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Post subject: Squier Stratocaster N Series MIJ 1993-94
Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:52 am
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Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2018 7:03 am
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Hi

I am a new UK based member to this forum and just wanted to seek some input from all the knowledge/experience across your membership.

I recently bought a Squier Stratocaster MIJ N series (1993-4), and having researched the particular model, am finding a lot of conflicting information across various forums, primarily regarding;

1) Body material - some people are advising they have ply-wood / laminate MIJ models from this period, whilst I have seen on this site, a post stating that the Japan factory never in its history made a ply-wood bodied guitar? Just wondered what the likely body material is for this instrument.
2) Machine Heads - it is fitted with Trapezoid ones, which I read are rubbish and confirm that it is a low quality, entry level instrument.

Just wondered what peoples view are on these guitars, and the above points.

I was proposing (having read form comments) to pay for some upgrades, but don't want to throw good money after bad - if people think it is not worth replacing the machine heads / bridge (as I have seen recommended elsewhere) then so be it.

I have raised the same questions on the Squier forum, but thought I would also seek some input here.

Regarding the body material, I propose to take it to a reputable local guitar shop tomorrow & let them unscrew the lead socket / pickguard in order to give a final assessment.

Would welcome people's thoughts re the standard of instrument and really whether it is worth spending any money on.

Cheers

Richard


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Post subject: Re: Squier Stratocaster N Series MIJ 1993-94
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 2:46 am
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
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First of all, I wouldn't judge any guitar by what someone wrote in the information superhighway.
Well, that actually includes my post, but you get the drift... :wink:

"Rubbish trapezoids"... Unless they're mechanically broken they'll do the job. If you feel some features don't suit you (like ratio, or you want locking, or just prefer the Kluson look, etc.), that's the time to upgrade.

"Plywood body"... They did use P.A.F. wood fiber (I've seen those, never seen a plywood MIJ - doesn't mean there is none...) along with basswood (and alder), but if you can't tell the body material by the feel/sound, does it matter? The guitar doesn't get better if it's confirmed to be wood or worse if plywood, it is what it is. But - risking a guess here - your guitar is most likely basswood.

So, you need to do a cost/profit/feelings analysis. You paid X£ for the guitar. Add the costs of the mods you absolutely must have, if any. Will you be happy with the result (tingles of joy every time you pick it up), or will you always covet for something else? If the latter, check if selling this guitar now and investing the expected mod costs would get your dream guitar to you right away.

In general, I have a sweet spot for MIJ's. Since the eighties they arrived, most have had a strong WOW! effect, and on the other side, I've never met a total disappointment from Fender Japan.(Electrical/mechanical problems occur sometimes, but they're fixable).

Pic posting here is a bit difficult, but it can be done. Borrowed one of you pics on that other forum ( http://www.squier-talk.com/threads/squi ... es.132410/ ) as an example:
Image


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Post subject: Re: Squier Stratocaster N Series MIJ 1993-94
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:21 am
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Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2018 7:03 am
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Thanks Jmattis for the reply and advice - much appreciated.

I think you and the Squier forum guys are spot on when it comes to the upgrades - unless the guitar is a "keeper" i dont want make any changes that could potentially devalue it.

Am going to have the body material identified out of curiosity, but regarding other changes, will just see how i get on with it.

I guess the more i read on forums re this particular MIJ period for Squier, the more confused i became re the conflicting info regarding guitar quality, build specs etc.

Cheers

Richard


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