Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Mar 8, 2020 23:12:10 GMT -6
This particular post is all going to eventually lead to multiple organized threads. Take what you need and set the rest aside -- for the love of all that's good DO NOT try to memorize it!! 
It's not going to be on the final exam.
If you are shopping online, please monitor spelling. The proper name is S-Q-U-I-E-R but listings often won't pop up if the seller types S-Q-U-I-R-E.
First, a prejudice: I am a fan of the "skunk stripe" running down the back of guitar necks. To be honest, this construction method is no longer really necessary, but I have the superstitious impression that it makes the neck more structurally stable, and also happens to look cool. Most of the Affinities are striped, most of the unmarked Bullets ain't.
Some history, then.
The standard story has it that Fender introduced the Squier line of guitars and basses in 1982 to go head-to-head with the more affordable and increasingly good copies being made in Japan. Others disagree; as someone posted on another site, "Per Dan Smith of Fender (see interview on reverb), the Squier brand wasn't originally introduced to be a budget brand but was introduced in 82 to differentiate branding between the Japanese and American production lines due to complaint of the lack of such by distributors and vendors." The second story seems to be more accurate, but FMIC did soon create a joint venture with FujiGen as Fender Japan Ltd. to make "Fender"-branded instruments, which freed up the Squier name.
My dubious affinity for Affinity
Recent Squiers are divided into tiers that can be confusing. Most prevalent are probably the Affinity Squiers. I poke some fun at these because they are simply so damned common, particularly the black s-s-s "beginner pack" Strats. The hardware is generic, but (usually) not difficult to upgrade, and should be excellent project guitars for anyone wanting to learn skills such as refretting. They frequently have the "bathtub rout" (or, perhaps more appropriately, "swimming pool") where a big rectangular HOLE accommodates the pickups -- while I am NOT a fan of this (it gives too much acoustic tone for my taste), the clear upside is that pretty much ANY pickup configuration can be installed without further routing, like up to FOUR humbuckers.
The Affinity bodies tend to be rather chunky, with the "comfort cuts" not removing as much wood as the actual Fender models. Tonally speaking, the wood is not particularly bad, but simply boring, with no personality, less sustain than a proper hardwood, and diminished highs -- that last might be an advantage, as it reduces the inherent tendency of single-coil pickups to be a bit too "ice-pickey" for many players.
As well, I have heard that there are versions of Affinity that have a thinner body, which means it won't take a standard-length vibrato slug ("tone block") and allow installation of the back cover. IMO, that darn cover is only for looks anyway, so if you get what you want as far as tone and/or playability, just leave it off.
Squier has some really good sub-lines. Generally, unless you're getting an Affinity for $10 at a garage sale, I'd say save your cash and find a good used Classic Vibe, or Vintage Modified, or at least Standard.
A major problem with the Affinities is that some have the neck pocket liberally crammed with thick, irregular paint, almost a millimeter on some I've seen. After all, it's soft plastic. This pretty much destroys any chance a guitar has at sustain or decent tone. Careful chipping and sanding, to maximize perfect wood-to-wood contact with the neck heel, can turn a mediocre axe into a decent instrument.
My experience in browsing used Affinities is to look first at the headstock decal. If "Squier" is in gold lettering, it's the better version; silver is not quite so good, and plain black below that.
When you visit your local guitar store, you can benefit by pawing through the stack of Squiers in the corner, because more than a few stores don't care about these -- not unlike the upturned noses to a "Mexican" Strat -- and will pile Squier Standard (or better) models in with the Affinities at the same prices.
In general, if the decal says "Squier Stratocaster," that will be a better guitar than one that says "Squier Strat" (which includes Affinity). This may be yet another of my superstitions, but I'll stick with it until I debunk it. UPDATE: I spotted what seems to be a really basic (if aqua) 2019 MII "Squier Stratocaster." So let's call the "rule" a "rule of thumb" instead... though if I got it for cheap, that baby-blue paint deserves some decent hardware.
)
While Affinity guitars are dirt-common, a further tier down are the Red China and Indonesia Squiers. These don't have the secondary decal at the end of the headstock that on better Squiers will say Affinity Series or Standard Series or whatever. And I see no good reason to even THINK about owning a Squier Bullet.
I dislike down-talking the MII, as they're supposedly all Cort, but I suppose even Cort could run a top-tier line even as their other operation cuts every corner... and I've definitely tried out some AWFUL Indonesias.
