Squier is now a brand of Fender Guitar

Fender and Squier is tow different brands and how they came together became as one. At the end of 70 years, many Japanese manufacturers (Tokai, Fernandes, Greco), produce copies of Fender models in reproducing the features of original models (Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass and Precision) of better quality than the instruments manufactured by Fender in the United States to the same period.
Fender then filed and won lawsuits against these brands to ... take their ideas and produce from 1982, Japan, instruments under the brand Squier (the first models have been a big logo and a small FenderSquier on the butt of the handle). These models are replicas of old model Fender (57 stratocaster, 62 among others) and return characteristics, it is the first "Reissues" (IR) from Fender. It was originally limited to the Japanese market, these models will soon be successful and be distributed in Europe, their price / quality ratio is even more interesting than the production of Fender "U.S." is uneven at this time (there was between 1700 and 1800 francs for a Squier in France against more than double for a fender U.S.).
The first series, considered the best is commonly known as "JV" - these are the letters by which begins the serial number of each instrument in this series. Their production continued until 1984.

From 1983 to 1984, Squier produced another series (serial number SQ) which is quite a reissue of older models (which microphones are not unlike the U.S. the previous models), but inspired models 69 and still very good. Then, starting in 1985, Squier continues its production of reliable and good quality but n'égalent not usually the first series. These instruments have serial numbers many remain in good quality but it varies between years.

Japanese production will be exported to 95 (check). Beginning in 1988, Squier instruments to produce in Korea, but the quality is no longer the same (the materials used are of lower quality). The Korean know-how is not at issue here puisqu'entre 1996 and 1998, Squier Korea manufacture excellent instruments (Tone Pro Series) without the first match productions Squier Japan, is far above the last of it.

Some argue that the pro tone series was stopped because it was the shadow of the Fender made in the meantime in Mexico (the Pro Tone were cheaper and quality generally superior to Fender mexique).
About Mexico, some Squier have been manufactured, it seems that the materials used are the same as those of ... Fender Mexico (a story of workshops and fire hazards of outsourcing part of production to Mexico are the cause of the situation). The wood and the microphones were apparently recovered from the stock Mexican, Japanese, see U.S. as the violin and the microphones are of quality. The rigging of these models is against the bottom of the range.

There are also Squiers made in the United States, apparently during the second part of 80 years, serial number E) of excellent quality that strongly recall the Japanese Squiers from the same period.

Thereafter, Squier was manufactured in Indonesia, and China, but the quality is not comparable to early models, Fender merely to make ridiculously low cost (because of low Chinese wages) copies with, for appearance only, Fender models.

Squier produced in most of the guitars with the same form and partly the same characteristics as the Fender guitars like the Stratocaster, the Telecaster or the Cyclone at lower prices. The materials used for the production of Squiers, however, are of inferior quality: electronic components are generally not the same, or do not meet quality standards Fender. The assembly is done in series, mainly in Indonesia and China, and more recently in India, where we noted the appearance of a Stratocaster cedar India (Indian Red Cedar), the "Vintage Modified".

However Squier diversify its range and two levels of quality are observed, ranging from very average (bullet, affinity) to very good (deluxe). The value of Indonesian series has improved to the point of finally for sale prices of instruments with no default, well-tuned and finished appreciated that, without equal, supporting the comparison with any Fender without blushing.