The Fender Squier range has been a respectable brand ever since its introduction in the 1980's. This Thinline tele is no exception. I cannot understand how such a quality instrument can be produced for such little money.
It is not perfect. There were two scratch plate screws missing, but that was all. The finish is pretty flawless. it weighs next to nothing (2.7kg), the acoustic tone (which is frequently a good indicator of the eventual electric tone) is loud, bright and twangy, it has a comfortable, excellently finished neck with perfectly serviceable Kluson style tuners and the whole guitar generally looks the business.
They leave the truss rod slack for shipping, but this is a two minute adjustment and otherwise, intonation was well set and there really is nothing to complain about.
Of course the pickups could be improved but honestly, it still has the sound. It still sounds like a Telecaster. The bridge pickup is acceptable and the neck pickup typically weak — but good enough when both pickups are selected.
I gave up on trying to be responsible years ago, so these days my guitars are rarely less than a few thousand pounds. But I want a guitar that can get a scratch or a dent or two without giving me palpitations. Upgrade the pickups and it will be a solid and reliable worker.
