(SOLD) Fender Japan '54 Stratocaster ST54-85LS Fiesta Red 1988
Fender '54 Strat, fiesta red, made in Japan 1988. In 1988, Sir Eric Clapton was kicking a lot of goals, including the launch of his USA made signature model Strat. This isn't one of those, but it's frightfully close: soft V shape neck, alder body, single ply guard, steel block trem bridge, Lace Sensor single coils and a mid boost... just no signature on the headstock, basically. It's a wonderful combo, frankly. The neck is strangely intuitive, especially good for thumb-overhangers like myself and conducive to quick and comfy playing. These early MIJ 'E serial' Strats always have magical necks, there's just something about them. The deluxe bridge and alder body contribute some fatness and balance to the tone, which the Lace Sensor pickups really bring out. There's oodles of crystal clarity, note separation and definition, all with plenty of warmth and spank. The mid boost really gets things cooking: maxed out it gives you a hot-humbuckers type tone but dialled in at about three it just warms and fattens things up perfectly. These normally came in black and pewter grey, so this non-catalog fiesta red is a rare treat. It's a finish that looks all the better for several decades of yellowing and play... it's gorgeous. I really enjoy this one, and chances are it won't hang around long, so don't think too hard about it.
Model: Fender '54 Reissue Stratocaster (ST54-85LS)
Made: Japan, neck date 24 Nov 1988, Fujigen plant (E928523)
Finish: fiesta red (FRD) 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple one piece, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, soft-V profile, 42mm nut
Weight: 3.635kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Lace Senor Gold single coil x3
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread scuffs and dimples, no major marks though. The sides have very minor dimples near the jack and in the elbow area, no major marks, The front is pretty tidy too, just a couple of dimples around the bridge and on the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets are in pretty good shape with minor wear, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.