(SOLD) Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-105 Dark Olive Burst 1987
Fender '57 Strat, dark olive burst finish, made in Japan 1987. This is an absolute knockout guitar. Let's start with the finish: what exactly is it? Well, that's a bit hard to say. The neck pocket is stamped with 'ORDER MADE', so this one was part of a very limited run of guitars in a special finish; plus it's a rare high end model, as denoted by the '-105' on the end of the model number. The finish is a dark, mellow green colour, not dissimilar to the 'olive drab' finish on some current models, bursting from a black around the outside. It's possible it was once a dark grey and has yellowed to a colour it is now; it may have also been a dark blue originally. Being a non-catalog finish, it's hard to say exactly what colour it started out as, but oh my, it's exceptionally pretty. The rare hue combined with the gold hardware lend this a superbly classy look. The set of three Lace Sensor pickups, paired with an active mid boost circuit on the second tone knob, is a Clapton reference; his signature model had the same setup. It's a terrific combo, especially with the chiming, sparkly treble already on offer via the fabled ash body/maple board combo. There's punch and spanky attack in spades, complemented by an articulate and superbly clear top end that's... darn delicious. The neck is a vintage style soft-V with the '57 style 7.25 radius; a joy in the hands and made from a gorgeous golden piece of maple. These E-serial Strats are in high (and increasing) demand, owing to their superb build quality and outstanding wood selection, so nabbing a rare non-catalog example in terrific shape is surely a safe investment. Plus, this is an absolutely superb player, so hey, don't let it pass you by.
Model: Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster (ST57-105)
Made: Japan, 1987, Fujigen plant (serial E932272)
Finish: dark olive burst, 1-ply white guard
Body: light weight ash
Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, soft V profile
Weight: 3.295kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA Lace Sensor single coil x3
Case: very basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples only. The back has minor scuffs and a dimple near the rear strap pin. The sides have a few minor things to note: dimples on the top horn, light scuffs on the shoulder, dimples near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front is pretty clean, just some dimples near the jack and some normal play wear on the top horn and guard. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, there's plenty of height in them and no major buzz issues; 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.