Fender Japan Thinline Stratocaster ST/HO/3S Sunburst 2012
Fender Thinline Strat, sunburst, made in Japan 2012. My oh my, this is an unusual score. Fender launched the Thinline Telecaster in 1969, boasting a lightweight semi-hollow mahogany body. In 2012, Fender Japan took the idea and applied it to a bunch of other body shapes: Mustang, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and the Stratocaster. This is the ST/HO/3S model: Strat, hollow body, three single coils. They were only made for a couple of years, and never in large numbers. The double-bound mahogany body is beautiful, with the ribboned grain of the mahogany on show under the classic burst finish and a classy F-hole highlighting that we're not in Kansas any more. The neck boasts a subtle flame to the grain and is topped with a generous slab of ebony, which paired with fretboard binding and the block inlays, looks like a million bucks. The tone borrows some of the typical snappy attack of a Strat, but adds a whole bunch of smooth, gooey midrange richness and complexity to the equation. It's a lovely sound: if a typical Strat seems harsh to you sometimes, this one will be right up your alley. Gorgeous.
Model: Fender Thinline Stratocaster ST/HO/3S
Made: Japan, 2012, Dyna Gakki factory
Serial: JD12030973
Finish: Three Tone Sunburst, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, semi-hollow construction
Neck: maple, ebony fretboard, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius, 43mm nut, medium D shape
Weight: 3.450kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Single x3
Accessories: basic hard case, trem arm, docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has minor scuffs on the horns and some dimples on the back edge. The sides have light scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has minor scuffs in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 9/10, minor wear only