A fresh batch of instruments inspired by '80s Japanese designs.
With more people playing the guitar than ever before in 2020, Fender have introduced a number of new Squier Contemporary models to retain their stranglehold over the beginner market.
Summary
- Fender have added five new electric guitars to the Squier Contemporary Range.
- Inspired by the brand’s hot-rodded Japanese models of the ’80s, the series features new takes on the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jaguar.
- Each guitar features premium appointments such as roasted maple necks and sculpted heels, and adds eye-catching new finishes to the Squier range.
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Initially unveiled in the weeks leading up to NAMM in January, the Squier Contemporary Series promises to be some of the most sophisticated Squier guitars released to date, bringing premium appointments such as sculpted heels and roasted necks as well as an array of stunning finishes to the entry-level range.
The Squier Contemporary range is led by the Stratocaster HH FR, which combines a poplar body with a roasted maple neck and 22 fret fretboard with a sculpted heel, making for a sleek combination for shredding up the neck.
A pair of coil-tappable Squier SQR Atomic humbuckers are loaded in the neck and bridge position of the guitar, while a double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo is also included for manic dive-bombs.
Other appointments included on the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH FR include sealed-gear tuners, a painted black headstock and matte hardware. It’s available in two distinctive finishes: Gunmetal Metallic and Shell Pink Pearl.
For a slightly-less metal take on the model above, the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special swaps out the Atomic humbuckers for three SQR alnico single-coils, with the bridge and middle pickup being positioned adjacent to one another to unlock a versatile array of tones.
Retaining all the same build specs and hardware as the Stratocaster HH FR, the Contemporary Stratocaster Special is available in two different Special and Special Hard-Tail variants, each with their own unique finish options: the Special offers Black and Sky Burst Metallic finishes, whereas the Special HT models boast Pearl White and Sunset Metallic finishes.
If you’d prefer to add the utilitarian, single-cut Telecaster to your collection, Squier have also revamped the Contemporary Telecaster RH for 2021, adding in some unique appointments to make it suitable for those playing alternative and metal styles.
In addition to boasting a sculpted neck heel and bound roasted maple neck and fretboard, the Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH adds a SQR Atomic humbucker in the neck position and a SQR rail humbucker to the bridge to plate up powerful, distorted tones and hum-free cleans.
Other appointments include a string-thru-bridge hardtail body for enhanced resonance, as well as sealed-gear tuners, matte black hardware and painted headstocks.
It’s also available in three unique finishes: Gunmetal Metallic, Shoreline Gold and Pearl White.
Finally, there’s the sleek Squier Contemporary Jaguar HH ST, which puts a decidedly modern twist on the classic offset to make it all the more appealing to emerging generations of guitarists.
Pairing a poplar body with a roasted maple neck and Indian laurel fretboard with 22 frets, the Jaguar HH ST features two Squier SQR Atomic humbuckers with coil-tap and series/parallel switching on the top bout of the body, allowing players to delve into a wonderful bank of tones.
A three-way pickup selector switch on the bottom bout allows for easy tonal adjustments, while a fully adjustable stoptail bridge and sealed-gear tuners make tuning stability and restringing a breeze for this Jaguar.
Available to purchase today, the Squier Contemporary Jaguar HH ST can be found in both Shoreline Gold and Sky Burst Metallic finishes, with both models also including black and chrome appointments and a black painted headstock.
Explore the Squier Contemporary Range in full over at Fender Music Australia.
