I picked a 95 Squier Series up at a guitar show today that had a nice set of SA's in it. The value or the price-quality ratio is something very difficult to define, and also very subjective at times. Firstly I think for those who are new to Fender and Squier guitars, it's worth giving a quick overview of the differences between the two brands. University Trng i hc Thng mi; . . 5th - The Mexican factory is the ONLY factory that Fender is actually an owner "Partner" in, they are not a 100% owner! There are small blemishes on the guitar, but nothing major. Thanks. What is the difference between the black labeled Squire Series strats that were made in Mexico and the silver labeled Squire Series strats made in Korea? Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely guitar, but I uncovered a surprise when I took the neck off to make some adjustments. I haven't confirmed that this is true of all "Squier Series" guitars, but it is in the examples that I have seen. and with a perfect nutritional balance. It has the big Fender Logo in either gold or silver script with black outline (guitar is at home so can't recall which) & tiny little Squire Series on the ball. The head stock is marked "MADE IN INDIA". It had cheap diamond tuners. For a couple years, Squiers were even made in the US by two undisclosed companies that Fender has hidden well. 380 VB. The Squiers pickup selector and potentiometers are cheap. These Affinity telecasters had the following specifications: 21 frets Presumably, this was another cost-cutting exercise to bring the price of the guitars down. You've COMPLETELY ignore the far superior Japanese made "Squier Series" Stratocasters of 1994 through 1995! However, the Classic Vibe series has more than decent and acceptable quality. Both were cool guitars but ultimately I'm happy with the "Fender Squier Series" and wouldn't be surprised if in Korea they were also using the nicer wood with cheaper electronics as is stated hear about the Mexican ones, can anyone confirm that? The new Squier Stratocaster Classic Vibe cost around EUR 370/380 in Europe and USD 400 in the United States. That's the head stock. This is a Made in Mexico "Squier Series" Standard Stratocaster, not to be confused with a Player Series or Standard MIM Stratocaster. Another feature to look out for is the plastic pick guard, as there is another noticeable difference that will help identification. It sounds like some of the bodies were drilled to fit american tremolos before being shipped across the border. It has also expanded the color options it offers such as burgundy mist in the Classic Vibe, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, among others. There is an S stamped on the inside of the pickguard. Examples: cookies that help you stay logged in from page to page or that help customizing your usage of the website (dark mode or filters). There are small blemishes on the guitar, but nothing major. Typically, the "Squier Series" Stratocaster is a Fender guitar, roughly on a par with the current Mexican Standard. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for FENDER SQUIER STRATOCASTER STANDARD RED BURST. I saw an awesome Red Squire the guitarist from the Chili Peppers played. Everyone who plays the guitar loves it and says it sounds great. Everything. Unlike the standard 3 ply pick guards on the standard Fender Strat models, the "Squier Series" has a single-ply one. On this neck they are totally smooth. As it turns out, Squier, in this case, signifies something different to the Squier brand. As expected, the price varies considerably for both brands, although over the years it has been markedly reduced. sorry english not good. Some models of used Squiers actually go for more than $200 or $250, but those are made in Korea or Mexico. We will tear down all the hidden myths and secrets. At Reverb, your safety and security is our priority. Either way, this has meant many a person has bought a "Squier Series" guitar without really realising it. The persone who gave it to him did not take great care of it I think - the pickup selector is kind of Finicky and volume pot was a little crackly. "Hey Bob, our factory burned down. Got an early 90s model with classic 50's pickups. As good as Squier guitars can be, most musicians will use them until they are able to afford a proper Fender. It's not known if all the "Squier Series" guitars feature the logo on the ball of the headstock, but the solid black logo along with the other features should be a strong pointer. As someone above stated learn to play really well and maybe you will be blessed with a sponsorship from Fender. It is very clean and the decals are perfect. Claim - Squier Series MIM strats are really American Bodies and Necks with cheaper electronics. Now, the Fender Stratocaster Player Series from Mexico has Pao Ferro, while the Squier Stratocaster Classic Vibe comes with Indian Laural. One interesting detail: it has the same sort of budget trapezoid tuners as seen on low-end Japanese Strat copies/repros (Greco. Fender has used the Squier brand since 1982 to market inexpensive variants of Fender guitars to compete with Stratocaster copies, as the Stratocaster became more popular. I told her not to worry, that no, I didn't buy A guitar. 