Looking to buy this "Squire", is this fake? Thanks!

[xavyan]

Hi,

New here and looking for some help with a guitar that I'm looking to buy. Listed as a Squire, but a lot of things look odd to me and I can't confirm the model anywhere. The 2 point trem comes on squires but this one looks odd. The headstock is weird too. The truss rod cutout is an odd shape and the logo look off as well. Single string tree and cheapo tuners don't match up either. No serial number given. I can't seem to place this guitar as an actual Squire model. Any help? Thanks!

XY

 

[Higgins1980]

I wouldn’t think a Squier would be valuable enough to go through the hassle of faking.
I am no expert though.

 

[xavyan]

I wouldn’t think a Squier would be valuable enough to go through the hassle of faking.
I am no expert though.

I agree, but I'm a stickler for details, and the details on this one are questionable. I have read everywhere, why counterfeit a Squire? But again, why not. At the low end of the quality spectrum, one would think that people wouldn't question the "issues" and expect a certain amount of defects. Taking that into account, you could pass off a no name, low quality strat clone that would have very little value as a lower quality brand name that may have a greater value to someone who doesn't know guitars. Just saying... and looking for some trained eyes on this one. Thanks!

XY

 

[Eric_G]

I agree, but I'm a stickler for details, and the details on this one are questionable. I have read everywhere, why counterfeit a Squire? But again, why not. At the low end of the quality spectrum, one would think that people wouldn't question the "issues" and expect a certain amount of defects. Taking that into account, you could pass off a no name, low quality strat clone that would have very little value as a lower quality brand name that may have a greater value to someone who doesn't know guitars. Just saying... and looking for some trained eyes on this one. Thanks!

XY

Well what strikes me the most is the length of the saddle screws and how far they have to be for intonation... Maybe the original Squire bridge had that long of screws, but of all pictures I've seen, I don't remember needing to extend that much off the bridge. It makes me feel like the whole scale length is screwed up...

I'm no specialist tho... FTR, you just made me miss Ryan, he was a member who could have easily ease or confirm you fears. Sadly we lost him no so long ago...

How much they want for it ?

 

[Stu78]

Yep, Ryan is most certainly missed @Eric_G

 

[xavyan]

Well what strikes me the most is the length of the saddle screws and how far they have to be for intonation... Maybe the original Squire bridge had that long of screws, but of all pictures I've seen, I don't remember needing to extend that much off the bridge. It makes me feel like the whole scale length is screwed up...

I'm no specialist tho... FTR, you just made me miss Ryan, he was a member who could have easily ease or confirm you fears. Sadly we lost him no so long ago...

How much they want for it ?

Sorry for the loss.

They are not asking a lot. It's a package deal with a Peavey amp. I mean, the asking price is not out of line, but I honestly don't need a POS guitar and they won't separate the two. If the guitar is an actual Squire, even an Affinity or Bullet, I'd be all in. Maybe I'm splitting hairs. I just want to ID it as a Squire or a fake before I commit. If it is a fake, I won't be able to unload it as easy (because I would sell it as a fake). If it is a Squire I'd keep it as a mess around guitar. The only other Squire I have is a MIJ that I really like. Bottom line is, money is money and I don't want to buy a fake Thanks!

 

[BuckNekkid]

If it says "Squire," it's a fake.

 

[Nadnitram]

My guess is Affinity. Shape, decal, string tree, split-shaft tuners all seem to match. Affinity has the two-point bridge, to, but do I agree that the saddle screws are concerning.

 

[xavyan]

Looking at all the Squire info I can find online, I still can't match it up to anything. Even if the bridge was swapped out, the headstock details don't make any sense.

I'm no stranger to cheap guitars. I bought a first gen Spectrum strat for a song once. I used it to try some fix it up type stuff. I replaced the bridge and tuners, refinished the neck and dressed the frets. All in all a good time with decent results. I gave it to a friend for his daughter as a first guitar.

The thing with this one is I got excited on the deal for the amp and a Squire and almost jumped on it. When I looked closer I was like... hmmm... something isn't right on this one. I figured I'd ask around.

Thanks all for any insight on this one!

 

[xavyan]

My guess is Affinity. Shape, decal, string tree, split-shaft tuners all seem to match. Affinity has the two-point bridge, to, but do I agree that the saddle screws are concerning.
View attachment 620194

I was thinking the same, but the "q" in squire is wrong on the guitar in question and the truss rod cutout is also a bit "off" compared to a known Squire like the image you reference. Again, it's all in the details

 

[FrieAsABird]

It looks like a newer Squier Affinity, the ones made after 2019 have a two pint trem, big headstock with that logo. Can you ask for a serial number?

 

[xavyan]

It looks like a newer Squier Affinity, the ones made after 2019 have a two pint trem, big headstock with that logo. Can you ask for a serial number?

Tried, seller is a man of few words. Said it is a Squire LOL. When I look at the shape of the headstock it looks "off" too.

 

[FrieAsABird]

Compare it to this, looks good to me based on your pics:

Squier Affinity Strat IL 3CSB

Squier Affinity Stratocaster IL 3CSB; E-Gitarre; Korpus Pappel; Ahorn Hals, C-Shape; Griffbrett Indian Laurel, Radius 241mm (9,5"); 21 Medium Bünde; Sattelbreite 42mm (1,650"); Mensur 648mm (25,5"); Tonabnehmer 3 Keramik Single Coil; Elektronik 1x...

www.thomann.de

 

[xavyan]

I've been in Guitar Center quite a bit lately and have had some hands on with the new Affinity Squires. This one doesn't seem to jive with what I've played.

 

[FrieAsABird]

I've been in Guitar Center quite a bit lately and have had some hands on with the new Affinity Squires. This one doesn't seem to jive with what I've played.

Really? I’ve only seen the pics you posted and nothin seems terribly off, the decal looks legit and I can’t really see what’s bothering you about the truss rod access. How much is it? Where are you located?

 

[xavyan]

Compare it to this, looks good to me based on your pics:

Squier Affinity Strat IL 3CSB

Squier Affinity Stratocaster IL 3CSB; E-Gitarre; Korpus Pappel; Ahorn Hals, C-Shape; Griffbrett Indian Laurel, Radius 241mm (9,5"); 21 Medium Bünde; Sattelbreite 42mm (1,650"); Mensur 648mm (25,5"); Tonabnehmer 3 Keramik Single Coil; Elektronik 1x...

www.thomann.de

ooohhh! This looks like a winner... I knew I came to the right place for info! Is this a Euro model?

 

[xavyan]

Really? I’ve only seen the pics you posted and nothin seems terribly off, the decal looks legit and I can’t really see what’s bothering you about the truss rod access. How much is it? Where are you located?

This one is in NJ. I guess I've been looking at the maple neck Squires in GC too much. I am definitely not a Strat expert, hence my post to you all . Again, I came to the right place! A lot of quick, positive responses. Thank you all! I think FrieAsABird has nailed it!

 

[Willmunny]

M

I was thinking the same, but the "q" in squire is wrong on the guitar in question and the truss rod cutout is also a bit "off" compared to a known Squire like the image you reference. Again, it's all in the details

Most fakes don't bother with an insert on the truss rod hole
12th dot spacing looks good.
Definitely a Squier neck

 

[drp146]

And welcome to this very knowledgeable forum!

 

[crankmeister]

If it says "Squire," it's a fake.

Thank you!