Fender's latest Standard Series are touted to be their most affordable yet; USD599. These are made in Indonesia. What does this tell us about the Fender brand? Despite having a sub-brand, Squier, the manufacturer is some how wary of the fact that the brand name might become frivolous in a certain price bracket. To be more precise / blunt, the so called affordable Fenders have ceased to become anything but affordable. We all know how the Mexican models are listed for $2K +/- after being 'spruced' up in some ways & pushed as revised editions justifying the price hike each & every time.
I am now oblivious to where guitars are made, the country of manufacture is now not an important consideration for me. I look up to the quality on offer, more than anything else. I have never been enticed by the Mexican Fenders since the former Standard Series (yes, the Standard name is not new) left the catalog like 20 years ago. This might be a good time to renew my considerations for a non-American / Japanese Fender. Depicted above is the Mexican Standard in satin finish. I was attracted to one of these, the purple version, & always played it when I dropped by Swee Lee's Bras Basah outlet.
The Standard Series being in this price bracket mean players are going to forgo the upper end Squiers along the way unless Fender has some revisions to ensure they are not competing against themselves. It would also mean Fender has a new room for a more affordable American range. The current Performer models are definitely not the epitome of affordability. Remember the Highway 1 models? Those were good, bona fide, American Fenders.
Pics: Fender / Fuzzzfaced
