Fender '54 Reissue Strat with Lace Sensors, made in Japan 1989 in tuxedo-B&W. If there's one model that should make every MIJ-Strat enthusiast excited, it's got to the the ST54-77LS (catchy name hey?); these are truly exceptional guitars. This one has had the volume knob replaced with a spare tone knob, so when you're looking down at it, it very appropriately reads 'tone, tone tone'... It really does sound brilliant. The Lace Sensor pickups are balanced, sensitive, articulate and sweet, and the mid boost allows you to go from Texas-Special style scooped blues tones right up to a full, roaring midrange that's extraordinarily warm and full. The maple neck and board have aged beautifully to a sweet golden-syrup hue, and the soft-V is surprisingly intuitive and natural in the hands. This really does tick all the boxes: simple classy look, responsive and comfortable feel, monster tone. Claim it, play it daily, never sell it!

Model: Fender Stratocaster, '54 Reissue (ST54-77LS)
Made: Japan, 1989 (serial J018183, neck date 10 Aug 1989)
Finish: gloss black, 1 ply off-white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, dot inlays, soft-V profile
Mods: volume knob replaced
Controls: master volume, master tone, mid-boost
Pickups: USA Lace-Sensor Gold, factory installed
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: Mild finish wear. The biggest dings are near the input jack and near the body contour carve on the back, and neither are too nasty. There's some other scratches and dimples around the body, nothing dramatic. Chrome parts have some cool aging, they're functionally fine. Back plate and the tip from the switch missing. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some wear they're in good shape, 8/10. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings. Playing supremely!