The Fender Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue combines classic 1960s-inspired Stratocaster styling with the consistency and attention to detail associated with Fender Japan production.

Its basswood body, maple “U” profile neck, rosewood fingerboard, three Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat pickups and vintage-style synchronized tremolo deliver the bright attack, expressive dynamics and versatile five-position tones that have made the Stratocaster one of the most enduring electric guitar designs.

This pre-owned example is presented in Excellent Condition, showing only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and very well presented. Serial number JD25016540. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Fender
Model	Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster
Finish	Lake Placid Blue
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Serial Number	JD25016540
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Japanese-made vintage-inspired Stratocaster with classic SSS versatility
Best For	Blues, rock, funk, indie, pop, soul, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Fender Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent Condition means the guitar displays only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and particularly well presented.

What’s Included?

✔ Fender Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

The guitar shows only very light cosmetic signs of previous ownership consistent with its Excellent condition grading.

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Serial Number: JD25016540

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Fender Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• All three single-coil pickups tested
• 5-way pickup selector checked
• Master volume tested
• Tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Vintage-style tuning machines assessed
• Synchronized tremolo checked
• Bridge and saddles inspected
• Hardware assessed
• General playability checked
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Tremolo setup
• Bridge condition
• Hardware
• General playability

Minor setup movement can naturally occur during transportation as temperature and humidity change.

What Makes The Fender MIJ Traditional II '60s Stratocaster Special?

The Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster blends recognisable 1960s Fender styling with a slightly more accommodating playing specification. The rosewood fingerboard, mint green pickguard, vintage-style hardware and Lake Placid Blue finish establish the classic aesthetic, while the 9.5" fingerboard radius gives the neck a more practical feel for modern bending and lead playing.

Japanese Fender instruments have developed a strong reputation among players who value precise construction and traditional design. This Excellent Condition example adds the appeal of one of Fender’s most recognisable metallic finishes and a hardcase, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for a high-quality Stratocaster outside the standard Mexican and USA ranges.

Key Features & Benefits

Vintage-Style SSS Pickup Configuration

Three Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat pickups provide the familiar range of Stratocaster sounds, from warm neck-pickup tones and crisp bridge attack to the distinctive hollow character of positions two and four.

“U” Shape Maple Neck

The maple neck uses Fender’s “U” profile, providing a comfortable amount of substance in the hand while retaining the familiar feel expected from a traditionally styled Stratocaster.

9.5" Rosewood Fingerboard

The 9.5" radius is flatter than many strict vintage Fender specifications, making string bending and lead work more forgiving while retaining a recognisable traditional feel.

Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo

The six-saddle synchronized tremolo supports expressive vibrato effects while retaining the classic appearance and adjustment style associated with traditional Stratocaster bridges.

Lake Placid Blue Finish

Lake Placid Blue is one of Fender’s most celebrated metallic colours, giving this model a strong vintage-inspired appearance that pairs especially well with the rosewood fingerboard and mint green pickguard.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender MIJ Traditional II '60s Stratocaster vs Fender Player II Stratocaster

The Player II Stratocaster offers a more contemporary mainstream Fender specification and Mexican manufacture, while the Japanese Traditional model places greater emphasis on vintage-inspired styling, a narrower nut width and classic hardware. The MIJ guitar is particularly appealing to players who value Japanese Fender production and traditional aesthetics.

Fender MIJ Traditional II '60s Stratocaster vs Fender Vintera II '60s Stratocaster

The Vintera II range focuses more closely on period-inspired specifications and feel. The Japanese Traditional II retains the visual character of a '60s Strat while its 9.5" fingerboard radius offers a slightly more accommodating platform for players who do not want every aspect of the guitar to follow strict vintage dimensions.

Fender MIJ Traditional II '60s Stratocaster vs Fender American Vintage II Stratocaster

An American Vintage II sits higher in Fender’s range and concentrates on detailed USA-made period recreation. The MIJ Traditional II is a more accessible alternative for players seeking vintage-influenced styling, Japanese construction and classic Stratocaster versatility without moving into the American Vintage price category.

Who Is It For?

Traditional Stratocaster players – Ideal for musicians who want familiar Fender styling, SSS electronics and vintage-inspired hardware.

Blues guitarists – The neck pickup and dynamic single-coil response work especially well for expressive clean and lightly overdriven tones.

Funk and soul players – Positions two and four provide the articulate, percussive rhythm sounds closely associated with Stratocaster playing.

Rock and indie musicians – The bridge and neck pickups cover everything from clean atmospheric parts to pedal-driven rock sounds.

Players looking specifically for a Japanese Fender – An attractive choice for guitarists who value the reputation and distinctive specification of Fender’s Made in Japan range.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Classic rock
• Indie
• Alternative
• Funk
• Soul
• Pop
• Country
• R&B
• Worship
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Effects-based rigs

Why Choose A '60s-Style Stratocaster?

