Fender Japan MIJ 50's '57 reissue' in Fiesta Red

Fender Japan 50's '57 reissue' c. 2005

2005 Fender 50's reissue in Fiesta Red

There's nothing I like more than Fiesta red Stratocasters, the red and white is straight off the side of a 1950's Corvette and suits the guitar so well! Up for review here is a 50's reissue Stratocaster usually referred to as the 57 reissue in Japan.

As you can see from the photos, the red varies according to the light, but is more of a 'red' than the 'salmon pink' or 'coral pink' colour of some guitars listed as Fiesta Red.

I picked this one up off Ebay and it was in very nice condition and sounded good out of the box, a quick string change and set up it plays very nicely.

The classic headstock, machines & spaghetti logo

The 57 reissue to use its Fender Japan model name is one of a limited run of guitars made by Fuji-Gen in Japan and not for export. However this gem, has made its way from the Tokyo shores to the UK and it is a nice guitar to behold.

The neck has the 'Crafted in Japan' legend and serial number under the clear coat

The guitar is as most of you will need no introduction to if you've owned a Mexican 50's vintage style guitar. These guitars are based loosely on the Pre-CBS guitars made from 1954-65 as a generalisation, the Japan made guitars are very well made and finished.

Looks great from any angle

This guitar has the vintage style of single coil pickup, a 5 way selector switch as standard and the usual hardware you'd find on the Mexican 50's reissue, including the big block trem block.

The neck is slightly more 'full' on this example from 2005. It is more of a D shape than a C but is nice to play, I use it for single not playing in the style of the Shadows instrumental music so it is fine for that.

The sound is very good and set up it plays nicely. I put  a set of D'addario 10's on it as I do with most of my guitars and they work very well.

With a Mexican 50's ST in the foreground

So all in all a collectible guitar which plays very nicely. These are quite a rare guitar in the West as they were made for the Japan market only.