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!)

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC

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.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

If it were in the UK, I'd be snapping it up. They are great!

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.

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.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

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.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

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

I called the store and had them "set it aside" for me.

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.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC

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!!!

_________________
2009 American Deluxe "V" neck Strat
2007 Classic 50's Telecaster
1996 "Tex-Mex" 50th Anniversary MIM Strat
1989 PRS CA 24
Martin 000
Fender Blues Jr. NOS Tweed

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.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


facebook.com/313DBC

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