Squier Stratocaster

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Squier Stratocaster

Manufacturer	Squier
Period	1982 — present
Construction
Body type	Solid
Neck joint	Bolt-on
Woods
Body	Agathis, Alder or Basswood
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Maple or Rosewood
Hardware
Bridge	Synchronized tremolo
Pickup(s)	3 single-coils or 2 single-coils and one humbucker
Colors available
Affinity Series: Black, Metallic Red, Metallic Blue, Arctic White,Olympic White, British Racing Green (2002 20th Anniversary Limited Edition finish) Standard Series: Antique Burst, Candy Apple Red, Cherry Sunburst, Satin Pewter Metallic, Black Metallic, Walnut Satin Deluxe Series (Excluding 2007 Deluxe Stratocaster): 3-Color Sunburst Flame Maple Top, 3-Color Sunburst Quilted Maple Top Other colors may be available

The Squier Stratocaster is an electric guitar manufactured and sold by Squier, a marque of Fender. While it is essentially a rebranded Fender Stratocaster, it does not qualify as a Strat copy, as the Stratocasters are still considered to be of original make since Squier is owned by Fender, whereas manufacturers of Strat copies do so to use the generic strat body shape that hundreds of manufacturers without any affiliation to the Fender company have used for fifty years. Squier Stratocasters, being inexpensive, are popular amongst beginner and novice guitarists.

1 Origins
2 Construction
3 Unique models
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Origins

After Fender's decision to switch Squier's production from strings to guitars, the Stratocaster was one of the first models to be put under the Squier production line, then located in Japan, as it was the most commercially successful guitar Fender had produced. Originally, the headstock had a "Fender" name written in large script, followed by "Squier series" in smaller script. This was later changed to the current '60s headstock featuring "Squier" in larger script, followed by "by Fender" in smaller script.

In 2002, for the 20th anniversary of the Squier line of Stratocaster guitars, that year's model was offered in a limited-edition green finish, as well as a "Freedom of Expression Since 1982" engraved neck bolt cover.

[edit] Construction

A standard Squier Stratocaster is mass-produced in factories located in Indonesia or China. For its construction, Squier usually uses woods readily available in those countries, such as agathis and basswood. They also use stamped metal hardware and multiple pieces of wood in construction to prevent wastage and to lower costs. A notable cosmetic difference from most Fender Stratocasters (except its vintage reissues and Highway 1 series) is the use of the larger 60's headstock. The Stratocaster included in the SE 100 starter pack, the Vintage Modified Stratocasters, and the 2007 Deluxe Stratocaster are the only Squier branded Stratocasters not to use the 60's large headstock.

[edit] Unique models

While Squier Stratocasters are predominantly inexpensive versions of Fender Stratocasters, some models are also unique to the Squier brand, these are: