I’m glad someone finally said this. As a “hobby” guitar player, I can’t justify $1,500 - $2,000 for a Gibson Les Paul when the Epiphone quality is excellent for less than half the price. I paid $100 for a Squier Bullet Strat and it plays so well I invested in some upgraded locking tuners. While the brand does help the resale value, I don’t buy my guitars for the next owner. Great video, Phil.
My first guitar was a Squier , and I loved it. I traded it for a Peavey Patriot after an unfortunate head stock crack. I would own another Squier in a second, but I don't need any more guitars right now. Lol. I agree with you though. The name on the head stock doesn't mean anything to me. If it plays, I'll play it. I have an Epiphone SG right now that I don't think I'll ever part with.
A few years ago I bought a Squire Jaguar by mail. I thought if it sucks I'll just hang it fog wall art. I was shocked at the fit and finish. This guitar was setup and detailed better than many Fenders I've tried at Guitar Center. It gave me a new appreciation for the workmanship from, if I remember correctly, Indonesia,
I concur; those Indonesians know what they`re doing; I`ll never buy American again, unless I find a deal at a garage sale, same with cars; I`ll never buy American unless it`s a fantastic deal!! The U.S.A. IS A RIPOFF! This live music video of some Indonesians jamming in 1960 might explain why the Indonesions make such good guitars; I can`t believe how good these guys were in 19 fucking 60! ua-cam.com/video/muKkVufgkAE/v-deo.html
My squier Tom delong strat was so nice and played so well that my dad would constantly ask to borrow it to play in his church worship band. Imagine that, an old man playing a blink 182 themed guitar on stage with piano, drums, and a choir.
Billy is an "old man", so is Steve and Carlos, Slash is getting up there too. The list is long, those are just a few. Age isn't a factor, well until you're decrepit, but even then John Prine was still performing. Still there are no age restrictions, just saying...🎸🎵
My whole philosophy is that the audience (with the exception of maybe a couple of gearheads) don't really give jack about what brand of guitar you play. I play a partscaster I put together from odds and ends and I like it because it's comfortable to me. Never heard anyone once say you suck because you play x guitar. As long as you can play its ok
Same here. I almost bought a Squier Jazzmaster a year back because they really didn't make many left handed Fender ones. Ended up getting the Kurt Cobain jaguar, but the Squier Jazzmaster seemed like a really good deal.
I bought the Classic Vibe ‘70s Thinline Telecaster a week ago for its looks and all I could say is, this definitely one of the nicest playing and sounding guitar I ever owned. Can definitely compete with Fenders
I just picked up a mint Thinline Tele for $200 bucks and it’s becoming one of my favorites in front of my American Fenders. It’s a Tele on steroids! I took it to practice and the guys were also impressed!
I would probably choose the Fender in most cases... but man! The Squires they are putting out today are absolutely superior to what they were 30 years ago when I was a beginner. If I were on a strict budget I would be completely happy with a modern Squier.
+phreak1118 I would have thought that too, but I got a Squier 'Classic Vibe' Butterscotch Telecaster, and everything about it shocked me. I had never seen one, other than in pictures online. Maybe I unknowingly think of the price difference in the two, but I like my Squier better than my American Tele. I'm getting ready to order a second one.
Love my MIJ E-series Squier Strat I bought in ‘87. Dropped in some DiMarzio Area pickups and is still my #1 after all these years. Great guitars from that era.
The “more traditional” wood, alder, is actually a more modern convention in guitar manufacturing for fenders. The pine and poplar are used to make the classic vibe series true to their vintage counterparts. Tele’s originally used pine (back in the esquire days) and mustangs used poplar in the 60’s and 70’s.
@@7Roeth That's true, but the wood doesn't affect playability, looks or sound really. Apart from the Indian laurel fretboard, but that's very close to rosewood in sound/feel
Adam Greenhill I totally agree. Its all to do with the name. I have Gibson stuff, Epiphone stuff. Fender and Squire. I have these guitars because I based my purchase on going into a store and sitting playing the actual guitar I was paying for. All manufacturers make good and bad instruments. You need to play it first to make a decision and not blindly buy online. I even bought a Squire Afinity Strat from a guy in a car park for £50. I sat on the kerb, played it for 10 minutes and...SOLD! It’s now one of my favourite guitars. My point is, never buy before you try! Even brand new from a dealer. You may end up with an expensive piece of dog shit.
I wish you had mentioned the j mascis jazzmaster. I have one and I think it's been one the best guitars I've owned, and I've had a gibson les paul, prs se custom 24, and a epiphone sheraton
I also agree, the J Mascis is amazing for the price, well it’s amazing anyway. Well built and stays in tune. I took mine across the country without a case just wrapped in a blanket and put in a trailer and took it out a month and a half later and was just slightly out of tune.
I have a 1992 korean made squier that in blind tests constantly beats out de more expensive fenders in tone and playability... The secret here... SETUP SETUP SETUP!
@@coldramentpm1013 try setting your neckpickup flush to the body, Middle pickup 80% up Bridgepickup 90% up Volume, as needed, First tone on 3 second tone on 10. Also lookup youtube vids on proper string, bridge and neck setup
@@stevewilson3838 Another good Korean model to look out for is the Squier "Pro-Tone" series, they were actually discontinued because they were outselling the MIM models (and I heard in some places the USA models as well) because of how high quality they were and how great they played. The paint they used on them ages just like the classic nitro paints and the hardware was just top notch, my P-Bass 5 has gone from a candy apple to a deep red wine and one of my guitar buddies had his blue go to a deep emerald green, just lovely. IF you can find one (and that is a big IF as few of them ever come up for sale) definitely grab it as the sound and quality of those are just excellent. I mean just look at the wood and finish, isn't it lovely? guitar-auctions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lot0006.jpg
I have a Korean plywood Tele from 93, aside from the crappy tuning keys it’s been pretty solid for 26 years. About to retire it because I play my J Mascis more.
@@TheHangarHobbit Yeah i've seen the PRO TONE's those they look great. I've got a Squire E9 serial number strat from 1989 it's an early korean, feels like the real deal with gotoh hardware. Would love an early 80's JV model they are alleged USA parts assembled in Japan and now fetch good money on the used market.
You nailed it. I bought a 2010 Classic Vibe Tele used for124$ out the door and was impressed. Didn't put it down for days and I have a custom shop USA Fender Strat
@@tomasagustinveravicentin7789 my Epi LP Tribute Outfit was better than my Gibson LP Standard 2011. I sold both and now have 2 Tokai LS, 1 equalling a G LP R9 for half the price, 1 equalling/better than the G Std again for half the price. I still have an Epi LP Custom Black Beauty made in Korea that's a keeper too, just changed the pick-ups.
I have the Squier Classic Vibe model. Absolutely faultless in all respects, (especially build quality, sounds and weight) and - for me personally, - it manages to do what I thought could never happen. I've loved Strats all my life, but this Squier Tele has totally turned me round to the extent that I sold both my Player Strat and Hendrix reverse-headstock Strat. The tone control has a very wide range without any sudden drop-offs or cut-ins. The volume control is equally effective across the whole ranger up to 10. Money-wise and quality-wise, there's no contest as far as I'm concerned. It's a superb instrument. My Squier CV Tele weighs in at just about 7lbs.
My father bought me a Squier 50s Classic Vibe Telecaster 10 years ago for my birthday. It's my favourite guitar, both because it plays great and because my dad gave it to me. I have owned two MIJ Fender Strats, they sound good but can't beat the tele.
I played a thinline tele with the jazzmasters at GC. I fell in love with it. I already own an ultra Strat and a 60th anniversary with a v neck. The squire blew me away. Awesome tone and sustain. Not every thinline was like the one I picked. So very important to play your instrument before you buy.
I wanted to get a Tele for years. I went to GC and A/B'd the Classic Vibe to the Mexican Tele and it was no contest. The classic Vibe won me over every time. Plus, the CV has the vintage tuners which I've always loved. I bought the CV and I absolutely love it.
I just came back to playing an electric after only playing a 12-string acoustic for the past 25 years. I picked up the Squier Jazzmaster. I absolutely love this guitar.
The vintage modified series addresses the one weak point Squiers have, substandard pickups. With The vintage modified they’ve already done what you would have had to do. They’re a great bargain and a great player.
