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. The previous owner dropped a Super Distortion into the bridge position, so that will surely serve you perfectly. This is a very enjoyable riffstick... long live the Jagmaster.
Model: Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster
Made: Japan, 1997, Tokai factory
Serial: A012370
Finish: Sunburst, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 9.5" radius, 24" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.340kg
Mods: bridge pickup replaced, knobs replaced
Pickups: Squier Dragster humbucker (neck), Dimarzio DP100 Super Distotion humbucker (bridge)
Accessories: trem arm, basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor play wear only. The back has dimples in the elbow area and bottom corner, as well as scuffs along the back edge. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body and some dents near the jack and dimples in the elbow area. The front has dimples around the jack, scuffs along the back edge and elbow area and som 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