5 Things You Didn't Know About Squier! ( They Saved Fender)
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
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Ha Ha !
No Strings Attached !
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Sorry I’ve missed your live-streams lately. Keep up the great videos! Always gets me through the week.
Hey Robert. The intro and outro tunes you play, are they pre planed or do you just play what you feel?
You need to find à JB player strat and add it these were before squirts mighty fine guitars
I missed the giveaway coz I only got the video suggestion in my recommendation feed _"today"_
I love Squiers. They're cheap, can mod it to your liking for pickups, and pretty much fulfills Leo Fender's design philosophy for affordable guitars!
They should have made a Billy Squier Squier Esquire.
The universe isn't ready for that!
Well played
And he could’ve then acquired Squier..
I have never put all this together... my mind is blown!!! Lmao
They'd need to call it the Billy Squier EsQUEER.
My grandma was a Squier, and it is interesting how oblivious she had been to the notoriety of her name! With just a little research, I learned that Victor Squier is my Great Great Grand Uncle (being the brother of my grandmother's grandpa). I would like to add a few details to the name that is Squier. The Squier name actually predates Victor Carroll, to his father Jerome Bonaparte Squier (hence the name J.B. Squier on the original guitars). Jerome Bonaparte was a world class violin maker, commonly referred to as the "American Stradivarius," and he made violins from 1881 until near his death in 1912. Victor learned his trade from his father, but recognizing that violin strings were so expensive because they were only made in Europe, he chose to specialize in making the strings in the USA, which helped make them affordable here. That company then expanded into making many different types of strings for different instruments and, yes, Victor is technically the one who sold the name and the right to manufacture the Squier strings to Fender.
Extra facts, nice
I had a Squier strat, a few years back. It was in perfect condition. It said Fender on the headstock, with Squier in small letters, but it also said that it was made in Mexico. I regret selling it.
excuse me did you sell it because it was made in Mexico lol
When "lawsuit" copies appeared in the 70's, generally speaking here in the UK, we were snobbish about them. Then when we realised that the Japanese guitars were decent, we got snobby about the Korean made jobs. It wasn't really until the late 90's that we actually started getting the message that other countries could make a decent instrument. That sort of brand snobbery still exist, but things have changed so much for the better.
Ta.
Glad you said that mate. When I went to buy my second guitar in the early 80s it was commonly thought that Squiers were cheap, poor man's Fenders without actually trying them out. I wish I'd bought a Japan made one now.
Bought a Squire II strat back in 89. The only thing that has been replaced were the crappy tuners. Still rockin that guitar!
Yeah those are great !
Nice
Excellent guitar, I have one out of commission for the moment(Bridge is gone) but I ain't parting with it anytime soon!!!!
About 10 years ago Gibson started making the elite line Epiphone in Japan. They were about $1,000. They quickly discontinued them because they were better than the ones they were making in the USA. Because of my procrastination I missed that deal.
I have a 2001 Fugigen Epiphone Les Paul Custom that is as good as my Gibson's
They weren’t better, but they were amazing for the price.
Actually closer to 20 years ago, believe it or not.
@@HashiAkitaPuppy I was thinking about that. What is said about Timeflies is no joke.
You can still find plenty of Japanese copies on the used market (mostly Greco and Tokai) and they are often great guitars.
My first guitar was a white Squier strat, purchased in early '84. Has the SQ serial number so assume it was an 83 based on when I bought it. Still have it and would never sell it. Love that guitar!
Nice guitar, worth upgrading the electronics
My first electric was a large head stock black Squier Strat bought the same year and still in my possession. Had a refret last year but no desire to change the electronics, they’re fine.
Here’s a Squier oddity. I have a “Jagmaster” Vista series, MIJ in 1996. It has an American standard Jaguar neck, that was apparently shipped over to Japan to kick start production. It’s a SUPERB guitar! 24’ scale and I pulled the “mush-buckers” it shipped with and put in Golden Age P90’s - I call it my “L.P.Jr” killer, and it is!
I also own from the Squier Classic vibe series, a Thin line tele, a Jazz bass and a P bass - all just great instruments.
Peace
The Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best Jazzmasters out there. Great neck, solid pickups and very affordable. Don't count out a Squier, especially the 80's ones.
Or the Pro Tone series from the mid/late 90s or the current Classic Vibe.