@@panzerlieb I put and Epic Custom Shops Black Gold pickup in my Squier CV P bass and it sounds INCREDIBLE now. It looks amazing and it's the perfect weight. I freaking love it
I love the Squier Classic Vibe series, and own the 50’s Tele and the 70’s Strat, they’re awesome guitars! I’ve owned a MIM Fender Tele before and I feel the quality and value of the classic vibe is above the Mexican Fender. If you can move past not having that Fender logo on the headstock, the Classic Vibe is a great route to go!
On the bass side, I’d add the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '70s over the Fender Jazz Standard MIMs. Fraction of the price and playability and tone is better. IMO
I agree completely. The Modified 77 sounds & plays as good as the American Jazz Basses I own. Yes, you are reading correctly. Most other "pros" wouldn't admit it, but the Squier Modified 77 Jazz is one of my favorite basses regardless of price or manufacturer.
IMHO, The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best products Squier makes, and it blows away many of the American models. The neck alone (which is the same as the neck on the Fender Custom Shop Rory Gallager Strat) is worth the budget price.
I agree! Even better is you can get it for an even lower price, as the Jazzmaster Deluxe, which is the same guitar, except in Candy Apple Red and without the name.
I think my Squier Classic Vibe 50s sounds just as good as a US Standard Strat. A lot of people hear more in an original US Standard Strat than is heard and I am convinced of that with my Strat Classic Vibe and my Fender FM212 and my BOSS ME 80 it will be hard even for experts to hear a difference and to explain it to me.
I have a Squier Jazz bass that I purchased in '83. A good sounding and playable bass, but with the cheap stock bridge, I was continuously breaking strings. I switched to a badass bridge and problem solved. I also have the same Tele thinline shown in the vid. Both, in my opinion, are excellent instruments and I also have no regrets :)
The Squier Classic Vibe Tele is one of my favorite guitars! I have three Squiers and I love them all! Even my friends with Fenders are impressed. I also think my Epiphone Sheraton is head and shoulders better than any Gibson from the past twenty years. I'll NEVER own another Fender or Gibson! There are too many guitar makers out there putting out better, more modern product than either of those.
I'm more of a Gibson fan when it comes to guitars, but as a bassist, I love Fender. I recently bought one of the new series 60s vibe fretless jazz bass, and quite frankly, it's my new favourite bass. Better than basses I own which cost me 5x the price! Well done Squier, keep up the amazing work, I'm a fully converted fan boy.
The Squier Classic Vibe Teles are great. I have all three, and the John 5 Squier Tele is another huge winner. The Squier Contemporary HH Tele is also a stud. I have a 1976 Fender Tele, Standard model and the Squiers are definitely in that league.
I bought a Squier Bullet Mustang HH, because they don't currently offer the Fender Mustang in black paint. I am a painter (fine art, signs, murals, antique restoration, furniture refinishing, UV-gel nail art, and automotive), but guitar finish paint is a specialized skill that is best done with a factory spray booth, robotic arms, dustless drying rooms, and humidity-controlled curing storage areas, like Squier/Fender has, so OEM paint is important to me. I replaced all the hardware and pickups, so I basically bought a thinline body, neck, fretboard, and paint. It's perfect for that and exactly like a Fender Mustang in those aspects.
I have a $150 new Squier Bullet Telecaster that I got as my first guitar. I was a bit worried not shelling out the extra for the affinity but I was VERY impressed with the quality. It sounds great and needed very little fret polishing, and no other adjustments. Friends and I like it more than his more expensive guitars.
I'd also mention a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster Thinline, especially the older mahogany body versions. They literally had no competition in the Fender lineup outside their Custom Shop up until recently, and they're fantastic little axes.
I own a squier custum classic vibe telecaster that was given to me by family for my birthday 5 years ago it's a fantastic guitar. This guitar was made in China. I just love it.
I took a flyer and purchased a Squire 70's Thinline, and I was pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish are first rate, and it plays and sounds great. I did need to do some minor surgery on the neck pocket to square up the neck seating, but a few strokes with a medium fine wood rasp and it was good to go. For $400, I am very pleased with it.
I love this show. Even when he talks about a thing I've learned, there is more info. Good show ,channel, vid, guy, IDK I'm old and I learn new stuff all the time. I'm sure it is one if not all them words. Peace man
"Know your gear." I bought a Squire to improve upon things like the strings trees, electronics. I am learning to know my gear. Thanks and Keep RockN in the Free World!
I own a Squier Hank Marvin Signature Strat which I purchased in 1993. I had gone into the shop to buy an American Strat, but the Squier was better than any of the American or Mexican Strats. I was looking for a good sustain, and the only thing that came close to my Japanese made Squier, was a Japanese Squier Tele! Many years later, it still plays beautifully and the neck and action are as true as they were in 1993. I can certainly recommend a Squier.
Omg this video came at the right time... I was seriously thinking about buying the squire Thinline telecaster but was a bit concerned because it is not Fender. I'm impressed!
Plus if you wanted you could get a set of Seth Lover wide ranges (or Tim Shaw's) & have yourself a 70's thinline or custom shop quality guitar for way less than a Fender. It'd hands down wipe the floor with any MIM I bet.
@@eltonsilvamtm2 I trust the squier name more than fender it's self. They are not too expensive and in my experience have always been great guitars I don't have much to lose but if I got a real fender and didn't like it I'm stuck with an expensive piece of wood with strings and it's gonna cost a whole lot more changing out parts than a squier. I would get MIM or a classic vibe if I didn't like the squier
That Squier CV Mustang blew my mind. I swapped the bridge pickup, not that I needed to, for a SD Hot Rails pickup and 🤯🤯🤯. It’s probably my favorite guitar. I also bought a Squier Bullet Mustang in black for myself and a Squier Sonic series Mustang in red for my daughter. The black one needed a slight string height adjustment and the red was good to go out of the box. Don’t turn your nose up at Squier. They’re making some amazing and affordable guitars. I did recently buy a MIM Fender Telecaster in the Butterscotch Blonde color. I honestly love the guitar but for the money I wish I would have bought the Squier version for the reasons given in the video.
At the end of the vid. the guitar in your right hand is the one I got yesterday. It's black and I used your tutorial to set the intonation on it and it worked Perfect!!! The tape measure was the end of my messing with the intonation from another page. Set my length and it set up like a dream!! Thanks from another McKnight. Kirk n TX!!
I love my squier which is the last one you discussed. It’s also purple which adds to the aesthetic. The tone is also really nice. The more flat fretboard is a little strange at first, but not a problem.
I bought the Squier Classic Vibe telecaster last year in September after reviewing many videos including Phillip McKnight's assessment. It is true the pine finish is beautiful on the Squier tele and it cuts through the mix in a very unique way. Thanks lots. My best buy last year !
Purchased the seafoam green squier bullet edition a few years back to practice on. Literally one of the cheapest guitars you could buy at the time and have had zero problems with it.
"I own a 1997 Korean made Squier Stratocaster and it sounds and plays way better than any US made Fender ive ever played it nails that SRV/ Hendrix tone its got a nice flat 14" finger board radius and extra jumbo frets,only thing ive done is install a custom made bone nut, switchkaft 5 way switch, input jack,and a professional setup and shes amazing"
I was hesitant at first to buy a Squier but after a lot of research and comparison I pulled the trigger on the Classic Vibe Telecaster. I absolutely love it. Its become my go to instrument in our set. It sounds beautiful and plays amazingly smooth and I got it for a fraction of the price of a Fender. I highly recommend getting the Classic Vibe series
I agree, the Squier Contemporary line, Tele and strat are Excellent. I have the Red sparkle tele with covered humbuckers, and newly acquired Squire contempt strat in black with gold sparkles. The tele is heavy the strat not the 12” radius is perfect. Squire has come up and for 349 are steel deals.
I own 2 high end Fender Teles and 2 high end Strats, along with 2 Squire Classic Vibe 50's Teles and 2 Classic Vibe 50's Strats. They all play and sound great. My opinion is that there is very little difference between them except for better Pick ups and electronics in the Fenders and some better quality in the hardware. However, with the guitars set up properly and played through good amps the difference is negligible. Both the Fenders and Squires perform wonderfully and I love them all equally. I've played them all in the studio and in live performances, and they never disappoint. If you're on a budget, Squire guitars are still a great choice.
I have an American Fender Strat and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat. I also have a Mexican Fender Vintera Telecaster and a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Custom Tele. In both cases I prefer the Squier versions not only to play but I believe they also sound better in tone both clean and dirty. The quality and aesthetics of the Squier is equal to that of the Fender. They are not disappointing in any respect.
