Fender Owners, Quick Question

[Train05]

I need to know what makes a Squier Fender Stratocaster different than a regular Fender Stratocaster. I am trying make a band and my friend has a Squier. How different is the quality?:confused:

[Quinarvy]

Not bad.

It doesn't stay in tune as well and your missing the two frets closest to the guitar.

It doesn't have as nice a tone, but its a really good starting guitar.

[Train05]

Not bad.

It doesn't stay in tune as well and your missing the two frets closest to the guitar.

It doesn't have as nice a tone, but its a really good starting guitar.

Thanks man.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

As a general rule of thumb, Squier's are terrible quality. Not bad tone and what-not, but it will break. That is a 100% guarantee. You'll be lucky if it lasts 6 months. Avoid Squier's. That is the first thing I tell anyone who is looking into an instrument.

[Train05]

As a general rule of thumb, Squier's are terrible quality. Not bad tone and what-not, but it will break. That is a 100% guarantee. You'll be lucky if it lasts 6 months. Avoid Squier's. That is the first thing I tell anyone who is looking into an instrument.

Thats really band news for me. I want a band that has heavy guitar riffs. Crap!

[Gargoyle2500]

As a general rule of thumb, Squier's are terrible quality. Not bad tone and what-not, but it will break. That is a 100% guarantee. You'll be lucky if it lasts 6 months. Avoid Squier's. That is the first thing I tell anyone who is looking into an instrument.

Don't tell me that, I bought one about 3-4 months ago! Hmm... If it breaks, It better do it before the warranty is up! :p

[Quinarvy]

I've had my Squier almost a full year.

It still plays fine.

[Mystlyfe77]

As a general rule of thumb, Squier's are terrible quality. Not bad tone and what-not, but it will break. That is a 100% guarantee. You'll be lucky if it lasts 6 months. Avoid Squier's. That is the first thing I tell anyone who is looking into an instrument.

I know people who have had their Squier Stratocaster for two-three years, and haven't had anything more than a string break. It's not Fender quality, but it's the best starting guitar easily.
Are you sure you're not thinking of Starcasters (the Target/Walmart/Best Buy version)? Although I know someone who has had one of those that still "works" for about 16 months.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

I know people who have had their Squier Stratocaster for two-three years, and haven't had anything more than a string break. It's not Fender quality, but it's the best starting guitar easily.
Are you sure you're not thinking of Starcasters (the Target/Walmart/Best Buy version)? Although I know someone who has had one of those that still "works" for about 16 months.

I'm not thinking about the Starcaster, but maybe I'm just unlcuky with Squier's. None of the Squier's I've ever seen have lasted for more than half a year. One of my friend's plowed through 5 of them. In as many months.

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

Squier's are mostly Fender's entry level guitars.

Inexpensive things for someone's first guitar purchase.

They are usually made in Mexico and are inferior quality to the standard Fenders.

Still a good guitar to play when you're just starting out, but once (or if I should say), someone gets serious about guitar playing or being in a band they should definitely upgrade to something better crafted.

[Destromas]

I need to know what makes a Squier Fender Stratocaster different than a regular Fender Stratocaster. I am trying make a band and my friend has a Squier. How different is the quality?:confused:

The line is about $300 where a guitar is either good or bad. Squiers are typically below that mark, with poor craftsmanship if any at all. They seem factory made with awful parts and even the finish can be poor. My friend had one with rough frets that would scrape the strings over bumps and effectively snap them at times. Another problem was a blemish on the finish which was an air pocket over the gloss which would expand in humidity and heat. Besides that, they don't stay in tune and the electronics are cheap.

[campinmonkey]

I would recommend the squier instead of spending the extra 200 or so on a mexican made fender strat, and then saving up for a nicer strat/other guitar later

[TheCrimsonSaint]

I would recommend the squier instead of spending the extra 200 or so on a mexican made fender strat, and then saving up for a nicer strat/other guitar later

This man is correct. Or just avoid all confusion and go with an Epiphone. Honestly, of all the knock-off brands, Epiphone's have been best quality in my experience.


What type of music are you planning on playing?

[DarkSide247]

Thats really band news for me. I want a band that has heavy guitar riffs. Crap!
Fenders in general are usually best for softer tones, but can still produce a heavy enough if the p-ups and switched and a pedal or two is thrown in.

For a heavier sound, Ltd. is a WONDERFUL knock-off brand for ESP's. They're usually more expensive than a Squier, though. About $400+. They also have quality of some original brands. Ibanez also makes some good entry-level guitars.

