FENDER JAPAN STRATOCASTER ST57 VINTAGE RI JV 1983 BROWN BURST MIJ W/ Squier BAGThis is a Fender Japan ST57 (1957) Stratocaster vintage reissue. Just in case you are unfamiliar with Fender Japan JV models (made in Japan MIJ), these are guitars that are known for their superb craftsmanship and quality. This is an early example of a Fender Japan Stratocaster ST57 Vintage reissue. The neck date is 9-7-83. The serial number is JV36988. It has the JV correct large Fender logo with MADE IN JAPAN on the head. There is a "C" stamp in the neck pocket. It has a very straight (for 57) C-shape neck with rounded shoulders and a minimal fret wear. One of the most comfortable necks you’ll play. The radius is the traditional 7.25 inches.The pickguard is an Anodised Aluminium, to stop dreaded 60 cycle hum and the pickups are Seymour Duncan. They are lovely, chimey and full. I own several excellent strats and I’d say these are up near the best of them. The pots are CTS made and the Saddles are Fender originals. Tuners are replica replacements (as the old ones didn’t do so well anymore).  This guitar has an amazingly sen ash contoured body that’s a pleasure to hold. There’s a massive difference between these and standard strats today. Closest shaping is the Custom shop Clapton Blackie that I own (which I believe is also based on a 57 RI). There are some small dents and scratches on the body, some metal parts show some aging.This guitar sounds as one would expect from a typical JV series Stratocaster. Very vintage. After all, this is why these guitars became so popular all over the world! It has the signature Strat sound but not too bright like newer ones, it has that mild suppressed twang to it, closer to vintage. The guitar weighs approximately 7 Lbs 7 oz. (3.35kg) on my bathroom scales. This guitar is not in a mint condition nor a museum piece. It has been played and should be played. It comes with a nice Squier padded bag, which may even be an original that the guitar came with.