Lefty Japanese Strat "E-series" help?

[captjoner]

Hi all! I am a brand new member here, but have been scouring the forums recently in preparation of possibly purchasing a Japanese Strat. From what I can tell the serial number is E945995. The things that worry me are that from the pictures they have posted, I do not see a "Made in Japan" or "Crafted in Japan" sticker or decal at the heel of the neck, like all others I have seen before. Also, being that it is a lefty, the only left handed Japanese strats I have ever seen didn't have anything other than the "Fender" logo on the headstock, where as this one has the logo and the SN just below it. I have contacted the seller and requested some more pictures, inside the neck pocket and electronics etc.. Anything I need to be sure to get info on before pulling the trigger on this one? Also, anyone else think the price is a bit steep? They are asking $649 US. Any help or guidance is much appreciated! I have attached the few pictures i was able to obtain. I have requested a photo of the neck pocket and heel, but I do not know if they would be willing to take apart the guitar on the sales floor.

**updated the pictures with two shots of the inside pocket, looks like it says " Z ST-362 P" on the back of the neck, and "ST 506" inside the neck pocket.

 

[crawdaddy]

The guitar looks great.....don't worry about not haveing the "Made in Japan" decal....we know that back then Japan was the spot for our left handed guitars....

You are correct in that "Fender" on the head stock with the serial number is all we got back then...

The model from that period was named "Standard"....

Yours is correct right down to the plastic neck gasket to the tuners....to the plain saddles....

Here are a couple of pics of an "K" serialed MIJ strat of that same era that I once owned:


As far as price goes....only you know if it is a fair price...

I almost forgot....welcome....there are a few of us lefty's that hang out here...

 

[crawdaddy]

Another thing that I thought of are the electronics....the pickups are most likely ceramic with the smaller pots....

 

[captjoner]

Thanks for the warm welcome crawdaddy. I am glad to hear that the "most honored senior member" seems to have no problems with this guitar! Also, it eases my mind to know that you are also a fellow lefty, thanks for replying. Your guitar looks great! I have always wanted one in Olympic White. Maybe one day... I had an e-series MIJ strat years ago that I paid about 500 bucks for, but had to sell when I needed the cash. (we have probably all been there a time or two) I deeply regret ever selling that guitar, it played SO well and even had the authentic cigarette burn just below the low E string on the headstock. . ahh, those were the days.

 

[Mac62]

A similar Lefty. This one is a mid 80s ST-62. Vintage style, apart from its stock flat pole alnico pickups.

 

[captjoner]

Very

A similar Lefty. This one is a mid 80s ST-62. Vintage style, apart from its stock flat pole alnico pickups.

Very nice! I was able to get pictures of the inside of the prospective guitar, and it looks similar to this one. I think they may be pretty much the same.

 

[captjoner]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it folks. Will report back in 3-5 business days when I receive it in the mail.

 

[Neophyte16]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it folks. Will report back in 3-5 business days when I receive it in the mail.

Looks good to me, the stamps and markings on the neck pocket and heel looks right.

Will wait for the NGD post.

 

[Lucius Paisley]

'I do not see a "Made in Japan" or "Crafted in Japan" sticker or decal at the heel of the neck'

Maybe it was made for sale in Japan, it'd be like going to China and all the restaurants selling "Chinese Food".

WHAT ELSE WOULD IT BE, @$$HOLE?!

 

[crawdaddy]

A similar Lefty. This one is a mid 80s ST-62. Vintage style, apart from its stock flat pole alnico pickups.

The electronics, in the one you posted have been revised...not 100% sure on the P/U's, but the 5 way switch is not an MIJ unit....here is a pic of the MIJ innards....

 

[Mac62]

The electronics, in the one you posted have been revised...not 100% sure on the P/U's, but the 5 way switch is not an MIJ unit....here is a pic of the MIJ innards....
View attachment 595682

Interesting. I bought the guitar 'used' about five years ago and knew nothing about. The pickups in the guitar were two flat pole alnico and a righty staggered Duncan SSL-1 in the bridge. Good to know about the electronics. Btw, I believe the five-way switch has a YM-50 sticker on it.

I suppose that it's possible the two flat pole alnico pickups are not original to the guitar either.

Added a few more pics.

 

[crawdaddy]

The 2 Alnico's might be original to the guitar....back then Fender Japan offered us leftys more than they do now...the pickups in my '86 (as far as I remember) were original Alnico's also...

If the switch has YM-50 on it then it most likely would be original too....I have never seen that type of switch on a Fender Japan...

I'm posting another pic from a '97 MIJ w/stock Alnico's:


And from a later CIJ strat:

 

[3bolt79]

Lefty’s are hard to find. And MIJ to boot. I think the price is fair.