1982 Fender Squier JV ST-57 Stratocaster - 2-Tone Sunburst | Japan Vintage '57 Reissue Fullerton Pickups 3.5kg | OHSC

I am offering a Squier JV ST-57 Stratocaster from 1982, one of the manufactured in Japan legendary early JV 1957 Vintage Reissue Stratocaster export models from the early 1980s with a resonant solid alder body (weighing only 3.58kg in total), bolt-on maple neck with soft “V” neck profile and 42 mm nut width, classic maple fingerboard with black dot position inlays, three hot Fender Fullerton USA Alnico “Black Bobbins” single-coil pickups, vintage Kluson-style nickel tuners, and Fender vintage-style tremolo in a brilliant two-tone sunburst high-gloss finish in excellent original condition, including Fender USA hardshell case, tremolo arm, and professional setup with 10-gauge Ernie Ball strings.

Fender was in trouble at the end of the 1970s: quality was steadily declining due to increased production numbers, and in order to counteract the downward trend, Fender returned to its old virtues in the early 1980s. At the new production site in Japan, guitars and basses were once again manufactured as they had been originally designed by Leo Fender with the “Japan Vintage” series, better known as the JV series. According to rumors, these instruments were even better than the US instruments of the time. From today's perspective, this was an extremely successful step in the right direction for Fender. In addition to higher quality standards in wood selection and manufacturing, the Vintage Reissue series also featured authentic body shapes. The hardware and pickups were also largely based on the originals from the 1950s and 1960s.

The export models from the JV series, which were not intended for the Japanese market, were sold under the Squier brand, but are identical in construction to their JV sisters with Fender branding.

This 1982 Squier JV ST-57 Stratocaster is an authentic interpretation of the legendary Strat model from the late 1950s and accordingly offers a historically accurate construction, a classic appearance, and distinctive vintage sounds.

The selected alder body in traditional solid construction ensures excellent acoustic resonance and, thanks to its weight of only 3.58kg, comfortable handling. In combination with the bolt-on maple neck and maple fingerboard, this results in the characteristic wiry, biting, overtone-rich vintage Strat tone that has enchanted generations of guitarists for decades.

Three original Fender Fullerton USA Black Bobbins single-coils, which have not skimped on the wire, provide the sound. The pickups are incredibly hot and deliver 100% of the pre-CBS Strat sound with bell-like, silky highs and super dynamic response. Clean, every picking nuance comes into its own, while distorted, you get the typical tone you want from a '57 Strat.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

In terms of playability, the guitar with its soft “V” neck profile – typical of JV – fits great in the hand and plays like a dream thanks to its fresh setup.

So if you're looking for that pre-CBS Fender tone and feel without breaking the bank, this is the complete package!

Technical specifications:

• Country of origin: Japan
• Year of manufacture: 1982
• Body: Solid alder
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on
• Neck profile: Soft “V”
• Fingerboard: Maple with black dot inlays
• Fingerboard radius: 7.25“
• Frets: 21 vintage
• Nut: 42mm
• Pickups: 3x Fender Fullerton USA staggered pole alnico ”black bobbin" single coil
• Electronics: 5-way switch (upgrade), 1x volume & 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Original Fender Kluson style nickel tuners
• Bridge: Fender vintage style tremolo bridge
• Hardware: Nickel/chrome
• Pickguard: White, 1-ply
• Finish: 2-tone sunburst high gloss
• Scale length: 648mm
• Weight: 3.58kg
• Serial no.: JV25194
• Includes black Fender USA hardshell case, tremolo arm

The Squier JV ST-57 Stratocaster was only manufactured in the early 1980s and is a real insider tip among players and collectors alike.

This Squier JV ST-57 Stratocaster is in excellent condition, technically flawless, and completely original except for the 5-way switch. For a guitar of this age, it is extremely clean and has only minor superficial wear that blends in well with the instrument's vintage patina (see pictures). The original frets are still in good condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 10-gauge Ernie Ball strings and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €29.99 within Germany or €69.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is possible – individual shipping costs available upon request.

All pictures shown are of the actual instrument for sale.