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Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the Squier Stratocaster Relic, a guitar that brings together vintage vibes and modern playability. This solid body electric guitar is a nod to the classic Stratocasters that helped shape music history, crafted with an attention to detail that sets it apart from the rest. The Squier Stratocaster Relic features a comfortably contoured body and a distinctive relic finish that gives it the appearance of a well-loved instrument with years of gigging history. Its maple neck and fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, making it ideal for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers a versatile tonal range that can handle anything from crisp, clean sounds to gritty, overdriven tones. The 5-way pickup selector switch allows you to easily navigate through a wide array of sonic possibilities, whether you're playing blues, rock, or jazz. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo enhances the guitar's expressive capabilities, allowing for smooth pitch bends and dynamic performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction with a relic finish for a vintage look
  • Maple neck and fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Three single-coil pickups for a versatile tonal range
  • 5-way pickup selector switch for varied sound options
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo for enhanced expression
  • Classic design inspired by iconic Stratocasters

FAQs

What makes the Squier Stratocaster Relic different from a standard Squier Stratocaster?

The Squier Stratocaster Relic is designed to mimic the look and feel of a vintage, well-used guitar with its aged and worn finish, providing a unique aesthetic and character compared to a standard model.

Is the Squier Stratocaster Relic suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Stratocaster Relic is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and playability, making it easy to learn on while offering the distinctive look of a relic finish.

What type of pickups does the Squier Stratocaster Relic feature?

The Squier Stratocaster Relic typically features single-coil pickups, which are known for their bright, clear tones ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Does the Squier Stratocaster Relic come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Squier Stratocaster Relic usually includes a vintage-style tremolo system, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and adding to its classic appeal.

How does the relic finish affect the sound of the Squier Stratocaster Relic?

The relic finish primarily affects the guitar's appearance rather than its sound, preserving the tonal characteristics typical of a Stratocaster while offering a visually distinctive, aged look.

Martin Bavin

Martin Bavin

Relic Squier Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for Relic Squier Stratocaster by Martin Bavin

Relic Squier Stratocaster

Martin Bavin

Martin Bavin

Video thumbnail for Squire Fender Stratocaster Relic Guitar by shnobel

Squire Fender Stratocaster Relic Guitar

shnobel

shnobel

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The thick poly finish can flake and chip off in chunks, making it challenging to achieve a natural relic look.

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  • Squier Stratocasters often have a thick polyester undercoat, making them labor-intensive to strip with sanding or a heat gun.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Sandpaper or a Dremel can be used to sand the poly finish, minimizing chipping and flaking.

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  • Stripping, sanding, repainting, and finishing are essential steps for refinishing with nitro, as per experienced users.

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  • Relicing requires understanding real wear patterns; avoid disassembling and relicing body separately, as it leads to unrealistic results.

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  • Rapid cooling a heated lacquer finish is necessary for achieving authentic checking, which is impossible with poly finishes due to their durability.

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  • Acetone with dye thinned by distilled alcohol can age plastic parts, as acetone dissolves plastic while alcohol slows the process to prevent damage.

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  • Sanding with 400 grit followed by 1000 grit removes scratches effectively, but progressing to 2000 or 3000 grit will yield a smoother finish.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Refinishing with nitro instead of poly can allow for more authentic aging and wear over time.

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  • Ferric chloride etching solution is recommended for aging nickel-coated hardware, providing a more authentic look compared to the muriatic acid vapor technique.

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  • Some owners suggest using a tactical knife's backside to gently scrape paint for a less smooth and more realistic relic effect compared to sandpaper.

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  • Owners have considered staining the bare wood after relic-ing to achieve a roasted look similar to Fender's Custom Shop finishes.

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Use cases and applications

  • A Squier Strat with existing wear is ideal for practice runs in refinishing and relic-ing without risking high-value guitars.

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  • Some owners consider heavily worn or "road-worn" guitars as unique projects or entry points into relic-ing techniques.

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User experience

  • One owner found that their relic job looked better by adding tasteful dings around the edges and back of the guitar where buckle rash commonly occurs.

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Artist usage

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See how James Bell X uses Squier Stratocaster Relic

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Genre Usage

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

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