Product Description
This is a special find, from the earliest days of the Fender Japan FujiGen production period
It’s the ’72, large headstock, model Stratocaster
It comes from the first 2-4 years of design changes and alterations
And sits between the ST72-70 and ST72-55 models
Officially it is a Made In Japan, “A” serial, with the engraved serial number neck plate
This (generally) places the production between 1984-1985
But of course, with Fender JPN there are always exceptions in these early years
This guitar has a pencilled in (under clear coat) neck date of the 27th May 1983
(making it off the line in the first year or so of production!)
With the original pot batch numbers reading January 1985
The ST72-70 model was officially in catalogue as a “new model” in 1984
(although examples of 1983 dated guitars exist)
It had an Alder (or Sen Ash) body with Fender USA Alnico pickups
The ST72-55 model first appeared in the 1985 catalogue
It had a Basswood body with Fender Japan Alnico pickups
This guitar has an Alder body (visible in neck pocket) with Fender JPN pickups
So the year, to year and a half gap between the neck and electronics dates makes sense, before the 1985 catalogue release of the ST72-55
It has a high gloss Black finish
Three ply Black pickguard and plastic components
Alder body
7.25” board, vintage frets
Maple one piece neck
Standard 25 ½” scale
Contemporary “C” profile
Classic glassy Strat sounds and tone
Bright, nice mid range output without being too twangy
1970’s CBS era features…
-Skunk stripe neck
-CBS Fender logo
-Large headstock
-3 Bolt, “tilt o matic” neck plate
-Sealed tuners (Gotoh – Fender Japan stamped)
-Bullet truss rod
Overall, it is in great condition, with an excellent playability
The neck is gorgeous, being perfectly worn in, with just the lightest of rounded edge wear
Making it incredibly comfortable to play
Freshly set up with 10-46 Daddario strings
At 40+ years vintage this is one not to miss out on
With “JV” serial models (1982-84) becoming next to impossible to find
(and reaching record high prices)
These “A” serial models are becoming incredibly sought after
Especially one such as this, with the 1983 dated neck
Includes a Hard Case
ITEM CONDITION
All machinery, electrical, and pickups are without issue. Some surface marks and scuffing, some impressions/dings/dimples/dents/chips, some aging and tarnish to machinery - as pictured. As the pickguard and pickup screws were rusting out, they been replaced with brand new ones (the original screws are included). The back plate is a brand new three ply USA replacement. Under the hood, a previous owner has copper shielded the main cavities, it is a SSH pickup configuration.
