Squier ST551 Strat, candy apple red, made in Japan 1983. These SQ Serial Strats rolled off the line at the famed Fujigen plant in 1983-4 alongside the JV Serial instruments that (rightfully!) enjoy so much acclaim. In the first handful of years of Squier, they were made by the same hands in the same place as the Fender Japan instruments, and the build quality on offer is absolutely superb. The Contemporary Series was an answer to the Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez etc 'Superstrat' shred machines of the day. They dial back the shred a little, but you still get a high mass modern bridge with fancy saddles, a flat radius on the board, 22 jumbo frets and some hot single coil pickups. It's a great combo; this sounds awesome and plays super slick. The tone is an assertive, punchy and hot take on the classic Strat-spank; it's a little more mid-heavy than a trad vintage style Strat, so it'll push an amp happily into a tasty breakup or smile sweetly if you dial it back. The styling is cool too: the contrasting black plastics against the white guard really pop against the candy apple red body; plus, the matching headstock looks great. If you want a collectable little legend of a Strat with plenty of personality, this will surely make you smile. It's SQupendous.

Model: Squier Stratocaster CST50
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1983 (serial SQ14936)
Finish: candy apple red, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder 
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 22 frets, 25.5" scale, 12" radius, modern C profile
Weight: 3.655kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Squier Japan Hot Rod 01S single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a chip up in the top corner elbow area, a dent below the cavity and some widespread little dimples and scuffs. The sides have light dimples around the whole body, no major marks. The front is pretty tidy, just a few scuffs and dimples behind the bridge, near the jack and on the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall condition: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is very low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear but are freshly polished and pretty even; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.