My grandma was a Squier, and it is interesting how oblivious she had been to the notoriety of her name! With just a little research, I learned that Victor Squier is my Great Great Grand Uncle (being the brother of my grandmother's grandpa). I would like to add a few details to the name that is Squier. The Squier name actually predates Victor Carroll, to his father Jerome Bonaparte Squier (hence the name J.B. Squier on the original guitars). Jerome Bonaparte was a world class violin maker, commonly referred to as the "American Stradivarius," and he made violins from 1881 until near his death in 1912. Victor learned his trade from his father, but recognizing that violin strings were so expensive because they were only made in Europe, he chose to specialize in making the strings in the USA, which helped make them affordable here. That company then expanded into making many different types of strings for different instruments and, yes, Victor is technically the one who sold the name and the right to manufacture the Squier strings to Fender.
I had a Squier strat, a few years back. It was in perfect condition. It said Fender on the headstock, with Squier in small letters, but it also said that it was made in Mexico. I regret selling it.
My first guitar was a white Squier strat, purchased in early '84. Has the SQ serial number so assume it was an 83 based on when I bought it. Still have it and would never sell it. Love that guitar!
My first electric was a large head stock black Squier Strat bought the same year and still in my possession. Had a refret last year but no desire to change the electronics, they’re fine.
Here’s a Squier oddity. I have a “Jagmaster” Vista series, MIJ in 1996. It has an American standard Jaguar neck, that was apparently shipped over to Japan to kick start production. It’s a SUPERB guitar! 24’ scale and I pulled the “mush-buckers” it shipped with and put in Golden Age P90’s - I call it my “L.P.Jr” killer, and it is! I also own from the Squier Classic vibe series, a Thin line tele, a Jazz bass and a P bass - all just great instruments. Peace
About 10 years ago Gibson started making the elite line Epiphone in Japan. They were about $1,000. They quickly discontinued them because they were better than the ones they were making in the USA. Because of my procrastination I missed that deal.
When "lawsuit" copies appeared in the 70's, generally speaking here in the UK, we were snobbish about them. Then when we realised that the Japanese guitars were decent, we got snobby about the Korean made jobs. It wasn't really until the late 90's that we actually started getting the message that other countries could make a decent instrument. That sort of brand snobbery still exist, but things have changed so much for the better. Ta.
Glad you said that mate. When I went to buy my second guitar in the early 80s it was commonly thought that Squiers were cheap, poor man's Fenders without actually trying them out. I wish I'd bought a Japan made one now.
@MC Big Boy People feel better about themselves when they buy the Fender cos they think Squiers are of low quality. I have a Squier Tele and a Squier Strat, but I love them even though I already have the Fender ones
I had a black guard Squier Classic Vibe a few years back. I bought it as a back up to my main MIM tele. Low and behold the Squier became my number 1 real quick. Snappy tone, roll the tone knob back a tad and you could get a great sound with an overdriven amp. Very underrated budget guitar.
The Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best Jazzmasters out there. Great neck, solid pickups and very affordable. Don't count out a Squier, especially the 80's ones.
A few years back I was doing a Patsy Cline tribute show, and if you've ever listened to a lot of her stuff, you realize early on that there is arch top on the earlier stuff, and then Tele from there on out. I didn't have a tele, so I went to Guitar Center and asked the guy at the front desk to show me the cheapest tele they had. A voice behind me said "THIS is the cheapest tele we have", and I turned around to see a Squier Affinity series butterscotch blonde hanging on the wall. Played it, and turned a few heads even. Paid $199 and played the show. Figured I would probably sell it, I'm a strat and Jazzmaster guy. Still have it. Put new tuners and pickups on it, turned the plate around and swapped the volume and tone pots (the Bill Kirchner mod). I also made a flamed maple pickguard, I HATE black plastic. I actually like it better than any "real" tele I've played, because it's so much lighter. I'm not a kid anymore, and lighter is really appreciated. Sound wise, it's just like every other tele I've played, too bright but damn useful. It is it's own sound. But I'll keep it, and play it with no problems. Heck of a deal, glad I bought it. May have to try one of those JM's, I do hear good things about them.
I always hated that body style but I picked one up a while back at a store and I was really impressed by that neck and the playability...I almost bought it, but put it back.
That’s very interesting and makes it even more trivial that fender cares nothing about squire and customer support is nothing from them if you own a squire
I'm the proud owner of a Squire affinity which I bought brand new in year 2k and still have it to this day having made a number of modifications over the years. Mine is the old "eight hole" scratch plate, not the later eleven hole version.
I own a Squier Tele Custom II with P90's. The previous owner gave it a serious overhaul. It has upgraded pickups and pots, as well as a pro set-up, and it's one of the best-playing guitars I have. They might not come off the shelf in perfect adjustment, but you'd be amazed what a good tune-up can do for a Squier.
Squier Bullets were American made in 1981 until mid '83 when they were made in Japan and spiraled ever since; for example: both my Squier Strats were made in China ('00 Affinity) and Indonesia ('02 Bullet w/a top-loading hardtail bridge) and to finally answer your question, they are really worth it!
I played a Classic Vibes Tele during lockdown. Slap Fender on the headstock, double the price, and watch them sell out to all the vintage tone and blues players.
I have a couple of the JV squier Strats and they definitely match or exceed the USA models. I have a Korean Strat as well and that is excellent (pickups upgraded however). In fact all the Japanese Squiers are well worth consideration.
@@elliotvernon7971 that is correct, but only after 84 when forced to downgrade due to the exceptional quality of the JV and first run of the SQ series. Although often advertised as 'Ash' Fender/Squier Japan used a Japanese wood called 'Sen', which in my opinion is a more consistent genus of Ash than North American or European ash, which can vary a lot in weight depending on the individual tree. Sen has lovely ash figuring and a more consistent weight, and makes for an excellent tone wood. Guitars sold mostly to the Japanese market branded Fender also used Alder. I don't believe Basswood (also known as Lime or Linden when in tree from) was utilised until the 'A' series Squiers (which confusingly came after the ''E' series, which had followed on from the 'SQ' series). Basswood was again used when production returned to Japan in late 1991 after 4.5year hiatus. But MIJ Silver Series Squiers were officially made from Alder - but this may have been limited to the sunburst and natural finished guitars of this period.
