1988 Fender STRAT Pink Stratocaster HM Guitar Review Scott Grove

[gattart]

Thanks, that was very informative! Looks like a very playable neck on it, I'm partial to SGs myself bu I'm considering an HM Strat, hopefully NOT in poofy-pink but, hey, could all guitars really be red, could they? Besides the sounds you're getting speak for themselves, great chops too! Thanks again!

[groovydjs]

@gattart There's one on Ebay right now in Goofy Green starting at $700.00 Seller has a ZERO feedback though. May not be a good thing. You gotta love pink though (or at least think about licking it now and then....lol).

[flowerdrop1]

what do u think is a fair price for one in good condition?

[groovydjs]

@flowerdrop1 For these, you can grab them at about $400.00-$500.00 on average in pretty good shape. You really can't beat that.

[ctalbert1]

@groovydjs I had this model same color about 10 years ago except with maple fretboard and I wish I wouldn't have sold it. I wasn't playing much at the time. These are high quality guitars that sound like a USA strat to a USA Jackson solist except I think they play and sound better than both. I didn't know they were made in Japan and I don't know if I agree w/that but nonetheless, it's an awesome guitar and I'm looking for another one used which I will keep for the long haul.

[groovydjs]

@ctalbert1 Yeah, they are just amazing axes and you're right, every bit as good or better than the Jacksons of that time. These do all have the Japanese identification on them along with the USA neck plate. They are pretty well documented. 1988 was 100% made in, and assembled in Japan, and all others were made in Japan and then put together in the USA.

[ukshrednoodle]

i sold mine, idiot!

[groovydjs]

@ukshrednoodle Oh NO! I can't imagine letting this go now that I finally got one. They really are cool huh?

[ukshrednoodle]

@groovydjs yes, why i sold mine i don't know! enjoy

[mikamee14]

Couldn't agree more

[mikamee14]

Ahhh another Japanese guitar fan.

[groovydjs]

@mikamee14 100% They smoke everybody in mass produced guitar building. Sure, any skilled guitar maker could do a better job, but given the choice of the off the rack guitars.....the Japanese stuff have proven to be amazing instruments for sure.

[DarkDVS]

@groovydjs They are VERY cool indeed!! I got a few gats like ibanez rgs etc but none have measured up to this workhorse guitar in my opinion...thanks for the heads up on where to get one :)

[groovydjs]

@DarkDVS Yeah, these really have that workhorse thing down huh? Everybody should own at least one of these things for sure. Thanks my friend and I hope you locate one.

[masstarvation]

Why do you have the most beautiful guitars? Waaaaw... that is just so cool

[groovydjs]

@masstarvation You are way too kind my friend. I really love 80% of these things and it will be a sad day when I finally have to say goodbye to them all.

[DarkDVS]

I had a blue HM it was my favorite guitar!! Then some degenerate stole it!! ive been lonely ever since :( can you still buy these guitars???

[groovydjs]

@DarkDVS That stinks. They are very cool huh?  Yeah, you can still find them quite often on Ebay.

[RavenMadd9]

just can't to put this one back together

[geckobaldy]

Does anyone know the significance of an F prefix to the serial no. as opposed to the E? Thanks

[groovydjs]

@geckobaldy On this particular guitar?

[geckobaldy]

@groovydjs Yep the HM strat H/S/S.Cheers.

[groovydjs]

@geckobaldy They used several messed up prefixes on this axe since it's inception in 1988. Most of which were simply made in Japan and assembled in the USA. The 1988, as I have here was the only one made totally in Japan, after that, then made in Japan and assembled in USA, after that, they finished up the run in USA only. The F stands for Fuji Gen Gakki on these guitars indicating a 100% Japanese build.

[groovydjs]

@geckobaldy They were generally used on Japanese instruments from 1986-87

[darvyowolf]

Lol the whole world will see it

so the .43mm nut will work then?

oh yeah i forgot I love that song ": Amy" would you be willing to play the whole song on yer HM?

