Fender and Squier: How Do Their Guitars Differ?

🎸 Fender, and its sub-brand Squier, currently rank as the top-selling guitars in the world.

In fact, Fender reported the highest number of sales ever in just 9 months in 2020.

However, while the two have one big thing in common, massive sales numbers, many people are more interested in their differences.

If you’ve been wondering about Squier vs Fender, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dig into some comparisons and distinctions to help you learn about two of the most legendary guitar brands out there.

FAQs & Common Questions

With Fender and Squier offering so many of the same products, it is natural to have questions about the differences between the two. Maybe you want to know about how the spec sheet difference impacts price?

Or what’s the difference between the Strat vs Tele within both brands? Let’s jump into some frequently asked questions with detailed answers below.

Is Squier As Good As Fender?

The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as some might make you seem. With obvious price differences, most associate Fender’s premium price tag and reputation as the superior guitar and bass line.

The same question could also be asked of Epiphone and Gibson. In contrast, Epiphone is still very much thought of as an affordable brand, while Gibson, compared to Fender, has seemed to price itself out of the reach of many players into what is perceived as elitist territory.

Still, Squier has upped its game to the point where some of the high end Squier guitars are just as studio and stage ready, if not more, than some low end Fender products. At the end of the day, it will all come down to what you’re looking for in a guitar.

There are multiple factors that influence a player’s choice of instrument. Everything from historical identity, rarity, or price point, down to a simple choice of color.

If you want a truly robust instrument, a perfectly set up guitar that’s been gone over with a fine tooth comb, Fender products are better.

On the other hand, if you want a perfectly functioning, sweet sounding guitar that won’t break the bank, Squier may actually be better.

What’s The Difference Between A Squier And A Fender?

The two biggest differences between the two brands are the price points and countries of origin. Squier is meant to be the affordable line of Fender guitars, meaning you can get a Tele, Strat, or P-Bass that is made overseas to cut costs.

Additionally, it comes down to the details that go into making a better instrument. Fender branded instruments will have better quality woods, hardware, electronics, and more man-hour time put into finishing processes.

When you first pick up a guitar, there is no mistaking an instrument that’s had the extra time put into the small things that elevate it – the human touch. But it has to be paid for!

Which Squier Is The Best?

Just like Fender, Squier’s best guitar comes down to a Strat vs Tele faceoff. Squier’s highest quality line is the Classic Vibe series, which recreates popular historical Fender models for less than $500.

For the money, the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Telecaster is widely considered one of the best affordable guitars on the market, not just the best Squier.

Check out this side by side demo of a Tele vs Strat from the ‘50s Classic Vibe Series to decide for yourself.

Additional awesome Squier guitars include:

• Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster
• Squier Contemporary Telecaster
• Squier Affinity Jazzmaster
• Squier Paranormal Cyclone

Are Squier Bullet Strats Any Good?

Plain and simple, YES! Squier Bullet Strats are an incredibly affordable option for beginners or DIY guitar modders. They even come as part of a beginner package with accessories like an amplifier, strap, and guitar cable.

Why Are Squier Guitars Bad?

Generally speaking, Squier guitars are not bad at all. In fact, they are often underrated because they lack name brand pickups or hardware.

Their overseas origins also tend to lead to assumptions about the quality. Squiers are not perfect guitars, but Squier guitars are by no means bad and offer supreme value for the money.

Is Epiphone Better Than Squier?

Another tough question, especially because Epiphone and Squier make such different products despite the similar price point.

Ultimately, no Epiphone is not better than Squier, especially when you consider Squier and Fender have sold more guitars than any other company from 2015-2020.

But Squier makes affordable Fender designs, so if you are looking for a Strat, Tele, or Jaguar Squier is a better bet than Epiphone!

Breaking Down Fender Vs Squier: What We Looked For

We’re not here to tell you which brand is superior to the other. In fact, we want to shed light on how wonderful all these products are depending on your needs.

Whether you are considering a Signature model Jazzmaster, Mexican vs American Strat, or are interested in a Classic Vibe Squier, there is a guitar for everyone here. Here are a few key differences to consider.

Price Difference

It’s not uncommon for the price of a guitar to be the main driving force behind a purchase. Everyone wants to get the most guitar for the money.

