Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $823

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Squier Venus Electric Guitar is a fascinating blend of style and sound, crafted for musicians who dare to be different. Initially designed as a signature model for the iconic Courtney Love, this guitar merges vintage charm with modern playability. Its offset solid body design not only grabs attention but also enhances comfort, making it a joy to play whether you're shredding on stage or jamming in the studio.

The Venus is equipped with a unique pickup configuration that offers a diverse tonal palette, allowing you to effortlessly switch from gritty rock riffs to smooth, melodic tones. The neck profile is designed for speed and agility, providing an excellent grip that suits players of all styles. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the Squier Venus promises to be a reliable companion in your musical journey.

With its sleek aesthetics and versatile sound, the Squier Venus is not just a guitar—it's a statement piece. Its distinct character and historical significance make it a must-have for any guitar enthusiast seeking to expand their collection with something truly special.

Key Features:

  • Offset solid body design
  • Signature model for Courtney Love
  • Unique pickup configuration for versatile tones
  • Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern performance capabilities

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Vista Venus
Finish Black, Sunburst, Surf Green
Year 1997 - 1998
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Green
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Frets Medium Jumbo
Model Family Squier Venus
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Squier Vista
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Squier Venus Electric Guitar have?

The Squier Venus features an SH pickup configuration, with a single-coil pickup in the neck position and a humbucker in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Squier Venus suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Squier Venus is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and medium jumbo frets, which make it easier to play and navigate the fretboard.

What is the body material of the Squier Venus Electric Guitar?

The body of the Squier Venus is made from basswood, known for its lightweight properties and balanced tonal characteristics, making it a great choice for players seeking comfort and versatility.

How does the Squier Venus handle different music genres?

The Squier Venus, with its SH pickup configuration and basswood body, offers a versatile sound palette that can handle a variety of music genres, from rock and punk to pop and alternative.

What finish options are available for the Squier Venus Electric Guitar?

The Squier Venus is available in Black, Sunburst, and Surf Green finishes, each with a matching headstock, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal aesthetic preferences.

Puisheen

Puisheen

ON THE BENCH #11: Greg's Squier Venus (Vista Series) Setup for C Standard

Video thumbnail for ON THE BENCH #11: Greg's Squier Venus (Vista Series) Setup for C Standard by Puisheen

ON THE BENCH #11: Greg's Squier Venus (Vista Series) Setup for C Standard

Puisheen

Puisheen

Video thumbnail for The History of the Short-Lived MIJ Squier Vista Series Venus XII by Adrian Seifi

The History of the Short-Lived MIJ Squier Vista Series Venus XII

Adrian Seifi

Adrian Seifi

Video thumbnail for Squier Venus XII and EHX POG by Acid Amp

Squier Venus XII and EHX POG

Acid Amp

Acid Amp

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Venus has a distinct neck pickup slant opposite to the bridge, contributing to its unique tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Despite being a budget guitar, the stock pickups from the '90s are praised for their sound quality, with no immediate need for replacement unless desired for tonal experimentation.

    Source
  • The Squier Venus XII features a headstock design that is preferred over other Fender twelve-string headstocks for its unique and aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Squier Venus is noted for being on par with Japan Reissue models like the JG66-85 or ST352, offering a higher quality than typical Squier guitars.

    Source
  • The Venus XII incorporates bridge and pickups from a typical Fender XII, while the rest of the design is exclusive to this model.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being initially priced at $599-$699 in the late '90s, its scarcity and Japanese craftsmanship contribute to its current high market value.

    Source
  • Owners report that the used market value of the Squier Venus is increasing annually due to its limited production run from 1996-1997.

    Source
  • The original price for the Venus XII was $999, significantly higher than the six-string version, reflecting its unique features and scarcity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the Venus suitable for playing genres like fingerstyle and bands such as The Smiths, suggesting versatility beyond its quirky appearance.

    Source
  • The guitar is appreciated for its unique aesthetic, often described as looking like a "melted Stratocaster," which appeals to those seeking distinctive designs.

    Source

Build quality

  • Crafted in Japan with Fender parts, the Venus features a bound neck, which is appreciated for its quality similar to Fender's higher-end models.

    Source
  • The wood quality of the Venus XII has been praised as exceptional, contributing to its desirability and high resale value.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck of the Squier Venus is surprisingly chunky, providing a sturdier feel than typical Squier models, often compared to a Stratocaster's neck.

    Source
  • Owners have found it challenging to locate video reviews of the Venus XII, with existing videos often being of poor quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest avoiding modifications to maintain its collector value, recommending only non-invasive mods like RF shielding inside the pickup bays.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
davidboyle_eire

Quality

Japanese Quality is no joke, believe the hype. I love the shortscale feel and the pickups sound great with the SHH configuration. Very rare guitar.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick Reinhart uses Squier Venus Electric Guitar

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Reinhart showcases his Squier Venus Electric Guitar in an Instagram post titled "kurt and courtney."

See how Courtney Love uses Squier Venus Electric Guitar

Courtney Love

Singer, Guitarist

Hole

...
See how Ryan Jarman uses Squier Venus Electric Guitar

Ryan Jarman

Singer, Guitarist

The Cribs

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:22 in this video, it can be seen that Ryan Jarman is using a Fender Squier Venus.

See how Shirley Manson uses Squier Venus Electric Guitar

Shirley Manson

Singer, Guitarist

Garbage

...
Verified via Google

In the photo, we see Manson playing a custom pink Venus

See how K.flay uses Squier Venus Electric Guitar

K.flay

Music Producer

...
Verified via Fbcdn

K.flay is shown using a Squier Venus Electric Guitar in a photo available on Fbcdn.

Album Usage

The Squier Venus Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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 Venus Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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