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Squire made in Japan
- Thread starter adam precision
- Start date
I recently picked up an SQ series P-Bass
That's a fine looking P-Bass you have there.
Agreed but I believe Japan produced until late 88 and during 87/88 also instructed and produced parts for "test" runs in India and Korea which seemed to have many Japan attributes such as bridge hardware and some pickups, tuners etc. and partially finished necks & bodies. Specifically E7 from India and some E0, E9, N0, N1 Squier (not II) models from Korea. The bodies are solid but with shallower contours and they quickly determined the Korean standard of slim neck with a hard edge at the fretboard. Interestingly, it was at the end of the Japan Squier contract that USA made Squiers for NA and Japan markets while the Asian manufacture was being sorted out. It had nothing to do with the infamous fire in Mex. which occurred in 93. Another interesting note about this 90-93 period- Korea had their little "shot" at using the Fender branded with small "Squier Series" for a year or so as did Mex (with Fender in black). I guess Japan had their turn in 82 so they have a little "Silver Series" instead. Except that they used then current ST-30 hardware they are equal (in quality of build) to the JV thru SQ serials. It's as if the 3 countries were competing to make the best Squier during 92/93. (Japan won IMHO!
which is probably why they were discontinued
) Ahh.. I could go on....ya, probably an E0 Squier MIK in 89
Well, it's a topic I have researched for a few years now. I must admit my knowledge comes from 6 strings not 4 but I would assume most details would apply to bass guitars models as well.
I'll just "wander" a bit....
JV series: (Squier export or Fender domestic 82-84) first models were much higher spec'd than following models. On ST-30/50 strats the pickups went from Alnico USA to Alnico Japan to Ceramic Japan by late 83; Pots went full to mini; trem block from full to skinny; tuners from vintage to covered cans (much like the current Korean made budget tuners). The more expensive models retained the "good stuff" though.
SQ series (83-84 mostly Squier but I've seen some domestic and special order Fender models) These were/are an extension of the 70's style US guitars which were discontinued in the US so they did not rival any American production (which was about to stop for a couple of years and be supplied by Japan anyway). They are often referred to as 70's re-issue but in my opinion the were part of the evolution of the 70's. The machine screw used in US models was replaced with a woodscrew, the trem block was 2pc w full block and most important, the body contours were deepened more like the 62. As with the JV these started with alnico Japan pickups and other higher end stuff which were replaced by cheaper parts by the end of the run. SQ serials were also used on some domestic "contemporary" guitars before the "A" serials. Bodies vary from ash or alder to later sen and maybe basswood.
A series (85): while these are still nicely built bodies and necks the hardware was cheaper (on the cheaper models at least).
E series: These are quite plentiful on ebay at the moment and are quite misunderstood as to their dating and country of origin. I'll get into them on another occasion.
Note that Japan guitars are sold like car models. ie same basic shell on all models but higher specs for more money. I know of ST 30, 50 55 60 90 and 110 models. The numbers refer to their original price x 1000, so an ST50 or (PB50?) would have cost 50000 yen new. The point though is that in the early JV days even the ST50 had great specs. The finish and pickups were the only real difference between them (at first!)
I also did not cover the "Bullet 1 star" guitars and basses but they too went from great to good.
And somewhere in 86/87 other countries came into the Squier mix which ties in with the confusion about the interpretation of the E serials.
....this info is not bass specific. I am new here and don't want to ramble off-topic so if anyone wants more please mention, otherwise I'll just shut-up and lurk
pheww...
My '83 Squier Stratocaster is a great example of MIJ quality, even though not much of it is stock anymore... Neck, body, nut, vol & tone pots, and input jack is about it.
The stock alnico pups were great, but the middle one died during a pickguard swap. The bridge pup had already been replaced with a DiMarzio Super Distortion when I bought it, and it now has Tex-Mex sc's, Wilkinson Vintage trem w/ full steel block, new Fender 5-way switch, and one volume/one tone controls. Also, the Fender Japan tuners went to Grovers, and now are Gotohs. The pickguard came from Warmoth, as did the tuners.
It's the one guitar that has been with me throughout the years, and will be with me from now on.
Not a bass, but I love it just the same.