I bought a Contemporary Squire Strat, and let me tell you that the finish, hardware, and neck is absolutely killer! The 16" radius neck with tall frets is a shredders dream! The neck alone is worth all the money. I tried the feel of some Fender necks at a local GC and those had sharp edges that belonged in the $79 guitar group. Plus, if you know what you are doing then Yes, the tuners do stay in tune. PPL just need to learn how to properly stretch strings during install. I got mine on sale for $279! Now I have tons of money left over for upgrading to SD's later on. In the end, no one cares what name in on the headstock. It's all about how well you play, and the new Squiers will get you there quick! Squier and Epiphone are the companies that make it affordable for everyone to play great music!
I love Squier. I'm a full time MS/HS band and chorus teacher with a really active guitar program, and I buy Affinity teles, strats, and basses for my classroom. They play great, they're reliable, easy to fix when kids ding'em up, fantastic instruments.
I recently sold some assets and had a few grand to spend on new gear. I have an original 61 telecaster that I was worried about it getting stolen or too expensive to repair so I went on a quest to find the closest modern equivalent I could get to the 61. I studied all the specs in the telecaster book going back to the 50's. I shopped for about 4 months playing every telecaster from the bottom up , even some custom jobs. Believe it or not I went back and bought the classic vibes 50's . And an at home a/b comparison confirmed that I made the right choice. Everything from playability of the neck, tone and actually a more usable front position on the neck pick up than the 61. Couldn't be happier!
I'm going to still give it to Fender, I have many Fenders at home and everyone are awesome. I'm not saying anything bad about squier, but there's still no telling what the overall quality is like. Are they still using the cheap import mini-pots? That cheap circuit board selector switch? Are the frets leveled? Are the fret ends smooth? Are the nuts cut correctly? What about the trem block? All those would be on my mind if I was considering the squier over the Fender, and not to mention the extremely low resale value of the squier. I've always been a firm believer that you get what you pay for. But if the squier is fine for someone, and they like them, by all means.
The best way to determine the answer to your quality questions is to go and play one of each. I used to own a CV Tele (stolen, arrrrg...) which from a quality and playability standpoint was nearly flawless. I tried the Squier. I tried the Mexi Tele. Bought the CV Tele and a case, and a new strap, and some strings for my LP, and a setup for the same money.
I have a '97 MIC Squier affinity strat. It's a gift from an old friend. The only flaw is some missing paint under the jack (dreaded strap drop). I bought some upgrade stuff, (Wiggins Texas wound pickups, high grade pots, Fender 5 way switch, tuners, jack) but don't have an insane urge to upgrade. The thing was already set up, feels great. Stock pickups sounds great. Even the tuners seem solid and do what they're told.
Great video Phil. Thank you. Around 6:20 you said the Fenders had "Polyester" and it tripped me up until I went back, and the Fenders have "Polyester gloss". Go figure!
I so agree with you, I have an old 80's Japanese Squier Strat that blows away regular Fenders, For this reason I have also purchased a classic Fender Squier Mustang (identical to my first guitar), and the Squier Jaguar among other Squiers. The money I save on the Squiers goes in to better amplification.
@@steveknoxville5224 I really like the way a strat fits against me sitting or standing. My 50's strat. CV is also light and plays great. My Tele. is a butterscotch. Thing is I start playing it and kinda forget about time? Till the wifey yells😂🤣. Fender will hold its value better, we know that. I don't worry about scratches and dings as much as I do with my les paul.
Even in the comments people can't spell SQUIER correctly. I have had Japanese Squiers, Japanese Fenders, and my current guitars are Squier Classic Vibe. I've never owned an American made or Mexican made Fender. Squiers are great!
I have to say the squire is moving ahead with quality a few mods an you have a nice guitar I know the professional players have standards. But I have made my guitar it Wil take it to the Street. Beefed Up.
I’m a double humbucker guy, through and through, but my first guitar was a Mexican Tele. I wanted a tele shaped guitar with double humbuckers......enter the Squier Affinity Telecaster! I got mine in metallic orange shipped to my door for 180 on sale. Best bang for the buck guitar I ever bought!
Super excited for the updated 2019 Classic vibes! If they are at least the exact same as the previous ones, they are already as good as a lot of Fender's in my eyes. Maybe even better, for the value!
Squiers are incredible. I have a classic vibe j bass and it's amazing. This video is really important because it shows how amazing these instruments can be be without the steep price tag. Brand power is a very real thing so it's always important to stay educated.
i had a CV P Bass first, then a Strat, then a Tele. i bought them within months when they came out. I sold them all at some point, and missed every one. After waiting and hoping I got another CV tele on craigslist two days ago, and it's bee so good to have one back in my lineup. it's the best telecaster for less than a grand, ALL DAY. Every single one was great, i really don't understand why they were so competent when the other regular squires really are not. But they really are. I have a ton of USA made, top quality gear as well and the CV's really hold up super well to most of them. Aside from having very-slightly cheesy tuners, and potentially kind of middling pickups, i really don't know how else they could be better.
Poplar may be cheap but as a tonewood, it's amazing. Most guys who own poplar guitars love the sound and the weight is good. Having owned a poplar strat I don't really consider alder much of an upgrade, if any.
Thrifty Tones My 1965 Mustang is Poplar and it is a great wood. Poplar was the wood used on Mustangs back in the day; although mahogany, ash, and alder ones do exist they are rare and weren’t a stock specification, I don’t consider any wood an upgrade as it’s all down to the individuals requirements or wants. ;)
When the Vintage White Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster came out it was a must have. I modified mine as well. Removed the rhythm electronics along with the tone control knob. Essentially a Thurston Moore setup. Replaced the Pickups with genuine Fender Jazzmaster Pure Vintage '65 Pickups. Also Replaced Tailpiece/Tremolo with a guanine Fender Vintage 62. Now it Rocks! Its a keeper and I highly recommend the platform if you can find one in good nic.
I believe the very first telecasters were made out of pine and that's why they do those runs periodically. One isn't better than the other they are just different. The modern player tele was pine too if memory serves. Some people like the pine for the tonal variation.
I have built 5 pine-casters with 1 piece bodies out of Ohio Pine sourced from StewMac, Seymour’s pup’s and high grade hardware/wiring. They are 1/3 less weight than Alder, and almost ½ the weight of some Swamp Ash. They sound great and are a joy to play! Some of Leo’s earliest, and most coveted Teles are pine. Probably want to stay away from H-D, but there are some very good pine Tele’s out there! I’m 67, and I’ve played a few in my time... Just saying... 8-)
David Kaiser Firstly that’s not a Custom Shop guitar. It’s a limited run US production instrument. Secondly, it’s not any old pine, it’s specifically reclaimed from an industrial building in Wisconsin where it has been for well over a century if I recall correctly. The argument here is that old wood has dried out properly over a long period and that’s a good thing for guitar building. Whether you care about that or not is up to you, but it was a limited run guitar and not much more expensive than a standard American Professional guitar on which it is largely based, whilst having some cool tweaks in addition to the body wood such as heavily figured maple necks and different pickups to standard (especially in the neck on this model). If you don’t like it don’t buy it but they’re really difficult to find new now so it seems enough people liked them to essentially buy the run out.
