We all know how legendary the MIJ JV and SQ series of guitars are. They whipped Fender USA's $@! and forced them to step up to the plate, resulting in the great guitars we have today. My question is this: The JV and SQ models are so highly regarded. How much lower in quality are the A and E serial numbered guitars? I have an A serial Squier ST-331 Stratocaster (weird guitar) and an A serial Fender '52/'50s Tele. Both are excellent guitars. I A/Bd my Tele with a USA '52 Hot Rod Tele and they played almost exactly the same. How good are the As and Es regarded?

If one were to have just $400 to spend on a guitar, I'd say an E series Squier strat could absolutely not be beat in terms of value.

If you can find one. The easiest way to find one would be to search online, but then you don't get to play it first before you buy it. Which is OK with a new guitar with a warranty, but not on an old guitar sold through a private seller.

Yep, depends what you're in the market for and what pops up when.

I believe they call it 'luck'.