Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 12:55:30 PM

Title: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 12:55:30 PM
Does anyone know if there's a difference between the body of a Fender and a Squire strat?  Are the dimensions the same, etc?

Mark.
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: Philly Q on August 11, 2009, 01:03:36 PM
They should be the same if it's one of the decent Squiers.

Some of the really cheap Indonesian (or are they Indian?) Squiers look a bit "off", though.  I suspect the manufacturing tolerances aren't too tight either.

I'm not sure if US plastic parts and hardware will fit a Squier exactly, though - a few screw holes may not quite line up.
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 02:05:42 PM
That sounds pretty good - screw holes I can deal with.

My reasoning is that it's easier to pick up a Squire body on Ebay than a Fender one.

What about "Starcasters"?  Are they completely different?
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: Philly Q on August 11, 2009, 02:32:31 PM
I'm assuming you mean one of these:

(http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/L10878019.jpg)

And not one of these  :D :

(http://www.nationwideguitars.com/images/1977%20Fender%20Starcaster%20004%20copy.jpg)

They're real bargain-basement jobs.  Ply body probably, but maybe multi-piece alder or something.

http://www.fender.com/starcaster/ (http://www.fender.com/starcaster/)
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 03:37:42 PM
Yeah, that's them.  Best avoided, I guess - Ebay is full of them...

Cheers, PQ.
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: Twinfan on August 11, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
Watch some of the Squier Strat bodies Mark - they're thinner than Fender ones.  In particular the Squire Affinity ones definitely are.  Knackers you up when you put a nice chunky trem on one and it sticks out of the back....
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 05:48:50 PM
Good point, Dave.

Unfortunately, you never know what you're buying...  for £20 or so it might be worth taking a punt.
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on August 11, 2009, 05:54:57 PM
Quote from: MrBump on August 11, 2009, 05:48:50 PM
Good point, Dave.

Unfortunately, you never know what you're buying...  for £20 or so it might be worth taking a punt.

Just ask them to measure the thickness of the body - wants to be 44-46mm thick

Less than 43mm is too thin
Title: Re: Fender vs Squire Strat
Post by: gwEm on August 11, 2009, 06:07:25 PM
STEER WELL CLEAR OF THE STRAT-ALIKE STARCASTERS!!!!

They are meant to be cheaper made than even Squiers for Walmart in the US.