(SOLD) Fender Japan Medium Scale Stratocaster STM550G Candy Apple Red 1990
Fender Japan Pro Feel Medium Scale Strat, candy apple red, made in Japan 1989-90. This is so cool. The 'Pro Feel' series debuted around 1989 and contained some 'modern' options suitable to the era like active basses, Strats with Floyd Rose bridges and... short and medium scale Strats. Medium scale means 24.75", similar to a Les Paul and noticeably more compact than a regular 25.5" scale Strat. Aside from a shorter scale, the neck also has a 'modern' style 10" radius and taller frets as well as a slim C profile. In the hands, it's lightning quick: absolutely effortless to move around on and very hard to put down. The hot pickups love a slightly dirty amp; it's got a growly, punchy thick take on the classic Strat-spank. The shorter scale adds a bit of attack and low end and shortens the sustain, so this has a very articulate and expressive voice with plenty of grunt on offer. Candy apple red always looks good on a Strat, but with a few years of play on the clock and an aged maple board, it really does it's best work. The '65 style decal is a nice touch also; this just oozes style. Take it off me before it comes home!
Model: Fender Pro Feel Short Scale Stratocaster (STM550G)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial I008983)
Finish: candy apple red (CAR), 3-ply cream guard
Body: poplar, 7/8 size
Neck: maple with maple board, 10" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 3.290kg
Mods: strap pins changed, rear pickup and 5-way switch replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan Hotrod 5S single coil x2, ST-Vintage (bridge position)
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back is pretty clean, just some light scuffs around the body and some dimples near the rear strap pin and bottom edge. The sides have a few things to note: dimples on the top horn and elbow area, a pretty decent chip on the back edge down from the rear strap pin, dimples on the bottom side around from the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just a few dimples around the back edge and in the elbow area and some play wear on the top horn and guard. 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. Frets have some normal wear but have plenty of height left and are pretty even, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Mooonshiners strings.