Fender '62 Strat, black, made in Japan 1989. Pretty classic, and classically pretty, right? The '62 style MIJ Strat is a Topshelf favourite; they always feel great in the hands and look just right. This one was made in 1989 at the famed Fujigen Gakki factory, and in keeping with the reputation of these 80s era MIJ guitars, it's very nicely made indeed. The standout is the neck: it's a lush slab of dark streaky rosewood atop a gorgeous lightly flamed piece of maple. The finish on the neck has aged to a splendid golden brown, allowing the depth of the subtle flame to peep through as you move it around in the light. It's a great shape too: fairly slim, sensibly round, arrow straight... so good. There's a pleasing fullness to the tone, it's weighted by a fat low end and capped off by a sweet, clear treble. There's heaps of complexity through the midrange adding depth to chords and a lively dynamic response adding pop to leads. These aren't getting any easier to find, so sort yourself out while these are still pretty affordable.

Model: Fender '62 Reissue Stratocaster (ST62-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 6 Sep 1989 (serial F027482)
Finish: black, gloss poly, 3-ply white guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C shape
Weight: 3.500kg
Mods: switch replaced with 3-way, CTS pots and Vitamin Q paper in oil capacitor installed
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples and scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some surface scratches on the bottom horn, scuffs along the belly carve, dimples around the cavity and on the elbow area and some scuffs along the back and bottom edges. The sides have some dimples near the knobs and elbow area and some scuffs on the top horn. The front has a few dimples near the jack and behind the bridge, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Mooonshiners strings.