Otis Singleton
Squier electric guitars are known for their beginner-friendly and affordable options, offering officially licensed versions of Fender instruments. Squier guitars are manufactured in various countries, including the United States, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China. The brand has a diverse range of models, catering to both novice and experienced players. Squier's flagship guitar range is the Affinity series, which features improved craftsmanship and electronics compared to the entry-level Bullet series. The Bullet series is a popular starting point for beginners, offering super-affordable options based on Fender's iconic designs, such as the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Mustang. Squier's history dates back to 1890 when Victor Carroll Squier founded the V. C. Squier Company, producing strings for various instruments. Over time, the brand evolved, facing competition from lower-priced Japanese copies in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which led to the establishment of Squier as Fender's brand for lower-priced versions of its guitars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Squier |
| Parent Company | Fender |
| Year of Launch | 1982 |
| Target Audience | Beginners |
| Manufacturing Locations | United States, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, China |
| Popular Series | Affinity, Bullet |
| Affinity Series Price Range | £180 - £250 |
| Bullet Series Price Range | £110 - £150 |
| Affinity Series Models | Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Starcaster Semi-Acoustic Guitars |
| Bullet Series Models | Stratocasters, Telecasters, Mustangs |
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What You'll Learn
Squier's Affinity series
Squier is an American brand of electric guitars owned by Fender. The Squier Affinity Series is a line of electric guitars and basses that offer affordable options for musicians. The series includes both 4-string electric basses and 6-string electric guitars, with various colour options and features.
The Affinity Series electric basses, for example, the Precision Bass PJ, are often sold as part of a package or bundle. These typically include the bass guitar, a rumble amp, a gig bag, a guitar strap, an instrument cable, and sometimes a subscription to Fender Play. The bass guitars in this series feature a poplar body, a maple neck, and either a maple or laurel fingerboard. They are equipped with standard split-coil and single-coil pickups, offering versatile sounds for different musical styles.
The Affinity Series electric guitars, such as the Stratocaster, also come in various configurations. They feature a poplar body, a maple neck, and either a maple or laurel fingerboard. These guitars are typically equipped with two or three single-coil pickups, providing bright and crisp tones. Some models feature a semi-hollow body design, which can add warmth and resonance to the overall sound.
The Squier Affinity Series instruments are known for their value and versatility. They are ideal for beginners or musicians on a budget, offering a range of sounds and features at an affordable price point. The series provides a great platform for modifications, allowing players to customise their instrument to their preferences. The Affinity Series guitars and basses are produced in various countries, including the United States, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China, ensuring widespread availability.
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Squier's Bullet series
The Squier Bullet series is a great option for those looking for an entry-level electric guitar. The Bullet series offers a range of affordable guitars that are perfect for beginners or those on a budget. The series includes different models, such as the Bullet Stratocaster, that cater to various musical genres like funk, soul, and jazz fusion.
The Bullet series guitars are manufactured in various Asian countries, including Indonesia, ensuring that production costs are kept low, which is reflected in their affordable price tags. Despite being lower-priced, these guitars still deliver good sound quality and have received positive reviews from many users.
However, some users have noted that the Bullet series may have some tuning issues, which can be frustrating for beginners who are just starting to learn the instrument and develop their ear for music. The Affinity series, which is slightly more expensive, is often recommended as an alternative, as it offers better tuning stability and is generally considered to be of higher quality.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bullet and Affinity series depends on your budget and preferences. If you're just starting out, the Bullet series can be a great option to get you familiar with the instrument without breaking the bank. As you develop your skills and gain a better understanding of guitars, you can consider upgrading to a higher-end model or investing in modifications to enhance the performance of your instrument.
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Squier's history and manufacturing
Squier is an American brand of electric guitars owned by Fender. The company was established as "V. C. Squier Company" in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier in Battle Creek, Michigan. Victor Squier started by making his own hand-wound violin strings, and the business grew rapidly. Squier violin, banjo, and guitar strings became well-known across the nation, especially among students due to their reasonable prices. In the 1930s, the company started making strings for the new electric instruments of the era.
