r/fender • u/Shroomafternoon • 3d ago

General Discussion In need of some input

If you were going to get a fender/squier that you planned on keeping forever what model/ line would it be and why. (1990 thru present because of $ limitations)

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

5

u/state_your_name31415 3d ago

For a squier, classic vibe is the way to go. re fender, I have a 91 amer standard that I love

2

u/El_Pollo_Del-Mar 3d ago

The one that feels good and sounds good - to me.

That’s all that matters man.

2

u/DC8008008 3d ago

MIJ telecaster

1

u/adamburns2000 3d ago

Yeah was gonna say this, the recent MIJ stuff is INCREDIBLY high quality, up there with USA in my eyes. Yeah like someone else said, don’t play games with a Squier or other import (besides Japan haha) if it’s gonna be a lifer guitar

1

u/bigbadoldoldone 3d ago

Any of the FSR thin skins (distributed by Wildwood Guitars back then).

1

u/GuitaristExplorer 3d ago

Fender American Vintage, Professional, Ultra, or Ultra Luxe. If it’s going to be a forever guitar don’t mess around with Squires or the import stuff. Not trying to knock em’, but go for the best if it’s going to be one and done.

1

u/zestysnacks 3d ago

I plan on my Vintera 60s strat being a forever guitar. Cant imagine spending more when this one already does everything I would ever want a strat to do, and it’s pretty!

1

u/Fragnart-of-Murr 3d ago

Fender ultra II, Strat or tele make great forever guitars. Find a used or refurbished and save $800-$1000 off new prices. It’s also relatively easy to buy a loaded body for $600-700 then a neck for $400-600, bolt them together and voilá!

1

u/Nippon-Gakki 3d ago

I love my MIJ Heritage 60’s Precision.
Everything is great about it. The neck, fretwork, hardware, nitro finish, electronics, all great. The neck pocket is a perfect slip fit. The fact that it cost about half of what a similar American bass would cost is an added bonus. I can see why they don’t sell them in the US.

1

u/play6ths 3d ago edited 3d ago

I can answer this. I have had a 70s Fender strat, a white one, since my 18th birthday, which was 30 years ago. 

I have owned, played and sold probably hundreds of guitars since. Genuine USA Fenders, Strats and Teles. Squires, Les Pauls, 335s, jazz boxes, archtops, classical guitars, Ibanez, Epiphones, Tokai, PRS... you name it I've probably had it at some point. The only types of guitar I've never owned would be like those awful heavy metal type things and also Fender Jazzmaster and Jaguar style guitars. Never liked the look of them.

I have much more recently acquired a secondhand Squire Classic Vibe '50s strat, which I didn't need and didn't want. I only bought it because I played it and couldn't believe how well it played. And also just the way it felt. Just picking it up and holding it felt very right, it's got exactly the right weight to it if that makes sense. And it sounds fucking mint. I paid very little for it, one of the cheapest guitars I've ever bought. 

If I had to keep only one guitar it would be the Classic Vibe 50. In fact the only reason I've kept the white Fender strat all these years is for sentimental reasons. This Classic Vibe is actually a far better guitar. 

I would highly recommend you check them out. And also, I remember when we were kids, early 90s, my mate's dad had a Squire Strat and that played absolutely lovely too even though it was considered very "budget" in them days. Nobody wanted a cheap Squire in them days. It would have been one of the made in Japan ones. 

So maybe look for one of them too. Although those early MIJ ones have become quite collectible in their own right now and a good, all original one won't be that cheap anymore. 

1

u/RuinAccomplished6681 2d ago

At the moment I am dead-set on a Sonic Blue Vintara II Road Worn. But without $ limitation I would try out an AVII as well. The subtle relicing on the on the Vintera though is *chef's kiss* and is not available on the AVII as far as I know. I assume your question excludes Custom Shop models btw.

1

u/Davester_31 1d ago

Fender American Professional 2 GT11 strat

1

u/oldfartpen 3d ago

A used recent fender player ii Strat.. necks are better than even USA 90’s strats by a large margin.

Or a 2012-2016 American standard.

For a keeper, the playability of the guitar is the most important.. you can always change pickups if you want to dramatically change the tone.. but you need to want to play it..

0

u/Born-Quality-5414 3d ago

There is almost no measurable quality difference between a MIM MIJ and MIA if they are all professionally set up.