❌SOLD❌ Fender Squier JV 1957 Stratocaster Black, 1982

Here we haVe a Fender Squier JV 1957 Stratocaster reissue, built during 1982 for Fender Japan by Fuji-Gen Gakki. By the end of the 1970’s Fender, under CBS management, was struggling. Import copies were getting better all the time, which was made very clear to Fender executives touring Japanese factories with a view to doing some production there. At this time, Fender also hired three executives from Yamaha.

Fender realized that they needed to turn their focus to vintage -specification Strats and Telecasters, and basses. However, the Fender Fullerton plant had changed significantly over the years and could not be quickly adapted to re-create 30 year old models. Consequently, US production slowed dramatically and many models were built in Japan.

In 1981, Fender Japan started building accurate reissues of key vintage models, including 1957 and 1962 Stratocasters and Telecasters. At first, these used decals from the period, with Fender larger than Squier. Very quickly, however, Fender Japan decided to launch a new line, using the Squier name, drawn from Fender’s V C Squier purchase – Squier had been Fender’s string supplier, and were bought by Fender just before CBS purchased Fender. The decals shifted to a larger Squier logo, with Fender in small letters under the model name. These were produced in this form, as seen here, during 1982. In 1983, production continued but shifted to 1970’s style, larger headstock models.

This Fender Squier JV 1957 Stratocaster in black, built during 1982 by Fuji-Gen Gakki in Matsumoto, Nagano. This is one of the plants that still makes guitars for Fender under a number of brand names. This lovely instrument is well worn, and past the Squier decal, looks like a very good shape 57 Strat. It is stock, but missing its back plate and trem arm; the trem is tightened, essentially disabling it while still getting the slight natural reverb from the trem springs. Fret wear is minor, and it plays well.  There are a couple of larger dings on this example, in particular a dent on the top, visible above the neck pickup.  It does look like honest play wear.  

The Fender Squire JV 1957 and 1962 models are very good guitars and are well worth checking out when they surface. Hardware, particularly on the early models has a very authentic, US appearance – even the stamped steel saddles are correct. They are comfortable, light and sound good.

This guitar is sold without case.