Squier SST30 Strat, made in Japan 1987, black. These E serial examples were made in the same factory by the same hands as the Fender Japan models of the era, a couple of short years after the famed JV serial instruments announced a return to form for Fender in 1982-4. The neck is holy-crap-gorgeous: it's a lovely piece of golden aged maple paired with a sweet dark chocolate rosewood board, shaped to a slim and comfy C shape and oh boy, it just feels like magic in the hands. Plugged in, there's a super thick and juicy take on the Strat-spank on offer. It's clear and articulate in the top end, but weighty and full in the bass frequencies and exceptionally airy and warm through the mids. It sounds like a far pricier guitar than it is, as is the voodoo of these early Japanese Squier Strats. The black finish has seen a few chords in it's time, so there's heaps of little marks around the edge, which I think absolutely adds to the charm. This is an absolute monster guitar, it's just so satisfying in the hands. 

Model: Squier Stratocaster, SST30
Made: Japan, 1985-7, no neck date, Fujigen plant (serial E706429)
Finish: black, white 1-ply guard
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.650kg
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, slim C shape
Mods: string tree bar added then removed at some point
Pickups: Fender Japan ST Single x3
Case: very basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has extra holes from a since-removed string tree, as well as some marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs, dimples and surface scratches, there's no major marks but lots of little ones. The sides have dimples on the top horn, some dents and scuffs in the elbow area, a chip near the rear strap pin, scuffs and dents near the jack and scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has some slightly odd dots marks on the top horn and elbow area, as well as some dents behind the bridge, widespread light scuffs and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.