1990 Fender Stratocaster Plus Ultra Sunburst
Fender Stratocaster Ultra – 1990 USA
The Fender Stratocaster Ultra, introduced in 1990, was the most advanced and feature-rich Stratocaster available in Fender’s regular production lineup at the time — positioned just below the Custom Shop. It was designed for professional musicians seeking modern playability, tonal versatility, and refined aesthetics, all while staying true to the Stratocaster’s iconic DNA.
The Ultra was part of the Strat Plus series, which debuted in the late 1980s and marked Fender’s return to form after the CBS era. While the standard Strat Plus already featured several upgrades over traditional models, the Ultra took things a step further, offering premium materials, more complex electronics, and unique cosmetic appointments.
Description
Fender Stratocaster Ultra – 1990 USA
The Fender Stratocaster Ultra, introduced in 1990, was the most advanced and feature-rich Stratocaster available in Fender’s regular production lineup at the time — positioned just below the Custom Shop. It was designed for professional musicians seeking modern playability, tonal versatility, and refined aesthetics, all while staying true to the Stratocaster’s iconic DNA.
The Ultra was part of the Strat Plus series, which debuted in the late 1980s and marked Fender’s return to form after the CBS era. While the standard Strat Plus already featured several upgrades over traditional models, the Ultra took things a step further, offering premium materials, more complex electronics, and unique cosmetic appointments.
Key Features & Specifications:
Year of Production: 1990
Made in: USA (Corona, California)
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, bolt-on
Fingerboard: Ebony, 22 frets, 9.5″ radius – known for its smooth feel and articulate response
Pickups:
Neck: Lace Sensor Blue – warm and rounded tones
Middle: Lace Sensor Gold – classic ’50s Strat sparkle
Bridge: Lace Sensor Red Dually (humbucker, splittable) – powerful and thick, with coil-split for extra flexibility
Electronics:
5-way selector switch
Mini toggle switch for coil splitting the bridge humbucker
Bridge: 2-point synchronized Fender Deluxe tremolo system
Hardware: Chrome
Finish: Transparent Sunburst (body grain visible through the finish)
Why it’s special:
Flagship of early ’90s Fender production – the Ultra offered the most modern Stratocaster available at the time without entering the Custom Shop price range.
Lace Sensor pickup system – delivers classic tones with dramatically reduced hum and noise, ideal for stage and studio work.
HSS layout with coil-splittable bridge – perfect for guitarists who need both sparkling single-coil clarity and fat humbucker drive.
Ebony fingerboard – rare on Fender Stratocasters, offering improved attack, sustain, and smoother playability.
Built during the early years of the Corona factory – regarded by many as a golden era for post-CBS Fender USA instruments.
Condition & Notes:
This particular example is in excellent condition for its age, fully original and recently inspected. Frets, electronics, and hardware are in great shape. It’s a professional-grade instrument, suitable for both collectors and serious players looking for a premium USA-made Strat with unique tonal capabilities.
Available with original Fender hard case.