Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-66US Sonic Blue 2007
Fender '57 Strat, sonic blue, crafted in Japan 2006-8. It's been a hot minute since we scored a sonic blue Strat with a maple board, it's such a cool look. This is a CIJ-era fifties style model, so you get some '57 style appointments: gold spaghetti logo, gloss maple fretboard, single ply white guard, stamped saddles and the vintage style pickups. It looks awesome in the flesh: the sunny blue finish has some yellowing and fading from age as well as some honest play wear, which ties in beautifully with the classic curves and the golden syrup maple board. The neck is a 50s style D shape, so it's on the fat side of moderate without being super chunky: it's an intuitive shape and feels familiar in the hands. The tone is bright and clear, with a raspy top end bite and a fast, tuneful attack. There's a lot to enjoy here, it's a super cute Strat-friend,
Model: Fender Stratocaster ST57-66US
Made: Japan, 2006-8, Dyna Gakki factory
Serial: S093008
Finish: sonic blue, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, moderate 50s D shape
Weight: 3.400kg
Mods: back cover removed
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Vintage x2
Accessories: basic gig bag, trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and both edges. The is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has scuffs on the top horn, elbow area and back edge and bottom corner as well as dimples on the bottom horn, around the cavity and near the rear strap pin. The sides have dents and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack and some rub wear on the bottom horn. The front has some dents near the rear strap pin, scuffs around the jack and elbow area, dimples around the bridge, rub wear up from the neck pickup and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, normal wear inc minor pitting, recently polished, no major buzz issues