Fender '57 Strat, charcoal green finish with gold hardware, made in Japan 1993-4. The Custom Edition was the spicy section of the mid 90s Fender Japan catalog, featuring some previously unseen shapes and setups and some bold finishes on classic models. This twist on the '57 Strat has a body made from American Basswood, a different species from the standard basswood seen on many MIJ models, selected for it's delightfully streaky grain. The Fujigen luthiers would then use a blow torch to singe the grain lines, a similar process to the highly collectable 'charcoal burst' finishes of previous years, and then apply the green stain and clear over the top. The bold grain lines, gaudy green hue and added bling of the gold hardware make for a flashy, rude take on the classic vintage Strat aesthetic. It sounds at least as good as it looks too. The neck pickup is full and rounded through the low end with a gorgeous classy clarity on the top, while the in-between positions offer a sweet snappy quack with plenty of depth and body in tow. The neck is a comfy rounded shape, it sits nicely in the hand and is big enough to make you choose your notes with care without being a baseball bat. There's a lot to love here, it's a really cool looking Strat that feels and sounds equally superb.

Model: Fender '57 Stratocaster (ST57G-65)
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Fujigen plant, (serial N030645)
Finish: transparent charcoal green (CCG), 1-ply white guard
Body: American basswood
Neck: 1-piece maple with maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, D-shape
Weight: 3.370kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage  single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some marks on the end and bottom edge as well as a minor burn mark on the front near the low-E peg. The neck has a minor scratch around the back coming off nut and a couple of dimples on the back, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has a couple of minor dents near the neck joint, in the elbow area and up from the cavity, as well as widespread minor scuffs. The sides have a couple of decent chips near the jack as well as minor dimples on both horns and the elbow area. The front has a few scuffs around the jack, behind the bridge and in the elbow area, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns.  Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are in good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.