A few years back I was doing a Patsy Cline tribute show, and if you've ever listened to a lot of her stuff, you realize early on that there is arch top on the earlier stuff, and then Tele from there on out. I didn't have a tele, so I went to Guitar Center and asked the guy at the front desk to show me the cheapest tele they had. A voice behind me said "THIS is the cheapest tele we have", and I turned around to see a Squier Affinity series butterscotch blonde hanging on the wall. Played it, and turned a few heads even. Paid $199 and played the show. Figured I would probably sell it, I'm a strat and Jazzmaster guy.
Still have it. Put new tuners and pickups on it, turned the plate around and swapped the volume and tone pots (the Bill Kirchner mod). I also made a flamed maple pickguard, I HATE black plastic. I actually like it better than any "real" tele I've played, because it's so much lighter. I'm not a kid anymore, and lighter is really appreciated. Sound wise, it's just like every other tele I've played, too bright but damn useful. It is it's own sound.
But I'll keep it, and play it with no problems. Heck of a deal, glad I bought it. May have to try one of those JM's, I do hear good things about them.
Yes sir!!! I have a ‘85 Squier strat and it’s great!!!!
I always hated that body style but I picked one up a while back at a store and I was really impressed by that neck and the playability...I almost bought it, but put it back.
I've been modifying Squier's for a while now. With just a little time, pickups and electronics you can make them feel and play like a Fender.
I play a classic vibe tele. No mods yet.. im still happy with it. But would like to mod it 1 day. Any pickup recommendations?
@@gtrriffs I'd get the ones that sound good to you! ;)
@@gtrriffs Dimarzio twang kings
@MC Big Boy People feel better about themselves when they buy the Fender cos they think Squiers are of low quality. I have a Squier Tele and a Squier Strat, but I love them even though I already have the Fender ones
They’re fun to mod. If you can get a used Squier and use that as a modding platform, it’ll come out far cheaper than a MIM Fender.
I bought my first Squier Strat in 85. I still have it and I swear it plays better than my newer Fender Strat.
I had a black guard Squier Classic Vibe a few years back. I bought it as a back up to my main MIM tele. Low and behold the Squier became my number 1 real quick. Snappy tone, roll the tone knob back a tad and you could get a great sound with an overdriven amp. Very underrated budget guitar.
Japanese Squiers are some of the best guitars to own. Japan just makes absolute quality instruments.
The Classic Vibe line are excellent successors.
I played a Classic Vibes Tele during lockdown. Slap Fender on the headstock, double the price, and watch them sell out to all the vintage tone and blues players.
"Squier" is actually named after me, Quentin James, they just spell it differently.
I read that somewhere
"I invented the squire guitar" -TK Kirkland
@@dmvconartists6657 - Nope! Al Gore invented Squire. Everybody knows that.
I have a ‘91 Squier Strat made in S. Korea. Great tone with nice action. Love to own this sweet Tele too. Thanks for the demo. 👍
Absolutely loving the tone you are getting on this tongue twister Squier Esquire!
Great video as always.
When I went to a guitar store two years back I was supposed to find a Squier but I came across a fender Strat from 1996. The electronics were changed but for $300. It was a great deal! I’ve played it ever since.
Nice !!
Score!
Cool video. I just literally got home from the music store after buying my youngest daughter her first guitar: a Squier Affinity Strat.
Good choice!...
Robert, great info and I have been really thinking about the Squiers. Some complain about the smaller frets, is this something to worry about? Thanks
Awesome video Robert !! Since 03' I have said ALOT of the squier stuff is been underated & now as you said they have jacked the quality up on the stuff to MIM levels.
Thanks so much for making this! I found it really interesting and useful, keep up the good work!
Love your vids man ♥️ keep it up you’re killin’ it !
Robert, I can listen to you play for hours and not get bored of it. I love the Squier tele, it sounds fantastic, especially when you are ripping those Zep riffs.
Great video as always Robert. Holy smokes, I LOVE your opening jams. Thanks man!
Fender did a similar thing with DeArmond. They were a brand specialized in pickups. Fender bought them, and for a short while at the end of the 90s used the name for a budget brand. The guitars were based on Guild models (another brand owned by Fender), notably the Starfire, a semi-hollow. They were produced in Korea. Today they don't use the DeArmond name anymore, but Squier sometimes makes Starfires.
