Very good condition 2012 Squier Standard Series Fat Strat - Made in Indonesia
Overview and Specifications
The Squier Standard Series Fat Strat, produced in the early 2000s, is a variant of the classic Stratocaster design. The “Fat Strat” designation refers to its pickup configuration—specifically, the inclusion of a humbucking pickup in the bridge position, paired with two single-coils in the middle and neck. This HSS layout allows for a broader tonal range than the traditional SSS setup, offering both the sparkle of a Strat and the thicker, higher-output tone of a humbucker.
Core specifications include:
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Body: Agathis
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Neck: Maple with a modern ‘C’ profile
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Fingerboard: Rosewood or maple (depending on finish), 22 medium-jumbo frets
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Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
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Bridge: Two-point synchronised tremolo system
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Pickups: One humbucker (bridge), two single-coils (middle and neck), with a five-way selector switch
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Hardware: Chrome-plated, with sealed die-cast tuners
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Finish: Gloss polyester, in colours ranging from Candy Apple Red to Metallic Blue and Black
Build Quality
For an instrument in its price bracket, the Squier Standard Fat Strat exhibits commendable build quality. The fit and finish are generally consistent, with tight neck pockets, solid fretwork, and decent fretboard edges.
The two-point tremolo is an upgrade over the vintage six-screw style found on cheaper Squier Affinity models, offering smoother action and better tuning stability. The 22-fret neck is also an improvement over the 21-fret designs of earlier budget Squiers, giving players a full two-octave range on each string.
Reception at the Time
Upon release and throughout the early 2000s, the Squier Standard Fat Strat is well-received by players and reviewers alike, especially within the context of its value for money. It is widely regarded as a solid choice for beginners seeking a better option than entry-level Affinity models, and for intermediate players needing a dependable backup guitar.
Magazines and online forums at the time praise it for:
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Its comfortable neck profile
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The versatility of the HSS pickup configuration
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Improved hardware over cheaper Squier offerings
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The aesthetic appeal of its metallic finishes and gloss necks
Legacy and Modern Perception
Today, the Squier Standard Fat Strat enjoys a positive legacy, especially among enthusiasts of modding and vintage-inspired gear. It is often seen as part of a "golden era" of Squier, when the brand balances affordability with surprisingly robust build quality. Models from this period are still found on second-hand markets, often upgraded and still in regular use.
The model also earns respect for being a reliable platform for experimentation. With its solid neck and body construction.
Among collectors and players looking for quality at a reasonable price, the 2000s Fat Strat remains one of the more desirable Squier Standards—especially those with rosewood fretboards and made-in-Indonesia markings, which are often associated with better craftsmanship.
