Here for sale we have a Squier Vista Series Jagmaster in Candy Apple Red finish. Made in Japan, the Vista Series is well-regarded by many for its exceptional quality; well beyond what would normally be expected of a Squier. The Jagmaster was introduced in 1996 as part of the Vista series, with a design based on the Jaguar and Jazzmaster models, with a little refinement for the contemporary guitarist. Taking the short scale length and humbuckers from the Jaguar and combining them with a Stratocaster-style 6-point tremolo bridge, as well as much simplified controls turned out to be a very successful cocktail which has been reissued several times since the original.
Of course, a bolt-on construction is employed, and comprises a Basswood body, Maple neck and 22 fret Rosewood fingerboard. the Stratocaster-style tremolo bridge is accompanied by Nickel finished vintage-style split-post tuning machines. A pair of Squier Dragster open-coil humbucking pickups are installed, and are wired to a 3-way toggle switch, master volume and master tone controls.
The Maple neck plays very well, with the 'Oval Type' profile feeling somewhat like a 'C' shape with slightly broader shoulders. Certainly, the profile is practical for a wide range of styles and techniques, with the moderately thin profile offering easy reach and comfortable playability across the register. The 24" scale length is unusual for a Fender-style guitar, and makes for a neck which feels very easy to navigate, whilst the slightly reduced string tension makes vibrato and string bending techniques easier on the fingers. The Rosewood of the fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with its 7.25" radius provides a vintage-inspired but practical playing experience.
The pair of Squier Japan 'Dragster' open-coil humbucking pickups deliver a thick and full-bodied tone, well suited to heavy rock, grunge and shoegaze tones. The neck position is warm and smooth, perfect for any lead lines and solos which need pushing to the front of the mix. The bridge pickup is brighter, and with a hotter output is great for saturated distortion tones whilst retaining detail and clarity. The controls are infinitely simpler than the original Jaguar and Jazzmaster, which will be a welcome change for plenty of guitarists! Whilst simple, the controls are nice and responsive to small changes, allowing you to dial in your perfect tone in a wide range of settings. It's easy to see why the Vista Series Jagmaster has remained a popular instrument.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Squier Japan Vista Series Jagmaster Candy Apple Red 1997 CIJ Electric Guitar
Brand- Squier
Model- Vista Series Jagmaster
Finish- Candy Apple Red
Year- 1997
Made In- Japan
Body- Basswood
Neck- Maple
Neck Profile- Oval Type
Fingerboard- Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius- 7.25"
Frets- 22
Scale Length- 24"
Nut Width- 1.634"
Pickups- 2x Squier Japan 'Dragster' Open-Coil Humbuckers
Controls- 3-Way Toggle Switch, Master Volume, Master Tone
Our ID: 117122466471
Weight: 8.55lbs
Serial: V028589
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall very good condition. The top edge demonstrates mild indentation and scratching. Light to mild scratching of the front face is visible under scrutiny, with similar scratching to the top of the rear face. Beside the A string tuning post the lacquer has cracked and discolored slightly. Along the bass side edge there are circular marks consistent with the use of a string winder, as well as a mild indentation beside the A tuner.
Neck: Overall good condition. Light to mild indentation and scratching is consistent along the rear of the neck, with the wood exposed in some places. A slight burn mark is present at the bass side of the 1st fret. The fingerboard edges demonstrate mild chipping and indentation from a previous re-fret, causing some fret ends to be felt whilst playing. This is most notable at the treble side in the very upper register. Some chip-out is apparent in the upper register beside the frets. Indentation and light scratching of the fingerboard is apparent throughout. The neck remains very playable overall.
Body: Overall good condition. Mild to moderate scratching and indentation is consistent across all aspects of the body, with chipping in some places. This is most notable at the forearm contour where consistent scratching has caused a hazing of the finish and rough texture. At the side of the instrument on the treble side, indentation and chipping of the finish is slightly more pronounced. The rear face shows light cracking of the finish to the centre, with indentation which does not pierce the finish consistent across the surface. A notable indentation which pierces the finish is present to the front edge of the lower horn. Light finish cracking is present at either side of the neck pocket which does not affect the structure of the instrument.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate very light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is considerable material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform. A re-fret has previously been performed to an acceptable standard, with some issues such as damage to the fingerboard edge. Playability remains very good.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: fully functional. Truss rod tool (flathead driver) not included.
Hardware: Fully functional with light signs of wear. The pickguard shows mild to moderate scratching, consistent with playwear. The backplate has split slightly at the corner screw holes but remains secure. Tremolo arm not included.
Structural: no concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - 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
The overall playability of the neck remains very good, however some slight string noise is apparent when bending the 1st E string at the 10th fret. The new owner may choose to raise the action to alleviate this.
Electrics:
Fully functional.
Case & Accessories:
No case is provided with this guitar.
Tremolo arm and truss rod tool not included.