(SOLD) Fender Japan '57 Stratocaster ST57-55 Vintage White 1989
Fender '57 Strat, vintage white, made in Japan 1989. I really don't need to say anything about this, it looks so good that we all want it... but here goes anyway! These early Fujigen era Fender Japan guitars are made with exceptional attention to detail and superb pieces of wood, so this has that integrous feel of a guitar that's more than the sum of it's parts. The neck is a moderately chunky D style shape, slim enough to move easily but big enough to make you choose your notes carefully. It's a gorgeous piece of maple with some sweet concentric wavy grain on the back, aged to golden perfection over three decades, like a crumpet dripping with prime leatherwood honey. Plugged in, you get an especially quacky and snappy take on the Strat-spank. It's got that bell-like articulation through the top end, paired with an understated but ever-present rounded fatness through the bass... there's a heap of personality there. The finish needs no exaggeration, it really does looks supreme. We some cheesecake doughnuts in the shop this morning, this has the same colour scheme: rich cream cheese custard filling on the body against a golden brown in the neck... get a towel, I'm drooling.
Model: Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster (ST57-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial I038136)
Finish: vintage white (VWH)
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.565kg
Neck: one piece maple with skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, D shape
Mods: none
Pickup: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Case: basic original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end and top and bottom edges, nothing nasty. The neck has a couple of marks on the back near the neck joint and near the third fret, as well as some wear on the edge o the board; it's clean and smooth in the hands though. The back has minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, nothing nasty. The sides are similar, minor scuffs and dimples around the whole body but no major marks. The front has a heap of dimples and marks around the body, well-yellowed plastics and some play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are looking pretty good, minor wear only; 7/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.