Squier Strat

[just strum]

I want a Strat, but have to go economical.

What are the good and bad features to look out for (and not the obvious like the top half of the neck missing).

I've heard a couple of good things about MIM Squier Strats, but not sure how difficult they are to locate.

Here are two Squiers I'm looking at:

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301200505

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=140185099714&_trksid=p3984.cWAT.m240.lVI

The color is what attracted me to this one.

 

[sub006]

That '81 looks mint, like it was hardly played, just hope it wasn't the guitar's fault! I DO like maple necks!

Twenty-six years later, you need some opinions of actual '81 owners. This was early on, had the Koreans learned to do consistent good work by then? Come on, vintage woners, help js out!

On the other hand I hear nothing but raves from owners of the new VM Squiers. You get a new warranty, 30-day return at most retailers, and you get to choose your color!

 

[pes_laul]

Hmmm I wonder if the VMstrat has sealed tuners like the 81' on the specs for the VM it just says DIE CAST TUNERS

 

[Brian Krashpad]

I has an 80's MIK Squier Strat that was kinda craptastic. Of the 2 listed I'd go new where it could be returned in case you get a dog. With the exception of special series like the 80's MIJ Squiers (I had an 80's MIJ Squier Tele that was fine, and still have an 80's MIJ Squier P-Bass), the MIM Squiers, and the Vista Series (mainly MIJ), I'd avoid early Squiers if you can't play first.

 

[Spudman]

I have that same series of Squier from 81.
If you look around the forum you can probably find a photo of it. Mine is black with a maple fingerboard. The electronics are crap. Feels like a good quality guitar and acoustically sounds great though. Just plugged in it sounds like poop. One of these days I'll upgrade the pickups and pots. The radius on the neck seems a little flat too. It's also a thin neck front to back.

My opinion is go for the vintage modified. I've heard only good about them so far. My first choice would be the Deluxe series though. I have 3 of the Limited Edition Standards and the necks are nice and round. They are real guitars that, as always, could benefit from some small improvements.

Other options if you aren't in a hurry is to find the Cherryburst Standard from China and the Silverburst. Both good quality and sound good with good playability. Unfortunately they were discontinued so used it will have to be.

Listen to Brian too. He knows.

 

[SuperSwede]

I have that same series of Squier from 81.
If you look around the forum you can probably find a photo of it. Mine is black with a maple fingerboard. The electronics are crap. Feels like a good quality guitar and acoustically sounds great though. Just plugged in it sounds like poop. One of these days I'll upgrade the pickups and pots. The radius on the neck seems a little flat too. It's also a thin neck front to back.

My opinion is go for the vintage modified. I've heard only good about them so far. My first choice would be the Deluxe series though. I have 3 of the Limited Edition Standards and the necks are nice and round. They are real guitars that, as always, could benefit from some small improvements.

Other options if you aren't in a hurry is to find the Cherryburst Standard from China and the Silverburst. Both good quality and sound good with good playability. Unfortunately they were discontinued so used it will have to be.

Listen to Brian too. He knows.

Spud, that daphne blue deluxe looks awesome.. hmmm.. *sniff* I smell g.a.s!
Have you played anything on that deluxe strat?

 

[Sblack]

I have that same series of Squier from 81.
If you look around the forum you can probably find a photo of it. Mine is black with a maple fingerboard. The electronics are crap. Feels like a good quality guitar and acoustically sounds great though. Just plugged in it sounds like poop. One of these days I'll upgrade the pickups and pots. The radius on the neck seems a little flat too. It's also a thin neck front to back.

My opinion is go for the vintage modified. I've heard only good about them so far. My first choice would be the Deluxe series though. I have 3 of the Limited Edition Standards and the necks are nice and round. They are real guitars that, as always, could benefit from some small improvements.

Other options if you aren't in a hurry is to find the Cherryburst Standard from China and the Silverburst. Both good quality and sound good with good playability. Unfortunately they were discontinued so used it will have to be.

Listen to Brian too. He knows.

The new Deluxes (not the older quilt top ones) are going to be the "schizzle" when they become available. No one has them available yet, though.

I would try the VM. Many people have had positive things to say about the looks, tone, and playability of the new VMs. Good luck!

 

[Adrian30]

I want a Strat, but have to go economical.

What are the good and bad features to look out for (and not the obvious like the top half of the neck missing).

I've heard a couple of good things about MIM Squier Strats, but not sure how difficult they are to locate.

Here are two Squiers I'm looking at:

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301200505

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=140185099714&_trksid=p3984.cWAT.m240.lVI

The color is what attracted me to this one.

How much do you plan on spending? I often find MIM Fenders on Craigslist for 200ish. You can always give it some time and check your local Craigslist.

 

[just strum]

How much do you plan on spending? I often find MIM Fenders on Craigslist for 200ish. You can always give it some time and check your local Craigslist.

