Satin metallic

Fender Japan has this new finish for the Hybrid II Series, it's called satin metallic. Instruments feature an alder body, rosewood 'board & locking tuners. I love that satin feel since the Highway 1 days. Rest assured, this satin version is definitely not the Highway 1 version when it's excessively thin & very prone to dents. I also like that very clean look over at the headstock. If you missed it, the hardware here sports a metallic sheen to it as well.

Pics: Fender Japan

Flamed

Fender (Japan) are really turning things up with the Hybrid II models. You've seen the quilted top version, here's the flame top counterpart. This attractive yet soothing finish is called the sunset orange transparent.

If you prefer a rosewood fretboard, here's the equally tranquil twilight finish.

Pics: Fender Japan

A blast

Variation of a theme - Fender Japan has a sandblast finish Strat in its Hybrid II series. More accurately, sandblasting is a process, not a finish type per se. What you see here is a natural finished ash body, given the sandblast treatment. A Tele & Jazz bass are the other members in this sandblasted affair.

Pic: Fender Japan

Quilted hybrid

The Japanese Hybrid II models now come with quilted maple tops for selected finishes. The 'Hybrid' iteration is not new, they are just getting you into these series with a decorated top. Let's see how much these would go for once they get here.

Pic: Fender Jp

StraTele

The people at Fender Japan are really splicing things up to offer variety & unique appeal. This latest incarnation is the Hybrid II Stratocaster HSS with a reversed Telecaster headstock.  

It's certainly not a first as Ian Moore's Strat features a Tele neck / headstock albeit not being reversed. It's downright quirky but totally functional. Limited edition, Japan online exclusive, folks. Not something you can get off the shelf easily.

Pics: Fender Japan / Reverb

Sakuraburst

Nothing exactly refreshing, just another Fender Strat. However, this one's a Japanese online exclusive & that colour screams. It's called the Sakuraburst, aptly named after that soothing pastel effect. The only thing I dislike about it is that the burst effect's jump in gradation is abrupt. If you look closely, there seems to be a template / cover that was sitting on the body while it was being finished.

Pic: Fender Japan

LTD: Hybrid II

Sometimes it's those semi-quirky models that get to you, not in terms of looks but in terms of overall intrigue. Take this LTD Hybrid II for instance (new for 2013), it's nothing much in terms of flash but it's something formidable if you want a noiseless P-90 tone (it's a stacked P-90 you see there, Duncan's STK-P1), an intonation-friendly wrap-over bridge & a healthy upper fret access. Ok so it's made a little shred-friendly with that thin U profiled neck. Splendid!