Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
- Thread starter Lewguitar
- Start date
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
IMO, these 1980's MIJ Squier Strats have a tendency to be terrific guitars.
I've owned a few and the body wood in mine was always alder. Not poplar or basswood.
Maybe the bass wood version came in the 1990's when the printed stamp on the back of the neck changed from reading "Made In Japan" to reading "Crafted In Japan"?
I did have a 1990's one that was stamped Crafted In Japan and it did have a bass wood body. So I'd stay away from those.
I've compared alder Strats to basswood Strats and liked the sound of alder a lot more.
IMO, these 1980's MIJ Squier Strats have a tendency to be terrific guitars.
I've owned a few and the body wood in mine was always alder. Not poplar or basswood.
Maybe the bass wood version came in the 1990's when the printed stamp on the back of the neck changed from reading "Made In Japan" to reading "Crafted In Japan"?
I did have a 1990's one that was stamped Crafted In Japan and it did have a bass wood body. So I'd stay away from those.
I've compared alder Strats to basswood Strats and liked the sound of alder a lot more.
Last edited:
Brow
Active member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
I have 1 of these 1990s Japanese Squier Strats and it's my most used Strat, even over my USA and Japanese Fender models.
It has a set of AIII 50s style pickups in it and it sounds great. Cheaper than 1 of the 80s Squiers as well.
I have 1 of these 1990s Japanese Squier Strats and it's my most used Strat, even over my USA and Japanese Fender models.
It has a set of AIII 50s style pickups in it and it sounds great. Cheaper than 1 of the 80s Squiers as well.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
In any case, these 80's Squiers have vintage style bridges and saddles and the only diff I see between these and the MIJ Strats that are not Squiers is that the saddles are not each stamped with the Fender name. Otherwise, they seem identical.
The tremolo block on all of the MIJ Strats I've owned (whether Fender Stratocasters or Fender Squier Straocasters) looks full size but actually measure 2 7/8" across instead of the 3" that my USA Fender vintage blocks measure.
And although the MIJ tremolo sounds really good it has always been zinc and weighed slightly less than the steel blocks in my USA made Fender 62 Reissue Tremolos.
In any case, these 80's Squiers have vintage style bridges and saddles and the only diff I see between these and the MIJ Strats that are not Squiers is that the saddles are not each stamped with the Fender name. Otherwise, they seem identical.
The tremolo block on all of the MIJ Strats I've owned (whether Fender Stratocasters or Fender Squier Straocasters) looks full size but actually measure 2 7/8" across instead of the 3" that my USA Fender vintage blocks measure.
And although the MIJ tremolo sounds really good it has always been zinc and weighed slightly less than the steel blocks in my USA made Fender 62 Reissue Tremolos.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
The other thing about 1980's Fender Squiers is that the pots are not minis. They are full size high quality 250K pots and 25 or 30 years later most of them still work just fine.
The pickups in the 1980's Fender Squier Strats sound good. They are ceramic magnet pickups with the steel poles and the magnet is glued to the bottom of the pickup.
I've always replaced these Squier single coils in my Squiers that I've kept. Duncan SSL-1's work well. But I like Antiquity Surfers even better.
The pots don't usually need upgrading. But I will usually use a new 5 way switch and disconnect the middle pickup tone control and put it on the bridge pickup instead.
The other thing about 1980's Fender Squiers is that the pots are not minis. They are full size high quality 250K pots and 25 or 30 years later most of them still work just fine.
The pickups in the 1980's Fender Squier Strats sound good. They are ceramic magnet pickups with the steel poles and the magnet is glued to the bottom of the pickup.
I've always replaced these Squier single coils in my Squiers that I've kept. Duncan SSL-1's work well. But I like Antiquity Surfers even better.
The pots don't usually need upgrading. But I will usually use a new 5 way switch and disconnect the middle pickup tone control and put it on the bridge pickup instead.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
Here's my Tele/Strat. I made it out of the '88 Fender Squier Strat that I've owned the longest. I've owned this ax longer than any guitar in my little collection.
It started out looking like this:
But under the pickguard, a previous owner had routed it for a bridge humbucker.
So I put a new WD pickguard and a Duncan Custom Shop '53 JB Tapped Tele Hot alnico 2 pickup in it, along with a Fralin Vintage Hot Strat neck pickup. The 5 way switch gives me: Hot Bridge, Hot Bridge & Neck, Neck, Vintage Bridge & Neck and Vintage Bridge.
I'm really happy with this ax. When I had my real '63 Strat (sold it last year to pay some bills) I played this '88 Squier more often:
Here's my Tele/Strat. I made it out of the '88 Fender Squier Strat that I've owned the longest. I've owned this ax longer than any guitar in my little collection.
It started out looking like this:
But under the pickguard, a previous owner had routed it for a bridge humbucker.
