Fender '57 Stratocaster, candy apple red, made in Japan 1987. Here we have a cool E-serial Strat... fellow MIJ-nerds will already be suitably activated. The first guitars Fender made outside USA were the famous JV serial instruments, made at the excellent Fujigen Gakki factory south of Tokyo from 1982-4. The E-serial stuff followed very shortly, made by the same luthiers in the same factory to a very high standard. As such, this feels amazing in the hands: it's lightweight and super resonant, well balanced, very loud unplugged and super slick under the fingers. The neck is a chunky D style shape typical of these ST57 models, so if you like them a little thick, this one is for you. The pickups are nothing fancy, but they work a treat: this thing is clear as day. The top end is sparkly and sweet, with a warm and growly midrange and heaps of kick in the low end. It's great for all that Hendrix-style blues-rock-funk crossover stuff, as it's got such a snappy attack balanced by a certain sweetness. The aged red and golden maple board look great too, it's a classic look. E for excellent.

Model: Fender Stratocaster ST57-55 
Made: Japan, neck date Sep 1987, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: E760836
Finish: candy apple red, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 50s D style shape
Weight: 3.370kg
Mods: new 5-way switch installed
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Accessories: no trem arm, no case

Cosmetic Condition Notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has dimples in the elbow area, back edge and bottom corner, plus a few surface scratches around the cavity. The back plate is missing. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, nothing nasty. The front has some dimples near the jack, elbow area and near the bridge, as well as some minor play wear on the guard.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)

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: 7/10, nice and even and recently dressed, but with some height gone