The 1960s Stratocaster aesthetic remains one of Fender’s most popular combinations, particularly when paired with a rosewood fingerboard. It gives the guitar a warmer visual character than the maple-board designs commonly associated with the previous decade.

The SSS electronics remain exceptionally versatile. Each pickup position offers a clearly different response, allowing one guitar to cover clean rhythm work, blues leads, funk, pop, rock and layered studio parts without complicated controls.

The Traditional II approach also gives players some vintage character without requiring them to accept every limitation of an exact period reproduction. The 9.5" fingerboard radius is a good example, retaining familiar Fender feel while making bends and contemporary playing techniques easier.

Story & Context

Fender’s Made in Japan instruments have built a strong following since Japanese Fender production began in the early 1980s.

The range became respected for combining accurate Fender styling with careful Japanese manufacturing, and over time certain MIJ models have developed enthusiastic followings of their own rather than simply being viewed as alternatives to USA-made instruments.

The Traditional series continues that philosophy by drawing heavily on Fender’s historic designs while retaining details intended to suit contemporary players. The '60s Stratocaster combines the rosewood-board look of the era with straightforward SSS electronics and traditional hardware in a carefully built Japanese instrument.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Series	Made in Japan Traditional II
Model	'60s Stratocaster
Finish	Lake Placid Blue
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Body Material	Basswood
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	“U” Shape
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Neck Construction	4-Bolt
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage-Style
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.615" / 41.02mm
Position Inlays	White Dots
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Neck Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat
Middle Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat
Bridge Pickup	Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Switching	5-Position Blade
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Vintage-Style
Pickguard	3-Ply Mint Green
Hardware Finish	Nickel / Chrome
Serial Number	JD25016540
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The three single-coil pickups and control circuit are passive and connect to an amplifier, effects rig, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue is an excellent choice for players who want classic Strat styling with the build reputation of Fender Japan and a specification that remains practical for everyday playing.

The combination of rosewood fingerboard, vintage-style SSS electronics, traditional tremolo and striking Lake Placid Blue finish gives it plenty of authentic Fender character without making it feel overly restrictive. In Excellent Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a particularly appealing pre-owned Japanese Stratocaster.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can provide access to desirable finishes, specifications and production ranges while offering strong value compared with purchasing an equivalent instrument new.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its condition and included items are clearly represented.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham’s largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying and selling new and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham’s largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Fender and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading your current guitar?

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Your existing gear could help reduce the cost of this Fender Made in Japan Traditional II '60s Stratocaster. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards your next purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the neck profile like?

The guitar uses a “U” shape maple neck, giving it a little more substance than some modern slim profiles while remaining comfortable for chord work and lead playing.

What fingerboard radius does it use?

It has a 9.5" radius, which is flatter than many strict vintage Stratocaster specifications and makes bends and contemporary lead techniques easier.

What pickups are fitted?

The guitar uses three Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat pickups with traditional five-way switching.

What sounds are available from the five-way selector?

The selector provides each pickup individually plus the bridge/middle and middle/neck combinations, giving access to the characteristic bright, warm and hollow Stratocaster tones.

What type of tremolo does it use?

It features a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo, retaining traditional Stratocaster appearance and operation.

How does a Japanese Traditional Strat differ from a modern Fender Player model?

The Made in Japan Traditional range places greater emphasis on classic Fender styling and vintage-inspired appointments, while models such as the Player II generally use a more contemporary mainstream specification.

Is the narrower nut width noticeable?

At approximately 41mm, the nut is slightly narrower than on many modern electric guitars. Players who prefer compact string spacing at the lower frets may find this particularly comfortable.

Is this guitar suitable for pedals?

Yes. A traditional SSS Stratocaster works exceptionally well with overdrive, fuzz, compression, modulation, delay and other effects, making it an excellent platform for a wide variety of pedal-based rigs.

Are single-coil pickups noisy?

Traditional single-coil pickups can produce some mains hum, particularly with higher-gain amplifier settings. Positions two and four may reduce noise depending on the pickup configuration and electrical environment.

Is this suitable as an upgrade from a Squier or entry-level Stratocaster?

Yes. A Made in Japan Fender is a strong upgrade for players who already enjoy the Stratocaster format and want higher-level construction, hardware and finishing while retaining familiar controls and ergonomics.

Is it suitable for professional live use?

Yes. The straightforward electronics, familiar Stratocaster layout and Japanese construction make it a practical instrument for regular rehearsal, recording and live performance.

Can I request a closer look at this individual guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal for pre-owned instruments if you would like to see the individual condition and Lake Placid Blue finish in greater detail before purchasing.