Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster Sunburst 1997
Squier Vista Jagmaster, sunburst, crafted in Japan 1997. These Vista Series models are really excellent guitars, and represent a short-lived and slightly little episode in the history of Squier. Squier kicked off in 1982, alongside the launch of Fender Japan, making great guitars out of the famous Fujigen Gakki factory. By the late 1980s, Fender Japan was still happening, albeit sold almost exclusively within Japan, but production had moved to Korea for Squier models. It moved again in the 90s to China and has moved a bunch of times since, but... for a little bit there, in 1997, something happened: the Vista Series. These were Squier's first ever take on doing original shapes, instead of just remaking Fender models at a lower cost. The guitars were made at the Tokai factory, which was a short-lived arrangement but meant the quality control and woodwork was very good indeed. The series included the iconic and elusive Supersonic, a short scale Musicmaster Bass, Courtney Love's signature Venus guitar and this: the first ever Jagmaster. It takes some elements from the Jaguar: the slim 60s C shaped neck with a short 24" scale, big headstock with bold decals, and the offset body shape, and combined them with a Jazzmaster style guard, simplified 3-way/V/T controls, a Strat-style tremolo and a pair of punchy humbuckers. It's a very fun combo: the 24" scale and slim neck makes for a super easy playing feel and lends the tone a dark, thick kick, while the practical bridge, tuners and excellent woodwork mean the thing holds tune and is easy to setup. The sound is absolutely perfect for punk and grunge stuff, with a thick chewy midrange, fast and fat lows and a creamy, sizzling treble. These were a fair bit easier to find a year or three back, so I was pleased to score this one. It's truly an extremely enjoyable guitar, and a fun little slice of Fender Japan nerdery too. Long live the Jagmaster.
Model: Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster
Made: Japan, 1997, Tokai Gakki factory
Serial: A011776
Finish: three tone sunburst, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 24" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.495kg
Mods: neck pickup replaced with Duncan Designed HB
Pickups: 'Duncan Designed' humbucker x2
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end, top and bottom edges and the front around the 'Vista' logo. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of dents and some scuffs in the elbow area, scuffs on both horns and some dimples in the bottom corner. The sides have dimples on both horns and the elbow area and some scuffs near the jack. The front has a few dimples behind the bridge, in the elbow area and near the jack, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 strings.
Fret life: 6/10, normal wear inc some pitting but playing evenly with no major buzz issues