Squier Vista Series Venus, surf green, made in Japan 1997. The 'Vista Series' was a short lived but extremely awesome set of models made by Squier in Japan in 1997; they're certainly some of the coolest and most experimental guitars ever to wear a Squier badge. The Venus was designed in collaboration with Courtney Love. If you'll allow a deep dive into old internet rumours, apparently the real story goes something like this: two teenagers building custom guitars under the name Mercury Guitars designed the shape and most of the features. They managed to get backstage at Lollapalooza to present it to Kurt Cobain, who loved it, but they'd built it right-handed... how did they miss that? Courtney Love also loved it, and she was right handed, so she claimed the Mercury custom and played it with Hole through the mid 90s. The signature Squier model came a couple of years later and borrows very heavily from the Mercury design, although the catalog says it also borrows some elements from Rickenbackers and others. Mercury vanished, these Squiers were made basically for one year only, that was it. As such, an example like this in excellent condition, in the desirable surf green finish, is already quite collectable and almost certain to appreciate in value as the years progress. All mistique aside, it's an exceptional guitar. The neck is lovely piece of maple, similar in profile to the mildly chunky '57 Strat and comfy and agreeable in the hand. The build quality and finishing is immaculate; it feels alive and as if it were made with great care. Tone-wise, it's kinda like a slightly swampier and growlier Strat; certainly easy to work with and a good friend of crunchy gain. Whether you're after a wallflower or an offbeat gig-machine, this is surely a weird and wonderful little slice of the 90s.

Model: Squier Vista Series Venus
Made: 1997, Japan (serial A020925)
Finish: surf green (SGR) w/ matching headstock
Body: solid basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 25.5" scale
Mods: none
Neck & bridge pickup: original Fender Japan HB (bridge) and ST-single (neck)
Case: original Fender gig bag, inc hang tags and warranty card and Squier novelty wallet/swing tag holder

Cosmetic condition notes: Mild finish wear. Headstock and neck are pretty clean. Back has a couple fo very minor dimples near the top edge. Sides have a handful of tiny dimples on the shoulder and around from the jack, no major marks. Front is also very clean, just a couple of dimples on the shoulder area. Overall condition: excellent (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Very little fret wear, around 9/10 for fret life left. Really nice!