Fender Japan Stratocaster ST-40 Lake Placid Blue 1990
Fender ST-40 Strat, lake placid blue, made in Japan 1990. Pool-party-chic, yeah? The ST-40 was a new model for 1990 listed in the 'limited edition' part of the catalog; it was a pre-cursor to the Japan Standard series that launched a couple of years later. Being not a strict vintage reissue, this gets the modern late 80s style logo, a 9.5" fretboard radius and satin finish neck and a slightly updated bridge. This one has some new saddles and string trees, but is otherwise original. The neck is super comfy: round and slim, well played-in satin finish, modern 9.5" radius... it feels awesome, you're never working too hard with this in the hands. The tone is clear and snappy, with a glassy top end, understated snarly mids and an assured, round low end. It's a classic take on that Strat-spank, delivered with balance and charm. Lake placid is a great finish too, especially with a couple of decades of play wear and natural yellowing; it has a cool depth to it and catches the light beautifully. Simple and satisfying!
Model: Fender Japan Stratocaster ST-40
Made: Japan, 1990 approx, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: F031811
Finish: lake placid blue, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius, satin finish with rub wear
Weight: 3.680kg
Mods: string trees replaced, saddles replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan ST-Single x3
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, dimples on both edges, some dents on the back near the top and some minor scuffs on the front and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and plenty of rub wear on the back only. The back has some scuffs on both horns, the bottom corner, around the cavity and elbow area, as well as a dent near the top corner of cavity cover and some dimples in the elbow area and along the back edge. The sides have dimples on the top horn and elbow area, dimples and scuffs near the jack and some scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs on the top horn, around the bridge, near the jack and on the back edge, dimples in the elbow area and a fair bit of play wear on and around the guard.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear but playing evenly with no major buzz issues