USA Squier Strat

[kiramdear]

I'm babysitting one of these in white for a friend of mine right now. I'm just curious about history, quality, etc., as they seem to be somewhat rare and there's not a lot of information available about them. It seems to be a nice little ax. Thanks for your attention.

[antipodean]

My research suggests they were made in 89-90 only, so they are rather rare. Production was shifted to Mexico thereafter (and later to Korea, China, Taiwan and Indonesia). It was intended to be a budget guitar, which seems at odds with US manufacture. I would guess that lower-grade materials and parts were used to keep manufacturing costs down

[kiramdear]

Thanks, Evan. I read something about a fire in the Mexican factory which caused production to shift North temporarily. Some have sold on ebay for around $400, and I'd say that this one is worth every penny of that. It's seen a lot of use at my friend's place which is the local musicians' hangout spot, and has a high approval rating there. I'm not real big on Strats but this one seems very good quality. It's on extended loan so maybe it will grow on me.

[antipodean]

From what I can work out Mexico production started in '90, so the US production run may have been a stop-gap before Mexico came on-line - perhaps the fire delayed the opening of the Mexican factory... must dig deeper..

Great to hear the Start is a winner! The scale must be a change from your Duosonic and 320!

[kiramdear]

Oh yeah, the scale seems massive compared with my regular fare. But the neck is nice and it sounds and looks good. If it somehow ends up joining my stable for keeps I could see a refret in the cards, though. It's been well loved by many. It still plays well and is in good shape other than that.

[weemac]

Could we see some pickies?

Eden.

[kiramdear]

You wanna? Sure, let me see what I can do.

[kiramdear]

Here's the American made Squier Strat that's camping out at my place. You can see it's been around and got the stickers to prove it. Serial number 001133 and "made in USA" decal on the headstock.

[antipodean]

Mmm....Maple! I know that this is maple-on-maple, rather than the classic one-piece, but there's something about a maple fret board that makes me smile, particularly if the neck is nice and chunky!

[kiramdear]

It's not a super chunk, Evan, just sort of "normal" Fender girth and "C" profile. I go for the thin to average necks and this one is not uncomfortable for me. It's the long scale tension that takes some getting used to for me - it feels almost like playing an acoustic guitar, asking a little more strength for the barre chords and bending. Guess I'm just a little pampered by my shorties.

[weemac]

Oooooooooooooh! Mojo!

Eden.

[kiramdear]

Glad you like it, Eden. Yeah, it's definitely got mojo.

I gave it some new strings, adjusted the bridge, added a whammy bar and gave it a thorough shakedown today. It's a real Strat, all right. A nice and different arrow in the quiver. We'll see if I don't end up liking it a whole lot. Hope I don't have to give it back too soon.

[whojamfan]

that neck pickup looks swapped, are those all original? I see the cover(s) have been changed?

[kiramdear]

that neck pickup looks swapped, are those all original? I see the cover(s) have been changed?

I'm betting not. I have no idea of its history but I'm guessing the black pickups are replacements and one cover has been removed. The pickguard looks to be a replacement, too.