Squier SST-30 Stractocaster JV Series Fiesta Red Circa 82-84 MIJ Guitar

This is a Squier SST-30 JV Series Stratocaster in Fiesta Red finish. The JV Series Stratocasters were the first Japanese-made Stratocasters and were designated JV for ‘Japanese Vintage’. These instruments were originally intended for the Japanese domestic market, but were quickly made available in markets across the world due to the high demand for well-made vintage-spec guitars. Naturally, a bolt-on construction is employed and comprises an Alder body, Maple neck and 21 fret Maple fingerboard. A vintage-style 6-point tremolo bridge is fitted, along with Trapezoid non slotted tuning machines. The guitar features three ceramic single coil pickups. These are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, neck tone and middle/bridge tone controls.

The Maple neck plays very well, with the ‘C’ shape feeling moderately sized in the hand. This strikes a comfortable balance between a neck that feels substantial enough for a firm grip when chord playing whilst remaining slim enough for fast articulate lines. The Gloss finish of the neck and fingerboard is smooth to the touch and assists with effortless navigation of the 25.5” scale. The 7.25” fingerboard radius is a period-correct feature which delivers a suitably vintage-inspired playing experience which is further enhanced by the vintage-style frets.

The set of single coil pickups installed in this guitar deliver crystal clear and twangy tones with plenty of vintage warmth. The neck is round and smooth, delivering bell-like chime whilst also saturating into a rich overdrive when you turn up the gain. The middle pickup is nicely bright without sounding too brittle, and lends itself well to funky rhythm tones. The bridge pickup is brighter still, and with a hotter output delivers a searing crunch tone for those bluesy riffs. The control layout with the addition of a 5-way switch offers a wide array of tones, with a particularly unique voice in position 2 with the middle tone rolled down that is sure to turn some heads. A well made and now collectible example of what Fender Japan can do.

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1211025145300

Weight: 7.6lbs

Serial: JV77344

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition, the top treble side front edge demonstrates a notable indentation, piercing the finish. Surrounding this is further lighter indentation, some of these piercing the finish slightly. Some small chips to the finish are also apparent where the headstock would contact a wall hanger,

Neck: Overall very good condition, both the fingerboard and the rear of the neck demonstrate very light scratching, some of which can be slightly felt beneath the thumb in playing position. This is most apparent in the early register.

Body: Overall very good condition, the front face demonstrates several moderate indentations across the lower bout, with one on the bass side horn which pierces the finish slightly. The bottom and treble side edges demonstrate some scuffing and indentation. The rear face demonstrates very light buckle rash, visible only under direct lighting at certain angles.

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is moderate material remaining for future fret work.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (flathead driver) not included.

Hardware: Fully functional with light signs of wear, most notably oxidization of the saddle height screws.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 10-46

Electrics:

Fully functional.

Case & Accessories

Fender soft case

The case demonstrates very light signs of use.