I remember my first encounter with a squier Tele classic vibe. The shop owner (who is a friend of mine) told me to go to the place because he had something he wanted to show me. When I got there, he blindfolded me and say "I want you to try 2 telecasters and tell me which one you liked the most". After the tryout I pointed the one that I preferred and it was a Squier classic vibe. It turned out the other was a Fender American Professional. I couldn't believe it, because with the blindfold I liked the Squier very much more in comparison, but I guess facts are facts. Unfortunately the Squier got sold before I could managed to save the money, but now I'm in pursuit of a '50s. I will never stress it enough, the Telecaster Classic Vibe is unbelievably good.
I have three two fifty's stratacasters and a telecaster butterscotch blonde. You can buy 4 to one american!! I have had high end fender's in the past !! Don't let the name squire fool you.these guitars have stepped up to the plate 🎸
Totally agree. Since posting my comment I bought an American performer Telecaster and an American professional II telecaster. I didn't care for the sound of the American professional II... sounded flat clean compared to my other two so I sold it. I love the performer Telecaster too...it sounds a bit different and warmer than my classic vibe but I wouldn't say it sounds better. The CV is just phenomenal... which is why I didn't sell it when I bought my American telecaster... the CV just sounds too good... and I really don't notice any difference in quality between the CV and my American telecaster other than a different finish color. The CV stays in tune perfectly, resonates like a beast, etc. I really didn't need the American one.... but I collect guitars and had money to burn...
@@jc--xd3779 its pretty good. The neck is chunky,and having a gloss finish doesnt really bother me. Its a heavy body,probably due to it being a slab of pine.tonally,its very good. I havent played many teles,but I like how it sounds.
I personally own a player telecaster, an American telecaster, and a squire classic vibe 50s. That being said I pick up the classic vibe everyday. I haven't played my American telecaster or my player telecaster in months. I think squire hit it out of the park with this one it is amazing and it sounds great. I've been playing guitar for 30 years now and I own many guitars and this is my go-to every time.
The Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is by far one of the best-playing guitars I've ever owned! I've had mine for several years and yes--butterscotch yellow! 😃Yeah, I get some looks, smiles, and raised eyebrows from headstock snobs until they are blown away by the sound through a Marshall SV20 and greenbacks. It is a great guitar!
I played one of these a while back and was amazed. I 100% agree that the Classic Vibe guitars are proof when you buy Fender, you're paying for a brand. The CV 50s Tele I played was a 2014 model some years back and I just remember being totally blown away by how great it sounded. You could've put Fender on a headstock to that guitar and it would've fooled me.
Just got mine after watching this video and others a thousand times. I have always been a firm believer that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great guitar. And this one is proof of that. Absolutely love this thing and it is a better quality guitar than most guitars I've owned that I paid twice or 3x as much. Thanks for the video my friend.
got one 5 months ago after surveying reviews. It played beautifully straight off the shelf and at home through a Yamaha THR desktop amp it sounds brilliant. I've owned a Custom shop Strat Professional and a PRS custom24 (with the moon frets) and I am just as happy with this Telecaster. I think it's a pro. Plug it in and it's about the music.
I prefer twangy and pokey. And regarding the wood, I actually prefer the pieces that are put together to not be perfect. Because wood itself is also like that. Imo that's more viby and authentic :)
I own several guitars. Les Pauls, Strats, Gretsch, G&L, Danelectro, and this 50’s Vibe Tele. If someone asked me to choose one guitar to play a gig where all genres would be played, this would be the one. It truly is the Swiss Army knife of guitars and is a HUGE bang for the buck.
