I purchased my Squire Strat 16 years ago. I'm trying to learn more about it, but everytime I look into it get more confused about it. I know it's a Squire, but it's not your typical Squire Strat. It has the large "Fender" logo (all in black) on the headstock, with a small "Squire series" logo on the headstock ball. It clearly states "Made in Mexico" which of course is confirmed with the Serial# MN425708 (also on the front headstock) which places the manufacture date in 1994-1995. (which is when I bought it).

My research has given me conflicting information. I would like to believe that this guitar is of the higher end MIM Strats. However, I did run across a site that claims the body itself is the made of the higher end materials however the electronics and bridgework are were of a hodgepodge nature and the fact that the "Squire Series" logo is on the headstock ball is the key indicator that this might be one of those strats.

I actually love this guitar and while I need to replace the nut, and I'm actually considering replacing the electronics as well. At the same time, I'm also considering buying a new guitar. I'd like to know more about what I have, before considering trading the old girl in.

Please, anyone with any knowledge about what I've described above please let me know what I need to be looking for.

Hi blu143, welcome to the Forum.

To save me typing just re-read that second paragraph of yours. Essentially, you have it in a nutshell.

Some people feel the '90s Mexican "Squier by Fender" Strats were above par in their price category. There are a couple of owners here on the Forum who would not be separated from theirs.

If you enter "Made in Mexico Squier by Fender" into Google you will come up with plenty more opinions and even a small amount of hard info.

Cheers - C

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I guess I'm wondering whether to spend the money to replace the electronics or not. I do really feel that it's above par in quality. Somewhere between MIM and Squire. It really is a great guitar.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

I think the advice here would be the same regardless of brand or model. If the electrics are doing their job to your satisfaction then leave them be. If there is something you don't like... change it.

I've found that the course of action in these situations often has little to do with the price of the guitar.

Good luck - C

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Heyre not. Lots of phasing in and out. The high e doesnt pick up real well anymore. I think i got the cheap hardware.

Trading in the guitar because of faulty ( worn out electronics ) is like trading your car in because you just got a flat tire....

On a 16 year old Squier or MIM, your trade-in value is more likely to be insulting than a bargain...
Well it probably will be a bargain but not in your favor.

You say you love the guitar and it is still a great instrument...There You Go...
Keep it, use it and do get the new one, it is always nice to have more than One guitar, especially if they are setup differently in electronics so that they attend to very different spectrums...

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

Yep, sounds like something under the hood is giving out. Checking the solder joints, pots and switch is the first thing to do. If that don't sort it, it's on to the pickups.

Lot's of fun for a Sunday afternoon.

Good luck - C

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Im about to do the research to see what it would cost to completely upgrade the electronics.

Any suggestions regarding pickups?

I suppose the old girl is worth keeping. She's been with me this long. Great body. Just needs a tune up.

Just following up...

Spent about 2 hours researching various forums on my original post and from what I can deduce, I have an American made body...with crap hardware (electronics - the bridge/tuners are actually very good) which is evident by my follow up posts.

I think I'm going to spend the money to overhaul the electronics on this thing (Tex Mex P/U with new pots) and what I'll end up with would be equivalent to a modern day MIM. I think I spent somewhere around $150 for it 16 years ago. I'll probably end up pumping around another $200 which total cost will still be less than a new guitar that I'll end up having to break in.

I've already switched out the saddles for graphite ones (originals were crap) so in the end, I'm seeing a great sounding guitar coming out of this project.

Thanks for all the advice!

Careful with the Graphite saddles, if you seek a traditional bell/clear strat sound,the graphites will alter that sound drastically....I would play a strat with graphite ( if possible ) before switching.

All in all, once you get it dialed in, the nut slots properly slotted and lubed as well as the bridge saddles, you should not have binding issues, there is quite a lot of info on this subject in the build threads and elsewhere ,
I believe the graphite saddles are not a needed swap unless you prefer their response...

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"C'est parti mon Kiki "

It's already done. Did it several years ago.

Easy fix though.