Good Buy?

Not.

The top end of the Squier range, the Master Series, lists for $600 to 665 - but commonly sells for $400 or so new. The Deluxe Strat lists for $415 and goes for around $250; the Standard Strat lists for around $330, but you can pick one up (new) for about $200.

An E-bay search for "Squier Strat" turns up 92 entries... the most expensive one that actually has bids is going for 260GBP (about $500) and there's a Japanese one for $150.... so "going for $500-550" is a real stretch

Various necks are available on both Fender and Squier models (and other Strat copies), so you can probably find one you like for less dough. As far as this guitar being worth $1000 in another 7-8 years, I highly doubt it - there aren't that many Squier collectors out there, and there are a lot of guitars on the market.

E-Bay is a pretty useful "BS meter" for figuring out the real range of used instrument prices. In the $400 range today you've got:

a Gibson Les Paul Special for $390 (no bids)
a PRS Santana SE for $400 (1 bid)
a Kramer Strat copy signed by Green Day for $403 (7 bids)
a '79 Martin EM-18 solid body for $364 (6 bids)

if you're thinking in 'investment terms' as the salesman is suggesting, guitars like these will get your money back, probably more. In general, a Squier won't.

Okay, thanks noteboat. Any other opinions?

The new Squiers have a Two Point trem I like alot better than the usual Six hole job on the older ones. I know for a fact there are brass inserts for the @ point and none on the 6 holers. By the way Squiers don't appreciate that's a fact hit Ebay and check it out.

Gotta agree with them, no one collects squires.

Well, are they known to be good guitars?

They used to be hit and miss. Now with the Standards and Deluxes they seem to be well made. I've played several in the last couple of years(I hang out at Guitar Center quite a bit :D ). I would stay away from the Affinitys and Bullet models for sure also check out a Squire 51 if you can it's got major tonal possibilities.

I've got a squier jazz bass from the mid-80's, and have played many squier guitars from that time period. They are really soild insturments, and have an old feel to them. They aren't, however, worth very much. However, there is a store in my area named Bass Palace that has tons of old fenders and stuff, and they regard old squier basses as very high quality. I'd say a little high in price, but definately a good guitar nonetheless.

I'll just disagree with the "no-one collects Squiers" a little bit. There are two series of Squier guitar that have some collector interest (not necessarily value) and they are the first two series built after Fender bought the Squier company. They are usually called the Gold and the Silver series, which is the colour of the Fender decal. The Silver series (I think it's the silver, anyway) has a "JV" serial number.

Alright... thanks guys.. 8)

I like Squiers.....my first electric was a Squier Strat, I found it very nice to play....then when I saw Status Quo in January, decided I must have a Telecaster....tried a few in a couple of shops, then I tried a Squier Tele..
It actually sounded pretty much the same as the Fender Tele's, but felt better balanced and with a smoother action and fretboard...So I bought the Squier, and haven't regretted it for a minute....

BTW, It's a black Custom Tele with with black pickguard....

:D :D :D :D

Vic