(SOLD) Fender Japan '68 Stratocaster ST68-85TX Sunburst 2007
Fender '68 Reissue Strat, sunburst, made in Japan 2006-8. This model was Fender Japan's little nod to Jimi, so it usually only comes in white and usually ships with a set of overwound Texas Special pickups. This one is wearing a tasty coat of three tone burst, which looks awesome against the distinctive CBS era big headstock and golden maple board. A previous owner has done some tasty tone mods to this one, so it's sounding absolutely superb. The pickups are a set of 1980s Lace Sensor Gold single coils and the second tone knob has has a King Tone switch installed, which four positions of varying amounts of juicy, gainy thick midrange on offer. There's a superb clarity and sparkle on tap, and with some extra heft on tap via the switch, this really brings the goods. The neck feels awesome in the hands, plus this model come standard with a steel block tremolo and deluxe Schaller F-key tuners, so the tuning stability and unplugged feel and tone are very good. This will laugh at all but the best USA models for tone and feel, but don't say that too loudly! It must be love, love love.
Model: Fender '68 Reissue Stratocaster (ST68-85TX)
Made: Japan, 2006-8, Dyna plant (serial S020128)
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, dot inlays, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.605kg
Mods: pickups replaced, rewired with master volume and tone and 'King Tone' switch on the second tone knob (details here)
Pickups: Fender mid 80s era Lace Sensor Gold single coils
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has a couple of minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back is pretty clean, minor dimples near the neck plate, on the bottom edge and on the shoulder only. The sides have a few little things: dimples on both horns, a chip and some scuffs on both the shoulder and near the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples and play scratches on the top horn and guard. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
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 but look great, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.