Fender Japan '57 Strat, black, made in Japan 1984. If you're not familiar with the legend around Fender's famed 'JV serial' instruments, do a bit of research and come back salivating over this slick supremacy. In super short form: in the couple of decades following the CBS buyout of Fender in 1964, quality control and attention to detail in the Fullerton plant in USA became worse and worse, meanwhile across the Pacific builders like Fujigen Gakki were producing stunning replicas of vintage Fender models for less cash. Some Fender execs led by luminary Dan Smith went to Japan and signed a deal to make Fender branded instruments in Japan, the first of which to roll of the line were the JV serial guitars. The quality of these instruments is truly exceptional; they were so accurate to the original 50s and 60s specs and made with such exquisite care and precision that the USA staff were blown away. This one dates to 1984 and absolutely has the magic. The neck is an arrow straight, tightly grained superb piece of maple, yellowed to a perfect golden brown and feeling sublime. It's hard to overstate how good this neck is, it's a very tasty item indeed. The body is super light and springs to life at the lightest touch; even before plugging in you know you're holding something special. The pickups are the same as used in the famed AVRI Strats made in USA, so there's a heap of clarity and definition in the top end, balanced by an immediate, fat low end and an open, airy, talkative midrange. The classic tuxedo look never goes out of style; this one has weathered the decades pretty comfortably with just a bit of honest play wear around the edges. If you're after a Strat that plays like a dream and is creeping up quickly in value, nab this sharp dressed character and enjoy the JV magic first hand.

Model: Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster (ST57-70)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 8 May 1984 (serial JV90433)
Finish: gloss black, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, moderate 'D' shape, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.375kg
Mods: bridge block and saddles replaced, trem springs added
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Vintage single coil x3, note that switch is 3-way
Case: vintage faux leather gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has light scuffs and surface scratches around the body and a couple of small dents near the elbow area. The sides are pretty clean, just some dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front is also pretty tidy, just a ding in the elbow area, dimples behind the bridge and near the input and play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

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, they're pretty even in height with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings.