I realize there are diffrrences across the product line. Found out its one of those MIM Fender Squires made in 1994 .I have played live with worse that cost me more. The new Squier Stratocaster Classic Vibe cost around EUR 370/380 in Europe and USD 400 in the United States. made in USA as it says on the headstock. Both are very resistant lacquers and are characterized by being relatively cheap and easy to work with. Hopefully I can get some info on the real Squiers. It is also used by Gibson in its entry-level models. The brand was Fender's budget solution, giving them the ability to use their classic guitar designs at affordable, entry-level prices. Can you sort out all of your reject wood that you haven't touched so we can come get back to work a little quicker?" 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. Thanks for your interesting article. It's wrong to think of the Squier brand as inferior, as a well-built one in the right hands can sound as good and play as well as a fully fledged Fender model. I'm just laughed at them. Of course, a quality difference is to be expected between the woods used by one brand and another. After cleaning it up ..it s a really nice axeanyone else with info on this would be appreciated..can send picsthx dave. Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster Guitar Features: Brand: Fender. 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. Guitar Bridge System: Tremolo. We have a guide to improve your cheap guitar. Left-handed Guitars Fender Custom Shop SHOP BY MODEL Stratocaster Telecaster Jaguar Jazzmaster Lead Duo-Sonic Mustang Shop All Electric Guitars SHOP BY SERIES American Professional II American Ultra Luxe American Ultra American Vintage II American Original American Performer Player Plus Player 75th Anniversary Vintera Noventa Artist Signature Fender Stratocaster v Fender Telecaster. Thus, the Fender Mexico series models will tend to require less maintenance costs. How does that make any sense? These "Jap Squiers" are far superior to the Made in Mexico Squiers! 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. 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). Wood Body is cheaper too, not ash or alder, holes from pickguard can tell, they get loose fast. 6,518. So here, the difference is not very important. Most people who end up with one of these seem to do so in the beginner stage of their playing days. This tonewood has received a bad review from many guitarists. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Standard Stratocaster Squier Series (1994-6/1996) MEXICO - Squier Standard Series, "Black Label Series" MODEL NUMBER 013-3600- (Color#): rosewood 013-3602- (Color#): maple 013-3620- (Color#): rosewood, left hand - Only (506), (580) finish BODY Body Material: Poplar Body Finish: Polyurethane Body Shape: Stratocaster NECK Neck Material: Maple Recently i bought a guitar. When you slide your hand up and down the kneck (when you are playing) you can't even feel the ends of the frets. This is a Made in Mexico "Squier Series" Standard Stratocaster, not to be confused with a Player Series or Standard MIM Stratocaster. (2)USA Fender String Trees. They are very easy to recognize by their two ceramic bar magnets on the end and some other features. Previously the core of the Squier line primarily featured Stratocasters and Telecasters, as well as Precision and Jazz Bass. 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. The same goes for the finish of the frets, which are not as well rounded in the cheap ranges, and the frets are less polished. I have played professionally and for enjoyment. The Squier Classic Vibe, in particular, is a great guitar that is very close to the real Fender. Mine is Gold w/black outline. On this neck they are totally smooth. If you want a proper Fender but can't afford it, but don't want own a guitar displaying the Squier logo, then buying a "Squier Series" could be the way to go. Made in India Squier IIs seem to follow the made in USA serial numbering scheme. Joined Jan 31, 2009 Posts . The Squier had far better tone and a better neck for really gliding up and down with smooth lead. This is probably where you will find the biggest difference between the different brands. i have both japanese fender squier series 93/94 with spaghetti logo and mim 95 the japanese one is definitely the better guitar,i gig with it often,but the mim is a good strat the body and neck are really good beidge,tuners not so though i dont really have any major tumimg problems with it.as for it mainly being played by beginners lol while irs nor my main strat,those being a usa g and l legacy,japon fender foto flame strat 97 and the afore mentioned japon squier series the mim squier series still gets playrd and ive been playing for years,my mim has staggered pole pups on when i bought not sure if they are originals but as far as i know the pups on the mim squier series are the same as the mim standard of the time only difference being tuners,bridge and scratchplate. 