Squier JV Serial Strat, CST50 model, olympic white finish, made in Japan 1983.  JV serial guitars were the first instruments Fender ever manufactured in Japan, made in 1982-84 at the legendary FujiGen Gakki plant. Late CBS-era (late 70s-early 80s) USA made Fender instruments had become notoriously inconsistent in quality, and the first arrivals from Fender Japan were met with great joy and amazement: this was how they were meant to be made. This was a 'Current Stratocaster' in the 1983 catalog; so you get the big 70s-style headstock (yes please) and a modern 9.5" fretboard radius, perfect for athletic lead work. In an unusual twist, this has had the fretboard lightly 'scalloped' from the 7th fret upwards. It's fairly obviously a nod to Deep Purple's Richie Blackmore, who was famous for playing a scalloped Strat in this very colour scheme with the same large headstock. The scalloping allows for some handy tricks: increased clarity and attack, bigger and smoother bends when playing up the neck as well as hugely enhanced sensitivity to left hand vibrato work. The neck is an absolute joy to play; the quality of materials and craftsmanship is really quite stupendous. The 'Hot Rod' pickups are an overwound alnico single coil; they really do sound brilliant and capture the lively resonance of the unplugged tone with a nudge of extra sparkle and grit. This is a brilliant instrument, worthy of it's rightful place in the JV legend. Being already modded, it's a great option as an affordable collector's piece that'll routinely knock much pricier guitars well out of the park. There's a bit of Richie in you somewhere, right?

Model: Squier 'Current' Stratocaster CST50
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 11 Jul 1983 (serial JV64669)
Finish: olympic white (OWH), 3-ply black guard
Body: alder (possibly sen ash)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.455kg
Mods: fretboard professionally lightly scalloped from 8th fret up
Pickups: Squier 'Hot Rod' SQ5 single coils
Case: cool vintage faux-leather gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some marks on the end and bottom edge of the headstock. The neck is pretty clean and very smooth in the hands, just minor dimples on the back and obviously the scallop mod on the fretboard. The back is pretty clean, just some light finish mottling and some minor marks around the outside edge and near the cavity cover. The sides are pretty clean, just a couple of marks on the shoulder area and around from the jack and some very light dimples on both horns. The front has a couple of minor dings up from the neck pickup and in the shoulder area, aside from that it's just very minor dimples around the bridge, some finish mottling and some normal play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall condition: good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear inc minor pitting but have plenty of height in them and are pretty even; they shouldn't require immediate attention; 6/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.