Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,599

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Japan '72 Stratocaster is a tribute to a classic era of guitar history, combining vintage appeal with modern craftsmanship. Crafted in Japan, this electric guitar is a testament to Fender's dedication to quality and performance, delivering the authentic sound and feel that has made the Stratocaster iconic. The '72 Stratocaster features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo system, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and smooth playing. Its solid body construction offers both durability and a rich, resonant tone, perfect for a variety of musical genres.

The guitar is equipped with three single-coil pickups, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities that capture the essence of the '70s sound. The comfortable "U"-shaped neck profile is designed for effortless playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead styles. Whether you're a seasoned player or a new musician exploring different sounds, the Fender Japan '72 Stratocaster offers a versatile playing experience with a touch of nostalgia.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Three single-coil pickups
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo system
  • "U"-shaped neck profile
  • 21 frets
  • Chrome hardware
  • 5-way pickup selector switch
Евгений Филькин

Евгений Филькин

Fender Japan Stratocaster ST 72

Video thumbnail for Fender Japan Stratocaster ST 72 by Евгений Филькин

Fender Japan Stratocaster ST 72

Евгений Филькин

Евгений Филькин

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Vintage Reissue ST-72 Olympic White MIJ by Azizie Mislan

Fender Stratocaster Vintage Reissue ST-72 Olympic White MIJ

Azizie Mislan

Azizie Mislan

Video thumbnail for Review Fender Japan ST72 2006 08 vintage white By Fusion Music by Fusionmusic Studio

Review Fender Japan ST72 2006 08 vintage white By Fusion Music

Fusionmusic Studio

Fusionmusic Studio

Video thumbnail for Fender 1972  ST72 JAPAN Stratocaster by Matt Mruzek

Fender 1972 ST72 JAPAN Stratocaster

Matt Mruzek

Matt Mruzek

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Japan '72 Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The ST72 has a large headstock and a 3-bolt microtilt neck joint, while the ST62 features a small headstock and a 4-bolt neck.

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  • The ST72 is known for its chunkier neck profile compared to the ST62, which aligns with its 1970s design inspiration.

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  • The ST72 uses ceramic pickups, which some owners find surprisingly great, while the ST62 uses traditional AlNiCo 5 pickups.

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  • The '72 Pawn Shop Strat features a unique control setup with a pickup blend knob instead of a traditional pickup selector or tone knob.

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  • It's been noted that the neck plate conversion from a three-bolt to a four-bolt is sometimes done by filling the original holes with dowels.

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Mods and upgrades

  • It's noted that MIJ Fenders often benefit from pickup and wiring upgrades, with Texas Specials being a popular choice for improved tonal quality.

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  • Owners suggest replacing the Enforcer humbuckers for a different tonal quality, such as a tele pickup for a Midwest emo sound.

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  • Owners suggest a sandblast finish with a bold color under black, cut back to reveal the underlying color in the wood grain.

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Build quality

  • The ST72 is believed to have a basswood body, whereas the ST62 is made from alder, impacting weight and tonal resonance.

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  • The guitar has a 3-bolt neck with a “PS - 72” marking, indicating its Made in Japan origin.

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  • The three-bolt neck pattern includes two holes near the neck and a central third hole, with an additional hole for micro-tilt adjustments.

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  • Some bodies reveal ash wood with attractive grain patterns when stripped, suggesting potential for a natural or minimal finish to showcase the wood.

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User experience

  • Some users find the guitar surprisingly heavy, with the F-hole being primarily aesthetic rather than functional.

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Comparisons

  • The Enforcer pickup is described as Fender's answer to the Invader, being ceramic and high-output.

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Use cases and applications

  • The absence of a tone control may be limiting for some players, but replacing the blend knob with a tone knob is a feasible modification.

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Artist usage

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See how John Norum uses Fender Japan '72 Stratocaster

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

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Verified via Photo

John Norum has been using a Fender Japan '72 Stratocaster reissue from 2004 as his favorite guitar for live shows since 2014, as seen in a user-uploaded photo on his official website.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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