[groovydjs]

@darvyowolf I would highly imagine that the.43 would do great. I'll have to do that song on here. I've taught it in some of my lessons.

[darvyowolf]

I Acquired an HM Body it has cracks in the Finish so i am striping the body(halso has Holes from Eye Hooks Some one thought it would be cool to hang it from the sealing with a bunch of other guitar bodies now my budy who is a tech for Sam Ash said the Floyd Rose will work on this how ever what Nut width ? i am getting the neck from Guitar Fetish Extremely great parts for low cost... Thanks for your Videos!!!

[groovydjs]

@darvyowolf It sounds like it will be a great and fun build.  The nut width on these is 1 5/8". I want to see it when it's all done!

[xLesPaulGibsonx]

Hey, Scott, I am REALLY considering getting this as a next guitar!

[groovydjs]

@xLesPaulGibsonx Very cool, there is a great Teal colored one on Ebay right now, they just listed it today!

[xLesPaulGibsonx]

@groovydjs Yup, just checked them all out, such low prices for such great quality instruments! It's a steal!

[groovydjs]

@xLesPaulGibsonx Exactly! You can't beat these things. Plus, like you said, you can pick them up for the price of a Squier. What bone head would pick one of those over these? lol

[xLesPaulGibsonx]

@groovydjs That's exactly what I say. My friend owns a couple of Squiers and compared to my 86 Ibanez Roadstar, which cost 75$, It's like comparing a Walmart guitar to a 1960's Les Paul. The reason I want this type of guitar so much is that, it has the looks and sounds of an authentic strat, but can still hold up to my Rock playing style. Even has the Kahler on it! Such a steal!

[groovydjs]

@xLesPaulGibsonx Yeah, it seems that everybody is always looking for the next new thing and they forget that there are some real gems that have been released over the decades. These are more deserving than the lack of attention that they don't get. lol

[InspiredProphecy]

Scott, was wondering if you could recommend me any sites, eBay sellers, etc. for this model Strat.

[groovydjs]

@InspiredProphecy This is the guy I get 90% of my Strats from. Of course to post the link, I have to put some spaces in here that you'll have to put back together. h tt p : / / w w w . g b a s e. c o m / stores/klik-n-shop-guitars

[123Closure]

"that half inch makes a half the difference ask the ladies" i started dying haha

[groovydjs]

@123Closure Somebody finally caught that part! lol Good ears!

[InspiredProphecy]

That tbx control is a beautiful thing to have. Scott are there any good Japanese Strats within the 1000 to 1500 range with a tbx control.

[groovydjs]

@InspiredProphecy Yeah, I love the TBX control. All of the Contemporary Stratocasters have them and you can usually get them for around $500.00 Sometimes less and they are so amazing. You can get this same guitar for that price too and it came from Japan in 1988.....they were still made in Japan after 1988 but assembled in the USA. So, there are a lot of these models around still too. Plus, you won't find a whammy that stays in tune any better either. Big Thumbs Up!

[ravenshield56]

Hey man! Havr you seen those Tele's that are pink and have the floral design on them? If so what model are they and do they come in different colours?

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 Yep, they came out in 1968 and 1969. Then Japan leaked a couple hundred out in 1983-84 and mass produced them 1985-86 and again in 1994-95 and again in 2001-2003. They had the pink paisley and the blue floral. There is one company that does the Paisley designs in various colors and that is CROOK. They do the majority of Brad Paisley's custom guitars. Then you'll find the horrible versions by Jay Turser on Ebay for almost free. I have all of the Stratocaster Versions of them.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs Ohh nice :D they look pretty cool, What is you oppinion on the Fenders? the Recent ones? I know every company pretty much went downhill when the year 2000 came xD although I hear Charvel make some nice guitars now

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 The Recent Fenders are GREAT also. They are still made in Japan and the Japanese Fender plant makes guitars way better than even the Fender custom shop. So, you can't go wrong with them. Don't forget......Charvel / Jackson is owned by Fender, so they will just be on par with the regular Fenders. But, on a good note, the Japanese Jacksons will likely be better, and of course cheaper, than the currently made USA Jacksons.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs ooh good good, I never knew that Charvel and Jackson where Fender! But it's like I was saying with the Classic vibe Squiers, even though it says Squier they are fantastic!

