Squier Strat as a learning tool

[Michael S. Fields]

Is a Squier Strat close enough mechanically to a Fender Strat that it can be used to learn how to work on Strats?  Thanks.

Mike Fields

[Joshua Levin-Epstein]

In a word, yes. I've seen a range of quality in Squier strats but they all seem to be very strat like (6 bridge pieces, a truss rod that may or may not work, 3 pick-ups, blade switch etc). You can certainly pick one up on the cheap and experiment. I dare say that part of the learning will be comparing the strat like object to a "real" Strat where you can compare the quality of the component parts as well as quality of manufacture, assembly, finish...

[Brian Evans]

I had a made-in-Japan Squier strat in the early 1980's, just after they came out.  It was as good as any Fender I ever played, and was essentially identical to a Fender bar the label.  In some markets they were labeled as Fenders.  So looking for an early one might be worthwhile, I think most people don't get past the Squier label.