So I put a new WD pickguard and a Duncan Custom Shop '53 JB Tapped Tele Hot alnico 2 pickup in it, along with a Fralin Vintage Hot Strat neck pickup. The 5 way switch gives me: Hot Bridge, Hot Bridge & Neck, Neck, Vintage Bridge & Neck and Vintage Bridge.
I'm really happy with this ax. When I had my real '63 Strat (sold it last year to pay some bills) I played this '88 Squier more often:
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
So what's the point of this thread?
Just to steer forum members in a good direction.
If you're looking for a great vintage style Strat with a vintage style tremolo, the 1980's MIJ Fender Squiers cannot be beat for the bucks.
You may want to replace the pickups someday.
And you may want to replace the tremolo with one with a block made of steel someday.
But if you've picked a good one, you'll have a guitar that can stand side by side with any Strat.
So what's the point of this thread?
Just to steer forum members in a good direction.
If you're looking for a great vintage style Strat with a vintage style tremolo, the 1980's MIJ Fender Squiers cannot be beat for the bucks.
You may want to replace the pickups someday.
And you may want to replace the tremolo with one with a block made of steel someday.
But if you've picked a good one, you'll have a guitar that can stand side by side with any Strat.
Last edited:
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
Another budget Strat that I like a lot is the Made In Mexico Jimmie Vaughan.
My experience is with the old ones...not the new ones.
The old ones used ceramic magnet pickups. So you might want to upgrade the pickups eventually.
However, I've read that the newest Jimmie Vaughans now have alnico magnet pickups
In any case, the Jimmie Vaughan necks are really nice. Jumbo frets, a flatter radius for easier string bending and a terrific Soft V shaped neck that I find extremely comfortable.
The Fender decal on the peghead looks "right".
And although I can't speak from my own experience, owners report that the tremolo uses a steel block.
Bring a little magnet if you go shopping for one and see if it's attracted to the block. If it is, it's steel.
Used, the Jimmie Vaughans seem to sell for two or even three hundred dollars more than used 80's MIJ Fender Squiers.
Another budget Strat that I like a lot is the Made In Mexico Jimmie Vaughan.
My experience is with the old ones...not the new ones.
The old ones used ceramic magnet pickups. So you might want to upgrade the pickups eventually.
However, I've read that the newest Jimmie Vaughans now have alnico magnet pickups
In any case, the Jimmie Vaughan necks are really nice. Jumbo frets, a flatter radius for easier string bending and a terrific Soft V shaped neck that I find extremely comfortable.
The Fender decal on the peghead looks "right".
And although I can't speak from my own experience, owners report that the tremolo uses a steel block.
Bring a little magnet if you go shopping for one and see if it's attracted to the block. If it is, it's steel.
Used, the Jimmie Vaughans seem to sell for two or even three hundred dollars more than used 80's MIJ Fender Squiers.
Last edited:
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
Stay away from Tremolos that look like this. They are real tone suckers and sound thin and twangy. Unfortunately they cannot be easily replaced. So I've gotta say: don't buy a MIJ Strat if it has this tremolo.
Stay away from Tremolos that look like this. They are real tone suckers and sound thin and twangy. Unfortunately they cannot be easily replaced. So I've gotta say: don't buy a MIJ Strat if it has this tremolo.
Last edited:
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
And stay away from these tremolos with the angled block too - although they are replaceable:
You want a full thickness block:
Even if it's zinc or pot metal, instead of steel, it'll sound better than the block at the very top.
And stay away from these tremolos with the angled block too - although they are replaceable:
You want a full thickness block:
Even if it's zinc or pot metal, instead of steel, it'll sound better than the block at the very top.
Last edited:
RoteGitarre
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
The JV uses the same steel block as the American Strats with the vintage trem. It's full thickness too, not tapered. Mine is the second that I've owned, and I have found few others that come close in features vs price FOR ME. Nice thread Lew.
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk
The JV uses the same steel block as the American Strats with the vintage trem. It's full thickness too, not tapered. Mine is the second that I've owned, and I have found few others that come close in features vs price FOR ME. Nice thread Lew.
Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
I have an early Eighties JV series Squier Stratocaster and a late Eighties Silver Series.
The photographs in the opening post look like the mid Eighties MIJ production period. (No decal where a vintage Fender would have its Original Contour Body decal.)
My favourite late Eighties variant was (probably) only offered in the UK. It was the Hank Marvin signature Squier Stratocaster. Fiesta red, single ply white pickguard, maple neck with a pronounced V profile. Otherwise, standard MIJ pickups, YM-50 selector switch, full size pots.
I agree with Lew about the System I, II and II vibrato bridges. They are a drag. The other problem with many of the mid Eighties Pop/Popular variants is their use of poplar for the body. Lifeless, I'm afraid. I bought one, kept the neck and machineheads then sold the rest on eBay.
I have an early Eighties JV series Squier Stratocaster and a late Eighties Silver Series.
The photographs in the opening post look like the mid Eighties MIJ production period. (No decal where a vintage Fender would have its Original Contour Body decal.)
