(SOLD) Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-55 Yellow White 1989
Fender Japan ST-57-55 Strat, made in Japan 1989-90, yellow white. When your cream turns to butter, you're in for a good time, right? This looks sublime, it's a banana custard party. We get a fair few 'vintage white' Fender Japan examples through the door, but this particular upstart is 'yellow white', although the exact colour it was thirty three years ago is somewhat lost in the post. The fun thing with a faded finish is the depth: there's a lot of variation in the coat here, with plenty of natural rub wear around the edges and higher contact spots. Anyway! How does it sound? Very good, which is a more than a handy bonus. It's punchy and explosive under a more assertive attack, or gentle and shimmery to a light touch. There's a generous glassy treble paired with an understated but satisfying midrange girth, it's very good indeed. The neck is on the chunkier side without being mammoth, so if you like a decent serve of beef in the profile you won't leave hungry. The neck is made from a top notch piece of golden maple, straight and stable and full of mojo... these early Fujigen-made Strats are often blessed with great wood selection and this is a shining example. I really like this one, and Strats that look this good seldom hang around, so don't dither too long!
Model: Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster (ST57-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial J030937)
Finish: yellow white (YWH)
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.550kg
Neck: one piece maple with skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, D shape
Mods: none
Pickup: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Case: basic original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has fading around the edges and some light scuffs between the cavity and the edge. The sides have some dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has a couple of dimples on the top horn, up from bridge pickup and near the jack as well as some play wear on the guard and horns. It's worth noting the whole body has significant fading and yellowing. 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 are looking good, minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.