In the 1950s, the V. C. Squier Company began supplying strings to Leo Fender for his innovative new electric guitars. The company became an official original equipment manufacturer for Fender in 1963. Fender acquired V. C. Squier in 1965, and shortly after, both companies were acquired by CBS in May 1965. By the mid-1970s, the Squier name was retired as the strings took on the Fender brand name. The Squier manufacturing plant in Battle Creek was closed in 1981.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fender faced competition from lower-priced Japanese copies of their guitars. The higher-priced Fender guitars, made in the United States, could not compete with the cheaper Japanese alternatives. To address this challenge, Fender decided to produce its lower-priced guitars in Japan, partnering with Japanese distributors. This led to the creation of Fender Japan in 1982, a joint venture between Fender and Japanese distributors Kanda Shokai and Yamano Gakki (also known as Yamano Music). The initial Squier models were launched in July/August 1982, marking the reactivation of the Squier name by Fender for its lower-priced guitars.
Over time, the Squier series evolved to include original model designs, and production expanded to various Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Indonesia. Squier guitars gained popularity, and today, they are recognised not just as beginner guitars but also as a cost-effective option for guitarists of all levels seeking an affordable alternative to American Fender guitars.
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Squier by Fender
Squier is an American brand of electric guitars owned by Fender. The company was established as "V. C. Squier Company" and was founded in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier in Battle Creek, Michigan. Initially, the company produced strings for violins, banjos, and guitars, and these became well-known nationwide due to their reasonable price. In the 1930s, Squier began making strings for electric instruments.
Fender Electric Instruments entered the picture in the 1950s when V. C. Squier began supplying strings for Leo Fender's new electric guitars. The V. C. Squier Company became an official original equipment manufacturer for Fender in 1963 and was acquired by them in 1965. By 1975, Squier became defunct as a manufacturer and a brand name for strings, as Fender opted to market its strings under the Fender brand name.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fender faced competition from lower-priced Japanese copies of their guitars. To address this, Fender negotiated with Japanese musical instrument distributors and established Fender Japan in collaboration with Yamano Gakki and Kanda Shokai. This arrangement benefited Fender as it removed the lower-priced Greco Fender copies from the Japanese market, which were undercutting the American-made Fenders.
In 1982, Fender reactivated the Squier name as its brand for lower-priced versions of Fender guitars. The initial Squier models were launched in July/August 1982 and were manufactured in Japan. Over time, Squier series guitars have been produced in various Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Indonesia.
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Squier's market position
Squier is an American brand of electric guitars owned by Fender. The company was established as "V. C. Squier Company" 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, and by 1975, Squier became defunct as a manufacturer and a brand name for strings as Fender started marketing its strings under its own brand name.
In the early 1980s, Fender reactivated the Squier name as its brand for lower-priced versions of Fender guitars. This move was in response to the competition Fender was facing from lower-priced Japanese copies of their guitars. By producing Squier guitars in countries with lower labor and production costs, such as Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China, Fender was able to offer more affordable options to its customers without compromising the quality associated with the Fender brand.
Squier guitars are primarily marketed towards beginners and those who are new to playing the guitar. They are known for offering good quality at a reasonable price, making them accessible to those who are just starting out with the instrument. Squier guitars cover a wide range of Fender models, including Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, and Mustangs, allowing players to explore different musical styles without investing in more expensive instruments.
While Squier guitars are aimed at the entry-level market, they have also gained a following among more experienced players who appreciate their unique style, playability, and tone. Some guitarists even choose to modify and upgrade their Squier guitars to suit their specific needs and preferences. Despite being more affordable than their American or Mexican-made counterparts, Squier guitars are still considered good-quality instruments that provide excellent value for money.
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Frequently asked questions
Squier electric guitars are known for their affordability and high quality, making them a popular choice for beginners. They are officially licensed versions of Fender instruments, featuring iconic Fender shapes like the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Jazzmaster. Squier guitars have been manufactured in various countries, including the United States, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and China.
Squier is a brand owned by Fender and is often considered Fender's "budget brand." Squier guitars are officially licensed versions of Fender instruments, offering more affordable options for musicians, particularly beginners. While Squier guitars may be more affordable, they still offer respected craftsmanship and diverse model options for different musical styles.
The Squier Bullet series is a popular beginner range, featuring iconic Fender designs such as the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Mustang. The Affinity series is another well-known Squier line, offering a step up from the Bullet series in terms of quality and price. The Affinity series also includes a range of Fender shapes and is suitable for various musical styles.
The Squier Stratocaster, often referred to as the "Squier Bullet Strat," is a versatile guitar known for its trio of single-coil pickups. This configuration makes it suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock to funk. The Stratocaster is a popular model within the Squier Bullet series and can be easily found in guitar shops worldwide.
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