Fender Squier Stratocaster

[greg232]

Anyone know any particulars about these guitars. I have been watching this Korean made Strats and done some research and they seem to be a silent jem. I am sure the pickups need to be replaced but, what do you all think.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230534559397&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[vintage clubber]

I would look in your local stores or CL listings for used ones. I have two Squier strats that I bought used for $75 each.

 

case in point:

 

http://richmond.craigslist.org/msg/1998760485.html

[cratz2]

I've had several Korean Squiers from 1989 to 1994. That is a 1992. The 1989s are really the choice ones in my opinion and a lot of folks think that many of the 1989s used necks left over from Japanese production. The 1989 Korean model necks have a lot more in common with the Japanese stuff than the 1990 and later necks.

 

Either way, I would say that guitar is worth $150 max or $120 min. The tuners don't feel great, but hold a fine tune. Pickups range the gamut... and it depends on what amp you're running into and what type of sound you like but they will almost always benefit from something better. The GFS Premium Alnico IIs are a great set for pretty little coin. All but two of mine had mini pots and the import type switch. Sometimes I left them, esp if I was pretty sure I was going to resell the guitar. With the keepers, I replaced the pots and switch. Most of them had the thin trem block and pot metal block saddles. I'd upgrade those.

 

But for what it's worth, I wouldn't consider most of the 1990 and later models to be worth putting another $200 into it. You end up with a $300 - $350 guitar that is more than likely plywood, probably weighs a bit too much and doesn't have much resale value. At the same time, I've been seeing MIM Fenders consistently under $250 and sometimes dropping below $200. Sure it won't be customized, but from a pure value perspective, a MIM from 2005 or later is better than a 1990 - 1995 Korean Squier.

[greg232]

Thanks

[D34dBaWx]

I had one of those. It was ply of some sort. It was a great guitar with a perfect neck. The stock pickups were really good to. I paid 75 bucks for mine and used it alot.

[Bro Blue]

I have a '95 MIK Squier. The body is plywood, but it still sounds good. I did replace the pickups with the GFS Alnico II and they sound really good and are cheap. I did replace the tuners with off-brand split-shaft vintage tuners.

 

$150 would be the absolute max on one of these. The necks are great. The electronics are iffy.

[koti123]

I have two made in 1989 but not in korea. they were made in India. one is an off white/golden and the other is blood red. every thing about them are identical but the white one is my favorite. the pickups are pretty hot and have metal plates on the bottom. both have excellent necks, sound and playability. the necks are like the 62 American reissues with adjustments made at the bottom instead of the headstock.although the hardware is functional I will be replacing the tuners and the trem.These are fine strats with all wood bodies.

 

they are squire stratII's not to be confused with the cheaper ones that came out later in Korea.I had a 95 korean with a playwood body and there was nothing I could do to get a better sound out of it. did a lot of work pickups/tuners and other changes. always sounded dead.

[cratz2]

I have several nicer guitars, but I have a 1994 MIK Squier Bullet that has a plywood body and a satin finished neck though I greatly prefer gloss finished necks. The neck is slightly thinner front to back which I don't like, the radius is slightly flatter which I don't like and it has little vintage sized frets which I don't particular care for.

 

But I put a big trem block in it and a set of Duncan SSL2s and it's a great sounding and playing guitar. Usually ply guitars are pretty heavy, but this is probably the lightest strat I've ever owned. Something about it just makes me love it.

 

 

[greg232]

Thanks all.