However, sometimes cost doesn’t equate to overall quality, so it is important to understand why the prices are different.

Fender

Fender guitars cost more because of where they are produced. Paying the factory workers in the US and Mexican factories simply costs more than it does overseas in Asian countries.

While there is certainly a price difference attributed to the upgraded features and parts in Fender guitars, most of the price difference comes from the labor associated with building guitars in North America.

Squier

As stated above, it is just so much more affordable to mass produce guitars overseas. Squier guitars also feature overseas made copies of things like Fender pickups, tuners, and bridges which cost less to produce separate from the already cheap assembly.

Sound Quality 

The way an individual guitar sounds is often subjective, with each musical genre and player having their own definition. Squier vs Fender guitars certainly sound different, even if both have generally impressive sound quality.

Other than the natural qualities of the tonewoods and quality of the hardware, the most important sonic factor is the pickups. They’re the engine behind the sound.

Moreover, one of the first places a guitar manufacturer will cut costs is in the electronics. Whether it’s a Squier or a Fender, the quality of the electronics can make or break your sound.

Fender

Fender is known for pioneering so many iconic electric guitar sounds. When comparing Strat vs Tele pickups, Fender has a strong reputation for reproducing their signature tones in every guitar, be it Mexican or Fender. The sound quality is undoubtedly high.

Squier

Squier’s whole mission is really to clone those Fender sounds and tones and bring them in a more accessible package. But can you cut production costs and still maintain an authentic vintage-stlye tones?

They certainly succeed in doing that, especially with the Squier Classic Vibe series. In our humble opinion, they sound eerily similar to original Fender guitars. So much so that it hardly warrants replacing the pickups.

Even when you put the Squier Bullet vs Affinity lines up against each other, the distinct Fender sound is there.

Build Quality

Overseas production quality has drastically increased in the past decade. This has been a net positive for consumers like you and me, who can get better products without having to dig deeper into our pockets.

Fender

Fender very well may be the industry leader in build quality. Even Mexican Fender products are known to last a lifetime.

And on the off chance they don’t, Fender’s modular guitar design makes it easy and affordable to swap parts in and out for upgrades or repairs. But if Fender is on the headstock, you can expect top notch build quality.

Squier

Squier is no slouch when it comes to build quality either, with drastic improvements from past decades. Many Squier guitars come out of the box ready to go, with smooth action and sweet pickups.

Quality control certainly lags behind Fender a bit, but really it should be on the dealer to make sure that you don’t get a lemon or beat up instrument.

Pros and Cons of Each Make

Fender Guitars

Squier Guitars

Which Brand Is Right For You?

Ultimately, Squiers are beloved by beginner players because they are an affordable way to learn guitar. Squier guitars even come with a free trial of Fender Play, their proprietary online guitar instruction program.

If you are a beginner or want to start learning guitar, Squier may be right for you.

Now, if you are a player who has progressed through lessons, upgrading to a Mexican or American Fender could be the right choice for you. The smoother playability and reliable tuning make Fenders a tad more stage or studio ready.

The post Fender vs Squier – Which One Is Better? first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

The Saga LC-10 Guitar Kit at a Glance:

Saga LC-10 Deluxe Electric Guitar Kit

What’s the Advantage of the LC-10 DIY Kit?

Saga is a big name in the musical instrument world, and when it comes to finding a DIY guitar kit, one you build yourself and become at one with before you begin playing it, the LC-10 Deluxe Electric Guitar Kit is a very popular one to go for.

The kit comes with everything you need to make it, and with an easy to follow instruction manual, you shouldn’t have any issues with the process.

The main advantage of putting together a guitar yourself is that you get a real personal feel for the instrument, and many musicians state that this helps you become one with the instrument before playing it.

If you are a beginner, this theory could work very well for you, as you need to ‘feel’ the guitar, and allow it to become an extension of you, in order to make the best music possible.

SAGA 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right Handed, Natural (LC-10)

Check Availability!