7 years ago. Although the tonal difference between the maple fingerboard and those of Pao Ferro or Indian Laurel is remarkable, only very deep ears will detect the differences between Laurel and Pao Ferro. It is located at our Puente Hills, CA location.FeaturesS-S-S Pickup ConfigurationVolume-Tone-Tone ControlsMade in MexicoMaple Neck and FingerboardNo Case IncludedWeight:7lbs, 8.5oz, Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support. The best guitar ? One of the most important cost adjustment variables in a guitar is the components, including the pickups. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Truss adjustment are head (no walnut plug). Get your info straightened out. It played better than a Fender Strat they wanted 650.00 for.Nice lookin guitar but the Squire definitely outplayed it.I own Certain Ibanez electric and acoustics, Alvarez acoustic, Taylor acoustic. One of the smoothest and most confortable necks I have ever played on. and it weighs 7 pounds if that helps any. According to internet lore, these guitars were the same American bodies and necks the base Mexican Standards used, but with Japanese or Korean electronics. Cars & Vehicles. We are using Google Analytics in order to better understand the use that our visitors make of our website in an attempt to improve it. Apparently it was a 1994. In fact, nato is sometimes referred to as oriental mahogany. A wood widely used in Japan for quality musical instruments. Anyone knows if these are decent for $150. Toivo with L Series Strat on December 19, 2011: I do not see anything wrong with this gentleman's (explanation) article about his knowledge of the "SQUIER SERIES" Strat. color then but is now. Squier is a division of Fender and its Stratocasters are based on Fender models, sharing many of the same design features at affordable prices. One thing that really stands out to me is that every squire strat I have played the frets are a little sharp at the edges/corners, like they need to be filed down a little. Also, I am an equipment enthusiast with a collection of guitars that cover practically all styles. Someone gave it to my dad and he was going to try to sell it. Squier guitars are painted in Polyurethane both on the neck and on the body. The price of a used second hand model of the same model will be around $1000-$1200. First, I know this is an older subject but remains relevant as more and more of these still somewhat on the scarce side (atleast in the US) fine guitars are being discovered in closets and under beds with their owners seeking info on just what they have.collecting dust. Fender and Squier Stratocaster prices As expected, the price varies considerably for both brands, although over the years it has been markedly reduced. The Fender "Squier Series" of Stratocasters will not be familiar to many guitar fans, but in this piece, we'll take a look at this unique series and what marks them out from the usual budget range of Squier guitars. Einfach. Great guitar. However, later in the early 90s, they were replaced by laminated bodies of the same wood, which meant a significant drop in quality. Only original part remaining is the claw. It's one of the best values out there and a great way to land an American Strat for well under a grand. Not the black label "Squier Series" ones. Although, Fender also make some particular models in the countries where the Squier are built: Indonesia, China and Korea. I have one question if anyone can give me an answer! VintageGuitarz, do you know how the Korean Squier Series compares to the Japanese? Required fields are marked *. Even between the high-end and low-end Fenders, their qualities change a lot. No other serial numbers..or country of origin markings..the tuners are different than most of the Fenders or Squiers that ive seen..wavyand work great. In the case that you are looking for non-traditional models, Squier is the option, since it has less common models: Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Starcaster, Duo-Sonic, Bass VIs, baritone or some other vintage reissue such as the Vintage Modified series that they bring novelty versions, or the same Classic Vibe line and you dont want to spend a fortune. The first MIM Fender necks were actually made on CNC machines in the United States and finished in Mexico, today all wood components are made in Mexico. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Actually, about to trade it so it can get some use and I can get some gear I have been eyeing. 4th - There has been over a dozen OTHER companies that made these guitars from 1981 threw the present. The different models are available in a variety of finishes and colors. This particular guitar plays and sounds great. no country of origin or serial number..nothing under neck or body. The Affinity Series Stratocaster combines the classic features that made the Stratocaster a rock and roll favorite: sonic flexibility, authentic Fender sound, vintage style and eye-catching finishes. I'm really happy I found this. These had bodies and necks made with Fender supplied 1957 and 62 templates and PuPs using a Japanese invented Alnico/Ceramic hybrid magnets and they were all HAND WOUND! Although historically the Squier product portfolio has consisted primarily of lower-end versions of entry-level Fender models such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, their offerings have diversified in recent years to include a wide variety of unique models, even including some that just they were available at the Fender Custom Shop. NOT as you wrote "The period at Fender was marked by a number of changes in production, with new Asian factories coming online,". Neck Material: Maple. On the back they say "Made in Mexico". I swapped out the pups & it's 90% "American Standard." Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Classic Strat looks for an absolute steal Specifications Body: Alder Neck: Maple Scale: 25.5" Fingerboard: Indian Laurel or Maple Frets: 22 Pickups: Three Ceramic Single-Coils Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2 (Bridge Pickup) Hardware: Chrome, Die-cast tuners, 2-point tremolo I adjusted action, pick ups, and set intonation and Amazing Grace, it played really good and. And the neck just feels awesome. I replaced the tuners with Grover locking, pickups with Fender hot noiseless, and I put some graphite saddles in the bridge plus 3-ply guard and cover. There in the neck pocket was a stamp that said Squier. my korean fender stratocaster squier series has different details than yours, one being fender is in black and silver, no squier stamp in the neck sock, and has a three ply pick-guard. Great article. can someone tell me what i got? I recently acquired one of the Korean Cor Tec Squire Series FENDER Strat. . All these guitars have a Fender logo and branding on the headstock that is solid black (see the picture above) and on the ball of the headstock, where on a standard model it would say "Original Contour Body", it instead says "Squier Series" (picture below). The Squier had far better tone and a better neck for really gliding up and down with smooth lead. I have been playing for 40 yrs and will play against any other guitarist of my caliper with my Fender Squire anytime. As the Squier label carries its own baggage due to its budget nature, it's widely thought that many of the people who owned these "Squier Series" Fenders took steps to hide the name, despite the fact they owned proper Fender guitars. So a considerable difference in price, again due to cheaper labour and manufacturing outside of the States. Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape. My 1995 "Squier Series" Strat has a USA, Corona neck & body with cheap tuners & pickups. . The TS still had the black Fender logo just like the squier series. Compared to my American Deluxe, it blows it out of the water. only the mexican tremolo fits. Oops, looks like you forgot something. My searching led me back to 1993 and a budget range of Fender Stratocasters that were most definitely not the lesser Squier, but something else instead. Any guitar has a cost to maintain, and cheaper guitars usually require higher expenses. However, the USA plant is rumored to have helped pick up some of the slack until the Mexican factory reopened. Unfortunately there are only a few information from this era left. 70's Style Larger Top?? Both tonewoods behave similarly to mahogany according to general opinion, that is, they are woods with their predominant tonal frequencies in the mids. That said, we can say that the Classic Vibe series with an Alder body has more in common with the Fender Mexico than with the other Squier guitars. Good god man! You can find more details on data protection in our, As an alternative, you can also prevent us from using cookies and permanently hide this cookies popup by clicking. These guitars may truly have been a mish mash of parts. It's pretty much a toss up between that model and the Gibson Les Paul as the number one iconic guitar out there. It's tone was also different, it was very bright and clean and didn't really have that twangy garage sound I expected of a Tele. Both are very resistant lacquers and are characterized by being relatively cheap and easy to work with. Free delivery for many products. Manufacturer: Fender Model: Stratocaster made in mexico "Squier Series" Category: STC-Shaped Guitars Added in our database on: 04/06/2014 We have no technical specifications for this product but your help will be much welcomed Fill in the product description Other Fender sTC-Shaped Guitars Road Worn '50s Stratocaster STC-Shaped Guitar Its on its 3rd set of fret wire. You might be able to discern a price that way. Black body, maple fingerboard. I replaced the bridge with a $30 genuine Fender standard bridge and that it! I will say the Fender was given to me free of charge. These "Squier Series" guitars carry a couple of prominent features that easily allows them to be recognised, provided those features haven't been tampered with. Neck is 1 piece maple with skunk stripe and microtilt, but drilled for tiny cheapie tuners. New Chinese guitars, the Classic Vibe model with an alder body and alnico pickups, have little to envy the Fender Mexico of the Player Series, at the same time that they cost 40% less. On the other hand, if you take a poplar one or a Nato one, the differences will be more noticeable. The guitar is in mint