I've owned a squier affinity and a classic vibe. I absolutely hated the affinity...it never stayed in tune, intonation terrible, pickups thin sounding, and it felt cheap. I absolutely love the classic vibe telecaster... worth every penny above the affinity. It sounds epic, pickups phenomenal. I played it against my core PRS custom 24, Gibson Les Paul, 335, American standard strat, and Chris Robertson, etc. and it's shocking how good the classic vibe sounds in comparison. The pickups are even clearer than my strat pickups which are single coil too... and much clearer than all of my other guitars. They are plenty punchy too for lead playing. The build quality is rock solid... and pickups are perfectly balanced. I don't think you can get a better sounding telecaster no matter what the price... but maybe you get less sharp frets and nitro finish. The poly finish on this guitars doesn't effect resonance on this guitar at all though ..it resonates for days... just as much as any of my nitro guitars. I don't care what the name on the headstock is... If a guitar sounds this phenomenal I'm proud to display the company name on the headstock...who cares that it doesn't say fender... squire deserves high remarks for this one. No reason to spend a penny more for anything else... Update from my previous comments... I've since bought an American performer Telecaster and an American professional II telecaster. My previous thoughts are still the same this telecaster is phenomenal for the price. I 100 percent agree with the person who made this video that the pickups are very bright and biting...which is perfect for the 50's sound. They are extremely clear also. My performer telecaster sounds completely different...warm and smooth. The professional II is kind of in between. My favorite is the three is my performer telecaster. I just sold my professional II because I didn't care for it's clean tone... I actually prefer both of my others to it. If I just had one it would be my performer because I tend to gravitate towards the warmer pickups but for lead playing the CV may sound a bit better because of the bite and creamy lead tone you get from the maple neck, pine body, and 50s sounding pickups.
@@thadlogan51 Not experienced with this Thad. That's why I am going the lower cost route. But damn, there are so many options. I need to find something to explain them all and preferably a You Tube comparing them all. The!
I played the classic vibe at my local guitar store. It played very well even better than the fender player although the strings had more rust than a vcr store
Just got one today. It was down to this or the Player. The pickups were better on the Fender, but the neck was better on the Squier. Pickups can be swapped so I went with the Squier. Birthday guitar. Perfect companion to my Gibson Les Paul Standard.
Bough a Squier 50's CV strat last year - amazing player. I ordered an early xmas present for myself this evening - the CV Tele. Should arrive in next couple of days. Can't wait.
Have one of these for nearly a year, brilliant straight out of the box, unbelievable value, variety of tone is fantastic, that neck pick up is beautiful and it never goes out of tune !! Can’t recommend enough
I’ve recently got one, and I’m very impressed with it. It’s been setup and I’ve had the Brass saddles put on and a new input jack, as I was told they’re renowned for having some issues. Not sure but I wanted to get it properly setup so it wasn’t expensive. Also the guitar tech that setup the guitar was really impressed with how well that particular guitar was made, the wasn’t any sharp fret ends, the parts are great quality. But for me it sounds and feels amazing. Overall it feels and looks great quality. Love the vintage tuners, it’s really quick changing strings to.
Bought this exact same model Squier CV50s Tele, used, made in 2017, and love it. Did a quick setup myself and it’s really nice. Highly recommended. All I can figure is Fender is beating the copycats at their own game.
2020/Covid gave met the time and opportunity to finally learn to play guitar (at 37) and I bought this (as a lefty). Absolutely love it. Only remark after a couple of months of play is I'm sanding down the neck, because the gloss can get sticky :)
I just ordered the same guitar today same color Im soo excited to get it lol! Im a new beginner at guitar, tried to learn a few times before but went back to drums instead lol, thanks for this review this video really helped me decide on this guitar to get. Love the channel and videos great job!!!
Good review man. I have one of these, a 2015, and even though I was skeptical about it, I actually really like it. Mine is a made in China, pine body, like the gloss too. The tuners work well, the pots are decent. I can't find anything wrong with it except it doesn't say Fender. The quality is as good as my American standard Strat, and I don't say that lightly either. It's a very basic, 50s style guitar. It sounds great through a fender tube amp, any one will do.
I bought a 2010 white blonde cv Tele - had the brass saddles, cant tell where the bookmatching is, actually sold a 1995 mexican fender strat to buy it and have never had any regrets. It's in the collection for good. Love it. Personally I think the earlier Chinese ones are better than the new indo made versions but they're all great!