I highly rate all MIJ Fender/Squier guitars made between 82-87 (then production moves to Korea and plywood Squier body construction begins, so i avoid these), MIJ 92-95 - with a silver logo. Standout MIJ years (IMO) - Year production began and series letter: 82 - JV series 83 - JV/SQ series 84 - SQ/E series 86 - A/B/C/D 87 - F/G/H/I/J Silver Series 91 - K 92 - L 93 - M 94 - N 95 - P/Q
@@luwullewa sorry to pop your bubble, but you are quite incorrect. My E series Bullet Strat,S-3T is a plywood body,but has a beautiful tele neck.which is soon to be on an old Indonesian standard body. Probably why the body isn't contoured, and it's black. Very heavy too.
The first Telecasters had no front/neck pickup and were called a Squier. As I recall they had the ashtray over the bridge, and possibly lacked a truss-rod as well. Any ideas on that?? My first electric was a a Korean- that every luthier who has worked on it, tells me I should hang on to. So I still have it and have used it on multiple recordings some studios in Nashville. There's just something about it, that hearkens back to a random build I suppose. I still use it now and then to this day.
I have 2 Squier vintage modified Telecaster basses,that play and sound just as good as my Fender American Jazz bass. I recently ordered the Squier Esquire from Sweetwater,and can't wait to play it.
Scott Zimmerman, who was there when Squier/Fender Japan started, is in my Leo Fender Guitar and amp group on FB. I'm going to post a link to this video there and see if he comments on it. Dude is a wealth of Fender historical info. He actually knew Dan Smith, Freddy Tavares, and Leo.
Fender did a similar thing with DeArmond. They were a brand specialized in pickups. Fender bought them, and for a short while at the end of the 90s used the name for a budget brand. The guitars were based on Guild models (another brand owned by Fender), notably the Starfire, a semi-hollow. They were produced in Korea. Today they don't use the DeArmond name anymore, but Squier sometimes makes Starfires.
I own 3 "Interesting" strats. 1- 1983 Squier MIJ copy of 1970s Fender Strat with big headstock, bullet trussrod, and 3 bolt neckplate. 2- 1984 Squier MIJ copy of 1962 Fender Strat, with rosewood slabboard and heel trussrod, 3-ply pickguard. Interesting that the pickguard is 8-hole (not 11 hole) and Gotoh style tuners. This (1984 Squier) is of exceptional quality. The third interesting guitar I own was somewhat of a mystery at first. It's a Fender MIM Stratocaster (1995) with a small "Squier Series" decal at end of headstock. This ended up being made after a fire at the Mexican factory, where US made necks and bodies were used (Its a really nice neck) with 1 ply pickguard and mexican components. The Squier name doesn't mean "Entry Level" as some people think.
The Squier Series actually had bottom of the line Asian components. Some refuse to believe that they are MIM bodies with necks made in America and shipped to Mexico for assembly. It was the portion of the Mexican facility that made necks that burned. The bodies were not affected. Terrible Asian electronics were used to offset the cost of American neck production. I bought my Squier Series new in 1991. The neck is made to MIM specks with the exception of vintage fret wire and headstock drilled for kluson style tuners. (No two holes for standard Fender tuners). Although it proves nothing, the neck pocket of the body has a rectangular white sticker with an 'M' which appears to be written in black crayon. The neck heel has an identical rectangular sticker with a red 'A' which also appears to be written in Crayola. Schaller tuners, Babicz bridge, bone nut, it is funny when guests turn their nose up at the Squier Series and pick up a standard MIM. These guitars were made briefly to keep production rolling and were sold along side actual Squiers and shared common literature which made matters even more confusing.
Robert, I can listen to you play for hours and not get bored of it. I love the Squier tele, it sounds fantastic, especially when you are ripping those Zep riffs.
Interesting fact - People often think the Squier M77 is a Les Paul copy but its not. It is a copy of a 1955 Guild Aristocrat which was a semi hollow body. Its bigger and wont fit a Les Paul case. Its a fixed neck mahogany guitar and is one of the best guitars I have for tone. it has Duncan Designed pickups originally (jazz neck Sh 2 and a Jeff Beck TB 4 bridge)which were great.
On a recent trip from the United Kingdom to California, My friend let me borrow a couple of his Squire guitars .. Made in Japan Strat and a semi hollow body called an Esprit. Both were awesome
When I went to a guitar store two years back I was supposed to find a Squier but I came across a fender Strat from 1996. The electronics were changed but for $300. It was a great deal! I’ve played it ever since.
I've got a Squier standard strat made in Indonesia, Agathis body, really straight-grained maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. Not sure of the year...maybe 2005-ish. That sucker sets up beautifully, stays in tune and plays like a dream. I replaced all the electronics including Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers. Replaced the nut with a Tusq. Installed fender bent-steel saddles and haven't had a string break in 5 years.I stripped off the thick black plastic paint and changed it to Olympic white. Took off the Squier decal and replaced it with 'Fender Stratocaster' etc. However, in case it ever leaves my hands I wanted to ensure it never got sold as an authentic Fender Strat. So I: 1) Left 2 string trees on the headstock; Strats only have one. 2) left the decal on the back of the headstock 'Crafted by Fender in Indonesia'. Strats were only ever made in 3 countries...US/Japan/Mexico. 3) Left the Squier logo neck plate. I also noticed just recently that this guitar is louder and way more resonant acoustically than my Les Pauls, Suhr or Epiphone. I've heard people rag on Agathis as a tonewood but that's not what my ears tell me.