IN SUM: If you want a half-decent backup axe, or something to learn repair/upgrade work on, the Affinity are plentiful, common, and (deserve to be) inexpensive. Given more than one to choose from, though, your chances of reselling at cost go up HUGE if you get anything other than a gloss-black HSS Strat with white pickguard -- if I had a choice between one of those at $25 and a $100 Affinity Tele, I'd go for the Tele without a blink -- and a Strat with color seems to sell for at least twice a black one. Also, I much prefer cast-body tuners and find "diamond cans" faintly repulsive, but I've seen LOUSY Squiers with very good tuners, and very good axes with can tuners, so don't leap to unsupported conclusions.
It came from Nippon!
You might find the early-'80s made-in-Japan "Squier Bullet 1 by Fender" guitars interesting. These Strats are REALLY easy to spot at distance: two knobs, pickplate-mounted jack (so no chrome plate), Tele head, branded Fender cast tuners, one stamped string-tree, two-point trem, E-prefix serial number stamped on the neckplate. Trussrod end was at body, not headstock. These are not bad guitars, but they are overrated and overhyped (and overpriced) because of their successors. If you just want a good import Strat, you'll get better for less with an MIM or MIK.
If you are shopping for a MIJ Strat, sellers expect $300-$500 for a Bullet 1 just because it was made in effing Japan. Don't let me stop you if you've got cash to burn -- literally -- but unless you get a deal MUCH lower than that, your cash will get you a nice MIM Fender Standard or Squier VM or even CV.
Still hanker for MIJ? Then look up the actual "E-series" instruments. The "Squier" logo will be silvery, and the serial number (slightly ghosty) will be right below it, in silver ink. Not only are these full-on proper Fender clones, but many have superior hardware such as locking trems like Fender's System 1 (though I've never liked the behind-the-nut lock) or USA pickups -- I've seen what looked like DiMarzio pinkies, and have heard early Duncans may have been used as well.
Then there's the "JV" series, for another day.
But I urge you not go totally nuts: in 2020, many sellers expect about $1,000, which puts you well into actual USA Fender territory. Really, if you're going to spend THAT much just for MIJ, then ditch Fender entirely and get something serious like a Tokai "Springy Sound" or "Goldstar Sound" -- those models were meticulously cloned from vintage Fenders, right down to the pickup construction. Many players have remarked that the Tokais are superior in play and sound to the USA Fenders of the same era -- they certainly have much cooler cachet, and retain value at least as well. I just passed up a clean Hondo "Professional Series" (likely Tokai) Strat for $300.
Found an example of why valuating Fenders is SUCH a total PITA.
As detailed below, I presently have a rather nice 2011 sunburst Strat VM h-s-s (Duncan Designed), made by Cort in Indonesia.
Today, I spotted on Reverb.com a rather nice 2010 charcoal-frost-metallic Strat VM h-s-s (Duncan Designed)... made in India.
So,
??
Well, they're generally considered identical... yet simultaneously the gray one is all you'll see used.
FIELD GUIDE ADDITION: The quickest way to distinguish them is that the "Squier" logo on the Cort headstock is gold-outlined black, while on the India it's black-outlined gold.
This is why Fender and Squier each take up page after page after disorganized page in the Blue Book even in the Condensed version, despite 80%+ of Fender's trade -- for SEVENTY YEARS -- being four models: Strat, Tele, Precision, Jazz.
SHOPPING NOTE: A surprising number of online sellers avoid showing the serial number, apparently from fear -- perhaps justified -- that this could result in someone identifying gear that was stolen months or years ago, and they'd thus get shafted when the cops email them.
That also means shoppers can't see the actual origin mark or manufacture date, and so with Fender Squier we are left to the whims of utter amateurs, who often cannot read.
Recently, I saw an MIM listed as "Japan" (and thus "lawsuit" ) and a 1996 called a 1992.
Okay, there is potential upside, too: You might snag a cheap Squier Series or at least Standard Series nestled in with the $100 Affinities and Bullets. Stay sharp!
Since I have a few assorted Squiers lurking about, I am going to pull some identifying features together.
In my herd right now (April 2020) -- photos may someday follow. Maybe. If I get around to it.
