dominus
King Midas to Cheap Guitars
Seriously, I've found myself picking up more and more of them. They can be had cheaply, and as long as you get a solid body (and not plywood) they make killer guitars.
Necks:
With a used one, you can almost be assured that the frets aren't going to be worn out. 99% of Squiers are pre-owned by kids that may put about 10 hours tops on them. The headstock is a recognizable classic shape, and with a few minutes of light sanding, you can put your own logo on or make it blank. Just spray lacquer on when you're done. Replace the tuners too, but that's a given on almost ANY guitar. Complete necks can be had on E-Bay for about $50 less than a bare MIM neck (which almost surely has more fret wear), and you can always sell the tuners and get some money back.
Also, MIM necks are just about always fitted for modern style tuners, a lot of Squier necks are fitted for vintage ones, if you're so inclined.
Bodies:
Sure, the electronics suck, but it only takes a few minutes to pop off the old pickguard and pop on a new one. The solid bodies are typically basswood or agathis (although I've found a few alder ones), so it's easy enough to decide what pickups would work best.
The body itself makes a good base for a refinishing project, and you're not too worried about screwing it up, as you didn't pay a whole lot for it. Yeah, Squier might not have as many colors available as Fender, but within a week (if you're impatient like me) you can have a new look for about $20.
The bridge itself isn't bad. I'd recommend upgrading the block, but the saddles are fine, as I prefer the modern-style ones anyway. I've alternated between painting the bridge plate and saddles (after completely disassembling it) or just replacing it with a cheap black one. GFS has upgraded bridges with vintage saddles for $40 if you want to replace the entire unit. Just be sure to get the MIM spacing one.
I've seen complete bodies on E-Bay for $50 less than a bare MIM body, and you can always sell the electronics and original bridge.
Necks:
With a used one, you can almost be assured that the frets aren't going to be worn out. 99% of Squiers are pre-owned by kids that may put about 10 hours tops on them. The headstock is a recognizable classic shape, and with a few minutes of light sanding, you can put your own logo on or make it blank. Just spray lacquer on when you're done. Replace the tuners too, but that's a given on almost ANY guitar. Complete necks can be had on E-Bay for about $50 less than a bare MIM neck (which almost surely has more fret wear), and you can always sell the tuners and get some money back.
Also, MIM necks are just about always fitted for modern style tuners, a lot of Squier necks are fitted for vintage ones, if you're so inclined.Bodies:
Sure, the electronics suck, but it only takes a few minutes to pop off the old pickguard and pop on a new one. The solid bodies are typically basswood or agathis (although I've found a few alder ones), so it's easy enough to decide what pickups would work best.
The body itself makes a good base for a refinishing project, and you're not too worried about screwing it up, as you didn't pay a whole lot for it. Yeah, Squier might not have as many colors available as Fender, but within a week (if you're impatient like me) you can have a new look for about $20.
The bridge itself isn't bad. I'd recommend upgrading the block, but the saddles are fine, as I prefer the modern-style ones anyway. I've alternated between painting the bridge plate and saddles (after completely disassembling it) or just replacing it with a cheap black one. GFS has upgraded bridges with vintage saddles for $40 if you want to replace the entire unit. Just be sure to get the MIM spacing one.
I've seen complete bodies on E-Bay for $50 less than a bare MIM body, and you can always sell the electronics and original bridge.
, on another note, It's the MIM trems you need if your gonna replace the stock trem?
