This guitar has a neck date of 1983, and was built at a time when it was widely recognised that the Japanese-built Fenders and Squiers were surpassing the American-built models in terms of quality and playability.

This strat is fitted with American alnico pickups that are every bit as pure strat tone as one can wish for. The cloth-covered wiring, pots and switch are all original and unmodified. A previous owner has unfortunately cut a small indent out of the top edge of the pickguard in order to give access to the truss rod. They also have bent one of the tuning machine heads. Nevertheless the machine head works fine and can presumably be easily corrected with the right tool.

Otherwise the guitar is all original. There are scuffs and dings and dongs on the paintwork as one would expect of a guitar of this age that invites you to play it. But as a whole, the instrument hangs together perfectly: The workmanship on the neck is superb, with the smooth transition from the headstock to the neck that is characteristic of this era of Fugijen production. 

JV stands for Japan Vintage, as these strats were aiming to be vintage-correct. And it certainly feels like a classic Fender stratocaster. The staggered pole pieces on the pickups, the bent steel saddles on the bridge, and the deep body contour all give this instrument a classic feel.

The tone is world class and the playability is as well. There is good reason why these guitars are so sought after now.