Squier SST331 Strat, made in Japan 1985, torino red. This hails to very early in the story of Squier, and oh boy, they were making some cool guitars in the mid 80s. This one dates to 1985, so just one year after the famed JV serial Squier guitars, and made in the same Fujigen plant by the same meticulous hands. This is an unusual model: the painted black headstock, single humbucker in the bridge, single volume knob and straight input jack are all quirky touches on a Strat. It's definitely got that 80s aesthetic, but it's hard to deny that this looks supremely cool. The neck has 'the magic': it's a superbly selected piece of lightly flamed maple and dark streaky rosewood, arrow straight and sensibly slim, made with legendary precision and feeling like a million bucks. The tone on offer is heaps of fun. There's still that signature Strat spank, but the Dragster HB delivers plenty of natural gain and low end, so this chuggs and squeals just as happily as it purrs and sparkles. Stick this one into your dirty amp with a luridly coloured overdrive pedal for good measure and tear your friends and loved ones a new one. 

Model: Squier Stratocaster SST331
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date Jun 15 1985 (serial E511699)
Finish: sunburst, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder (not verified, may be basswood)
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.430kg
Mods: saddles replaced with Fender stamped saddles
Pickups: Fender Japan Dragster HB
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 some dimples, scuffs and the start of some surface checking lines around the body, no major marks. The neck plate is a little rusted but perfectly functional. The sides have a few things to note: little black pock marks on both sides of the neck pocket, dimples on the top horn and near the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples and checking lines behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

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 only, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.