Squier SST33 Silver Series Strat, made in Japan in 1993-4, daktoa red. The Silver Series heralded a return to Japanese manufacturing for Squier, and were very well received at the time owing to the excellent build quality from the legendary Fujigen factory. This one is wearing a flashy coat of dakota red; a finish massively outnumbered by sunburst and black examples and certainly worthy of admiration. Between the black guard, worn maple board and the red, this looks supremely mean. The neck has plenty of wear on the clock, and feels all the better for it: it's slim, straight, slick, stable and super resonant in the hands. The tone on offer is crazy given the kinda dollars you're up for: it's a full, defined and rich take on the classic Strat spank with a surprisingly complex midrange and heaps of low end oomph. These are an absolute dream as a mod-platform or perfect if you're looking to fill that Strat-shaped hole effectively for a killer dime. Better red than dead!

Model: Squier Silver Series Stratocaster, SST33-M
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1993-4 (serial Q007241)
Finish: dakota red (DKR), black 3-ply guard
Body: solid 'wood fibre', appears like basswood
Neck: one piece maple, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.525kg
Mods: switch replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan ST Single x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge, as well as a sticker fade mark on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's significant rub wear on the back and edges  as well as a bit of wear on the board. The back has a few small chips around the cavity, a dent in the belly carve and widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have a small chip in the elbow area and light scuffs around the rest of the body. The front has some dimples near the jack, in the elbow area and on the top horn as well as some standard 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. The frets have some normal wear but are fairly even in height with no major buzz issues, although there is some pitting, 5/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.