NGD - Squier California Series Strat and Upgrades

Nice strat
Not much info on the squier wiki about these other than the alder body and standard 9.5" radius etc
The fat strat versions were apparently Chinese made so I'd imagine this one is also? They look like higher spec SE's but I'll leave such conclusions to anyone who has actually seen one in the wild

 

My understanding is the California series were made in China and were very similar to the SE in quality (if not the same). The California branding on the headstock I think is pretty cool and I keep looking around for one myself. (I did have the chance of buying an 'as new still in box' CAR Strat California a while ago but got cold feet as I didn't think it was totally legit.)

The giveaway for provenance is the serial number sticker which is the same format as the CAE-series Strat SE serial numbers that emanated from China in the early 2000's.
I believe these California Strat models were reserved for, or only marketed into, the Asian / Asia Pacific areas, certainly not available in Europe or NA.
I could be wrong of course and I'm sure someone knows more than me. Personally I'd really like to know more about this model. (e.g. colours, options, dates).
Cheers,
rorygman

 

SE meant for the international market.

 

I own a Squier California Strat too. Mine's white (Olympic White, I think, but I'm not sure) with a maple fretboard. I emailed Fender to ask about the series, and got this reply from one Brad Shelton:

"The California series are Chinese-made Squier models similar to the Affinity models but were simply made exclusively for overseas export, sold mostly in China. They were introduced in 2003."

Shelton says they are still available in some markets but didn't say if they were still in production. He also confirmed later that Affinity-level spec does indeed mean they have the thin body.

 

An SE with Affinity thickness body.

 

HNGD !

 

Reminds me of the strat I once had

 

I'm confused about the fender guy saying it was affinity spec ? full size body and small headstock are not affinity ? what is affinity about this series ?

 

What's the difference between affinity and SE?

 

Don't have a pic handy but the stickered serial number looks the same as my SE.

 

Huge difference - the pickups/electronics are the only thing the same. The SE has 'Squier' branded tuners, a full thickness heavy body, and a small headstock. The Affinity has D shaped sealed tuners, a thin light body, and large CBS/70s style headstock....

 

Thanks for the info

 

Unless you find a mid - late 90's Affinity, which has a full thickness body, small headstock and 22 fret neck.
Cheers, Barrie.

 

Yea when googling affinity strats and SE strats I noticed they all had the same kind of tuners. Mind you I don't think squier make SE strats anymore do they? Google just throws up any new strat when you type in SE strat

 

No they don't. The last made where about 7 years ago.
Cheers, Barrie.

 

So my next question is, what is the modern equivalent?