Squier guitars have been a popular choice for budget-conscious musicians since their introduction in the 1980s. Owned by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Squier guitars are designed to offer an affordable alternative to the more expensive Fender models while still maintaining the high quality and classic styling associated with the Fender brand. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at Squier guitars, their history, and their reputation in the music industry.
Squier guitars are generally considered to be good quality instruments for their price range. While they may not be as high-end as some other brands, they offer a solid option for beginners and intermediate players.
Are Squier Guitars Good?
Squier guitars can be good for beginners and intermediate players on a budget, as they offer affordable options with decent quality. However, they may not compare in quality and sound to higher-end guitars.
They are made by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation as a more affordable alternative to their high-end Fender brand guitars. Squier guitars are known for their solid construction, good playability, and classic Fender designs. However, the quality of Squier guitars can vary depending on the model and manufacturing location.
Squier Guitars is a subsidiary brand of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, a well-known American manufacturer of guitars and other musical instruments. Therefore, Fender owns Squier Guitars.
History of Squier Guitars
Squier Guitars is a subsidiary brand of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation that produces affordable versions of Fender’s iconic instruments. The brand was established in the late 19th century by Jerome Bonaparte Squier as a manufacturer of strings for violins, banjos, and guitars. In 1965, Fender acquired the Squier brand and began producing lower-cost versions of their guitars and basses in Japan.
Over the years, Squier has expanded their line of products to include a range of guitars, including Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars, and basses, such as the Precision and Jazz Basses. Squier guitars are known for their affordability, making them an excellent choice for beginners or musicians on a budget.
According to the Music Trades magazine’s 2021 Global 225 report, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (including Squier) had a 12% market share in the global guitar market, making it one of the top guitar brands in the world.
Additionally, a 2019 report by Reverb.com found that Squier guitars are the second most popular brand for beginner guitarists, with Fender guitars coming in first place.
Where are Squier Guitars Made?
Squier guitars are known for being an affordable alternative to Fender guitars, but where are they actually made? The answer is not so simple, as Squier guitars have been manufactured in a few different locations over the years.
In the early days of Squier, the guitars were manufactured in Japan by the FujiGen Gakki company. These early Squiers are highly sought after by collectors and players alike for their high-quality craftsmanship and unique features.
In the 1980s, Fender moved Squier production to Korea and later to China, where most Squier guitars are still manufactured today. While some players may turn their nose up at the idea of a Chinese-made guitar, the truth is that the quality of Squier guitars has improved significantly in recent years. In fact, some players argue that the current crop of Chinese-made Squiers are on par with their Japanese-made predecessors.
It’s also worth noting that Fender has a strict quality control process in place for all of their guitars, including Squier models. Every guitar that comes off the production line is inspected and tested to ensure that it meets Fender’s high standards.
Overall, while the location of Squier guitar production has changed over the years, the quality and value of these guitars has remained consistently high. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable instrument or an experienced player in search of a backup guitar, Squier guitars are definitely worth considering.