Squier Strat neck: small/classic head; Affinity decal (thick lines); black "Squier"; black hole liner; two stamped trees; diamond-can tuners; "by Fender" sans serif, all caps; medium-dark stripe; no s/n or provenance; neck thin semi-gloss, but head near-satin all around, no significant clearcoat on face decals, could be screenprint?; narrow tall frets; 22; end-stamped IC OCT 98
Squier Stratocaster, no overt identifying features. I'm going to do a "reverse Fjestad" on this one: I bought it new (a store display), so I know what it is. First hint of goodness: doesn't call itself a "Strat." And remember that, with most Squiers, metallic means money: on this one, the "Squier" logo is black with gold outline (though the outline is heavier than I've seen on similar). Moving along: yellowish "vintage" gloss finish on neck; Kluson-style tuners; large CBS head; black hole liner; one stamped tree; 21 frets 
; h-s-s, all Duncan Designed -- right there, that locks in that this is a Vintage Modified, and I'm relatively certain this was marketed as a "'70s" model, though that designation is more usually associated with an h-h-h model or the CV series. MII, Cort, 2011. 6-screw bridge, Fender-branded bent saddles (bonus!: MSRP $30). In the end, Squier made too many trips to The Well Of Naming, and this one will remain known only as a "Vintage Modified Stratocaster HSS." Incidentally: over the past eight months or so, the pickguard has been yellowing significantly, something I've seen happen on vintage celluloid but not modern plastics; I really need to start doing regular photos of the progress.
NEXT UP: Squier II Stratocaster. Small head; MIK, E-prefix s/n decal, 1997; silver-center logo, layers of clearcoat under and above decal; two stamped trees; 21 frets; diamond-cans; dark-blonde stripe; h-s-s, hb in ring, backmount singles; three knobs; side jack (surface, no plate). I had to do some serious squinting under a strong light, but I was finally able to see the join between the fretboard & neck -- with any less effort, this would easily pass as a one-piece maple neck -- I don't want to read too much into it, but this at least hints at attention to detail throughout.
ALSO: Fender MIM 1995 "Squier Series." Small head; "Squier Series" decal on head knob is a giveaway; large clay dots; square "Fender" tuners (feels 12:1?); medium-blonde stripe; black hole liner; one-layer pg (white); s-s-s.
{An aside: I have a few hobby guitars in a "need some setup" queue, mostly Stratoclones, and found myself comparing them yesterday in their imperfect state. The Washburn X-10 (a junior shredder, not a clone) is about at good as any Affinity Strat, maybe a little better. The Starcaster is probably comparable to a Squier Standard. (Weirdly, these have become scarce on the market, even the boring black non-"katanas.") The Washburn WS-4 is a good-quality clone with stock Rotomatics, and a blindfold test could pass it off as MIM Fender. That VM, though... it just feels good to play, both for the right hand and left hand, and something makes it a pleasure to set across my knee. Unplugged, there is just the right amount of acoustics.}
It's not going to be on the final exam.If you are shopping online, please monitor spelling. The proper name is S-Q-U-I-E-R but listings often won't pop up if the seller types S-Q-U-I-R-E.
First, a prejudice: I am a fan of the "skunk stripe" running down the back of guitar necks. To be honest, this construction method is no longer really necessary, but I have the superstitious impression that it makes the neck more structurally stable, and also happens to look cool. Most of the Affinities are striped, most of the unmarked Bullets ain't.
Some history, then.
The standard story has it that Fender introduced the Squier line of guitars and basses in 1982 to go head-to-head with the more affordable and increasingly good copies being made in Japan. Others disagree; as someone posted on another site, "Per Dan Smith of Fender (see interview on reverb), the Squier brand wasn't originally introduced to be a budget brand but was introduced in 82 to differentiate branding between the Japanese and American production lines due to complaint of the lack of such by distributors and vendors." The second story seems to be more accurate, but FMIC did soon create a joint venture with FujiGen as Fender Japan Ltd. to make "Fender"-branded instruments, which freed up the Squier name.
My dubious affinity for Affinity
Recent Squiers are divided into tiers that can be confusing. Most prevalent are probably the Affinity Squiers. I poke some fun at these because they are simply so damned common, particularly the black s-s-s "beginner pack" Strats. The hardware is generic, but (usually) not difficult to upgrade, and should be excellent project guitars for anyone wanting to learn skills such as refretting. They frequently have the "bathtub rout" (or, perhaps more appropriately, "swimming pool") where a big rectangular HOLE accommodates the pickups -- while I am NOT a fan of this (it gives too much acoustic tone for my taste), the clear upside is that pretty much ANY pickup configuration can be installed without further routing, like up to FOUR humbuckers.
The Affinity bodies tend to be rather chunky, with the "comfort cuts" not removing as much wood as the actual Fender models. Tonally speaking, the wood is not particularly bad, but simply boring, with no personality, less sustain than a proper hardwood, and diminished highs -- that last might be an advantage, as it reduces the inherent tendency of single-coil pickups to be a bit too "ice-pickey" for many players.
