For Sale: 1988 Fender USA Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster – Sonic Blue w/ Fender Strat Case

Up for sale is a very rare first-year 1988 Fender USA Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster in Sonic Blue, complete with a period-correct Fender Stratocaster hard-shell case.

This is a very cool and increasingly hard-to-find early Yngwie model, and first-year examples are especially desirable. Finished in rare Sonic Blue, this one stands out from the more commonly seen finishes and has all the visual appeal and high-performance design that made these guitars so iconic. The neck and pots both date to 1988, and the guitar retains a number of important original first-year features, including the original DiMarzio tuners that were only used for a short period on these early guitars.

Condition

This guitar is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 8.5/10. It shows some light scratches, dings, and finish checking at the neck joint. This type of finish checking is pretty common on older Fender guitars and appears to be only in the clear coat. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

The 5-way switch has been replaced, and the back plastic tremolo cover is missing. Everything else appears to be original. There are no cracks, breaks, or structural repairs. The neck is straight, the frets are in very good condition, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the neck with no buzzing or dead spots. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The included Fender Stratocaster hard-shell case appears to be period correct, though I cannot confirm with certainty that it is original to the guitar.

Specifications

Serial Number: SE801788
Year: 1988
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
Nut Width: 1.65"
Neck Profile: Special U
Body: Alder
Finish: Sonic Blue
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Scalloped Rosewood
Radius: 9.5"
Frets: Vintage-Style
Nut: Solid Brass
Pickups: DiMarzio HS-3 (Neck and Bridge), Fender American Standard Single-Coil (Middle)
Bridge: American Standard Vibrato, Two-Post
Tuners: Original DiMarzio Tuners
Electronics: 5-Way Selector (Replaced)
Hardware: Chrome
Case: Period-Correct Fender Stratocaster Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the defining features of the first-year Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster is the fully scalloped fingerboard, which gives the guitar its unmistakable fast, precise playing feel. Combined with the brass nut, vintage-style frets, and DiMarzio HS-3 pickups, these early models were designed to deliver speed, articulation, and a very expressive lead voice.

This example is particularly appealing because it is a true first-year 1988 guitar in a rare Sonic Blue finish, and it retains the original DiMarzio tuners that only appeared on the earliest production examples. For collectors of signature Fenders or fans of Yngwie’s early period, that is a very desirable detail.

Tone & Feel

This guitar has the fast, fluid feel these models are known for. The scalloped rosewood fingerboard gives it a very distinctive playing response, making bends, vibrato, and articulation feel immediate and expressive in a way that is unique to the Yngwie model.

Tonally, it delivers clarity, focus, and smooth high-gain performance, while still retaining classic Strat character. The HS-3 pickups help keep things controlled and articulate for lead playing, and the middle single-coil adds extra versatility when needed. It has a very lively and inspiring feel overall.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely.

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This 1988 Fender USA Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster in Sonic Blue is a rare first-year example with standout early features, a killer finish, and the unmistakable feel that made these guitars famous.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006