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. I installed a mexican standard neck maple fretboard 91/2 " radius. Change of tuner machines, noisy potentiometers, selectors with false contact, etc. 2001 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar 6 String Made in Mexico Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar RED TORTOISE! Nov 13, 2009 #14 C. Carl Dummann TDPRI Member. I was quite surprised to see them on my '95 - '96 guitar. In '96 Fender stopped calling them the "Squier Series" and renamed them the "Traditional Series". 7.25. However, the fit and finish of a Fender is better than that of a Squier. I swapped out the pups & it's 90% "American Standard." Either way, this has meant many a person has bought a "Squier Series" guitar without really realising it. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More. I've been told how cheap the electronics are and that the laminate body is less than desirable. 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. Sounds good to me!! View community ranking In the Top 1% of largest communities on Reddit. The same goes for electronics. To configure your cookie preferences, click here. We did not wait for a law to make us respect our members and visitors' privacy. These are better pickups than the Squier Classic Vibe and are also better than its predecessor, the Standard Mexico, which came with ceramic pickups. Made in Mexico decal on the back and solid maple neck. the body is a whopping 2 29/32 thick. This way you can access for a fraction of the value of true. Too much of your information is Nave and/or Totally incorrect! the 6 tremolo mounting screws are different spacing than american. The Fender Player Series from Mexico tends to have a thinner finish with fewer blemishes than Squier, especially in key areas like the neckpocket. People have a habit of buying one of these and immediately bastardize it before even playing it. There was also lots of production changes and movements for the Squier brand. The serial #MN34114460 and made in Mexico. For a couple years, Squiers were even made in the US by two undisclosed companies that Fender has hidden well. 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 All the forum peeps keep say is "Man this Squier Series Strat is really great! 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. First off - Squier is a brand name only (there is NO Squier or Fender owned factory that makes them. However, later in the early 90s, they were replaced by laminated bodies of the same wood, which meant a significant drop in quality. I have an american vintage tremolo sitting on a shelf and the six mounting screws did not line up to the holes in my body. Thus, we will analyze the Stratocaster of the Fender Player Series line from Mexico -MIM- and the Squier Classic Vibe line made in China. And, there's more good news - due to the way people think of these guitars, wrongly considering them as Squier when they are truly Fender, these "Squier Series" Stratocasters can be found for considerably less than the standard Fender on the second hand market. Good god man! It's often mentioned that owners tool to removing the offending "Squier Series" logo from the ball of the headstock, by sanding it off. As the Mexican plant production ramped up, Fender supplemented output by building some Squires in their U.S.A. plant in 1989-1990. The volume knob has been replaced. However, it must be demystified and clarified that although there are many detractors of basswood, the reality is that it is a more prejudiced than objective position. One of the smoothest and most confortable necks I have ever played on. Harvested From a 2009 Fender Starcaster Stratocaster. It's white with a black neck,floys rose tremo, and on the head stock it has "FenderStrat"/"Squire Series" all in black. Fender American Performer Stratocaster If you've been around a little while, you might remember the Fender Highway One Stratocasters. Mine has very small frets. sorry english not good. not just looks. I own a 'spuie'r series' strat for several years and i am very happy with the quitar. 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. -the tuning machine holes weren't drilled to 25/64", -the bridge mounting isn't drilled for 2-point tremolo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Free delivery for many products. A cheaper alternative to the MIA Fender Strat is the MIM (made in Mexico) Strat, with the Mexican Standard going for around $600 new, compared to over $1000 for the American Standard. The fire at their Mexican plant that you refer to, did not occur until February, 1994. Truely wonderful guitar. Although, Fender also make some particular models in the countries where the Squier are built: Indonesia, China and Korea. Yes, Audiofanzine is using cookies. I know that the electronics/pickups are ok, but the body is alot heavier than squire strats I have played at guitar center. Old body, new neck is my precription. Typically, the "Squier Series" Stratocaster is a Fender guitar, roughly on a par with the current Mexican Standard. As you may already know, Fender has used many different Tonewoods for their bodies, but without a doubt the most used are the Alder and the Ash.