(SOLD) Fender Japan '62 Stratocaster ST62/QT Quilt Blue Burst 2017
Fender '62 Strat, made in Japan 2017, blue burst over quilted maple. If you like your Strats subtle, understated and restrained... then this one isn't for you. Fender does the coolest limited-run offerings for the Japan market, they seriously get all the best (and weirdest!) stuff over there. The idea here: take the '62 style Strat, add some gold hardware, a white pearl guard, a fancy quilt maple top and a super loud blue burst finish. The top looks amazing, it's got a real mermaid kingdom vibe about it. There's a lot of depth and complexity to the grain, it really does look incredible. Adding the gold hardware and a dark streaky rosewood board... it's a lot, but yeah, it's very saucy indeed. The previous owner also went to town with upgrades: bone nut, CTS pots, orange drop cap, new switch and a handy set of Dimarzio pickups. The neck and bridge are an overwound single coil, so they're juicy and fat with heaps of richness through the midrange and a tasty crisp top end. The bridge pickup is a noiseless stacked single coil, designed originally for shredlord Paul Gilbert, so that's got a tasty mix of articulation and body and is gloriously hum free. All Strats are chiming and bright, but the good ones are also fat and thick... this is a good one. These '62 style vintage C shape necks win many friends fast; the neck just feels super comfy and effortless in the hands. Sure, you could buy a regular ol' sunburst Strat, but you may as well live a little on the edge before you die, right?
Model: Fender '62 Stratocaster (ST62/QT)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 2017 (serial JD17044808)
Finish: sonic blue (SBL), heavily yellowed, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder, quilt maple top
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.440kg
Mods: pickups replaced, pots/cap/wiring/switch upgraded, bone nut installed
Pickup: Dimarzio DP110 FS-1 single coil x2 (neck, middle), DP423W Injector stacked single coil (bridge)
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has a few light scuffs and surface scratches around the whole body, but no major marks. The sides are pretty clean, just some very minor dimples on the elbow area, around the jack area and on the bottom horn. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.