More expensive models will, of course, have higher resale value, but both Squiers and Standards have consistently high demand. The Fender Standard series has upgraded pickups, but again, are generally considered inferior to USA models. However, you can expand these comparisons to any similar Fender and Squier models (jazz bass vs jazz bass, telecaster vs telecaster, etc.). Tele Deluxe Thinline/Classic Vibe Thinline. However, the Classic Vibe series has more than decent and acceptable quality. Squier vs. Fender. Also, a setup and fret-dressing will be needed in most cases for the instrument to play optimally. For our purposes we will be focusing on the standard Squier line, including the Vintage Modified and the Classic Vibe series. The quality of Squier tuners and bridge saddles are a common complaint. While it would be easy to simply say that you get what you pay for, I don’t think that’s the case when comparing Squier and Fender. Not only are there imperial and metric size differences, but there are also several differences within the Fender models themselves. Let us know in the comments. For our purposes we will be focusing on the standard Squier line, including the Vintage Modified and the Classic Vibe series. There’s a reason the Fender Standard Strat remains one of the most frequently recommended guitars in the world. Despite being reactivated by Fender, Squier guitars are by no means Fender ones. If you’re just starting out, the sound of your pickups or the thickness of your finish might not matter as much as it would to someone who has been playing for years and is familiar with the alternatives. The historic guitar giant currently makes countless instruments, from exquisite small-batch Custom Shop offerings to its Made… Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster Burgundy Mist. But recently, the line has expanded to include Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Tele Thinlines, signature models (J Mascis, John 5, and others), Bass VIs, baritones, Strats and Teles of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and nearly all of the basses Fender has ever made. Generally speaking, Squier uses lower-quality metals for most of its hardware. Published Nov 20, 2017 by James M Brill The Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is the largest guitar manufacturer in the world. 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. Due to differences in measurements, upgrading stock parts may not be as simple as it seems. Do you have experience comparing Squier and Fender guitars? A clear standout from the Standard series is the “Classic Series," which exhibits models with the best suite of traits from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. For nearly all guitars, there will be a cost to upkeep and to upgrade. To keep things simple, we’ll include these newer models in the discussions of the Made in Mexico Standard line. New Squiers top out at around $450, whereas the same amount of money can usually get you a used MIM Fender. On the other hand, if you’re sure about what you want and are looking for in an affordable, gig-able instrument that doesn’t require any upgrades, the Standard series—especially on the used market—consistently provides some of the best deals around. “C” shape maple neck 2. I think that the stock pickups in the Fender Standard ‘50s Strats sound great, so I personally wouldn’t upgrade them. Bottom Line: Squier uses inferior parts generally speaking. One example is the ‘72 Tele Thinline reissue, which has some MIM parts with USA-made bridge saddles. Also, the stock hardware and pickups will have a longer life and may not need replacement at all. Early MIM Fender necks were actually made on CNC machines in the USA and finished in Mexico, as opposed to today, when all wood components are made in the Mexico factory. Literally, Squier is owned by Fender and has become a lower-priced version of Fender guitars. I think that the stock pickups in the Fender Standard ‘50s Strats sound great, so I personally wouldn’t upgrade them. 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 bodies are generally formed by gluing many more pieces of wood together than is the case with USA-made models. However, savvy shoppers can often find deals on used Fenders that will fit any budget. That's why many people start off with these kind of guitars (like me). The newer, non-MIM Standards generally use metric-sized parts of varying quality. On the other hand, if you’re sure about what you want and are looking for in an affordable, gig-able instrument that doesn’t require any upgrades, the Standard series—especially on the used market—consistently provides some of the best deals around. For nearly every Fender model, it’s relatively easy to swap pickups, pickguards, change saddles, replace tuners, and even swap necks and bodies. Hardware is where you’ll find the largest difference between models and production centers. The body wood of a Squier can be hard to determine, as the finish is, in many cases, quite thick on these models. Bar magnet single-coils are more similar in construction to P90s than Fender single-coils and lack the clarity of traditional Fender single-coils. Used American-made Fenders are even more expensive, typically starting at around $600. 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. 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. Pickups, like parts, are generally where you can hear the biggest difference between these two lines with Squier generally using lower-quality pickups. 22 frets 5. Hence, this is an affordable, versatile, light, simple, and stylish instrument. Bottom Line: Squier uses inferior parts generally speaking. Fender’s recently introduced Modern Player line and some of the Vintage Modified line also fall into the same price bracket as the Standard line. Here I have selected a Jaguar in surf green to make the comparison easier, but both are available in 3 color sunburst, and candy apple red as well. With the rising quality of Squiers and their continued low price points, I would consider buying a Squier in many scenarios. Also, a large number of signature models (Troy Van Leeuwen, Kurt Cobain, Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Root, Brad Paisley, Dave Murray) have recently been introduced. Different styles with each model also features a different set of pickups. Hardware is where you’ll find the largest difference between models and production centers. Squier Strat vs Fender Strat Comparison There's a lot of snobbery surrounding the whole Squier Strat vs Fender Strat comparison. Black plastic control knobs Keep reading to see where the Fender and Squier Jaguars differ. The glossy urethane finish on most of these models tends to be quite thick, which is off-putting to many players. Both will have similar resale value relative to the original purchase price. 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. Value is a trickier question than one might initially think. 24” scale length 3. Many will buy a Squier for necks and bodies, which may have a faster resale value than a complete Standard model. The Bullet Strat carries the classic looks of the American Stratocaster guitars, which are one of the most popular guitars of all time, right there with the legendary Gibson Les Paul series.