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Description

The Squier 1990s Stratocaster (Made In Japan) offers a nostalgic journey back to a defining era of music, combining vintage aesthetics with solid craftsmanship. Crafted during a period renowned for meticulous attention to detail, this electric guitar is a testament to Japan's dedication to quality instrument production. Its alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the maple neck and rosewood fretboard deliver smooth playability and a warm, resonant sound.

This Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, capturing the classic Strat sound that has become synonymous with genres ranging from rock to blues. The 5-way pickup selector switch allows for a versatile range of tones, making it suitable for both lead and rhythm playing. The synchronized tremolo bridge invites expressive bends and vibratos, ensuring your performance is both dynamic and engaging.

Whether you're a seasoned musician seeking authenticity or a collector looking for a piece of history, this 1990s Stratocaster embodies the spirit of an era while providing reliable performance. With its vintage charm and enduring quality, this guitar is not just an instrument but a bridge to the past that resonates with today's musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Made in Japan during the 1990s
  • Solid alder body
  • Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Three single-coil pickups
  • 5-way pickup selector switch
  • Synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Vintage-style tuners
Croquette Guitar

Croquette Guitar

’90s Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Restoration - Squier made by Fujigen in Japan (Subtitle)

Video thumbnail for ’90s Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Restoration - Squier made by Fujigen in Japan (Subtitle) by Croquette Guitar

’90s Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Restoration - Squier made by Fujigen in Japan (Subtitle)

Croquette Guitar

Croquette Guitar

Video thumbnail for Squier Stratocaster Made in Japan 1990s by JapanGuitar

Squier Stratocaster Made in Japan 1990s

JapanGuitar

JapanGuitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier 1990s Stratocaster (Made In Japan).

Comparisons

  • Owners frequently compare the mid-90s MIJ Squier to Mexican Strats, noting superior playability and neck quality in the Japanese models.

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  • The Japanese Squier models from this era are often favored over newer Squier models due to their perceived higher build quality and faithful construction.

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  • Some owners prefer the original plywood body, noting it offered better sound than upgraded solid alder bodies.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the Squier MIJ Strat to have surprisingly good action without fret buzz, outperforming many Mexican Strats in their experience.

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Value and pricing

  • Though opinions vary, owners generally suggest a fair price range for the MIJ Squier Strat is between $200-$300, with some willing to pay more for pristine condition.

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  • One owner deemed a £50 acquisition a "steal," particularly when the guitar's condition is decent despite minor dings and scratches.

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Build quality

  • The necks are often praised for their comfort, with some owners keeping them for decades due to their feel.

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  • Early Korean models often feature visible grounding wires and brass shields, hinting at Japanese influence.

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  • Some models from this era reportedly use medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for the body, which can lead to stripped screws due to the material's properties.

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  • A guitar with a skunk stripe on the neck is more likely to have an alder body, which is considered superior to plywood.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock pickups is common, with some opting for EMG SAs for improved session work versatility.

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  • Replacing electronics such as pots, switches, and jacks is advised after extended use to maintain functionality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A clicky-pen spring can be used as a temporary replacement for a missing bridge spring in emergencies.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the guitar's ease of play, especially when compared to heavier models like the Les Paul.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
themomentband

Great Stratocaster for a Squier

For being a Squier, this a great Stratocaster. I bought mine second hand and I don't know all of it's past details or if there were any modifications, but the neck plays better than some American made Strats I've played. I replaced all the wiring, the pickguard, the input jack, and exchanged the pickups for the Fender 4th Gen pickup set and the guitar plays like a dream. Almost as good as an American Elite series honestly. I won't be getting rid of this guitar anytime soon if ever.

jalenjenkins247

solid guitar

has a good weight to it and feels awesome. Once i got it set up it plays really well although the action is a littttttttttttttttle high, but whatevz. I would do 3 and a half stars if I could!

edamthegrate

Great Build Quality!

This guitar was handed down to me by a family friend, I'm kind of shocked at the build quality and tone and it is certainly comparable to Mexican Fenders.

jimmarchi1

oh my god, this was my electric 1st guitar! purchased in '92 I think.... pretty sure mine was a 1990 MIJ but it had rosewood

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Roger Lima uses Squier 1990s Stratocaster (Made In Japan)

Roger Lima

Singer, Guitarist

Less Than Jake

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Verified via Twitter

Lima shared a picture of his Japan-made Squier Stratocaster on his Twitter account. The guitar is in a HSS “Fatstrat” configuration

J

Jon Poole

Singer, Guitarist

The Wildhearts

...
Verified via Photo

During his time with the Cardiacs from 1992 to 2002, Jon Poole frequently played a Squier 1990s Stratocaster (Made in Japan). This is evident from a user-uploaded photo on the Archive.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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lloydys

lloydys

Gear IQ 1257

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