There can't be a Shadows fan out there who wouldn't like to own a guitar which looks and sounds like that superb, and now historic, Fender Stratocaster that Hank used on those early hits such as Apache, The Stranger, FBI and Wonderful Land. We've all heard the story of the thrill the boys had when it first arrived and when they opened the case to reveal the superb Fiesta Red bodywork and gold plated hardware.

Until now the nearest one has been able to get to owning something similar is by purchasing a Fender Custom Shop '56 NOS Time Machine Stratocaster - a beautiful instrument indeed, but one which will leave you with little change out of £2000. Yes, Fender did produce some limited edition anniversary signature guitars, but these were few in number and equally expensive. The more affordable Japanese built signature Stratocasters were nice guitars, well built and with the right sound. But sadly they failed to deliver in two areas .. the famous gold-plated hardware, and the finer detail of the graphite nut.

Twelve months ago I treated myself to a Custom Shop '56 NOS, and until now I was still under the impression that this was the only source of a Fiesta Red instrument with anywhere near the right specification as Hank's original. Now, however, through a chance meeting, I have found a source of superb Fender instruments which can be produced to the full specification at one third of the Custom Shop price. I'd like to pass on this information to fellow Shads fans.

A guitar importer in the Edinburgh by the name of MIJ Fenders is importing '57 Vintage Fenders, including Stratocasters in Fiesta Red with original Alnico pickups, 50's style bridge and tremolo units and Gotoh tuning heads. Until now they have imported them only with chrome hardware but will shortly be commissioning a small number with gold plated hardware. These can be purchased in 'factory condition' or, for a small addition sum, be modified to include a graphite nut. With these modifications they will become a Hank Marvin look-alike and sound-alike in every way. Prices are likely to be between £500 and £600. ( Note these are the Limited Edition '57 and here next week 13/12, order now, because they'll disappear like hot cakes )

The instruments are made in Fender's factory in Japan. These are NOT Squiers - they are full specification instruments with top quality parts and built to the highest standards. 

Having bought and compared one of these Japanese built '57 Vintage Stratocasters with my USA built '56 NOS, I have to say that the build quality and sound of the two instruments are near to being identical.   Indeed, I must say that in some ways the Japanese guitar is superior with the extra attention to minute detail that is so typical of quality Japanese workmanship.

The first small batch of standard Vintage '57 Fiesta Red Stratocasters with gold hardware is due in shortly before Christmas. If you are interested in obtaining one of the first batch or placing a forward order (with or without the graphite nut modification) then it's worth taking a look at the website at : www.mijfenders.com. The proprietor, is an excellent communicator and guitar player himself.
The mail order service is first class and the guitars come totally new and with all their original packaging. 

This is an opportunity that no serious Hank Marvin fan can afford to miss out on. 

By the way .. I'm not on commission, I just persuaded MIJFenders to take the risk of importing these special guitars in the belief that they would appeal to many more fans out there.