Fender '62 Strat, lake placid blue, crafted in Japan 97-00. Matching headstock Strats always look cool, but they were never a standard catalog option, so they're pretty unusual. This one is wearing a delightful lake placid blue; it's a really sweet finish, and with the headstock painted to match, it's a little slice of summer. The alder body and USA pickups deliver a versatile and sweet tone; it's got a defined, articulate treble and a balanced, warm midrange. The neck features a really stunning piece of streaky rosewood, it's really quite something to behold. The slim 60s neck is instantly familiar and a versatile playing companion. This is an all-round winner: sounds great, feels great, looks great... can't ask for more than that really?

Model: Fender Stratocaster, '62 Reissue (ST62-70US MH)
Made: Japan, 1997-00 (serial O044636)
Finish: lake placid blue (LPB), 1-ply white guard
Body: alder (total guitar weight 3.4kg)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays
Mods: pickguard most likely changed, as standard issue would be a 3-ply
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Vintage single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's a couple of chips, one just above the neck pickup and a pair in the shoulder-carve area. There's a couple of dents on the bottom edge near the input jack and rear strap pin and on the back, as well as a few other minor marks including some standard scratches on and around the guard. The chrome parts have some minor discolouration, they're all working fine. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have a little wear, around 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.