Reverty Used Guitars Japan — every instrument inspected, set up, and played before listing.
1989-1990 Fender Japan ST-500VM "22-Fret" Stratocaster - MIJ, Fujigen Era
Offered here is a Fender Japan ST-500VM, a spot-production Stratocaster from the Fujigen manufacturing period. The ST-500V / ST-500VM series is seldom seen on the market: it pairs a vintage-style platform with a 22-fret neck, an unusual specification for a Fender Japan Stratocaster of this era.
The J-prefix serial (J039016) places production in 1989-1990, and the model designation "ST-500VM" is stamped at the neck end, confirming the model. The neck features an overhanging 22nd fret and a truss rod adjustment at the headstock end, while the three single coils use staggered pole pieces for a natural, vintage-leaning voice. The maple fingerboard contributes the fast attack and clear projection that define the classic Stratocaster sound - good note separation when clean, and a balanced, easy-to-control response when driven. The headstock carries the "ORIGINAL Contour Body" decal typical of the era.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Model: ST-500VM
- Year: 1989-1990 (J-serial, Fender Japan)
- Serial Number: J039016
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Factory: Fujigen
- Color: Copper Metallic
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple, bolt-on
- Fingerboard: Maple, 22 frets (overhanging fret end)
- Scale: 25.5"
- Pickups: Three single coils (staggered pole pieces)
- Controls: Master Volume, Tone x2
- Switch: 5-way selector
- Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo with Fender-stamped saddles
- Tuners: GOTOH
- Weight: 3.55 kg
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Very Good
- Body: Scratches present, consistent with age and use
- Neck: Straight
- Frets: Approximately 60-70% remaining. Some divots are present, with no catching and no dead spots
- Hardware: Tarnish on metal parts (vintage patina)
All electronics function correctly and the guitar plays as intended. Please review all photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition. All photos are of the actual guitar for sale.
== INCLUDED ==
- Tremolo arm
- Soft case (generic)
== WHY THIS GUITAR ==
The ST-500VM sits above the standard catalogue Stratocasters of its day, with an alder body, a one-piece maple neck and a 22-fret layout that is genuinely hard to find on a Fender Japan Strat. Built at Fujigen during a period widely regarded as a high point for Japanese Fender production, it offers honest playwear, a straight neck and a fully working vintage-voiced circuit - a player's piece with real Japan-vintage collector appeal, in a metallic finish that rarely turns up.
Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.
SETUP & INSPECTION
Cleaned, set up, and inspected by our luthier before shipping:
- Neck relief and action adjusted
- Frets and fingerboard cleaned
- Intonation set
- Tuners and electronics checked
Your instrument arrives ready to play.
SHIPPING FROM JAPAN
- Shipped worldwide from Japan with full tracking and insurance
- Carefully packed with protective wrapping, strings detuned to relieve neck tension in transit
- Processed and shipped within 2-4 business days
Please message us with any questions before purchasing.
