(SOLD) Fender Japan '54 Reissue Stratocaster ST54-DMC/VSP Natural Ash 2007-10
Fender Japan '54 Reissue Strat, natural finish, made in Japan 2007-10. This is one of the revered 'Vintage Special' models; the highest-of-the-high-end Strats of it's day. Owing to that, it's got absolutely all the best appointments: nitro finish, deluxe two-piece American ash body, one piece maple neck, cold-rolled steel block bridge with stamped saddles and a set of Dimarzio Classic Vintage single coils. The natural finish is a non-catalog option; these usually only show up in classic two-tone burst and black. The natural finish really shows off the ash body; it's truly a gorgeous piece of timber. The finish is so thin that you can see the slight ripples in the reflections along the grain lines where it's seeped into the wood at slightly different rates; Fender's craftsmen have really made the most of this piece of wood. The neck is classic '54 Strat: soft-V with a skunk-stripe, slim and smooth in the hands and featuring some perfectly clean golden maple. The tone is all class: the Dimarzio singles are very low in noise, extremely responsive, clear as daylight and very warm and full. The ash/maple combo is always going to be bright, but this is never harsh or thin; it's got a thick spank and a lovely spread of rich harmonics. This is one of those instruments that seems to make you a better player: you listen all the more closely to the dynamics and nuances while playing, maximising the enjoyment and expression of each note, all just to hear the guitar sing in it's divine, smooth voice. This will easily match it with the American Vintage/AVRI models for quality and tone, even though those fetch double the price. So yes... good Strat!
Model: Fender Stratocaster, '54 Reissue (ST54-DMC/VSP)
Made: Japan, 2007-10, Tokai plant, (serial T045556)
Finish: natural, nitro topcoat, 1-ply white guard
Body: two piece ash
Neck: one piece maple, soft-V profile, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.6kg approx
Mods: none
Pickups: Dimarzio Classic Vintage DSC-1 passive single coils
Case: Fender branded gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: negligible finish wear. There's a couple of barely-noticeable dimples on the back you can see if you hold the guitar 10cm from your face on the right angle, and a couple of super light play-scratches on the front. Really it's just about mint/unplayed. Overall: excellent condition (9.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets are in great shape with negligible wear, 9/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s. Phwoar!