Interesting fact - People often think the Squier M77 is a Les Paul copy but its not. It is a copy of a 1955 Guild Aristocrat which was a semi hollow body. Its bigger and wont fit a Les Paul case. Its a fixed neck mahogany guitar and is one of the best guitars I have for tone. it has Duncan Designed pickups originally (jazz neck Sh 2 and a Jeff Beck TB 4 bridge)which were great.
I have an original JV '62 from 1983. Superb guitar. They also had USA pickups at that time.
I learned something today. Thank you. Great to hear you play.
Thanks Robert, very interesting! I own a Squier pj bass and love it. The only thing I want to change about it is the neck, not because of the quality but I prefer the look of a maple fretboard.
This video came at a great time! I just picked up a Squire Paranormal Offset Telecaster yesterday!! Thanks for all the cool info about the Squire brand!!
I own a Squier Tele Custom II with P90's. The previous owner gave it a serious overhaul. It has upgraded pickups and pots, as well as a pro set-up, and it's one of the best-playing guitars I have. They might not come off the shelf in perfect adjustment, but you'd be amazed what a good tune-up can do for a Squier.
I love all my squier guitars, they have gotten really good now days.
I never really thought about where the squier brand came from before and now I know. The history videos are a good addition to the channel 👍
I own 3 "Interesting" strats. 1- 1983 Squier MIJ copy of 1970s Fender Strat with big headstock, bullet trussrod, and 3 bolt neckplate. 2- 1984 Squier MIJ copy of 1962 Fender Strat, with rosewood slabboard and heel trussrod, 3-ply pickguard. Interesting that the pickguard is 8-hole (not 11 hole) and Gotoh style tuners. This (1984 Squier) is of exceptional quality. The third interesting guitar I own was somewhat of a mystery at first. It's a Fender MIM Stratocaster (1995) with a small "Squier Series" decal at end of headstock. This ended up being made after a fire at the Mexican factory, where US made necks and bodies were used (Its a really nice neck) with 1 ply pickguard and mexican components. The Squier name doesn't mean "Entry Level" as some people think.
The Squier Series actually had bottom of the line Asian components. Some refuse to believe that they are MIM bodies with necks made in America and shipped to Mexico for assembly. It was the portion of the Mexican facility that made necks that burned. The bodies were not affected. Terrible Asian electronics were used to offset the cost of American neck production. I bought my Squier Series new in 1991. The neck is made to MIM specks with the exception of vintage fret wire and headstock drilled for kluson style tuners. (No two holes for standard Fender tuners). Although it proves nothing, the neck pocket of the body has a rectangular white sticker with an 'M' which appears to be written in black crayon. The neck heel has an identical rectangular sticker with a red 'A' which also appears to be written in Crayola. Schaller tuners, Babicz bridge, bone nut, it is funny when guests turn their nose up at the Squier Series and pick up a standard MIM. These guitars were made briefly to keep production rolling and were sold along side actual Squiers and shared common literature which made matters even more confusing.
I'm the proud owner of a Squire affinity which I bought brand new in year 2k and still have it to this day having made a number of modifications over the years. Mine is the old "eight hole" scratch plate, not the later eleven hole version.
I use to own a SQ serial number MIJ squire strat and it was a beast. It was from 1984. Great guitar for the money.
I have two Squire se CSX serial numbers made at the axl plant in China. They are from 2002 one is sunburst the other is white. They are full size same as Fender stratocaster meaning Fender parts fit them.
The necks are amazing. I replaced the tuners with graph tech ratio locking tuners and the bridge with super-vee bladerunner bridge.They are both better guitars than any Fender
$1500 -$2500 guitar you're gonna purchase from a music store.
I paid $99.99 each for them.
I personally prefer Squier over Epiphone, specially the classic vibes
I prefer Ramen Noodles over Epiphone.
I prefer both
@@HalfDeadGeezers what flavor?
@@gutenbird Chicken of course!!!!!! Everyone's favorite.
@@HalfDeadGeezers spicy lime chicken 🤤🤤🤤
I have 2 Squier vintage modified Telecaster basses,that play and sound just as good as my Fender American Jazz bass. I recently ordered the Squier Esquire from Sweetwater,and can't wait to play it.
I have been looking at getting a tele and was pretty set on the classic vibe since there a great bang for the buck and then I see this and now I'm going to get one of these , fantastic sound and a quick pickup change and pretty sure I'd be set
Yes, Achilles Last Stand snippet!!! That was awesome, and IMHO the best Zeppelin song.
