❌SOLD❌ Fender 72 Reissue Stratocaster Made in Japan Natural, 1994

Here’s a Fender 72 Reissue Stratocaster in Natural finish, built during 1994 for Fender Japan by Fuji-Gen at Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. This is not a Squier model, but a Fender branded Strat intended for sale in the Japanese market.

Fender Japan began in 1982 as a joint venture between Fender (then under CBS ownership), Yamano Gakki (distributor of Fender and Gibson products) and Kanda Shokai (another prominent Japanese distributor) and lasted until 2015. At that point, Fender assumed sole ownership of Fender Music Corporation (Japan). These guitars were very well made and are highly regarded.

For a time following the sale by CBS of Fender to its management team – a sale that did not include the Fullerton production facilities – all Fender guitar production was by Fender Japan and the 1985 catalog only showed Japanese made instruments. This situation lasted for up to two years, with the Custom Shop opening in Corona, California during 1987.

Since that time, Fender production has moved to Corona and Ensenada, Mexico and the MIJ models are now almost exclusively for the Japanese market.   A short history of the Fender Japan venture can be found at this link. There’s also a discussion of the meanings of the ‘Made in Japan’ and ‘Crafted in Japan’ serial number decals.

This Fender 72 Reissue Stratocaster with natural finish and white pickguard dates to 1994 and is in overall good condition. It features an Ash body paired with one-piece Maple neck, and as a 72 Reissue has the larger ‘CBS’ style headstock, bullet truss rod adjuster and three bolt, Micro-Tilt neck joint. There is one significant difference; the original 72 would have had F-branded tuners by Schaller, but here, individual sealed tuners by Gotoh are installed. These appear to be original equipment, there are no signs of replacement. Fret wear is light to moderate, and a light fret dress and polish would take playability to nearly new. The finish is a clear and very durable poly coat. This has a few small dings and dents from ordinary use, but nothing serious. This is a nice guitar to play, and definitely has the 72 feel.

Sold with a non-original gig bag.