Fender Japan '54 Strat, black, made in Japan 1989. Sir Eric Clapton was huge in Japan, and while this is not an Eric signature model, it shares some of that DNA. It's a '54 style Strat, so you get the spaghetti logo, a soft V neck with a maple board, single ply guard and the vintage tremolo with stamped saddles. It also gets a swish set of Lace Sensor Gold pickups and a little mid boost, which on this example has been tamed to a more subtle thickener than a wild beast. The neck feels great: it's straight and stable with tidy frets, and the soft V is perfect for thumb-over stuff and legato leads. The creamy plastics, golden syrup fretboard and aged black finish make for a classy look: it's streetsmart enough for a punk show but slick enough for the black-tie reception. The pickups are fun too, they abound with eloquence and sparkle, so every little nuance come out in brilliant detail. It rewards accurate playing, but it's warm and round enough to be a little forgiving too. There's a lot to like here, it's a great Strat!

Model: Fender Stratocaster (ST54-95LS) 
Made: Japan, 1988-9, Fujigen plant (serial J031473)
Finish: black, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple board, soft-V profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, 
Weight: 3.400kg
Mods: mid boost modified to be more subtle
Pickups: Lace Senor Gold single coil x3
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and scuffs on both edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has light scuffs on the top horn, back edge and below the cavity and some dimples near the back edge, bottom horn and elbow area. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. The front has dimples near the jack and elbow area, scuffs behind the bridge and play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in pretty good order, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.