Here’s a brilliant example of a late-’90s Squier Jagmaster from the famed Vista Series — made in Japan, loaded with attitude, and finished in a worn-in Olympic White. These early Jagmasters were built with a level of quality you rarely find in modern equivalents, and they’ve developed a bit of a cult following for good reason.
 
Crafted at the FujiGen plant, this 1997 model features a basswood body, 24" short scale, rosewood fretboard, and a pair of meaty humbuckers that crank out a thick, punchy tone. The offset body and tort pickguard scream alt-rock charm
.
It’s seen some genuine playwear — lacquer chips along the edges and natural ageing across the pickguard and hardware — but it’s all honest and only adds to the vibe. Frets are in great shape and it plays really well up and down the neck.
 
If you’re after a vibey Japanese Jagmaster with bags of character, this one’s the real deal.