Description

2017 Japanese Domestic Fender C50ST Traditional 50s Stratocaster, $1299!

The Fender C50ST Stratocaster is a Japanese domestic model that is part of Fender’s highly regarded line of Stratocasters produced exclusively for the Japanese market. These guitars are known for their high build quality, excellent craftsmanship, and adherence to vintage specifications, making them popular among players looking for the classic Strat sound and feel with Japanese precision.

Key Features:

  • Body Type: Classic Stratocaster body, likely made from alder. This body shape is iconic for its contoured design, which offers comfort and playability whether sitting or standing. The C50ST is styled after 1950s Stratocasters, which typically have a more vintage feel.
  • Neck: The guitar features a bolt-on maple neck with a maple fretboard, a characteristic of 1950s Stratocasters. The neck profile is often a soft “V” or “C” shape, which is comfortable for most playing styles, particularly for players who enjoy vintage-style necks.
  • Fretboard: Maple fretboards are common for ’50s-style Strats, known for their bright, snappy tone. The fretboard usually features vintage-style small frets, which provide a more period-accurate playing experience.
  • Scale Length: 25.5 inches, the standard for Stratocasters. This scale length provides the signature Strat tone, with clarity and string tension that’s ideal for both lead and rhythm playing.
  • Pickups: The C50ST is equipped with three single-coil pickups, designed to replicate the vintage ’50s Strat sound. These pickups offer bright, articulate tones with the classic Strat “quack” in the in-between pickup positions, perfect for genres like blues, rock, country, and even funk.
  • Controls: Standard Stratocaster configuration with one master volume, two tone controls, and a five-way pickup selector switch. This allows for a wide range of tonal versatility, from bright and cutting bridge tones to warm, mellow neck tones.
  • Bridge: Vintage-style tremolo bridge, offering smooth vibrato effects while maintaining tuning stability. This type of bridge adds to the overall vintage aesthetic and functionality of the guitar.

Sound Characteristics:

The Fender C50ST delivers the classic Stratocaster tone that has been a hallmark of the instrument since its inception. With its three single-coil pickups, the guitar produces bright, clear highs, punchy mids, and a well-defined low end. The vintage-style pickups provide that glassy, bell-like tone characteristic of ’50s Strats, especially when used with clean or lightly overdriven amps. The five-way switch allows for access to the “in-between” sounds that Strats are famous for, which are ideal for funky rhythms and bluesy lead work.

Build Quality:

Fender Japan is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, and the C50ST is no exception. These guitars are built to exacting standards, using high-quality materials and attention to detail that rivals, and sometimes surpasses, their American counterparts. The fit and finish are typically excellent, with smooth fretwork, precise intonation, and durable hardware.

Country of Manufacture:

Japan. The Fender C50ST was produced for the Japanese domestic market, where Fender Japan has long been known for crafting high-quality instruments. Japanese-made Fenders are often prized for their craftsmanship and attention to vintage detail, making them a favorite among players who seek out non-export models.