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Description

For guitarists looking to add some versatility to their collection, the Squier Showmaster offers a compelling blend of style and performance in the extended range guitar category. Crafted with precision, this instrument is designed to accommodate a wide range of musical styles, from rock to jazz. Its contoured body allows for comfortable playability during long sessions, while the smooth neck profile ensures effortless transitions across the fretboard. The Squier Showmaster is equipped with a versatile HSS pickup configuration, providing a broad sonic palette that can cater to both rhythm and lead playing. This electric guitar is perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned players looking to explore new musical horizons.

The Squier Showmaster’s hardware is built to last, featuring a reliable bridge system that maintains tuning stability even during intense performances. With a sleek design that’s both eye-catching and functional, this guitar offers an inviting feel that encourages creativity and expression. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, the Squier Showmaster is built to deliver consistent, high-quality sound that will keep you inspired.

Key Features:

  • Extended range electric guitar
  • Contoured body for improved comfort
  • Smooth neck profile for easy playability
  • Versatile HSS pickup configuration for varied tonal options
  • Reliable bridge system for tuning stability
  • Suitable for a range of musical styles
IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Fender Squier Showmaster through a Boss ML-2 & OS-2 into a early 80's Fender Concert Amp

Video thumbnail for Fender Squier Showmaster through a Boss ML-2 & OS-2 into a early 80's Fender Concert Amp by IplayMusic2

Fender Squier Showmaster through a Boss ML-2 & OS-2 into a early 80's Fender Concert Amp

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for squier showmaster demo by MADMALKO

squier showmaster demo

MADMALKO

MADMALKO

Video thumbnail for Squier Showmaster - Part One by AC's Guitar Adventures

Squier Showmaster - Part One

AC's Guitar Adventures

AC's Guitar Adventures

Video thumbnail for Broken Squier Showmaster goes from Zero to Guitar Hero: Pt 1 by Bad Motivator

Broken Squier Showmaster goes from Zero to Guitar Hero: Pt 1

Bad Motivator

Bad Motivator

Video thumbnail for I was SHOCKED what was inside this Squier Showmaster! by The Guitar Manifesto

I was SHOCKED what was inside this Squier Showmaster!

The Guitar Manifesto

The Guitar Manifesto

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Users find applying tung oil to the neck refinishing can enhance the feel and playability of the guitar.

    Source
  • Tightening the claw that holds the springs in the back can help stabilize the Floyd Rose tremolo system to hold tuning better.

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User experience

  • One user plans a "Franken-strat" transformation with 60s style tuners to enhance vintage feel.

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  • Owners report noisy electronics; recommend replacing pots with CTS, and upgrading jacks for cleaner sound.

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  • The Squier Showmaster, despite its setup challenges, is a cherished possession due to its sentimental value and durability through extensive use and modifications.

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  • It's noted that the Showmaster can be quite heavy, which might impact playability for some users compared to lighter models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Filtertron bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan SSL-5 neck pickup are recommended for a versatile sound.

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  • Consider contour heel plate for better access and comfort by shaving the back's box corner.

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  • Owners suggest 920D Custom HHH setup for substantial tonal improvement.

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  • Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz pickups are a popular upgrade choice for enhancing the tonal quality of the Squier Showmaster.

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  • Owners frequently recommend Hipshot Griplock tuners for improved tuning stability due to dissatisfaction with the stock 10:1 gear ratio tuners.

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Features and functionality

  • The reversed headstock is a distinctive feature, adding unique visual flair to the guitar.

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  • The Squier Showmaster Jason Ellis Signature includes a Floyd Rose locking system, which can be complex to maintain for beginners.

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  • The thick poly finish on the Squier Showmaster is durable but has been noted to become nicely relic'ed with chips and scratches over time.

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Use cases and applications

  • Coated strings are suggested for guitars not played frequently, maintaining playability with less string corrosion.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners note that the hard case included with the guitar alone can be valued at around $100, making the package a worthwhile investment even if the guitar needs work.

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Comparisons

  • The Squier Showmaster differs from the Yamaha Pacifica 012 by having a Floyd Rose system, which offers a different tuning stability compared to the Yamaha's 2-point tremolo.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Showmaster NLT HSS Review: I own a '52 Fender Stat and a Gibson SG. | Squier | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Squier Showmaster NLT HSS offers impressive versatility, covering a broad range from Pink Floyd to Rage Against The Machine. With a humbucker that excels on overdrive and a solid build, it delivers great value for its price point, especially for beginners and intermediates. However, it falls short in volume for larger gigs and has minor issues like a loose strap button and knob problems. While not matching the prestige of a Gibson or Fender, it holds its ground as a reliable, durable choice for small gigs and varied music styles.

Showmaster Blackout Review: I've been playing guitar for almost two years now and this... | Squier | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Squier Showmaster earns praise for its durability and suitability for metal genres, boasting a robust build that withstands rough handling. Its humbucker delivers a clean, heavy tone favored by metal enthusiasts, though the single coil pickup falls short, described as lackluster. While the guitar lacks some standard inclusions like a case or strap, its comfortable playability and unique design features, like the inverted headstock, garner appreciation. Despite minor issues with tuning stability when using the whammy bar, the overall impression is positive, particularly for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly metal guitar.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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junkmale2000

Ridiculously inexpensive guitar

This 25.5" scale Floyd Rose guitar can now be found for a pittance second hand. Don't let that fool you. Although made in Indonesia, you get an incredible amount for your money. H-S-H configuration pickups are good quality and the neck is very comfortable. The colour is cool (midnight blue) and the reverse headstock looks great. For the £65 I paid for it, this is a steal and is well gigable.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Laura Cox uses Squier Showmaster

Laura Cox

Guitarist

...
Verified via guitarworld

Cox's first electric guitar, bought by her mother.

So I went out and my mother bought me a Squier Showmaster. I think it had three pickups, two single-coils and a humbucker - or two humbuckers and a single-coil in the middle? It wasn’t a good guitar, with a small Fender amp, but I learned with that guitar.

See how Patrick Pentland uses Squier Showmaster

Patrick Pentland

Guitarist

Sloan

...
Verified via Photo

Patrick Pentland of Sloan extensively utilized the Squier Showmaster guitar during the Steady tour, as evidenced by his own account on Instagram. Pentland shared, "This is my silver sparkle Squire Showmaster. I got it for about $175, swapped out the pick-ups for $300 EMG ZW active pickups, and turned it into a $475 chainsaw. I mainly used it live for my song Believe In Me, but it hasn’t been out of its case in several years. In fact, I don’t actually know where it is. Now I’m worried." This statement confirms the artist's use and modifications to the guitar, highlighting its significance in his live performances.

See how Jamie Oldfield uses Squier Showmaster

Jamie Oldfield

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Jamie Oldfield, he showcases his guitar collection, which includes a Squier Showmaster, highlighting its custom swirl design by @richardfayswirlsuk.

See how Cristian Aroca Araya uses Squier Showmaster

Cristian Aroca Araya

Singer, Guitarist

Afluente

...
Verified via BandCamp

Cristian Aroca Araya used the Squier Showmaster in the late 2000s, as demonstrated in his track "Extraño" available on BandCamp.

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 Showmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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