Fender Japan Standard Strat, rebel yellow, crafted in Japan 1997-00. What a colour, right? The Japan Standard series were made and sold exclusively within Japan from the mid 90s to the mid 2010s, offering a trimmed down take on the classic shapes. It's made beautifully: the frets, finish, woodwork and  hardware are all in great order. The neck is a highlight: it's a slim vintage C shape, similar to the well loved ST62 model, but with a modern 10" radius and a satin finish for easy movement. It feels superb in the hands, it's such an agreeable player. The tone on offer is a defined, crisp and warm take on the vintage Strat spank. There's plenty of slice and chime on the bridge pickup and plenty of glassy fullness on the neck pickup; the thing sounds great. 'Rebel yellow' was a non-catalog finish that popped up on some limited run Fender Japan instruments in the 80s and 90s, so I'm always pleased to score an example in this superbly rude hue. With the yellowed plastics and dark rosewood board, this looks sublime, I love it. BYO bananas, lemon curd, muscle car etc.

Model: Fender Japan Standard Stratocaster ST-38J/R
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 1997-00 (serial O090026)
Finish: rebel yellow
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.465kg
Neck: maple with rosewood board, satin finish, 10" radius, 25.5" scale, 42mm nut, slim C
Mods: none
Pickup: Fender Japan ST-Single x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has a chip on the belly carve, some dimples around the bottom corner  and below the cavity cover and some scuffs along the back edge and bottom horn. The sides have some light scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some dimples along the back edge and elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear, 9/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.