Not sure on the amount. Basically it will be cookie jar money and I prefer a small cookie jar (the less, the better). I was just at the Sweetwater site and they have the new Deluxe advertised ($290), but don't have them in yet.


"Worth Waiting For!
Squier has informed us that this item has an unusually long shipping delay. Be assured we'll get it as quick or quicker than anyone else. Call your Sales Engineer, who can give you the most up-to-date details and possibly offer you alternatives that would ship sooner. We have a great relationship with Squier and we'll receive this item as soon or sooner than anyone else in the country. "

This one causes :drool:

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0300500523

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Oh I forgot to mention other options beyond what's in the OP.

As others have said above, a used MIM Fender is a good choice. I had a used MIM Strat for a couple years (bought in a pawn 4 or 5 years ago for $150, now they're $200-250 used) that was perfectly giggable stock. Though I sold it, there was nothing wrong with it, just needed funds for another deal and knew I could always find another (plus I sold it to a kid from church and wanted his first electric to be a good'un).

When it came time to replace the MIM Strat, I went with a used 90's USA Peavey Predator. They are basically the same as a 90's MIM Fender (poplar body, ceramic pickups, maple neck) but have an extra 22nd fret and are even cheaper than used MIM's, due to the "name on the headstock" factor. Mine was $100 (+shipping) from Ebay. Sounds and plays great, had a couple dings that obviously don't affect playability.

 

[just strum]

That '81 looks mint, like it was hardly played, just hope it wasn't the guitar's fault! I DO like maple necks!

Twenty-six years later, you need some opinions of actual '81 owners. This was early on, had the Koreans learned to do consistent good work by then? Come on, vintage woners, help js out!

On the other hand I hear nothing but raves from owners of the new VM Squiers. You get a new warranty, 30-day return at most retailers, and you get to choose your color!

It's up to $255 with a little over 2 hours to go.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

It's up to $255 with a little over 2 hours to go.

Meh.

I'd pay that much for an MIJ maybe.

Not for MIK.

 

[just strum]

Meh.

I'd pay that much for an MIJ maybe.

Not for MIK.

Yep, it's a really nice looking guitar, but it's exceeded what I feel would have been a good deal. From what little I've learned about Squiers and Fenders in the past few weeks, I would probably agree with you on the MIJ being a maybe, but it couldn't go much higher and I would feel it was too high.

I want to see what this closes at - I'm guessing $295 to $305. I suspect a light flurry in the final minute, but nothing too heavy.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Yep, it's a really nice looking guitar, but it's exceeded what I feel would have been a good deal. From what little I've learned about Squiers and Fenders in the past few weeks, I would probably agree with you on the MIJ being a maybe, but it couldn't go much higher and I would feel it was too high.

I want to see what this closes at - I'm guessing $295 to $305. I suspect a light flurry in the final minute, but nothing too heavy.

Back in the early 90's I paid a bit too much for a MIJ Squier Tele, $300 w/ohsc. After keeping it for several years I managed to sell it for what I paid for it. Since I bought it pre-internet, I vowed thereafter to always research my buys and always get a good deal from there on in.

And I have.

 

[just strum]

Yep, it's a really nice looking guitar, but it's exceeded what I feel would have been a good deal. From what little I've learned about Squiers and Fenders in the past few weeks, I would probably agree with you on the MIJ being a maybe, but it couldn't go much higher and I would feel it was too high.

I want to see what this closes at - I'm guessing $295 to $305. I suspect a light flurry in the final minute, but nothing too heavy.

Well, it closed at $255. I thought it would have late action because it was two people essentially raising the price a couple of days ago and I assumed they would get in a little late battle. Battling days in advance didn't serve them any benefit.

 

[ZMAN]

I agree with Spud on this one I recently picked up two of the new Deluxe Squiers. One in Daphne blue and the other in White Pearl Metallic. I am totally amazed by these guitars. When I first played them they seemed very familiar, especially the feel of the maple board. I pulled out my 50th Ann. Deluxe strat and measured it against the Deluxes using a Caliper. It looks to me as if they took the 50th and used it as a model for the Deluxe. The neck is almost the same profile and is exactly the same thickness and width at all the points I measured. The body is exactly the same thickness in three points I measured. The neck has the same rolled edges and the satin finish on the 50th is a little "creamier". The MIA 50th is an amazing guitar and the SCN pickups with the S1 switch make it a very versatile guitar. The SC101 Duncan Design pickups are very nice and can keep up to the SCNs very nicely.
For 250 dollars I would not hesitate to buy one. I also have a Squier QMT Deluxe and a Cherryburst Standard and the new deluxes are much nicer.
If they come out with other colors I will definitely be buying.
I can truly say that these are the nicest Squiers that have come out of Fender in 20 years. The MIJ Squiers are still the best.

