Why are squires cheap

For Fender Standard models, traditional Fender tonewoods have generally been the focus, with most models being primarily made of alder or ash. Maple necks generally have the choice of rosewood or maple fingerboards for most models.

The bodies are generally formed by gluing many more pieces of wood together than is the case with USA-made models. Bottom Line: Squiers tend to use what are considered to be inferior woods, though the degree that this actually matters is ultimately up to the buyer.

The overwhelming amount of hardware for the Squier series are sourced from other factories and the parts are generally lower in quality. Replacing parts on a Squier can be a tricky undertaking. Not only are there imperial and metric size differences, but there are also several differences within the Fender models themselves.

Fender brands much of its hardware, while a majority of Squier hardware is unbranded and of dubious origin and quality. Generally speaking, Squier uses lower-quality metals for most of its hardware. The quality of Squier tuners and bridge saddles are a common complaint.

Tuners are usually upgraded and of a sealed variety, and those on reissue models are generally similar to their vintage counterparts—for better or worse. While replacing parts on a MIM Fender is always a viable option, potential modders should proceed with caution as many of the models use a mix of US parts and overseas parts. The newer, non-MIM Standards generally use metric-sized parts of varying quality. Bottom Line: Squier uses inferior parts generally speaking.

Due to differences in measurements, upgrading stock parts may not be as simple as it seems. Pickups, like parts, are generally where you can hear the biggest difference between these two lines with Squier generally using lower-quality pickups.

Some of the single-coils are made with bar magnets instead of pole magnets, for example, making the sound fundamentally different from the classic Fender design. Bar magnet single-coils are more similar in construction to P90s than Fender single-coils and lack the clarity of traditional Fender single-coils. Many of the humbuckers used in Squier instruments are ceramic-magnet-based, with more emphasis on output than tonal clarity. The Fender Standard series has upgraded pickups, but again, are generally considered inferior to USA models.

Different styles with each model also features a different set of pickups. Because the Standard pickups are considered to be of decent quality, this all comes down to your personal taste. Many players choose only to upgrade one or two of the pickups in a Fender Standard model which is also an option for any Squier.

Bottom Line: Pickups, like hardware, will be superior on Fender-branded guitars out of the box. You can, however, always upgrade pickups to whatever higher-end option you prefer. Fit and finish can be very model-dependent across all price points. Vintage-style Squiers have glossy necks and bodies, while more modern or low-end models tend to have a satin neck.

From recent personal experience, the satin neck finish on some Squiers was too rough for my taste, but this is a personal preference. The glossy urethane finish on most of these models tends to be quite thick, which is off-putting to many players. Fret finishing on many Squiers—especially the lower-priced models—is consistently less precise than on more expensive models, fret ends are not as neatly rounded, and frets are less polished.

For the Fender Standard line, I have found that finish is thinner and with fewer imperfections than Squier, especially in key areas such as the neck pocket and neck.

The satin finish necks also feel smoother in the hand. Fretting is also generally taken to a higher stage of buffing, and fret ends are much more extensively treated—although, generally, not to the same level of USA models. No fret sprouts, and filed very smooth. The sunburst body had a pristine finish. The only cosmetic problem was a slightly warped pickguard, but that was an easy fix.

Once I adjusted the truss rod and saddles, the intonation was spot on. The action is very nice, and since it has only 21 frets, the upper fret spacing is bigger, making the notes easier to play. The thinner neck and lighter body took some getting used to but its quite comfortable.

The tuners on this Affinity are quite decent. After stretching the strings, it stays in tune surprisingly well. I did add 2 springs and blocked the trem because my daughter doesnt need a trem.

When playing unplugged, you can actually hear a very clear difference in volume when comparing to an MIA. The lighter body of the Affinity clearly magnifies the sound more than my Strat. Sustain is little weaker though. As the review stated, the pups and electronics were quite weak, but I had a SD Hotrail for the bridge lying around so I threw it in. Nothing very spectacular about the electronics, but they do what they are supposed to do at this price point. I have to admit I really enjoy playing this guitar.

Whenever I see her guitar sitting around I pick it up and am always amused by how fun it is to play. I'm seriously considering buying her another guitar and upgrading the electronics in this one and keeping it for myself. The neck is quite thin and may not be for everyone, but I have to give the Affinity two thumbs up.

