Fender '62 Strat, limited edition full walnut model, made in Japan 1990/91. These popped up occasionally as limited-run models in the late 80s and early 90s, as well as the occasional customer order. Some of these are an alder body and maple neck stained to walnut colour, but this one is the rarer and more collectable full walnut model... both the body and neck are made entirely of solid walnut. Firstly, it looks absolutely delightful. The grain on show is completely different to ash, alder or maple; it's bold and intriguing; the thin satin finish really lets it shine beautifully. The neck and matching headstock look stunning too, it's amazing the way the grain opens up towards the headstock end. In the hands, this is all class: the satin finish lets the wood breathe, so you feel the notes ringing through the body and neck. The slim neck is exceptionally sturdy, and the ebony board is a luxurious addition for the fingers. Walnut is a very dense wood with amazing tonal characteristics; this really shows that off. The tone is thick and rich with a naturally deep, tight bass response. There's still a nice 'spank' on the top, but this has an incredibly harmonically rich midrange; it really balances brightness and warmth perfectly. If you've ever found the Strat bridge pickup tone too 'bitey', you'll love the body and richness this one brings to the party. These sometimes list for incredibly high prices, and for good reason; it's both extremely collectable and outrageously excellent. Don't wait for the next one if you want it, you could be waiting a long time!

Model: Fender Stratocaster, '62 Reissue (ST62-115WAL)
Made: Japan, Fujigen Plant, 1990-1991 (serial K020771)
Finish: satin finish over natural walnut, 3-ply cream guard
Body: 2-piece solid walnut 
Neck: walnut with ebony board, dot inlays
Mods: switch replaced, knobs replaced
Neck, middle and bridge pickup: Fender USA ST-singles
Case: brand new generic brand wood hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The body is pretty clean, there's a couple of very minor dings just above the guard on the front and on the rear near the strap pin; none of them are deep or wide. There's some glossing of the finish on the shoulder area and the back of the neck from contact, as you'd expect. There's some normal discolouration and pitting on the gold hardware, it's all fine functionally. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear but they're looking fine, 7/10 for life left. This one rules!

** quick note for the longtime Topshelfers: we sold this guitar once previously, it's landed back again in a trade, so you may have seen it here before. **