Fender Stratocaster ST-62-70 Texas Special, Made in Japan (1989–1990) – Vintage White

This is a late ’80s Made in Japan ST-62-70 Texas Special, finished in classic Vintage White. A highly regarded Fujigen-era Stratocaster, built during one of the strongest periods of Fender Japan production.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in very good condition for its age. There is normal, honest playwear consistent with a 35+ year old instrument, light surface marks and minor signs of use (see photos), but nothing excessive or structural. Overall, it presents extremely well and has clearly been cared for.

The Vintage White finish has aged beautifully, giving it that slightly creamy, vintage character that suits a ’62-style Strat perfectly. It has the right balance between clean and naturally broken-in, not relic’d, just authentically lived-in.

The frets are in excellent condition with plenty of life remaining. The guitar has received a spot level and polish, so it plays cleanly and comfortably across the board. Bends feel smooth, chords ring clearly, and there are no playability issues. The switch has been replaced to ensure reliable performance, while the rest of the electronics remain true to its Texas Special configuration.

Tone is where this Strat really delivers. The factory Texas Special pickups provide that uncompromising, correct Stratocaster voice, slightly hotter output with strong midrange presence, punchy lows, and clear but assertive highs. The bridge pickup has bite and authority without sounding thin, the neck pickup is warm and expressive, and the in-between positions give you that unmistakable glassy “quack” that defines classic Strat tone.

It handles blues, rock, funk, and fusion effortlessly. Clean tones sparkle with clarity and depth, and when pushed into overdrive, it responds dynamically with grit and articulation. Dig in and it growls; back off and it shimmers.

Made during the golden Fujigen era, this ST-62-70 reflects the precision and consistency that Fender Japan became famous for: tight neck pocket, solid hardware, and excellent overall craftsmanship.

A true vintage-era MIJ Strat with character, tone, and decades of musical history, fully ready for stage or studio.

The following work has been done: full cleaning, lemon oil fretboard treatment, fret spot leveling/polishing and string height setup (2.3 mm at the 12th fret on the low E string), pickup height adjusted for balance and clarity, and a fresh set of D'Addario XL 10/46 strings installed.

Epic Axes is a musician-driven showroom in Los Angeles. Each guitar is personally selected, inspected, and tested to ensure top performance - only instruments we would play ourselves become part of our collection.

Body

• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck
• Wood: Alder
• Finish: Vintage White, gloss polyurethane
• Pickguard: 3-ply mint green
• Weight: approx. 3.4–3.6 kg / 7.5–7.9 lbs
• Contours: Classic Stratocaster comfort contours

Neck

• Material: Maple
• Joint: Bolt-on
• Profile: ’60s-style C
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: 7.25" (vintage spec)
• Frets: 21 vintage-style
• Fret Condition: Excellent, minimal wear; spot leveled and polished
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Synthetic bone
• Nut Width: approx. 42 mm
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane

Hardware

• Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo (6-screw) - no tremolo arm (replacement about $10 Amazon)
• Saddles: Vintage bent steel saddles
• Tuners: Vintage-style Kluson-type
• Strap Buttons: Standard
• Hardware Finish: Chrome

Electronics

• Pickups: Fender Texas Special single-coils (factory set)
• Controls:
  • Master Volume
  • Tone (neck)
  • Tone (middle)
• Switching: 5-way pickup selector (switch replaced)
• Output Jack: Side-mounted Strat-style
• Configuration: SSS

Other

• Model: Fender ST-62-70 Texas Special
• Year: 1989–1990 (Fujigen era)
• Made in: Japan
• Orientation: Right-handed
• Condition: Very good cosmetic condition for its age; normal vintage wear; excellent technical condition; frets in great shape with plenty of life remaining
• Notes: Original Texas Special pickups; switch replaced for reliability
• Case: Gig bag included