Fender '54 Reissue Strat, shoreline gold, made in Japan 1988. This model was Fender Japan's unofficial Eric Clapton inspired model, so you get some nice Eric-flavoured appointments: a soft V-neck, three Lace Sensor pickups and an active mid-boost on the second tone knob. The tone on deck is inspiring: heaps of clarity, precision and pluck with a sweet chiming top end and a tasty balanced midrange. Engaging the mid boost adds a whole lot of heft; there's a P90-esque growl and warmth as you wind it up. Even unplugged, you can really hear the resonance and sensitivity with every note. Those familiar with these early 'E serial' MIJ Strats will chuckle knowingly before I say this: the neck is absolutely sublime. It's an arrow-straight piece of gorgeous golden-syrup maple with some lovely figuring in the classic soft-V shape; perfection in the hands and certainly a fast friend to many. This model usually only comes in black, black or black... this one is stamped as a special order in the neck pocket so you know there's very few examples around in this finish. The gold has yellowed and mellowed over the decades and is looking absolutely perfect... it's just stunning. You could easily spend twice the cash on a Strat that wouldn't hold a candle to this for tone, feel or swagger, so add this little golden child to your stash and commence enjoying life more than before.

Model: Fender Stratocaster, '54 Reissue (ST54-85LS) 
Made: Japan, 1987-8, Fujigen plant (serial E902523)
Finish: shoreline gold, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple board, soft-V profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.725kg
Mods: switch replaced, mid boost toggle switch installed
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coil x3
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock is pretty clean, just a minor dimple on the end. The neck looks really good, no major marks save for some slight play wear on the edge of the board. The back has a ding on the top horn and some light dimples and scuffs around the body, no major mark. The sides have a few little marks: a dimple on the top horn, a handful of marks and a dent on the shoulder, a reasonable dent up from the rear strap pin and some scuffs and dimples near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has a chip in the corner near the elbow carve, some dings along the edge near the jack, dimples on the top edge up from the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some light wear but are freshly dressed and polished and feel great, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10-46 Moonshiners strings.