Fender '57 Strat, fiesta red, made in Japan 1992. What a slick biscuit this one is... yum. In the 80s and 90s, Fender Japan was in the habit of doing little limited runs of guitars for certain retailers in non-catalog finishes, which were stamped 'ORDER' with a batch code in the neck pocket. This is one of those: blessed with a coat of snazzy fiesta red and a full set of gold hardware, and has the pocket stamps, so it's one of just a handful made. It's a killer combo: the  last guitar we had that looked like this was a Custom Shop, but just quietly, I think I like this one better. The moderate round 50s D shape neck feels great in the hand, and the golden maple board looks the goods too. The pickups are the basic Fender Japan singles, but this has heaps of spanky Strat goodness on tap. The tone is crisp, clear and full, with a punchy immediate bass and an open, expressive midrange. The in-between positions are distinctly quacky, but with  plenty of sweetness. The neck is gooey and glassy, with a blooming fullness. I'm a bit of a sucker for a three-decade-yellowed fiesta red, and I also love aged gold hardware, so maybe I was doomed from the start: I love this. You'll love this also.

Model: Fender Stratocaster ST57-53 
Made: Japan, neck date 1992, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: M015272
Finish: fiesta red, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, moderate 50s D shape
Weight: 3.610kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Accessories: basic gig bag, tremolo arm

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some  rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples in the bottom corner and some light scuffs along the belly carve, elbow area and back edge. The sides have minor dimples on both horns and some light scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has dimples around the jack and behind the bridge, rub wear and dimples in the elbow area 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: 7/10, normal wear but playing evenly with no major buzz issues