Quality may vary, but if you get a good one, they are well worth the money!! I bought a Squier strat for my son. Over the years, he moved on to other guitars and gave the Squier to me. I also upgraded the pickups to Lace Sensors Squier pickups are fine, but I just prefer the Lace , and replaced a couple potentiometers that were starting to crackle.

I have still my first electric guitar- a cream fender squier telecaster, other than lowering the action nothing else was needed, still love this guitar, only my Martin acoustic holds a higher love!! Great guitars and would definitely recommend them!! I myself started off with a squire. I had used it for about three years before getting a new stratocaster.

Definently the mist favorite guitar in my collection, because of the countless hours of perfection that I achieved on it. I have been playing for 40 years now and have played many brands and styles a lot of Ibanez in my mid period. I just loved the styling initially but when it was delivered it was even more exciting than I had imagined. The intonation was spot on and continues to be spot on straight out of the box. It's a killer by any standard. It plays and feels especially with tension balanced strings like a seriously higher priced guitar.

Fit and finish are top notch. The only thing I've done to improve on it is to clean up the fret ends and polish the frets. I'm conside ring selling my other guitars to pick up a Classic Vibe '60s. I wouldn't dream of giving up mu SQ series Squier, but I don't think they were positioned in the market place asvthey are now.

There certainly weren't levels of Squier as there are now. Fender's marketing has become more sophisticated. Hi Chrisdy That is a little expensive for a Squier. If you got a good one I don't think you'd have issue with the frets and tuning, but I can't say about the pickups. They sound decent to me but of course that's just an opinion.

You have a few more options though. The latter is the same guitar the Squier '72 is based on. Keep in mind, none of these guitars have similar pickups as the Fender Deluxe version. But they are alternatives priced somewhere between the Squier and high-end Fender. I don't know why u class the standards with the affinitys and bullets, not at all the same,the modern standards have the same body thickness as the fender, a 22 fret neck, better electronics, I luv them.

That's awesome Pappabass! That's after years of playing Fenders, Warwicks, Spectors, etc. So, I totally know what you mean!

I have been playing bass for many years. I had to bring it home. I previously owned a Fender precision and Fender Jazz, this Squier jaguar is made as good as each one.

My Squier Strat from a package was a great guitar with an really good neck pickup. I had 4 American Strats - while not the same quality, it was a fun guitar to play and sounded like a Strat. Had to sell but would like to find another.

Some great points Tricko. Thanks for weighing in! No intention to trash Squier here, though. Just raising some of the common issues people often have with their guitars. I agree they fill an important niche in the guitar market and for some players they are the perfect option.

However, people need to understand what they are getting. It sort of depends upon what you are looking for and what type of music and guitar style you like assuming you want affordable. If you are hard rocker, probably epi les paul or sg style. The neck profile on these are typically a bound neck which has a totally different feel to me than the typical clean Fender neck. It just seems to me that Les Paul styles are better for chunky banging out distorted chords ala Guns and Roses sound, etc chords and Fenders strats, teles, etc are better for jangly, clean bluesy or biting sounds.

I could be totally wrong but just my observation. Part of that is the humbuckers and or single coil sound. If you are a clean to blues, jazz, country or rock player then probably Fender.

Fender covers most genres though. Played for many years with gibson, guild, epiphone electric guitars and recently got back into guitars with Fender Vintage Modified Jaguar - Wow, I wish I had this when I started. I am totally sold on the Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe lines as they are the best bang for the buck I have seen.

Totally disagree with te way this article starts with a trashing of Squier guitars. Squier fills a big need and provides an intro to playing guitar for many players. I will also say, I have played many American and Mexican Strats, etc.

Best advice - get the best one you can currently afford and just play, goof off and "suck" at guitar playing I play a Squier Affinity I bought used. I found the fit and finish to be on par with anything else Fender has produced but I've been at this game for over 40 years. The reason I chose this model is due to my arthritis.

I needed a slimmer neck profile and narrower nut. But the real clincher was listening to Jack Pearson play one live totally stock apparently. Thanks God I no longer have any ego left, lol. Brand names bore me now and the music is the most important thing. Joe Pass once said if you are concentrating on the instrument you are playing then you are concentrating on the wrong thing. I have to say when i was younger i always wanted to have dream guitar with a leather pickguard and other stuff. I only have rare vintage collectables.

