Squier Deluxe Series

July 12, 1996 -- Fender's new Squier Deluxe Series brings an increased range of tones and model options to the popular Fender Squier family of guitars. The Squier Deluxe models are designed and built to offer players professional features and enhanced styling at an affordable price.

The series includes a total of eleven new instruments, including seven Stratocasters, two Telecasters and two basses. Each of the guitars features pickups with alnico magnets, die-cast tuning keys, and solid ash bodies which together enhance tonal and aesthetic characteristics of the individual models. "The idea behind the Squier Deluxe Series is to offer a wide variety of instruments with attractive features at affordable prices," said Joe Carducci, marketing manager, Fender Electric Guitars. "These instruments offer the tone, looks and playability of instruments with much higher price tags."

The Squier Deluxe Stratocaster models range in price from $459 to $599 and include features such as custom pick guards, knobs, and pickup covers. "Each of the Squier Deluxe Stratocaster models in this series is available in its own distinct finishes to give it a unique look and personality," Carducci said. Colors include Olympic White with matching painted headstock, Sunburst, Vintage Blonde, Crimson Red Transparent, Sapphire Blue Transparent and Black with matching painted headstock. Some models feature gold hardware, and to accommodate southpaw players a left-handed model is offered.

The Squier Deluxe Telecaster guitar series includes two models: a Thinline (F-hole) model with a single bound body, gold hardware and a white shell pick guard; and a Deluxe Fat Tele with a humbucking pickup in the neck position, shell pick guard and a clear, natural finish. The suggested retail price of these models is $539.99 and $469.99, respectively.

Adding depth to the line are a Deluxe PJ Bass and Deluxe Precision Five (five-string bass), giving bass players a choice of two unique, distinctive instruments. The Squier Deluxe PJ Bass has a Precision Bass body shape with Jazz Bass neck dimensions. It features a rosewood fretboard and deluxe die-cast tuning keys and is available in black with matching painted headstock, with a suggested retail price of $499.99. The Deluxe Precision Five features a Precision Bass body shape, with two custom humbucking pickups, white shell pick guard, gold hardware, deluxe die-cast tuning keys and a rosewood fretboard. Priced at $639.99, the Deluxe Precision Five is available in Crimson Red Transparent.

For more information, visit their web site at www.fender.com.