1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster Candy Apple Red, (Used)

The 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red is a highly desirable 1980s Japanese-built Fender Stratocaster with strong player and collector appeal. Part of the performance-focused Fender Japan Stratocaster era, the ST-557K blends classic Strat styling with more modern 1980s features, making it a brilliant choice for players who want vintage MIJ Fender quality with a slightly more specialist feel than a standard reissue Strat.

This pre-owned example is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Supplied with a hardcase, this 1987 ST-557K is ideal for players who want a characterful Japanese Fender Stratocaster for rock, indie, alternative, blues, pop, funk, recording and live performance.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Fender
Model	ST-557K Stratocaster
Year	1987
Country of Manufacture	Made in Japan
Finish	Candy Apple Red
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Electronics	Passive
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	1980s MIJ Fender Stratocaster with vintage Japanese Fender character
Best For	Rock, indie, alternative, blues, pop, funk, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional, collectors and Fender Japan enthusiasts

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster is in Good condition. This means it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional.

Good condition is ideal for players who want a dependable vintage-style MIJ Fender with visible signs of use, genuine age and strong player character.

What’s Included?

✔ 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster Candy Apple Red
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows noticeable signs of previous use, which may include visible marks, scratches, small dings, finish wear or general cosmetic wear consistent with Good condition.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Single-coil pickups checked
• Pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Tremolo bridge checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Fender MIJ ST-557K Stratocaster has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Tremolo bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster?

1980s Fender Japan Build Quality

Fender Japan instruments from the 1980s have earned a strong reputation among players and collectors. The ST-557K sits within that desirable era and offers the feel, finish and character that make Japanese Fender guitars so appealing on the used market.

Candy Apple Red Finish

Candy Apple Red is one of Fender’s most iconic custom colours. On a Stratocaster, it gives the guitar a bold, stage-ready look while still feeling classic and unmistakably Fender.

Stratocaster Versatility

The Stratocaster remains one of the most versatile electric guitar designs ever made. Its comfortable contoured body, bolt-on neck feel and three-pickup layout make it useful across countless styles, from bright cleans to driven rock tones.

SSS Pickup Layout

The SSS pickup configuration gives this guitar classic Stratocaster-style clarity, snap and articulation. It is ideal for clean rhythm parts, blues phrasing, funk, indie textures, surf-inspired sounds and expressive lead playing.

1980s Performance Character

The ST-557K belongs to a more performance-focused period of Fender Japan Stratocaster design, giving it a different personality from a straight vintage reissue. That makes it appealing for players who like classic Fender feel with a more 1980s edge.

Hardcase Included

The included hardcase adds practical protection for storage, transport and gigging, making this a more useful package for players and collectors.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender MIJ ST-557K vs Fender Japan ST57 Reissue

An ST57-style reissue is focused on traditional 1950s Stratocaster styling. The ST-557K is more closely associated with 1980s Fender Japan performance design, making it a stronger option for players who want something less conventional.

Fender MIJ ST-557K vs Fender Player Stratocaster

A Fender Player Stratocaster offers modern Mexican-made Fender reliability. The ST-557K offers vintage MIJ character, 1980s Fender Japan appeal and stronger collectability.

Fender MIJ ST-557K vs Fender American Stratocaster

An American Stratocaster offers USA-made Fender specification and broad market recognition. This ST-557K appeals to players who specifically value 1980s Japanese Fender craftsmanship, rarity and period-correct character.

Fender MIJ ST-557K vs Squier JV / SQ Stratocaster

Squier JV and SQ models are highly regarded early Japanese-built instruments. The Fender-branded ST-557K offers a different route into collectible MIJ Fender ownership with its own 1980s performance identity.

Who Is It For?

Fender Japan Collectors

This is ideal for players and collectors interested in 1980s Made in Japan Fender instruments.

Stratocaster Players

The ST-557K is a strong choice for players who enjoy the comfort, clarity and versatility of the Stratocaster format.

Indie And Alternative Guitarists

The combination of Candy Apple Red looks, MIJ build and Strat-style tones makes it great for indie, alternative and post-punk-inspired playing.

