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MYSTERIOUS: 2 - You Need To See This

“There’s so much equity in the Squier brand name – there are people that proudly play Squier over Fender”: Fender outlines the future of Squier after the launch of its new Standard Series – which is built in the same factory

The Standard Series further closed the gap between Fender and Squier – but would Fender ever put its name on the entire production line, from entry level to Custom Shop?

Guitar World

“If this guitar had come out of one of our other facilities saying Fender no one would be having this conversation”: Fender’s Justin Norvell on the $599 Standard Series, how it was made, and why it is not a Squier with a different decal on the headstock

Fender’s EVP of product on who its new Indonesian entry-level series is for, what its critics are getting wrong, and why this is (probably) as affordable as the Acoustasonic is going to get

MusicRadar

“We’ve been controlled by the idea that Fender is for Mexico and US models. We’re allowing ourselves to break our own rules”: Why Fender is building its $599 Standard Series in Indonesia – and how its ideological shift delivers better value for players

Fender’s EVP of Product Justin Norvell explains what convinced Fender to change its mindset on where its guitars are built – and what makes the new Standards different from the Player Series (apart from where they’re built)

Guitar World

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NAMM 2025: “The approachable playability and inspiring tone that made Fender an icon of rock and roll” – Strats and Teles at $599? Fender's budget-friendly Standard series is its most affordable yet

Five classic models, sweet finishes like Candy Cola and O.G. Butterscotch Blonde... These are going to be popular

MusicRadar

“We wanted to make Fender more affordable and to a wider amount of people”: Fender launches new $599 Standard Series lineup – and it marks a major shift for one of America’s most iconic guitar brands

The Indonesian-built Standard series brings the concept of an affordable Fender back to the table – and it’s the greatest show of faith yet in its facility

Guitar World

Guitars signed by Paul McCartney, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Olivia Rodrigo and many more to be auctioned off in support of leading music charity

Over 60 one-of-a-kind items donated or signed by music stars are up for auction, with proceeds going to MusiCares, whose vital work includes supporting musicians impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles

Guitar World

“If this is your first guitar, you’ll be keeping it for a long time to come”: Harley Benton Pro Series ST-Modern HSS review

Beggars can apparently also be choosers, according to Harley Benton and its sub-£150 versatile doublecut

MusicRadar

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“Playing the Bass VI is a really strange experience – a truly unique instrument”: Squier Limited Edition Classic Vibe Bass VI review

Part bass, part guitar, we get to grips with the Classic Vibe version of Fender’s very own dichotomy of tone

Guitar World

"It’s the most impressive Squier guitar I’ve played this year, and probably my favourite in a few": Squier Paranormal Troublemaker Telecaster Deluxe review

Squier's affordable Tele Deluxe is a mash-up of Fender and Gibson design points

MusicRadar

“After leading our overall list for two years, it did not come in No. 1”: Reverb reveals its best-selling electric guitars of 2024 – and the previous top-seller has been toppled

The reigning champion of 2022 and 2023 has been ousted, and the best-selling new release of 2024 might surprise you

Guitar World

“Shockingly good for an instrument at such a low price point”: Squier Affinity Series Starcaster Deluxe review

Is it time this electric expanded its cult appeal and became a mainstream blockbuster? Because this is one cool – and affordable – semi

Guitar World

This Squier Sonic Strat serves serious Tom DeLonge vibes and blew me away when I reviewed it – now it’s even cheaper at just shy of $140 for Black Friday

The perfect modding platform and one of the best beginner guitars that money can buy just got even cheaper thanks to this sweet deal from Fender

Guitar World

“An irresistible blend of Fender and Gretsch DNA”: Gretsch Electromatic Jack Antonoff Signature CVT Double-Cut

The Taylor Swift producer and Bleachers frontman merges his two favourite vintage models for a signature guitar like no other

MusicRadar

"It’s fair to say that the design of this model will divide people, but what isn’t up for debate is this Strat’s build quality": Squier Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster review

The cat is out of the bag – Squier’s famous feline-themed Strat is back and better than ever… but it's also pricier

Guitar World

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Wallpaper

Fender Hello Kitty Stratocaster marks 50 years of Sanrio’s finest cartoon cat

Hello Kitty reaches her half-century in 2025 and Fender Japan is out to celebrate with guitars and new merchandise, including a revival of its cult Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster

MusicRadar

“It’s about more than just a guitar – this is about giving players a platform to express their individuality”: Fender celebrates 50 years of Hello Kitty with super-kawaii Squier Strat, fuzz pedal and collectible accessories

The Hello Kitty Stratocaster is officially back, available in pink or white, and if you are allergic to cute look away now...

Guitar World

Paws what you’re doing: Fender’s viral Hello Kitty Stratocaster is officially back, along with a Hello Kitty fuzz pedal, as part of a bumper 50th Anniversary release

Fender has revived the internet-breaking Strat – along with a host of other appropriately branded accessories – to mark Hello Kitty's latest milestone

Guitar World

“The first one ever in history is actually this guitar. Honestly, it still doesn’t seem real”: Fender’s first-ever official 7-string Stratocaster has become a reality – and it could be in line for a wider release

Chris Garza of Suicide Silence has just received the first-ever hardtail seven-string Fender Strat – it’s taken almost seven years to make, and he has big plans for the design

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MusicRadar

“These are very touch-sensitive and very dynamic”: Give your Tele a tone makeover fit for a blues superstar with the Seymour Duncan Joe Bonamassa 1950 Broadcaster pickup set

Demoing these Tele-friendly single-coils on a Squier is a power move from Bonamassa as he compares and contrasts with a vintage original from Nerdville

Guitar World

“It passed almost every test with flying colors… tidy to play with a great range of tones”: Squier Limited Edition Classic Vibe '60s Telecaster SH review

A stealth contender for the nicest-looking (and best-performing) Squier of the year, this budget stunner has serious Andy Summers vibes – and versatility written all over it

Guitar World

“A quintessential mashup of Fender features”: Squier debuts a new Paranormal Telecaster/Jazzmaster hybrid – and revives Fender's mischievous Les Paul-inspired 'Troublemaker' in a new affordable form

Fender once again throws the rule book out the window for two new limited edition Paranormal models – and the results are quite something

MusicRadar

“Legendary design and quintessential tone for today’s aspiring guitar hero”: Squier expands beginner-friendly Affinity Series with lightweight, slimmed-down guitars and basses at affordable prices

This Squier drop has everything a beginner could need, with short-scale Strat and Jaguar options, a Starcaster Deluxe, active Jazz Basses and flame maple Teles for bling on a budget

Guitar World

“Legendary design and quintessential tone”: Squier just gave the six-string Jazz Bass VI its Affinity series debut – and it costs less than $350

The Jazz VI has been launched as part of a comprehensive Affinity expansion pack, which also includes updated active four- and five-string bass models

Guitar World

From the Tom DeLonge-inspired Starcaster Deluxe to its first Thinline Tele and a rare Jaguar appearance – Squier’s affordable Affinity series just got a major new expansion

The five new budget-friendly builds mean there’s now more variety to the Affinity series than we’ve ever seen before

Guitar World

Squier’s new Limited Edition Classic Vibe models are so desirable, I broke my decade-long guitar buying ban. So how did they get me hooked?

I usually stand strong in the face of guitar-maker’s marketing tricks, but firms are finding new ways of making affordable lines tempting

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