Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (2024)

Jigglebone

Senior Stratmaster
Jan 20, 2017
1,355
Southern Idaho, US
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #1

I'm new to the Squier world. The last Strat I owned was a Fender MIM standard Strat. I picked up a Chinese Squier (CSX0911...) and I love the feel of it. So which ones are the best/middle/worst? It's hard to tell just by the pricing --opinions seem to vary wildly, but I'm more interested in things like facts bout materials and construction. Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (2)

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Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985
Nov 14, 2013
30,426
Alabama
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #2

IME, as far as materials and workmanship are concerned, the Classic Vibe Strats are really good. Excellent in fact. Better than the price would indicate. They are the top of the line in the Squier lineup, and for good reason.

I can say that the Vintage Modified Teles and Jazzmasters are also great, but I have never tried a VM Strat.

Last edited:

Guitarmageddon

Dr. Stratster
Apr 19, 2014
27,512
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #3

Jigglebone said:

I'm new to the Squier world. The last Strat I owned was a Fender MIM standard Strat. I picked up a Chinese Squier (CSX0911...) and I love the feel of it. So which ones are the best/middle/worst? It's hard to tell just by the pricing --opinions seem to vary wildly, but I'm more interested in things like facts bout materials and construction. Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (5)

Your CSX is a Squier SE Strat - near the bottom of the line BUT it has a full thickness body, which is a huge plus - you can fit a full size trem block in it...so great for modding...

I think the best Squier products in modern production are the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified lines...

Jigglebone

Senior Stratmaster
Jan 20, 2017
1,355
Southern Idaho, US
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #4

Guitarmageddon said:

Your CSX is a Squier SE Strat - near the bottom of the line BUT it has a full thickness body, which is a huge plus - you can fit a full size trem block in it...so great for modding...

I think the best Squier products in modern production are the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified lines...

Thanks for the input. What criteria do you use to tell them apart? I did check into the body thickness before I bought it (I definitely wanted one of the thick bodies). This one is a cheapie, but it feels great and stays in tune and has no fret buzz, and I was able to get intonation almost spot-on perfect. The tuners are getting replaced (they're die cast Squier), and I put a hot rails at the bridge and it really woke it up. The pickups were definitely sub-par.

Guitarmageddon

Dr. Stratster
Apr 19, 2014
27,512
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #5

Jigglebone said:

Thanks for the input. What criteria do you use to tell them apart? I did check into the body thickness before I bought it (I definitely wanted one of the thick bodies). This one is a cheapie, but it feels great and stays in tune and has no fret buzz, and I was able to get intonation almost spot-on perfect. The tuners are getting replaced (they're die cast Squier), and I put a hot rails at the bridge and it really woke it up. The pickups were definitely sub-par.

I can tell by the serial number prefix - you have tuners with one screw in bottom right corner on each one right? They might also be branded SQUIER on the back....

The headstock truss rod hole has no plastic surround, just bare wood

It says SQUIER STRAT (not stratocaster)

Body will be 1 3/4" or just under....

Colors are sunburst with tortoise pickguard, black with pearl pickguard, white with pearl pickguard....those are the 3 most common....

Jigglebone

Senior Stratmaster
Jan 20, 2017
1,355
Southern Idaho, US
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #6

Ebidis said:

IME, as far as materials and workmanship are concerned, the Vintage Vibe Strats are really good. Excellent in fact. Better than the price would indicate. They are the top of the line in the Squier lineup, and for good reason.

I can say that the Vintage Modified Teles and Jazzmasters are also great, but I have never tried a VM Strat.

How about the a Classic Vibes?

Guitarmageddon

Dr. Stratster
Apr 19, 2014
27,512
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #7

Jigglebone said:

How about the a Classic Vibes?

he meant Classic Vibe - there is no such thing as 'Vintage Vibe'

Jigglebone

Senior Stratmaster
Jan 20, 2017
1,355
Southern Idaho, US
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #8

Guitarmageddon said:

I can tell by the serial number prefix - you have tuners with one screw in bottom right corner on each one right? They might also be branded SQUIER on the back....

The headstock truss rod hole has no plastic surround, just bare wood

It says SQUIER STRAT (not stratocaster)

Body will be 1 3/4" or just under....

Colors are sunburst with tortoise pickguard, black with pearl pickguard, white with pearl pickguard....those are the 3 most common....

Yep, described it to a 't'! I decided to make a project out of it. Should be fun!

R

Roccobagadonuts

Strat-Talker
Sep 6, 2011
364
Remulak
  • Jan 20, 2017
  • #9

They have been makin Squiers since 1982 so there have been quite the few models over the years. The most expensive will run over 1000 bucks used while the cheapest will be pretty much given away for almost nothin. As far as the current Squier models go the CVs and Vintage Modified models are their best stuff. If ya want the best Squiers tho buying a new one aint gonna make it happen...

