NGD - Fender Stratocaster

bgmartinsbridge

I'll post some pics shortly but I've just picked up a Fender Strat Ultra.

First year, so 1990.

Interestingly, it came from Japan, over ten years ago - and its got a little red passport like book, with like a coa in it. The book has Yamano on the front and on the paperwork, and has what looks like the name of the person that signed it off.

I know of the big Gibson association, with Yamano cherrypicking all the good tops. 

Anyone come across these before and I'm guessing it was the same thing for Fender, as Gibson. 

axisus

Weren't they top of the range at the time? and are they short scale?

I hankered after one some years ago but couldn't find one at the time. Nice looking strats, looking forward to seeing some pix!

bgmartinsbridge

They were considered top of the range, and just below, though some considered them on a par or better than custom shops. Standard scale for a Fender.

Rebar

Your best source of reference online is a guy called Xhefri. Google his web page. It may have details on your Ultra and, if it doesn't, you can contact him via the web pagw or on Facebook. He is a huge fan of this series and should be able to help you. Good luck with your new purchase - and feel free to add pictures

bgmartinsbridge

@rebar thanks.
http://www.xhefriguitars.com/page4.html

I've been a big strat plus fan for years and had an ultra before. 
I'll def email the guy at Xhefi.

Mines an E serial, so first year. 
One piece top. 

The really interesting bit is the red book and Yamano connection. 
I know Yamano cherry picked all the tops from Gibson and I'm presuming they did with Fender too

Just restrung, so will take some decent pics later today. 

bgmartinsbridge

https://imgur.com/gallery/bJ3aj73

I can't do the top justice in the photos. 
It's like a quilt... 

sunshinewelly

They are lovely guitars  I have the standard strat plus and it played better than my masterbuilt strat 

Gassage

These were actually a sequel to the 1989 released 35th Anniversary strat, much more so than as an evolution of the Plus etc range.

I have looked for yrs for a 35th with a quilted top.

littlegreenman

Now that is a nice Strat!

ronnyb

What colour is that Ultra? It doesn't appear similar to any of the colours in the Plus range.   

bgmartinsbridge

@ronnyb ;;
Check out the link I posted above. 
Here it is again... 
http://www.xhefriguitars.com/page4.html

In the colour section you'll note that the ultra colour chart is totally different, with loads of one offs. 

I am however trying to place an offical name for it...  Possibly a Crimson Burst (red centre, blood red/ dark edge), with a one piece maple top.