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.

Fender Stratocaster ST-72 Crafted in Japan 1999–2002 – Black

A stunning example of Fender Japan craftsmanship, this ST-72 captures the unmistakable vibe of the iconic early-'70s Stratocaster with its large CBS-style headstock, maple neck, and timeless black finish. Japanese Fender Strats from this era have become highly regarded for their exceptional build quality, comfortable necks, and consistently excellent playability.

Finished in classic black with a matching black pickguard and black pickup covers, beautifully contrasted by the bright maple neck, this guitar has an understated yet aggressive look that stands out without trying too hard. It's one of those instruments that simply looks right from every angle.

This guitar is in outstanding condition for its age - especially considering it's over 25 years old. Aside from just a couple of tiny cosmetic blemishes (please refer to the photos), it is remarkably clean and very close to mint condition.

It has been upgraded with a full set of Seymour Duncan SSL-3 Hot for Strat pickups, including an RW/RP middle pickup, delivering increased output, thicker mids, improved sustain, and the unmistakable Strat chime. The result is a guitar that remains unmistakably Stratocaster while offering more punch, more authority, and outstanding versatility. Whether you're playing sparkling cleans, blues, classic rock, or higher-gain lead tones, this pickup set performs beautifully.

The vintage-style frets are in excellent condition with minimal, even wear, no divots, and no dead spots. It has been professionally set up with comfortable low action, excellent intonation, and effortless playability across the entire neck.

If you're looking for a premium Japanese Strat that combines classic looks with meaningful performance upgrades, this ST-72 is an exceptional choice. It offers everything people love about Fender Japan - outstanding craftsmanship, reliability, and inspiring tone - in one incredibly clean package.

No case included.

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
• Shape: Stratocaster ('72 Reissue, large CBS headstock)
• Body Wood: Basswood
• Finish: Gloss polyester, Black
• Pickguard: 3-ply black
• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck

Neck
• Neck Material: One-piece maple
• Neck Profile: Early-'70s "C"
• Fingerboard: One-piece maple
• Radius: 7.25" (184 mm)
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Truss Rod: Adjustable at neck heel
• Neck Joint: Bolt-on
• Frets: 21 vintage-style

Electronics
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan SSL-3 Hot for Strat (Neck), Seymour Duncan SSL-3 RW/RP (Middle), Seymour Duncan SSL-3 Hot for Strat (Bridge)
• Controls: Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone
• Switching: 5-way blade switch
• Wiring: Fully functional

Hardware
• Bridge: Vintage-style 6-screw synchronized tremolo
• Tremolo: Fender Japan vintage synchronized tremolo
• Tuners: Upgraded Gotoh Locking Tuners
• Knobs: Black Stratocaster knobs
• Output Jack: Standard Stratocaster chrome jack plate
• Strap Buttons: Original Fender chrome

Other
• Model: Fender Stratocaster ST-72 Reissue
• Year: 1999–2002
• Made in: Japan (Crafted in Japan)
• Weight: 7.8lb / 3.5kg
• Orientation: Right-handed
• Condition: Excellent overall condition, especially for its age, with only a couple of very minor cosmetic imperfections (see photos). Professionally set up with comfortable low action, straight neck, and outstanding playability. The upgraded Seymour Duncan SSL-3 Hot for Strat pickup set (including an RW/RP middle pickup) delivers increased output, thicker mids, enhanced sustain, and classic Strat chime while retaining excellent clarity and versatility. Frets show minimal, even wear with no divots or dead spots and plenty of life remaining. Fully functional and ready to play.
• Case: No case included.