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 Yeah, Fender swallowed up a lot of companies. Just like Gibson took Steinberger, Kramer, Tobias and so many more. I was just checking out your Classic Vibe 50 and the world is talking about that guitar. It is actually a much better guitar than most USA Fender Teles. The good folks over at Squier really did a number on the (real ) Fender sales when they came out with the CV series. Why would people spend the big bucks on the Fender when this kills it. Good Job on the reviews.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs oh wow I never knew that :O well you know what they say, you learn something new everyday!

and yeah It's strange you say that... I went to my store and played this, along with 3 other USA Tele's and I didn't Like either 3 of them, I loved the Squier though, My perception of a good guitar is basically null, as I have owned 3 guitars in my life, so I don't really know what a "good" guitar is meant to feel like!

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 Yeah, it's whatever you bond with and those guitars are every bit as good as the REAL ONES. And the necks are actually a lot better feeling. That's where you'll notice the real difference, the neck just feels RIGHT.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs and thanks alot! I really hate them, my sounds through the camera is god awful, my playing is god awful and I really don't do it justice! I need to invest in a good mic when I get a job, and a real guitar teacher! Also It's the purists that want the "real" deal, I can see where those guys come from, but for a student like me who can't afford much, it's really a great great deal! :)

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 Yeah, it's always hard to tell through the little camera mics and a laptop speaker for sure. But, after a while, you learn to be able to hear what it's capable of through all of the shortcomings of the way it's recorded and played back.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs :) I think the Neck needs changing to be honest, could just be me but It does seem very muddy, and alot less "poppy" than I like, if you even know what I'm talking about! :P

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 I highly doubt that it's the neck's fault. It will have to do with what the bridge saddles are made of and what kind of strings you are using. The neck doesn't make a single bit of difference in the snappy and poppy department. I know exactly what you're talking about. So, it's either the bridge saddles or the strings or both.

[ravenshield56]

@groovydjs My bad!! I meant neck pickup!!!!! xD

[groovydjs]

@ravenshield56 True, the Tele neck pickup is famous for being a nasty sounding thing.  A replacement of it would be a great thing.

[Ericclapton24000]

Scott! You rock so much man! =D I love your videos! My dream is to one day have a collection like yours! ^_^

[groovydjs]

@Ericclapton24000 Thank you so much my friend. You can my actual collection as a matter of fact. If I live until 2024, that's when it goes on sale.

[williamandsusie]

I tried a blue one like this a long time ago....it was the guitar I wanted to buy back in 1988-89...I loved it. It had some sort of sentimental value to me back then... I wish I could find a mint condition blue one like this one...all original, or at least the same parts, but new...anyone has one for sale, at a decent price, let me know. Thanks.

[groovydjs]

@williamandsusie Yeah, I love that teal blue one too. You're right, finding one in good condition is impossible. I find the single humbucker one every now and then. I'll keep you posted on any that are posted and I'll toss in the Ebay item number for you in here my man.

[RavenMadd9]

scott its the way my friend bought it

[groovydjs]

@RavenMadd9 Awesome my friend!

[RavenMadd9]

just to let you know ......not all the stripes match

[groovydjs]

@RavenMadd9 The carpet don't match the drapes? lol

[RavenMadd9]

theres my axe ...mine is black marble........lol

[groovydjs]

@RavenMadd9 The black marble is the one I want. What color is the stripe? White?

[RavenMadd9]

@groovydjs ...looks like day-glow blue .....the bridge I had to rebuild

[groovydjs]

@RavenMadd9 I found a couple dozen of the black marble ones and all had the white stripe, I did come across one though that the guy said that he "customized" that had the teal blue stripe on it.

