Fender Japan ST-357V Stratocaster

The Japanese Fender Strat featured here came in for fret leveling and recrowning. According to the Guitar Dater Project, it was "made at the Fuji-gen Plant (for Fender Japan), Japan in the Year(s): 1985 - 1986." This guitar was originally Vintage White, as can clearly be seen with the pickguard removed. Hmmm ... it does look good au naturel @ nekkid like this, don't you think? The neck is a solid hunk of maple (that feels like a baseball bat) with a 7.25" fingerboard radius, skunk stripe, 21 frets, a truss rod adjustment screw at the heel end (the pickguard features a corresponding scoop), and "ST-357V" stamped on the heel. The bridge looks a bit too shiny and rust-free to be stock, while the pickups bear a remarkable resemblance to the stock pups on Blackie, my Squier California Series Strat. The pickup covers look the part, though. Last but not least, the pots and 5-way switch appear to be stock, while the headstock sports Gotoh tuning machines. In conclusion, based on observable characteristics and research, I dare say that this guitar could have started out as a Japanese 50s vintage reissue Strat. In any case, feel free to check out the references cited, and draw your own conclusions.

Reference List
The Guitar Dater Project - Fender Serial Number Decoder
FENDER JAPAN STRATOCASTER '87, MODEL ST357V PRO SET

Pics Section

Squier California Series Strat HSS

This red Squier California Series Strat features two single coils (neck / middle) and a humbucker (bridge). It came in for setup, servicing, and a set of 009s. I have to say that although this is an entry-level guitar, the fretwork is OK (no jagged ends), all five switch positions yield usable "stratty" tones; and the bridge humbucker simply sings when distorted. Not bad at all :)

 

Ibanez GSR200

This 2007 black Ibanez GSR200 came in for a general setup and servicing as it had not been played for awhile. As it turned out, the stock Ibanez Phat II EQ and two of the pots were out of commission. We decided to go with the most inexpensive solution, which was to rewire the bass along the lines of a typical Jazz Bass (two volumes and a master tone). So, what we ended up with was an Ibanez PJ-style passive bass. And now, let's take a look at some pics.