History of Squier Guitars - The Brand that Saved Fender
Discover the history of Squier guitars, from their humble beginnings as a budget-friendly Fender alternative
Read the guide →Brand hub
Squier
The V.C. Squier Company started out making violin, banjo and guitar strings in Battle Creek, Michigan, back in 1890, decades before it had anything to do with electric guitars. Fender bought the company in 1965 and eventually wound down its original string business, then revived the Squier name in 1982 as a budget guitar line built to compete with the wave of cheap Japanese Stratocaster copies flooding the market at the time. It now covers lower-priced versions of most Fender shapes, built across Indonesia, China, Korea and Japan, and remains the guitar most first-time buyers are pointed toward. We cover it constantly in beginner guides and budget-versus-original comparisons. Here's everything we've covered.
last coveredOfficial site ↗
Latest Squier news
Why Squier Is Becoming the New Fender
Squier manufacturing has evolved dramatically, with Asian factories now building instruments rivaling mid-tier Fenders.
Founded1890
Based inLos Angeles, California, USA
FounderVictor Carroll Squier
Parent companyFender
Articles here32
Makes
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
- Amplifiers
Known for
- Classic Vibe
- Affinity
- Contemporary
- Bullet
Best of Squier
Hand-picked by the editor
Squier news
All Squier articles →
Squier deals
All deals →
Keep up with Squier.
Leaks, deals and reviews in your inbox, once a week. No spam, just gear.
Squier FAQ4 questions
Is Squier the same as Fender?
Squier is Fender's own budget brand, so the body shapes are the real thing rather than copies. The differences are in the parts and the build — cheaper pickups, hardware and finishes, and overseas assembly. That is why a good Squier gets recommended so often as a first guitar.
Where does the Squier name come from?
From a string company. The V. C. Squier Company was founded in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier in Battle Creek, Michigan, making strings for violins, banjos and guitars. Fender acquired it in 1965; the manufacturing company was wound up by 1975 and the name was revived as Fender's affordable guitar brand in 1982.
What is the difference between Classic Vibe and Affinity?
Classic Vibe sits at the top of the Squier range and aims at period-correct specs, better pickups and a more considered finish; Affinity is the entry level, with simpler hardware and thinner bodies on some models. A Classic Vibe is close enough to a Mexican-built Fender that the price gap surprises people.
Where are Squier guitars made?
Overseas, in factories across Indonesia, China and elsewhere depending on the model and year — Squier has never been a US-built line. The country of origin is printed on the headstock or neck plate, which is worth checking when you buy secondhand.