Scott Zimmerman, who was there when Squier/Fender Japan started, is in my Leo Fender Guitar and amp group on FB. I'm going to post a link to this video there and see if he comments on it. Dude is a wealth of Fender historical info. He actually knew Dan Smith, Freddy Tavares, and Leo.
I remember Zimmerman, a well of knowledge, and a myth buster for sure!
Sounds brilliant
I might have to buy one
A year ago I bought a (chinese) Squier Contemporary strat. I am very impressed by it. The playability is as good as my more expensive guitars of $1500 or more 👍🏻
hell yes. my main gigging guitar is a 1997 protone series squier strat. it's a great guitar. I've also had a classic vibe 60s strat that was a great guitar as well.
I have both an American Standard Strat (EE model made in the USA) and an old Tokai Springy Strat (made in Japan around the same time). I love my USA Strat, but the Tokai plays and sounds incredible.
JV= “Japanese Vintage”. I have a JV pbass and a JV Jazz Bass, paid $100 for the J and $75 for the P, obviously got very lucky as the sellers thought why were just “Squires”, which they are haha. Great basses though I must say.
I had an old affinity series strat, the thing sounded ace, the only problem it had was uneven frets.. nowadays I think that the best affordable guitars come from Harley Benton.. I got one of their Les Paul Double Cut Junior style guitars and it blew my mind, I have a couple of videos on my channel.. I could definitely rock that esquier though! Awesome video and thank you for the content!
Squier Bullets were American made in 1981 until mid '83 when they were made in Japan and spiraled ever since; for example: both my Squier Strats were made in China ('00 Affinity) and Indonesia ('02 Bullet w/a top-loading hardtail bridge) and to finally answer your question, they are really worth it!
While USA made Fender guitars had been devalued by CBS production cost savings, some employees of Fender mooted the idea of utilising one of the Japanese factories *Fujigen* (who were making excellent 'Greco' branded copies.
Fender Japan was born in 82. Fender USA on receiving samples of the now in production Made in Japan 'Fender' 50s series and 60s series, AKA 'JV' series (Japanese Vintage), realised that they simply could not compete full cost/quality. It is worth noting Fender USA was in the process of being sold, so almost no money was being put into Fender USA. A decision was made to strip the Fender logo from Japanese production in favour of the former string company 'Squier'. Unfortunately Fender Japan had almost finished production of the 50s and 60s series. A compromise was made and Fender logo'd guitars could be produced and sold to the Japanese market, any as yet unbranded guitars to be branded 'Squier' for sale in Europe. There was a brief run of Mexican made Squiers, which I think came about due to Fender USA breifly not manufacturing any guitars while the sale of Fender was completed.
What was to by the Made in Japan 70s JV series, was hastily changed into the SQ series, early runs had already been produced so again both Fender for the Japanese market and then later Squier branded versions. I own one of the Fender branded ones SQ007878.
Fender/Squier Japan then randomly launched an E series of Squiers, followed, confusingly by their A series, then B, C, D jump to F.
In an attempt to lessen the brand Squiers production was switched to Korea, but again production was high but parts/electronics weren't as good as the MIJ guitars. With competition in Europe at a high with the *Marlin* brand of guitars taking a big bite out of profits, Squier production was returned to Japan. But with MIK Squiers still in production too and some Indian made Squier II's (not as good quality), it was important for MIJ Squiers to be easily identified, and thus the now fabled MIJ Squier 'Silver Series' was born. Worth noting any MIJ Squier with a silver logo is in effect a Silver Series. Ending production in *95*.
By which time Fender Japan was recognised in it's own right, and Squier production went on the walkabout once more.
PS: I love those MIJ Fenders and early Squiers. Of the modern era the Classic Vibes are getting ever closer, but if you ever get the opportunity to play or own an 82-87 or 91-95 MIJ Fender/Squier you will see why they are so loved - the earlier the better is the rough rule! That said, my first guitar was a 1993 MIJ silver series and I think it is probably the best/most characterful guitar I have owned to date... but the journey continues! :)
I have one of the Squire II. The tuners were garbage and had to be replaced but other than that its still all original. The neck is fantastic. Could you please elaborate on why they are low quality? I cant seem to find any info on these Made in India models.
