(SOLD) Fender Japan Medium Scale Stratocaster STM55 Snow White 1987
Fender Japan Pro Feel Medium Scale Strat, snow white, made in Japan 1987-9. This is so cool. In the late 80s catalog, there was a series called 'Pro Feel', containing some 'modern' options suitable to the era like active basses, Strats with Floyd Rose bridges and... short and medium scale Strats. This one is a medium scale, so that's 24.75" ala the SG or Les Paul; 0.75" shorter than a regular Strat. You also get a flatter radius on the board, 22 med jumbo frets, a super quick skinny profile and a handy 'easy access' neck joint. Between that neck and the slightly undersize body, this is a riot to play: lightning fast movement around the neck, heaps of natural resonance and unplugged volume from the body and a certain ease you don't get on a regular Strat. Sure, it'd be perfect if you've got small hands or a smaller stature, but even my oversize goofy self finds it very enjoyble. The tone is awesome too: this has a deluxe two point bridge, an alder body and a set of overwound passive 'Hot Rod' single coils, so it's packing some tonal punch. The shorter scale darkens the tone a little, shortens the sustain a smidge and amps up the attack a whisker, which works especially well on the bridge pickup into a dirty amp. It's a huge riff monster with a healthy dose of gain, but it also cleans up remarkably well with a sweet sparkly eloquence when clean. These 'E serial' Fujigen made Strats date to very early in the story of Fender Japan, and unusual models like this don't come around all that often. The wood selection and build quality on offer warrant their increasing fame... this is a hell of a guitar. White finishes look all the better for a few decades on the clock too, so this is looking delectable. The quirky touches like the '65 style decal and Dan Smith style two knob controls only add to the intrigue. So yes, it's the person at the party everyone wants to meet... don't be shy!
Model: Fender Pro Feel Medium Scale Stratocaster (STM55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1987-9 (serial E909490)
Finish: snow white (SWH), 3-ply white guard
Body: alder, 7/8 size
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.84" radius, 24.75" scale, modern C shape
Weight: 3.4kg approx
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan Hotrod 5S single coil x3
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back is pretty clean, just some light scuffs around the body and a sticker mark from a since removed sticker. The sides are pretty clean, just some minor marks on the shoulder, around from the jack, near the rear strap pin and on the bottom horn. The front is also pretty good, just some light play wear on horns and guard. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Mooonshiners strings.