The stock alnico pups were great, but the middle one died during a pickguard swap. The bridge pup had already been replaced with a DiMarzio Super Distortion when I bought it, and it now has Tex-Mex sc's, Wilkinson Vintage trem w/ full steel block, new Fender 5-way switch, and one volume/one tone controls. Also, the Fender Japan tuners went to Grovers, and now are Gotohs. The pickguard came from Warmoth, as did the tuners.
It's the one guitar that has been with me throughout the years, and will be with me from now on.
Not a bass, but I love it just the same.
Thanks for the infos stratmanshow
Now some bass specific (not all, just basics)
JV First to come out of FujiGen factory was '62 Precision followed by '57 Precision then '62 Jazz. These basses were meant for domestic market only. It had the big Fender logo, used Sen Ash for body and mostly US made hardwares and pickups. Then came out an export version (these usually had EX stamp on the neck pocket or neck). These still retained the big Fender logo as well as the specs with small Squier series. These were exported ONLY to UK and the rest of Europe. Mostly sen ash or alder for the body depending on finish. Then finally, the big Squier logo was used for both domestic and export versions. The domestic version's hardwares were no longer "period correct", while the export version still used US made hardwares and pickups and "period correct". (For domestic '57 P-bass with big Fender logo and without small Squier series, the MADE IN JAPAN stamp can be found on the headstock and sometimes at the back of the neck near the pocket) All JV basses never had pickup and bridge covers. All '62 had 3 ply and 4 ply red tort pickguard, '57 had 1 ply white pickguard. For domestic, Alder or basswood were used for opaque finish while sen ash was used for translucent finish. Early JV were finished in nitro while majoruty were finished in polyurethane.
SQ These basses were meant only for export. No SQ basses were ever sold domestically. All SQ used the big Squier logo. There were no '57 Precision model, only '62 BUT with skunk-stripe at the back of the neck and walnut teardrop plug at the headstock (these were not found on JV '62 Precision). All SQ P-bass had WHITE pickguard only. SQ '62 Jazz were also made but rare. Ash or alder were used for the body.
Other JV and SQ These were mostly contemporary basses with P/J pickup and painted neck and headstock. No pickguards on these basses.
A serial Mostly JV specs but with Japanese hardwares and pickups. Solidly built basses. These were the last of the MIJ to have the serial number stamped at the neckplate.
E seria E- serial basses had the serial number on the headstock or at the back of the neck. Although E serial was also found on Korean Squier, MIJ can be distinguished very easily... it has MADE IN JAPAN stamp
I have owned JV and A series Squier Precision. Both are superb basses.
Thanks for the infos stratmanshow
Now some bass specific (not all, just basics)
JV First to come out of FujiGen factory was '62 Precision followed by '57 Precision then '62 Jazz. These basses were meant for domestic market only. It had the big Fender logo, used Sen Ash for body and mostly US made hardwares and pickups. Then came out an export version (these usually had EX stamp on the neck pocket or neck). These still retained the big Fender logo as well as the specs with small Squier series. These were exported ONLY to UK and the rest of Europe. Mostly sen ash or alder for the body depending on finish. Then finally, the big Squier logo was used for both domestic and export versions. The domestic version's hardwares were no longer "period correct", while the export version still used US made hardwares and pickups and "period correct". (For domestic '57 P-bass with big Fender logo and without small Squier series, the MADE IN JAPAN stamp can be found on the headstock and sometimes at the back of the neck near the pocket) All JV basses never had pickup and bridge covers. All '62 had 3 ply and 4 ply red tort pickguard, '57 had 1 ply white pickguard. For domestic, Alder or basswood were used for opaque finish while sen ash was used for translucent finish. Early JV were finished in nitro while majoruty were finished in polyurethane.
SQ These basses were meant only for export. No SQ basses were ever sold domestically. All SQ used the big Squier logo. There were no '57 Precision model, only '62 BUT with skunk-stripe at the back of the neck and walnut teardrop plug at the headstock (these were not found on JV '62 Precision). All SQ P-bass had WHITE pickguard only. SQ '62 Jazz were also made but rare. Ash or alder were used for the body.
Other JV and SQ These were mostly contemporary basses with P/J pickup and painted neck and headstock. No pickguards on these basses.
A serial Mostly JV specs but with Japanese hardwares and pickups. Solidly built basses. These were the last of the MIJ to have the serial number stamped at the neckplate.
