If you are unfamiliar with the Squier Vista series from 1996-1998, you should know that it was Fenders attempt to legitimize the Squier brand, something similar to what is happening with the IBG Epis of today. Fender considered making these guitars fender branded, but gambled on using Squier.
The 1996-1998 Vista Series guitars are a historical anomaly, built by Fuji Gen Gakki for Fender during a period of corporate reorganization with no US manufacturing capacity.
Gakki couldn’t meet the output needed for their new Fender Japan contract so Fujigen was then contracted to continue building until Dyna could take over, which was late Spring ’97. That’s when the headstock bullet truss rod appeared and different colors.
Leftover old stock US bodies and hardware, such as the "FENDER" stamped bridge saddles, bridges, etc.. were used on Vista Series guitars.
The early guitars from first few months of '96 guitars were "Made in Japan" with a "V" serial number.. The vast majority of the run were "Crafted in Japan" with an "A" serial.
These guitars share the same quality standard as their other MIJ models offered during the time.
I finally bought both of these last year after wanting them since the 90s (Sonic Jagmaster, and Blue Sparkle SS) and I've had my fun with them. Let's find them a good home!
Jagmaster:
This is one of the first Jagmasters from '96. "Made in Japan" V Serial. Naturally aged sonic blue. very hard to find in the most desirable colour, and very also hard to find a MIJ.. extremely rare to find both together
It's in excellent condition.
Offset body, and 24" scale like a Jaguar, but uses a strat-style tremolo bridge instead of the Fender floating tremolo bridge of the Jaguar and Jazzmaster. 9.25" radius. 22 frets. Controls are 3-way toggle switch, volume and tone knobs.
I have replaced the pots (cheap mini pots) with full size pots, and a bumblebee cap, but kept the originals for the next owner. The pickguard is new, a custom mint green pickguard from pickguardian, original tort in the case) Also includes a black fender JM HSC.
A great instrument with a great neck that can produce variety of tones Original list price of a Vista Series Jagmaster in 1996 was $699.99. That's $1359.39 in 2024 dollars.
Supersonic:
The Super-Sonic was originally a part of the Japanese-manufactured Vista Series, and produced at the FujiGen factory between late 1996 and early 1998. The bodies were constructed from basswood and available in four different finishes, with a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. The ceramic pickups were manufactured in South Korea, with the bridge pickup canted. Factory wiring:
2 Vol (no tones) 1 wired to each HB.
Little known fact, but the inspiration for the super sonic was a picture of Jimi hendrix playing a Jaguar upside down
The sonic is all original, and in excellent shape for it's age. Ships in the original gigbag.
Looking to net $1700 on the Jagmaster, and $1500 on the SuperSonic. Shipping available as always.
Thanks for looking!
