Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $270

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Squier II Stratocaster Korean is a testament to the rich legacy of electric guitars, offering both beginners and seasoned musicians a unique blend of vintage charm and modern playability. Crafted during the late 1980s in Korea, this Stratocaster model is known for its distinctive build quality that rivals some of its American counterparts.

With its classic double-cutaway design, the Squier II Stratocaster delivers easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead players. Its maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability and a warm tone, while the trio of single-coil pickups ensures a versatile sound palette that ranges from bright and twangy to warm and mellow. This model is particularly appreciated for its affordability without sacrificing the characteristic Stratocaster sound that players have come to love.

Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or performing on stage, the Squier II Stratocaster Korean offers a reliable and expressive playing experience, making it an excellent addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Late 1980s Korean-made craftsmanship
  • Classic double-cutaway Stratocaster body
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Three single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • 21 frets for extensive tonal range
  • Affordable yet highly reliable electric guitar option

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model II Standard Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard (Made in Korea), II Standard Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard (Made in Korea)
Finish Black, Frost White, Sunburst, Torino Red, White
Year 1988 - 1992
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Squier Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Squier Standard
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Squier II Stratocaster Korean model?

The Squier II Stratocaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles and skill levels.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Squier II Stratocaster Korean?

The Squier II Stratocaster Korean model comes with a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, offering bright, clear tones ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the Squier II Stratocaster Korean model suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Squier II Stratocaster Korean model is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and affordable price point.

How does the tremolo bridge affect the playability of the Squier II Stratocaster Korean?

The tremolo bridge on the Squier II Stratocaster allows for expressive pitch modulation, adding versatility to your playing style while maintaining tuning stability.

What are the differences between the maple and rosewood fretboards on the Squier II Stratocaster Korean?

The maple fretboard offers a brighter tone and a smooth playing surface, while the rosewood fretboard provides a warmer sound and a slightly softer feel under the fingers.

Aram Carter

Aram Carter

Fender 1989 Squier II Stratocaster Review and Demo!

Video thumbnail for Fender 1989 Squier II Stratocaster Review and Demo! by Aram Carter

Fender 1989 Squier II Stratocaster Review and Demo!

Aram Carter

Aram Carter

Video thumbnail for SQUIER II KOREA 1989 by The Doctor Kong

SQUIER II KOREA 1989

The Doctor Kong

The Doctor Kong

Video thumbnail for Squier II Strat Guitar Korea by GravityMusicGearCO

Squier II Strat Guitar Korea

GravityMusicGearCO

GravityMusicGearCO

Video thumbnail for My Guitars - '87 Korean Squier II Stratocaster by CK2 MUSIC

My Guitars - '87 Korean Squier II Stratocaster

CK2 MUSIC

CK2 MUSIC

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality build rivaling USA-made Fender Strats

  • Affordable compared to other vintage guitars

  • Excellent neck and body craftsmanship

  • Ideal platform for customization or upgrades

  • Great value for collectors and enthusiasts

CONS

  • Stock electronics may require upgrading

  • Pickups and pots are not top quality

  • Tuners and nut may need replacement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier II Stratocaster *Korean*.

Build quality

  • The E-Series necks are praised for their unique feel and quality, often compared favorably to American '90s Fender Stratocasters.

    Source
  • Some models from Young Chang feature solid wood bodies rather than the more common plywood, making them rare finds.

    Source
  • Some late '96 models returned to a solid wood body with a 9.5" radius neck, offering improved sustain and playability over earlier plywood versions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickups are noted to be unusually larger than standard Strat pickups, which could affect tone and replacement options.

    Source
  • The guitar is lightweight, making it comfortable for extended play sessions, particularly noted for its quality neck.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners commonly plan upgrades for pickups, tuners, and other components while maintaining the original body and neck.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is valued for its build quality and is often considered superior to beginner models and even some higher-end Fenders from the same era.

    Source
  • Owners describe the pickups as harsh and hot, suggesting they might not suit all musical styles without modifications.

    Source
  • A 1996 Korean Squier owner praises the flatter neck radius for enhancing playability, despite the guitar being one of their cheaper, thinner-bodied instruments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Electronics in these models can be unreliable; zinc components may disintegrate and need replacing with correctly sized parts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Selling the case separately might increase overall profit, as the guitar's value alone is considered low-end at $200.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners often regard the Squier Classic Vibe series as superior to '90s Korean Squiers, highlighting the predictability and quality of modern builds.

    Source
  • The Pro Tone series, often compared to KV97 models, differs mainly in body wood (ash vs. alder), influencing tonal properties and aesthetic finishes.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Squier II Stratocaster *Korean*, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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robynsramblings

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