I ordered one from Sam Ash and it took several months to arrive. Finally got by Butterscotch Blonde yesterday. The fit and finish is absolutely great. The wood on the body of my guitar is pretty well matched and looks fantastic. If this guitar said Fender on the headstock, no one would be any wiser. The action out of the box was excellent. It's perfectly twangy like a Tele should be. The pickups sound great and the electronics sound just fine. This has to be one of the best values under $500 and arguably could be the best value under $1,000. Boy, we're lucky at the quality of guitars we can pick up for $500 today versus in the 1980's when cheap guitars had horrible quality. I'm a 50's CV fanboy. No one will be disappointed getting this guitar!
I recently got the Classic Vibe 70's Tele Custom with the humbucker in the neck position and standard single coil bridge pickup and it slays. Changed the strings and gave it a setup and good to go. Oh and the sunburst finish on it is damn nice too. Last year i bought a Classic Vive 50's Strat in Fiesta Red and that guitar is KILLER period. I play it way more than my new Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's which is also fabulous.
Hey man, what do you think about this tele in high gain? I'm highly into jazz, fusion, rock in general and death metal, so I wanted a guitar that would sound great in all of that and wouldn't cost me that much. And so far, seems like the tele would be a great choice! What do you think?
@@marcelosena8955 my amp has presets for metal stuff and it sounds pretty good using the telecaster so I'd say go for it bro. I don't really play metal, I just play whatever I like and I think it's a good option for playing all sorts of genres :)
Good choice! You have definitely done your research. I’m about to pull the trigger on one of these, I love tele style guitars but I’m not a fan of the wide necks but I hear this has a thinner neck. How are you liking yours so far ?
I just got one of these Classic Vibe Teles. I wanted it as a backup for my MIA Elite Tele and my MIM Player Series Tele, I was just blown away by the quality of this guitar, It rivals my other Teles it's that good. The Butterscotch finish with that great shaped neck seem to give it a certain mojo that you like in a Tele. I'm so happy I got it, I'll play it just as much as my other Teles no problem.
I agree strongly with your comments. I was shocked how good mine is (Vintage White). I've played for close to 60 years and have five vintage Strats ('72, '74s & '75s) and was about to drop 4K on a '75 Tele. Always wanted one. Then my family dropped a bunch of Gift Certs on me for my 70th Birthday and decided to start trying a low end Tele before going for the '75 Tele I was considering. I may still buy one someday, but this thing is all I could ask for. In my case, I found I'm using it like an Esquire. Bridge pickup only, and rolling back the tone for the thicker stuff. I found that the neck pickup is very muddy and weak (on mine, anyway) making the middle position not so hot. Over the decades I've purchased and own several early Tweed Deluxes and one Model 5 Alamo. This thing sounds incredible thru them. Just the right amount of compression. Probably a lot brighter thru a Blackface Fender or whatever, but thru the earlier amps with Alnico Jensens it is 100% wonderful. I can nail 99% of what I enjoy playing without an issue. If I was still active, I would bring it along with me. It's that good. There are aftermarket parts galore out there, but it's fine "as is" and I would only consider upgrading if/when any part fails and needs replacement. Great review! I have forwarded to some of my cynical friends out there.
Got one last week: will swap out the saddles/bridge for compensated Wilkinson (with brass saddles). Only downside on mine is the frets were all over the place so I had to give it a complete fret level. That said, it's an easy job for me as it's my job but you guys should be aware! Nice guitar...
This is the Indonesian model. The string tree is lower on the head stock and the bridge saddles are stainless steel. Either way Squiers are well made guitars.
Totally agree this is a great guitar and value...just bought one...it was nice as delivered! I did have action lowered, pickups replaced, and brass saddles added to suit my style...it does compare very favorably to the Mexican and American teles I have played that cost far more.
Have owned about 5 of these and are great guitars at the price point or not! Always consistent! I use the as mod platforms as well as gifts for some of my patients.
Just ordered mine from Sweet Water this morning. The one I’m getting has absolutely no visible laminated seams or knots. The grain is rich and honestly it looks like it could have been made from one solid piece (though, seriously doubt it) the match is that good. It was also the lightest, weighing in at 7 lbs, 14 oz. Can’t wait to receive it.