Great Vid - A Buyers Guide to Used Squiers - avoid all Short Decal "Strat" or "Tele" - avoid thin 1 5/8" bodies - avoid no-stripe necks - look for Full Name decals, full 1 3/4" thick bodies and rear-striped necks - scooping all of that, begins with Squier Standard Series - ONLY reason to buy the Deluxe, VM Vintage Mod or CV Classic Vibe is for Ash or Alder bodies - big diff but better components are available elsewhere - once you have the thick body, 2 point trem and 22 fret striped neck... the rest is hardware - if you plan on swapping in some locking tuners and a loaded pickguard, you won't pay $200 extra for the CV and "almost great" stuff... - buy a used Standard for $170 & spend $230 on locking tuners and a loaded pickguard - you can EASILY move that from Squier to Mex to USA ---------------------------------------------------- - "Duncan Design" pickups seem hot if you're moving up from the Squier Affinity models but... ----------------------- - on body thickness... the OBEY Graphics Squiers are ALL Standards... with 1 3/4" thick bodies BUT it's a 1/8" graphics slab added to the 1 5/8" THIN body - noticeable loss in tone + sustain BUT you get a no pickguard rear mount layout like Fender HM Strats... - - the OBEYs also have unique "Aged Iron" hardware - dull grey and rough to the touch - and like ALL Standards you get the 22 fret striped neck... and 2 point trem... -> some Squier Standards have a see thru finish showing real Mahogany, Maple etc - those are only 1 5/8" thick but it's REAL Hardwood so some loss + some gain - ----------------- a rare scoop is a "CRAFTED in China" "Strat" decal with a SMALL Headstock AND a 1 3/4" THICK body - > the ONLY thick body with "STRAT" decal < - [ very 90's Fender Mex... without the worn frets ! ! ] - - some have a rear striped neck but NONE have the dark insert on headstock so don't assume anything... you have to see the rear of the neck - - striped are very good - plain are cheap junk [ - I usually swap in a striped neck from an Affinity Squier and sell the affinity body with the plain neck the 21 fret striped neck on newer Affinity Series is quite good - better Maple - the only good part ] - many of the thick body "STRATs" have 3 ply Pearloid guards - the pots are tight - no issues - great guitars [ easy to spot with the small headstock... but the junky "Bullet Series" also used small headstocks so... zoom in on decals "Bullet Strat" is as long as Stratocaster on small script decals ] [ worst ever Squiers were "MADE in China" = Chinese parts inc Electrical - those were horrible crackly nightmares - the pots would spin if you breathed on them ] - that's an easy test - twirl the vol + tone knobs - the more resistance or tightness... the better they are ------------------- I've owned about 80 Squiers and only about 5 had an open slot rear guard -[ instead of 6 string holes ] - I really wish I had opened those up to compare trem block height and thickness etc etc ------------------ - the real scoop about Used Squiers is that they're quitters guitars - most have mint frets - that's easily worth $200 in a striped neck with a Fender profile - shop around - that makes it a free guitar body... make sure it's a thick one to get the good wood & guts --------------- - for Full Name decals like Jaguar, Mustang, Jazzmaster etc just avoid affinity - buy Standard ---------------------------------------------- - - - and The Best Squiers are Set Neck - Standards or the rare Master Series - all are keepers
If you're planning to buy a very low end MIM Fender imho I think you should save money and buy a higher end Squier. I have a Classic Vibe 60s that I loved to death that for some crazy reason I sold off to buy an MIM strat. Big mistake. I haven't found any Squier that beats MIMs in the above $1000 range though. Even though they might be spec(ed) batter something about the fit and finish I've always found better in MIMs.
Philip McKnight, when I saw the Squier Classic Vibe Tele has PINE body, I was shocked! Because the very early models of the Broadcaster and Telecaster (and some Nocasters) were also made in pine. So in a certain sense it is HISTORICALLY ACCURATE! I can't believe Squier is improving this fast this much! Although I am aware that pine is a very very soft wood so durability might be a bit suspiciouc. But in terms of historical accuracy, then it is SOMETHING. I am hoping to get a Jazzmaster, and this video made me decide what to get when budget allows - the Squier! Thanks so much for this video. It put a smile on my face
The j mascis squire jazzmaster is one of the best guitars I've played for the price. I also played a $900 jaguar and jazzmaster and they sounded the same, but played worse
WOW.... happy to see this. A couple weeks ago I bought the Squier Affinity Series Special Strat. From the second I got it tuned up and gave a 1/3 of a turn on the truss rod...... actually I should first say I've owned 2 different early 90's 100% USA Strats....... when I played the Squier a few minutes I realized I got twice the Strat tone that I expected. The chiming bell tone is so rich it's almost exaggerated compared to any Fender Strat I've owned. NOw, in one of those Strats were Lace Sensor pickups. Hated 'em....... flat, limp, lifeless tone through my '69 Super Reverb. Someone who'd come to hear my band said I should pull those Lace Sensors and replace them with some stock pickups from a Mexican Strat...... it was like night and day, the difference in tone. This Squier, however, somehow says Strat tone with even more authority :) If I get enough bread for another 100% USA Strat I'd consider swapping one of its pickups with one of the Squier pickups. My complaints about this Squier? Neck/fretboard are pretty wide, tuners ain't the Sperzel locking tuners I've so often used to replace stock tuners....... but for $229 I'm adaptable.
I’m glad someone finally said this. As a “hobby” guitar player, I can’t justify $1,500 - $2,000 for a Gibson Les Paul when the Epiphone quality is excellent for less than half the price. I paid $100 for a Squier Bullet Strat and it plays so well I invested in some upgraded locking tuners. While the brand does help the resale value, I don’t buy my guitars for the next owner. Great video, Phil.
Yeah totally agree the yamaha revstar vs a les paul is also worth comparing.
Well said, I completely agree 😊
@@thornwivans I’ve not heard of a revstar before. I’ll definitely check it out. Thank you!
My first guitar was a Squier , and I loved it. I traded it for a Peavey Patriot after an unfortunate head stock crack. I would own another Squier in a second, but I don't need any more guitars right now. Lol. I agree with you though. The name on the head stock doesn't mean anything to me. If it plays, I'll play it. I have an Epiphone SG right now that I don't think I'll ever part with.
I like that statement, "I don’t buy my guitars for the next owner";
As an owner of the player series telecaster, this hurts me inside
Ewan Guitar i feel u bro
Saaaaame bro
Same, I'm actually thinking of selling it and buy a squier.
@@rembertoquintanilla5007 you can prolly sell it, buy a squier, and buy some McDonald's too lol
I have a beautiful mexie boy and I’m satisfied all the professional that I’ve seen say they would prefer mine over squire don’t worry
me, a broke beginner:
*i like your funny words , magic man*
What type of guitar do you have?
@@nickgames7120 i don't have one lol, i use my dad's acoustic fender.
A few years ago I bought a Squire Jaguar by mail. I thought if it sucks I'll just hang it fog wall art. I was shocked at the fit and finish. This guitar was setup and detailed better than many Fenders I've tried at Guitar Center. It gave me a new appreciation for the workmanship from, if I remember correctly, Indonesia,
I concur; those Indonesians know what they`re doing; I`ll never buy American again, unless I find a deal at a garage sale, same with cars; I`ll never buy American unless it`s a fantastic deal!! The U.S.A. IS A RIPOFF! This live music video of some Indonesians jamming in 1960 might explain why the Indonesions make such good guitars; I can`t believe how good these guys were in 19 fucking 60!
ua-cam.com/video/muKkVufgkAE/v-deo.html
My squier Tom delong strat was so nice and played so well that my dad would constantly ask to borrow it to play in his church worship band. Imagine that, an old man playing a blink 182 themed guitar on stage with piano, drums, and a choir.
This is incredible
Billy is an "old man", so is Steve and Carlos, Slash is getting up there too. The list is long, those are just a few. Age isn't a factor, well until you're decrepit, but even then John Prine was still performing. Still there are no age restrictions, just saying...🎸🎵
I love Tom, fav guitarist and vocalist
At 68 and feeling part of the time younger…..I love and own 6 squires
Great value for the dollar and better yet when you hot rod them
My whole philosophy is that the audience (with the exception of maybe a couple of gearheads) don't really give jack about what brand of guitar you play. I play a partscaster I put together from odds and ends and I like it because it's comfortable to me. Never heard anyone once say you suck because you play x guitar. As long as you can play its ok
thats the problem I cant play haha
Agree. Look at Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein...a homemade partscaster
@@jeffhoving7784 As well as Brian May who built his guitar when he was sixteen from scraps around the house.
if anything, Ima expect more from a branded guitarist, ya know?
V DC q
I appreciated this video because as a lefty, I notice Squier has more models readily available without custom ordering. Thanks
Same here. I almost bought a Squier Jazzmaster a year back because they really didn't make many left handed Fender ones. Ended up getting the Kurt Cobain jaguar, but the Squier Jazzmaster seemed like a really good deal.
I bought the Classic Vibe ‘70s Thinline Telecaster a week ago for its looks and all I could say is, this definitely one of the nicest playing and sounding guitar I ever owned. Can definitely compete with Fenders
I played a squier classic vibe 60's once and its without a doubt the nicest sounding guitar I've ever played
Can also attest that my 70’s thinline is amazing the neck feels great
I just picked up a mint Thinline Tele for $200 bucks and it’s becoming one of my favorites in front of my American Fenders. It’s a Tele on steroids! I took it to practice and the guys were also impressed!
I would probably choose the Fender in most cases... but man! The Squires they are putting out today are absolutely superior to what they were 30 years ago when I was a beginner. If I were on a strict budget I would be completely happy with a modern Squier.
Don't think today's Squires beat the Japanese from the early 80s though. Got a Squier Bullet Bass from '83 and that thing is an absolute beast.
+phreak1118 I would have thought that too, but I got a Squier 'Classic Vibe' Butterscotch Telecaster, and everything about it shocked me. I had never seen one, other than in pictures online. Maybe I unknowingly think of the price difference in the two, but I like my Squier better than my American Tele. I'm getting ready to order a second one.
Are you Rebea??
Love my MIJ E-series Squier Strat I bought in ‘87. Dropped in some DiMarzio Area pickups and is still my #1 after all these years. Great guitars from that era.
Japanese Squire’s were notoriously amazing guitars.
Love my squire jazz master. I had a Fender jazzmaster back in the early 70’s but the squire is actually better.
Or your memory is worse...
The “more traditional” wood, alder, is actually a more modern convention in guitar manufacturing for fenders. The pine and poplar are used to make the classic vibe series true to their vintage counterparts. Tele’s originally used pine (back in the esquire days) and mustangs used poplar in the 60’s and 70’s.
Just bought a Squier CV '70s Telecaster Thinline. The quality, feel & tone are very impressive for the money.
In my opinion with just a “little love” any squier is as good as its fender counterpart ...
True. All they need is some fret/neck smoothing and maybe sanding the nut - then they're as high quality as Fenders
Totally agree
What about the quality of the wood cut? An American made gets you a high quality cut of wood for your neck, body, headstock.
@@7Roeth That's true, but the wood doesn't affect playability, looks or sound really. Apart from the Indian laurel fretboard, but that's very close to rosewood in sound/feel
Adam Greenhill I totally agree. Its all to do with the name. I have Gibson stuff, Epiphone stuff. Fender and Squire. I have these guitars because I based my purchase on going into a store and sitting playing the actual guitar I was paying for. All manufacturers make good and bad instruments. You need to play it first to make a decision and not blindly buy online. I even bought a Squire Afinity Strat from a guy in a car park for £50. I sat on the kerb, played it for 10 minutes and...SOLD! It’s now one of my favourite guitars. My point is, never buy before you try! Even brand new from a dealer. You may end up with an expensive piece of dog shit.
I got myself a Squier strat CV 60's and holy moly it's SO good
I wish you had mentioned the j mascis jazzmaster. I have one and I think it's been one the best guitars I've owned, and I've had a gibson les paul, prs se custom 24, and a epiphone sheraton
Totally agree
Same, It Is an incredibly good instrument for the price. And c'mon it's so beautiful hahah
The J Mascis may be the best Jazzmaster Fender/Squier makes compared to anything in their line-up
I also agree, the J Mascis is amazing for the price, well it’s amazing anyway. Well built and stays in tune. I took mine across the country without a case just wrapped in a blanket and put in a trailer and took it out a month and a half later and was just slightly out of tune.
Hope to get one soon ,cant wait.
As an intro guitarist, I'm so happy with my 50s classic vibe tele, sounds great to my ear
How are you coming along?
I have a 1992 korean made squier that in blind tests constantly beats out de more expensive fenders in tone and playability...
The secret here... SETUP SETUP SETUP!
hey david... may i ask what exactly you mean by setup? i could use some tips
@@coldramentpm1013 try setting your
neckpickup flush to the body,
Middle pickup 80% up
Bridgepickup 90% up
Volume, as needed,
First tone on 3 second tone on 10.
Also lookup youtube vids on proper string, bridge and neck setup
@@stevewilson3838 Another good Korean model to look out for is the Squier "Pro-Tone" series, they were actually discontinued because they were outselling the MIM models (and I heard in some places the USA models as well) because of how high quality they were and how great they played.
The paint they used on them ages just like the classic nitro paints and the hardware was just top notch, my P-Bass 5 has gone from a candy apple to a deep red wine and one of my guitar buddies had his blue go to a deep emerald green, just lovely. IF you can find one (and that is a big IF as few of them ever come up for sale) definitely grab it as the sound and quality of those are just excellent. I mean just look at the wood and finish, isn't it lovely?
guitar-auctions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lot0006.jpg
I have a Korean plywood Tele from 93, aside from the crappy tuning keys it’s been pretty solid for 26 years. About to retire it because I play my J Mascis more.
@@TheHangarHobbit Yeah i've seen the PRO TONE's those they look great. I've got a Squire E9 serial number strat from 1989 it's an early korean, feels like the real deal with gotoh hardware. Would love an early 80's JV model they are alleged USA parts assembled in Japan and now fetch good money on the used market.
I purchased a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster this year, and absolutely LOVE it. One of my best purchases!
I just got the jaguar its awesome
@@DEADRABBIT8 that's awesome man!
it's not about brands. it' about fun and music. keep the buck in your pocket until you need it! thank you philip for being a reminder and a guide.
You nailed it. I bought a 2010 Classic Vibe Tele used for124$ out the door and was impressed. Didn't put it down for days and I have a custom shop USA Fender Strat
lucky,used in canada they are $500
Phil, we'D *loooooove* to see a similar video comparing Epiphone and Gibson....specifically the Les Pauls
Theres about 5000 of them on youtube.
If you want a good Les Paul look into Edwards brand. I own one, it's the best bang for your buck IMO.
Epiphones are crap
@@tomasagustinveravicentin7789 Not the semi hollow bodies.
@@tomasagustinveravicentin7789 my Epi LP Tribute Outfit was better than my Gibson LP Standard 2011. I sold both and now have 2 Tokai LS, 1 equalling a G LP R9 for half the price, 1 equalling/better than the G Std again for half the price. I still have an Epi LP Custom Black Beauty made in Korea that's a keeper too, just changed the pick-ups.
I have the Squier Classic Vibe model. Absolutely faultless in all respects, (especially build quality, sounds and weight) and - for me personally, - it manages to do what I thought could never happen. I've loved Strats all my life, but this Squier Tele has totally turned me round to the extent that I sold both my Player Strat and Hendrix reverse-headstock Strat. The tone control has a very wide range without any sudden drop-offs or cut-ins. The volume control is equally effective across the whole ranger up to 10. Money-wise and quality-wise, there's no contest as far as I'm concerned. It's a superb instrument. My Squier CV Tele weighs in at just about 7lbs.
My father bought me a Squier 50s Classic Vibe Telecaster 10 years ago for my birthday. It's my favourite guitar, both because it plays great and because my dad gave it to me. I have owned two MIJ Fender Strats, they sound good but can't beat the tele.
I played a thinline tele with the jazzmasters at GC. I fell in love with it. I already own an ultra Strat and a 60th anniversary with a v neck. The squire blew me away. Awesome tone and sustain. Not every thinline was like the one I picked. So very important to play your instrument before you buy.
One of my favorite things about your videos is how you jump right into things and get down to business. Great one as always.
I wanted to get a Tele for years. I went to GC and A/B'd the Classic Vibe to the Mexican Tele and it was no contest. The classic Vibe won me over every time. Plus, the CV has the vintage tuners which I've always loved. I bought the CV and I absolutely love it.
I just came back to playing an electric after only playing a 12-string acoustic for the past 25 years. I picked up the Squier Jazzmaster. I absolutely love this guitar.
I agree, I own a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Bass. It destroys the more expensive $550 and up Fender Player Series Bass. I'm serious.
The vintage modified series addresses the one weak point Squiers have, substandard pickups. With The vintage modified they’ve already done what you would have had to do. They’re a great bargain and a great player.
Glad to hear that 'cause I' ve owned a VM Jazz Bass for over 4 years and it's Fender Pickups have never let me down.
@@panzerlieb I put and Epic Custom Shops Black Gold pickup in my Squier CV P bass and it sounds INCREDIBLE now. It looks amazing and it's the perfect weight. I freaking love it
I love the Squier Classic Vibe series, and own the 50’s Tele and the 70’s Strat, they’re awesome guitars! I’ve owned a MIM Fender Tele before and I feel the quality and value of the classic vibe is above the Mexican Fender. If you can move past not having that Fender logo on the headstock, the Classic Vibe is a great route to go!
On the bass side, I’d add the Squier
Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '70s over the Fender Jazz Standard MIMs. Fraction of the price and playability and tone is better. IMO
Also would add Sire Marcus Miller basses.