@@tball5677 Hi there. I've never stripped a Squier II down so this comment is a mixture of anecdotal and limited experience. I have owned a SQII stamped body (which i believe was used by both Korean and Indian made factories), which i can confirm was ply, but all in all it was actually still quite resonant, as it fitted really snuggly with an old MIJ Squier rosewood neck i had purchased separately. Mostly things like the tuners and general fit and finish issues have been identified on forums - but please bear in mind i was making the "not good quality" ref in direct comparison to MIK Squiers (and even more specifically the Samick factory MIK Sqiuers) and another step up again to the fujigen factory MIJ Fender/Squiers.
In terms of overall spec and uograde ability, i hear quitebpositive things about the Squier II, as a good platform, as they also have full size bodies/necks - i have come close to buying a complete 2nd hand Squier II myself. I'm a firm believer that most guitars are only a few tweaks, and a good set up away from being great guitars... this is particularly true of all Fender and full size Squiers guitars - Leo was a utilitarian genius! :)
I have a 1984 Fiesta Red Japanese E series Squier Strat. Its my favorite guitar to date and I could put it against almost anything tone wise. E series came after JV, JV being in 1982-83.
Squires are great guitars to upgrade and work on. I built my daughter one. Sanded and refinished the head stock and wood burned her name into it.
Awesome video man! Love your channel
From Leo: Good history, I appreciate your work.. I actually have seen the old Squier string company building in Michigan where CBS bought that brand name. The Squier line has many levels that seems to confuse people. Currently the Squiers have a $150 level, that are playable but clearly lower tier. The $250 level are pretty good, and the $350 and up line really are very good. I do not believe that USA Fenders are priced directly to the manufacturing cost, but the price reflects what the market is willing to pay for the prestige. .
Excellent post, Bob! (If I may call you that. I've had many Bob's in my life!) I just purchased a Sam Ash Squire Arctic White Tele @ $199. +16.shipping. So I'll let someone else win your nice gift to the devoted fellow axeman!
My main guitar I use is a squire and it’s amazing for grunge and punk
I've got a Squier standard strat made in Indonesia, Agathis body, really straight-grained maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. Not sure of the year...maybe 2005-ish. That sucker sets up beautifully, stays in tune and plays like a dream. I replaced all the electronics including Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers. Replaced the nut with a Tusq. Installed fender bent-steel saddles and haven't had a string break in 5 years.I stripped off the thick black plastic paint and changed it to Olympic white. Took off the Squier decal and replaced it with 'Fender Stratocaster' etc. However, in case it ever leaves my hands I wanted to ensure it never got sold as an authentic Fender Strat. So I: 1) Left 2 string trees on the headstock; Strats only have one. 2) left the decal on the back of the headstock 'Crafted by Fender in Indonesia'. Strats were only ever made in 3 countries...US/Japan/Mexico. 3) Left the Squier logo neck plate. I also noticed just recently that this guitar is louder and way more resonant acoustically than my Les Pauls, Suhr or Epiphone. I've heard people rag on Agathis as a tonewood but that's not what my ears tell me.
Looks like my first guitar. Love tele tone.
Very cool info! Love the Page licks as the ride goes!!!!
My main guitar has been a 70s reissue Squier Telecaster Deluxe that i added a Bigsby to for the last 3 years...
I'll never put this guitar down, i love it too much
I bought jazz bass Classic Vibe 70 in black a week ago. I had plenty of Fender USA basses and several G&L s from earliy 80. This Squire jazz bass I one of the best basses I ever had if not the best.
I always love your tone on single coil pu , p90 strat or Tele pu , your tone screams!!
Loved the section you played from Presence.
Actually they kept the big Fender little Squire logo with the Korean guitars until the mid 90s. I own a '91 MIK.
6:55 those were for the Japanese Export market to other countries. They have another domestic market model that says just the contour body.
Two things. One, you always have such great tone. Two, my Squier Strat was made in Indonesia. I don't know if it's a good guitar or bad guitar, but I have been playing it since I bought it new in '03. Everything is stock, except the pickups, which I replaced with DiMarzio HS3s.
Awesome as always Robert
Wow! That fx you used in the intro, and the tune, was really cool. 👌🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👏👏😤
Hey Robert cheers from NY! Thanks for the informative vid, much enjoyed. :-)
I have a couple of the JV squier Strats and they definitely match or exceed the USA models. I have a Korean Strat as well and that is excellent (pickups upgraded however). In fact all the Japanese Squiers are well worth consideration.
i've heard some fender experts say that the jv strats are some of the best production guitars fenders ever made.