[bmiranda2645]

Awesome Strat partner. Any guitar can sound perfect if you just drop some Dimarzios or Duncans in it. Even better if the guitar happens to be built really well. Those pickups really allow the sparkliness of the strings to shine through those heavy effects. The only reason I don't have a guitar with a double locking trem is because I do not want to cut my balls off.

[groovydjs]

@bmiranda2645 Dimarzios dropped in.....I'll agree with, Duncans...I'll drop every Duncan ever made in the toilet and not think a thing about it. I've never heard a good one. Anderson put them in my Groovy 32 and I'm pulling them and selling them. They are HORRIBLE. lol Just nasty, nasty pickups. Yeah, you can keep your balls. lol I wouldn't want to take those from you. lol

[bmiranda2645]

@groovydjs oh. I didn't know Seymours were that bad as they happened to be selected for the 32 guitars. But I heard you saying they are too bright or something. Luckily, the guitar I wanna buy next is a Music Man Axis HH with 2 custom DiMarzios installed.

[groovydjs]

@bmiranda2645 Yeah, I hate all Seymours, never heard a good one. I'm yanking those out of my 32 and putting the good Lace Sensors in it. Then it will sound like a real guitar. Most DiMarzios are MUCH better than ALL Duncans. I like all of the DiMarzios that are stock in my Fenders.

[Guitarvirtuoso666]

is the bridge pickup the Dimarzio Super Distortion? It has the typical "hollow" polepieces

[groovydjs]

@Guitarvirtuoso666 It has the typical Dimarzio Super 3 in the bridge.

[gitarmats]

Maybe the previous owner who played it so much was Scott Mishoe. He used to play one of these. Hehe!

If you search "Scott Mishoe slap n pop el. guitar " in Youtube you'll find a crazy video where he's playing one.

[groovydjs]

@gitarmats Yeah, Mishoe is cool and he's playing the same model as this one.

[outtacastatv]

hi mate any chance if some of us got together could you do a tour of ur guitars like musem? i'm in uk but would be prepared to come over

[groovydjs]

@outtacastatv Anytime my friend.  It would be my pleasure.

[ewaters70]

sweet I had when of these when I was like 19. It was all Black. Wish I never sold it

[groovydjs]

@ewaters70 I hear ya. So many I wish I had never got rid of. I'm slowly getting some of those old memories back again. lol

[kamaboko1]

Very cool guitar and great history lesson on it.

[groovydjs]

@kamaboko1 Many thanks!

[groovydjs]

@MoneyAndTaylors Thanks my man. The Strats are easily one of the best inventions in the past century. With as many versions as they've had for it.......pound for pound the most versatile axe made.

[bigredridinhood]

I fell in love with one back in the eighties. It was in a music store brand new, it was black, and I was thinkin at the time, that this was gonna be Fenders new Stratocaster, that the classic stratocasters were gonna go by the way side. How naive I was back then! We thought those days would last forever, LOL. Thanks Scott, for that trip down memory lane!

Mitch

[groovydjs]

@bigredridinhood I hear you my friend. I loved those days. Then Nirviana had to come along and screw up all the fun. Music was so much fun back then. All about the clothes, the makeup, the lighting and sound and the neon colored, pointy guitars and Floyd Rose whammy's, chicks in ripped up fish net stockings, tons of sluts in your videos. Now what do we have? Rap. WOOOOHOOOO. lol

[JacobSijsma]

Such a coincidence, I was just gonna ask you to review this one. Never figured you where actually a proficient metal player hehe. Anyway keep them vids coming, I'll watch em all.

[groovydjs]

@JacobSijsma LOL, I love it all my friend. As long as it has strings on it and it's plugged into an amp, I'll listen to it and love it. It don't matter if it's Roy Clark or Steve Vai or Bucket Head, I give them all props for simply playing guitar. It all has it's place and I like being at all places at all times. lol I LOVE IT LOUD!

[HiOctane62]

LOL Kool looks very 80's metal/rock

[groovydjs]

@HiOctane62 Thanks man. Yeah, this baby came out near the end of the glam rock era. I love things like this. The neon colored guitars are a blast!

