Here for sale we have Fender MIJ ST-357 Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Torino Red finish. Made in Japan in 1988, this bolt-on constructed guitar consists of a Basswood body, Maple neck, and a 21-fret Maple fingerboard. Other appointments include Gotoh tuners, a 1-ply pickguard, and a 6-saddle vintage-style bridge. The guitar has been fitted with a set of aftermarket Van Zandt Vintage Plus Model pickups with controls for master volume, neck tone, middle tone, and a 5-way pickup selector. The Maple neck plays very well, with the 7.25" radius and vintage frets providing a suitably traditional playing experience that will appeal to most players, but especially those in blues, country and funk genres. Chord playing is supremely comfortable right the way up the register and with the gloss finish to the rear of the neck, it's nice and easy to navigate the 25.5" scale. The familiar lines of the Stratocaster body feel as great in the arms as ever, whilst the traditional control layout ensures that you can focus on your playing. The ST-357 is fitted with a set of Van Zandt Plus Model single coil pickups that pair really well with the overall look of this beautiful tribute to a simpler time. With a bright, clear sound that's perfect for everything from blues and rock to country and beyond, these pickups are a popular choice among guitar players looking for a versatile and expressive tone. The onboard controls stay partially true to its predecessor, with no tone control for the bridge pickup but keeps things versatile with a 5-way pickup selector. Fender Japan were known for their inconsistencies during this period. We would like our customers to know that the neck pocket reads 'ST-362', but the neck heel reads 'ST-357V'. This will be shown in the pictures. We believe this to be because the factory will have been using up parts to put these guitars together. Brand- Fender Model- ST-357 Finish- Torino Red Year- 1988 Made In- Japan Body- Basswood Neck- Maple Neck Profile- C Fingerboard- Maple Fingerboard Radius- 7.25" Frets- 21 Scale Length- 25.5" Nut Width- 1.625" Pickups- 3x Van Zandt Plus Model Single Coils Controls- Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone, 5-way pickup selector Luthier Report Our ID: 109022576991 Weight: 7.2lbs Serial: H004264 Aesthetic Condition: Headstock: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the headstock display light scratching and indentations, the most noticeable of these indentations can be seen to the tip of the headstock and the edges. Neck: Overall very good condition. Light indentations are present to both the fingerboard and rear of the neck across the register, the indentations to the rear of the neck can slightly be felt in the playing position whereas the indentations to the fingerboard can not be felt whilst playing. Light indentations which has chipped away the lacquer finish are present at the very end of the fingerboard extension which cannot be felt under the fingers. Light scratching is present to both the fingerboard and rear of the neck, these can only be seen under direct light. Body: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the body display light scratching and indentations which have not pierced the finish, the most noticeable of these indentations can be seen to the center of the lower bout front face. Scratching which can only be seen under direct light is most noticeable to the front face bass side of the scratch plate. Condition of Frets: The frets have had a level and re-crown to ensure improved playability. There is moderate material remaining for further fret work. Current Set Up: Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (flathead driver) not included. Hardware: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the hardware display light signs of past use, this is most noticeable to both the bridge and tuning machines which display tarnishing and scratching, this is common with regular past use. Tremolo arm not included. Structural: No concerns or issues to note. Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - Bass 2mm Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height. Strings on Guitar - 10-46 This guitar demonstrates mild fret noise which is not apparent when amplified. This noise does not affect sustain of notes, nor does it affect bending the notes. The new owner may choose to raise the action to alleviate this. Electrics: Fully functional. Case & Accessories Fender molded hard case. Overall very good condition and fully functional. The case displays light signs of past use. Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accura