Fender The Ventures Strat, charcoal burst, made in Japan 1996. Here's one you don't see everyday! Legendary 1960s surf rockers The Ventures were the up there with the biggest bands in the world in their day, and in Japan, they were bigger than The Beatles. In 1996. In 1996, Fender released a line of signature models for the band, including this Strat model for guitarist Gerry McGee. You get some saucy appointments: Lace Sensor gold single coil pickups, a treble boost/cut, a hefty active mid boost, gold hardware, a unique charcoal burst finish with a matching headstock and unusually for a Strat, a bound fretboard with big pearl block inlays. That makes for a unique look: it's certainly eye-catching, balancing bling and understatement beautifully. The body is super light: some ash Strats are over 5kg, but this weighs in at a welterweight 3.170kg... light as a feather. It's super resonant too, springing to life to the lightest touch. The neck is a slim, friendly shape, the same profile as the well-like 1962 style models. The best thing, though, is the tone. The pickups are clear and crisp, and paired with the ash body, there's all the brightness and snap you could ask for, but the deluxe bridge and lightweight body add some natural beef to the low end. The treble boost/cut function is handy, great for matching the guitar with different amps. Crank up the mid boost and you get huge, thick rich sustain, perfect for those big legato Gilmour-style leads. I really love this guitar, and it's increasingly rarity should make it a handy collector's piece as well as a sweet daily player.

Model: Fender Japan The Ventures Stratocaster (ST-165VR)
Made: Japan, 1996, Fujigen plant (serial 10103)
Finish: transparent charocal burst (SBS), 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: lightweight ash
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 43mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.170kg
Mods: knobs replaced, switch tip replaced, guard possibly replaced
Pickups: Lace Senor Gold single coil x3, active mid-boost and TBX circuit included
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a decent little patch of scratches near the neck joint as well as some light scuffs on the top horn and along the bottom and back edge. The sides have minor dimples on both horns, the elbow area and near the jack, nothing nasty though. The front has minor scuffs near the jack, in the elbow area and along the back edge, as well as some play wear on the guard and top horn. 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 have minor wear, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.