(SOLD) Fender Japan '62 Stratocaster ST62-770LS Sunburst 1991
Fender '62 Strat, sunburst, made in Japan 1991. Back in the 80s/90s, Eric Clapton was a huge deal in Japan, so the very popular Eric-ish Fender Japan model was a black/white '54 Reissue Strat with a V-neck, Lace Sensor Gold pickups and a mid-boost. A stack of those were sold for many years, they're fairly common and very good... but this is the much less common '62 style model, which sports the same electronics and controls and very similar specs, but you get the slim, rounded neck profile, a lovely streaky ochre red rosewood board. This neck profile always wins fans in the shop, it just feels right in the hands and never makes you work too hard. The Lace pickups are extremely clear: all the little nuances of your attack come out, so it can be extremely rewarding when you get it right. There's a lovely openness through the top end and a self-assured, percussive low end... it sounds great, especially clean. The mid-boost has been modded to be more subtle, so if you max it out, it adds a whisker of darkness and thickness to the tone. The sunburst finish has aged beautifully and lets the gloriously grained alder body shine through... it's a seriously saucy piece of wood. This is a hell of a Strat, it punches well above the dime it commands and will surely serve you well for the next three decades too.
Model: Fender Stratocaster '62 Reissue (ST62-770LS)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 15 Mar 1991 (serial J030613)
Finish: three-tone sunburst (3TS), 3-ply cream guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Mods: mid-boost pot changed, it's a much more mellow boost now
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coils x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread dimples and scuffs, the most notable marks are near the battery cavity; no major marks. The sides have a decent chip and some scuffs on the top horn, dimples in the elbow area, a few little dents and scuffs near the jack and some light scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has dimples behund the bridge and around the whole edge of the body, but there's no major marks. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, they're fairly even with enough height left and no major buzz issues but there is the start of some pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings