Squier M-77
2002 Squier Series 24, M-77
Fender purchased Guild in 1995 and in 1997 also bought the Dearmond trademark name. In 1998 they decided to use those assets to launch a new line of Dearmond branded, affordable, import electrics based on the Guild designs. The line ended up being a success and included models like the Dearmond M-55, M-75, S-65 and S-73 . The guitars were made until 2002. At that point Fender had just acquired Gretsch guitars and wanted to avoid confusion with consumers. Some of the classic Gretsch’s used Dearmond pickups and Fender thought it be best to keep using Dearmond with the Gretch brand.
Even though they stopped making the Guild designs under the Dearmond name, Fender continued to make versions of the guitars under the Squier brand for a short period after 2002. These guitars were now called the Squier “Series 24” line and were manufactured in Korea from 2002 - 2004.
This is a 2002 Squier M-77. It’s based on the Guild Bluebird and features a single-cutaway, solid mahogany body with a carved maple top. It has a 24 3/4” scale length, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and block inlays. The top of the guitar has a beautiful metallic cherry finish that’s a total throwback to the 70’s. The sparkle like finish looks like something you would see on an old motorcycle helmet, motorcycle gas tank or custom van from that era. The back, sides and neck are gloss black. The M-77 has nice, multi-ply binding on the body and along the neck. The guitar overall is very “Les Paul like” with a headstock featuring 3 tuning machines per side, a stop tail piece, 3-way switch, 2 volume and 2 tone controls.
The neck has a 12” radius and slim profile that’s similar to a Fender modern C shape neck. The fretwork is nice for a guitar in this price range. Smooth and level with no fret sprouting on the ends. The M-77 set’s up easily with low, light action making chording and soloing a breeze. The Duncan Design humbuckers sound great played through my Marshall JCM2000. Normally I would consider upgrading pickups on a guitar like this, but I don’t feel that’s needed here. The neck position pickup gives off a warm, clear sound that’s not muddy. The bridge pickup has a classic, bright humbucker tone that cuts through the mix and isn’t harsh. Perfect for leads. It’s also fairly light for a mahogany guitar, coming in at 7.5lbs.
The Squier M-77 is a real gem and a good reason to consider buying a used guitar vs. a new one. It’s unique, different and cool. Very well made and a total bargain on the used market. It’s a solid all around electric guitar that can easily hang with all genres, but I think it has a real indie rock vibe to it.