(SOLD) Fender Japan '68 Stratocaster ST68-85TX Vintage White 2005
Fender '68 Strat, vintage white, crafted in Japan 2005. What a great Strat! Fender Japan offered a 1968 style white Strat in a little corner of their catalog for several years, which was traditionally interpreted as an unofficial nod to Jimi Hendrix. They're generally far less common than a '62 or '72 model and have a couple of notable quirks. First, the headstock: you get the large size headstock with the late 60s CBS style bold black decal and no bullet truss, as the truss rod adjusts at the heel. The neck is also unique to the model: it's a slim vintage C shape, like the well loved '62 models, but with a maple cap fingerboard instead of rosewood and no skunk stripe on the back. It's a superb neck, it's such a comfy shape and feels absolutely magic. This one came in with some pretty comprehensive upgrades: string tree, springs, tremolo block, shielding paint in the cavities, cloth wire, new pots/switch/cap... all the little details, made a bit better. That translates to a supremely clear, singing tone. The neck pickup is glassy and full, with an expressive, fast low end and a rich, singing midrange. The in-between positions offer an appealing snappy 'quack' with a sweet pluckiness and plenty of warmth, while the bridge pickup has a slightly unhinged bark that will bring your amp to attention quicksmart. This had a black guard on arrival, but we ordered a better fitting new tort guard to finish off the look perfectly, and oh boy... it looks absolutely superb. I'm a huge fan of this one, and these seldom last long on the wall, so don't wait too long if it's under your skin!
Model: Fender Japan '68 Stratocaster (ST68-85TX)
Made: Japan, 2004-5, Dyna plant (serial R053230)
Finish: vintage white, gloss poly (VWH)
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple cap board, dot inlays, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C
Weight: 3.565kg
Mods: string tree replaced, cavities painted with shielding paint, pickguard replaced, electronics upgraded with CTS pots, orange drop cap, Scud 5-way switch and Belden wire, brass trem block installed, springs replaced
Pickups: Fender Texas Special single coil x3
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and some scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has no major marks, widespread very light scuffs around the whole body only. The sides are pretty clean, just a few dimples in the elbow area. The front has a few dimples behind the bridge, scuffs near the knobs, some light surface scratches in the elbow area and some play wear on the top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are in pretty good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.