I also heavily agree with Destromas' last post. If you still want a Fender, save up a little and buy a $400 Fender Standard Strat.

[Train05]

This man is correct. Or just avoid all confusion and go with an Epiphone. Honestly, of all the knock-off brands, Epiphone's have been best quality in my experience.


What type of music are you planning on playing?

I am not really sure just yet. I am think something a little grunge like but also some metal notes thrown in. I am hoping if we do get enough money we will get a regular Strat. My friend then wants to get a 600 dollar Epiphone!

[DarkSide247]

I am not really sure just yet. I am think something a little grunge like but also some metal notes thrown in. I am hoping if we do get enough money we will get a regular Strat. My friend then wants to get a 600 dollar Epiphone!
If he wants a $600 Gibson, tell him to get a Faded SG.

Oh, when you said heavier sound, I thought you meant more Metal. If you want Grunge with a little Metal thrown in, Fender works.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

I am not really sure just yet. I am think something a little grunge like but also some metal notes thrown in. I am hoping if we do get enough money we will get a regular Strat. My friend then wants to get a 600 dollar Epiphone!

Fender works with almost anything. Be warned, however. If you want a cold tone, stay away from Stratocasters. My advice for grunge/metal (I assume this would sound something like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains) would be to look into Jackson. They are owned by Fender but specialize in sharper sounding guitars that can play cold tones very, very well, but can also excel in warm tones with the proper amount of fiddling about.

EDIT: This would be my recommendation to you as a Jackson guitar; http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-DK2M-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-103814281-i1167493.gc

[Shredder87]

As a general rule of thumb, Squier's are terrible quality. Not bad tone and what-not, but it will break. That is a 100% guarantee. You'll be lucky if it lasts 6 months. Avoid Squier's. That is the first thing I tell anyone who is looking into an instrument.
I've had mine for about 2 years. I of course take care of the thing and have certain things modded.


If you take care of a squire, it will not crap out on you. Just get better tuning knobs, good strings, and never lay it down. The neck will start to bend.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

I've had mine for about 2 years. I of course take care of the thing and have certain things modded.


If you take care of a squire, it will not crap out on you. Just get better tuning knobs, good strings, and never lay it down. The neck will start to bend.

Most people aren't smart enough to take proper care of their instruments.

(This is not meant to be a negative comment against the OP)

[DarkSide247]

Fender works with almost anything. Be warned, however. If you want a cold tone, stay away from Stratocasters. My advice for grunge/metal (I assume this would sound something like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains) would be to look into Jackson. They are owned by Fender but specialize in sharper sounding guitars that can play cold tones very, very well, but can also excel in warm tones with the proper amount of fiddling about.

EDIT: This would be my recommendation to you as a Jackson guitar; http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-DK2M-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-103814281-i1167493.gc
That would be a great guitar.

BUT, if you're in a budget and can't afford it, try this:
Jackson JS1 Dinky (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-JS1-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-511635-i1147169.gc)
Then swap the P-ups for these. (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Seymour-Duncan-Vintage-Blues--59-Humbucker-Set-300022-i1127360.gc)

[DarkSide247]

I've had mine for about 2 years. I of course take care of the thing and have certain things modded.


If you take care of a squire, it will not crap out on you. Just get better tuning knobs, good strings, and never lay it down. The neck will start to bend.
It's also probably a good idea to swap the pickups, but it isn't needed.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

That would be a great guitar.

BUT, if you're in a budget and can't afford it, try this:
Jackson JS1 Dinky (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-JS1-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-511635-i1147169.gc)
Then swap the P-ups for these. (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Seymour-Duncan-Vintage-Blues--59-Humbucker-Set-300022-i1127360.gc)

I would agree with you here, but keep in mind that if you aren't experienced at working with PU swapping (as I assume the OP is not), you'll likely have to get someone to do it for you. That means about $130 for the PU's and then more money for installation. And you likely still aren't getting the same quality wood or bridge. Just saying.:cool:

[DarkSide247]

I would agree with you here, but keep in mind that if you aren't experienced at working with PU swapping (as I assume the OP is not), you'll likely have to get someone to do it for you. That means about $130 for the PU's and then more money for installation. And you likely still aren't getting the same quality wood or bridge. Just saying.:cool:
Yeah, you have a good point, I forgot about the cost. The wood be of course an issue, the bridge less of an issue but could still be a problem...

