Squier SST30 Strat, made in Japan circa 1987, Torino red. I really like this one, it feels so good in the hands. For the first few years, from 1982-8, Squier branded guitars were made in the same illustrious Fujigen Gakki factory as their Fender branded cousins, by the same luthiers using many of the same parts. The earliest examples from 1982-5 carry the blessed 'JV' or 'SQ' serial numbers and fetch eye-watering cash, but these E serial examples were the next horses out of the gate, made from 1985-8. All that mythology aside, there's a reason folks like the early Japanese Squier Strats: they are excellent instruments. The thing that makes this awesome is the woodwork: it's got a feather-light body and a gorgeous tightly grained maple neck, all crafted with considerable care and finished perfectly. The neck is carved to a slim C and has mellowed to a lovely golden hue, and one glance along the top side of the neck reveals the consistent, fine, beautiful grain pattern of a very tasty piece of maple. It feels spectacular in the left hand, it has a certain magic for sure. The tone on offer features some sparkling, crisp highs and a balanced, understated midrange. The neck pickup especially has a pleasing weighty low end, it's got that juicy fullness with a strong fundamental note. These SST30 models are getting harder to source, and the vibrant red finish is scarcer than the black, white or burst options. This one is in superb shape too, there's some very light scuffs and a bit of finish yellowing, but it looks closer to four years than four decades old. Leave it here honestly, I'm enjoying playing it a little more than I should.

Model: Squier Stratocaster (SST30)
Made: Japan, Fujigen Gakki, 1985-8, Fujigen plant (serial E827977)
Finish: Torino red (TRD), white 3-ply guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim vintage C shape
Weight: 3.245kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Squier Japan SQ-3 ceramic bar single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, a couple of very minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dimples in the bottom corner, and some light scuffs around the cavity, on both horns, along the belly carve and in the elbow area. The sides have some minor dimples in the elbow area and some light scuffs near the jack. The front has minor dimples around the bridge and jack and some normal play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.