I’ve got an “E5” series 1985 Squier Strat “contemporary “ model. White, no pickguard, rear loaded, standard trem, HSS with 3 mini toggles for the pickups instead of a 5-way switch. I bought it in Aug or Sept of 1986. When I bought it, it was discontinued, store was getting rid of it. Paid $313 with hard case. Still play it, though I’ve customized it over the years. The stock pickups were weak, replaced with Seymour Duncans. It took on water in Hurricane Katrina and had to be rewired at which point I added a 3way switch for neck and middle, and left one toggle for the middle pickup. Still plays great, though it isn’t what I’d call a great “gigging” guitar. Stock tuners are a little finicky. But it works for me.
I picked up a 1983 MIJ Squier strat when they came out, and it is a fantastic guitar. I have gigged with it for over 40 years and have never had to make any mods or adjustments, other than basic maintenance. I've played a lot of strats over the years and mine holds up to any of the ones I've played. One surprising aspect is how well it stays in tune even whe using the tremolo. Fabulous craftsmanship.
This is an early Silver Series Squier Strat probably from 1991 or 1992. These were meant to be a step up in quality after Fender had almost trashed the brand in Korea in the late 80s. If you want a truly great Japanese Squier get a JV- or SQ-Series model, which were made about ten years earlier.
There are several versions of MIJ Squires, some more derisible than others. They all have great appeal for different reasons, some for their native setup others as shell for a project. I have a early version with the 70's headstock, 3 screw neck joint. Natively its a great guitar with Fender branded accoutrements. Sounds great, but that is subjective. Some of the first also has USA pickups. Personally I would not repaint the one one you have, its deriable to many Squier collectors, Finding a cheap Strat body to customize is an easy feat.
Looks a little different to my '92 Silver Series which is still going strong. I upgraded the pickups because I mistakenly thought this is the way you should go but to be honest the originals are fine. Original tuners, pots and switch as good as new. This guitar rarely needs adjusting and reliably stays in tune - unlike some of my Fenders. The frets a little worn but what do you expect of over 30 years of playing?
Looks different than other mij’s I’ve had thin block cheap tuners junk guts more like a black label Mexico fender from the 90s Go find a n E4 through E7 before any shade is thrown
@@ashleyguitarandpedals Looks odd notch on the guard for adjustment but headstock end adjustment like a Mexican or Korean same with the electronics I’ve refreted one of those necks they do feel really nice. Sorry bout the rest good luck 👍
I’ve got a late 80,s japanese squier with much better hardware from the factory, I did replace pickups but a perfectly good instrument without the upgrade.
I own Japanese JV / Silver series / and Fender Squier series, Squier strats. All 3 are now regarded as better quality higher tier Squiers. I got them all cheap back in the late 1990s because the sellers were guitar snobs who considered ALL old Squiers to just be "made in Japan rubbish". They are without doubt good guitars. But I can't say HOW good, because I've never owned a 'real' American Strat to compare them to. But then, I don't really need to.
Strange sequence of handling.. first adjust the float of the bridge, then , without support underneath the tremolo bridge, remove strings in order of having a look inside,
I’ve got an “E5” series 1985 Squier Strat “contemporary “ model. White, no pickguard, rear loaded, standard trem, HSS with 3 mini toggles for the pickups instead of a 5-way switch. I bought it in Aug or Sept of 1986. When I bought it, it was discontinued, store was getting rid of it. Paid $313 with hard case. Still play it, though I’ve customized it over the years. The stock pickups were weak, replaced with Seymour Duncans. It took on water in Hurricane Katrina and had to be rewired at which point I added a 3way switch for neck and middle, and left one toggle for the middle pickup. Still plays great, though it isn’t what I’d call a great “gigging” guitar. Stock tuners are a little finicky. But it works for me.
I picked up a 1983 MIJ Squier strat when they came out, and it is a fantastic guitar. I have gigged with it for over 40 years and have never had to make any mods or adjustments, other than basic maintenance. I've played a lot of strats over the years and mine holds up to any of the ones I've played. One surprising aspect is how well it stays in tune even whe using the tremolo. Fabulous craftsmanship.
Amazing! 🙌🏻 What series / factory was it? (If you know!)
It's the necks on these squiers 7.25 radius.. I have several electric guitars but the neck just feels right in my hand
It’s taking some getting used to - I’ve never owned a 7.25 before! 👍🙌🏻
This is an early Silver Series Squier Strat probably from 1991 or 1992. These were meant to be a step up in quality after Fender had almost trashed the brand in Korea in the late 80s. If you want a truly great Japanese Squier get a JV- or SQ-Series model, which were made about ten years earlier.
Noted! Thanks 🙌🏻
There are several versions of MIJ Squires, some more derisible than others. They all have great appeal for different reasons, some for their native setup others as shell for a project. I have a early version with the 70's headstock, 3 screw neck joint. Natively its a great guitar with Fender branded accoutrements. Sounds great, but that is subjective. Some of the first also has USA pickups. Personally I would not repaint the one one you have, its deriable to many Squier collectors, Finding a cheap Strat body to customize is an easy feat.
Looks a little different to my '92 Silver Series which is still going strong. I upgraded the pickups because I mistakenly thought this is the way you should go but to be honest the originals are fine. Original tuners, pots and switch as good as new. This guitar rarely needs adjusting and reliably stays in tune - unlike some of my Fenders. The frets a little worn but what do you expect of over 30 years of playing?
Looks different than other mij’s I’ve had thin block cheap tuners junk guts more like a black label Mexico fender from the 90s
Go find a n E4 through E7 before any shade is thrown
Agreed, my mij has good tuners and a big block on the tree, this particular one appears to be immaculate so I’m not sure it’s the same vintage as mine
Yeh - it looks like I’ll be replacing all hardware and electrics. I like the neck though! 😂🙌🏻
@@ashleyguitarandpedals
Looks odd notch on the guard for adjustment but headstock end adjustment like a Mexican or Korean same with the electronics
I’ve refreted one of those necks they do feel really nice. Sorry bout the rest good luck 👍
I’ve got a late 80,s japanese squier with much better hardware from the factory, I did replace pickups but a perfectly good instrument without the upgrade.
Yeh - mines definitely not the same calibre - hence why it was so cheap, I guess!
I own Japanese JV / Silver series / and Fender Squier series, Squier strats. All 3 are now regarded as better quality higher tier Squiers. I got them all cheap back in the late 1990s because the sellers were guitar snobs who considered ALL old Squiers to just be "made in Japan rubbish". They are without doubt good guitars. But I can't say HOW good, because I've never owned a 'real' American Strat to compare them to. But then, I don't really need to.
Strange sequence of handling.. first adjust the float of the bridge, then , without support underneath the tremolo bridge, remove strings in order of having a look inside,
Nice Under The Hood Look
Thanks! 🙌🏻
you have to apologize me but it looks very similar to my 2012 indonesian one, so nothing special, although it's not bad
i had read that back in the 80 and older Japanese quality wasn't anything special. nowadays, it's a different story.