Few guitars balance tradition and innovation as confidently as the Fender Stratocaster. By the mid-1980s, Fender faced a changing musical landscape: players wanted modern performance, greater tuning stability, quieter pickups, and contemporary features—without sacrificing the Strat’s iconic feel. The answer was the Fender Stratocaster Plus, a forward-thinking model that quietly became one of the most important Strat variants of the late 20th century.
Fender in the Late ’80s: A New Direction
Following the CBS sale in 1985, Fender—now under the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation banner—was eager to reassert quality and innovation. Production returned to the U.S., craftsmanship improved, and the company began experimenting with modern hardware and electronics.
The Stratocaster Plus, introduced in 1987, was designed as a premium production model—slotting between standard American Strats and Custom Shop builds. It wasn’t vintage reissue nostalgia; it was Fender looking ahead.
What Made the Strat Plus Different?
The Strat Plus stood apart thanks to a suite of cutting-edge features that were genuinely innovative for the time:
Lace Sensor Pickups
Developed by Lace Music Products, Lace Sensors dramatically reduced 60-cycle hum while retaining Strat clarity. Early Plus models commonly featured:
-
Gold (neck)
-
Gold (middle)
-
Blue or Red (bridge)
These pickups became synonymous with late-’80s and early-’90s Strat tones—clean, hi-fi, and studio-friendly.
Wilkinson Roller Nut
A standout feature, the Wilkinson Roller Nut reduced friction at the nut, massively improving tuning stability—especially with tremolo use. It was futuristic, divisive, and unmistakably “Strat Plus.”
Locking Tuners
Factory-fitted locking machines (often Schaller-made) further reinforced the Plus as a player’s instrument rather than a period-correct replica.
Modern Electronics
Most Strat Plus models used a TBX tone control and a mini toggle or push-button for extra pickup combinations, offering tones unavailable on traditional Strats.
The Strat Plus Line-Up
Over its production run (roughly 1987–1999), the Strat Plus family expanded:
-
Stratocaster Plus – The core model
-
Strat Plus Deluxe – Added active electronics and premium appointments
-
Strat Plus Ultra – Bound body, ebony fingerboard, gold hardware
-
Strat Plus with Floyd Rose – For players wanting maximum dive-bomb stability
These guitars were unapologetically modern and aimed squarely at professional players.
Famous Players & Cultural Impact
While not every artist used an official Strat Plus model, many embraced its defining features:
-
Jeff Beck – Early adopter of Lace Sensors during his late-’80s period
-
Eric Clapton – His signature Strat used Lace Sensors and modern electronics inspired by the Plus concept
-
Buddy Guy – Known for powerful, noise-free Strat tones during this era
The Strat Plus helped redefine what a Strat could be in a world of rack rigs, high-gain amps, and pristine studio recording.
Why the Strat Plus Matters Today
For years, Strat Plus guitars sat in an odd middle ground—too modern for vintage purists, too old for players chasing contemporary specs. Today, that perception has changed.
Modern players now appreciate the Strat Plus for what it truly is:
-
Exceptionally well-built American Stratocasters
-
Packed with innovative, player-focused features
-
A snapshot of Fender’s late-’80s/early-’90s renaissance
As a result, values have risen steadily, and clean examples are increasingly sought after by collectors and working musicians alike.
Final Thoughts
The Fender Stratocaster Plus represents a fascinating chapter in Fender history—one where innovation wasn’t afraid to challenge tradition. It bridged the gap between vintage design and modern performance, influencing everything from signature models to today’s Ultra and Deluxe series.
For players who want classic Strat DNA with real-world upgrades, the Strat Plus remains one of Fender’s most underrated—and rewarding—electric guitars.
