Fender '71 Strat, crafted in Japan 2002-4, three tone sunburst. By the mid 2000s, the Fender Japan catalog had swollen to a 40+ pages of models... buried in there are some hidden gems. These '71 models are a great example: super high specs, great styling, good times. This one has a beautifully grained ash body, overwound USA Texas Special single coil pickups, Scaller F-key tuners and a beefy U-shape neck with jumbo frets. All that adds up to a thick, rich, bright take on the classic Strat-spank. This has heaps presence and bite, balanced by a juicy low end and a super punchy, immediate attack. The neck is a moderately chunky profile, it's not huge but has a reassuring bit of met to it and feels awesome in the hands. The combo of the CBS style big headstock, cute angular tuners, dark rosewood board and vibrant three tone burst over the ash grain lend the classic curves a striking edge. This will happily go pound for pound with USA instruments at twice the price, all with a heap of Jack Sparrow swagger.

Model: Fender '71 Reissue Stratocaster (ST71-85TX)
Made: Japan, 2002-4 (serial Q029253)
Finish: sunburst, gloss poly
Body: ash
Weight: 4.110kg
Neck: maple with rosewood slab board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: back cover removed
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coil x3
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some very minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread but minor dimples and scuffs, no major marks though. The sides have a few minor dimples on both horns and the shoulder and some scuffs and marks around from the jack. The front has a few minor marks: scuffs along the back edge, dimples near the jack, shoulder and top horn, and some play wear on the guard and top horn.  Overall: good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is very low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are looking great, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.