(SOLD) Fender Japan '54 Stratocaster ST54-85LS Fiesta Red 1987
Fender '54 Strat, neck replaced, made in Japan 1987 approx, fiesta red. This started life as an E-serial example of the Clapton-ish model by Fender Japan. It arrived with a neck in a very sorry state indeed; our local luthier deemed it irreparable, so I sourced a tasty replacement neck for it. The neck is a Real Life Relics licenced Strat model: a sweet modern C shape with a rosewood board and slick relic finish. It's enjoyable in the hands and definitely doesn't feel 'slapped together'; the neck and body get along very well. The original Lace Sensor pickups are superb: heaps of definition, super responsive dynamically, warmth and clarity for days. The mid boost has had a handy toggle switch added, so you can add some heft to your lead lines and then instantly switch back to jangle-land with ease. With the original neck intact, such an early example of such a high end MIJ model in a non-catalog finish like this would likely fetch close to $2000aud, so this is officially a bargain, it just needs an understanding life partner to love it for it's many qualities. Plus... that red pops just right, right?
Model: Fender Stratocaster, '54 Reissue (ST54-85LS)
Made: Japan, 1987 approx, Fujigen plant (originally E serial number)
Finish: fiesta red (FRD) 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: Real Life Relics Allparts licenced maple neck, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.755kg
Mods: switch added to mid boost, neck replaced
Pickups: Lace Senor Gold single coil x3
Case: very basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock and neck are a relic part, so there's a bunch of little marks and fading but it feels great. The back looks pretty tidy, just some scuffs around the outside edge. The sides have a few scuffs and dimples on the shoulder, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples near the jack, a chip and some scuffs on the shoulder, a nick in the guard at the neck joint and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets are brand new, 10/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.