 

[just strum]

Interesting information ZMan. Welcome to the forum and I hope you like what you see here. When you have a minute, stop by the The Fret Players section and formally introduce yourself to the gang.

 

[Spudman]

Pretty soon there will probably be a rush on the new Deluxe series Squier Strats.
Z Man has shown me the photos of his and they are beautiful and without that large headstock. 22 fret necks and Duncan pickups are great too. For the price they'll be hard to beat.


And just when I thought I was over my gas problem. sigh

 

[just strum]

And just when I thought I was over my gas problem. sigh

:rotflmao: :rotflmao:

As if that thought ever crossed you mind.

 

[t_ross33]

I was going to recommend the VM Strat. I was happy with the fit, finish and playability of my VM Tele for the $$. And the reviews and feedback are very good on that model.

But that Deluxe looks :drool: ...

And me without at Strat (so far)...

 

[Gil Janus]

I picked up a 2006 Squier Standard Strat - Cherry Sunburst Special Edition. I got mine from Guitar Trader. It was only $200. The finish is great - it only needed new strings and a tuning. The intonation was right on - no issues with the frets. Everything was nice and tight. It has 3 Alnico Magnet Single-Coil Pickups. It has a large headstock. I'm very happy with it.

It is hard to take a photo to show the burst pattern - but it does look gorgeous - and sounds nice too. And yes, it comes with a Mint Green pickguard and pickup covers and trem tip

The strap was a present from my daughter for my birthday - it's a Sedona model from Eyeland Enterprises. It too is a beauty. :dude:

Gil

 

[Spudman]

Gil
Congrats on the Cherryburst. I really love both of mine. I do want to do one thing and that is to change some of the electronics. I think the pickups are fine but the pots may need to go. Otherwise, it's as solid as anything in it's class...and pretty too.

One thing about them I found out is to drop the pickups all the way to the top of the guitar and then slowly (1 turn at a time) raise them. When they are low the guitar sounds much better.

 

[birv2]

It's really hard to tell without playing it. Squiers can vary a lot in fit and finish. I got an Affinity Strat off ebay for $75, had it set up professionally, and it plays like butter.

The VM's look pretty cool, but the prices are starting to get into Fender MIM territory. I've always looked at Squier as a lowcost alternative to Fenders, but looks like they're broadening their appeal. When they get into almost $300 category, then I start thinking, why not save a bit and go for a Fender?

Bob

 

[ZMAN]

Added some pictures of a couple of mine. The 60th has the coolest neck I have ever seen on a production guitar. I posted that pic of the Deluxes, and a couple of my LPs. The Wine red is a CIJ Elitist, and the Fireburst is an Gibson 08 Studio born date Jan 8 2008, the paint still seems wet on her.

 

[Katastrophe]

Zman, that flame neck is killer. Don't ever let that Strat go.

 

[ZMAN]

Isn't that amazing! I was really blown away by it. The manager of the store was going to keep it, and I asked him if I could try it out. Once I had it in my hands I wouldn't give it back! So I ended up with it. I have been told in other forums that that type of grain pops up now and then and they usually save those for more high end guitars. Sometimes you just get lucky!

 

[street music]

The Affinity series Strat that my son has left with me is a smooth playing axe.
I've been very impressed with how great it sounds, I plan to do some upgrades to it someday. It could use a change on the pots and I have looked at some GFS pickups to put in but for what I'm doing in the learning stages it will do fine. I put aset of Fender Super Bullets in it last month adjusted the neck and intonation on it , that made a huge difference when I adjusted the pickups like Spudman suggested, they had been way to close.
I think there are some great Squiers out there and will do the job just as well as a Fender for the hobbyist.

 

[pes_laul]

The Affinity series Strat that my son has left with me is a smooth playing axe.
I've been very impressed with how great it sounds, I plan to do some upgrades to it someday. It could use a change on the pots and I have looked at some GFS pickups to put in but for what I'm doing in the learning stages it will do fine. I put aset of Fender Super Bullets in it last month adjusted the neck and intonation on it , that made a huge difference when I adjusted the pickups like Spudman suggested, they had been way to close.
I think there are some great Squiers out there and will do the job just as well as a Fender for the hobbyist.

Yah I've played a affinity strat for the longest time till I got my ibanez. does yours have a humbucker at bridge position?

 

[street music]

No it's 3 singles. My Godin is H-H.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Isn't that amazing! I was really blown away by it. The manager of the store was going to keep it, and I asked him if I could try it out. Once I had it in my hands I wouldn't give it back! So I ended up with it. I have been told in other forums that that type of grain pops up now and then and they usually save those for more high end guitars. Sometimes you just get lucky!

That is really beautiful!! The neck on mine is one of my favorite things on it, but it is a much more traditional honey maple color. That thing is something else!