Blues And Classic Rock Players

The single-coil layout gives expressive clean and driven tones for blues, classic rock and roots styles.

Studio Musicians

A Stratocaster is always useful in the studio thanks to its clear attack, tonal range and ability to sit well in a mix.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster is well suited to:

• Rock
• Indie
• Alternative
• Blues
• Pop
• Funk
• Classic rock
• Punk
• New wave
• Post-punk
• Surf-inspired tones
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Clean rhythm work
• Lead guitar
• Pedalboard-based rigs
• Fender Japan collecting

Educational Section: Why Choose A 1980s Made in Japan Fender Stratocaster?

A 1980s Made in Japan Fender Stratocaster is a great choice for players who want genuine Fender character with a different appeal from modern production models. Japanese Fender guitars from this period are widely admired for their build quality, playability and attention to detail.

The ST-557K is especially appealing because it is not just another standard Stratocaster reissue. It carries the performance-focused feel of 1980s Fender Japan design, while still retaining the essential ingredients that make a Strat so useful: comfort, clarity, simple controls and excellent genre flexibility.

For players who want a Fender Stratocaster with vintage MIJ character, collectible appeal and practical everyday usability, this 1987 ST-557K is a very strong choice.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Fender Japan Stratocaster, vintage MIJ guitar or pre-owned Fender electric? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Fender Japan ST-557K Stratocaster

Fender Japan played a major role in Fender history during the 1980s. These instruments helped re-establish Fender’s reputation for consistent quality, and many Japanese-built models from this period are now highly respected by players around the world.

The ST-557K belongs to a period when Fender Japan was producing both traditional reissue-style guitars and more modern performance-focused Stratocaster variants. That makes it a particularly interesting model for players who want something with classic Fender DNA and a clear 1980s identity.

This 1987 Candy Apple Red example, supplied with a hardcase, is a characterful pre-owned MIJ Stratocaster with strong visual appeal and real player value.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Model	ST-557K Stratocaster
Year	1987
Country of Manufacture	Made in Japan
Finish	Candy Apple Red
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Scale Length	25.5"
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Volume and Tone Controls
Switching	Pickup Selector
Bridge	Tremolo Bridge
String Configuration	6-String
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition

Specification Note

The exact ST-557K factory specification can vary depending on production period, export market and individual guitar history. This listing therefore avoids unconfirmed claims about body wood, pickup originality, neck profile, tremolo system version and hardware originality. These details should be confirmed directly from the guitar, neck pocket markings, hardware markings, pickup readings and internal inspection.

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★☆ 4/5

The 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red is a superb choice for players who want vintage MIJ Fender character, classic Stratocaster versatility and a more unusual 1980s model identity. Its Japanese build, bold finish, SSS layout and hardcase make it a strong player’s guitar with excellent used-market appeal.

This Good condition example is ideal for guitarists who want a characterful Fender Japan Stratocaster to play, record and enjoy, rather than a case-kept collector-only piece.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster in?

This guitar is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes. This 1987 Fender Made in Japan ST-557K Stratocaster comes with a hardcase.

What finish is this guitar?

This guitar is finished in Candy Apple Red.

Is this a Made in Japan Fender?

Yes. This is listed as a Fender Made in Japan Stratocaster from 1987.

What makes 1980s Fender Japan guitars desirable?

1980s Fender Japan guitars are highly regarded for their build quality, playability and collectible status among Fender enthusiasts.

What styles does this Stratocaster suit?

It suits rock, indie, alternative, blues, pop, funk, classic rock, punk, post-punk, recording and live performance.

Is this suitable as a main gigging guitar?

Yes. It has been checked for playability and functionality, and the included hardcase makes it practical for transport.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

Are all the original factory specifications confirmed?

No. The exact factory details and originality should be confirmed from direct inspection of the instrument, including neck pocket markings, pickup readings, electronics and hardware.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Fender Japan Stratocasters, vintage MIJ guitars and pre-owned Fender electrics.