Nippon '51

Squier fans would find this familiar; it's the '51. It was a popular mod guitar in the early 2000. Players don't mind paying for one because it was well-made, first & foremost. The default pickups were not bad as well. The most defining feature of this guitar is of course it's lack of a pickup selector switch. It's also a quirky model; Tele neck, Strat body & a P-bass pickguard. Last checked, it's still available in the after-market here.

Well this year, Fender Japan did a revival but unfortunately for the domestic only. This blond version with the Original P-Bass colour scheme is darn cool.

Pics: Amazaon / Fender Japan

Squier: VM '51

This is new but isn't new. New because Squier has just re-issued it. Not new because this is the third reincarnation. When it first debuted, the Squier '51 was a popular guitar for mods; it's very affordable & it's down right good sounding & good playing. This might prove to be popular once more for those of us itching to own something 'different' as our practice model or a good back-up for things. Squier's current take puts it in the Vintage Modified series implying it's not a lower end model so prices might not reflect its original value so don't shoot the stores for this, shoot yourselves for not knowing.