This is one of the legendary "E" serial number made in Japan Fender Strats from the late eighties. The serial number dates it to 1989, as near as I can figure. I purchased it in 1993 from a man named Mel for $250. This was my first real Stratocaster and I have played the hell out of it. It has been gigged for over twenty years and seen many bar room stages and frat house basements. This instrument shows all of the signs of the use and abuse I've put it through. This is no "relic" job, this is the result of unrestrained rock and complete disregard for the care and feeding of the instrument. The wonderful thing about Strats is that they absorb all of the abuse you give them and end up just being better. The frets are shot. The nut needs replaced. The pots are dirty and scratchy. It still stays perfectly in tune and still sounds amazing.