[jprridolfi]

This guitar has japan written all over the place! the color the specs and etc.

And it sounds super good!

[groovydjs]

@jprridolfi Yeah 100% I had read up on it a long time ago about how Fender USA came in and stole this from Japan and put it in THEIR product catalog as a USA model. Unbelievable. But yeah, it sounds amazing. These things are great. I want to find one in that marble looking black finish.

[jprridolfi]

@groovydjs I saw some pictures today, the white one looks good as well! I was trying to find some of those to see the price and everything but most of them are already sold. Saw a guy that sold one of those for 1000 euros!

[groovydjs]

@jprridolfi Yeah, these things that folks used to laugh at are becoming more valuable than all the other stuff. I love it!. lol

[bigaxe87]

what color is it in blacklight?

[groovydjs]

@bigaxe87 I just went and checked, it actually turned into a 1959 Cherry Burst Les Paul under the blacklight. Damnedest thing I've ever seen. lol

[bigaxe87]

@groovydjs lol wow what blacklight do you use lol

[groovydjs]

@bigaxe87 It's that kind that shows the nasty stains on my bed spread. lol

[bigaxe87]

@groovydjs hahahaha yikes lol

[groovydjs]

@bigaxe87 Yeah, lol. Some things are better not seen.

[bmiranda2645]

@groovydjs whoa. I should try shining a blacklight on my 2004 Les Paul Studio. Maybe it will reveal that it is indeed a stained 1968 Les Paul Custom.

[groovydjs]

@bmiranda2645 LMAO, I was wondering when you would chime in about that one. lol

[TheSammyreynolds]

I always thought they were made in Japan. Japn does indeed make some great guitars. I really want a Ritchie Kotzen Telecaster but the price of shipping, you might as well buy another guitar.

[groovydjs]

@TheSammyreynolds Oh yeah, they are 98% Japan for sure, then sent to the USA for the Dimarzios to be dropped in and that was that. Japan got screwed big time on the credit for these. But we all know that the Japanese made them. That's why they are so amazing. The shipping from Japan to the USA is $160.00 and from the U.K. it's around $400.00 now THAT really sucks.

[imwarcraftinyo]

hey scott, great reviews again. i was really interested in the 1970's vintage reissue strat olympic white maple neck, very sweet looking. but after discovering your stratocaster plus reviews im sold on getting one off of ebay or something and having the body refinished into the white that i want, i was just wondering if you have ever played the 1970s vintage reissue and if it compares to the strat plus at all, or if its better maybe? keep rockin.

[groovydjs]

@imwarcraftinyo Hi my friend. Yeah, grab a Japanese one if you can. The 70's reissue is all hype. Not much of a guitar. They even took away the majority of the buzz from the pickups. How is that a true 70's reissue? lol There were a ton of white variations in the Japanese Strats, make sure they didn't offer the one you're looking for before you have one refinished.

[skullkid208]

Do your neighbours hate you or do they love your guitar playing?

[groovydjs]

@skullkid208 They are never home. They are what we call "Snowbirds" here in the desert. They go to their summer homes up north and then just come back for about 5 months in the winter and even then, they've never said so much as "HI" to me in all the years that I've lived here and the houses are about 5 feet apart from each other. I don't know how they stand me. This is a retirement community that I live in. I'm like 20 years younger than the next youngest person that lives here. lol

[idahodad1]

The eighties and their bold color choices.  Other then that it's a cool guitar.

[groovydjs]

@idahodad1 Yeah, if this sucker could light up, all the better for me. I'm actually having one made now (a 7 string, neon yellow, flying V) and it has ultra bright LED lights in it. It will be SOOOOOO much more annoying than this pink is. lol

[groovydjs]

This is a simple guitar review and all opinions are exactly that, my opinions. These are done to try to help you decide if you like or don't like a guitar. I don't want to hear your negative comments. Guitarists are some of the most rude people out there for some reason when it comes to leaving comments. So, if you don't like it, simply move along. OK?