Fender '62 Strat, shell pink, crafted in Japan 2006-08. This little stunner packs plenty of punch! It's had some sensible mods: orange drop cap, CTS pots, a robust switch; combined with the already sparkly USA pickups, this has a huge amount of clarity and presence; there's heaps of sonic magic on hand to work with. The most unusual mod is a very subtle scalloping of the treble side of the top frets; gradually from 17th to the 21st fret, there's an increasing (but still small) indent in the board, offering extra sustain, clarity, attack and vibrato on those top few notes. It sounds odd, but it's so subtle you don't notice unless you're looking closely, and it really makes playing those top few notes a total delight. Also unusual, this has a fairly flat, modern 12" radius fretboard with bigger frets; if you're looking for a highly shreddable Strat that still has that always-awesome rounded '62 neck, this one is a winner. All that practicality and tone aside, you may have noticed... it's shell pink! The only thing better than shell pink is a yellowed, mellow shell pink, and this has that salmon-esque hue absolutely nailed. If you love the look, you'll love the tone and feel even more... très chic.

Model: Fender '62 Reissue Stratocaster  (ST62-58US)
Made: Japan, 2006-8 (serial S005236)
Finish: shell pink (SLP), 3-ply mint guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 12" radius, med-jumbo frets, very mild scallop on treble side only from 17-21st frets
Mods: frets scalloped as above, guard replaced, electrics upgraded with Oak 5-way switch, CTS pots, orange drop capacitor, 
Pickups: Fender USA ST-Vintage single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of minor marks on the end and bottom edge of the headstock. Neck is pretty clean. Back is pretty clean, just a few dimples along the edge of the body carve, behind the trem cavity cover and on the bottom and back edge. The sides are largely fine, but there's a few cuffs and dimples from the shoulder area, past the strap pin and around to the jack area. The front is pretty clear, just some dimples on the shoulder carve area, near the jack and some light play scratches on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have just a nudge of wear, they're in great shape, 8.5/10. Wearing fresh 10/46s.