Squier Contemporary Strats Made in Japan

Introduction to Squier Contemporary Starts

I don't normally detail JV models because 21 Frets does it in more detail than I could ever do, but they don't really say much about these models. Maybe it's because they have 22 Frets. Also not all these models came with JV serial numbers. Some are SQ and some are A serials and whilst popular wisdom is that A serial numbers started in 1985 we have ample proof that they were in fact used as early as 1982.
The 1983 launch of these models comprises 13 models 5 are SSS configuration and the other 8 are HH configuration, a further HH appears later. Fender's take on them was "For the Metallist by the Metallist"
They had locking string systems known as Rox an explanation of terms. End Rox locked strings inside the trem block, Bottom Rox was a Floyd-type saddle, Top Rox was a string lock behind the nut.
Features common to all models
Bodies are Alder with a polyester finish
Necks are Maple C shaped
Fretboard is Rosewood with 22 Medium Jumbo Frets and a radius of 250mm
Gotoh Diecast Sealed Tuners
Nut 42.5mms
Headstocks nearly all Matching see later. Squier Outline Logo and Stratocaster by Fender Contemporary Series written on.
4 bolt neck plate with serial number on
Plastics predominantly black some white pickguards
distinguishing Features follow

The range from the Fender Japan Catalogue


Upper Rox Nut

The SSS models

ST501

As stated there are 5 of these which can be subdivided into two groups the first is the 501 and 551 then the second is the 701 801 and 901. The first two digits indicate the launch price in 1000¥
501 and 551 These two guitars are virtually identical the only differences being the colours and the hardware. Both have the following features
3 Hot rod 01S single coil pickups
2 butterfly string trees on the headstock no locking nut
Natural Colour Neck
3 ply white 11 hole pickguard
6 screw bridge with black saddles and end Rox block
Black Stratocaster style knobs with normal configuration
501 has chrome hardware 551 nickel chrome.
Colours 501 Black, Deep Purple, Torino Red or Olympic White
Colours 551 Candy Red, Lake Placid Blue, Pearl White, Blue Grey Metallic or Candy Green.

701 801 and 901
These are the SSS models with the Upper Rox String lock which locks the strings at the nut
No string tree but locking nut
701 has Hot Rod 03ST pickups the other two have Hot Rod 05SH pickups
Pickguard 701 has single ply black 11 hole the other two 3 ply white 11 hole
Controls are knurled dome knobs being a volume a tone and a 3 position arts rotary switch with a 5 way switch
Bridge 701 6 screw other 2 are 2 point all with black saddles End Rox on the 701 and Bottom Rox on the 801 and 901
Chrome hardware except 901 which is gold
Matching headstock and necks except the 901 has a natural neck and headstock on the 3 colour sunburst
Colours 701 Candy Red, Candy Green, Pearl White, Blue Grey Metallic, Olympic White, Black, Deep Purple or Torino Red
801 3 Tone Sunburst, Olympic White, Candy Red, Black, LPB, Antique Red Burst, Green Burst, Purple Burst or Freeze Blue.
901 Antique Red Burst, Green Burst, Purple Burst, Candy Red, Olympic White or Freeze Blue.

701 body note the controls

The HH Models

9 of these 3 with no locking nut 6 with, again first 2 digits are price in 1000¥
The non-locking nut models
These are the ST502, ST552 and ST504
I am really struggling to see any difference between the 502 and 552 except for the colours. The 504 has a few cosmetic differences. To summarise.

2 Dragster 04 Humbucker pickups
2 butterfly string trees on the headstock no locking nut
Natural Colour Neck on 502 and 552 black on the 504
Black 3 ply on 502 and 552 single ply on 504
6 screw bridge with black saddles and End Rox block
Black Stratocaster style knobs 1 volume 1 tone 3 way switch
502 and 552 have chrome hardware 504 Black
Colours 502 Black, Deep Purple, Torino Red or Olympic White
552 Candy Red, Lake Placid Blue, Pearl White, Blue Grey Metallic or Candy Green.
504 Black or Torino Red.

These are from a 552 a 502 would be identical



These are also from a 552 the back is the same on all models the front will only vary in that some will not have the string trees and a locking nut instead.

There are 6 of these ST652,702, 852, 902, 952 and 954. I will deal with the 954 separately but here's a brief table summarising some of the features of the rest.

The ST954 is slightly mysterious I have never seen one and I haven't found any details or pictures other than in the 1984 Twang it is listed in the specs but not pictured anywhere. It appears to be identical to the ST952 except that it only comes in Natural.

Pictures of these are really hard to find the two below are of a ST652

The series ended in 1984/5 but there are some later quite similar Fender branded models in the Boxer series