(SOLD) Fender Japan 'Smart Size' Mini Stratocaster MST40 Flame Sunburst 1993
Fender Mini Strat, flame sunburst, made in Japan 1993. Awwww... so cute. This is a basically a Fender Japan Strat, made in the legendary Fujigen factory, in miniature. The standard model of this was the MST32; this has the 'Fender Custom Made' badge on the back of the headstock denoting it's status as a one-off customer order. As such, unlike the stock model, you get a sweet matte finish maple neck and board and an intriguing flame maple finish. I still can't 100% decide if the top is a thin maple veneer or the 90s unclassic 'Foto Flame' finish; it's hard to tell but I'm leaning towards the latter currently. This has barely been touched, it's in terrific shape and worthy of being a collector's piece, especially with the original bag and documents. It's fun to play; with regular 10-46 strings it's pretty stable tuned up a step or two from standard and you quickly forget how weird the 22.75" scale is and get lost having a good time with it. This is one of those weird little oddities that'll surely appreciate slowly over the years. So yes, what a cutie indeed!
Model: Fender Mini Stratocaster MST40
Made: Japan, docs date 5 Oct 1993, Fujigen plant, (serial M026184)
Finish: two tone sunburst (2TS) over 'foto flame' top and back
Body: basswood
Neck: 1-piece maple, 9.5" radius, 22.75" scale
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA Japan ST-Single x2
Case: basic original gig bag, inc original docs and trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck are very clean. Back has a very minor mark down from the cavity cover. Sides are very clean, just some minor dimples on the bottom horn and near the jack. The front is very clean, just some light play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have almost no wear, 9/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings and tuned to G-standard.