Squier are good all the way through. I have to say squier are good as the more expensive ones. Thanks for adding your thoughts, miki. I can't say I agree about Epi. Based on the ones I've played lately they seem better than ever. I do agree that the Squier Classic Vibe Series are outstanding instruments though! Both awesome brands but decided to switch to a Strat as I grew tired of Floyd bridges and affordable for what I got back from a trade in and I do not have any regrets.

My Squier Bullet is probably the best guitar I've owned: nice slim neck for fast leads, rich and crunchy sounding pickups for rhythm and lightweight body; don't listen to others opinions and try out any guitar before you buy it.

I tried a Godin don't like Im gonna sell it and buy a classic vibe. I've wondered the same thing, Thatguitarguy. But I guess there will always be people willing to pay more for the name on the headstock. Thanks for sharing your experience! The Classic Vibe Squiers are good looking, good sounding and great playing guitars! Over the past forty years I've owned and played A LOT of guitars including some extremely great and very valuable axes.

I'm not a guitar snob but I definitely want a great tone, feel and look. Simple, right? These have it.

I bought one and I was so impressed I bought three more! I actually wonder if Fender is concerned that their "budget" line is near on par with their top shelf instruments? Thanks for sharing that story, Mark! Always cool to hear from veteran players who have good things to say about Squier. I play a little bass myself and grabbed a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz a couple of years ago.

It's a very good instrument, especially for the price. I play bass in a band and wanted a short scale, lighter bass. It is very well made and looks superb in black. But for me the range of tones are spot on. All I had to do was adjust one string to alleviate a slight fret buzz and that's it. It's very light and after playing for a few hours I have no backache compared to when I use my P Bass.

Really impressed. I'm no Mark King but I would recommend it to anyone. Thanks for your thoughts, Deiter. I agree about the MIJ quality. Unfortunately, they can be tough for newbies to hunt down and they may not feel confident buying a used guitar. Not sure I agree about comparably priced Epiphones being better than Squier, especially the VM and CV series, but they are definitely among the top options for beginning guitar players.

I don't agree with this review. If you're looking for a good beginner guitar, you will find that Epiphone, for instance, offers much, much better quality for the same price. Mostly, cheaper materials are used on Squier instruments — wood, pickups, hardware etc, which all contribute towards the sound of the instrument.

For example, the Squier Bullet Strat has a basswood body, which may absorb some high frequencies — most though not all Fender Strat bodies are made from alder. You also might find that, through a distorted amp, you get more feedback from the Squier. Squier are manufactured in the Far East, where labour tends to be cheaper; Fender on the other hand are made mostly in Mexico, Japan and America — though the Modern Player range is made in China, and there have been a few made in Korea too.

The quality control on Fender guitars generally tends to be better than that of the Squiers. Does all of this mean that Fender are better than Squier? In my experience, most of the time they are, but some of the higher end Squiers represent incredible value for money.

Also the Affinity Strats and Affinity Teles by Squier are probably better for a beginner on a budget. Squiers are used a lot by guitarists just starting out, though more experienced players and even pros play them too. So, what is the difference between Fender and Squier? Many of the components used to make the Fender guitars tend to result in an instrument that resonates more.

Most Squiers are made using cheaper woods, pickups and hardware — a saving that is then passed on to you. Like with a lot of things, the more you spend, the better quality you get. With the Squiers particularly the Vintage Mod and Classic Vibes , you get a lot of guitar for the money. I bought a Squire package guitar, mini amp, gig bag, stand, cable, etc.

Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. I took it to a skilled luthier, who straightened the neck, replaced the nut, leveled and dressed the frets, and lowered the action. I replaced the tuning machines with Fender Strat tuners. The sound may not be there because of the electronics, but for a modest investment I have a Strat pretender that plays like a dream. Would do it again in a heartbeat. For me when choosing a first guitar, or first electric guitar, your focus should less be on how it sounds because when you start guitar not much will sound impressive and more on how easy it is to use and learn on.

Does the neck dip? Does it not stay in tune?