Fender Japan are still going strong- it's a shame that Fender wont sell the full line-up in the US or internationally.

The re-issues in my opinion are top dog. Where else does one find a '54 re-issue like this?



The colour range out-strips classic series, AVRI and Customshop and so does the line-up.

I think its a pity retailers will charge like a wounded bull for them. Truth is, if they were being sold, they would be much cheaper than the mexican counterparts. It's much better buying straight from Japan.

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Yep she once had the System 1 trem on her the body has dents for where it once was, it has also had the locking nut removed. Someone poorly changed out bridges before I bought it, get this they installed the vintage style bridge with Pick Guard screws and it was crooked, over a 1/4 inch difference from top to bottom. I have reinstalled the bridge the right way with real bridge screws.
Here is a pic of trem cavity with the route for a flush mount trem cover found on contemps.

This pic shows the dents in the body from the original bridge, which may have been a system 111 instead of a 1

this pic shows the 4 holes (plugged) from the original locking nut.

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That explains alot. Was the pickguard replaced too?

All of the Contemporary models had an 11 hole pickguard. I am betting that yours is a "Contemporary Standard 22".

The following is from: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.blackman4/models.htm

"Although part of the Contemporary range, I have given the Standard '22' its own page because it does not share the most immediately recognisable features of the Contemporary, i.e. black headstock, the jack socket mounted on the bottom edge of the body and one of three pickup configurations featuring humbuckers.

It was produced between 1985 and 1989 and features an alder body, 22 fret, maple or rosewood fretboard, 12" radius neck with a string clamp at the nut and a redesigned bridge/vibrato unit. This was non-locking until 1988 and made by Kahler though stamped with the Fender logo. Otherwise it's standard Stratocaster fare, i.e. 'normal' body shape with back plate, 3-ply pick guard, 3x single coils etc."

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Yep, its got a different pickguard. Really only the body and neck are stock.
That description is dead on for my strat. When I first got it took me a little while to find out what model it really was since it was so modified. The body is routed for single coils and is marked ST-62

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Cool!

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I bought both of these guitars used and play them frequently. My stepfather who has been playing since dirt was invented owns late 50's to late 70's strats and after playing mine said that he enjoyed it as much as any of his. He also gave me the warning. "Dont get rid of this guitar". of course he also added the "If you do bring it to me first". I think this speaks volumes about the quality and sound of these instruments.[http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee80/muddyboggswbgu/DSC02732.jpg][/url]

Oh yeah!!! Fender Japan!!! I love them!!! Never played them, but I hope I will!

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"If you're on a path that's beaten, it's not your path." Joseph Campbell

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

"All that is impossible remains to be achieved."
Jules Verne

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My MIJ has been my #1, and my best friend for over 20 years...it's got the mojo and i would not trade it for the world






Cheers
Bill

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(80’s Hair Metal) = A snapshot in time before Grunge ruined Rock & Roll forever!!!!