Squier CST30 Strat, JV serial, made in Japan 1983, refinished in sonic blue nitro. What a dreamy character this one is! The first ever Squier branded instruments were made from 1982-4 at the famous Fujigen Gakki factory in Japan, the same place that made the iconic first Fender Japan models. They were blessed with a 'JV' serial number and were heralded as the best guitars Fender had produced since the 1960s, such was the impeccable build quality, wood selection and feel. This one dates to mid 1983, the middle of that short but significant period, and it certainly lives up to the legendary quality. It arrived in quite the sorry state, with huge chips and nasty dark smudges all over the olympic white finish, as well as a neck pocket crack. We had the crack glued, filled and clamped, so that's invisible and perfectly structurally sound now. We also commissioned a refinish by our local finishing specialist Wellwood Guitars in sonic blue semi-gloss nitro, as well as a new clear coat for the neck to get it feeling smooth. It's come up beautifully: the blue is smooth and carefree like a summer sky and pops beautifully against the dark rosewood board. There's a handful of minor dents from the wood still visible and the finish is super thin and designed to wear-in quickly, so with a good 50-100 hours play on it it'll soon look like a forty-year-old guitar again. The electronics and pickups are all original as best we can tell, and they deliver the goods: glassy, sparkly highs, open and airy mids with an assured, tight bass response. It's delightful with dirt but does it's best work with a clean amp, bringing a clarity and eloquence to notes and chords unattainable on a lesser Strat. The reason people get so obsessed with these JV Squier models is the feel of the neck, and this has it: there's a certain magical smoothness, resonance and integrity to the neck that comes from extraordinarily picky wood selection and amazing attention to detail in the build. It just feels right... those familiar with these guitars will know what I mean. So, buy it now and then watch the value increase steadily as it rapidly approaches forty years old? Good plan Stan.

Model: Squier Stratocaster CST30
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date May 7 1983 (serial JV00745)
Finish: sonic blue, semi-gloss nitro, originally olympic white, 3-ply white guard
Body: basswood 
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, modern C profile, refinished on the back with semi-gloss nitro clearcoat
Weight: 3.585kg
Mods: re-finished, back cover replaced, neck pocket crack repaired
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 as well as a few scuffs on the back and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands and the back has a fresh clearcoat of semi-gloss nitro, minor dimples on the back only. The body is freshly painted, so there's no marks to speak of save for a few dimples around the cavity on the back and behind the bridge and on the top horn on the front, as well as some guard scratches from play. Note there was a minor crack coming off the neck pocket that's been glued, clamped and stabilised that may never have been found were it not for the refinish. 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; 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.