The solid color ones are generally made of basswood however - for some that is a downgrade.
@@elliotvernon7971 that is correct, but only after 84 when forced to downgrade due to the exceptional quality of the JV and first run of the SQ series. Although often advertised as 'Ash' Fender/Squier Japan used a Japanese wood called 'Sen', which in my opinion is a more consistent genus of Ash than North American or European ash, which can vary a lot in weight depending on the individual tree. Sen has lovely ash figuring and a more consistent weight, and makes for an excellent tone wood. Guitars sold mostly to the Japanese market branded Fender also used Alder. I don't believe Basswood (also known as Lime or Linden when in tree from) was utilised until the 'A' series Squiers (which confusingly came after the ''E' series, which had followed on from the 'SQ' series). Basswood was again used when production returned to Japan in late 1991 after 4.5year hiatus. But MIJ Silver Series Squiers were officially made from Alder - but this may have been limited to the sunburst and natural finished guitars of this period.
I highly rate all MIJ Fender/Squier guitars made between 82-87 (then production moves to Korea and plywood Squier body construction begins, so i avoid these), MIJ 92-95 - with a silver logo.
Standout MIJ years (IMO) - Year production began and series letter:
82 - JV series
83 - JV/SQ series
84 - SQ/E series
86 - A/B/C/D
87 - F/G/H/I/J
Silver Series
91 - K
92 - L
93 - M
94 - N
95 - P/Q
@@luwullewa sorry to pop your bubble, but you are quite incorrect. My E series Bullet Strat,S-3T is a plywood body,but has a beautiful tele neck.which is soon to be on an old Indonesian standard body. Probably why the body isn't contoured, and it's black. Very heavy too.
Nice work Robert! Thumbs up for these fantastic guitars. Have you seen footage of Stevie Ray Vaughan playing Texas Flood on a Squier SQ? Seems that he in the eighties already discovered the quality of these fine guitars. Just look for srv-texas flood- Squier on UA-cam.
My Squier JV 57 was my first guitar, and if I ever have to clear my gear, it will be my last even if I can't play anymore.
I've always dreamed of owning an Esquire!!!! I love that single coil tone!!!
One of my favorite guitars and the one I probably play the most is my modded and upgraded Squire '51 which is the only Squire that isn't a copy and was built from the ground up...
Wow, never knew the story, I thought the brand was born in the 80's as a budget line for Fender, period. Very interesting
Same here!
This is why history should always play a role in our education. It always both inspires and warns! :^)
Me too 🎸
I knew they were a string company that Fender bought at some point, but I didn’t realize how long Squier had been in business before Fender bought it.
I'm so glad I got myself a Squire Classic 50's Tele: Tried to get myself a Fender tele but, for some reason, couldn't find a single one around me in a traditional all-single-pickups configuration. Why did nobody tell me that Squires weren't shit anymore?
I play a LPB Squier Classic Vibe Jazz bass (James Johnston artist model), and I've had mates with USA fenders ask to play it live instead. Just a true quality instrument
I bought my first tele squier in 1985 , my current guitar for the last 20 years is a squier strat, the neck is so stable , never seen the inside of a guitar case been dropped on the headstock and the real only issues would be the tuners. In 1987 I part traded it for another guitar I got what I paid for it .
I'll take a Squier any day of the week. I've had some high end Fenders and for the price difference and for what I do to them they suit me just fine. Had a few MIJs that blew the F word away but granted there have been a few clunkers at the bottom price range. No guitar snob here!!
What I know /heard: Fender was 'bought back' from CBS, but in doing so they were a company with no assets, no factories. They bought back the name and brand, nothing more. While they were setting up new factories and production, in that transition time they made stuff in Japan (either by shipping over what they had left from inventory or manufacturing it there). MIA strats were a thing again when the new factories were up and running (and I think the factory in Mexico was not long after that, or even a part of this).
My guitar that I got from my (late) father and I learned playing on is still my #1 guitar. It's the white one from one of your pictures (cream white, real made-in-germany floyd-rose but with 3 single coils). The floyd-rose just broke some day, so there is a normal 6-screw Fender bridge on it now, and some of the pups got replaced by Seymour Duncan mini-humbuckers.. but it's still my main squeeze :). Fender logo on the headstock but in essence a Made in Japan Squier.. still, got loads of emotional value for me, plays like a dream, is my only guitar that stays in tune all year long and is over 30 years old now.. never going to let it go.