I agree completely. The Modified 77 sounds & plays as good as the American Jazz Basses I own. Yes, you are reading correctly. Most other "pros" wouldn't admit it, but the Squier Modified 77 Jazz is one of my favorite basses regardless of price or manufacturer.
IMHO, The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best products Squier makes, and it blows away many of the American models. The neck alone (which is the same as the neck on the Fender Custom Shop Rory Gallager Strat) is worth the budget price.
You are correct
I agree! Even better is you can get it for an even lower price, as the Jazzmaster Deluxe, which is the same guitar, except in Candy Apple Red and without the name.
That’s not the same neck lol but it’s a great guitar.
I was going to mention that one.
A Squier J Mascis Tele of the same standard would be worth skipping a few meals for.
I think my Squier Classic Vibe 50s sounds just as good as a US Standard Strat. A lot of people hear more in an original US Standard Strat than is heard and I am convinced of that with my Strat Classic Vibe and my Fender FM212 and my BOSS ME 80 it will be hard even for experts to hear a difference and to explain it to me.
My squier J bass plays like a dream and looks amazing, especially after I got all black hardware(kick-ass bridge, Schaller tuners)
I have a Squier Jazz bass that I purchased in '83. A good sounding and playable bass, but with the cheap stock bridge, I was continuously breaking strings. I switched to a badass bridge and problem solved. I also have the same Tele thinline shown in the vid. Both, in my opinion, are excellent instruments and I also have no regrets :)
I have a Squier Strat from the 90s made in Taiwan and I love it tried Fender Strat another’s I was go back to my Squire
The Squier Classic Vibe Tele is one of my favorite guitars! I have three Squiers and I love them all! Even my friends with Fenders are impressed. I also think my Epiphone Sheraton is head and shoulders better than any Gibson from the past twenty years. I'll NEVER own another Fender or Gibson! There are too many guitar makers out there putting out better, more modern product than either of those.
I'm more of a Gibson fan when it comes to guitars, but as a bassist, I love Fender. I recently bought one of the new series 60s vibe fretless jazz bass, and quite frankly, it's my new favourite bass. Better than basses I own which cost me 5x the price! Well done Squier, keep up the amazing work, I'm a fully converted fan boy.
The Squier Classic Vibe Teles are great. I have all three, and the John 5 Squier Tele is another huge winner.
The Squier Contemporary HH Tele is also a stud.
I have a 1976 Fender Tele, Standard model and the Squiers are definitely in that league.
I bought a Squier Bullet Mustang HH, because they don't currently offer the Fender Mustang in black paint. I am a painter (fine art, signs, murals, antique restoration, furniture refinishing, UV-gel nail art, and automotive), but guitar finish paint is a specialized skill that is best done with a factory spray booth, robotic arms, dustless drying rooms, and humidity-controlled curing storage areas, like Squier/Fender has, so OEM paint is important to me.
I replaced all the hardware and pickups, so I basically bought a thinline body, neck, fretboard, and paint. It's perfect for that and exactly like a Fender Mustang in those aspects.
I could almost hear the Fender fanboys going crazy
I have a $150 new Squier Bullet Telecaster that I got as my first guitar. I was a bit worried not shelling out the extra for the affinity but I was VERY impressed with the quality. It sounds great and needed very little fret polishing, and no other adjustments. Friends and I like it more than his more expensive guitars.
I'd also mention a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster Thinline, especially the older mahogany body versions. They literally had no competition in the Fender lineup outside their Custom Shop up until recently, and they're fantastic little axes.
I own a squier custum classic vibe telecaster that was given to me by family for my birthday 5 years ago it's a fantastic guitar. This guitar was made in China. I just love it.
Great video man, I love my 60th anniversary squier classic vibe strat.
HA! I love mine too man lol....Exact same guitar I bet...Aztec Gold?
I took a flyer and purchased a Squire 70's Thinline, and I was pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish are first rate, and it plays and sounds great. I did need to do some minor surgery on the neck pocket to square up the neck seating, but a few strokes with a medium fine wood rasp and it was good to go. For $400, I am very pleased with it.
I love this show. Even when he talks about a thing I've learned, there is more info.
Good show ,channel, vid, guy, IDK I'm old and I learn new stuff all the time. I'm sure it is one if not all them words.
Peace man
"Know your gear." I bought a Squire to improve upon things like the strings trees, electronics. I am learning to know my gear. Thanks and Keep RockN in the Free World!
Thank you Phillip, I really enjoyed this. It would also be nice to do a comparison of Squire and Fender basses
I second this.
I vote for this also 🤘🏻🤘🏿🤘🏼🤘🏾🤘🏽🤘
He definitely should
I approve ✔
Yes do the difference between the Squier CV basses and the Fender Player series MIM
I have that “72 Classic Vibe. It became my #2 guitar pretty quickly. Great neck and very playable. Great recording guitar!
I have a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Stratocaster and I just love it!
I own a Squier Hank Marvin Signature Strat which I purchased in 1993. I had gone into the shop to buy an American Strat, but the Squier was better than any of the American or Mexican Strats. I was looking for a good sustain, and the only thing that came close to my Japanese made Squier, was a Japanese Squier Tele! Many years later, it still plays beautifully and the neck and action are as true as they were in 1993. I can certainly recommend a Squier.
Omg this video came at the right time... I was seriously thinking about buying the squire Thinline telecaster but was a bit concerned because it is not Fender. I'm impressed!
Plus if you wanted you could get a set of Seth Lover wide ranges (or Tim Shaw's) & have yourself a 70's thinline or custom shop quality guitar for way less than a Fender. It'd hands down wipe the floor with any MIM I bet.
You're damn right bro hehehe
@@eltonsilvamtm2 I trust the squier name more than fender it's self. They are not too expensive and in my experience have always been great guitars I don't have much to lose but if I got a real fender and didn't like it I'm stuck with an expensive piece of wood with strings and it's gonna cost a whole lot more changing out parts than a squier. I would get MIM or a classic vibe if I didn't like the squier
That Squier CV Mustang blew my mind. I swapped the bridge pickup, not that I needed to, for a SD Hot Rails pickup and 🤯🤯🤯. It’s probably my favorite guitar. I also bought a Squier Bullet Mustang in black for myself and a Squier Sonic series Mustang in red for my daughter. The black one needed a slight string height adjustment and the red was good to go out of the box. Don’t turn your nose up at Squier. They’re making some amazing and affordable guitars. I did recently buy a MIM Fender Telecaster in the Butterscotch Blonde color. I honestly love the guitar but for the money I wish I would have bought the Squier version for the reasons given in the video.
The Fender Mustang from Mexico is also 24" scale length, Fender bungled that up in some of their literature.
At the end of the vid. the guitar in your right hand is the one I got yesterday. It's black and I used your tutorial to set the intonation on it and it worked Perfect!!! The tape measure was the end of my messing with the intonation from another page. Set my length and it set up like a dream!! Thanks from another McKnight. Kirk n TX!!
I love my squier which is the last one you discussed. It’s also purple which adds to the aesthetic. The tone is also really nice. The more flat fretboard is a little strange at first, but not a problem.
I bought the Squier Classic Vibe telecaster last year in September after reviewing many videos including Phillip McKnight's assessment. It is true the pine finish is beautiful on the Squier tele and it cuts through the mix in a very unique way. Thanks lots. My best buy last year !
The Squire Tele is one of my very favorite guitars.
Purchased the seafoam green squier bullet edition a few years back to practice on. Literally one of the cheapest guitars you could buy at the time and have had zero problems with it.
I Like Squire Guitars. Great value. Nice job comparing the two brands.
Cheers
I just bought a Squire Affinity. I filed and polished the cheese grater fret ends, adjusted the action to suit me, and it plays great.
"I own a 1997 Korean made Squier Stratocaster and it sounds and plays way better than any US made Fender ive ever played it nails that SRV/ Hendrix tone its got a nice flat 14" finger board radius and extra jumbo frets,only thing ive done is install a custom made bone nut, switchkaft 5 way switch, input jack,and a professional setup and shes amazing"
I was hesitant at first to buy a Squier but after a lot of research and comparison I pulled the trigger on the Classic Vibe Telecaster. I absolutely love it. Its become my go to instrument in our set. It sounds beautiful and plays amazingly smooth and I got it for a fraction of the price of a Fender. I highly recommend getting the Classic Vibe series
This is great to hear! I just bought one today! Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Have the squier 72 thinline tele.. quality is pretty amazing at any price point..