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985
Nov 14, 2013
30,426
Alabama
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #10

Jigglebone said:

How about the a Classic Vibes?

Guitarmageddon said:

he meant Classic Vibe - there is no such thing as 'Vintage Vibe'

Yes, sorry, I did mean Classic Vibe.

johnnymg

Most Honored Senior Member
Sep 5, 2015
6,621
Out Where the Busses Don't Run
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #11

Ebidis said:

IME, as far as materials and workmanship are concerned, the Vintage Vibe Strats are really good. Excellent in fact. Better than the price would indicate. They are the top of the line in the Squier lineup, and for good reason.

I can say that the Vintage Modified Teles and Jazzmasters are also great, but I have never tried a VM Strat.

I bought a new VM Surf strat and it was quite nice after I polished the really dull/tarnished frets. I ultimately sold that guitar because the neck was too thin for me.

My CV 60 Strat is very close (if not equal) to my MIA Standard in playability and fit/finish. It's absolutely the best value in any guitar I've purchased.

Otisblove

Senior Stratmaster
May 20, 2016
2,115
Indiana
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #12

I bought a Classic Vibe Custom telecaster a few weeks ago because I liked it as much as any of the Fender Telecasters I played and it was considerably cheaper.
I heard a guy playing a butterscotch blonde classic vibe 50's telecaster today in Guitar Center and it sounded great. I've picked up a bunch of them myself and every one was impressive.
Only drawback is that all of the bsb teles I played were on the heavy side and I prefer a lighter guitar in my twilight years. The custom I bought is the lightest telecaster I've ever played. That sealed the deal for me.

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985
Nov 14, 2013
30,426
Alabama
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #13

Otisblove said:

I bought a Classic Vibe Custom telecaster a few weeks ago because I liked it as much as any of the Fender Telecasters I played and it was considerably cheaper.
I heard a guy playing a butterscotch blonde classic vibe 50's telecaster today in Guitar Center and it sounded great. I've picked up a bunch of them myself and every one was impressive.
Only drawback is that all of the bsb teles I played were on the heavy side and I prefer a lighter guitar in my twilight years. The custom I bought is the lightest telecaster I've ever played. That sealed the deal for me.

Does yours look like this?

Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (15)

I absolutely love this Tele. Plays and sounds like a much more expensive guitar, and yea, it's light.

xland

Senior Stratmaster
Oct 5, 2014
3,331
Phoenix, AZ
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #14

The only Squier I own is my BSB Classic Vibe 50's Tele and it is easily one of my favorite guitars. It's my only single pickup guitar and it doesn't take a back seat to any of my other guitars. I honestly thought today (after playing my Gibson Tribute T LP) the only guitars I would need are my Tribute T, my HSS Strat and my Squier 50's CV Tele.

Otisblove

Senior Stratmaster
May 20, 2016
2,115
Indiana
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #15

No. THAT, my friend is a Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom. Mine is a Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster. It's all very confusing.
Here's mine.

T

texred

Guest
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #16

@Guitarmageddon
Howdy. Thought somebody said the chinese se's were 1 5/8"?

thomquietwolf

Dr. Stratster

Silver Member

Dec 2, 2010
24,352
Peardale CA
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #17

Otisblove said:

No. THAT, my friend is a Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom. Mine is a Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster. It's all very confusing.
Here's mine.View attachment 211908

I played one just like this at Foggy Mountain
Loved the neck & liked the pickups
For some reason I wasn't fond of the body binding
Picky picky picky

SouthernGuitarman

Strat-Talk Member
Nov 30, 2010
47
New Zealand
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #18

Don't judge a book by it's cover. I was browsing through a range of the cheapest Squier Strats on a rack in a shop and came across a Black one with Rosewood a neck. The electrics sucked and were replaced. BUT the neck was stunning! I could get a low fast action from it. I still have that neck on another guitar and its playability and action are still superb. Sometimes you find a real gem.

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985
Nov 14, 2013
30,426
Alabama
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #19

Otisblove said:

No. THAT, my friend is a Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom. Mine is a Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster. It's all very confusing.
Here's mine.View attachment 211908

You're right. I read Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster and somehow it registered in my feeble mind as Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom. I should lay off the caffeine. Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (23)

Oh well, they are both really nice Teles.

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985
Nov 14, 2013
30,426
Alabama
  • Jan 21, 2017
  • #20

SouthernGuitarman said:

Don't judge a book by it's cover. I was browsing through a range of the cheapest Squier Strats on a rack in a shop and came across a Black one with Rosewood a neck. The electrics sucked and were replaced. BUT the neck was stunning! I could get a low fast action from it. I still have that neck on another guitar and its playability and action are still superb. Sometimes you find a real gem.

