Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster Sunburst 1997
Squier Vista Jagmaster, sunburst, crafted in Japan 1997. Do you have what it takes to be a Mister Vista? Or, a Vista Sister? Geez, not my best work. Anyway! These were made for one year only, 1997, in the excellent Tokai Gakki factory in Japan. The series was Squier's first venture into original shapes rather than affordable takes on Fender classics, and also featured the MIJ-unicorn Supersonic, and the fun Courtney Love signature Venus model. The Jagmaster takes the body shape and slick neck of a Jaguar, but opts for a simple HH configuration with a switch, a volume and a tone... none of the dual circuit complications. You also get a simple Strat style bridge: stable, fun to mash, easy to adjust, no break angle issues.... what a time to be alive. This one has had the pickups swapped for a pair of Gibson 490 humbuckers, which add some meaty midrange heft to the tone. Plug it in, and you get a thick, swampy growl, perfect with a dirty for punk rock chuggs and surprisingly effective for doom or sludgy stuff. It's still a Fender offset, so you can still find that chiming clean when required too. The burst finish looks great, it's got a warm glow to it. This is a very fun guitar to play, so hey, buy it, play it and have some fun.
Model: Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster
Made: Japan, 1997, Tokai Gakki factory
Serial: A005803
Finish: three tone sunburst, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 24" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.500kg
Mods: pickups replaced, knobs replaced, back trem cavity cover removed and missing
Pickups: Gibson 490R/T humbucker x2
Accessories: trem arm, no case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end and top edge, surface scratches on the bottom and some dimples on the front near the 'Vista Series' decal. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has dimples along the belly carve and along back edge, surface scratches below the trem cavity and scuffs on the horns. The back cover is missing. The sides have scuffs and a tape mark on the top horn, dimples and small dents in the elbow area and some dimples and scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a dent up from the bridge pickup, dimples in the elbow area and around the bridge, scuffs along the back edge and some 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 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only