The people who think that the more expensive the guitar the better it sounds are the people that keep the instrument industry going these days, ive been rambled to about how “Squiers are just a beginner instrument”, every squier ive ever played is just as good, if not better, then every fender ive played. Make music with what you have, if you’re a good player then the price of your gear shouldnt matter, you’ll still sound good.
I hate high gloss necks, whenever I bought a guitar with one, I took 00000 Steel wool and "sanded" the laquer down. It just removes the buffing and gives it more of a satin/dull feel.
I've the same model for one year and I'm pretty happy with it. Very cool to play with. The neck is great. Just one thing : this girl is heavy as F but that's ok, I do not play standing up :)
Hi! glad someone else comments on the weight of this guitar. Iv'e had my one now for about 2 or 3 months. It's a good guitar and I like the neck but I wont be doing any 'Wilko Johnson' moves with it!
There are lighter ones. The guy who owns the shop where mine came from has one of the light ones. Heavy seems to be the norm. Still pine that heavy is odd I would think. Of course I'm talking Eastern Pine.
Weight is important to me also. That's why I've got a thinline version. I found a lightweight custom version also, so might be worth hunting around if you don't want the thinline.
I have one, a ‘12 MiC. Bought here in Nashvegas with a big plus: a Seymour Vintage Broadcaster in the bridge for $300 (score already!). I was pleasantly shocked. Neck was straight. Frets were clean, no sprout, no anything. The body is beautifully striped pine, inspection revealed three well-matched pieces but you’d never know unless you knew how to look. I’ve played other CV Teles and the Broadcaster has more midrange and isn’t icepicky or harsh; an Alnico V. The stock neck sounds like every other Tele I’ve owned or played but that’s a good sound and has balls when pushed. However, I had an idea to put a P90 in the middle position and do a phase push/pull. P90 is from a Fender Powercaster. Hot AF, I believe it was 13.2. But it’s a neck pickup so I use my EQ pedal to brighten it up. The 5 way Strat switch makes this Tele a Strat and that Knopfler sound is awesome between the P90 and the bridge but has extra oomph. The phase p/p on the tone knob gives extra airy sounds. Anyway, I love the thing and it’s absolutely a guitar I’d play on stage (and will, hopefully soon). I also have an Indonesian CV 50s 2-tone Strat and, after a factory authorized setup at a local shop, it plays fantastic, has Alnico 3s and it, like the Tele, stays in tune. I’ve always had tuning problems with Fenders but f💥cking imagine that MiC and Indo guitars are the ones that keep tune.
Fender is using roasted pine for the USA models. The roasting process results in a much more resonant body than raw pine does. But my main problem is that I know I'm going to have to replace the tuners, the bridge, and the pickups on the Squire. I prefer to save a little cash until I can get a guitar that doesn't need immediate upgrades.
Wholeheartedly agree with everything said in this excellent review. This is the Tele I’ve wanted Fender to make for years - especially because of 2 personal preferences; Slim, C shape neck (not ‘Modern C’) very similar to my old ‘78 Fender; Pine body (until recently only offered in Fender’s Custom Shop reissue models). But like you said (6:30), the wood seems haphazardly matched, so you either have to choose one in a shop like I did, or get lucky. Mine is very well matched with nice figuring and interesting grain. Everything else (hardware, pups, etc.) is more than decent. Believe the hype.
The late great Jeff Buckley had a BSB telecaster so that’s why i considered buying a BSB and holy crap the BSB grew on me and i knew i wanted a telecaster next so thanks for this review cause I’m gettin one
James , you definately will NOT be disappointed . I have several more expensive guitars , but this one is my fave . It"s Indonesian made and they really know what they are doing . No need for a pick up swap , they sound fantastic . Don't hesitate ....do it .
I’ve been looking at these too since the price of the Mexican Fenders have went up a little too high for my liking. Definitely an awesome sounding guitar!
The classic vibe Squires are made by Cort in Indonesia, who are the OEM for G&L Tribute, Gretch, Music Man, mid range Ibanez and many more. They are turning out some excellent guitars. Most need a setup and probably better fret finishing out of the box, but all represent incredible value for money.
