What gets me is why has the choice for colours diminished? The only way to get a specific colour is to spend extra for Customshop or forget the MIM and go for MIJ/CIJ option.

Here, we have a MIJ/CIJ ST-62 US. This model has factory Texas Special pickups. It comes in Ocean Turqoise Marine, 3 Colour Sunburst, Cherry Burst, Black, Sonic Blue, Sea Foam Green, Fiesta Red, Salmon Pink, Candy Apple Red, Torino Red, Lake Placid Blue and Vintage White. The MSRP for Japan is 79,800JPY which in NZD is $1,289. A new MIM Classic 60's is NZD $1399. You don't see mim with this many colour/pickup options.



Oh, BTW- these are 2 piece bodies. If you want a higher spec, there is a Nitrocelulose ST-62 which would be a "Roadworn NOS" option if you like . Or an Ash option. Compare all this to MIM, the Mexico factory cannot match the quality and value that these models have- the specs are way better. There is also a 3 colour sunburst with the suggestive "you know who" model with Customshop Texas Special pickups, black pickguard with white knobs and pickups & gold hardware


http://fenderjapan.co.jp/st62-us.html

Mentioned earlier, I too have seen RW with the exact same wear marks on them. If I got one, the first thing I would do is buff the body to a shine and replace the guard for a mint green guard. The introduction of RW and Blacktop has made a reduction in price for MIM classic, and price rise for MIM Deluxe line down here

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