Awesome video Robert !! Since 03' I have said ALOT of the squier stuff is been underated & now as you said they have jacked the quality up on the stuff to MIM levels.
Back in the late 70,s I worked for a chain of music stores named Music West. Fender had switched to the 3 bolt necks and many of the guitar players that came into the store preferred the made in Japan copies. The Fenders weren't selling. Peavey had just launched their guitar line and many players were moving to them or Gibsons. We had a house brand called Mateo guitars and many people preferred even them to the Fenders.
What I know /heard: Fender was 'bought back' from CBS, but in doing so they were a company with no assets, no factories. They bought back the name and brand, nothing more. While they were setting up new factories and production, in that transition time they made stuff in Japan (either by shipping over what they had left from inventory or manufacturing it there). MIA strats were a thing again when the new factories were up and running (and I think the factory in Mexico was not long after that, or even a part of this). My guitar that I got from my (late) father and I learned playing on is still my #1 guitar. It's the white one from one of your pictures (cream white, real made-in-germany floyd-rose but with 3 single coils). The floyd-rose just broke some day, so there is a normal 6-screw Fender bridge on it now, and some of the pups got replaced by Seymour Duncan mini-humbuckers.. but it's still my main squeeze :). Fender logo on the headstock but in essence a Made in Japan Squier.. still, got loads of emotional value for me, plays like a dream, is my only guitar that stays in tune all year long and is over 30 years old now.. never going to let it go.
Not true. They bought the whole company, but CBS retained the ownership of the original factory site in Fullerton. So they had to find a new home for all the staff and machinery, tools, woods, and other physical assets and materiels. It took a few months to find a new site and get the lines set up and moving: Corona opened in 1985, Ensenada was opened two years later. Many Fender items are still made on the original machines Leo bought--such as the bent steel bridge saddles and the butterfly string retainer. And one line in Corona does them all, for US and Mexican models.
This video came at a great time! I just picked up a Squire Paranormal Offset Telecaster yesterday!! Thanks for all the cool info about the Squire brand!!
Mine is an 84 Squier Tele. One of the Korean models. I bought it off the shelf. It's been my main axe ever since. It's a perfect Tele. Tough as nails and does not go out of tune ever.
A year ago I bought a (chinese) Squier Contemporary strat. I am very impressed by it. The playability is as good as my more expensive guitars of $1500 or more 👍🏻
A few years ago I picked up a book called 'Squier Electrics - 30 years of Fender's budget guitar brand' by Tony Bacon, published by Backbeat Books in 2012. It is a very interesting read. It has all the major models, plus special runs, plus serial number/factory info info. It was priced at $24.99/£16.95, in a discount book shop, where I paid £7.00 for it.
I bought jazz bass Classic Vibe 70 in black a week ago. I had plenty of Fender USA basses and several G&L s from earliy 80. This Squire jazz bass I one of the best basses I ever had if not the best.
I have two Squire se CSX serial numbers made at the axl plant in China. They are from 2002 one is sunburst the other is white. They are full size same as Fender stratocaster meaning Fender parts fit them. The necks are amazing. I replaced the tuners with graph tech ratio locking tuners and the bridge with super-vee bladerunner bridge.They are both better guitars than any Fender $1500 -$2500 guitar you're gonna purchase from a music store. I paid $99.99 each for them.
I have a 1984 Fiesta Red Japanese E series Squier Strat. Its my favorite guitar to date and I could put it against almost anything tone wise. E series came after JV, JV being in 1982-83.
I'm so glad I got myself a Squire Classic 50's Tele: Tried to get myself a Fender tele but, for some reason, couldn't find a single one around me in a traditional all-single-pickups configuration. Why did nobody tell me that Squires weren't shit anymore?
Thanks Robert, very interesting! I own a Squier pj bass and love it. The only thing I want to change about it is the neck, not because of the quality but I prefer the look of a maple fretboard.
I have both an American Standard Strat (EE model made in the USA) and an old Tokai Springy Strat (made in Japan around the same time). I love my USA Strat, but the Tokai plays and sounds incredible.
Kanda Shokai, the owner of the Greco brand, has a share in Fender Japan. Fuji Gen made them. So, a Japanese JV or SQ Squier is basicaly a Greco with some Fender approved parts and a Squier label.
I believe that Squier actually started making violins first; then, went on to making strings for violin, guitars, etc. Great video. Thank you for the history.
Excellent post, Bob! (If I may call you that. I've had many Bob's in my life!) I just purchased a Sam Ash Squire Arctic White Tele @ $199. +16.shipping. So I'll let someone else win your nice gift to the devoted fellow axeman!
JV= “Japanese Vintage”. I have a JV pbass and a JV Jazz Bass, paid $100 for the J and $75 for the P, obviously got very lucky as the sellers thought why were just “Squires”, which they are haha. Great basses though I must say.
I'm 63 yrs. old and have been playing for 55 of those years. This is all new information for me. Really cool to know the history and these facts, thanks.
Also 63, but only playing for 2. Love my Squier Classic Vibe guitars. I have a 60s Strat and a 50s Tele. Both are really nice, but I’ve never played anything to compare them to. I also have fretting hand thumb pain. Any tips?
Nice work Robert! Thumbs up for these fantastic guitars. Have you seen footage of Stevie Ray Vaughan playing Texas Flood on a Squier SQ? Seems that he in the eighties already discovered the quality of these fine guitars. Just look for srv-texas flood- Squier on TH-cam.
I bought my first tele squier in 1985 , my current guitar for the last 20 years is a squier strat, the neck is so stable , never seen the inside of a guitar case been dropped on the headstock and the real only issues would be the tuners. In 1987 I part traded it for another guitar I got what I paid for it .
My main guitar has been a 70s reissue Squier Telecaster Deluxe that i added a Bigsby to for the last 3 years... I'll never put this guitar down, i love it too much
Loved this video! I never knew about squire's history. I was always told squire isn't fender, they are just licenced to make them. Thanx for the education bro 🤘
Indeed. Lot of people saying the new 2021 line-up is embarrassing Fender as the Squier brand is offering better. Having to point out Squier doesn't exist, hasn't for decades. It's a Fender product line. It's Fender designing, marketing and distributing them. I don't think they're being shown up by themselves...
hell yes. my main gigging guitar is a 1997 protone series squier strat. it's a great guitar. I've also had a classic vibe 60s strat that was a great guitar as well.
VS Squier company started in the late 1800’s as an American Violin company, and he was at one time known as the American Stradivarius. He also pushed his instruments into schools, providing thousands of children with their first violins, violas, and cellos.. their first string making machine was made out of an old foot powered sewing machine.. their strings were used by Leo fender from the very first guitar he made, and then shortly before Leo sold the company to cbs, he was able to acquire the squier company. CBS maintained that company until 75, when they put their name on the strings.
Cool video. Good info. In the 70s you might as well say CBS. That's who owned Fender since the late 60s. At that time it was all about mass production and Marketing $$$$. Love your content Robert ❤️
I got one of those. A black one with a maple fingerboard. I picked it up from one of those junk stores that buy up estates. 75 buck with an amp. That was a score for me!
I have a completely stock 07 squire deluxe strat in daphne blue with the Duncan designed pickups and it's better than any of the mims I've had. I don't know from personal experience but I've seen people online who swear they even prefer them to their American strats
I play a LPB Squier Classic Vibe Jazz bass (James Johnston artist model), and I've had mates with USA fenders ask to play it live instead. Just a true quality instrument
It's amazing how many professional guitarists have a guilty pleasure squier that's they're favourite guitar but don't use it due to other company endorsements.
One of my favorite guitars and the one I probably play the most is my modded and upgraded Squire '51 which is the only Squire that isn't a copy and was built from the ground up...
I picked up a 90's squire strat and have only upgraded the electronics. It's as heavy as tank, but damn if it didn't just feel right after getting it setup.
I had an old affinity series strat, the thing sounded ace, the only problem it had was uneven frets.. nowadays I think that the best affordable guitars come from Harley Benton.. I got one of their Les Paul Double Cut Junior style guitars and it blew my mind, I have a couple of videos on my channel.. I could definitely rock that esquier though! Awesome video and thank you for the content!
Enter the Giveaway HERE homies - th-cam.com/video/1kFF5G1o8K4/w-d-xo.html
Ha Ha !
No Strings Attached !
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Sorry I’ve missed your live-streams lately. Keep up the great videos! Always gets me through the week.
Hey Robert. The intro and outro tunes you play, are they pre planed or do you just play what you feel?
You need to find à JB player strat and add it these were before squirts mighty fine guitars
I missed the giveaway coz I only got the video suggestion in my recommendation feed _"today"_
I love Squiers. They're cheap, can mod it to your liking for pickups, and pretty much fulfills Leo Fender's design philosophy for affordable guitars!
They should have made a Billy Squier Squier Esquire.
The universe isn't ready for that!
Well played
And he could’ve then acquired Squier..
I have never put all this together... my mind is blown!!! Lmao
They'd need to call it the Billy Squier EsQUEER.
My grandma was a Squier, and it is interesting how oblivious she had been to the notoriety of her name! With just a little research, I learned that Victor Squier is my Great Great Grand Uncle (being the brother of my grandmother's grandpa). I would like to add a few details to the name that is Squier. The Squier name actually predates Victor Carroll, to his father Jerome Bonaparte Squier (hence the name J.B. Squier on the original guitars). Jerome Bonaparte was a world class violin maker, commonly referred to as the "American Stradivarius," and he made violins from 1881 until near his death in 1912. Victor learned his trade from his father, but recognizing that violin strings were so expensive because they were only made in Europe, he chose to specialize in making the strings in the USA, which helped make them affordable here. That company then expanded into making many different types of strings for different instruments and, yes, Victor is technically the one who sold the name and the right to manufacture the Squier strings to Fender.
Extra facts, nice
I had a Squier strat, a few years back. It was in perfect condition. It said Fender on the headstock, with Squier in small letters, but it also said that it was made in Mexico. I regret selling it.
excuse me did you sell it because it was made in Mexico lol
Bought a Squire II strat back in 89. The only thing that has been replaced were the crappy tuners. Still rockin that guitar!
Yeah those are great !
Nice
Excellent guitar, I have one out of commission for the moment(Bridge is gone) but I ain't parting with it anytime soon!!!!
My first guitar was a white Squier strat, purchased in early '84. Has the SQ serial number so assume it was an 83 based on when I bought it. Still have it and would never sell it. Love that guitar!
Nice guitar, worth upgrading the electronics
My first electric was a large head stock black Squier Strat bought the same year and still in my possession. Had a refret last year but no desire to change the electronics, they’re fine.
Here’s a Squier oddity. I have a “Jagmaster” Vista series, MIJ in 1996. It has an American standard Jaguar neck, that was apparently shipped over to Japan to kick start production. It’s a SUPERB guitar! 24’ scale and I pulled the “mush-buckers” it shipped with and put in Golden Age P90’s - I call it my “L.P.Jr” killer, and it is!
I also own from the Squier Classic vibe series, a Thin line tele, a Jazz bass and a P bass - all just great instruments.
Peace
About 10 years ago Gibson started making the elite line Epiphone in Japan. They were about $1,000. They quickly discontinued them because they were better than the ones they were making in the USA. Because of my procrastination I missed that deal.
I have a 2001 Fugigen Epiphone Les Paul Custom that is as good as my Gibson's
They weren’t better, but they were amazing for the price.
Actually closer to 20 years ago, believe it or not.
@@HashiAkitaPuppy I was thinking about that. What is said about Timeflies is no joke.
You can still find plenty of Japanese copies on the used market (mostly Greco and Tokai) and they are often great guitars.
When "lawsuit" copies appeared in the 70's, generally speaking here in the UK, we were snobbish about them. Then when we realised that the Japanese guitars were decent, we got snobby about the Korean made jobs. It wasn't really until the late 90's that we actually started getting the message that other countries could make a decent instrument. That sort of brand snobbery still exist, but things have changed so much for the better.
Ta.
Glad you said that mate. When I went to buy my second guitar in the early 80s it was commonly thought that Squiers were cheap, poor man's Fenders without actually trying them out. I wish I'd bought a Japan made one now.
I've been modifying Squier's for a while now. With just a little time, pickups and electronics you can make them feel and play like a Fender.
I play a classic vibe tele. No mods yet.. im still happy with it. But would like to mod it 1 day. Any pickup recommendations?
@@gtrriffs I'd get the ones that sound good to you! ;)
@@gtrriffs Dimarzio twang kings
@MC Big Boy People feel better about themselves when they buy the Fender cos they think Squiers are of low quality. I have a Squier Tele and a Squier Strat, but I love them even though I already have the Fender ones
They’re fun to mod. If you can get a used Squier and use that as a modding platform, it’ll come out far cheaper than a MIM Fender.
I had a black guard Squier Classic Vibe a few years back. I bought it as a back up to my main MIM tele. Low and behold the Squier became my number 1 real quick. Snappy tone, roll the tone knob back a tad and you could get a great sound with an overdriven amp. Very underrated budget guitar.
I bought my first Squier Strat in 85. I still have it and I swear it plays better than my newer Fender Strat.
The Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best Jazzmasters out there. Great neck, solid pickups and very affordable. Don't count out a Squier, especially the 80's ones.
Or the Pro Tone series from the mid/late 90s or the current Classic Vibe.
A few years back I was doing a Patsy Cline tribute show, and if you've ever listened to a lot of her stuff, you realize early on that there is arch top on the earlier stuff, and then Tele from there on out. I didn't have a tele, so I went to Guitar Center and asked the guy at the front desk to show me the cheapest tele they had. A voice behind me said "THIS is the cheapest tele we have", and I turned around to see a Squier Affinity series butterscotch blonde hanging on the wall. Played it, and turned a few heads even. Paid $199 and played the show. Figured I would probably sell it, I'm a strat and Jazzmaster guy.
Still have it. Put new tuners and pickups on it, turned the plate around and swapped the volume and tone pots (the Bill Kirchner mod). I also made a flamed maple pickguard, I HATE black plastic. I actually like it better than any "real" tele I've played, because it's so much lighter. I'm not a kid anymore, and lighter is really appreciated. Sound wise, it's just like every other tele I've played, too bright but damn useful. It is it's own sound.
But I'll keep it, and play it with no problems. Heck of a deal, glad I bought it. May have to try one of those JM's, I do hear good things about them.
Yes sir!!! I have a ‘85 Squier strat and it’s great!!!!
I always hated that body style but I picked one up a while back at a store and I was really impressed by that neck and the playability...I almost bought it, but put it back.
Cool video. I just literally got home from the music store after buying my youngest daughter her first guitar: a Squier Affinity Strat.
Good choice!...
I have a ‘91 Squier Strat made in S. Korea. Great tone with nice action. Love to own this sweet Tele too. Thanks for the demo. 👍
That’s very interesting and makes it even more trivial that fender cares nothing about squire and customer support is nothing from them if you own a squire
I'm the proud owner of a Squire affinity which I bought brand new in year 2k and still have it to this day having made a number of modifications over the years. Mine is the old "eight hole" scratch plate, not the later eleven hole version.
I have an original JV '62 from 1983. Superb guitar. They also had USA pickups at that time.
I own a Squier Tele Custom II with P90's. The previous owner gave it a serious overhaul. It has upgraded pickups and pots, as well as a pro set-up, and it's one of the best-playing guitars I have. They might not come off the shelf in perfect adjustment, but you'd be amazed what a good tune-up can do for a Squier.
Absolutely loving the tone you are getting on this tongue twister Squier Esquire!
Great video as always.
Squier Bullets were American made in 1981 until mid '83 when they were made in Japan and spiraled ever since; for example: both my Squier Strats were made in China ('00 Affinity) and Indonesia ('02 Bullet w/a top-loading hardtail bridge) and to finally answer your question, they are really worth it!
"Squier" is actually named after me, Quentin James, they just spell it differently.
I read that somewhere
"I invented the squire guitar" -TK Kirkland
@@dmvconartists6657 - Nope! Al Gore invented Squire. Everybody knows that.
Japanese Squiers are some of the best guitars to own. Japan just makes absolute quality instruments.
The Classic Vibe line are excellent successors.
I played a Classic Vibes Tele during lockdown. Slap Fender on the headstock, double the price, and watch them sell out to all the vintage tone and blues players.
I love all my squier guitars, they have gotten really good now days.
I have a couple of the JV squier Strats and they definitely match or exceed the USA models. I have a Korean Strat as well and that is excellent (pickups upgraded however). In fact all the Japanese Squiers are well worth consideration.
i've heard some fender experts say that the jv strats are some of the best production guitars fenders ever made.
The solid color ones are generally made of basswood however - for some that is a downgrade.
@@elliotvernon7971 that is correct, but only after 84 when forced to downgrade due to the exceptional quality of the JV and first run of the SQ series. Although often advertised as 'Ash' Fender/Squier Japan used a Japanese wood called 'Sen', which in my opinion is a more consistent genus of Ash than North American or European ash, which can vary a lot in weight depending on the individual tree. Sen has lovely ash figuring and a more consistent weight, and makes for an excellent tone wood. Guitars sold mostly to the Japanese market branded Fender also used Alder. I don't believe Basswood (also known as Lime or Linden when in tree from) was utilised until the 'A' series Squiers (which confusingly came after the ''E' series, which had followed on from the 'SQ' series). Basswood was again used when production returned to Japan in late 1991 after 4.5year hiatus. But MIJ Silver Series Squiers were officially made from Alder - but this may have been limited to the sunburst and natural finished guitars of this period.
I highly rate all MIJ Fender/Squier guitars made between 82-87 (then production moves to Korea and plywood Squier body construction begins, so i avoid these), MIJ 92-95 - with a silver logo.
Standout MIJ years (IMO) - Year production began and series letter:
82 - JV series
83 - JV/SQ series
84 - SQ/E series
86 - A/B/C/D
87 - F/G/H/I/J
Silver Series
91 - K
92 - L
93 - M
94 - N
95 - P/Q
@@luwullewa sorry to pop your bubble, but you are quite incorrect. My E series Bullet Strat,S-3T is a plywood body,but has a beautiful tele neck.which is soon to be on an old Indonesian standard body. Probably why the body isn't contoured, and it's black. Very heavy too.
The first Telecasters had no front/neck pickup and were called a Squier. As I recall they had the ashtray over the bridge, and possibly lacked a truss-rod as well. Any ideas on that?? My first electric was a a Korean- that every luthier who has worked on it, tells me I should hang on to. So I still have it and have used it on multiple recordings some studios in Nashville. There's just something about it, that hearkens back to a random build I suppose. I still use it now and then to this day.
Very close the first ones were called Esquires and yeah the first few had no trussrod and a very different t headstock with a pine body
I never really thought about where the squier brand came from before and now I know. The history videos are a good addition to the channel 👍
I have 2 Squier vintage modified Telecaster basses,that play and sound just as good as my Fender American Jazz bass. I recently ordered the Squier Esquire from Sweetwater,and can't wait to play it.
Scott Zimmerman, who was there when Squier/Fender Japan started, is in my Leo Fender Guitar and amp group on FB. I'm going to post a link to this video there and see if he comments on it. Dude is a wealth of Fender historical info. He actually knew Dan Smith, Freddy Tavares, and Leo.
I remember Zimmerman, a well of knowledge, and a myth buster for sure!
I use to own a SQ serial number MIJ squire strat and it was a beast. It was from 1984. Great guitar for the money.
Fender did a similar thing with DeArmond. They were a brand specialized in pickups. Fender bought them, and for a short while at the end of the 90s used the name for a budget brand. The guitars were based on Guild models (another brand owned by Fender), notably the Starfire, a semi-hollow. They were produced in Korea. Today they don't use the DeArmond name anymore, but Squier sometimes makes Starfires.
I own 3 "Interesting" strats. 1- 1983 Squier MIJ copy of 1970s Fender Strat with big headstock, bullet trussrod, and 3 bolt neckplate. 2- 1984 Squier MIJ copy of 1962 Fender Strat, with rosewood slabboard and heel trussrod, 3-ply pickguard. Interesting that the pickguard is 8-hole (not 11 hole) and Gotoh style tuners. This (1984 Squier) is of exceptional quality. The third interesting guitar I own was somewhat of a mystery at first. It's a Fender MIM Stratocaster (1995) with a small "Squier Series" decal at end of headstock. This ended up being made after a fire at the Mexican factory, where US made necks and bodies were used (Its a really nice neck) with 1 ply pickguard and mexican components. The Squier name doesn't mean "Entry Level" as some people think.
The Squier Series actually had bottom of the line Asian components. Some refuse to believe that they are MIM bodies with necks made in America and shipped to Mexico for assembly. It was the portion of the Mexican facility that made necks that burned. The bodies were not affected. Terrible Asian electronics were used to offset the cost of American neck production. I bought my Squier Series new in 1991. The neck is made to MIM specks with the exception of vintage fret wire and headstock drilled for kluson style tuners. (No two holes for standard Fender tuners). Although it proves nothing, the neck pocket of the body has a rectangular white sticker with an 'M' which appears to be written in black crayon. The neck heel has an identical rectangular sticker with a red 'A' which also appears to be written in Crayola. Schaller tuners, Babicz bridge, bone nut, it is funny when guests turn their nose up at the Squier Series and pick up a standard MIM. These guitars were made briefly to keep production rolling and were sold along side actual Squiers and shared common literature which made matters even more confusing.
Robert, I can listen to you play for hours and not get bored of it. I love the Squier tele, it sounds fantastic, especially when you are ripping those Zep riffs.
Interesting fact - People often think the Squier M77 is a Les Paul copy but its not. It is a copy of a 1955 Guild Aristocrat which was a semi hollow body. Its bigger and wont fit a Les Paul case. Its a fixed neck mahogany guitar and is one of the best guitars I have for tone. it has Duncan Designed pickups originally (jazz neck Sh 2 and a Jeff Beck TB 4 bridge)which were great.
On a recent trip from the United Kingdom to California, My friend let me borrow a couple of his Squire guitars .. Made in Japan Strat and a semi hollow body called an Esprit.
Both were awesome
When I went to a guitar store two years back I was supposed to find a Squier but I came across a fender Strat from 1996. The electronics were changed but for $300. It was a great deal! I’ve played it ever since.
Nice !!
Score!
Yes, Achilles Last Stand snippet!!! That was awesome, and IMHO the best Zeppelin song.
I've got a Squier standard strat made in Indonesia, Agathis body, really straight-grained maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. Not sure of the year...maybe 2005-ish. That sucker sets up beautifully, stays in tune and plays like a dream. I replaced all the electronics including Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers. Replaced the nut with a Tusq. Installed fender bent-steel saddles and haven't had a string break in 5 years.I stripped off the thick black plastic paint and changed it to Olympic white. Took off the Squier decal and replaced it with 'Fender Stratocaster' etc. However, in case it ever leaves my hands I wanted to ensure it never got sold as an authentic Fender Strat. So I: 1) Left 2 string trees on the headstock; Strats only have one. 2) left the decal on the back of the headstock 'Crafted by Fender in Indonesia'. Strats were only ever made in 3 countries...US/Japan/Mexico. 3) Left the Squier logo neck plate. I also noticed just recently that this guitar is louder and way more resonant acoustically than my Les Pauls, Suhr or Epiphone. I've heard people rag on Agathis as a tonewood but that's not what my ears tell me.
Don't forget the mid 90s Fender "Black Logo" models from Mexico...said "Squier Series" on the ball of the headstock.
Still have my 96’ strat..don’t see them around to often.
Awesome video Robert !! Since 03' I have said ALOT of the squier stuff is been underated & now as you said they have jacked the quality up on the stuff to MIM levels.
Back in the late 70,s I worked for a chain of music stores named Music West. Fender had switched to the 3 bolt necks and many of the guitar players that came into the store preferred the made in Japan copies. The Fenders weren't selling. Peavey had just launched their guitar line and many players were moving to them or Gibsons. We had a house brand called Mateo guitars and many people preferred even them to the Fenders.
Thanks so much for making this! I found it really interesting and useful, keep up the good work!
What I know /heard: Fender was 'bought back' from CBS, but in doing so they were a company with no assets, no factories. They bought back the name and brand, nothing more. While they were setting up new factories and production, in that transition time they made stuff in Japan (either by shipping over what they had left from inventory or manufacturing it there). MIA strats were a thing again when the new factories were up and running (and I think the factory in Mexico was not long after that, or even a part of this).
My guitar that I got from my (late) father and I learned playing on is still my #1 guitar. It's the white one from one of your pictures (cream white, real made-in-germany floyd-rose but with 3 single coils). The floyd-rose just broke some day, so there is a normal 6-screw Fender bridge on it now, and some of the pups got replaced by Seymour Duncan mini-humbuckers.. but it's still my main squeeze :). Fender logo on the headstock but in essence a Made in Japan Squier.. still, got loads of emotional value for me, plays like a dream, is my only guitar that stays in tune all year long and is over 30 years old now.. never going to let it go.
Not true. They bought the whole company, but CBS retained the ownership of the original factory site in Fullerton. So they had to find a new home for all the staff and machinery, tools, woods, and other physical assets and materiels. It took a few months to find a new site and get the lines set up and moving: Corona opened in 1985, Ensenada was opened two years later.
Many Fender items are still made on the original machines Leo bought--such as the bent steel bridge saddles and the butterfly string retainer. And one line in Corona does them all, for US and Mexican models.
This video came at a great time! I just picked up a Squire Paranormal Offset Telecaster yesterday!! Thanks for all the cool info about the Squire brand!!
My Squier JV 57 was my first guitar, and if I ever have to clear my gear, it will be my last even if I can't play anymore.
Mine is an 84 Squier Tele. One of the Korean models. I bought it off the shelf. It's been my main axe ever since. It's a perfect Tele. Tough as nails and does not go out of tune ever.
There were no Korean Squiers in 1984.
A year ago I bought a (chinese) Squier Contemporary strat. I am very impressed by it. The playability is as good as my more expensive guitars of $1500 or more 👍🏻
A few years ago I picked up a book called 'Squier Electrics - 30 years of Fender's budget guitar brand' by Tony Bacon, published by Backbeat Books in 2012. It is a very interesting read. It has all the major models, plus special runs, plus serial number/factory info info. It was priced at $24.99/£16.95, in a discount book shop, where I paid £7.00 for it.
Tony Bacon has written lots of great guitar books; he's right up there with Dave Marsh in my opinion
I bought jazz bass Classic Vibe 70 in black a week ago. I had plenty of Fender USA basses and several G&L s from earliy 80. This Squire jazz bass I one of the best basses I ever had if not the best.
I have two Squire se CSX serial numbers made at the axl plant in China. They are from 2002 one is sunburst the other is white. They are full size same as Fender stratocaster meaning Fender parts fit them.
The necks are amazing. I replaced the tuners with graph tech ratio locking tuners and the bridge with super-vee bladerunner bridge.They are both better guitars than any Fender
$1500 -$2500 guitar you're gonna purchase from a music store.
I paid $99.99 each for them.
Wow, never knew the story, I thought the brand was born in the 80's as a budget line for Fender, period. Very interesting
Same here!
This is why history should always play a role in our education. It always both inspires and warns! :^)
Me too 🎸
I knew they were a string company that Fender bought at some point, but I didn’t realize how long Squier had been in business before Fender bought it.
❤️Squier bullet stratocaster🎸 🥰
I have a 1984 Fiesta Red Japanese E series Squier Strat. Its my favorite guitar to date and I could put it against almost anything tone wise. E series came after JV, JV being in 1982-83.
I'm so glad I got myself a Squire Classic 50's Tele: Tried to get myself a Fender tele but, for some reason, couldn't find a single one around me in a traditional all-single-pickups configuration. Why did nobody tell me that Squires weren't shit anymore?
I have a Korean Fender Squire and it has a USA bridge tremolo set up and the body is ash and maple neck rosewood fingerboard
Thanks Robert, very interesting! I own a Squier pj bass and love it. The only thing I want to change about it is the neck, not because of the quality but I prefer the look of a maple fretboard.
Robert, great info and I have been really thinking about the Squiers. Some complain about the smaller frets, is this something to worry about? Thanks
Love your vids man ♥️ keep it up you’re killin’ it !
I have both an American Standard Strat (EE model made in the USA) and an old Tokai Springy Strat (made in Japan around the same time). I love my USA Strat, but the Tokai plays and sounds incredible.
Kanda Shokai, the owner of the Greco brand, has a share in Fender Japan. Fuji Gen made them. So, a Japanese JV or SQ Squier is basicaly a Greco with some Fender approved parts and a Squier label.
I believe that Squier actually started making violins first; then, went on to making strings for violin, guitars, etc.
Great video. Thank you for the history.
Excellent post, Bob! (If I may call you that. I've had many Bob's in my life!) I just purchased a Sam Ash Squire Arctic White Tele @ $199. +16.shipping. So I'll let someone else win your nice gift to the devoted fellow axeman!
