Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-53 Black 1993
Fender '57 Strat, made in Japan 1993, black. The tuxedo Strat... it's a classic, and it never goes out of style. This is a mid-90s Fujigen made take on the iconic 1957 Stratocaster, so you get a few cool vintage-style nods: gold spaghetti logo, fat 50s D shaped neck, golden maple fretboard, single-ply guard and the six-point tremolo bridge. It feels great in the hands: it's a generous neck shape with plenty of meat in the back, carved from some really choice maple, and the body is light and resonant. The tone on offer is snappy, bright and full, with a gorgeous glassy top end and a creamy, balanced midrange. This was made with some love and care and represents pretty excellent value compared to the many brand new offerings around; it's rather Stratisfying.
Model: Fender Stratocaster ST57-53
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: Q001802
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, moderate 50s D shape
Weight: 3.320kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Accessories: basic gig bag, trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge and some scuffs on the top edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has a dent on the top horn, some dents and a finish-only surface crack near the neck plate, scuffs on the bottom horn, bottom corner, back edge and elbow area and some dimples in the belly carve. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and bottom horn and some scuffs near the jack. The front has scuffs around the jack dimples behind the bridge, elbow area and along the back edge and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only