Squier CST50 Strat, black, 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. This was the high end model of the range in '83, so that means you get a tasty ash body and a set of Hot Rod single coil pickups; taking the tone in a more assertive, spanky direction. There's heaps of presence and chime in the top end, balanced out by a stomping, fat low end. This is heaps of fun to play, it's so responsive and lively in the hands and the neck is a dream. It's a slim, round profile, made with a gorgeous, open pore, super dark choc rosewood board and a finely grained, arrow-straight piece of maple... it feels absolutely superb, as is fitting for an SQ Strat. There's been a few mods and marks to this one but all the important stuff is still on deck. The worn black finish with contrasting pickup covers nods to Dave Gilmour and has a certain swagger; it just looks ready to party. I love this, you'll love this, your friends will love this... it's loveable, like a puppy.

Model: Squier Stratocaster CST50
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1983 (serial SQ59379)
Finish: black, 3-ply black guard
Body: ash 
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 9.5" radius, modern C profile
Weight: 3.405kg
Mods: guard replaced, knobs and pickup covers replaced, re-wired with new pots/switch/jack
Pickups: Squier Japan Hot Rod single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a chip near the logo in the bottom corner and some dimples on the bottom edge and end. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread minor dimples and scuffs; the most notable mark is a small gouge on the top horn. The sides have a few marks: scuffs on the top horn, a chip in the waist area on the top, a reasonable chip in the elbow area alongside some dimples and scuffs, dimples around from the strap pin down to the bottom horn and some small chips near the jack. The front is pretty clean, there's some chips on the sides that are visible on the front in the elbow and near the jack; aside from that it's just minor dimples and scuffs around the body and play wear on the guard and horn. Overall condition: good condition (6.5/10)

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.