Squier Telecasters

[Mister Ed]

8. In my experience, the necks of "Crafted in China" Squiers with "CY" serial numbers can't be beat.

Especially those from the early 2000's. Their necks are just incredibly good. Way better than the necks of most Indonesian Squiers. In my opinion, they compete with American-made Fender necks.

The "CY" in the serial number indicates that Taiwan is the place of manufacture. The next two numbers indicate the year of manufacture. For example, I have one on my lap right now whose serial number begins with "CY04". Made in Taiwan, in the year 2004.

These can be purchased used for very little money. Best bargain out there, in my view. Those in the Affinity series will have fairly inexpensive pickups that are okay, but you may want to upgrade the pickups and pots at some point. The one on my lap right now is a Standard series, and the pickups are really, really good. I wouldn't want to swap them out.