My favourite late Eighties variant was (probably) only offered in the UK. It was the Hank Marvin signature Squier Stratocaster. Fiesta red, single ply white pickguard, maple neck with a pronounced V profile. Otherwise, standard MIJ pickups, YM-50 selector switch, full size pots.
I agree with Lew about the System I, II and II vibrato bridges. They are a drag. The other problem with many of the mid Eighties Pop/Popular variants is their use of poplar for the body. Lifeless, I'm afraid. I bought one, kept the neck and machineheads then sold the rest on eBay.
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
I have one that looks a lot like the top photo and I love it!! I believe mine is an 86' model MIJ. Love the feel of the neck, p'ups are decent and it'll do almost anything you want to work to get out it. Great guitar! Thanks again Lew!!
-dave
Talking about these pre-1965 style reissues:
Or these 1954 or 57 style reissues:
I have one that looks a lot like the top photo and I love it!! I believe mine is an 86' model MIJ. Love the feel of the neck, p'ups are decent and it'll do almost anything you want to work to get out it. Great guitar! Thanks again Lew!!
-dave
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
You're welcome Dave! It was that black Squier with the rosewood fingerboard that re-kindled my interest in these great guitars. More people should know about them.
You're welcome Dave! It was that black Squier with the rosewood fingerboard that re-kindled my interest in these great guitars. More people should know about them.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
I have one of the MIJ Basswood bodied strats...Looks just like a 62 strat.Love this one,it's light and sounds great Lew..My other strats are alder and 1 ash body.The MIJ is as good or better than the rest of the strats I own.Naturally it has Duncans in it!:laugh2:
I have one of the MIJ Basswood bodied strats...Looks just like a 62 strat.Love this one,it's light and sounds great Lew..My other strats are alder and 1 ash body.The MIJ is as good or better than the rest of the strats I own.Naturally it has Duncans in it!:laugh2:
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
I've never played a bad one. Most I've played are actually better guitars than almost any beat-to-**** antique Fender you will find on the market. Materials were skimped on (wood, electronics, hardware), but construction quality, i.e. craftsmanship, was generally very good.
The woods used were all over the place, and were rarely listed as a spec, allowing this varying wood supply to go on without customer complaint. Alder, sen, basswood, poplar...etc. Reliably telling the difference between alder, poplar, and basswood is not something that is easy to do with a solid color finish or a little patch of wood showing in the neck pocket.
As for differences in tone between the above, I don't believe that generalizations can be made unless you are scientifically testing huge numbers of guitars, not just a few random samples that you think are this wood or that wood.
MIJ vs. CIJ makes no difference. Different factories is all, no difference in quality. Serial prefix letters did start over with the switch to CIJ, however, so they can duplicate earlier serials.
I've never played a bad one. Most I've played are actually better guitars than almost any beat-to-**** antique Fender you will find on the market. Materials were skimped on (wood, electronics, hardware), but construction quality, i.e. craftsmanship, was generally very good.
The woods used were all over the place, and were rarely listed as a spec, allowing this varying wood supply to go on without customer complaint. Alder, sen, basswood, poplar...etc. Reliably telling the difference between alder, poplar, and basswood is not something that is easy to do with a solid color finish or a little patch of wood showing in the neck pocket.
As for differences in tone between the above, I don't believe that generalizations can be made unless you are scientifically testing huge numbers of guitars, not just a few random samples that you think are this wood or that wood.
MIJ vs. CIJ makes no difference. Different factories is all, no difference in quality. Serial prefix letters did start over with the switch to CIJ, however, so they can duplicate earlier serials.
Lake Placid Blues
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
Wow I've never seen those before. It also looks ugly in my opinion. Were these early 80s before the buy out from CBS?
Wow I've never seen those before. It also looks ugly in my opinion. Were these early 80s before the buy out from CBS?
dystrust
Well-known member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
The ones I've seen with that bridge tend to be late 80s. I couldn't say for sure which year, but they were all post CBS.
The ones I've seen with that bridge tend to be late 80s. I couldn't say for sure which year, but they were all post CBS.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
And body wood type alone isn't enough without factoring in all the other components of each instrument.What I Like about my MIJ Basswood bodied strat,is how light it is..
And body wood type alone isn't enough without factoring in all the other components of each instrument.What I Like about my MIJ Basswood bodied strat,is how light it is..
orangecountycarl
New member
Re: Made in Japan Fender Squier Strats from the 1980's....
YES....somebody else has noticed this. I could never find a replacement block that fit. Others are too wide. But, I'm actually more interested in replacing the bridge with another (I performed some work on the original and messed it up).
Do you know which exact replacement bridge will fit? There are so many and I need one with the narrow block. I don't care if it's zinc or not.
YES....somebody else has noticed this. I could never find a replacement block that fit. Others are too wide. But, I'm actually more interested in replacing the bridge with another (I performed some work on the original and messed it up).
Do you know which exact replacement bridge will fit? There are so many and I need one with the narrow block. I don't care if it's zinc or not.
