Another immaculate example of a Strat made to order by the Fujigen Custom Shop. This is an early Fujigen build so has a pancake construction, a single piece for the top and only really sharp eyes will see the join for the 2 pieces that make up the back. The original owner ordered his guitar based around an SE-600N and opted for the Rosewood neck. This has a set of delicious slightly overwound PU-100 pick-ups to which I have raided my period correct spares drawer and fitted a 1977 DM-50 5 way switch from an SE-700. Now we have the in-between tones without the requirement to go fishing for them. The early DM-50 switches have a really nice action - so much better than anything made today.
 
The sounds are typical Maxon - bright and snappy, the very top end tamed with a tiny bit of tone roll-off; but the 5 way really sets this guitar free. Maxons always behave impeccably with a 10-50W valve amp and get deliciously raucous with anything bigger. The clarity and definition also suit solid state Fender style amps. They manage to cover all bases - never letting you forget you are playing a genuine vintage guitar, but that character is addictive. You need a modern set of pick-ups to get the clinical efficiency and discipline, but you'll have more fun with these and the studio engineer will just have to work a little harder.
 
Just a couple of signs of life on this one - but for a 50 year old it's doing well. Imagine Joaquim Phoenix shaved and combed hair. Guitars of this vintage and specification are extremely rare and usually very expensive - this is a fantastic example without silly price tag and ready for another 50 years of service.