Fender Stratocasters are among the most iconic electric guitars ever built, produced since 1954 and still manufactured today across multiple product lines — from Mexican-made Player Series to American Professional and vintage reissues. Squier, Fender's budget sub-brand, offers entry-level Strats that share the classic double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, and tremolo bridge at a fraction of the price. Buyers range from beginners seeking their first serious guitar to collectors hunting rare vintage US-made models. Quality varies enormously: a 1970s CBS-era Fender commands premium prices but can disappoint tonally, while a well-set-up Squier Classic Vibe often outplays a neglected American Standard. Key differentiators include country of manufacture (USA > Mexico > China/Indonesia for vintage value), neck date stamps, original vs. replaced hardware, and condition of the frets and nut. On eBay DE, entry-level Squiers run €100–250, Player Series Mexicans €400–650, and American-made models from €700 into the thousands for vintage pieces.
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- Request close-up photos of headstock serial number and neck heel date stamp — these verify production year and origin country, which drive resale value significantly. - Check fret wear photos carefully; a refret on a budget guitar can cost more than the instrument is worth, while worn frets on a collectible reduce playability and price. - Confirm all electronics are original if buying for collector value — replaced pickups or pots on a vintage Fender drop the price but can be a bargain if you just want a player.