How to Repair a Squier Guitar

Squier Guitars is a subsidiary of the Fender Guitar Company, and makes fairly high-quality instruments. Most of the time, there are no hardware issues with these guitars, and when something goes wrong, it is normally an electronics issue. Learning to repair the electronics systems in Squier guitars in the comfort of your home will help you avoid paying costly luthier's bills.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver Soldering pen Solder with flux core Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Find a well-lit place to work with plenty of space. You will also need a power outlet for your soldering iron.

2. Remove the access panel from the guitar using your screwdriver. On some Squier, guitars this can be done from the rear without removing the strings, while on others, the strings must be removed so you can lift the pick guard that serves as the access panel. Stratocaster guitars and Precision and jazz basses are built in this manner.

3. Inspect the electronics thoroughly for loose connections. If there are any, they should be easy to spot. Also look for where the loose wire was originally connected. This, too, should be easy to spot, because the wires tend not to move much, even though they are no longer connected. There should be some visible solder left on the connection as well. If the loose connection is not on the volume or tone pot, it may be on the input jack. This is where the adjustable wrench comes in handy, because the nut on the jack comes right off.

4. Plug in the soldering iron and get your solder ready.

5. Use your soldering iron to heat the pin (on the control you are connecting the wire to) until it is nearly red hot. You should be able to touch the solder to the pin and wire at the same time, causing the solder to melt and form a new connection.

6. Plug in the guitar and try it out before replacing the access panel. If it works, replace the access panel and have fun. If not, go back to Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• If there are no loose connections, the problem is likely with a potentiometer or switch that needs replacement.

• Soldering irons are very hot. Exercise caution when using one.