As well, I have heard that there are versions of Affinity that have a thinner body, which means it won't take a standard-length vibrato slug ("tone block") and allow installation of the back cover. IMO, that darn cover is only for looks anyway, so if you get what you want as far as tone and/or playability, just leave it off.
Squier has some really good sub-lines. Generally, unless you're getting an Affinity for $10 at a garage sale, I'd say save your cash and find a good used Classic Vibe, or Vintage Modified, or at least Standard.
A major problem with the Affinities is that some have the neck pocket liberally crammed with thick, irregular paint, almost a millimeter on some I've seen. After all, it's soft plastic. This pretty much destroys any chance a guitar has at sustain or decent tone. Careful chipping and sanding, to maximize perfect wood-to-wood contact with the neck heel, can turn a mediocre axe into a decent instrument.
My experience in browsing used Affinities is to look first at the headstock decal. If "Squier" is in gold lettering, it's the better version; silver is not quite so good, and plain black below that.
When you visit your local guitar store, you can benefit by pawing through the stack of Squiers in the corner, because more than a few stores don't care about these -- not unlike the upturned noses to a "Mexican" Strat -- and will pile Squier Standard (or better) models in with the Affinities at the same prices.
In general, if the decal says "Squier Stratocaster," that will be a better guitar than one that says "Squier Strat" (which includes Affinity). This may be yet another of my superstitions, but I'll stick with it until I debunk it. UPDATE: I spotted what seems to be a really basic (if aqua) 2019 MII "Squier Stratocaster." So let's call the "rule" a "rule of thumb" instead... though if I got it for cheap, that baby-blue paint deserves some decent hardware.
)While Affinity guitars are dirt-common, a further tier down are the Red China and Indonesia Squiers. These don't have the secondary decal at the end of the headstock that on better Squiers will say Affinity Series or Standard Series or whatever. And I see no good reason to even THINK about owning a Squier Bullet.
I dislike down-talking the MII, as they're supposedly all Cort, but I suppose even Cort could run a top-tier line even as their other operation cuts every corner... and I've definitely tried out some AWFUL Indonesias.IN SUM: If you want a half-decent backup axe, or something to learn repair/upgrade work on, the Affinity are plentiful, common, and (deserve to be) inexpensive. Given more than one to choose from, though, your chances of reselling at cost go up HUGE if you get anything other than a gloss-black HSS Strat with white pickguard -- if I had a choice between one of those at $25 and a $100 Affinity Tele, I'd go for the Tele without a blink -- and a Strat with color seems to sell for at least twice a black one. Also, I much prefer cast-body tuners and find "diamond cans" faintly repulsive, but I've seen LOUSY Squiers with very good tuners, and very good axes with can tuners, so don't leap to unsupported conclusions.
It came from Nippon!
You might find the early-'80s made-in-Japan "Squier Bullet 1 by Fender" guitars interesting. These Strats are REALLY easy to spot at distance: two knobs, pickplate-mounted jack (so no chrome plate), Tele head, branded Fender cast tuners, one stamped string-tree, two-point trem, E-prefix serial number stamped on the neckplate. Trussrod end was at body, not headstock. These are not bad guitars, but they are overrated and overhyped (and overpriced) because of their successors. If you just want a good import Strat, you'll get better for less with an MIM or MIK.
If you are shopping for a MIJ Strat, sellers expect $300-$500 for a Bullet 1 just because it was made in effing Japan. Don't let me stop you if you've got cash to burn -- literally -- but unless you get a deal MUCH lower than that, your cash will get you a nice MIM Fender Standard or Squier VM or even CV.
Still hanker for MIJ? Then look up the actual "E-series" instruments.
The "Squier" logo will be silvery, and the serial number (slightly ghosty) will be right below it, in silver ink. Not only are these full-on proper Fender clones, but many have superior hardware such as locking trems like Fender's System 1 (though I've never liked the behind-the-nut lock) or USA pickups -- I've seen what looked like DiMarzio pinkies, and have heard early Duncans may have been used as well. Then there's the "JV" series, for another day.
But I urge you not go totally nuts: in 2020, many sellers expect about $1,000, which puts you well into actual USA Fender territory. Really, if you're going to spend THAT much just for MIJ, then ditch Fender entirely and get something serious like a Tokai "Springy Sound" or "Goldstar Sound" -- those models were meticulously cloned from vintage Fenders, right down to the pickup construction. Many players have remarked that the Tokais are superior in play and sound to the USA Fenders of the same era -- they certainly have much cooler cachet, and retain value at least as well. I just passed up a clean Hondo "Professional Series" (likely Tokai) Strat for $300.
