Up for sale, a 2017 Fender Japan Exclusive Classic 50s Stratocaster in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Made in Japan exclusively for the Japanese market, these guitars are rarely seen outside their country of origin. This Strat has a lively, clear natural acoustic quality, and tonewoods include a one-piece maple neck and basswood body. The ceramic magnet pickups have more punch and power than the typical alnico design, sounding distinct and clear in all positions on the five-way switch. If you're looking to deliver plenty of classic Strat power and sparkle, it's hard to beat this particular pickup complement. Weighing 7lbs 8oz, we've had this Strat professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with fresh 10-46 strings, low action and accurate intonation.
The one-piece maple neck has a chunky U-shaped profile carve with notable shoulder and heft in every register, measuring .875" deep at the 1st fret and .980" at the 12th. The maple fretboard has a vintage spec 7 1/4" radius and original slender frets which retain their full factory height, showing moderate wear beneath the plain strings on the crowns of frets 1-7, with wear growing lighter until the octave. The guitar plays cleanly up the 25 1/2" scale length with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 42mm (1.650") in width, and the headstock features a traditional small Pre-CBS Strat shape and “spaghetti” logo. The Kluson-style Gotoh tuning machines have the correct vintage look, turn smoothly, and hold pitch well. The "Made in Japan" text and JD17-prefix serial are present above the four-bolt neck plate.
All of the electronics work as they should, and the ceramic magnet pickups are cleanly wired to the stock Japanese harness and five-way pickup selector switch. The vibrato has a large block for great sustain, and the unit is very responsive for smooth surfy warbles and deeper dives, jumping back into tune with ease. The tremolo cavity cover has been removed, but is present in the gigbag. The chrome hardware has plenty of shine, with only a light dusting of patina on the gear housings of the tuners and the bridge saddles. The plastic parts are also quite clean, save for some light pick scuffing on the treble side of the guard. The Olympic White gloss finish is in excellent condition, with a few small dings and light finish scratches on the body as a whole. The gloss on the neck profile is immaculate.
A gigbag is included, along with the tremolo cavity cover and mounting screws.