Squier Japan Stratocaster CST-50 JV Serial Olympic White 1983
Squier CST-50 Strat, olympic white, made in Japan 1983. The JV serial guitars were the first instruments Fender ever manufactured in Japan, made in 1982-84 at the legendary Fujigen Gakki factory. By the late 70s, USA made Fender instruments had become notoriously inconsistent in quality, and the first arrivals from Fender Japan were met with great joy and amazement: this was how they were meant to be made. This excellent example was a 'Current Stratocaster' in the 1983 catalog; so you get the big 70s-style headstock (yes please) and a modern 9.5" fretboard radius, perfect for athletic lead work. Fellow JV enthusiasts will know what I mean when I say this: the neck is the highlight. It's a gorgeous piece of maple with a tight and consistent grain pattern, carved to a delightful comfy, quick, slim rounded shape. It feels so good in the hands, there's some magic in there that's truly difficult to describe. The pickups and electronics appear to be all original to my eye, which is handy. Plug it in, and it's all Strat: heaps of sparkle on the shimmering top end, an assured tuneful low end with a very fast attack and a creamy, warm midrange. The neck pickup is glassy and gorgeous, while the bridge and middle offer a snarlier snap that will sit assuredly on top of a mix. The white finish has seen a few scrapes and bruises, but it looks glorious for it's age and pairs perfectly with the golden maple board and the bold black logos. This is a historically significant guitar, and that's a cool thing to have, but mostly, it's a very enjoyable instrument to play and hear. JV= just voluptuous.
Model: Stratocaster CST-50
Made: Japan, neck date 11 May 1983
Serial: JV00870
Finish: olympic white, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale, slim U shape
Weight: 3.680kg
Mods: trem cavity cover removed and missing
Pickups: Squier SQ-5 single coil x3
Accessories: trem arm, basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor chips and scuffs on the end, dimples on the bottom edge and back, scuffs on the front on the bottom side and a burn mark near the low E post. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has dimples around the trem cavity and in the elbow area and some scuffs along the belly carve, back edge, bottom edge and horns. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, several dents and scuffs in the elbow area dimples and scuffs near the jack and some dimples on the bottom horn. The front has dimples along the back edge and near the jack, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh Roto Yellows (10-46).
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear but playing smoothly