Fender and Squier need no introduction and are well known for producing a range of iconic guitars including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass and Precision Bass. In this article I’ll go take you through where all of these guitars are manufactured.
Where are Fender Guitars Made?
All Fender electric and bass guitars are made in the USA, Japan and Mexico.
- The American Fender Ultra Luxe, Ultra, Vintage II, Original, Professional II and Performer models are made in the USA and cost between $1300-$2700.
- The MIJ, Boxer and Aerodyne series are made in Japan and cost between $1200-$1300.
- The Fender Vintera, Player and Player Plus series are made in Mexico and cost between $800-$1350.
| Series | Made In | Price |
| Fender American Ultra Luxe | USA | $2600-$2700 |
| Fender American Vintage II | USA | $2100-$2400 |
| Fender American Ultra | USA | $2100-$2150 |
| Fender American Original | USA | $2100-$2150 |
| Fender American Professional II | USA | $1700-$1800 |
| Fender American Performer | USA | $1300-$1400 |
| Fender Aerodyne Special | Japan | $1300-$1350 |
| Fender MIJ | Japan | $1200-$1300 |
| Fender Vintera | Mexico | $1100-$1350 |
| Fender Player Plus | Mexico | $1100-$1200 |
| Fender Player | Mexico | $800-$1000 |
Where are Squier Guitars Made?
Squier electric and bass guitars are manufactured in China and Indonesia and cost between $190 and $480 on average.
| Series | Made In | Price |
| Classic Vibe | China/ Indonesia | $430-$450 |
| Paranormal | China | $430 |
| Contemporary | China/ Indonesia | $450-$480 |
| Affinity | Indonesia | $190-$300 |
| Bullet | Indonesia | $190-$220 |
| Mini | Indonesia | $190-$200 |
Which Fender Guitars are Made in the USA?
The following series of Fender electric and bass guitars are made in the USA:
- American Ultra Luxe
- American Vintage II
- American Ultra
- American Original
- American Professional II
- American Performer
USA-made Fender guitars are produced in a factory in Corona, California.
This includes all the different models (e.g. Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Jaguar, Jazz Bass and Precision Bass.
American-made Fender bass and electric guitars are built using the best quality materials and craftsmanship, hence the higher price point.
Here is a summary of all the different series, the electric and bass guitars available in each series and the average price.
| Series | Models | Price |
| Fender American Ultra Luxe | Strat Tele | $2600-$2700 |
| Fender American Vintage II | Strat Tele Jazzmaster J Bass P Bass | $2100-$2400 |
| Fender American Ultra | Strat Tele Jazzmaster J Bass P Bass | $2100-$2150 |
| Fender American Original | Strat Tele Jazzmaster P Bass | $2100-$2150 |
| Fender American Professional II | Strat Tele Jazzmaster J Bass P Bass | $1700-$1800 |
| Fender American Performer | Strat Tele Jazzmaster Mustang J Bass P Bass Mustang Bass | $1300-$1400 |
Here are some comparison guides you might find useful:
- Fender American Performer vs American Professional II
- Fender American Professional II vs American Ultra
- Fender American Original vs American Vintage II
Which Fender Guitars are Made in Japan?
The Fender Aerodyne Special and MIJ series of electric and bass guitars including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Jazz Bass and Precision Bass are manufactured in Japan. Japanese Fender guitars cost between $1200 and $1350 on average.
Japanese-made Fender guitars are often referred to as “MIJ” guitars which stands for “Made-in-Japan”. These models typically have slightly different features compared to the standard Mexican and American guitars and offer more modern takes on the classic designs.
Japanese-made Fender guitars are typically made with cheaper materials and do not have the same reputation for the highest build-quality compared to American-made Fender guitars. However, Japan does still make excellent quality guitars.
Here is a summary of all the different series, the electric and bass guitars available in each series and the average price.
| Series | Models | Price |
| Fender Aerodyne Special | Strat Tele J Bass P Bass | $1300-$1350 |
| Fender MIJ | Strat Tele Jazzmaster Mustang J Bass P Bass | $1200-$1300 |
Which Fender Guitars are Made in Mexico?
All electric and bass guitars in the Fender Boxer, Vintera, Player Plus and Player series are made in Mexico. This includes the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Jaguar, Jazz Bass and Precision Bass. Mexican Fender guitars cost between $800 and $1350 on average.
Mexican Fender guitars are sometimes referred to as “MIM”, which stands for “Made-in-Mexico”. The Mexican Fender factory is located in Ensenada and was opened in 1987.
Mexican-made Fender guitars are significantly cheaper compared to American-made Fender guitars. Mexico build very high quality guitars, but doesn’t have the reputation for building the best guitars compared to America.
If you’re looking for a Fender guitar but don’t have a big budget to play with, Mexican Fender models are the best option to consider.
Check out my complete comparison between Mexican and American Stratocasters for more information.
Here is a summary of all the different series, the electric and bass guitars available in each series and the average price.
| Series | Models | Price |
| Fender Vintera | Strat Tele Jazzmaster Mustang Jaguar | $1100-$1350 |
| Fender Player Plus | Strat Tele Meteora J Bass P Bass | $1100-$1200 |
| Fender Player | Strat Tele Jazzmaster Mustang Jaguar Duo-Sonic Lead J Bass P Bass Mustang Bass Jaguar Bass | $800-$1000 |
Squier Guitars are Made in China and Indonesia
All Squier electric and bass guitars are made in either China or Indonesia and cost between $190 and $480 on average. China and Indonesia have a very similar reputation for producing more affordable entry-level electric and bass guitars.
Previously, some Squier guitars were also made in Japan, India and Korea and even the United States, but Squier has since moved all its production to Indonesia and China.
Squier Classic Vibe, Affinity, Bullet and Mini series electric and bass guitars are made in Indonesia, whereas all Squier Paranormal series guitars are made in China. All Squier Contemporary series guitars are made in Indonesia except for the Jazzmaster and Jaguar which are made in China.
Chinese and Indonesian-made guitars are typically mass-produced in large factories using lower quality materials which means the build-quality and quality control is not as good compared to American, Japanese and Mexican-made guitars.
Check out my comparison between Fender and Squier Stratocasters