(SOLD) Fender Japan '62 Stratocaster ST62-95LS Sunburst 1994
Fender '62 Strat, sunburst, made in Japan 1993-4. Back in the 80s/90s, Eric Clapton was a huge deal in Japan, so the very popular Eric-ish Fender Japan model was a black/white '54 Reissue Strat with a V-neck, Lace Sensor Gold pickups and a mid-boost. A stack of those were sold for many years, they're fairly common and very good... but this is the much less common '62 style model, which sports the same electronics and controls and very similar specs, but you get the slim vintage C neck profile with a lux dark choc rosewood slab fretboard. This neck profile always wins fans in the store, it feels superbly slick and easy in the hands and never makes you work too hard for your notes. The lightweight alder body features some pleasing streaky grain on show under the classy burst finish... paired with the classic spaghetti logo and cream guard, it looks like a million bucks. The tone on offer here is the real MVP. The Lace Sensor Gold pickups were an early take on the low-noise single-coil genre, and they offer a superb sparkling clarity with outstandingly eloquent note separation and dynamic sensitivity. The mid boost allows you to wind in a bit of heft and warmth, so you can go from crystal clear cleans to big thick juicy rich leads with the flick of a finger. This will deliver better tone and feel than many guitars at twice the dime, so nab yourself a saucy little sleeper while it's on offer.
Model: Fender Stratocaster '62 Reissue (ST62-95LS)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1993-4 (serial Q011315)
Finish: three-tone sunburst (3TS), 3-ply cream guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.370kg
Mods: battery and cavity covers removed and missing
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coils x3, active mid boost
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples on the end and back. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dimples and scuffs along the back and bottom edge as well as near the neck plate. Note the back cavity and battery covers are currently missing, if I can source a replacement shortly I'll update the listing. The sides have dimples around the whole body, but no major marks. The front has a few dimples on the back edge, behind the bridge, in the elbow area and on top horn as well as some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.