Hey everyone.
Good to be a part of this board. I need your help in identifying a Squier Vista Jagmaster I just picked up. I bought this from a friend of mine who runs Half Japanese's record label. The guitar has no serial number and is a finish that was not available for any retail Vista Jagmaster.
The finish is Fiesta Red. To my knowledge, the Vistas were only available in White, Black, Sonic Blue, Sunburst and Candy Apple Red. It has a bullet truss rod consistent with 1996 versions. The neck has a skunk stripe, but no serial or MADE/CRAFTED IN JAPAN present at the bottom of the back. 22 frets. Radius, width consistent with Vista Jagmaster. The pickguard and spring protector plate are both Mint Green. The pickups, according to my friend, are Seymour Duncan invaders (they don't look like invaders) and were installed at the factory. The only mod that my friend applied to the guitar was changing the tuners to Gotohs.
Here's what we know - there is a slight chip in the finish that reveals a sonic blue primer coating. I know this isn't a refinish because some of Jagmaster Vistas (much like early Fenders) had blue primers, and the finish is very consistent with MIJ production. This is definitely your stock Fender Fiesta Red.
Here is a response I got from my friend on what he believes is the origin (please excuse the all caps): I THINK THIS WAS MADE IN THE FENDER JAPAN FACTORY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FACTORY MODEL, TO PROMOTE THE JAGMASTER WHEN THEY FIRST BUILT THEM - PRE-PRODUCTION. I'M SURE IT WAS BUILT FOR IN-HOUSE PROMOTION AND IS SLIGHTLY BETTER QUALITY THAN THE RETAIL MODELS.
Pictures are below. Does anyone have any idea where this might have come from? Does anyone else own a factory model like this? Even if it is a factory model, why no serial?
Here are some pictures of the guitar.
