One of the rarest Fender Japan guitars we've ever had here in the shop! It is hard to believe this was made all the way in 1989 - the guitar comes in truly great fully original condition and is ready for a new chapter.
 
Back in the 1980s Fender was going through ownership change and a true rebirth and revival, with innovators like Dan Smith not afraid to experiment with the model range and classic designs.
 
Fender Japan started making guitars in 1982, when Fender USA output was quite limited. It quickly became apparent, that Japanese-made Fenders can give their American counterparts a proper run for their money. The quality and consistency was outstanding so pretty soon the line-up was expanded to include more unique models and a whole range of funky colours. 
 
The STR-85LS was Fender Japan's answer to the Fender USA Deluxe Plus models. The aim with this design was simple: provide a modern luxurious take on a classic Stratocaster. Result: a whole range of truly special features that make this guitar so easy to play. 
 
The body is made from carefully selected two-piece ash tonewood, that is both resonant and surprisingly lightweight - the total weight of this Stratocaster comes to just 3.1 kg or 6.83 lbs! Incredible! Beautiful wood grain is accentuated by the Cherry Sunburst finish, rarely seen on standard Fender models. Single-ply white pickguard and parchment white knobs and pickup covers provide nice contrast to the body finish.
 
Fast and comfy C-shape neck has the same specs as you might find on an American Standard model, with flatter 9.5-inch fretboard radius for easier bending, 22 medium jumbo frets, Micro-Tilt neck heel adjuster, truss-rod adjuster at the headstock. Unique features include "transition logo" and pearloid dot markers as well as a recessed neck plate design to allow easier access to higher frets.
 
Electrical voice is provided by a set of truly stunning Lace Sensor pickups. These pickups were used exclusively on Fender USA Plus models at the time and it seems that Fender Japan got their share of the pickup pie. Eric Clapton signature model that debuted at the same time, also famously used Lace Sensors. Another feature lifted from the Clapton signature and into this Strat is the active mid-boost circuit, that includes a small preamp mounted under the pickguard and a 9V battery installed at the back. Subtle, but useful mid-range bump can help drive a tube amp into sweet overdrive pretty quickly. 
 
Last but certainly not least - the tremolo bridge! Unlike it's vintage counterpart, this bridge allows for very active action and provides super solid tuning stability. Same design as used in the American Standard model. Hi-mass offset-screw saddles and steel tremolo block help achieve great sustain and body resonance. Original arm and tremolo cavity cover included!
 
Fully original and rare Fender Japan Deluxe model in great unmodified condition - Fender Japan collectors and enthusiasts should be very pleased!
 
This instrument received a full professional setup with deep body cleaning, body polish, neck deep clean, full electronics check, lemon oil fretboard treatment, truss-rod and action and intonation adjustment. Restringed with D'addario 10-46 Nickel-plated steel strings.
 
This guitar will be shipped around UK and EU with Parcelforce courier, safely packed into a sturdy guitar cardboard box. 24h courier service provided to UK customers. Worldwide shipping available as well.