@@nicbrownable They're currently being made in the Samick factory in Indonesia as well. Look at the serial numbers on the Squier CV's. If they start with ICS, then it's made at the Cort factory; if the s/n starts with ISS, then it's from Samick.
I have this identical vibe and I'm telling you it is every bit as good if not better than my 75th anniversary mim tele I got last year. To sum it up I find myself playing my classic vibe much more than my mim .why ? I actually like the neck much better and tones are simply amazing. And yep you guessed it , for half the price ! That's the deal closer for me.
I bought this guitar made in China and loved it so much so I got the same color American pro 2, only to find out it was pointless. Yeah American pro 2 is better but not 4 times better. This guitar is all you need really
I recently picked up a new white Classic Vibe Tele. I agree with you on the pickups, but they always can be changed. Some guys think replacing the steel bridges with brass ones will give better tonality. If intonation needs to be addressed , Callaghan makes some ones. The biggest takeaway is that the Tele is about as barebones as they get… even the multimegabuck Teles that Fender sells aren’t signifanctly different. My only gripe is that I also want a butterscotch one. And at that price it shouldn’t be an issue.
I bought mine yesterday, a white blond cv 50s, made in Indonesia, it feels, plays and sounds just like an original fender, the weight is not bad, a little on the heavy side, 9.36 lb, but I like that. I just love the guitar. It's cost me 399,- that's a really good price, compared to the 700,- +, for an fender player series,
I have the Vibe and the Performer Teles, I won't say one is better than the other, however, I love them both. They both get roughly the same playing time. If you're looking for a Tele, do yourself a favor and try the Fender Squire Vibe, it's very very good.
I have a 1999 American Standard Telecaster that I absolutely love. I would argue that it is a better built instrument than Squiers. Nicer hardware, nicer wood, 22 frets, a fabulous instrument. That said, I want to get a CV Telecaster just to have as my jam/beater guitar. Take it to friend’s homes, spill beer on it, drop it, etc.
just got one of these..so after I changed the tuners pickups...then I got a killer usa neck...then I swapped out the body for an ash custom body it is now EPIC!!!
I''ve tried the Player series and came to the exact same conclusion as you, prior to have seen this video about the Squier Tele CV.. It sounds as good as some models 4x or 5x the price and the fit and finish was top notch.. The only drawback for me was the heavy gloss finish but that's just me..
I got a CV Tele after Rhett Shull said he’d take a CV over a Player Series Tele, and I think he was right in his observation. The CV feels like way more guitar than you get out of the Player Series, and I’m glad I found mine for a really good deal. I can’t stop looking at it or putting it down.
I feel like once you get past the fact it says Squier on the headstock, it's a REALLY good guitar. I've wanted a second guitar to my MIJ Mustang for ages, finally pulled the trigger on a CV Jazzmaster and WOW does it play nicely! Yeah, it needed a setup, and the frets needed leveling, but after that? I'd totally gig/record on this full-time, no doubt.
All of the Squier series are great, I’ve played bullets all through the classic vibe series, and they’re all great. The CV tele beats my modern player plus tele.
The fact that you said it needed fret leveling, kills it for me. Just about any guitar with a proper setup and proper leveled frets will play great. The point is NOT to have to do a fret level to a newly bought guitar. Setting up a new guitar is necessary and easy, so that's fine, but needing to do a fret level means the guitsr wasn't made well in the first place. And were all looking for well made guitars we don't have to pour more time and money into
I have a Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde made by AXL in China, my only concerns is the Chinese one is more period correct, with the string tree in the right position near the G tuner, it also has Brass Barrel saddles. The control knobs are domed apposed to the flat ones fitted to the Indonesian ones. My chinese one has a one piece solid Pine body. The electrics are 250k 1" diameter pots and a modern type switch, which works perfectly fine. The neck pick up is only adjustable under the pick guard, but I like that as period correct. Hold the guitar at the base with one hand and pluck the B string and feel it resonates through the body for plenty of sustain. I personally would go for the Chinese one, they stopped production in 2018, but ive managed to buy two in mint condition, 2012 and 2018, both are identical. These are increasing in value. It also states Squier Fender on the Headstock on both, as another person says his dont .
