It a nutshell, the squires are meant for beginners. The have smaller/thinner necks and are somewhat lighter. Electronic components should be changed entirely. So should the pickguard because its unshielded. You'll spend about $100 to $200 on the squire just to make it truely comparable to Mexican or American Fender guitars. At that point you may have spent enough to buy either Mexican or American Fender. Its all up to you. I had a mid-90's squire and miss it even today. To me, that guitar was the best ever. But my ears and skill have changed for the better since then, so who knows how it would sound to me today. Bottom line, Squires great guitars for a first start.

1981 Fender Bullet deluxe, used to be white but the poly has aged

I have been pretty impressed with Squier lately. played a CV 60s strat the other day and it held its own.

they are pretty rare indeed. I'm surprised I haven't bought yours off you yet, man. lol they not very expensive but hard to find. just the kind of product you can love!

I have been pretty impressed with Squier lately. played a CV 60s strat the other day and it held its own. now, it couldn't hold a candle to my #1 strat, "Tropicana", but it is a great starter guitar that needs no mods (save maybe a bigger trem block or bridge)

DetroitBlues,

When I went out to buy a New Fender Stratocaster (MIM Standard), I played many of them. I also played a lot of Squiers. I could not find a MIM Fender Standard worth the $450 they were asking for (and I really tried). I fell in love with the CV 60 I played and for $300, well worth the money. Slightly better tone, nicer burst, and sustain for days. Like I said there are good and bad guitars in every line-up.

I do not buy used guitars unless I know the orginal owner. I have seen too many times people paying for a Fender and actually getting a partscaster hybrid.

RK