KevL

Yes, it's in the interest of any seller to try and increase the desirability of his guitar. The same for owners, even though they may not be intending to sell at the time. I would say that this has always gone on, it's just that the internet has enabled the word to spread further and faster than the days of magazine articles etc.

Before suggesting the next big thing to be snapping up, I put down a few thoughts as to why I think the JVs have become what they are. The success of the Squier JV Series was the result of a few things that are unlikely to occur now. They were made to a high standard in terms of materials (good wood was the norm, US pickups, decent hardware etc), construction (the Japanese had shown the standard of guitars they could make, Dan Smith played that to his advantage), accuracy (the Japanese pretty much made the instruments exactly as per the year being copied), no really limiting budget (these were a main product for Fender whilst the US production was getting sorted out). The JVs were recognised at the time as being good guitars (although not every one is outstanding, I've seen some with less-than-svelte cutaways, for example) and whilst they have always been respected and quietly-collectible, I think the increase in collectability - and, therefore, price - is really down to the internet. At first, this would have been genuine enthusiasts happily sharing their love of the instruments and history (21frets, planetbotch etc) but in the last few years it seems everybody is after 'the next thing' (not just basses or musical instruments) that has a bit of a story, maybe some myth and certainly has to be 'vintage' - this last now seems to feature in pretty much every sales ad for, er...anything. The JVs do have all these qualities, together with the actual quality-of-product to back it up. There were also just enough made to establish their reputation and make them accessible but not too many made, thus keeping them desirable. They also were made at just the right time for those who couldn't afford one then to satisfy their longing now, and those who weren't even born in the early-mid 80s to be able to see what the fuss was about, although the recent price rises may preclude some hopeful buyers. Although this has turned into a long sprawl about JVs, I wanted to show that I think they were the result of unusual and unique circumstances that won't occur again. The Chinese Squier CV (especially the first runs?) do have some similarities - most obviously the Squier name - but you can be certain that Fender will have built them strictly to a budget (no US pickups here, for example) and would not have had to make them top-quality as they already had their Mexican, US and Custom Shop ranges to sell, unlike when the JVs were made. This is not to be taken that they are poor guitars but I do think that they have been subjected to a little internet-hype. Could other basses/guitars be the next JVs? The Japanese basses of the late 70s and early 80s (Greco, Burny etc.those that caused Dan Smith to turn to Japan for the Squier manufacturing) are already well-known with prices increasing. Ibanez from that era are well-respected but just not as well-known as Fender/Squier and will probably not gain a massive following. My favourite brand, G&L (particularly the original Leo Fender era) always seem to remain niche, I think any massive increase in demand and price would have happened by now. Staying on that brand, I have noticed that the early Tribute series by G&L seem to get a lot of praise so may be ones to look out for (cue prices going up...,) but, as mentioned, they will always suffer from just being generally less well-known than the Big F. Another suggestion for a future collectable: the Fender Mexican Classic with the nitro finish, I think it was made within the last few years - not sure of the exact name or years but I vaguely remember there was one or two versions that seemed more sought-after than the rest. Happy for any corrections to any of the above as I've written from memory so may be out with a couple of the JV details.

The Wombling Song The Wombles

His playing is excellent on many of The Specials' songs but I think the best example is Too Much Too Young from their eponymous debut album (note that the single version is quite different).

The Battle of Evermore The Zep

Back In The Night Dr Feelgood

It's A Mystery Toyah

The Cat Crept In Mud

Mama Told Me Not To Come Three Dog Night (Same songs I linked on Mark and Lard's The Chain feature about 13 years ago).

Dreaming Blondie

Unbelievable EMF

Hong Kong Garden Siouxsie And The Banshees

Last Train To Trancentral The KLF

Lazy Sunday Afternoon The Small Faces

A Message To You, Rudy The Specials

Touch Too Much AC/DC

Flash Queen

Parisienne Walkways Gary Moore

Sweet Little Sixteen Chuck Berry

New Kid In Town Eagles

Time (Clock of the Heart) Culture Club

Morning Has Broken Cat Stevens