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Fender USA Stratocaster Plus 1989/1990 Eric Johnson loaded pickguard - $1,750 (SE Portland)
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These models came with Lace Sensor pickups (love 'em or hate 'em) and as many do I replaced the entire pickguard loaded with the Fender Eric Johnson selected mix of pickups with all new 5 position selector switch, CTS 250k volume and tone pots, capacitor and all matching cream color 3-ply pick guard, rear cover, knobs and trem tip. I think this cream color blends nicely with the Metallic Pewter. Original pickups are not included, everything included is what's on the guitar and the case.
The Wilkinson Roller Nut, Locking Tuners and string saddles are a matte silver while 2-point bridge baseplate, tremolo arm, rear neck plate and strap buttons are chrome plated. All of this give the guitar a look of quality.
This Strat Plus is incredibly stable and accurate holding tune and intonation better than most guitars I've ever owned. Pickup installation, fret dressing and professional setup done by Eastside Guitar Repair in Portland OR. As you can see in the pics I also had the volume knob moved down like I do on all my Strats so it's not as close to the high E string. This makes Strats much more playable in my opinion.
I've tried the tremolo bridge in different postitions of tilt, depending on whether I'm using the tremolo bar or not. Bridge is currently tilted back, action is ver low with no fret buzz. Intonation needs to be adjusted when the bridge tilt is adjusted. The Tremsetter spring is a nice option for people that like to use the tremolo bar option. There is guidance online for best set up on these Tremsetter springs.
About the Fender EJ Pickups and loaded pickguard (a $400 value from Fender):
With slightly hotter output than typical vintage pickups and a powerful combination of magnets, these sonically potent and highly dynamic pickups produce the perfect balance of clean, dirty rhythm and lead tones to satisfy all level of players, through any amplifier. The neck pickup is based on a '54 Strat pickup with oversized alnico 3 magnets. The middle pickup, based on a '63 Strat pickup, uses specially treated alnico magnets and is reverse wound to cancel hum when used with the neck or bridge pickup. The bridge pickup uses alnico 5 magnets and is specially voiced to be hotter without sacrificing that sweet top end sparkle. I can say these are very nicely balanced pickups, loud and clear with character.
This guitar weights in at 8.32 lbs, which is common for Strat Plus guitars with wood species, locking tuners, larger rolling nut, Hipshot Tremsetter spring, bigger saddle blocks, micro-tilt neck all adding a little mass, but also making a solid performance instrument.
At 35 years old it does have a couple minor surface scratches and nicks in the paint (see pics). It’s Pewter in color but has aged to a beautiful Metallic Olive in certain light. Fret wear is incredibly slight and frets are surprisingly bright for their age. The Fender case is not the original - it's a year or two newer (91-95 range). The case is also in very nice original condition.
If you have ANY questions (or want more photos) please don’t hesitate to let me know. Thanks for looking.