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Post subject: MIJ Strat Opinion
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:34 am
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A friend of mine is debating over a 1987 MIJ Squier Strat with Kahler Tremolo. Artic White, rosewood fretboard, in a SSS configuration. Its plastic is deeply yellowed and the body finish has some checking. For $199, is it worth buying? Lowest action I've ever played, chunky neck compared to MIM and newer squires. What should he do? (I'd buy it for myself, but I couldn't walk in the door with it!)

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:39 am
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I wouldn't screw around with Squiers, my last one was enough experience to know better!


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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:42 am
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bluestratocaster wrote:
I wouldn't screw around with Squiers, my last one was enough experience to know better!
Those early Japanese Squiers are a whole different ballgame than the budget models produced later.

On an aside some of the new higher end Squiers are darn fine, especially dollar to value-wise.

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:37 am
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If it were in the UK, I'd be snapping it up. They are great!


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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:42 am
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I have that same guitar in black, and if I saw another for $199 that was in good shape I would buy it. It's not a low end Squier like the newer Squiers.


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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:47 am
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BigJay wrote:
$199 doesnt buy much of any guitar. For $199, you should expect a low end guitar. There are few playable guitars that arent worth $150-$200.

So, you have little to lose by buying it with your fingers crossed. The worst thing that could happen is that your spend $199 on a $199 guitar that plays OK, or even better as you seem to think the action is great.


Jay sometimes those early Squiers can be the exception to the money rule. a buddy of mine got one, dirt cheap because the owner, (who got the guitar by default from an older sibling, but didn't play himself,) knew nothing about them, and assumed it was the same deal as a modern Squier.

so you're sort of right, especially the last paragraph, but this is one of those rare times you can actually end up with more than your money's worth.

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 11:15 am
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BigJay wrote:
Im not commenting on that specific guitar or suggesting its truly a low end $199 guitar. (Personally, I wouldnt pay $199 for it unless I KNEW I could sell it tomorrow for more. But I dont really know much about that guitar, so it might be a steal.) All Im saying is that if you pay $199 for a guitar, you should expect a $199 guitar. If it turns out its actually a $250-$400 guitar, then he is way ahead. So there is little risk in buying it.


yeah you're right on the money. like I said these particular instruments are an exception to the rule.

However, not all Squiers even of the era are the same, so it is a bit of a crap shoot, unless you know what to look for, and can make sure you have the right one. only the first year of 'em 9before this one,) are a slam dunk, because there were no other models.

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:00 pm
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For $199 its a no brainer, especially since you have actually felt it in your hands. Japanese Squiers even the less desirable ones with Kahlers go for at least 300 on the bay. They are really nice guitars. Japanese Squiers for the most part are nothing like modern day Squiers


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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:12 pm
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I called the store and had them "set it aside" for me.


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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:35 pm
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I've played that guitar and it rocks. Even with old, tired strings, it still had plenty of tone even with those Japanese pickups. (Of course I was playing it through a Fender Champ 600 for that vintage sound) Never the less, great guitar regardless if it has "Squier" on it.

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:42 pm
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Yeah I need another guitar like a hole in the head but it is too interesting to pass up. My wife is used to me bringing home expensive guitars so I will live to see another day!!!

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:57 pm
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bluestratocaster wrote:
I wouldn't screw around with Squiers, my last one was enough experience to know better!


I had a '95 Korean Squier, that was a great guitar. I was sent to Korea (of all places!) I had to sell the guitar because I didn't think I could carry it on a plane. Last year I bought my daughter a Indonisian Squier, big difference in quality, tone, and feel. Just like many other guitars, you can't try one model of a specific brand to know them all.

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Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 4:33 pm
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OK, here's where I'm at on this. Memory lane trip.
Years ago (more than I'd care to admit) When I was working and earning £390 per month for a full time apprenticeship and having bills which came to £382 (before food / transport) I played session with several bands as often as I got the opportunity as well as gigging with my then own band, when we could get bookings and playing piano at a hotel whilst 'well to do' people ate their lunch.
My pocket was not a deep or near full one. I had a Korean squier which sounded and felt like something which ought have had a top label on it's head... but looked like a piece of S**t, had a tough life. I saved a little bit putting it mildly, (all I could afford) and bought an 80's Made In Japan squier. It was an awesome guitar. Being a bit better off these days, having wanted to pick up an axe again quite a lot of years later, I spent considerable time looking for the right guitar for me. Only requirement being that it be a strat. I looked at and tried loads. I found a USA Strat Ultra and am really, really pleased with it...... having never seen or heard of one before (as stated many years out of guitar playning.) I never considered labels as an important part of my guitar choice, feel and tone are what matters to me: I would have been delighted to find an early Japanese Squier: If that baby feels good and has the sound that they used to: It is a real bargain: I'd love to find one for that price!!! BUY IT! fellow past owners opinions desired!
Cheers
Wayne


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