(SOLD) Fender Japan '62 Stratocaster ST62-70NS Foto-Flame Natural 1995
Fender Strat, natural flame, made in Japan 1995. It's a beautiful thing, no? In the early 90s, the famed Fujigen Gakki guitar factory teamed up with Fuijfilm to create a product called 'Foto-Flame': a high-definition image of highly figured flame maple, bonded directly onto wood and then finished in poly. Fender Japan used it on their 1994 50th anniversary models, to add an outrageous flame pattern to the necks. This is a different thing: it's a catalog model from the quirky Custom Edition line from 1995. The body is some tasty alder, capped with 8mm or so of basswood with the Foto-Flame film on it. It looks spectacular: I've had plenty of flame top guitars through my hands, and this one had me fooled initially. The dark rosewood board and tightly grained neck add to the appeal, it's a juicy thing. The tone is classic Strat stuff: spanky attack, glassy treble, percussive lows, plenty of chime and warmth. The neck is a comfy vintage C shape too, it never makes you work too hard. If you're after a vintage style Strat with a little bit of bonus flair, here's just the thing.
Model: Fender Stratocaster ST62-70NS
Made: Japan, 1995, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: S013682
Finish: 'Foto-Flame' over basswood cap, natural, gloss poly
Body: alder, basswood cap
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, vintage C shape
Weight: 3.435kg
Mods: new bone nut installed
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage x3
Accessories: Fender gig bag
Cosmetic Condition Notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has dimples on the belly carve and elbow area and some light scuffs around the cavity and bottom corner. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and bottom horn and some minor dents and scuffs near the jack. The front has some minor splits in the Foto-Flame film up from the bridge pickup, down from the switch and on the top horn, as well as dimples in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
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: 8/10, minor wear only