PRE-SALE: Fresher Straighter ST (3rd Gen) – Olympic White, 1977–1980

ATTENTION! The presented instrument is offered as a pre-sale. Luthier work will be performed on it, including, among others, lacquer polishing, hardware restoration, and electronics shielding. Depending on the verification of the neck geometry, the original frets will undergo advanced dressing and polishing, or – if fingerboard leveling is necessary – the instrument will receive brand new frets. The final price includes the above-mentioned work.

Fresher Straighter ST is a Japanese electric guitar, manufactured between 1977 and 1980 for the Kyowa Shokai brand. This model belongs to the third generation of Fresher instruments (so-called 3rd Generation). This unit is a very faithful replica of American ST designs from the 1970s. The instrument features an Olympic White finish, which creates a strong contrast with the black plastic hardware, rosewood fingerboard, and large headstock. According to the information above, the guitar is currently being prepared and will undergo a comprehensive luthier overhaul before the final handover.

Technical specification

• Manufacturer: Fresher (Kyowa Shokai)

• Model: Straighter ST (3rd Gen)

• Year of production: 1977–1980

• Body: Basswood

• Neck: Maple

• Fingerboard: Rosewood

• Frets: Vintage Style (Condition: planned new / after dressing)

• Pickups: 3x Fresher Single-Coil

• Electronics: Passive (1x Volume, 2x Tone, position switch)

• Visual condition: Pre-sale / Visible signs of use (details in description)

• Finish: Olympic White (OWH)

• Weight: (to be completed)

Body and construction The solid ST-shaped body features a polyurethane finish in Olympic White. A traditional Bolt-on neck construction is used. A three-ply black pickguard is mounted on the front, representing a popular and sought-after color combination from this period. In accordance with the pre-sale conditions, the lacquer coating will undergo a cleaning and polishing process in our workshop.

Neck and ergonomics The maple neck is equipped with a rosewood fingerboard featuring bright dot inlays. Following 1970s trends, the instrument features a large headstock and a truss rod adjustment at the nut, with a characteristic protruding "bullet" truss rod. Depending on the verification of the neck geometry, the original frets will undergo advanced dressing and polishing, or – if fingerboard leveling is necessary – the instrument will receive brand new frets.

Sound The instrument is equipped with a passive circuit of three single-coil pickups with black covers.

• Characteristics: The three single-coil configuration provides a classic, bright, and selective frequency response, with a clear attack and legible highs typical of ST designs.

• Dynamics: The passive circuit offers high sensitivity to articulation, performing well on both clean channels and with classic overdrives.

Additional information

• The third generation (3rd Gen) designation is associated with a change in the headstock logo and the transfer of production from the Matsumoto factory to the Chushin Gakki facilities (1977–1980).

• The presence of the large headstock and the "bullet" style truss rod is evidence of the Japanese engineers' great attention to the visual details of the 1970s American models they were copying at the time.

• The combination of the bright Olympic White lacquer with black pickup covers, knobs, and pickguard is a direct reference to visual modifications popular in that decade.

• The guitar is offered in a pre-sale formula, which allows you to reserve this unit even before the full process of luthier work is finally completed in our workshop.

Hardware

• Bridge: Synchronized Tremolo – a traditional screw-mounted construction, preserved with the factory, rarely seen "ashtray cover". According to the scope of work, the hardware will undergo maintenance and full intonation adjustment.

• Tuners: Closed Gear mechanisms. The chrome hardware will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure tuning stability.

Instrument condition

• Technical condition: The instrument is currently being prepared for playing (pre-sale). After the planned luthier work is completed, it will be 100% mechanically and electronically functional.

• Visual condition: The guitar shows signs of use appropriate for its age. The lacquer coating exhibits minor chips and scratches. The instrument has no structural wood cracks.

• Setup and Modifications: Service work is ongoing, including lacquer polishing, electronics shielding, hardware maintenance, and depending on verification – fret dressing or full fingerboard leveling combined with refretting.

Why choose this instrument

• Historical specification: The large headstock and "bullet" truss rod make this unit a great replica of CBS-era instruments, sought after by collectors.

• Rare details: The preserved metal bridge cover (ashtray) is an element that has been lost on most used guitars.

• Pre-sale offer: Purchasing in the pre-sale format is a chance to reserve the instrument and receive it right after a professional luthier restoration.

• Comprehensive service: Within the set price, the guitar will undergo all necessary preparatory work, meaning it will require no additional financial input after pickup.