Here for sale we have a left handed Squier E-Series Stratocaster in Arctic White finish. The E series of instruments were among the first produced by Fender Japan after the launch of Fender Japan in 1982. At a time when Fender USA didn't even have its own factory, Fender Japan supported FMIC during its transition out of CBS ownership with the roaring success of the original JV & SQ series guitars, and subsequently the E Series. These instruments were available from around 1984, and are renowned for excellent build quality & specifications to match and rival Fender USA's offerings from the '60s & '70s. Left handed E Series Stratocaster models were only available from 1986 onwards, making this example quite rare to find today 40 years later.
Naturally, a bolt-on construction is employed and comprises a Basswood body, Maple neck and 21 fret Rosewood fingerboard. Chrome hardware is fitted including a vintage-style 6-point tremolo with un-stamped bent steel saddles, & a set of Fender Japan branded sealed tuning machines. A trio of Flat Pole Ceramic single-coil pickups are installed, and are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, neck tone & middle tone controls.
The Maple neck plays very well, with a profile that might be described as a moderately sized 'D' shape thanks to the slightly flattened area to the centre rear. This strikes a comfortable balance between a neck that feels substantial enough for a frim grip when chord playing whilst remaining slim enough for fast articulate lines. The Gloss finish of the neck and fingerboard is smooth to the touch and assists with effortless navigation of the 25.5" scale. The 7.25" fingerboard radius is a period-correct feature which delivers a suitably vintage-inspired playing experience which is further enhanced by the vintage-style frets.
The trio of Flat Pole Ceramic single-coil pickups installed in this guitar deliver crystal clear and twangy tones with plenty of vintage warmth. The neck is round and smooth, delivering bell-like chime whilst also saturating into a rich overdrive when you turn up the gain. The middle pickup is nicely bright without sounding too brittle, and lends itself well to funky rhythm tones. The bridge pickup is brighter still, and with a hotter output delivers a searing crunch tone for those bluesy riffs. The vintage control layout with 5-way switch offers a wide array of tones, with a particularly unique voice in position 2 with the middle tone rolled down that is sure to turn some heads. A beautifully made and now collectible example of what Fender Japan can do.
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 accurately provide.
Squier E-Series Standard Stratocaster MIJ Arctic White 1986 Electric Guitar
Brand- Squier
Model- E Series Standard Stratocaster (ST-362)
Finish- Arctic White
Year- 1986
Made In- Japan
Body- Basswood
Neck- Maple
Fingerboard- Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius- 7.25"
Frets- 21
Scale Length- 25.5"
Nut Width- 1.661"
Pickups- 3x Flat Pole Ceramic Single-Coils
Controls- 5-Way Blade Switch, Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone
Our ID: 1210126174091
Weight: 7.8lbs
Serial: E649405
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall excellent condition. The tip of the headstock demonstrates some scuffing which pierces the finish very slightly. The rear face shows a mild scratch at the treble side tip.
Neck: Overall excellent condition. The rear of the neck demonstrates very light indentations throughout the register which are difficult to discern beneath the thumb and are visible only under direct lighting at certain angles. Any markings to the fingerboard are difficult to discern.
Body: Overall very good condition. The front face demonstrates some indentation to the bass side edge & lower bout which pierce but does not chip the finish. All aspects of the body demonstrate very light scratching and indentation visible only under direct lighting at certain angles. The pickguard shows milder scratching consistent with playwear.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is moderate material remaining for future fret work.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (flat head driver) not included.
Hardware: Fully functional with moderate signs of wear, most notably discoloration and scratching of the middle pickup cover.
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
Electrics:
Fully functional.
Case & Accessories:
Guvnor rectangular hard case
The interior support for the neck has been carved revealing bare wood beneath, which the neck rests against. The ‘handle’ on the compartment is missing. No tremolo arm or truss rod tool included.