Fender VSP '54 Strat, black, crafted in Japan 2007. This is an example of the very well regarded 'Vintage Special Project' models; the highest-of-the-high-end Strats of it's day. These get all the best appointments: nitro topcoat finish, deluxe two-piece premium alder body, premium maple neck also finished in thin gloss nitro, cold-rolled steel block bridge with stamped saddles and in this case, a set of tasty Dimarzio pickups. The body is on the heavier side for an MIJ Strat, but it resonates amazingly well and feels really alive. The neck is a soft-V style shape, which will suit you well if you're a Jimi-style thumb-overhanger. The thin finish feels great and the tightly grained maple looks classy, it's a really great vintage style neck. The pickups are in the overwound vintage single genre, so they're akin to a Texas Special but with a whisker more upper midrange snap and a lower noise floor. The tone on offer is remarkable: there's a piano-like crystal clarity through the highs and mids, balanced by a weighty and tuneful low end with a wallop of an attack. It's a really convincing take on the classic Strat spank, there's so much depth and richness to it. You really can't go too wrong here, this will scare guitars at twice the dime and but a mile wide smile on your dial.

Model: Fender Vintage Special Project '54 Stratocaster (ST54-DMC/VSP) 
Made: Japan, 2006-8 , Dyna plant (serial S091659)
Finish: black, gloss nitro, 1-ply white guard
Body: ash, 2-piece
Neck: maple 1 piece inc board, soft-V profile, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 4.005kg
Mods: shielding added to cavity
Pickups: Dimarzio Classic Vintage DSC-1 passive single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor cosmetic wear. The headstock has a few marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of small chips on the back edge near the rear strap pin, as well as widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples and light scuffs around the whole body, no major marks though. The front has a couple of dimples near the rear strap pin and on the elbow area, as well as widespread light scuffs around the whole body and 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 all working properly. The frets have some wear but heaps of life, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.