Epic Axes is a musician-driven showroom in Los Angeles. Each guitar is personally selected, inspected, and tested to ensure top performance - only instruments we would play ourselves become part of our collection.

Crafted in Japan during the highly respected mid-2000s Fender Japan era, this ST-72 Stratocaster is a great example of why Japanese Fender instruments continue to have such a strong reputation among players and collectors alike. Finished in classic Candy Apple Red with a matching vintage-inspired aesthetic, this guitar delivers everything you’d want from a proper Stratocaster - clear bell-like cleans, punchy in-between positions, and that unmistakable Fender sparkle and attack.

This particular example was produced between 2006–2008 and remains in very good overall condition for its age. There are some small cosmetic dings and signs of use on the body, but nothing major or excessive. Overall, the guitar presents very clean and well cared for.

The frets are in excellent condition with plenty of life remaining. There are no deep grooves, dead spots, or major wear issues, and the guitar plays smoothly across the entire neck.

Electronics are original, including the original Japanese Fender pickups and factory electronics. The pots still clearly show the “Made in Japan” stamps, which is always nice to see on these CIJ-era instruments. The guitar has that classic Stratocaster voice - articulate, dynamic, and lively with the characteristic Fender chime and glassy top end.

A fun little detail on this one is the serial number: S088077. It doesn’t signify anything special production-wise, but the symmetrical pattern gives it a cool visual touch and makes the instrument slightly more memorable.

Overall, this is a really solid and inspiring Japanese Stratocaster with classic looks, reliable craftsmanship, and the kind of feel that made Fender Japan instruments famous.

The following work has been done: full fretboard cleaning, fret polish, pickup height adjustment for balance and clarity, and a fresh set of D’Addario 10-46s installed. String height at the 12th fret on the low E is right at 2.2 mm - set for comfortable playability. 

Body

• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck
• Wood: Basswood
• Finish: Candy Apple Red, gloss polyurethane
• Pickguard: 3-ply white Stratocaster-style pickguard
• Weight: approx. 7.3–8.2 lbs
• Contours: Classic Stratocaster body contours

Neck

• Material: Maple
• Joint: Bolt-on
• Profile: Vintage-style “C”
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Radius: 7.25"
• Frets: 21 vintage-style frets
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Synthetic bone
• Nut Width: approx. 42 mm / 1.65"
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane

Hardware

• Bridge: Vintage-style 6-screw synchronized tremolo
• Tuners: Fender Japan vintage-style tuners
• Neck Plate: Standard 4-bolt Fender plate
• Knobs: Vintage-style white plastic knobs
• Switch Tip: White
• Strap Buttons: Standard Fender style
• Hardware Finish: Chrome

Electronics

• Pickups: Fender Japan Stratocaster single-coils (original)
• Controls:
  • Volume (master)
  • Tone (neck)
  • Tone (middle)
• Switching: 5-way selector switch
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: SSS

Other

• Model: ST-72
• Year: 2006–2008
• Made in: Japan (Crafted in Japan / CIJ)
• Origin: Fender Japan domestic production
• Serial: S088077
• Electronics: Original electronics with “Made in Japan” stamped pots
• Pickup Configuration: Original Japanese Fender single-coils
• Neck Condition: Straight neck with comfortable action
• Fret Condition: Excellent condition with no deep wear or dead spots
• Cosmetic Condition: Very good overall condition with minor cosmetic wear and small dings consistent with age
• Tone: Classic Stratocaster chime, sparkle, and articulate Fender character
• Case: Khaki Ibanez gig bag included
• Extras: Symmetrical serial number pattern “S088077” adds a cool aesthetic touch