(SOLD) Fender Japan '54 Reissue Stratocaster ST54-85LS Shoreline Gold 1988
Fender '54 Reissue Strat, shoreline gold, made in Japan 1988. This model was Fender Japan's unofficial Eric Clapton inspired model, so you get some nice Eric-flavoured appointments: a soft V-neck, three Lace Sensor pickups and an active mid-boost on the second tone knob. Combines with the even, balanced tone of a tidy alder body, this delivers a classy Strat tone: heaps of sensitivity, articulation and sparkle, a rich warm midrange and an immediate, thick attack. The mid boost means you can go from glassy clarity to a meaty, P-90-esque growl with ease; a joyous trick to sleeve. Being an Eric-flavoured model, these were only available in the catalog in black. This luxurious gold finish must've been a special order or limited run, as they pop up extremely seldom. It's a very appealing aesthetic: a rich worn-in gold finish with cream plastics and a golden-syrup maple board and headstock... gorgeous. The soft-V neck carve of the neck is subtle and intuitive; one of those necks you don't stop to wonder if you like, as you don't want to stop playing it. This really is all class, it'll leave many more expensive USA models behind for build quality, feel and tone. Stay gold!
Model: Fender Stratocaster, '54 Reissue (ST54-95LS)
Made: Japan, neck date 19 Nov 1988, Fujigen plant (serial E931826)
Finish: shoreline gold, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple board, soft-V profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.76kg
Mods: tone pot replaced
Pickups: Lace Sensor Gold single coils
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock is pretty clean, just some minor scuffs on the end. The neck looks really good, no major marks save for some slight play wear on the edge of the board. The back has some very light surface scratches on and above the cavity cover, it's pretty clean overall. The sides have minor marks only: some rub-wear on the shoulder and around the jack, some very minor dents on the shoulder, around from the switch and on the lower horn. The front is pretty clean, just some minor dimples behind the bridge and on the top horn, as well some play wear on and above the guard. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some light wear but are nice and even and playing well, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.