Fender '62 Reissue Strat, made in Japan in 1994, candy apple red. This guy is a special edition model commemorating 40 years since the glorious birth of the Stratocaster in 1954. When Fender Japan did a special edition like this, they often go all-out for zing in the style department... this one gets a tasty matching headstock, a special neck plate and an outrageous foto-flame neck and headstock. From a metre or so away, this looks like a super expensive Custom Shop model with a crazy flame neck; as a general rule it seems people don't realise it's a laminate until they're told. It feels and looks brilliant! This has that classic-spank; it's got heaps of brightness and cut on tap and breaks up nicely with a smattering of gain. The classic candy-apple is a killer finish; it always look good on stage. If you're after a classic-with-a-twist type Strat, this certainly ticks the box!

Model: Fender '62 Reissue Stratocaster, Anniversary Special (ST62-65AS)
Made: Japan, 1994 (serial S009292)
Finish: candy apple red, 3-ply off-white guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, foto-flame finish, slim 60s profile
Mods: knobs replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Single 
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some minor dents on the end of the headstock and one tiny hairline crack in the foto-flame finish behind the 3rd fret, you can't feel it in the hands really. There's a a few dings on the front of the body, most notably on the top horn and behind the bridge, as well as a few minor dings around the back to match. There's some uneven fading on the back plate from a since-removed sticker, the knobs have what appears to be stains from a permanent marker and chrome parts have some dulling. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some normal wear, but there's plenty of height in them and no buzzing issues, approx 5.5/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings. Playing really nicely.