This Squier arrived with care from CME a couple of days ago and some initial impressions;
[*] it's a darker blue not really reflected in the photos. LPB is notoriously hard to accurately photograph but this one definitely is darker than most other LPBs I've seen in person. It's much closer to the Cobra blue used in the Fender American Ultra JM from a couple of years ago. Fender AmUltra JM Cobra Blue
[*] The headstock matches the dark shade perfectly but it's not the period correct 1970s logo/markings. This has the swirl from the classic 1960s logo decals. The 40th anniversary Squier models actually have the correct font and logo decal for the 1970s-era Fenders.
[*] The inlays are identical to the 40th anniversary gold edition block inlays - not period accurate with regard to size but they still look good. No dings or scratches on the binding or blocks.
[*] out of the box this one had wonderful low action but a slight buzz on the low-E (common). Not extreme enough to require a shim , so I may fix this with a bridge height adjustment. The frets themselves are a little gritty on bends, some 600-1200 grit sandpaper may be required to smooth-en them out.
[*] CME packed it securely box in a box and with nice fretboard protection (cardboard). Props to Olivia for taking great care for the inspection and packing.
[*] CME and Anderton's exclusive FSR. I don't know how uncommon this is but I've seen a lot of posts of these lately. There are others on CMEs site right now but with lighter fretboards. (EDIT: these are all gone from the CME site except for the teaser expecting more in 2023)
I'm curious what others' impressions are in comparison with the 40th anniversary versions. I actually traded in a 40th JM because I prefer the matching headstock but also the action was way too high on the 40 and the fretboard looked like a sickly pale veneer of Indian Laurel instead of the dark one on the FSR. There was also a noticeable slight indent on the upper horn which was almost imperceptible because the gloss polyurethane finish was fine over it. The 40th had a lighter shade of LPB but I'd imagine this varies from batch to batch and it's likely no 40th Squiers are exactly the same;
Antique white comparison
