'83 SQ Tele

[ilan]

Recently got this one for $510. First non-Gibson electric 6-string in 20+ years for me. Sounds and plays like a dream. Intonates perfectly even with its 3-saddle bridge. Has a real grey bottom bridge pickup.

It's a late-83 SQ series. The first ones made in Japan (82-83) were JV series, 57 and 62 reissues. Then in late '83-84 came the SQ series, basically a 70's reissue. Not as collectible as low-serial JV's but still desirable to some.

I'm in love with this guitar.

[Dave W]

Nice! I'm surprised that it cost you that much but I'm not really up on the values. They do have a good reputation.

I never worry about the three-saddle bridge. Considering the limitations of equal temperament, you can never get everything perfect anyway. The conventional three-saddle gets the job done.

[ilan]

I'm surprised that it cost you that much but I'm not really up on the values. They do have a good reputation.

They typically sell for that price on eBay, and had I bought it on eBay, I would have additional shipping costs (about $250) and V.A.T (18%). But I found it locally and saved.

The SQ series were the first MIJ Squiers with MIJ pickups (82-83 JV's had MIA pu's). But mine came with an old 70's grey bottom which I like a lot so I'm happy, and that's a $200-250 upgrade...

You are right about the 3-saddle bridge. And I have never seen anyone complain about the 2-saddle early P bass bridges, or replacing them with slanted saddles.

[Dave W]

I don't understand the fuss among some Tele players for the compensated saddles.

Two strings per saddle does give you more downward tension on the saddle. The theory is that it transfers energy to the body better. I don't know if that's true, but more Tele players like the way it sounds better than a six saddle bridge.

A local man invented the Mastery Bridge to solve the problems with Jazzmaster and Jaguar bridges. It has three strings per saddle! It has already become well known in Jag/JM circles and some high profile players love it, including Sonic Youth and Elvis Costello. Now he's offering Tele and Rick versions. Too expensive for me, but if I had a problem Jag, I'd buy one.

[ilan]

That's interesting.

[nofi]

i have a 83 mij squier strat i bought new. everyone who plays it wants to buy it. very nice guitar.