by stephen » 08 Apr 2011, 11:54
Micky, there are undoubtedly many members of this site, who will be able to quote you 'chapter & verse' regarding the main differences between the two, but maybe I can start the ball rolling.............
My 'knowledge' really comes from buying one of the Squier HBM Signatures, new in 1992 for £199. This version predated the later Fender branded one by a few years (1996 I think). However, both emanated from the same Fender Japan factory. The Squier version is probably the more 'exclusive', as apparently, only 500 were produced. The later Fender one was produced in 2 batches of 500, I believe.
I can't tell you an awful lot about differences in pickups between the two. Some people maintain that the Fender one had USA pickups, but whether or not this makes them 'better' is subjective. At the time I bought my Squier HBM, I also owned a Strat Plus and over time, found that I was reaching for & playing the Squier, far more than the premium USA guitar. It just sounded 'better'...........to MY ears. Subsequently, I sold the Strat Plus and kept the Squier.
I'm sure that the harware used on both the Squier and the Fender variants are broadly of similar quality. The main difference is the actual machine heads. The earlier Squier was fitted with the more 'modern' sealed type with oblong buttons and the single screw attachment. The Fender one had the more period-correct, Kluson style with oval buttons. (also aesthetically more pleasing to my eyes!)
The headstock on the Squier was slightly 'odd', the shape being similar to that produced when Fender decided to revert from the CBS large design, but had lost the drawings/spec. of the original 1950's one, so just guessed it to some degree! Anyway, it isn't quite 'right'............However, the later Fender model, did have the correct 1950's outline.
Well Micky, I do hope that the foregoing is of some help. Overall, I think that the Fender variant is closer in appearance to the model that Hank actually played...........and it also has 'Fender' on the headstock and not 'Squier'. Price-wise.......? Depending on the condition, Squier HBM's seem to fetch between £300-£450, when they appear on eBay. The Fender ones seem to attract up to £150 or so more.
Stephen.