Found an example of why valuating Fenders is SUCH a total PITA.
As detailed below, I presently have a rather nice 2011 sunburst Strat VM h-s-s (Duncan Designed), made by Cort in Indonesia.
Today, I spotted on Reverb.com a rather nice 2010 charcoal-frost-metallic Strat VM h-s-s (Duncan Designed)... made in India.
So,
?? Well, they're generally considered identical... yet simultaneously the gray one is all you'll see used.
FIELD GUIDE ADDITION: The quickest way to distinguish them is that the "Squier" logo on the Cort headstock is gold-outlined black, while on the India it's black-outlined gold.
This is why Fender and Squier each take up page after page after disorganized page in the Blue Book even in the Condensed version, despite 80%+ of Fender's trade -- for SEVENTY YEARS -- being four models: Strat, Tele, Precision, Jazz.
SHOPPING NOTE: A surprising number of online sellers avoid showing the serial number, apparently from fear -- perhaps justified -- that this could result in someone identifying gear that was stolen months or years ago, and they'd thus get shafted when the cops email them.
That also means shoppers can't see the actual origin mark or manufacture date, and so with Fender Squier we are left to the whims of utter amateurs, who often cannot read.
Recently, I saw an MIM listed as "Japan" (and thus "lawsuit" ) and a 1996 called a 1992. Okay, there is potential upside, too: You might snag a cheap Squier Series or at least Standard Series nestled in with the $100 Affinities and Bullets. Stay sharp!
Since I have a few assorted Squiers lurking about, I am going to pull some identifying features together.
In my herd right now (April 2020) -- photos may someday follow. Maybe. If I get around to it.
Squier Strat neck: small/classic head; Affinity decal (thick lines); black "Squier"; black hole liner; two stamped trees; diamond-can tuners; "by Fender" sans serif, all caps; medium-dark stripe; no s/n or provenance; neck thin semi-gloss, but head near-satin all around, no significant clearcoat on face decals, could be screenprint?; narrow tall frets; 22; end-stamped IC OCT 98
Squier Stratocaster, no overt identifying features. I'm going to do a "reverse Fjestad" on this one: I bought it new (a store display), so I know what it is. First hint of goodness: doesn't call itself a "Strat."
And remember that, with most Squiers, metallic means money: on this one, the "Squier" logo is black with gold outline (though the outline is heavier than I've seen on similar). Moving along: yellowish "vintage" gloss finish on neck; Kluson-style tuners; large CBS head; black hole liner; one stamped tree; 21 frets 
; h-s-s, all Duncan Designed -- right there, that locks in that this is a Vintage Modified, and I'm relatively certain this was marketed as a "'70s" model, though that designation is more usually associated with an h-h-h model or the CV series. MII, Cort, 2011. 6-screw bridge, Fender-branded bent saddles (bonus!: MSRP $30). In the end, Squier made too many trips to The Well Of Naming, and this one will remain known only as a "Vintage Modified Stratocaster HSS." Incidentally: over the past eight months or so, the pickguard has been yellowing significantly, something I've seen happen on vintage celluloid but not modern plastics; I really need to start doing regular photos of the progress.NEXT UP: Squier II Stratocaster. Small head; MIK, E-prefix s/n decal, 1997; silver-center logo, layers of clearcoat under and above decal; two stamped trees; 21 frets; diamond-cans; dark-blonde stripe; h-s-s, hb in ring, backmount singles; three knobs; side jack (surface, no plate). I had to do some serious squinting under a strong light, but I was finally able to see the join between the fretboard & neck -- with any less effort, this would easily pass as a one-piece maple neck
-- I don't want to read too much into it, but this at least hints at attention to detail throughout.ALSO: Fender MIM 1995 "Squier Series." Small head; "Squier Series" decal on head knob is a giveaway; large clay dots; square "Fender" tuners (feels 12:1?); medium-blonde stripe; black hole liner; one-layer pg (white); s-s-s.
{An aside: I have a few hobby guitars in a "need some setup" queue, mostly Stratoclones, and found myself comparing them yesterday in their imperfect state. The Washburn X-10 (a junior shredder, not a clone) is about at good as any Affinity Strat, maybe a little better. The Starcaster is probably comparable to a Squier Standard. (Weirdly, these have become scarce on the market, even the boring black non-"katanas.") The Washburn WS-4 is a good-quality clone with stock Rotomatics, and a blindfold test could pass it off as MIM Fender. That VM, though... it just feels good to play, both for the right hand and left hand, and something makes it a pleasure to set across my knee. Unplugged, there is just the right amount of acoustics.}