condition,has only been played three times and sounds great. The cost savings from the use of these cheaper components meant that from 1993 to 1998, the "Squier Series" came into the marketplace as a slightly cheaper Fender standard. United Kingdom, Regarding the pickups, although many choose to change them for better options, the reality is that you should not have problems with any of the brands. I built the entire project for $ 464. As well as these physical differences, further identification will be helped by the serial number, which would begin with one of the following: MN3, MN4, MN5, MN6, MN7 or MN8. Mine is the lightest weight strat I have ever picked up. Good luck and I hope this information is helpful. Made for 10 months only. The volume knob has been replaced. Squier Stratocaster By Fender Grey 25 miles | Preston, Lancashire In good condition,Little sign of wear Delivery options: Regular Postage: 3 - 8 days - 12.99 Store Pickup: Free - available in store Product details: Item Number: 019000146048 Brand: Squier Model Name: Stratocaster By Fender Colou 199.99 13 days ago 8 These pickups are more similar in construction to the P90s with more output and less clarity than traditional Fender singlecoils. I recently purchased one of these "Squire Series" Strats for $140.00. I asked him about it. They are frets that give the instrument great playability. . On the Squier side, these are generally unbranded and often of unknown origin and quality. It has a couple spots of finish chipping under the strings at the second feet and various small scuffs and scratches (pictured). STRATOCASTER MADE IN MEXICO AND USA/MEX HYBRID STRATS Full Mexico and Hybrid USA/Mexico Stratocaster chronology from 1991 to today. Before I'd played with this guitar, I hadn't suspected that it was anything other than a Fender Stratocaster. Today, the new Classic Vibe 50s features this wood. MIM is metric ,ALL USA PARTS ARE INCH try and put ANY USA made parts on ANY MIM guitar and they won't fit! It was my first guitar, and I will never get rid of it. It does not have "squier" in the neck pocket. I'm just laughed at them. . View community ranking In the Top 1% of largest communities on Reddit. The fit and finish of both guitars is usually very good. It has also incorporated Bass VI, baritone guitars, Stratocaster and Telecaster style from the 50s, 60s, 70s into its offering. However, the Classic Vibe also come with this type of Alnico Fender Designed pickup, which is a huge improvement over the rest of the Squier lines. Squier Bullet Strat HT - Laurel Fingerboard - Brown Sunburst 152. Seasoned guitar players who've owned and played more guitars than a woodchuck can chuck have long since established personal standards of what makes one guitar better than another. Fenders cheapest standard line is the Mexico Player Series, which replaced the well-known Standard Series. Squier stamp in the neck pocket - yet to confirm if this is typical of "Squier Series" bodies. Please check the fields highlighted in red. I have played professionally and for enjoyment. I'm also have one of these fender. At first glance, there wouldnt be much to discuss. $499.00. Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT - Dakota Red Visit the Fender Store 222 ratings | 16 answered questions $13999 In stock Color: Dakota Red See more About this item SUPERIOR COMFORT: The easy-to-play mapleC-shaped neck profile provides extreme comfort while playing. fun. So if you find an Alder Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster, the differences to the Fender are really minimized. The Series is considered to be a great guitar for mid-level guitar players. Most guitarists would rather see the plain Fender logo on their guitar than the 'Squier by Fender' that Squiers display. For this reason, it is not possible to speak of Squier generalizing, since each model are different from the others. I don't know if it is significant or not but another detail about the neck that I never see on othe squires is that it has the dark stripe along the back which I think is related to the truss rod. I've owned many different Fenders, and this one has the hottest pick ups! In the video below, Miike from Made by Miike, gives an interesting review of the Squier Stratocaster Classic Series 60s, and a comparison with Fender guitars. I recently picked one up in a pawnshop. I tried it and it hit me : "this is my old American Strat!!". In 1965, the company was acquired by Fender. Electric guitar giant Fender manufactures countless instruments from really inexpensive models like Modern Player Made in China, to expensive Custom Shop guitars made in the USA, in addition to its production from Japan and Mexico. I got this guitar in '97 for $100. Quality is not bad, and body is still heavy (still alder maybe) not basswood, neck is nicely thinner than original US strat (my opinion)..the minus thing just the electronics wiring sucks, standard pups and maybe fretwire need replacements..I just changed mine with dunlop jumbo..:)..For me this is still fender, not squiers.. Body Material: Nato. anyanybody can tell me this type of squier? TO NICK; You are wrong! What I didn't know, and nor did the seller, was that this was in fact a "Squier Series" Stratocaster. But of course all of this occurred several years after yours was made. Bob replies. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. the body is a whopping 2 29/32 thick. The new Squier Stratocaster Classic Vibe 70s come with bodies constructed from poplar. E-Gitarre Fender Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster MN - Fiesta Red Gitarre ist neu. These are better pickups than the Squier Classic Vibe and are also better than its predecessor, the Standard Mexico, which came with ceramic pickups. For the vintage fanatics out there they prefer the traditional 21 frets, but general guitarists will prefer the 22 frets. Mexican Standard Stratocaster squier series. Anyway, some of these old Squiers or Fender-Squiers are true gems for the price, they just might need upgraded pots and hardware. Fender began making guitars in Mexico in 1989 intending to replace guitars that were previously made by Fender Japan. The same happens, to a lesser extent, but also between Fender USA and Mexico. The nato is used today for the new Squier Stratocaster Classic Vibe 60s, replacing the Alder. V ery Rare High Gloss Black Painted Headstock?? I'm a Fender fan as well as Gibson, Peayo EVH, and several other quality guitars. Hand Orientation: Right. Guitar Bridge System: Tremolo. Its finishes are of lower quality and it has very low quality hardware and -almost always- generic ceramic pickups. First off - Squier is a brand name only (there is NO Squier or Fender owned factory that makes them. Fender has even used these Tonewoods with their Japan-built guitars. Its cool seeing all the positive comments regarding the "Squier Series". On the side of the Squier, the first stratocaster guitars made in Japan in the 80s were recognized for being built with solid basswood, which gave them an excellent quality. Brand new Fender Squier Affinity Sunburst 2018, signed by Buddy Guy in 2019. . My opinion is just that. Will never eve sell it.. Replacing parts on a Squier or Fender can be a bit more complex task than you can imagine. When new they were basically a standard Fender Mexican-made Strat but with Asian-import, Squier-level pickups, wiring, and hardware. Following my recent experiences with a Fender Stratocaster that I bought at eBay, I thought I would put together this page to help other potential buyers spot if they are getting a standard or "Squier Series" Stratocaster. It was pretty bet up. It just says Squier by Fender and stratocaster written out in smaller print..ill post a pic if i can. To configure your cookie preferences, click here. $106 b/c they thought it was a cheap ol' Squier. Covered by our 12 Month Pre-Owned Guitar Warranty. Do other MIM Squier Series Fenders have these as well? Question: I ran my Stratocaster through the Fender Serial Number database and it said it was a 1984 Black PBass. BUY A GUITAR THATS affordable. Sorry for the typo, I meant *Floyd Rose* tremolo. Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Guitar Features: Brand: Fender. Instruments designed by Leo Fender are intended to be cheap and easy to build, replace, and maintain. I could see it was not a mexico body by the tooling holes . Please contact them to ask about shipping. The goal of this comparison between Fender and Squier Strat guitars is a general exploration of the main differences for those who are considering buying one or the other. Alguien pudiera decirme que tipo de maquinaria trae (clavijas)? But you said all Squiers will have a solid black Fender logo. Melde dich hier an, oder erstelle ein neues Konto, damit du: Les meilleures offres pour Ensemble de micros bobine unique Fender Squier srie Stratocaster fabriqu au Mexique noir sont sur eBay Comparez les prix et les spcificits des produits neufs et d 'occasion Pleins d 'articles en livraison gratuite! My Uncle worked for Fender in Santa Ana in 1960 through CBS in Fullerton and the "new" Fender in Corona when he retired in 2000. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. The same goes for electronics. Unfortunately, though, the Squier brand does come with a slight stigma due to its budgetary origins. I have another guitar like Sander and Devlin (HSS, 3-ply pickguard, silver logo and a single tone pot - broken and freely rotating on mine). These woods are much cheaper and of lower quality, and used in low-end guitars. The cookies that we use are only meant to improve your experience on our website. "Squier series" were made in Korea, Mexico and Japan. All previous models were made in Japan, Korea, Mexico, and a rare US model. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. Found out its one of those MIM Fender Squires made in 1994 .I have played live with worse that cost me more. BODY AND ARM. Oops, looks like you forgot something. The neck is too narrow at the heel to accommodate a vintage spaced tremelo. Since 1954, the Stratocaster has been a Holy Grail model that many guitarists aspire to own one day, taking their place beside Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson and John Frusciante. the 6 tremolo mounting screws are different spacing than american. Once I got it home I noticed "Squier Series" at the top of the headstock was lightly sanded off..