Fender 1993-94 MIJ '54 Stratocaster HARDTAIL Rare ST54-EX Japan V Neck 23012

This is a 1993-94 P + 6-digit serial Fender Stratocaster made in Japan in Sunburst finish. This is a very rare Japanese hardtail Strat model designated ST54-EX (written inside neck pocket as "ST54NT-EX). I assume "NT" stands for "no tremolo." "EX" may mean "export." I have looked through Fender catalogs for these years and can't find this model. Almost all the "54" models in the catalogs have USA pickups. Have also read this probably has an Alder body. (Conjecture on my part, please do your own research.)

All original except pickguard that was changed to 11-screw 3-ply type. Originally I believe this had a 50s style single-ply guard. This has a fairly pronounced V-neck and it is very chunky, aka baseball bat style, much like the Fender U-necks. Frets are vintage size and have mild wear, but plays great all over the neck. I have looked under the pickguard and everything looks original (see pic). 

All electronics quiet and working well. This guitar has some real magic when plugged in. The pickups have aged nicely and it just sounds amazing. Someone is gonna get a real keeper here. Very nice weight at 7 pounds, 3 ounces. It shows mild wear and marks. I'd call it 7/10 condition. No case. Any questions about condtion--it's buyer's responsibility to ask before buying. I do a full cleaning and setup on all guitars. (Details on my setups and packing at bottom of listing.)  Ihanks for looking!

PS: If you search on Youtube: "Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1954 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail" you will see a vid on the guitar this was modeled after. Apparently originally an ash body. This MIJ Strat does have the "short skirt" knobs that are period correct. Also has the round string tree like on the original--so Fender Japan was pretty spot on with this reproduction...

What You Get
-- Full setup and cleaning.
-- FREE USA shipping.
-- 30-day return policy.
-- Ship within 1 business day--pro packing.

All our setups are done by our in-house trained luthier. Setup includes new strings (9s or 10s depending on what the nut is cut for), overall polish, cleaning any gunk off fingerboard, oiling neck, and polishing frets when necessary. We spray out any pots that are noisy, turn the truss rod (if necessary) and set string height at low-to-medium action depending on string buzz present. Since setup is highly subjective you may need to get it set to your particular needs by your personal luthier. Basses get the same treatment minus the string change. Thanks!

I use quality boxes, thick bubble wrap, and peanuts to pack guitars. I have a very high rate of successful guitar and bass shipping (meaning few damaged instruments). I have been doing this 10 years and know how to pack well--with or without a hard case. I wrote a detailed story with photos on how I pack a guitar, which you can find on my StillKickinMusic site blog. If you Google "THERE IN ONE PIECE...How to Pack a Guitar" you will find it. Thanks.