Squier CST30 Strat, SQ serial, made in Japan 1984, refinished in blue gum sparkle. This is a special one, friends. These SQ Serial Strats rolled off the line at the famed Fujigen plant in 1983-4 alongside the JV Serial instruments that (rightfully!) enjoy so much acclaim. In the first handful of years of Squier, they were made by the same hands in the same place as the Fender Japan instruments, and the build quality on offer is absolutely superb. The neck on this is a dream, it really does feel sublime. The rosewood is so dark and lux it looks like ebony and has that sweet open pore look to it you only get with the good bits. The maple on the back has some gorgeous grain patterns and has aged to a saucy golden hue, plus it just feels magical... it's hard to describe but those who know these JV and SQ guitars will know what I mean. Now, the finish is a b it of a story. This arrived with it's original coat of black in a bit of a sorry state, it wasn't exactly clean and tidy. It also had a red racing stripe poorly painted in what looked like spray paint across the front of the guitar, including all over the bridge... nasty. So, we called our buddy Ed from WellWood guitars and arranged a refinsh. The brief was to match the hue of the leaf of Tasmania's floral emblem, the blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), but with a sparkle through it... so it looks like the blue gums after a bit of summer rain, you know? He nailed the brief and this looks absolutely superb. It's a soft grey green base, with silver, green and gold flake and a nitro topcoat so it'll continue to yellow in years to come. Aside from looking stunning it also sounds great: heaps of presence and attack and a healthy dose of chime and brilliance. It's definitely in the classic-Strat tonal genre, but with a sweet airiness and space in the top end. I really love this one, it's definitely got a mood about it. 

Model: Squier Stratocaster CST30
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1984 (serial SQ21087)
Finish: blue gum sparkjle, nitro topcoat, originalkly black, 3-ply black guard
Body: basswood 
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 9.5" radius, modern C profile
Weight: 3.655kg
Mods: re-finished, bridge block upgraded
Pickups: Squier Japan SQ-3 single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The body is freshly painted, so there's no marks to speak of save for a slight dent on the bottom horn on the back near the neck joint that was in the wood before the fresh coat. Plenty of scuffs on the guard though. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is very low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear and are freshly polished; 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.