It’s a common experience for guitar enthusiasts to stumble upon a Squire Telecaster with “Made in Japan” proudly displayed on its neck, sparking curiosity about its origins and manufacturing timeline. The observation that modern music stores primarily stock Squire Telecasters labeled “Made in China” naturally leads to the question: Are Japanese Squire Telecasters still being produced, or have they become relics of a bygone era?
During the mid-1980s, Japanese-made Squire Telecasters were indeed prevalent in music stores, earning a reputation for impressive quality that belied their entry-level status. These instruments, crafted in Japan, often surprised players with their build quality and the tonal characteristics of their pickups, even after decades of use. The experience of encountering a well-preserved Japanese Squire Telecaster from this period often stands in stark contrast to the perception of contemporary Squire models primarily manufactured in locations like China.
However, the landscape of Squire Telecaster production has evolved. Fender, the parent company, has utilized various manufacturing locations throughout the Squire brand’s history to meet different market demands and price points. While Japanese factories played a significant role in establishing the Squire name and delivering quality instruments, current Squire Telecaster production is not based in Japan. Manufacturing has shifted to other countries, including China and Indonesia, to maintain affordability and cater to the global market.
Therefore, while Japanese-made Squire Telecasters are no longer in current production, they hold a special place in the brand’s history and are sought after by players who appreciate the quality associated with instruments from that era. The perception of quality from those vintage Japanese models persists, making them desirable finds in the used guitar market, even as new Squire Telecasters continue to be produced in other parts of the world.
