Fender '54 Strat, natural gloss, made in Japan 1993-4. There's some little phrases that get fellow Fender MIJ nerds excited, and 'Real Vintage' is one of the best ones. This stunning little honey dates to the mid 90s, and at that time, Fender Japan had a small team building 'Custom Edition' models. These were models with unusual specs, shapes and finishes, and sometimes, superb vintage correct specs. This being the 'RV' model, it gets some true 50s style deluxe appointments: a superbly grained two piece ash body, USA made 50s voiced alnico pickups and a nitro finish. The finish is gorgeous, especially with a few years on the clock to yellow and mellow. Being a thin finish over a choice piece of ash, the character of the wood really chimes through the tone: heaps of warmth and punch through the midrange, amazing clarity and sparkle on the top end and a thick and rounded low end. This will absolutely keep up with all the fancy expensive USA Strats kicking around, it's every bit as good and defined by an understated confidence. These seldom come up, so if you've been waiting for an absolute banger of a Strat, here's one!

Model: Fender Japan 'Real Vintage' '54 Stratocaster ST54-85RV
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Fujigen plant, (serial N018495)
Finish: natural, nitro topcoat, 1-ply white guard
Body: two piece lightweight ash
Neck: one piece maple, hard-V profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.270kg
Mods: switch replaced w/ 5-way, springs replaced and more added
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Vintage single coil x3
Case: basic original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few dimples and scuffs around the body as well as a scratch on the top horn and a chip on the back edge. The sides have a few dimples on the shoulder and near the jack as well as a little chip on the bottom horn. The front is nice and clean, minor dimples behind the bridge, dimples and a scratch on the shoulder and some play wear on the guard and top horn only. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets are in good shape with some normal wear but no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.