Guide / SELECTED VINTAGE GUITARS
Japanese Strat or a new Fender? Fresher and Fernandes as alternatives
A good ST-style instrument does not have to be new or carry the Fender logo. Here is why a Japanese Fresher or Fernandes with professional workshop preparation is worth considering.
Why we would choose Japanese vintage ourselves
In our opinion, a carefully chosen Japanese guitar that has had a thorough overhaul is a better purchase than a new mid-range instrument. You get an interesting design, the individual character of that particular guitar and real luthier work that makes it more comfortable to play every day. For someone who buys a guitar mainly to play it, that is a very compelling combination.
Japanese brands developed their own design and manufacturing capabilities, producing both instruments inspired by American classics and variations on those designs. Fresher and Fernandes illustrate this diversity well: from a traditional three-single-coil layout to designs intended for heavier sounds. Choosing one can make sense even when a new Fender was your starting point.
What we are actually comparing with a Fender Player II
The standard Fender Player II Stratocaster is a useful reference: a Modern C neck profile, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, 22 Medium Jumbo frets and a two-point tremolo bridge. That is a specific set of features, not a universal standard of comfort. A Japanese instrument from another period may have different frets, a different neck profile and a different bridge, so it is worth checking which combination suits your hands better.
When comparing, put both guitars on a similar footing in terms of preparation. A new guitar is also worth taking in for an inspection and a setup to suit your chosen strings, tuning and playing style. The factory setup is a starting point; it does not account for how hard you pick or how high you like your action. That is why it is a good idea to set aside some of your budget for a setup when buying a new guitar.
Fresher Straighter ST: a classic layout and a sensible choice
The early-1980s Fresher Straighter ST in 3-Tone Sunburst has a maple neck and fingerboard, three single-coil pickups, a five-way selector and a traditional six-screw tremolo. It suits a guitarist seeking classic ST functionality and an instrument with a distinct identity.
This guitar is prepared before it goes to the buyer. The work covers hardware maintenance, shielding and fretwork chosen after the neck has been assessed. This is exactly the kind of purchase we find attractive: you can choose an older guitar knowing what its preparation involves, instead of having to sort out problems yourself after you receive it.
The instrument discussed is not currently visible in the catalogue. Browse current instruments →
Fernandes FST and a modified Fresher: more than a classic copy
The Fernandes The Function FST, whose Olympic White finish has now turned cream, combines two single coils with a bridge humbucker. Consider it if you need a stronger bridge sound for overdrive as well as clean tones. HSS offers different possibilities from traditional SSS, so try both instruments with the same amplifier settings.
Another option is the Fresher Straighter ST Modified: two rail-style mini humbuckers, a middle single coil, a replacement bridge and pickguard. It is for musicians interested in a functional guitar rather than complete collector-grade originality. Both instruments described here need the preparation specified in their listings to be completed before delivery.
PRE-SALE: Fresher Straighter ST (4th Gen) Modified – Olympic White (Aged), Early 1980sPhotos, service record and current offer details →
PRE-SALE: Fernandes The Function FST – Olympic White (Aged), Golden Era, 1980sPhotos, service record and current offer details →
How to choose your ST
Start with the neck profile, chord comfort and string bending. Then listen to every selector position on a clean channel and with moderate overdrive. Check whether the tremolo returns to pitch, whether the controls work properly and whether notes choke in the upper positions. Compare at similar volumes — a stronger signal is easily mistaken for a better tone.
If a particular guitar suits you and its condition and preparation are clearly described, a Japanese ST is a very strong alternative to a new guitar. For us, what matters most is how it feels under your fingers: a comfortable neck, properly dressed frets and a setup that makes you want to play. Those are the qualities worth spending your budget on.
Further reading
If you want to explore the topic further, we have included some additional reading below. Manufacturers' specifications help you compare specific designs, and service guides explain the principles of setting up a guitar. The photos and links next to the examples lead to our instruments; you can check their current condition and the scope of their preparation in their listings.
Fender Player II Stratocaster — specifications of the comparison model ↗