Click Here to Check LC-10 Availability >>

LC-10 Deluxe Features

• Solid maple neck which also has pre-fretting fingerboard, all gives better quality playing
• Pre-drilled holes make assembly easier
• Electronics all play-ready, no need for soldering
• Arched top basswood with maple veneer design
• Everything included in the kit
• Easy to follow instruction manual included

Read the Latest Saga Kit Customer Reviews >>

Pros

• Good quality for the money, many who have purchased the kit state this
• Easy to install – the instruction manual is very easy to follow
• Everything you need is included in the one kit
• All holes pre-drilled, so no need to do anything other than put the kit together
• Lightweight, at just 10.8lb

Cons

• Available only in right handed version
• Good as a starting option for new players, but more experienced guitar players may find it doesn’t give them what they need

Compare these similar guitar kits from Solo Guitars:

Solo LPK-10 DIY Guitar Kit With Flame Maple Top

Solo LPK-10 DIY Guitar Kit With Flame Maple Top

4.8 / 5

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Solo LPK-10TB DIY Guitar Kit With Flame Burst Body

Solo LPK-10TB DIY Guitar Kit With Flame Burst Body

4.7 / 5

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Solo LPK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body

Solo LPK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body

4.9 / 5

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Saga LC-10 Kit in Review

When shopping around for the best DIY guitar kit, you need to compare options, and two of the most important areas are quality and cost.

Of course, ease of putting the kit together in the first place is also high up on the list, but you want to know that when you have completed the process, the guitar sounds great and is easy to play.

The Saga LC-10 Electric Guitar Kit is a great product to go for, and those who have purchased it previously all say that it is easy to put together, thanks to a very comprehensive instruction manual, and all parts included in the kit.

All holes are pre-drilled and there is a paddle-head peghead shape and adjustable truss rod also as standard.

When complete, the guitar is certainly attractive, and it is play-ready in terms of electronics, with no soldering required once you have put it all together.

SAGA 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right Handed, Natural (LC-10)

What Do LC-10 Builders Think?

The final design is classic, i.e. white and black, and it is only available in right handed design, so bear this in mind when purchasing it. Many people who have bought this product have all said the same thing – it is great for first timers, easy to put together, ideal value for money, and a lightweight choice too, at 10.8lb when complete.

The post Saga LC-10 Review [Deluxe Electric Guitar Kit] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Finding the Best DIY Guitar Kit for the Money

Great DIY Guitar Kits at a Glance:

Product	Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Overall Value Saga TC-10 Electric Guitar Kit – T Style			$$
#2 Best Budget Kit PYLE-PRO PGEKT18 Unfinished Electric Guitar Kit	No products found.		$
#3 Best Rated The Fretwire Hollow Body Build Your Own Guitar Kit – Rockabilly			$$$

What You Should Know About Guitar Building Kits

Building your own guitar sounds like a mountain you can’t climb, but that’s not necessarily the case. DIY guitar kits make it so much easier than ever before.

There’s nothing sub-standard about building your own instrument, you can go a long way with even the most basic of kits. Plus it’s an extremely rewarding experience.

Typical do it yourself guitar kits are designed to provide the best balance of price, quality of construction and ease of assembly. Most manuals included give clear step by step instructions, so even a first timer can build the perfect instrument.

If you’re new to the building process, starting off with a beginner model is always the best bet, because you can a) find out if this really is the instrument for you, b) learn slowly and build up, and c) improve your guitar setup and customizing capabilities.

If you have some experience putting things together and aren’t afraid of a challenge, you may be interested in building your own fully customized instrument. This article on how to build your own custom guitar will certainly give you an idea of what’s involved.

What Exactly is a DIY Guitar Kit?

As the name would suggest guitar kits are pre-organized assemblies which contain everything you need to build your own custom-made guitar, including all hardware, electrical parts, and instructions.

A good quality guitar kit will have all holes pre-drilled and all electronics pre-assembled ready to go. Plus there’s no need for drilling or soldering; all you’ll need is a few modest guitar tools  – a couple of screwdrivers, a small assortment of allen keys, and perhaps a small adjustable wrench.

Guitar building kits are not only for novices, they are also for experienced musicians too, and the there are many different choices on the market, making this a totally customizable road to go down.

Not only that, you’ll have a better understanding of how a guitar works from the ground up, plus a better appreciation for ready made instruments.

Quality DIY Electric Guitar Kits Available at Solo Guitars:

Solo TCK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Solo TCK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

5.0 / 5

Check Availability! >>

Solo STK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Solo STK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

5.0 / 5

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Solo SGK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Solo SGK-1 DIY Electric Guitar Kit

5.0 / 5

Check Availability! >>

Why Should You Build Your Own Guitar?

