Fender Custom Edition '62 Strat, charcoal red finish with gold hardware, made in Japan 1993-4. The Custom Edition was the spicy section of the mid 90s catalog, featuring some previously unseen shapes and setups and some bold finishes on classic models. This beauty was a twist on the classic '62 Strat. The charcoal red finish was achieved by selecting nice streaky pieces of American basswood (not the same as regular Asian basswood) and scorching it with a blow torch, then staining the body red and adding the clear coats. As if that wasn't gaudy enough, lets slap some gold hardware on there, yeah? Yeah. This one divided opinions on the store Instagram (fav game: is it a horcrux?) but it's certainly not a guitar you can easily ignore. My word is law around here and I say it's superbly cool. All that aside, it's a very good guitar for your hands and ears too. The neck is a moderate round profile, perhaps closer to a '57 style 'D' shape than a regular '62 slim C. It's blessed with a gorgeous figured rosewood board and some sweet concentrically grained maple and really feels like a classy thing in the hands. Amp engaged, treats await: heaps of punch and thick juicy lows to complement the shiny, crisp treble. It's very clear and articulate without being harsh or thin. Handy bonus: it's got a festive aesthetic, so you can string it with fairy lights and it'll happily replace your Christmas tree.

Model: Fender '62 Stratocaster (ST62G-65)
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Fujigen plant, (serial O014335)
Finish: transparent charcoal red (CCR), 3-ply white guard
Body: American basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, slim C profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.340kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Vintage single coil x3
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has a few minor surface scratches around the cavity and the outside edge, nothing nasty. The sides have a few dimples in the elbow area and near the jack, no major marks. The front is nice and tidy too, just a few dimples near the jack and behind the bridge and some light play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.