I bought this right-handed Fender Squier Stratocaster many years ago off a kid on the JDMST automotive forums for $300 (it even came with a Roland practise amp). I’ve always just had it lying around in case right-handed players drop around so we could jam.
I thought I’d do some research on it. The serial number (P007459) suggests that it’s a 1993-1994 Silver Series Made in Japan at the FujiGen factory (much praised for their excellent build quality). The earlier 80’s guitars from the same factory are fetching thousands now but the later models seem to be worth a lot less. I’m not sure what the body is made of. It could be solid basswood, plywood or even MDF. It seems to have lower end ceramic pickups and tuners. The tremolo saddles don’t have FENDER stamped into them either.
In comparison to my Korean made Squier this guitar just generally feels like it’s lesser in quality. It’s heavier, the back of the neck is more glossy than satin, the neck feels a bit fatter and the pickups have flat pole pieces whereas the Korean Squier has staggered pole pieces.
Jimi at Woodstock.
I love that it’s made in Japan though and it’s got some really nice patina on the fretboard and body too. I’ve just put a new set of strings on it, and it’s now living in a hard case in the closet. I’ll admit I’m super tempted to turn it upside down Hendrix style (the guitar is the same exact Olympic White colour as “Izabella” the 1968 Strat Jimmy used at Woodstock!), but then I’d have an excuse to buy another right handed guitar for guests who drop by, and right now I just don’t need more excuses to buy more guitars!