Fender Japan ST65-75 DK-154 Stratocaster Ice Blue Metallic 1993-94 MIJ Texas Special

1993–1994 Fender Japan ST65-75 / ST-65 ’65 Reissue Stratocaster in the rare factory Ice Blue Metallic finish.

This is an unusual, non-catalog Fender Japan model produced in far smaller numbers than the more commonly seen ST57 and ST62 reissues.

The “Made in Japan” N-prefix serial number, N076844, dates the guitar to approximately 1993–1994. The neck heel is factory-stamped “DK-154” and “ST-65.” Surviving references identify this rare configuration as the ST65-75-IBM, with “IBM” representing Ice Blue Metallic and the “75” suffix indicating its original Japanese price tier.

The Ice Blue Metallic finish is one of the strongest features of this guitar. Over more than 30 years, the original pale metallic blue has naturally developed a subtle greenish cast, giving it a beautifully aged appearance that is difficult to reproduce with a modern finish.

The guitar features an alder body, maple neck, dark rosewood fingerboard, vintage-style 7.25-inch radius, 21 vintage-style frets, and a 42 mm nut width. Its small headstock, transition-style Fender logo, round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, mint-green three-ply pickguard, vintage-style tuners, and six-screw synchronized tremolo capture the distinctive appearance of a mid-1960s Stratocaster.

It is equipped with three Fender USA Texas Special single-coil pickups. These pickups retain the clarity and open character associated with a vintage Stratocaster while adding stronger midrange, slightly higher output, and a fuller response. The neck position is warm and expressive, the bridge has a firm cutting attack, and the in-between settings provide the familiar glassy Stratocaster tone.

The pickup and wiring assembly has been photographed so that the internal condition and components can be confirmed.

The guitar weighs only 3.43 kg / 7.56 lb, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable for a Fender Japan Stratocaster from this period.

■ Specifications

Brand: Fender Japan

Model: ST65-75 / ST-65 ’65 Reissue Stratocaster

Neck stamp: DK-154 / ST-65

Year: Approximately 1993–1994

Serial number: N076844

Country of manufacture: Japan

Finish: Ice Blue Metallic

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Fingerboard radius: Approximately 7.25 inches

Number of frets: 21

Nut width: Approximately 42 mm

Scale length: Approximately 650 mm / 25.5 inches

Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single-coil × 3

Controls: Master volume, two tone controls, five-way selector

Bridge: Vintage-style six-screw synchronized tremolo

Weight: Approximately 3.43 kg / 7.56 lb

Overall length: Approximately 98 cm

Accessories: Fender gig bag and tremolo arm

■ Condition

The guitar remains in very good condition for an instrument that is more than 30 years old.

There are several small dings, shallow scratches, scuffs, and minor areas of finish wear, mainly around the body edges and lower bout. The back of the neck also has a few small marks. However, no structural cracks, breaks, or major repairs were found during inspection.

The Ice Blue Metallic finish has naturally aged to a slightly greenish tone. The cream-colored pickup covers and control knobs, together with the lightly aged hardware, give the guitar an attractive and authentic vintage appearance.

The neck is currently adjusted straight. The string action at the 12th fret is approximately 1.8 mm on both the first and sixth strings. The frets retain approximately 90% or more of their original height, with no major wear that interferes with normal playing.

The electronics have been checked and all pickups, controls, and the selector switch operate correctly.

The entire guitar has been carefully cleaned. The fingerboard and frets have been serviced, the neck has been adjusted, and the metal hardware—including the bridge, tuners, and small screws—has been carefully cleaned and polished.

Please note that action and neck relief may change slightly during international transportation due to differences in temperature and humidity. A final setup according to the buyer’s playing style and local climate is recommended.

■ Note Regarding the DK-154 Stamp

“DK-154” appears to be a factory production or special-order control code. However, reliable surviving documentation identifying the specific dealer or distributor associated with this code has not been found. For this reason, we present it as the original factory-applied code without making an unsupported dealer-order claim.

■Accessories: 　　Original Fender gig bag, tremolo arm.

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■ Our Vintage Guitar Policy

This is an actual in-stock instrument that has been personally inspected.

Before listing, the guitar received basic maintenance including overall cleaning, fingerboard and fret care, neck adjustment, electronics inspection, and cleaning and polishing of the metal parts.

Vintage instruments may require a final setup after delivery according to the buyer’s preferred string gauge, playing style, and local climate.

■ Shipping

The guitar will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan by FedEx or Yamato International with full insurance and tracking.

We ship only to the address registered with the payment service. Additional shipping charges may apply to remote areas.

Delivery may occasionally be delayed by customs procedures, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond the carrier’s control.

■ Customs & Import Duties

Import duties, tariffs, VAT, local taxes, customs clearance charges, and carrier processing fees are not included in the item price or shipping charge.

All such charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check the import regulations and estimated charges in your country before purchasing.