Not true. They bought the whole company, but CBS retained the ownership of the original factory site in Fullerton. So they had to find a new home for all the staff and machinery, tools, woods, and other physical assets and materiels. It took a few months to find a new site and get the lines set up and moving: Corona opened in 1985, Ensenada was opened two years later.
Many Fender items are still made on the original machines Leo bought--such as the bent steel bridge saddles and the butterfly string retainer. And one line in Corona does them all, for US and Mexican models.
I have a Korean Fender Squire and it has a USA bridge tremolo set up and the body is ash and maple neck rosewood fingerboard
I’m all Gibson & Epiphone..but I am willing to try this one! Had a Jim Roots with Humbuckers..’ late 90’s
Need some single coil action !
I bought one of the original made in Japan(JV) Squiers when they first came out---a 60s Precision Bass. I had already got a "real" 1962 Fender P Bass and I thought the Squier would be a decent stand by. I know they have got this great reputation now but to be honest I wasn't overly impressed. I took the neck off just to have a look and as I did so, chunks of paint from the area of the body around the neck pocket came off with it, which I had to glue back on.
And the playability and sound came nowhere near my 62 bass. But I hung on to it and eventually sold it in the mid 90s for about 500% profit---so I was happy in the end!
The 1978 -1979 Tokai ST-80 springy sound Stratocaster was way better than anything Fender was doing at the time. It was a copy of the pre CBS guitars. As you said Japan saved fender it woke them up.
Have one that I was so impressed with. Installed a maple neck on it and the rest is success...
I have a completely stock 07 squire deluxe strat in daphne blue with the Duncan designed pickups and it's better than any of the mims I've had. I don't know from personal experience but I've seen people online who swear they even prefer them to their American strats
Got mine today. What a rockin guitar! Ive always been a fan of the Squier Classic Vibe series and own several. This Tele is well made and looks and sounds great. This all coming from a guy who plays PRS, ESP, Fender, Prestige, Vola, Gibson, Godin, and many other brands. Variety is key! LOL
Good job Robert! 🍀
A few years ago I picked up a book called 'Squier Electrics - 30 years of Fender's budget guitar brand' by Tony Bacon, published by Backbeat Books in 2012. It is a very interesting read. It has all the major models, plus special runs, plus serial number/factory info info. It was priced at $24.99/£16.95, in a discount book shop, where I paid £7.00 for it.
Tony Bacon has written lots of great guitar books; he's right up there with Dave Marsh in my opinion
I believe that Squier actually started making violins first; then, went on to making strings for violin, guitars, etc.
Great video. Thank you for the history.
Wow...
After watching this, I'm so glad I ordered an Affinity Telecaster as my new guitar~
Can't wait to hold her!!
Love the Esquire!
I have a 1985 Squier made in Japan. It is a 1952 Reissue and it was my first quality Guitar. It was not cheap. I payd ca. 800 Swiss Fracs without case. A Fender was ca. 1200 Francs with case of course. The Guitar is top Quality. One piece Ash body and pretty figured maple neck. It was the same as the Fender also made in the same Japanese factory at the time. The only "issue" is the poly-finish, but it's a great instrument enyway. I still play it.
The Classic Player Squier guitars are fantastic. I really like the Fender Ensenada guitars too. The Vintera series is freaking awesome!
It's amazing how many professional guitarists have a guilty pleasure squier that's they're favourite guitar but don't use it due to other company endorsements.
I`ve had several Squier`s down through the last 4 decades, and have always loved them, (including my current two.)
and I`ve also had a genuine Fender Tele, but alas I had to sell that, to find a rent deposit, so since then I`ve stuck with Squier`s,
and my current two are an Affinity HSS Strat, in a gorgeous Flame maple finish, and my slightly older C.V 60`s double bounded Tele,
and what I most like about them both is their lighter weight, as I`m no longer a Spring Chicken, so weight is an issue for me now a days.
I use a Fender Champion 110 amp, and both the Strat & the Tele, sound incredible through that,
so I don`t feel any desire to fork out over a Grand for a proper Fender anymore, Squiers do it for me.
😎🎸🎸
Don't forget the mid 90s Fender "Black Logo" models from Mexico...said "Squier Series" on the ball of the headstock.
Still have my 96’ strat..don’t see them around to often.
I love my squires my two squires I have a surf green tele and surf green strat. They stay in tune better than most of my guitars