(SOLD) Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-500 Lake Placid Blue 1990
Fender Strat, lake placid blue, made in Japan 1990-1. I like this one, it's got plenty of charm. These 1957 style Strats get the cool fifties style appointments: spaghetti logo, maple board, chunky D shape neck, single ply guard, stamped saddles etc. It's a nice lightweight example, which makes it easy on the shoulders and contributes some natural resonance to the feel to boot. The neck is pretty chunky without being a tree trunk, and it's carved from a really lovely piece of maple and aged to a golden brown glow, so it really does feel good in the hand. The tone on offer is spanky and fast, with a warm low end and tuneful treble that will sit on top a mix just right. The finish looks awesome: it's lake placid blue, but with three decades of natural yellowing and play wear, so it has a lovely depth and softness to it. Very cool indeed.
Model: Fender Japan Stratocaster ST57-500
Made: Japan, 1990-91, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: K001714
Finish: lake placid blue, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 43mm nut, 50s D shape
Weight: 3.325kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and some wear on the edge of the board only. The back has some dimples and dents around the trem cavity, along the belly carve and in the elbow area, as well as some scuffs along the back edge and both horns. The sides have minor dimples on both horns, a decent chip around an inch wide and some scuffs in the elbow area and a few dents and scuffs near the input jack. The front has some dents in the elbow area, dimples around the bridge and back edge and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only, no major buzz issues