Fender JV serial '72 Strat, made in Japan 1983, frosted white. Holy heck, this is quite something! If you're not familiar with the legend around Fender JV instruments, it goes something like this: Fender USA's quality has suffered dramatically following the CBS takeover in 1965, and by the late 70s, it was very hit and miss. Under the management of Dan Smith, Fender started a joint-venture in Japan in 1982 to manufacture their own guitars there, partially to combat the startlingly high-quality copies coming out of Japan by the likes of Greco and Yamaha, and partially to take some pressure off their USA manufacturing reorganisation. The first instruments to roll off the line from the Fujigen factory with a Fender brand on them wore the now-famous JV serial numbers, they were made from 1982-84. This one dates to the middle of that period; the pots are dated 1983. Many of the JV Strats were Squier branded and destined for the export market, the Fender branded examples like this were largely sold within Japan and gifted with high quality USA electronics; they are more collectable. This '72 style model sporting the now-popular big CBS-era headstock is also considerably more scarce than the '62 or '57 Strats from the same catalog. To cap it off, this is finished in 'frosted white', a slightly pearlescent finish that was a non-catalog option on this model... it's yellowed with age to a brilliant slightly metallic cream. Originally this model had black pickup covers and knobs, so the plastics have been changed at some point. The pickups, tuners and pots are all original. The Fender USA 'ST-Current' pickups are awesome; they offer a heap of clarity and warmth and walk the line nicely in output... not too hot, not too low. The real magic here comes from truly legendary craftsmanship and wood selection: the neck on this will rival anything Fender have ever produced for feel. It's sublime in the hands, putting it down is a real effort. There's a reason these guitars are surrounded by hype and mystique; you'll understand when you touch it. Even though it's very collectable, make sure when it comes to live with you that you play and enjoy it daily... it's what Leo would've wanted! 

Model: Fender '72 Reissue Stratocaster (ST72-70R)
Made: Japan, 1983 (serial JV64945, pots date to 1983, no neck date on 3-bolt models)
Finish: frosted white (FWH)
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.6kg approx
Neck: maple with rosewood slab board, dot inlays
Mods: pickup covers, switch tip and knobs replaced (original parts were black)
Pickups: original Fender USA ST-Current single coils
Case: generic hard case, good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: There's some minor buckle rash on the back, concentrated between the neck plate and the cavity. There's a few minor dimples too: back of the top horn, behind the back cavity, along the bottom edge and bottom horn. The front is a bit cleaner, just a few dents: directly up from the bridge pickup on the edge, behind the bridge, near the jack, and a few along the line of the shoulder carve. The guard has some play-wear, there's a couple of minor marks on the headstock. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is very low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, no buzz issues really, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s and playing with majesty.