Yes, there was a time when the best Strats were made in Japan (MIJ). My 1962 reissue (62RI) was blue, before it turned purple. It has two different types of body wood for richer tone, SRV pickups with a reverse wound middle, a five way switch, and, later, a DeTemple mystery metal tremolo block. Dealer said it was MIJ Custom Shop, but I don't know if there was ever such a thing. Regardless, it can go from surf to jazz to Van Halen without active tone controls.
After being worth about what I paid for it, it has suddenly doubled in value.
These guys pick up the story: http://www.guitaremporium.co.uk/
