(SOLD) Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-70TX Sunburst 1998
Fender '57 Strat, sunburst, crafted in Japan 1997-00. This has the classic 50s aesthetic, with the golden aged maple board, spaghetti logo, single ply cream guard and the lightly worn two tone burst finish... it's a good look, no doubt. The neck is a round, mildly chunky D-shape profile, which is big enough to make you choose your notes wisely but still quick and easy enough to move around on. A previous owner has installed a premium quality Emerson pre-wired harness, so all the electrical components have been upgraded for maximum durability and sweetness of tone. It makes a fair bit of difference too, I was really pleasantly surprised. The Fender USA Texas Special single coil pickups are an overwound vintage style pickup, so there's plenty of grunt to get a tube amp cooking. The premium pots and wiring add a certain clarity and focus across the whole frequency range, especially adding some midrange punch to balance out the usual slightly scooped Texas Special sound. The result is a remarkable clarity: it's a classic Strat tone, but with a gorgeous bell-like fullness. This is one of those guitars that will show up USA stuff at twice the dime, all while maintaining a certain streetsmart modesty and swagger. Great stuff.
Model: Fender Stratocaster (ST57-70TX)
Made: Japan, Dyna Plant, 1997-00 (serial O036784)
Finish: 2-tone sunburst (2TS), 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, moderate D profile
Weight: 3.405kg
Mods: back cover removed, Emerson wiring harness installed
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some scuffs and dimples near the neck plate, some dimples on both horns, a few scuffs around the bottom corner and some small dents and marks in the elbow area. The sides have minor scuffs and dimples all the way around the body, nothing too big though. The front has some scuffs near the jack along the back edge, dimples behind the bridge and on the elbow area and some dimples and play scuffs on the top horn and guard. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have very some minor wear but are freshly polished and in good shape, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.