Wahay first thread

[MikeR]

Here you go

My JV '57 strat bought in Hands music in Surbiton by my mother in late '82, I would have been 15 - it was my first and is still my no 1, and until recently my only guitar, though recently joined by a no brand tele.

Cheers Mike

[kwcsports]

That's a beauty. I've got an old Japan made squier as well. In the process of a new paint job, will post pics when she's finished.

[Squier-Talk]

A perfect first post for the JV forum... with a photo and everything.

Way to go. And, welcome to both the OP and the followup poster.

[MikeR]

Thanks for the welcome, heres a few more pics;







I'll stop now

[dhb2000usa]

Hi MikeR, beautiful guitar. Bet it plays real nice.

[rockape]

Here's my '57 JV





And inside:

[rockape]

One more!

[Squier-Talk]

Check out the EX in the neck pocket -- typical for FJ when making them for export to the US.

[rockape]

Originally Posted by Squier-Talk

Check out the EX in the neck pocket -- typical for FJ when making them for export to the US.

Did you mean "when making them for export to the UK"? (JV's were a European and Canadian import only), or have you seen 'EX' marks in later FJ Strat neck pockets?

[MikeR]

The underside of your pickguard isnt shielded Rockape - do you get static problems? I get some crackling from the amp if fingers brush the pickguard am toying with the idea of putting insulating tape on the underside of the pickguard to help.

[rockape]

Hi Mike,

Though not clearly visible, it has the factory standard (and '57 spec') shielding under the controls (switch and controls only), but aside from a scratchy switch (a factory fit USA one here), nothing bad to report.

Your Strat should have the same small area of shielding, but this is correct for this model and the year it represents (though a genuine '57 Strat would have a metal plate rather than a foil sheet).

You can try the insulating tape idea of course (this static problem is not that uncommon) though I think you need to check the grounding of the whole circiut (BTW I strongly advise you not to add or change anything more permanent on your guitar, as these export JV's have become very desirable and sought after by collectors, and any major changes to it's factory spec will seriously affect its value (my apologies to you if you were already well aware of this).

Paul

[MikeR]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the advice.

It was only earlier this year that I became aware of the potential value via the forum at 21frets.

The static / scratchy noise isn't that bad and I'm trying to adapt technique to keep it to a minimum, I probably won't go down the further insulation route to be honest. The guitar has never had any mods made to it of any kind, in fact I've never even deconstructed it as yours is in your picture, though the other thing, I've been thinking about recently is a refret. Lots of the frets bear indentations from the strings. Problem here (I've become aware since stumbling across the 21 frets site) is the potential loss in value. At the moment it plays fine so I'm taking the view that the frets can stay as they are. It might become an issue in the future which might render it unplayable at which point it becomes a more urgent question - playability over value? The problem I suspect with a refret is that although the frets would be renewed the finish on the neck would probably be destroyed in the process.

I'm tempted to start trying to persuade the wife that I should let the old lady retire to her case or at least slow down a bit and get a modern version for day to day use. I've seen a very nice daphne blue Squier deluxe strat!

[rockape]

Yes, if it plays ok then definitely leave it as is (one of my JV's is the same as yours in that respect).

A refret would loose any collectable guitar a bit of value, but as you say, if it ever got to the point where the guitar was completely unplayable, then you would have to seriously consider having a refret done, because it would be a terrible shame to lock away such a wonderful playing instrument.

I have always been firmly against any mods on JV's (I don't like taking them apart really.....it was all done in the name of research), but if it gets to the point where you can't use it, then something has to be done (hopefully in our case that won't be for a very long time yet).

I got myself a couple of Classic Vibe models to ease the strain on my JV's.
(sorry, I should say my wife got me a couple of CV's....bless her!)

[jrich99]

I would sure love to have one of these Japanese Squiers, but they sure go for crazy money on Ebay. For the price, I'd probably get a Fender.