Fender Japan The Ventures Stratocaster ST-165VR Charcoal Burst 1996
Fender The Ventures Strat, charcoal burst, made in Japan 1996. Here's one you don't see everyday! Legendary 1960s surf rockers The Ventures were the up there with the biggest bands in the world in their day, and in Japan, they were bigger than The Beatles. In 1996. In 1996, Fender released a line of signature models for the band, including this Strat model for guitarist Gerry McGee. You get some saucy appointments: Lace Sensor gold single coil pickups, a hefty active mid boost, gold hardware, a unique charcoal burst finish with a matching headstock and unusually for a Strat, a bound fretboard with big pearl block inlays. That makes for a unique look: it's certainly eye-catching, balancing bling and understatement beautifully. The body is nice and light, especially for ash, and resonates with gusto. The neck is a slim, friendly shape, the same profile as the well-liked 1962 style models. The best thing, though, is the tone. The pickups are clear and crisp, and paired with the ash body, there's all the brightness and snap you could ask for, but the deluxe bridge and lightweight body add some natural beef to the low end. Crank up the mid boost and you get huge, thick rich sustain, perfect for those big legato Gilmour-style leads. This combines the genuine scarcity of a cool collector's piece and the outstanding playability and tone of a brilliant working instrument in one gorgeous package. Wipeout!
Model: Fender The Ventures Stratocaster ST-165VR
Made: Japan, 1996, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: 10170
Finish: charcoal burst, gloss poly
Body: lightweight ash
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 43mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.515kg
Mods: pickguard and knobs replaced
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coil x3, active mid boost
Accessories: Fender deluxe hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, scuffs on the back and a small dent on the front near the 'F' in the decal. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has minor scuffs on the bottom horn and back edge and some dimples along the belly carve. The sides have very minor dimples around the whole body. The front has dimples around the jack, scuffs behind the bridge and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
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: 9/10, minor wear only