Fender Japan '72 Strat, natural finish, made in Japan 1989-90. I get a lot of Strats through my hands, and sometimes when I'm doing the standard clean up and setup, one really pops: this is a very good guitar. These early Fujigen-made Strats are consistently delightful... USA made Strats from the 70s were a bit hit and miss; this has the cool 70s styling like the big headstock and bold decals but is made with absolutely millimetre perfect precision. The neck is a dream: arrow-straight, round, slim and comfy and played in for extra smoothness. The ash body isn't too heavy and boasts some stunning grain; unusually, the two piece body is bookmatched and joined in the centre. The decades have added a golden tint to the natural gloss of both the body and maple board; it's a deliciously cooked golden brown muffin now, that's for sure. Tone-wise, this has a bright, chiming top end brimming with clarity balanced by robust and punchy midrange typical of ash body Strats. There's a lot to love here, so hey, resist if you can!

Model: Fender '72 Reissue Stratocaster (ST72-70)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial I036346)
Finish: natural gloss, 3-ply white guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.815kg approx
Neck: maple with maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Current single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has a dimple on the end and bottom edge, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dimples on the bottom edge and along the body carve, no major marks. The sides have a couple of marks on the shoulder and near the jack, nothing big. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is very low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have a little wear but no major buzz issues and plenty of height, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s Moonshiners strings.