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Fender ST-57 Stratocaster Reissue MIJ

Fender ST-57 Stratocaster Reissue MIJ

$428.40 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender Stratocaster ST57 1987 E-Series

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (30)

$428.40 286 available Used

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Average Price: $428

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender ST-57 Stratocaster Reissue MIJ is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series is a masterful blend of vintage allure and Japanese craftsmanship, embodying the spirit of the classic American Stratocasters with a twist of Eastern precision. Crafted during the golden era of Fender Japan, this guitar is a testament to the meticulous reissue efforts that brought historic Fender models back to life. Known for their unparalleled build quality, these instruments were highly sought after by enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering near Custom Shop quality at a more accessible price point.

What sets the E-Series apart is its dedication to detail and authenticity, replicating the aesthetic and technical specifications of the original 1957 Stratocaster models. From the smooth maple neck to the well-balanced alder body, every aspect of this guitar has been designed to deliver that iconic Strat sound with a touch of Japanese refinement. The distinct "E" serial number located at the base of the neck is a signature hallmark, marking its place in Fender's rich lineage.

Whether you're a collector or a player seeking a versatile instrument with a storied past, the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series offers a blend of classic tones and unparalleled playability that will inspire musicians across genres.

Key Features:

Crafted in Japan during the legendary E-Series era
Authentic reissue of the 1957 Stratocaster model
Alder body with a smooth maple neck
Vintage-style tremolo system
Three single-coil pickups for classic Stratocaster tones
Distinctive "E" serial number at the base of the neck

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	ST-57 Stratocaster Reissue MIJ
Made In	Japan
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Vintage MIJ / CIJ

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series?: The Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series features a vintage-style neck with a comfortable 'C' shape profile, which is typical of Stratocasters from the late '50s era, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for a variety of playing styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series?: This guitar is equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver the classic Stratocaster sound, characterized by bright, clear tones with a bell-like chime, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and pop.
Is the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series suitable for beginners?: While the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series is a high-quality instrument that appeals to collectors and seasoned players, its comfortable neck and classic sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning electric guitar.
How does the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series compare to American-made Stratocasters?: The Japanese-made ST57 1987 E-Series is renowned for its exceptional build quality and attention to detail, often rivaling American-made Stratocasters, with a focus on vintage specifications that appeal to players looking for an authentic '50s Strat experience.
What type of wood is used for the fretboard on the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series?: The fretboard of the Fender Stratocaster Japan ST57 1987 E-Series is made from maple, contributing to its bright tonal qualities and smooth playability, typical of vintage-style Stratocasters.

Videos

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James Frankland

Fender Japan - E Series STRATOCASTER | 1987

James Frankland

Fender Stratocaster - E Series Japan 1984-87

KRAZEEIZATION

Fender Stratocaster E-Series MIJ - SOLD

bbmade

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional tone that transcends expectations for its parts
High-quality Japanese craftsmanship, often considered better than American originals
Unique soft V neck profile, offering a different playing experience
Durable build, retaining excellent condition over decades
Versatile sound suitable for various playing styles
Compliments collections by adding a classic Fender aesthetic
Enhances finger accuracy and technique
Addition of a hotrail pickup offers impressive sound options
Considered a gem for collectors due to its historical value
Solid fit and finish, contributing to its lasting appeal

CONS

Electronics, notably pickups and pots, may require upgrades
Prices have inflated due to hype, considered overpriced by some
May feel challenging due to neck profile for players used to different guitars
Some might find the basswood body less appealing than other woods

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender ST-57 Stratocaster Reissue MIJ.

Build quality

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The thick poly finish on some MIJ Strats, particularly older models, can be brittle and prone to chipping, especially around the headstock.
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The ST57-115 features American-made pickups, superior hardware, and quality woods, differentiating it from the budget ST57-55 with ceramic pickups and cheaper components.
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Features and functionality

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The Fender One tremolo system on '86 MIJ Strats is praised for its stability and playability, with some owners considering it the best they've ever played.
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ST57 models have a "boat" shaped neck and bent steel string tree, while ST54 models feature a pronounced V-shape neck and circular string tree.
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Comparisons

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Some users find MIJ Strats to have more consistent fretwork and lighter bodies compared to US models, though tonal preferences vary.
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The ST-62 and ST-57 reissue models from the FujiGen factory have premium hardware and electronics compared to the standard ST362 and ST357 models.
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Squier E series guitars, made alongside Fender models in the FujiGen factory, are considered equivalent in build quality, offering a budget-friendly alternative.
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Highway One Telecasters generally have higher resale value than lower-end ST57 models, but higher-spec ST57-115s can surpass Telecasters in value.
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Mods and upgrades

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It's noted that some MIJ Strats come with ceramic pickups, which are commonly swapped out for upgraded models like Seymour Duncan or Tonerider for improved tone.
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Squier versions of the ST362 and ST357 are identical to Fender versions, implying potential for Fender-grade performance with modifications.
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Lower-end MIJ Fenders often benefit from upgrades, like replacing original pickups with higher-end options or installing a prewired loaded pickguard for improved sound.
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User experience

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Owners of Fujigen-made ST-57 models report them as lifelong favorites, though they've risen in price from $600-$800 to over $1,000 due to renewed interest.
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Owners of E series Strats highlight their remarkable quality, even when needing a setup, indicating long-term satisfaction post-purchase.
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Owners of Japanese Strats appreciate their build quality, sometimes preferring them over lower-end American models for their craftsmanship and playability.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners note that MIJ Strats excel in diverse playstyles, often surprising listeners with their sound quality despite being labeled Squier or non-US Fender.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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bart_funk

141

almost 7 years ago

Fender Stratocaster JAPAN ST57 1987 E-Series stylized as Nile Rodgers custom model.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Rock Hip Hop Blues

Artist usage

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Hiroto Wakai

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

At 5:11, you can see Hiroto Wakai using a black Fender Stratocaster that he's also used in other sessions. The defining features of it are the vintage-style tremolo, kluson-style tuners, tortoise shell pickguard with modern screw arrangement, a rail pickup of some sort, and a 22 fret maple neck. It's essentially a vintage-style strat, but with 22 frets, which leads me to believe that it's a modified Fender Japan ST57-22TX. This model has 22 frets, along with the modern pickguard screw arrangement, but also has vintage appointments (the tuners and tremolo).