But it’s the pickups that’ll make the biggest difference.įor an example let’s look at the highest-priced Fender Jazzmaster against the Squier Jazzmaster.Įquipt with two V-Mod II Jazzmaster pickups, the Fender delivers a bright sparkle alongside superior output. The wood selection and high-grade hardware will contribute to an improved sound. That said, if you have a trained, attentive ear, you may pick up the audible differences. But in all fairness, most won’t recognize the variation. It’ll take a well-trained ear to notice the difference between a Fender and a Squier. And some guitarists may even prefer the Squier. A high-end Squier will compete with a low-end Fender. The cheaper the Fender, the narrower the difference. Chances are, you’ll appreciate the Squier version.
Squier models follow the blueprint of Fender designs. At Fender, luthiers will file down and smooth the frets for unobstructed playing.īut, overall, they’re not a million miles apart. If you run your hand along the neck, you may experience sharp fret edges on a Squier. The craftsmanship on fret edges makes high-end Fenders more luxurious. The tuners may not hold their tune on a Squier as they do on a premium Fender. But, the sturdiness is recognizable to touch. Aspects like the neck will feel more robust in your palm. If you were to pick up a Fender and a Squier, could you tell the difference?Īn American-built Fender will feel more durable than a Squier. Much closer than the illegal copies that you’ll find. Consider a Squier, a licensed copy of a Fender. You can get classic Fender designs at a fraction of the cost. We’re speaking of the name and logo, either Fender or Squier. The standout difference in looks is going to be the headstock. While the aesthetics will be similar, a close examination will show a contrast in quality. Squier uses cheaper hardware than high-end Fenders. Likewise, on stage, most audience members won’t note the make of your guitar. If you’re not a guitar geek, you won’t notice the finer details. So how does a Squier differ from a Fender on looks? A Chinese-built Squier Vs a Chinese-built Fender won’t signify much disparity in build quality. Fret edges, neck joints, and contouring are telltale signs.īut this is at the extremes of the spectrum. The handcrafting of skilled humans is difficult to replicate by machine. The wood selection between a US-built Fender and a Squier will be notable. So, with the build quality, there will be a difference.
Skilled luthiers have an enormous hand in the making of American guitars.
American factories have access to sophisticated tools and machinery for wood cutting.A temperature-controlled factory prevents humidity-related wood damage.From there everything from storing to drying maximizes durability and performance.Made of the finest tonewoods, American-built guitars have a strict wood selection process.Here are some reasons why Fenders American plant produces prime guitars: So why do guitarists often think American instruments are the best in craftsmanship? American-built guitars tend to outdo the competition. The country of manufacture still affects build quality. They build these guitars in either Indonesia or China.Īlthough the difference is less than years gone by. To keep costs down, Squier factories are in countries that have cheaper labor costs. If you own a Fender, it’s made in the USA, Japan, Mexico, or China. To achieve diversity in price, Fender uses factories in different countries.