You may decide to build your own guitar for many reasons, some of the main ones include:

• Building a guitar from scratch makes it more personal
• You can customize instrument parts or aesthetics
• You can customize the instrument to your playing style
• You may take great pride in the fact you have built the guitar yourself
• For children who are learning to play, building the instrument with a parent is a superb bonding experience
• Guitar kits can sometimes work out cheaper than actually buying a pre-made instrument

Building your own guitar can also make you feel extremely attached to the instrument, and some argue that this helps you play it much more effectively.

The natural result being the music you produce will be higher quality and more soulful as you feel better connected.

A kit like this makes it very easy:

Read our full review of the Saga LC-10 Guitar Kit here

Guitar Construction Basics

To forgo any assumptions that we are dealing with one type of instrument exclusively, we must understand there are various types of guitars accommodating many, many musical styles. The basic family members are comprised of:

• Acoustic
• 12-String
• Classical
• Steel and Lap Steel
• Resonator
• Archtop
• Semi-Acoustic
• Bass
• Electric

…and many more depending on how specific the musical genre is.

While not all types of guitars may not be available in kit form, they all share the same basic traits:

• Headstock – At the end of the neck and is on both acoustic and electric guitars
• Tuners – To raise or lower each string’s pitch as necessary, typically located around the headstock
• Nut – Located at the end of the fretboard where it meets the headstock
• Fretboard – Also known as the fingerboard – the playing surface on acoustics, electric guitars and basses
• Frets – These are metal strips located laterally along the fretboard
• Truss rod – A metal rod which runs internally along the neck of the instrument
• Inlays – Cosmetic decorations set into the surface that help give the instrument an attractive appearance
• Neck – A long wooden section carrying the playing surface extending from the body
• Neck Joint – An important structural point where the neck meets the body, either with glue or bolted on
• Strings – One of the most important and variable parts, also a consumable that needs regular replacement
• Body – A main resonant point and anchor for the strings, also encompasses the sound box on acoustics
• Pickups – This part is mostly seen in electric guitars, although many acoustic guitars have them too.
• Bridge – Holds the strings firmly in place and transfers string energy to the instrument’s body
• Hardware – All the small bits and pieces that let everything else work. Screws, strap buttons, pickguards etc.

This is the main architecture of a guitar and each component plays an important role in the instrument.

Read our full Saga TC-10 Guitar Kit Review Here

A DIY electric guitar kit is often a cost-effective way to get started. They typically Include a few extra parts such as the electrical support mechanisms – the output jack, pots and switches.

When you purchase these kits, the electronic parts are usually already supplied as a complete harness, so you don’t have to worry about firing up a soldering iron or having to make the extra purchase.

If you’re serious about building your guitar to a high standard, it’s a good idea to know about the hardware of the instrument and how it tone and operation. This basic knowledge will give you a strong base to build upon and produce a better end result.

How to Choose the Best Guitar Kit For You

We all love managing our personal things according to our own tastes and preferences, guitar kits are no different. In order for you to enjoy an instrument to it’s maximum potential you need to choose the right kit for you.

There are countless on the market, and they range in ability level from beginner to expert. Here’s what you should consider when picking your choice of guitar kits.

• What is your ability level? – Generally speaking, you don’t need prior skills or knowledge to build a guitar from a DIY kit, because the instructions will help you right to the end. If you’re a total beginner, it’s a good idea to pick a kit which has as many pre-assembled parts as possible.There are also kits which require a higher level of skill which is great for customization. These tend to be for more experienced musicians who have a better knowledge and understanding of how a guitar is put together, and how it works.

• Shop around for the brand name – As with most products, there are many large brand names on the market. While these are probably going to be more expensive, it could also be that you get more confidence from buying guitar kits from established names.Looking for testimonial reviews online is a good way to choose your particular brand, and to find out which are best for beginners, which are best for more advanced users etc.

• How long do you want the instrument to last? – Obviously if you are looking to build a guitar that is going to last a long time, you need to look for a sturdy, strong, and possibly more expensive kit using premium materials.If on the other hand you just want to try out your skills, and you’re not overly concerned with its lifespan, you can go for a cheaper, lightweight option.

