Squier made in China

The first Chinese Squiers

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Cover - The first Squier made in China and Indonesia

The first Chinese Squier Stratocasters appeared in late 1994, built at the Yako factory and sold in 1995 as the Squier Bullet SRS. These guitars mirrored earlier Korean Bullets, with low-grade hardware and occasionally plywood bodies, identified by NC-prefix serials. Alongside them emerged an undocumented, odd “PV-4” Strat, lacking serial numbers and featuring a Peavey-style bridge and body, adding confusion to the lineup.

In 1996, Fender formalized Chinese production with the Squier Tradition Series: inexpensive, structurally improved guitars with ceramic pickups, thin hardware, NC or YN serials, and limited finishes. In 1997, this model was renamed the Affinity Series, which later split into Chinese standalone guitars and Indonesian Pak-only versions.

From the late 1990s onward, Affinity Strats evolved through thinner bodies, revised neck profiles, changing woods, new logos, and Pak bundles. By the 2010s, production stabilized between China and Indonesia, with poplar bodies, updated aesthetics, and clear differentiation across configurations and markets.

Squier Production in China & Indonesia

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Cover - Squier China and Indonesia ad

In the early 1990s, Squier shifted production from Korea to China and Indonesia to cut costs and revive its struggling brand. China offered affordable hardwoods, while Indonesia provided solid craftsmanship at lower prices. Key Chinese factories included Yako, AXL, and Grand Reward, which built iconic models like the Classic Vibe and Modern Player series. In Indonesia, P.T. Cort and P.T. Samick handled most production. By the mid-2000s, Squier’s image improved through marketing innovations such as the beginner-friendly “Pak” sets and the “Team Squier Garage to Glory” contest, reinforcing its identity as an accessible, entry-level gateway into the Fender world.