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. Text us to book a visit.

Fender Japan ST-72 Stratocaster - Made in Japan 1993-1994 - Natural Ash

A gorgeous Fender Japan ST-72 Stratocaster in Natural Ash, built in Japan during the golden era of Fender Japan production. This is one of those guitars that immediately stands out with its beautifully figured ash body and classic '70s Strat aesthetics. It has been exceptionally well cared for and is becoming increasingly difficult to find in such clean, original condition.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in excellent condition, especially considering it is over 30 years old. There are only a couple of tiny, barely noticeable dings along with light pick wear on the pickguard and a small amount of cosmetic wear on the neck pickup cover. Aside from that, it presents almost like a collector's piece. Please refer to the photos for a detailed look at its condition.

Everything on the guitar is 100% original. The pickups, electronics, wiring, pots, and solder joints have never been disturbed or modified. It still retains its factory electronics, delivering the bright, articulate, and dynamic Strat tone Fender Japan instruments from this era are known for - glassy cleans, punchy in-between positions, and plenty of sparkle with excellent note definition.

The frets are in great condition, showing only even, honest wear with no deep grooves or dead spots. They have been professionally cleaned and polished to a mirror shine, and the guitar has been fitted with a fresh set of strings and professionally set up with a comfortable low action, making it play effortlessly right out of the case.

A fantastic bonus is that it comes complete with its original Fender warranty card and owner's manual, something rarely found with guitars of this age.

Whether you're looking for a player's Strat with classic Japanese craftsmanship or a clean, highly original example to add to your collection, this ST-72 is an outstanding choice that won't disappoint.

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: Sen ash
• Finish: Natural, gloss polyester
• Pickguard: 3-ply white Stratocaster-style pickguard
• Weight: 9.9lb
• Contours: Classic Stratocaster forearm and belly contours
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with only a couple of tiny, barely noticeable marks and light wear on the pickguard

Neck

• Material: Maple
• Joint: 3-bolt neck joint with Micro-Tilt adjustment
• Profile: Vintage-style medium C
• Fingerboard: One-piece maple
• Radius: 7.25" (184 mm)
• Frets: 21 vintage-style frets
• Fret Condition: Good, with even wear and no significant grooves or dead spots; cleaned and polished to a mirror shine with plenty of life remaining
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Bone
• Nut Width: 42 mm / 1.65"
• Truss Rod Adjustment: Bullet-style adjustment at the headstock
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyester
• Headstock: Large CBS-style headstock with black Fender Stratocaster logo

Hardware

• Bridge: Fender Japan vintage-style synchronized tremolo with 6 mounting screws and block-style saddles
• Tuners: Original Fender Japan/Gotoh sealed tuners
• Neck Plate: 3-bolt Fender-style neck plate with Micro-Tilt adjustment
• Knobs: Vintage-style white Volume and Tone knobs
• Switch Tip: White
• Tremolo Arm: Included
• Strap Buttons: Standard Fender style
• Hardware Finish: Chrome with very light natural aging

Electronics

• Pickups: Three original Fender Japan ST-Current single-coil pickups
• Pickup Magnets: Alnico pole pieces
• Controls:
  • Master Volume
  • Tone - neck pickup
  • Tone - middle pickup
• Switching: 5-way pickup selector
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: SSS
• Electronics Condition: Completely original and untouched; original wiring, pots and factory solder joints with no modifications or repairs

Other

• Model: Fender Japan ST-72, most likely ST72-65
• Series: ’72 Stratocaster Reissue
• Year: 1993-1994
• Made in: Japan
• Factory: FujiGen Gakki
• Finish Color: Natural
• Setup: Professionally set up with fresh strings and comfortable low action
• Case: Soft gig bag
• Extras: Original Fender warranty card and owner’s manual included