Compare Popular DIY Electric Guitar Kits:

SAGA 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right...

The FretWire Spalted Style DIY Electric Guitar...

What to Look For in High Quality Guitar Kits

Whatever your motivation for going the do-it-yourself guitar kit route, it’s time to find the best one for your needs. Obviously online is going to be the best place to start because this allows you time to shop around easily.

It also gives you time to make sure you’re making the right purchase. Online is also where you will find the best deals, as well as testimonials from previous purchasers.

When checking reviews it’s important to weigh up the negatives against the positives, and to assess them for credibility – remember that people don’t always say positive things, they much prefer to talk about the negatives.

Make sure you look for credible reviews to help you narrow your choices down and find the right choice for you.

Find Great Deals On New DIY Guitar Kits at Reverb.com

Look for these features to the find best guitar kit:

• Pre-drilled holes – This makes installation and construction much easier, especially for beginners
• Comprehensive instruction manuals – Everything is easy to follow this way
• Complete electronics – Soldering should not be required, electronics should be ready to go
• Extras – Some have apps which you can connect to and they help you learn how to play the instrument once it is completely constructed
• Lightweight, but not too lightweight – Any guitar player will tell you that an instrument which is not balanced is not easy to play, a body that’s too lightweight will cause the neck to tip.
  When you are constructing the instrument, yes, lightweight is good, but you need to go for middle ground here – again, this is where testimonials or reviews will help you out.
• Good value for money in terms of initial cost – It’s not necessarily a good idea to go absolute top end when purchasing your first kit, especially if you’re not used to building or even playing a guitar.
  If you are experienced, and you’re looking for quality then yes, spend a little more. But generally speaking, look for some middle ground in this category too to give you a cost effective choice.

On a Budget? Check Out These Cheap Guitar Kits:

BexGears DIY Electric Guitar Kits, okoume Body...

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Are Build Your Own Guitar Kits Right For You?

The first question you have to ask is whether a guitar kit is the right choice for you – not everyone has the tinkerer skill set. If you’re ready to create an entirely new affinity with the instrument with a minimum of tools, then a guitar kit is a great choice.

A good piece of motivation is: if you want to help your child learn about music, and you want to help them build something they are proud of, you have an amazing opportunity here.

Of course, you may simply want to pass the time and have an interest in building your own guitar – curiosity, the challenge, there are many reasons why you may go down this road.

If you have the time, building a guitar, or even an accompanying amplifier is a superb creative hobby. The great news is that it’s not really that time consuming.

Some of the pre-constructed kits can be put together in just over an hour; some are much less put together, more labour intensive requiring more time and effort

These can take anything from a few days up to a couple of weeks, especially when applying your own finish to the neck and body.

Build your own guitar kits are also a great way to introduce children the wonder of music, as well as many other benefits of music that help them express themselves in a different way.

Music isn’t just about noise and things that sound nice, it is a way to release pent up emotion and misunderstanding, anger and many other negative feelings.

There are numerous scientific studies that prove the benefits of music and playing an instrument. If you can introduce your children to this at a young age, you’re helping them learn to release pent up emotions in a healthy context.

The fact you can help them build the instrument also means you’re bonding together in creating a common goal.

The sheer number of build your own guitar kits on the market is growing year upon year – which is great for the guitar industry. The more popular it becomes the more choices we have; a broader range of body styles, better quality typically plus better price points.

The fact you can customize the guitar to your needs and playing style is a major plus. Everyone plays differently and has a different sense of aesthetics, therefore you can make the instrument truly your own.

Recommended High Quality Guitar Kits from The Fretwire:

To Sum It All Up, The Best DIY Guitar Kits Offer A Lot Fun

Hopefully you’re raring to go when it comes to finding the ideal choice for you amongst the many guitar kits on the market. Don’t be put off by how intimidating the task may seem at first.

Once you get into it, you’ll see that you really don’t need any great deal of prior knowledge or skills to complete a kit. The great sense of achievement you get from creating something you can actually play is well worth the effort.

All that’s left is to find the ideal kit for your needs, away you go!

Remember these important items when building your own guitar!

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The post Best DIY Guitar Kits (Guide and Examples) first appeared on GuitarNiche.