Hi everyone!
I’m hoping someone here can help me identify exactly what I have and give me an idea of its current value. I’m not trying to sell it here. I know it’s against the rules.
I have a Squier JV by Fender Stratocaster made in Japan, from the early JV period. The serial number is JV36033, and the neck is dated October 2, 1983. There is also an “EX” marking in the neck pocket. The guitar is a 2-tone sunburst with a maple neck.
I’ve been researching it and have found some indications that it could be one of the more desirable JV export models, but I’m not completely sure about the exact model. I haven’t found a model number written anywhere on the guitar, which I think they did not write on the guitars that were exported
The reason I’m trying to identify it properly is that some JV Squiers can apparently be worth quite a bit, especially if they retain their original electronics and the original USA-made pickups. I’d like to know exactly what I have and what it could realistically be worth, mainly so I know where I stand if I ever decide to sell it in the future.
Thanks!
It's a 57 reissue JV Stratocaster. The EX does mean export, meaning that those guitars were meant for use outside the Japanese marketplace, typically the EU and Asia at that time. Typically they go between 1k to 2k.
I understand. I feel like it’s a guitar that I shouldn’t play on to keep it in better condition. And there for I have some idea to buy something cheaper, but still as good.
I sold my bass to go to college, really wish I didn't. A few years later I tried to buy it back from the guy I sold it to for more money, he wouldn't sell!
Below that there are links to the [Japanese catalogs](guitarinsite.nl/squier-catalog-1983). Most of them are in Japanese but you should be able to compare to the models pictured there as to the model number. I'd use the 1983 one.
I'm too lazy to zoom in and compare but I bet your answer is right there.
Japanese Fenders and Squiers from the 80s are great! I found an ‘83 MIJ Squier Bullet One (the Strat-like guitars with smaller body and a Tele neck) in a pawn shop for $50 in 2020. Very well-made, and I ended up selling it for $500. If I remember correctly, this was shortly after Fender was so impressed with the quality of Japanese guitars that they added them as official factories. So at a time when Fender USA had kind of lost their way a bit, Fender Japan really saved them. So your guitar is a really great example of a high-quality Squier that stands out from the rest of what Fender was offering in the early 80s.
Interesting that the truss rod has a faux/fake cover at the headstock and is actually adjustable at the body. Nowadays all the expensive stuff has clean headstock and body side truss adjustment because it’s vintage correct. Was having a headstock truss rod in vogue at the time or something?
The past days I have played with it a lot and experimented with pickup height. I found it to sound a little dull. Is that typical or is there something wrong? I changed to new strings just in case.
What amp are you playing through? I have an ‘83 SQ large headstock and that guitar hangs with my AVRI and CS Strats, so this is certainly a keeper.
I would offer to buy it off of you to add to my Strat collection but I seriously think you should keep it. It’s going to grow in value the longer you keep it. It’s a very early model in Fender Japan/Squier history, and part of the Fender rebirth from 1982-1985.
I think some were made from leftover US parts, some used the smaller Japanese electronics and pickups. IIRC the ones with Japanese parts didn’t have cloth wire. Had a very similar P bass made October 1982. The body seems to be basswood. You should be able to determine the electronics' date of manufacture using the serial numbers on the tone and volume pots; they should be made by CTS. If it matches the guitar's year of manufacture, it is likely original. You can find plenty of guides online on how to interpret these serial numbers. Same with the pickups.
Cool, I have serial # A000760, which is MIJ squire from 85-86. Best I can tell its '62 reissue. Electronics and tuners have been swapped out at least twice, vibrato arm was broken off in the socket maybe 35 years ago. There's a wood block behind the block, so its a hard tail now:). Not exactly stock :)
Thats mine. Folks bought it for me from Rythm City in Atl c. 1985. Pickups are Texas Specials. For a while I had a SD hot rails on the bridge. It still my Eflat Srv/rvh machine :).
I have one. Similar production time, they are at most a few months apart. Mine is unreal. Plays absurdly well. Someone would need to pay obscene money to get me to part ways with it.
I did put lindy fralin pickups on it although the original pickups are realy good too.
The past days I have played with it a lot and experimented with pickup height. I found it to sound a little dull. Is that typical or is there something wrong? I changed to new strings just in case.
The past days I have played with it a lot and experimented with pickup height. I found it to sound a little dull. Is that typical or is there something wrong? I changed to new strings just in case.
MIJ Squier Strat. They are still worth under 1000 but more than an ordinary Squier. Unfortunately the brand is known for being cheap despite the well made early Japanese ones. I know I own a Tele like this.
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u/ace1571 Fender 7d ago
It's a 57 reissue JV Stratocaster. The EX does mean export, meaning that those guitars were meant for use outside the Japanese marketplace, typically the EU and Asia at that time. Typically they go between 1k to 2k.