Squier SST30 Strat, made in Japan 1984, vintage white. If you're not familiar with the legend around JV serial guitars, do yourself a favour and google it; it's a great story. In brief: after CBS bought out Fender in 1964, the quality and craftsmanship out of the Fullerton USA plant gradually dived as they pushed to make more and more guitars in less time; by the late 70s the quality was pretty all over the place. Meanwhile, Japanese builders like Greco and Yamaha were making millimetre perfect copies of Fender models. Dan Smith and a couple of other Fender execs went to Japan and signed a joint venture deal to start Fender Japan and build Fender branded instruments outside the USA for the first time. When they landed in USA, the response was glorious: this was how Fender guitars were meant to be made. Squier was launched at the same time, built in the same factory by the same hands: these JV Squier guitars are absolutely knockout instruments. This one looks dang superb: the white finish has aged and yellowed heaps over the decades, so it's everything from cream to baked cheesecake in hue depending on where you look. The tone is magic: oodles of clarity and sparkle through the top end, an eloquent, charismatic attack and a complex, buttery midrange with deep, satisfying low end. The neck is the million dollar magic here: it's a top notch, tightly grained wondrous piece of maple, capped with a thick slab of open pore gorgeous streaky dark choc rosewood in an arrow-straight slim C style shape. In the hands, this basically plays itself, you just let the notes come out. I'm seriously considering stashing this one for myself, so beat me to it before I change my mind!

Model: Squier Stratocaster, SST30
Made: Japan, neck date 26 Sep 1984, Fujigen plant (serial JV90799)
Finish: vintage white, white 3-ply guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood slab board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Mods: none
Pickups: Squier Japan SQ-3 ceramic bar single coil x3
Case: vintage vegan leather gig bag, non original

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth (and glorious) in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and dimples and finish fading, no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front has a minor chip behind the bridge, scuffs around the back edge, dimples in the elbow area and 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, around 7/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.