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Yeah, you have a good point, I forgot about the cost. The wood be of course an issue, the bridge less of an issue but could still be a problem...

I have less experience with treble guitars, but on bass the bridge is a big deal. If you don't have a good bridge then your tuning can get screwed real easy. But it's probably not as big of an issue with those tiny treble strings.

[DarkSide247]

I have less experience with treble guitars, but on bass the bridge is a big deal. If you don't have a good bridge then your tuning can get screwed real easy. But it's probably not as big of an issue with those tiny treble strings.
It's definitely enough of an issue. Tremolo bridges obviously go out of tune easier. Fixed bridges are harder to go out of tune. The Original Floyd Rose can take a lot of beatings before getting out of tune. A standard Fender tremolo is probably the easiest to go out of tune, but can still take a while if it's good enough quality.

[Train05]

Fender works with almost anything. Be warned, however. If you want a cold tone, stay away from Stratocasters. My advice for grunge/metal (I assume this would sound something like Soundgarden and Alice in Chains) would be to look into Jackson. They are owned by Fender but specialize in sharper sounding guitars that can play cold tones very, very well, but can also excel in warm tones with the proper amount of fiddling about.

EDIT: This would be my recommendation to you as a Jackson guitar; http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-DK2M-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-103814281-i1167493.gc

Alice in Chains is good example. Only my voice instead of Layne and Jerry. Of course I am not going to sound exactly like the Alice (like what Godsmack did!).

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Alice in Chains is good example. Only my voice instead of Layne and Jerry. Of course I am not going to sound exactly like the Alice (like what Godsmack did!).

Then yeah, stay away from Strats. They will be waaaaay too warm for your sound. Gibson's should be avoided as well (outside of the XPlorer, but those don't go for much less than $1500). But the best advice I can give is play as many guitars as you can at your local store and find the one that feels and sounds the best to you.

[Train05]

Then yeah, stay away from Strats. They will be waaaaay too warm for your sound. Gibson's should be avoided as well (outside of the XPlorer, but those don't go for much less than $1500). But the best advice I can give is play as many guitars as you can at your local store and find the one that feels and sounds the best to you.

Good idea. Unfortunently my friend is trying to save up his money for a good amp so we are going to have to stick with the Squier for a while. At least after we have done a couple of gigs.

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Good idea. Unfortunently my friend is trying to save up his money for a good amp so we are going to have to stick with the Squier for a while. At least after we have done a couple of gigs.

Well, just take care of it. Replace it when you can with whatever guitar helps reflect the direction your band. Best of luck!

[Train05]

Well, just take care of it. Replace it when you can with whatever guitar helps reflect the direction your band. Best of luck!

Thanks man!

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Thanks man!

If you need any more advice, don't be afraid to PM me. I'm more than happy to assist any up-and-coming musician.

[Shredder87]

Ok. If you want a banging sound, and assuming you're playing metal and even then, you should get the metal muff(Connected to a squire). It makes your sound SOO much better. Like you're playing quite the guitar. Of course it won't help out with the squeals, bends, or fluidity of a more exquisite guitar, but it sure as hell makes it sounds awesome if you're playing nothing but riffs.

[The_Little_Buster]

Eh a lot of Crimson's advice is rather off-kilter and at times just bewildering (the only good Gibson is an Explorer? The 496 and 500 pick-up set is the worst set Gibson has and are ****ing muddy as hell, even through Mesas). :(

[Shredder87]

Eh a lot of Crimson's advice is rather off-kilter and at times just bewildering (the only good Gibson is an Explorer? The 496 and 500 pick-up set is the worst set Gibson has and are ****ing muddy as hell, even through Mesas). :(
Yeah. I've played with a few low priced Gibsons(a V to be exact.) and that sounded banging.

Honestly, as far as a guitarist that's been playing for years, I would say save up for a better guitar that has auto tuning bridge, locks and fast neck. If you're looking for a quick fix for cheap, a squire, warlock, or Beast(Most expensive of the three) are your best bests. They do the job when you're starting off, as when you're starting off, you attention isn't much on tone, but on skill, so don't worry about how you're sound is.(Of course not that bad of a tone, which I would recommend the Metal Muff, or the more less expensive Boss Metal Zone.)

