In the late-'70s, Fender was facing competition from lower-priced Japanese-made copies, so in 1982, they launched a joint venture with Kanda Shokai and Yamano Gakki to produce Fender-branded instruments in Japan. Because the American Fender brand was only a partner—and not in the driver's seat—over the years Fender Japan, Ltd. produced some of the most inventive and novel interpretations of classic Fender templates. With quality that rivals their American-made counterparts, MIJ and CIJ Fender guitars are often intriguing designs that bring about new levels of inspiration and expression.
The Midnight Stratocaster was a Factory Special Run of the Japanese Traditional '60s Stratocaster. It is essentially a modern recreation of the early '60s Stratocaster—slab rosewood fingerboard and double-bound body. But let's be honest, the Midnight Stratocaster is all about the black finish and gold hardware. With a matching black headstock and a black pickguard, the Midnight Strat is dressed to the nines! It's a classy axe sure to get noticed on the bandstand. Cool limited runs like this are what Fender Japan is all about.
This 2018 Midnight Stratocaster has upgraded Vintage Hot Strat pickups from Lindy Fralin. Fralin describes these as their "purest" Stratocaster pickups, and they produce warm, balanced midrange with lots of sparkle and clarity on the top. It's a bright, open sound that will cut through the mix like a good strat should. This Midnight Strocaster also has upgraded CTS pots.
This 2018 Fender MIJ Midnight Stratocaster shows some general playwear (see photos), and it is clean and free of severe dings and scratches. The gold hardware has tarnished from play and usage, and some of the pickguard screws have rusted. Sadly, MIJ parts are not made with the same quality gold plating as USA parts, so this happens when you actually play the guitar and put it through the paces.
This Midnight Stratocaster is a real player, too, with a smooth, low setup and plenty of life left in the frets. The Midnight Strat looks like it belongs at a weekly gig in a high-end nightclub. It's flashy, sure, but that's the point. It includes its original Fender-branded gig bag and tremolo arm.