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Post subject: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 11:24 am
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Can someone help pin down specifics on this MIJ strat? I've had it a little more than a decade, bought to use as an everyday guitar instead of my vintage '63 Strat. I don't remember what I paid, somewhere between 5 and 7 hundred dollars, used. It's a fine guitar; no complaints.

I wanted something with a pre-CBS style neck, which this Strat has. I was told it was a MIJ '62 Reissue. I recently started looking into more details about its origins. I've researched a lot about the MIJ '62 Tribute (Google is your friend), and I'm left with a lot of questions. Most of my info came from http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.blackman4/models.htm and posts on this site.

(You can skip to the bottom for a summary of these 8 points and my concerns.)

1. The serial number on the back plate identifies it as a 1985-86 Japanese made guitar, A044xxx.
2. The rosewood neck is a pre-CBS type neck and looks EXACTLY like my real '63 Strat. The radius appears to be the same. It's a 4-bolt neck. There is no truss rod plug above the nut and no 'skunk' stripe, and the truss rod adjusts at the heel. On the heel, the date 4-85 is penciled in under the lacquer. On the back of the heel is stamped "ST-362", and there is also a large captial "T" with a "/" under it. The headstock has two string tees instead of one. The decals are EXACTLY the same as my '63 except there are no patent numbers under "with synchronized tremelo" and no "Pat Pend" under "ORIGINAL Contour Body". Most notably, NOWHERE is there a "Made in Japan" stamp or decal, not on the headstock and not on the heal. Also, the '62 Reissue necks seem to be typically stamped "ST-62". The only "ST-362" I could find was for a Squire.
3. The tuning keys look just like the '63 tuning keys, but the posts are not slotted. The gear box is NOT the rectangular Kluson-type box, but is a six-sided oblong box with two screws each. The base is a slanted rectangle. The six of them line up and fit together perfectly. There is no manufacturer info, but these look nothing like the Gotohs on the standard MIJ Strats. There is also no visible indication, like old screw holes, that the tuners have been replaced, but I did not take them off to make sure.
4. The body shape, size and weight is the same as my '63. There are NO markings inside the body cavities. The color is a Vintage White.
5. The 3-ply white pickguard is the 50's style 8-hole pickguard.
6. The pickup selector switch is a 5-position switch.
7. The bridge assembly is the same as the 63' assembly, but the string saddles are unstamped.
8. The pickup pole heights are NOT staggered. The back of the pickups have a long rectangular piece(a magnet maybe?)across the poles, not the exposed poles like a vintage pickup. I did not pull the pickups out of the cover.

It seems pretty clear that this is not a true MIJ '62 Reissue, but some kind of Frankenstein guitar. 60's neck, '50s body, standard pickups and bridge and unknown tuners. I know that the factory workers often just grabbed whatever parts were lying around. I'm guessing this was originally sold as an MIJ Standard. What's most baffling is the lack of any kind of "Made in Japan" labeling. But also, where did these tuners come from? The Gotohs I've seen on Fenders do not have '60s style tuning pegs, and also have round bodies. I can post pictures if needed.

I welcome anybody's thoughts about this guitar.


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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 12:40 pm
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Written descriptions only give so much information, you would be more likely to get responses if you post pictures.

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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 4:29 pm
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danagos wrote:
Written descriptions only give so much information, you would be more likely to get responses if you post pictures.


+1

In particular, the dot spacing at the 12th fret and the string tree(s) would be a big help with the ID. Is the body alder or basswood?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 7:19 pm
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Here are the pictures. The 12th fret dot spacing is different on this guitar. On this one it is 20mm. On my '63 it is 16mm.

Here are the two fretboards showing the difference.
Image

The is the back plate with the MIJ serial number.
Image

This is the headstock. Two string tees, no serial number and no "Made In Japan" label.
Image

and the tuners with vintage style tuning pegs but an unknown body.
Image

The back of the neck heel with the ST-362 T/ stamp.
Image

and the end of the heel with the 4-85 date penciled in.
Image

Finally, here are the pickups with those rectangular bars.
Image

Again, any info is welcome. I got it from a reputable music store in Nashville about eight years ago.


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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 7:41 pm
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Hey craymcla, even reputable Nashville shops are sometimes confused by these, I know, I lived there! :lol:

It's one of those MIJ 62 reissue types for sure. Some forum members will have a better idea of which.

Is that an 8 hole pickguard and a USA style 5 way? Those look like MIJ Pickups and Pots though.

Nice Strat and beautiful grain on the neck, btw. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 8:03 pm
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danagos wrote:
It's one of those MIJ 62 reissue types for sure. Some forum members will have a better idea of which.


+1

The slab board neck is fitted with tuners that seem to emulate Fender "F" type as far as the mounting-screw arrangement goes, though neither they nor the F types would be correct for an early '60s re-issue Strat. The pickups are definitely ceramic. The eight-screw pickguard appears to be original to the instrument. IIRC these composite features of both '50s and '60s models were hallmarks of what Fender-Japan called the "Contemporary Strat".

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 8:18 pm
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Reminds me of a 1989 '57 RI of mine. Also had the USA 5 way and ceramic pups.

It was a very nice guitar for not that much money and I wish I still had it.

Not that it helps you find an answer! :lol:

Image

Image

Image

Image

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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 11:28 pm
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Thanks for your help, guys. I think you have given me pretty much what I was after. The tuners and pickups look to be authentic and original to the instrument. And nobody seemed bothered about the lack of MIJ stamps or decals. I did see one source that implied that the "Made In Japan" decal wasn't used until the 90's. And frankly, I'm glad that the serial number isn't stamped up on the headstock.

If this was marketed as the "Contemporary Strat", that works for me. I just got confused when I realized it wasn't a true "'62 Reissue", and I wasn't sure what to call it anymore. :wink:

The guitar plays and feels great, so I have no complaints. I just wish it had been Lake Placid Blue. :lol:


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Post subject: Re: Help identify this MIJ Strat
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 11:51 pm
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craymcla wrote:
I just wish it had been Lake Placid Blue.


Fender-Japan has a wonderful take on Lake Placid Blue as this Premium Vintage '65 re-issue demonstrates......

Image

The guitar dates to 2005.

Arjay

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