JV= “Japanese Vintage”. I have a JV pbass and a JV Jazz Bass, paid $100 for the J and $75 for the P, obviously got very lucky as the sellers thought why were just “Squires”, which they are haha. Great basses though I must say.
Great video as always Robert. Holy smokes, I LOVE your opening jams. Thanks man!
I am SO envious of your hair Robert. Tell Stine to wash his too okay? Nice replica.
I'm 63 yrs. old and have been playing for 55 of those years. This is all new information for me. Really cool to know the history and these facts, thanks.
Also 63, but only playing for 2. Love my Squier Classic Vibe guitars. I have a 60s Strat and a 50s Tele. Both are really nice, but I’ve never played anything to compare them to. I also have fretting hand thumb pain. Any tips?
I learned something today. Thank you. Great to hear you play.
Nice work Robert! Thumbs up for these fantastic guitars. Have you seen footage of Stevie Ray Vaughan playing Texas Flood on a Squier SQ? Seems that he in the eighties already discovered the quality of these fine guitars. Just look for srv-texas flood- Squier on TH-cam.
I bought my first tele squier in 1985 , my current guitar for the last 20 years is a squier strat, the neck is so stable , never seen the inside of a guitar case been dropped on the headstock and the real only issues would be the tuners. In 1987 I part traded it for another guitar I got what I paid for it .
My main guitar has been a 70s reissue Squier Telecaster Deluxe that i added a Bigsby to for the last 3 years...
I'll never put this guitar down, i love it too much
Wow! That fx you used in the intro, and the tune, was really cool. 👌🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👏👏😤
Loved this video! I never knew about squire's history. I was always told squire isn't fender, they are just licenced to make them. Thanx for the education bro 🤘
Indeed. Lot of people saying the new 2021 line-up is embarrassing Fender as the Squier brand is offering better. Having to point out Squier doesn't exist, hasn't for decades. It's a Fender product line. It's Fender designing, marketing and distributing them. I don't think they're being shown up by themselves...
hell yes. my main gigging guitar is a 1997 protone series squier strat. it's a great guitar. I've also had a classic vibe 60s strat that was a great guitar as well.
I've always dreamed of owning an Esquire!!!! I love that single coil tone!!!
Squires are great guitars to upgrade and work on. I built my daughter one. Sanded and refinished the head stock and wood burned her name into it.
Looks like my first guitar. Love tele tone.
6:55 those were for the Japanese Export market to other countries. They have another domestic market model that says just the contour body.
VS Squier company started in the late 1800’s as an American Violin company, and he was at one time known as the American Stradivarius. He also pushed his instruments into schools, providing thousands of children with their first violins, violas, and cellos..
their first string making machine was made out of an old foot powered sewing machine.. their strings were used by Leo fender from the very first guitar he made, and then shortly before Leo sold the company to cbs, he was able to acquire the squier company. CBS maintained that company until 75, when they put their name on the strings.
Very cool info! Love the Page licks as the ride goes!!!!
Cool video. Good info. In the 70s you might as well say CBS. That's who owned Fender since the late 60s. At that time it was all about mass production and Marketing $$$$. Love your content Robert ❤️
Thanks for the info, I had no idea Squier pre dated Fender nor that Epiphone pre dated Gibson!!! Great playing as always 🤘🎸🎶
The 51 should've made the list. I love my 51. As far as I know it's the only original Squier model (kinda a strat tele hybrid).
I got one of those. A black one with a maple fingerboard. I picked it up from one of those junk stores that buy up estates. 75 buck with an amp. That was a score for me!
@@edwardvara9993 nice... $75 for a 51 and an amp... that is a score
I’m all Gibson & Epiphone..but I am willing to try this one! Had a Jim Roots with Humbuckers..’ late 90’s
Need some single coil action !
Awesome video man! Love your channel
I’ve got a Fender Japan Squier Stratocaster that I bought in 1984. It handles like a dream.
Got a 94 Japanese Squier Foto Flame with a Floyd Rose. Love it. It is my third child.
Have one that I was so impressed with. Installed a maple neck on it and the rest is success...
The current Squire Contempory Stratocaster is an impressive guitar for its price point. Exceptional value.
I have a completely stock 07 squire deluxe strat in daphne blue with the Duncan designed pickups and it's better than any of the mims I've had. I don't know from personal experience but I've seen people online who swear they even prefer them to their American strats
My main guitar I use is a squire and it’s amazing for grunge and punk
I personally prefer Squier over Epiphone, specially the classic vibes
I prefer Ramen Noodles over Epiphone.
I prefer both
@@HalfDeadGeezers what flavor?
@@gutenbird Chicken of course!!!!!! Everyone's favorite.
@@HalfDeadGeezers spicy lime chicken 🤤🤤🤤
Loved the section you played from Presence.
I play a LPB Squier Classic Vibe Jazz bass (James Johnston artist model), and I've had mates with USA fenders ask to play it live instead. Just a true quality instrument
It's amazing how many professional guitarists have a guilty pleasure squier that's they're favourite guitar but don't use it due to other company endorsements.
One of my favorite guitars and the one I probably play the most is my modded and upgraded Squire '51 which is the only Squire that isn't a copy and was built from the ground up...
I picked up a 90's squire strat and have only upgraded the electronics. It's as heavy as tank, but damn if it didn't just feel right after getting it setup.
I have an 87 Japanese squire!! It’s sounds beautiful!
Wow...
After watching this, I'm so glad I ordered an Affinity Telecaster as my new guitar~
Can't wait to hold her!!
I had an old affinity series strat, the thing sounded ace, the only problem it had was uneven frets.. nowadays I think that the best affordable guitars come from Harley Benton.. I got one of their Les Paul Double Cut Junior style guitars and it blew my mind, I have a couple of videos on my channel.. I could definitely rock that esquier though! Awesome video and thank you for the content!