Squier standard stratocaster...?

the squier is a lower line guitar. It is made with lower quality wood in several foriegn countries including mexico, korea, japan, etc. The quality control on these instruments is not as stringent as with the american models. It is possible to find some squiers that play very well and some that don't. It does make a good second guitar for an experienced player or a good first guitar for a beginner. As you would expect, the quality of the american standard is definitely better than the squier and the price reflects that.