E seria E- serial basses had the serial number on the headstock or at the back of the neck. Although E serial was also found on Korean Squier, MIJ can be distinguished very easily... it has MADE IN JAPAN stamp
I have owned JV and A series Squier Precision. Both are superb basses.
I've seen some discrepancies in regard to your statement about all SQ P-bass only having a white pickguard. The Squier JV Page website states that the black models came with a black pickguard or a tort pickguard. There is also a black on black in a Squier thread here that the owner swears is all original.
As I have mentioned, SQ P-bass came only with white pickguard. Guitars came with black or tort pickguard or white. I am talking specifically on Precision bass.
Even at 21 frets, nobody is answering your question, even fenderguy and rockape. Perhaps they are still researching.
I'm also only referring to the p-bass. On the SQ page at 21frets (not the forum page) they state:
"The line featured a Stratocaster, available in black with black plastic parts or white with white plastic parts, a Telecaster in blonde with a white pickguard and black with a black pickguard (catalogue picture above also shows a blonde model with a black guard), and a Precision bass in 3 tone Sunburst with a white pickguard, and also in black with a black pickguard or black with a tortie guard. "
There's also an entry here where someone states that they have a stock black on black SQ p-bass.
I was just pointing out that they don't jive with your statement that the SQ p-bass only came with a white pickguard.
"The line featured a Stratocaster, available in black with black plastic parts or white with white plastic parts, a Telecaster in blonde with a white pickguard and black with a black pickguard (catalogue picture above also shows a blonde model with a black guard), and a Precision bass in 3 tone Sunburst with a white pickguard, and also in black with a black pickguard or black with a tortie guard. "
There's also an entry here where someone states that they have a stock black on black SQ p-bass.
Ok my group of MIJ Squier P Basses these are the "SQ" Serial numbered 1983-84 MIJ squiers that are post CBS Fender copies. still looking for a JV though (Pre CBS copies)........ The all black is fully stock, the black w white pearl guard is stock except the guard, and I changed the stock guard on the burst because it is in mint condition and has a nice vintage green tint to it, I put it away for safe keeping.
Further "SQ" info here if interested:
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Also you see a 1977 MIJ Ibanez challenger jazz copy on the opposite wall.
I was just pointing out that they don't jive with your statement that the SQ p-bass only came with a white pickguard.
Silver Series P bought in 1991 (?)... it was an engagement pressie from my wife... my son has it now. He lets me borrow it sometimes. It's a lovely bass...
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Came with a horrid single ply black plastic scratchplate so I swapped it out... the only mod.
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Came with a horrid single ply black plastic scratchplate so I swapped it out... the only mod.
I do plan on keeping it - I gigged it for the first time yesterday and loved it. I did notice one thing about it that I feel fairly sure was a modification since I haven't seen it on others or mentioned on 21frets - it has a brass nut on it.OK I stand corrected, thank you.Another valuable info on old MIJ Squier. Congrats on your new SQ! Keep it man! Don't sell it.
The Fender serial number page told me that my MIJ Squier Jazz was made in 90/91. I picked it up two months ago for my daughter. Sold her MIM Jazz to buy this one. It's a far better made bass than the MIM Fender.
Lots of great info on this thread. Anybody have any more info on the Silver series basses. Models, configuration, components, etc ?
I've got the same bass as BH2 except that mine came with a white single ply vintage style (holes predrilled for pup cover) and I switched it out for a black one.
I love this one, and I love the light weight!
I've got the same bass as BH2 except that mine came with a white single ply vintage style (holes predrilled for pup cover) and I switched it out for a black one.
I love this one, and I love the light weight!
Hey all,
I have a E series MIJ Squier Jazz. its pretty sweet, its almost my main bass.
it's been through the wars, but plays amazingly well.
anyway, i was wondering if anyone knows exactly HOW close these basses are to the 60s models they were copied from...
I'm talking contours, body thickness, neck pocket size, neck shape...
thanks!
I have a E series MIJ Squier Jazz. its pretty sweet, its almost my main bass.
it's been through the wars, but plays amazingly well.
anyway, i was wondering if anyone knows exactly HOW close these basses are to the 60s models they were copied from...
I'm talking contours, body thickness, neck pocket size, neck shape...
thanks!