I know what you mean, I have a Bullet Tele HS that has a superb neck. Very nice action. And those guitars cost a whopping $119.99 when they made them.

Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (25)

Which Squiers are best (and worst)? (2024)

FAQs

Is Squire worse than Fender? ›

The quality of wiring and coils can be objectively lower when probing. However, the overall feel and vibe are there, and you can argue that there is not much difference in the tone quality between Squier and Fender Strats, though you can notice a purer tone in Fender Strats.

Do any professionals use Squier? ›

Legendary blues, rock, and jazz guitarist Jeff Healey was also known to frequently use Squiers in both his studio and touring rig. Although having a range of makes and models of guitars to choose from, he always found himself going back to Squiers.

Is there anything wrong with Squier guitars? ›

Squier is a sub-brand to Fender, and is generally decently build guitars at a lower pricepoint.. The low pricepoint of Squier by Fender is absolutely the biggest pro, as you get a fairly decent entry level guitar.. The cons Are, that the quality of material and the finish is not as good as more expensive brands..

Can a Squier sound as good as a Fender? ›

The Squiers aren't quite up to the same standard as the Fenders. 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.

Are Squire bullets bad? ›

The Squier Bullet Strat solidbody electric is a great guitar for beginners and experienced players alike. Phenomenally affordable and great-sounding, the Bullet Strat is also easy to play, which is essential to keep the interest of those just getting started on guitar.

Is a Squire Strat worth it? ›

Are Squier Strats any good? Squier Strats offer excellent value, with solid build quality and an authentic Fender tone, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned players seeking a budget-friendly option. As well as their more accessible pricing, they're backed by Fender's manufacturing standards.

Is Squier made by Cort? ›

Ibanez, PRS (SE line), Squier, and G&L Tribute series line of guitars are among the most well-known brands that Cort produces.

How long will a Squier last? ›

Many of them will last for decades! Overall, they are owned by Fender, which is a brand with high-quality standards and a reputation to uphold. Fender wouldn't let one of their subsidiaries produce junk guitars, so you should expect any Squier to last a decent amount of time.

Can you play metal on a Squier? ›

Yes, you can play any style of music on a Stratocaster style guitar, including a Squier. I would probably stay away from the cheapest Squiers though. I would also personally get a HSS or HSH strat style (H = humbucker) for heavier styles of music. As always, try things out and see what sounds good to you!

Are Fender Squiers made in China? ›

Yako was established in 1993, was headquartered in Taiwan, and had factories there and on the mainland. Early plant management was all from Taiwan, but Squier instruments were built in the factory located in Zhangzhou, in southeastern China, about 300 kilometers from Hong Kong.

Are Squiers good enough? ›

The build quality from Squier is really good, especially considering the price, however, it does tend to be better from Fender. Now and again, you might get a Squier with slightly rough fret ends – nothing too bad, but your fretting hand might notice it.

Who builds Squier guitars? ›

Under the Squier brand, Fender makes less expensive versions of its popular Stratocaster and Telecaster models, among others. Originally a string manufacturing company for violins, banjos, and guitars, Fender acquired Squier in 1965 and began producing Squier guitars in 1982.

Can you make a Squier play like a Fender? ›

Neck refinement

One way of making your cheaper Squier play more like an American made Fender is by putting some time into refining the neck. (Another would be to adjust the truss rod… Ed.)

How does Squier compare to Fender? ›

First off, Fender use more expensive wood. Typical Squier bodies can be made from basswood and sometimes pine, whereas Fenders are usually Alder. Now, tonally speaking it's all subjective, but Alder is a consistently resonant timber that's also stable.

Can I replace a Squier neck with Fender? ›

Careful attempt to insert the Fender neck into the Squier neck pocket. You will know right away if you have a good fit. The neck will ideally just drop into place and it's ok if there is snug fit. You do not want to force the neck into the pocket.

Is Squier a different brand than Fender? ›

Fender bought the company in 1965, the same year they themselves were bought over by CBS. Originally attained as a subsidiary for making strings, Fender then chose the Squier brand to be their official overseas replica subbrand in 1982.

Is Squier older than Fender? ›

Squier Company" was founded in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier in Battle Creek, Michigan, producing strings for violins, banjos, and guitars. In 1965, the company was acquired by Fender.

Do Squier guitars last? ›

Many of them will last for decades! Overall, they are owned by Fender, which is a brand with high-quality standards and a reputation to uphold. Fender wouldn't let one of their subsidiaries produce junk guitars, so you should expect any Squier to last a decent amount of time.

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