[LP/RHCP/A7X/ATREYU/MUSE]

Squiers are great starter guitars i would know bc i have some u might have troble playing metal guitar but its a great all around starter guitar

[Mystlyfe77]

Eh a lot of Crimson's advice is rather off-kilter and at times just bewildering (the only good Gibson is an Explorer? The 496 and 500 pick-up set is the worst set Gibson has and are ****ing muddy as hell, even through Mesas). :(

Yeah. I've just learned to tune him out in general. The Explorer, SG, Les Paul, and V can all give great metal sounds. You might have to tool around with them a bit depending on which model you get, but they all can definitely work. I wouldn't suggest them as starting guitars though. Maybe the low-end Epihphone SG, but I've heard mixed reviews about it.

[The_Little_Buster]

Definitely, it just irked me that this kid is peddling advice without really knowing anything to a newbie.

The current Gibby Explorers are rather ****ty stock and are only worth buying if you like the shape, plan to mod it out, or plan on using a lot of effects since effects alter natural tone in general.

I currently own an older Gibson SG Special ('91 or '92, I can't find any articles to help me confirm it specifically but most Specials between '91-'93 had ebony fretboards which mine happens to have so I'd imagine it'd have to have been made around then. Bottom line it isn't as crappily made as the current stuff Gibson is putting out.) and run it through a Peavey Classic 30 and Fender 85 (for heavier wall of sound-type distortion and Radiohead covers) and it sounds great, if you're going to go Gibson you might as well go used. But then again the TS shouldn't be looking at Gibsons starting out to begin with.

Also I will say that a lot of the flack on Squiers is thrown around way too blindly and ignorantly. The Affinity line is very decent for what they are and will last any novice til they're ready to step up to better equipment (I still own my Affinity strat which I got when I started 6 years ago and it's still useable and playable to this day, though the neck overall was very ****ty from the get go). Also the newer guitars like the Jagmaster and guitars in the Classic Vibe line are of a much better quality than their past endeavors.

But anyways the best starter gear if anything are Agiles, they are ****ing cheap as hell but are made from QUALITY materials and sound about just as good if not better than then the current Gibby LPs (subjective of course but their sound is definitely at that level at least).

[TheCrimsonSaint]

Eh a lot of Crimson's advice is rather off-kilter and at times just bewildering (the only good Gibson is an Explorer? The 496 and 500 pick-up set is the worst set Gibson has and are ****ing muddy as hell, even through Mesas). :(

That's not what I said, but okay. Based on my experience, the Explorer is the only Gibson that can really pull off cold tones. Maybe the one at my GC is not a recent model. It is listed as "Used". Besides, NOWHERE did I say that it's the only good Gibson. Gibson's in general are great. But IN MY EXPERIENCE they can't do cold tones very well. ****, excuse me for giving advice based on what I've seen/heard/played.

[The_Little_Buster]

^Explorers in general have been and are ****ty stock, the 496/500 pick-up set is Gibson's worst pick-up set. It's only worth buying if you're that much of a fan of the body shape and don't care about the tone or if you're planning on swapping out the pups.

And Gibsons in general are NOT that great, especially any made within at least 10 years (quality control and workmanship has been dropping off significantly and not to mention the prices hardly reflect the instruments because of said poor quality). For the price you pay for some of these guitars you could get a custom guitar made elsewhere by other companies or even a luthier if there are any in your city and willing to make you one (or hell if you know what you're doing then it'd be even cheaper to make your own guitar as well).

[TheCrimsonSaint]

^Explorers in general have been and are ****ty stock, the 496/500 pick-up set is Gibson's worst pick-up set. It's only worth buying if you're that much of a fan of the body shape and don't care about the tone or if you're planning on swapping out the pups.

And Gibsons in general are NOT that great, especially any made within at least 10 years (quality control and workmanship has been dropping off significantly and not to mention the prices hardly reflect the instruments because of said poor quality). For the price you pay for some of these guitars you could get a custom guitar made elsewhere by other companies or even a luthier if there are any in your city and willing to make you one (or hell if you know what you're doing then it'd be even cheaper to make your own guitar as well).

Well, again, it's all simply based on my experiences. Perhaps the "Used" Explorer at my GC has been modded. It doesn't have a stock pickguard. Any Gibson I or my friends have played have sounded great to us. I'm not really a great decipher for treble tones, but I trust my friends on that one. You're right about the quality drop-off, however. One of my friend's swears by his really old (60's or something like that) SG and won't touch the new ones. My other friends don't have as big of an issue. (Shrugs). Sorry of my advice came off as "off-kilter" and "bewildering".