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Are Epiphone and Squier the New Innovators?

OldStrummer

Active member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
Messages
118
Over the past couple of years I've noticed that Gibson's and Fender's "little brother" companies have branched out into their own while the parent companies seem to have gotten stuck in ruts of their own making; the "name" brands seem focused on reissue after reissue, with little or no innovation, while their offshoot companies are quietly (?) coming out with new models, new materials and much improved quality control.

Consider for example: Epiphone, long known for its archtops and hollowbodies, has in its catalog the Swingster, the Sheraton-II Pro and the Casino. Squier, from the other side of the tree, has the Starcaster, and their (very) low-cost series guitars: Affinity, Bullet, and the Mini (a great way to introduce youngsters to guitar!).

The Swingster: For $749, one gets qualiity parts, like Grover tuners, Bigsby tremolo, LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic bridge, Swingbucker™ pickups, layered maple body, mahogany neck, and a set neck. That's a lot of guitar for under $800!


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It seems to me the "big names" are resting on their laurels and selling the name on the headstock. What do you think?

(Squier Affinity Starcaster: $299!)


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chief_nobody

New member
Joined
Mar 2, 2020
Messages
10
What are they innovating? Most of their lineup are classic models modified a bit, just like these two.
 

OldStrummer

Active member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
Messages
118
What are they innovating? Most of their lineup are classic models modified a bit, just like these two.
Perhaps "innovation" is too strong a word. What they are doing is making quality products at a more affordable price, and aren't just re-hashing or relic'ing stuff that was mediocre twenty years ago.
 
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