Need MIJ Strat help quick!

I just found a MIJ, CAR, rosewood board Strat with the serial number T035701. I have no idea what this means and was hoping somebody could tell me about it:
What year is it?
What is the body made of?
Are these any more desirable than the newer MIM Classic Strats?

There is a very small 1/4"-3/8" crack that looks to be in the finish only right by the neck pocket. It still has plastic on the guard and has a larger feeling neck than the Tele.

I am thinking of trading my new pink paisley for it.
The guy will trade me my Tele plus $50 for the Strat?

Also, the neck seems to have a satin finish and is real nice.

Thanks for any help.
I may be posting pics tomorrow (Sat.)

Here is the Japanese date chart.

JV + 5 Digits = 1982 to 1984
SQ + 5 Digits = 1983 to 1984
E + 6 Digits = 1984 to 1987
A + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
B + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
C + 6 Digits = 1985 to 1986
F + 6 Digits = 1986 to 1987
G + 6 Digits = 1987 to 1988
H + 6 Digits = 1988 to 1989
I + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
J + 6 Digits = 1989 to 1990
K + 6 Digits = 1990 to 1991
L + 6 Digits = 1991 to 1992
M + 6 Digits = 1992 to 1993
N + 6 Digits = 1993 to 1994
O + 6 Digits = 1994 to 1995
P + 6 Digits = 1995 to 1996

To be one of the better MIJ's it has to say made in japan at the base of the neck. If the serial number is on the headstock its not one of the ones with the Vintage specs like you want.

The body is basswood and the electronics in the MIJ models everything needs to be replaced they dont use std sized pots on some of them.

In my opinion a new MIM Classic is a much nicer and better guitar. You get a solid alder body USA made electronics.

Made in Japan (and the serial number) is on the base of the neck.
A search turned up a site that says the T + 6 digits is a 94-95 guitar.

The Mrgearhead site has a better date chart.

If it says made in japan at the base of the neck and its a satin finished neck its whats called the Vintage collectable series and is one of the good ones.

Prices on these range from $350-550

I dont know if I would trade a brand new paisley Tele + $50 tho.

I've seen alot of those $450 MIJ paisley Teles sell for $750-800 on EBay. People think the Paisley series has been discontunued since the 80's so they pay big bucks thinking the new Paisleys are the old ones.

actually i found the ceramic bar pickups on my MIJ strat were EXTREMELY nice sounding ( though eventually i replaced em with Vintage Noiseless)

one thing you might like to know about MIJ strats is (at least on mine) a couple of the pickguard holes are not in the standard location, so aftermarket (including fender brand) pickguards won't fit - unless you like drilling holes! I bought a gold anodized one for mine, but ended up just leaving the stock MOT pickguard on, rather than start hacking up an otherwise pristine guitar


heres my "50th Anniversary 1960 re-issue"
http://rockandroller.netfirms.com/97...RATOCASTER.jpg

big fat D-neck, slab rosewood fretboard w/ 'clay dot' markers and side markers, vintage hardware (including those fake oil holes on the tuners)

(the fotoflame isnt very 'vintage', but its fun...)

On most counts above! One of my current "FrankenMules" started with a '90's MIJ Burgundy Mist Body, though it's DEFINITELY Alder, and not Basswood. I used the P/G off my MIM '60's Reissue Strat and the holes BARELY lined up. BTW, I think the MIM '60's Reissue Strat Bodies are Basswood, at least in the "colors" - the sunburst one might be Alder. I also agree that the MIM Strats are AMAZINGLY good guitars, once you shitcan the pickups, tuners (though the tuners LOOK the same as the Vintage (Japan) ones, they're NOT) and paper-thin neckplate.

What are some good tuners to replace the stock ones on a MIM Classic Strat?

Johnnytone, et al;

Here's a website dedicated to the MIJ Strat. It's a pretty handy "keeper". Good luck! ;)

http://freespace.virgin.net/john.blackman4/index.htm

Thanks for the link. Some good stuff there.

Sweet! this answers a bunch of questions about my MIJ Strat!