one piece top, gold middle Lace Sensor, Wilkinson roller nut, and Sperzel locking tuners. Great guitar. I think Jeff Beck still uses the Wilkinson roller nut on all his Strats; supposedly he has a stash of them since I believe they were discontinued many years ago.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

What a great show: just discovered it. Subbed.

[@sirmaurice1023]

Oh, Oof is out of phase, i was confused at first

[@bipbipletucha]

Same here lol

[@ojascki]

I thought it was Bridge "Oof, nice" at first. I mean, why capitalise "Oof" like that when the rest is all uppercase?

[@Ndlanding]

It's just the P is missing from "Poof".

[@dimensionstomorrow]

I’ve got the same one. Got it new was I was 15 so can’t ever get rid of this one! Kim and Kelley Deal from the Pixies/Breeders had the same model back in the day. Not classic “vintage”, but definitely from a cool era of indie music.

[@bananarama-nw9md]

I know it's a year late, but they still have them and play them. They are the strats they play, they haven't ever replaced them. You can see the same guitars in recent live shows and clips from the 90s it's awesome. Especially Kelley's guitar being all damaged.

[@BluesAndNoise]

The tremsetter will actually compensate unbent strings to keep them in tune when bending up, addressing a limitation in the Leo’s original design

[@giovannisf1709]

I played many times a Plus back in the 90s. Killer guitar.

[@MuntheDane]

Great sound. That is a beautiful fretboard.

[@1rwjwith]

They are great guitars, I have an 1989 3 lace sensor model. I like These Lace sensors even though I hear some negative stuff about later releases of lace pickups. Great neck , it was my main guitar from 1990 to 98 or so, mine now needs a refret so I have kind of retired it.

[@qurniahizry3176]

Wow this is the first time i got newly uploaded video on my recommendation

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The PU's are very nice for what they 'ARE' . The whole thing about buying a Strat is the classic Strat 'chime'. A Lace Sensor just doesn't have it. It is like saying the ultimate LP wouldn't have PAF PU's

[@OmicronTauKappaClassicDaddy]

I completely agree Paul. I had an Ultra just like the blue flame one in this video w/ H-S-S Lace Sensors and it sounded very doggish. The neck felt fine w/ ebony fret board and the body looked great of course but sounded very cheap to my ears so I sold it.

[@baileywatts1304]

I can get down with the Lace Sensors just like I can get down with a The Paul with the T-Tops or a Special with the p-90s. It's definitely no the vintage sound but I've enjoyed it in my hands and on a number of records released in the 90s, as Lace Sensors pretty much were the Smashing Pumpkins sound.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

@@baileywatts1304 You should check out the Lace Alumitones then. I have a Lace Cybercaster guitar.:-)

[@MarkSmith-mj6oo]

Paul Ewing - I have to disagree Paul, at least regarding the 3 single pick up Gold Lace Sensors. Notes sound like they are plucked from heaven - chords are a choir of angels! Apologies for the hyperbole - but Clapton said in ‘88 that the Lace Sensors made him fall back in love with the Strat - and with accolades like that....

[@pinSjon79]

Your voice and speaking reminds me a bit of Edward Snowden's. Great video, the guitar 🎸 is prime!

[@henryfrost8542]

The best Strat I have ever own. Brilliant sounding guitar.. I have had many Strats, but this one is the best sounding quality guitar ever 🎸🎸🎸

[@lichkrieg4898]

that color gives me an Ibanez vibe, the top gives a Gibson vibe, the pickups give that 80's sea of super strats, but mashed into a fender and I dig it.

[@bubbasouth69]

I had one exactly like it but fell on hard times and had to give it up. Man I sure do miss that guitar!

[@CJ-rf9jm]

Always loved these guitars since they came out. Never could afford 1 but would have 1 if I could.

[@tball5677]

So amazing I had to watch this again.

[@danielmankiller5098]

I remember when the Plus models came out. I really wanted one, but I had a 1970s Telecaster that needed refretting. I decided to make the 1970s Telecaster a clone or tribute to the Telecaster Plus. I also had a Honda CB750 motorcycle that was stolen and wrecked while I was refretting the Telecaster. When the Police called me to the crash site, I saw my CB750 emblem laying on the highway. I picked the emblem up, took it home, and glued it to the Telecaster, behind the bridge. After I installed a humbucker, new bridge, special electronics, and refretted the guitar, it became my favorite guitar to record solos with. One night, I was having a party at my house, and gambling with Jonny Greenwood. I lost my Telecaster Plus clone/tribute guitar to Jonny Greenwood in a bet. That is how Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead got his famous guitar, with a Honda CB750 emblem on it.

[@mannyprego9013]

I own a 1994 40th anniversary Strat Plus Ultra in my opinion one of the best Stratocaster Fender built. Mine has the LSR roller nut and matte chrome locking tuners, with 40th Anniversary logo on the headstock.

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Beautiful looking strat those lace sensors sound nice beautiful ebony fretboard 👌