Manufactuer: http://www.squierguitars.com/

Squier Guitars are made by Fender guitars and low cost alternatives to the higher priced American made Stratocasters, Telecasters, Precision and Jazz Basses as well as other models. They are made using top quality alder and other materials including die cast tuners. This makes them excellent beginner's guitars and basses. Fender purchased a string manufacturer named VC Squier around the time CBS took over. In the early 80's they decided to formulate a new brand name and called it 'Squier Guitars'. These guitars are less expensive version of the American version and first made in Japan for overseas markets. The more expensive Squier guitars are almost as good as the American versions. Many of them today are made in Korea.

In Jan of 2004 Squier Guitars upgraded its Standard, Deluxe, and Affinity series guitars and Squier Bass Guitars. They also included new colors, pickup options as well as new guitar tops (quilted or maple) on certain models. These guitars are still made in China and Taiwan and offer excellent price vs. features ratio. Along with the cosmetic changes to Squier Guitars there have been added new features to appeal to a wider range of guitarists. Some of the added features include the new pickguard that more closely resemble the Fender models. Some of the added models to the Squier standard series are the Tele Custom II and the Tele Special Guitars. These have different pickup configurations and a more "Sleek" styling. Squier added two Duncan Soapbar single coil pickups with independent volume and tone knobs. The Tele Custom II also has maple neck with 22 jumbo frets for instance.

The Squier Stratocaster, Fat Strat, and Double Strat have new color options including Satin Pewter Metallic finishes with matching headstocks, matte-black pickguards, and other colors. You'll also notice that the Special Run guitars such as the Black and Chrome Series Stratocaster, Telecasters, P-Bass, and other special guitars. They have a very modern futuristic look to them and have Gloss black finishes and matching headstock. Not to forget the really cool looking Chrome Pickguard!! Just awesome. Other special run guitars include the Strat and Tele with flame maple and quilted maple tops and pearl pickguards. Also Squier added more choices for the Deluxe Stratocaster which include the flame maple and quilted maple tops in Sunburst. This is a first especially for a guitar in this price range. The Affinity Series has been updated as well. The Affinity Strats have done away with the Baltic Blue and Torino Red finishes but have replaced them with the Metallic Blue and Metallic red finishes.

Squier offers two basic formats with their guitars and basses. The Affinity and the Standard series. The Affinity series cost less and have slimmer bodies usually made of Alder. The pickups don't come with Alnico magnets and are usually less powerful. The use of single ply pickguards and not as good tuners. They do have tremolos which aren't as good as the Standard versions. The necks also have 21-frets as opposed to 22 frets on Standards. The Affinity versions are really good for beginner guitarists whom might not have the money for the standard versions.

The standard versions have 22 frets and use pickups with Alnico magnets which sound better and are more powerful. The body of these guitars is the same as the Fender versions, they aren't slimmer. The tremolos are definitely better as are the die cast tuners. The tuners are smoother because they are lubricated and sealed and just made better. The neck profiles are more accurate as well. These guitars are for beginners or intermediate players who want a better playing and sounding guitar but can't afford a Mexican Made Fender (the next level up from the Standard Squier Guitars).

Currently Squier has 6 Series of guitars for its Strats and Telecaster guitars:

Affinity Series
Artist Series
Classic Vibe Series
Obey Graphic Series
Standard Series
Vintage Modified Series

The Stratocaster has three more series guitars namely the Bullet Series, Deluxe Series, and the SE Series. The Bullet Series consists of the least expensive Stratocaster. It comes with a tremolo and is so affordable its a great present for anyone who is interested in playing guitars. If you are learning to modify guitars or want to work on custom paint jobs this guitar is a good one to use. The Deluxe series includes two models which have aged plastic parts, traditional size and shape headstock, satin finish maple neck, and 3 duncan designed single coil pickups. The SE Series is a guitar and amp package which consists of an Squier SE Special Guitar (very similar to the Squier Standard Stratocaster), Squier SP-10 Guitar Amp, Guitar Stand, Instructional DVD, Cable, Electronic Tuner, Gig Bag, Guitar Strap, and Pick Sampler.

Squier Vintage Modified Stratocaster
The Squier Vintage combines both the appeal of vintage style and hot-rodded modifications. Some features included are Duncan Designed SC-101 single coil pickups, Indian Red Cedar body, a gloss-finished maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and Vintage Style Tremolo, Custom Pickguards by Color, Gold and Black Squier Logo, Engraved Neckplate, White Plastic Parts, and Dot Position Inlays.

Squier Standard Stratocaster
The Standard Strat is made in Taiwan. Because of the increases in mass-production this guitar can now sold at such a low price.

The Black and Chrome Strat is a 2004 limited edition 6-string electric guitar. It features a gloss black finish and chrome hardware.

Squier Stand. FAT Strat
The Standard Fat Strat is a low cost alternative to the Fender Strat. This version includes a Humbucker in the Bridge positons.

The Double FAT Strat two humbuckers in place of the Single-coil pickups that are bright and versatile.

The Affinity Strat is lowest cost Strat from Fender. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate guitarists of all ages.

The Affinity FAT Strat comes with both single coil and humbucker pickups. With this guitar you get two different pickup types and sounds at a very low cost.

The Affinity Strat Special has the classic features found in Fender Strats but at an affordable price.

Squier Deluxe Stratocaster
The Deluxe Stratocaster is similar to the standard Stratocaster with the added transparent finish and basswood body. The Squier stratocasters are affordable Fender strats and offer many of the same features.

Squier Bullet
The Bullet is by far Squier's most affordable Stratocaster designedguitar. This is the perfect guitar for beginners and students. It was originally introduced in mid 2000.

Squier Telecaster
The Standard Telecaster was first introduced in mid-2000. It is a low cost version of the famous Fender Telecaster. It features a fast action neck that is similar to the one found on the late 60's fenders.

The Thinline Telecaster is a 6 string semi-hollowbody electric which is a part of the Squier 'Master Series' guitars. It's a great guitar for the intermediate and professional guitarist. It comes with two Duncan Designed® Humbucker Pickups and not the single coil pickups the standard tele's come with. 

Squier Affinity Telecaster
The Affinity Telecaster is one of the most affordable Squier Guitars. It's a great guitar for beginner guitarists as well as intermediate. These guitars have a slightly slimmer body and 21-frets (Sqiuer Telecaster has 22 frets).

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Fender purchased Squier and the first guitars started coming out of Asia in 1982. These were counterparts for their branded Fender instruments but a lower cost. The ‘50s Classic Vibe Telecaster has been designed to remind one of the earlier classic Fender Teles.

Squier Standard Precision Bass
This version of the Standard P-Bass is one of the best basses for beginners and Intermediate players alike. There are two main differences between this bass and other Precision basses: 1. The Jazz Neck, 2. Precision and Jazz Pickups. The Jazz Neck makes the bass easy to play because it is a slimmer neck (1.5" at the nut).

Squier Standard Jazz Bass
The Standard Jazz Bass has many features found on the original Fender J-Bass. Like the offset waist body, and ultra slim neck.

The Affinity Precision is one of the most affordable Basses! You may also want to check out the Standard P-Bass for comparsion. This one is a very affordable 4-string bass guitar great for beginner bass players.

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass
The Standard Jazz Bass has many features found on the original Fender J-Bass. Like the offset waist body, and ultra slim neck.

Squier Bronco Bass
The Bronco Bass is great for guitarists who occasionally need a bass, for younger beginners, for smaller players or for anyone who likes the feel of a short-scale (30 inches) bass.