Fender '57 Strat, made in Japan 1986, black. The tuxedo B&W Strat needs no introduction; this one is a terrific torchbearer in that famed tradition. This is an E-serial example; surely that's enough to set my fellow MIJ-nerds pulses racing. The E stuff dates to very early in the Fender Japan story, between 84-7, proceeded only by the now extravagantly expensive JV serial guitars. The reason for the hype is simple: these are brilliantly made guitars. The quality of build and material on offer is superb. In the hands, you feel it straight away; the maple neck is an absolute delight. The tone is spanky, sparkly and warm; there's that lovely natural attack and brightness we all admire the Strat for. It's got some cool natural aging but is in gret shape for 33+ years old. Surely, this will tick the Strat box in your heart very well indeed. 

Model: Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster (ST57-55) 
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, stamped 12 Dec 1986 (serial E719302)
Finish: gloss black (BK), 1-ply white guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, one piece inc board / skunk stripe, 25.5" scale. 7.25" radius
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coils x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples on the board and back of the neck. The back has a few minor scuffs and surface scratches, nothing nasty. The back cavity cover is missing. The sides have a few minor things: dimples on both horns, some scuffs and dimples on the shoulder and near the jack. The front is pretty clean, just some dimples behind the bridge and on the shoulder and some play scratches on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

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 inc the start of some pitting, they're fairly even and don't need immediate attention, 5/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings