Fender Boxer Series Strat, faded California blue, made in Japan 1986-7. The Boxer Series was Fender Japan's 'modern' offerings in the late 80s; they were only made from 1984-7 but featured some pretty funky models. This here is a medium scale Strat, so 24.75" like a Les Paul. That creates a particular vibe: extra slinky under the fingers, slim and easy in the hands, a little darker to the ear. The tone is awesome; sometimes the bridge pickup on a Strat can be a little spiky, but the slightly different dimensions add a little extra low end and heft to the equation, so this really stomps on the bridge position. The single coils are still awesome: chiming, bright and sparkly with a tasty warm body and juicy rounded low end. The finish: well, these normally only come in black, so it's unusual to see anything else on this model. The neck is stamped CBL for California blue; so this was originally a vibrant sky blue and it's yellowed and mellowed to this sweet surf green minty hue. It's in amazing shape for a 30+ year old guitar; the frets are great, the neck is super clean and aside from the colour fading the finish is super tidy. These E serial guitars followed the uber-collectable JV serial stuff, made just a year or two later by the same hands in the same factory, so this absolutely has 'the magic' in the hands. Don't count on seeing another one anytime soon! 

Model: Fender Japan Boxer Series Stratocaster ST314-60
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1986-7 (serial E779990)
Finish: California blue (CBL), 1-ply black guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 24.75" 'medium' scale
Weight: 3.405kg
Mods: frets replaced, switch replaced, nut replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan Dragster HB (bridge), ST Current single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has minor dimple son the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and super smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a number of tiny dimples and light surface scuffs around the body, no major marks though. The sides have a few scratchews on the top horn, dimples on the elbow and near the jack and a couple of tiny marks on the bottom horn. The front is nice and clean, just a couple of dimples behind the bridge and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look amazing, they've either been replaced or very nicely dressed recently, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.