I agree, the Squier Contemporary line, Tele and strat are Excellent. I have the Red sparkle tele with covered humbuckers, and newly acquired Squire contempt strat in black with gold sparkles. The tele is heavy the strat not the 12” radius is perfect. Squire has come up and for 349 are steel deals.
I completely agree on everything you mentioned. These Squiers are amazing really.
I own 2 high end Fender Teles and 2 high end Strats, along with 2 Squire Classic Vibe 50's Teles and 2 Classic Vibe 50's Strats. They all play and sound great. My opinion is that there is very little difference between them except for better Pick ups and electronics in the Fenders and some better quality in the hardware. However, with the guitars set up properly and played through good amps the difference is negligible.
Both the Fenders and Squires perform wonderfully and I love them all equally. I've played them all in the studio and in live performances, and they never disappoint. If you're on a budget, Squire guitars are still a great choice.
Just bought my Squier Contemporary Active HH Strat brand new in box at local GC on sale for $249. Ridiculous deal.
musicismyreligion awesome guitar . One of my best guitars
I have an American Fender Strat and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat. I also have a Mexican Fender Vintera Telecaster and a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Custom Tele. In both cases I prefer the Squier versions not only to play but I believe they also sound better in tone both clean and dirty. The quality and aesthetics of the Squier is equal to that of the Fender. They are not disappointing in any respect.
Also the New Jags with Block inlays look amazing. Some new pickups would give you a damn fine instrument.
I bought a Contemporary Squire Strat, and let me tell you that the finish, hardware, and neck is absolutely killer! The 16" radius neck with tall frets is a shredders dream! The neck alone is worth all the money. I tried the feel of some Fender necks at a local GC and those had sharp edges that belonged in the $79 guitar group. Plus, if you know what you are doing then Yes, the tuners do stay in tune. PPL just need to learn how to properly stretch strings during install. I got mine on sale for $279! Now I have tons of money left over for upgrading to SD's later on. In the end, no one cares what name in on the headstock. It's all about how well you play, and the new Squiers will get you there quick! Squier and Epiphone are the companies that make it affordable for everyone to play great music!
The fender mustang has a scale length that matches the original Jaguar. The jump from 25.5" to 24" is pretty wild. It feels heavenly.
I love Squier. I'm a full time MS/HS band and chorus teacher with a really active guitar program, and I buy Affinity teles, strats, and basses for my classroom. They play great, they're reliable, easy to fix when kids ding'em up, fantastic instruments.
I love my Squier Classic Vibe 50s. I still can’t believe I only spent $400 for such a great sounding and playing guitar.
+Jesse L Ditto!! I got one about two months ago, and I'm getting ready to order a second one.
Escape the Matrix - Nice! I’m thinking of grabbing a 60s version for the dark fretboard.
Just got my cv 50’s tele love it!!
My made in China classic vibe 50's blonde tele is great playing and sounding. Wouldn't trade it for anything else.
The 1986-87 squires made in Japan are the best ever made and are only going up in value
lol I own an 86 model....Lucky me!
What about the actual Fenders that were MIJ in 1985-6? I believe those were the few years where they weren’t made in America.
Also very hard to find too!
I just got a 86 e series Japanese squier and can see why they are loved so much 😊
I threw Vintage 65s in my E6, looooooove it. Best neck ever.
I recently sold some assets and had a few grand to spend on new gear. I have an original 61 telecaster that I was worried about it getting stolen or too expensive to repair so I went on a quest to find the closest modern equivalent I could get to the 61. I studied all the specs in the telecaster book going back to the 50's. I shopped for about 4 months playing every telecaster from the bottom up , even some custom jobs. Believe it or not I went back and bought the classic vibes 50's . And an at home a/b comparison confirmed that I made the right choice. Everything from playability of the neck, tone and actually a more usable front position on the neck pick up than the 61. Couldn't be happier!
I'm going to still give it to Fender, I have many Fenders at home and everyone are awesome. I'm not saying anything bad about squier, but there's still no telling what the overall quality is like. Are they still using the cheap import mini-pots? That cheap circuit board selector switch? Are the frets leveled? Are the fret ends smooth? Are the nuts cut correctly? What about the trem block? All those would be on my mind if I was considering the squier over the Fender, and not to mention the extremely low resale value of the squier. I've always been a firm believer that you get what you pay for. But if the squier is fine for someone, and they like them, by all means.
The best way to determine the answer to your quality questions is to go and play one of each. I used to own a CV Tele (stolen, arrrrg...) which from a quality and playability standpoint was nearly flawless. I tried the Squier. I tried the Mexi Tele. Bought the CV Tele and a case, and a new strap, and some strings for my LP, and a setup for the same money.
I have a '97 MIC Squier affinity strat. It's a gift from an old friend. The only flaw is some missing paint under the jack (dreaded strap drop). I bought some upgrade stuff, (Wiggins Texas wound pickups, high grade pots, Fender 5 way switch, tuners, jack) but don't have an insane urge to upgrade. The thing was already set up, feels great. Stock pickups sounds great. Even the tuners seem solid and do what they're told.
Great video Phil. Thank you. Around 6:20 you said the Fenders had "Polyester" and it tripped me up until I went back, and the Fenders have "Polyester gloss". Go figure!
A bass guitar is way more forgiving that a regular electric guitar . Many not so expensives basses sound absolutely great .
I'll say this much, I will never get rid of my J Mascis Squire, is and will always be my main guitar.
@@shastahagar3058 Cant go wrong with a Vox AC 30.....
@@shastahagar3058 Cant go wrong with a Vox AC 30....
I so agree with you, I have an old 80's Japanese Squier Strat that blows away regular Fenders, For this reason I have also purchased a classic Fender Squier Mustang (identical to my first guitar), and the Squier Jaguar among other Squiers. The money I save on the Squiers goes in to better amplification.
I've been debating between getting a player series or classic vibe tele, this video was perfect for deciding!
@@jonthehermit8082 yeah but I'm not sure about it as it has a 4 way switch and a push pull pot, it also has a larger soft V neck
Guys that butterscotch C.V. Tele. is awesome, I own one. Play one , then decide Tanner.
@@kentuckywindage222 I've played them at stores but was still unsure, sometimes a second opinion can help
@@steveknoxville5224 I really like the way a strat fits against me sitting or standing. My 50's strat. CV is also light and plays great. My Tele. is a butterscotch. Thing is I start playing it and kinda forget about time? Till the wifey yells😂🤣. Fender will hold its value better, we know that. I don't worry about scratches and dings as much as I do with my les paul.
Even in the comments people can't spell SQUIER correctly. I have had Japanese Squiers, Japanese Fenders, and my current guitars are Squier Classic Vibe. I've never owned an American made or Mexican made Fender. Squiers are great!
I have to say the squire is moving ahead with quality a few mods an you have a nice guitar I know the professional players have standards. But I have made my guitar it Wil take it to the Street. Beefed Up.
I’m a double humbucker guy, through and through, but my first guitar was a Mexican Tele. I wanted a tele shaped guitar with double humbuckers......enter the Squier Affinity Telecaster! I got mine in metallic orange shipped to my door for 180 on sale. Best bang for the buck guitar I ever bought!
just bought a vm jazzmaster and im officially in love lmao
Faulheit do you mean the squier? Is it good i will buy it too!
@@musdg864 ye it's great
@@musdg864 I also just bought one recently, it's totally worth it. Solid from tip to tail
I just bought a Fender modern player telecaster for the price of a squire classic vibe , and I am glad I did.
Super excited for the updated 2019 Classic vibes! If they are at least the exact same as the previous ones, they are already as good as a lot of Fender's in my eyes. Maybe even better, for the value!
Squiers are incredible. I have a classic vibe j bass and it's amazing. This video is really important because it shows how amazing these instruments can be be without the steep price tag. Brand power is a very real thing so it's always important to stay educated.
I have a CV Squier Tele and it is a very nice guitar.
i had a CV P Bass first, then a Strat, then a Tele. i bought them within months when they came out. I sold them all at some point, and missed every one. After waiting and hoping I got another CV tele on craigslist two days ago, and it's bee so good to have one back in my lineup. it's the best telecaster for less than a grand, ALL DAY. Every single one was great, i really don't understand why they were so competent when the other regular squires really are not. But they really are.
I have a ton of USA made, top quality gear as well and the CV's really hold up super well to most of them. Aside from having very-slightly cheesy tuners, and potentially kind of middling pickups, i really don't know how else they could be better.
Me too! It’s a great instrument, but I’ll probably buy a Mexican tele soon.
@@evanparker just install a beefier trem to give the sound more omph 😊
Poplar may be cheap but as a tonewood, it's amazing. Most guys who own poplar guitars love the sound and the weight is good. Having owned a poplar strat I don't really consider alder much of an upgrade, if any.
Thrifty Tones
My 1965 Mustang is Poplar and it is a great wood. Poplar was the wood used on Mustangs back in the day; although mahogany, ash, and alder ones do exist they are rare and weren’t a stock specification,
I don’t consider any wood an upgrade as it’s all down to the individuals requirements or wants. ;)
i bought a squier telecaster HH contemporary and it sounds really good with my blackstar HT 40 MKII. Perfect to play Foo fighters and Green Day stuff.
Jeff Roy I’ve just got mine in white, it’s an absolute beast with a real quality feel. It should have been included in this video also.
When the Vintage White Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster came out it was a must have. I modified mine as well. Removed the rhythm electronics along with the tone control knob. Essentially a Thurston Moore setup. Replaced the Pickups with genuine Fender Jazzmaster Pure Vintage '65 Pickups. Also Replaced Tailpiece/Tremolo with a guanine Fender Vintage 62. Now it Rocks! Its a keeper and I highly recommend the platform if you can find one in good nic.
$2k for pine???? thats a home depot caster! haha
I know, since when did a wood that was considered inferior now be a custom shop item?
I believe the very first telecasters were made out of pine and that's why they do those runs periodically. One isn't better than the other they are just different. The modern player tele was pine too if memory serves. Some people like the pine for the tonal variation.
I have built 5 pine-casters with 1 piece bodies out of Ohio Pine sourced from StewMac, Seymour’s pup’s and high grade hardware/wiring. They are 1/3 less weight than Alder, and almost ½ the weight of some Swamp Ash. They sound great and are a joy to play! Some of Leo’s earliest, and most coveted Teles are pine. Probably want to stay away from H-D, but there are some very good pine Tele’s out there! I’m 67, and I’ve played a few in my time... Just saying... 8-)
David Kaiser Firstly that’s not a Custom Shop guitar. It’s a limited run US production instrument. Secondly, it’s not any old pine, it’s specifically reclaimed from an industrial building in Wisconsin where it has been for well over a century if I recall correctly. The argument here is that old wood has dried out properly over a long period and that’s a good thing for guitar building. Whether you care about that or not is up to you, but it was a limited run guitar and not much more expensive than a standard American Professional guitar on which it is largely based, whilst having some cool tweaks in addition to the body wood such as heavily figured maple necks and different pickups to standard (especially in the neck on this model). If you don’t like it don’t buy it but they’re really difficult to find new now so it seems enough people liked them to essentially buy the run out.
I collect telecaster and i have made in usa, made in japan and my favourite is telecaster classic vibe blonde that has pine body
Great Vid - A Buyers Guide to Used Squiers - avoid all Short Decal "Strat" or "Tele" - avoid thin 1 5/8" bodies - avoid no-stripe necks - look for Full Name decals, full 1 3/4" thick bodies and rear-striped necks
- scooping all of that, begins with Squier Standard Series - ONLY reason to buy the Deluxe, VM Vintage Mod or CV Classic Vibe is for Ash or Alder bodies - big diff but better components are available elsewhere
- once you have the thick body, 2 point trem and 22 fret striped neck... the rest is hardware
- if you plan on swapping in some locking tuners and a loaded pickguard, you won't pay $200 extra
for the CV and "almost great" stuff...
- buy a used Standard for $170 & spend $230 on locking tuners and a loaded pickguard
- you can EASILY move that from Squier to Mex to USA
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- "Duncan Design" pickups seem hot if you're moving up from the Squier Affinity models but...
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- on body thickness... the OBEY Graphics Squiers are ALL Standards... with 1 3/4" thick bodies BUT
it's a 1/8" graphics slab added to the 1 5/8" THIN body - noticeable loss in tone + sustain
BUT you get a no pickguard rear mount layout like Fender HM Strats...
- - the OBEYs also have unique "Aged Iron" hardware - dull grey and rough to the touch
- and like ALL Standards you get the 22 fret striped neck... and 2 point trem...
-> some Squier Standards have a see thru finish showing real Mahogany, Maple etc
- those are only 1 5/8" thick but it's REAL Hardwood so some loss + some gain -
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a rare scoop is a "CRAFTED in China" "Strat" decal with a SMALL Headstock AND a 1 3/4" THICK body
- > the ONLY thick body with "STRAT" decal < - [ very 90's Fender Mex... without the worn frets ! ! ]
- - some have a rear striped neck but NONE have the dark insert on headstock so don't assume anything...
you have to see the rear of the neck - - striped are very good - plain are cheap junk
[ - I usually swap in a striped neck from an Affinity Squier and sell the affinity body with the plain neck
the 21 fret striped neck on newer Affinity Series is quite good - better Maple - the only good part ]
- many of the thick body "STRATs" have 3 ply Pearloid guards - the pots are tight - no issues - great guitars
[ easy to spot with the small headstock... but the junky "Bullet Series" also used small headstocks so...
zoom in on decals "Bullet Strat" is as long as Stratocaster on small script decals ]
[ worst ever Squiers were "MADE in China" = Chinese parts inc Electrical - those were horrible crackly nightmares - the pots would spin if you breathed on them ]
- that's an easy test - twirl the vol + tone knobs - the more resistance or tightness... the better they are
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I've owned about 80 Squiers and only about 5 had an open slot rear guard -[ instead of 6 string holes ]
- I really wish I had opened those up to compare trem block height and thickness etc etc
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- the real scoop about Used Squiers is that they're quitters guitars - most have mint frets
- that's easily worth $200 in a striped neck with a Fender profile - shop around
- that makes it a free guitar body... make sure it's a thick one to get the good wood & guts
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- for Full Name decals like Jaguar, Mustang, Jazzmaster etc just avoid affinity - buy Standard
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- - - and The Best Squiers are Set Neck - Standards or the rare Master Series - all are keepers
If you're planning to buy a very low end MIM Fender imho I think you should save money and buy a higher end Squier. I have a Classic Vibe 60s that I loved to death that for some crazy reason I sold off to buy an MIM strat. Big mistake.
I haven't found any Squier that beats MIMs in the above $1000 range though. Even though they might be spec(ed) batter something about the fit and finish I've always found better in MIMs.
I agree. Just buy a Classic Vibe, and put in USA Fender parts. Problem solved.
Philip McKnight, when I saw the Squier Classic Vibe Tele has PINE body, I was shocked! Because the very early models of the Broadcaster and Telecaster (and some Nocasters) were also made in pine. So in a certain sense it is HISTORICALLY ACCURATE! I can't believe Squier is improving this fast this much! Although I am aware that pine is a very very soft wood so durability might be a bit suspiciouc. But in terms of historical accuracy, then it is SOMETHING. I am hoping to get a Jazzmaster, and this video made me decide what to get when budget allows - the Squier! Thanks so much for this video. It put a smile on my face
bpabustan I know! The pine is very old timey classic! That’s a selling point to me!!
The j mascis squire jazzmaster is one of the best guitars I've played for the price. I also played a $900 jaguar and jazzmaster and they sounded the same, but played worse
WOW.... happy to see this. A couple weeks ago I bought the Squier Affinity Series Special Strat. From the second I got it tuned up and gave a 1/3 of a turn on the truss rod...... actually I should first say I've owned 2 different early 90's 100% USA Strats....... when I played the Squier a few minutes I realized I got twice the Strat tone that I expected. The chiming bell tone is so rich it's almost exaggerated compared to any Fender Strat I've owned. NOw, in one of those Strats were Lace Sensor pickups. Hated 'em....... flat, limp, lifeless tone through my '69 Super Reverb. Someone who'd come to hear my band said I should pull those Lace Sensors and replace them with some stock pickups from a Mexican Strat...... it was like night and day, the difference in tone. This Squier, however, somehow says Strat tone with even more authority :)
If I get enough bread for another 100% USA Strat I'd consider swapping one of its pickups with one of the Squier pickups. My complaints about this Squier? Neck/fretboard are pretty wide, tuners ain't the Sperzel locking tuners I've so often used to replace stock tuners....... but for $229 I'm adaptable.