I bought one of these only a few days ago, Because I've always wanted to try a telecaster... I was not disappointed, For the money I paid the guitar has a real quality feel to it...
Great review. I have a 2010 just like this and I added a SD hot rails sthr-1b Bridge pickup and Jim Dunlop super pots, plus 'in tune' Gotoh compensated brass barrel bridge saddles. It is my best Tele.
Just bought one, went for the squire cv as I wasn’t sure I’d use it much as I’ve always been a Strat person but just fancied a tele but for the money, I can’t fault the squire over my fender strats, what a guitar! I wonder if the CV strats are just as good? I’m as just as guilty for wanting that fender name on the headstock but after playing this tele I don’t care anymore…..i love it and have found a new main axe!
Great video! Though being a owner of some fender and squier guitars I disagree with you about the cost, that even if they priced it around US$ 700,00 it would be worth it. In my opinion, squiers are fairly priced when you take in consideration their Mexican and American upper models, but overpriced when you look what they are underneath. The electronics are very cheap, the wood quality is questionable, cheap metal parts etc. they’re well put together guitars with better than average attention to QC and factory set up (great fret filing for example). I feel they are great guitars considering the competition on the price range, but far from the deal of a lifetime as so many UA-cam videos may lead to believe. That being said, one of my favorite guitars is a 60’s classic vibe tele from 2015, so.... ;)
Yeah bud. I own one from 2015 i got 3rd hand off my brother. Its got some nicks and dings but it still feels and looks good and above all sounds great. For good reference i also own a 2020 Esquire. Both have a nice heavy pine body. The neck shapes are close but the Esquire feels just a bit thinner. The frets are slightly bigger on the 2015 tele. For all the people that think country of origin matters, well it doesn't. What matters is the build quality which relates to a team of people in ANY factory. I own both indo and china squiers. In my experiences, there is no difference in quality between the two. The differences are the specific selections of woods used to piece together the instrument and maybe some of the hardware but not likely. For example the tuners on my 50s p basses which are from 2014 and 2019 are different style. The newer models have a much more rich hue in the vintage gloss neck finishes and come with bone nuts, and the knobs are more era correct too. Back to the tele and Esquire, the bridges are different. The 2015 tele has brass saddles and the 2020 Esquire has larger plated barrel saddles and top load option. However on the newer teles, the string retainer is too close to the nut unlike the 2015 and the new Esquire. I personally like to buy from sweetwater so i can pick them out by weight and wood figuring of there is any. I always go for the heaviest one and its a bonus if it has some figured wood. Nice lp special on the wall back there, i want the epophone one some day.
I don't know man. I love the CV squires, but as someone who repairs guitars/amps for a living i definitely believe there is a substantial difference between a CV and something like a MiM Fender. Now,the big caveat is i base this after both guitars have had a well done aet up, leveling, etc. Out of the box, the Squires are pretty phenomenal for their price. I do believe they are easily the better bang for buck. But if both have been set up and leveled, dressed, MiM Fenders ate just superior in almost every way. The big drawback of the squires is their wood and hardware. It usually leaves then sounding much flatter, bland,and not near the same resonance/sustain as a proper alder/Ash bodied Fender with good metal parts. I know you need a good title for clickies, but objectively speaking i don't know many people honest with themselves that can say they are better than Mexicans or are as good as an American Fender 😂. I can't believe you went that far. Out of if the box, i do agree that the CVs are often as good or better. So if one isn't planning on getting a setup, then yeah go for a CV. Mexicans almost always will need some work off the factory line. But they can be pretty awesome guitars once they get worked on where the CVs are limited by comparison.
I've got plenty of acoustics so now it's time to get an electric r.i.p neighbours.... I've always loved the sound of a telecaster and these affinity models actually sound like a telecaster!...big up fender i say...your not just getting the look but the sound as well perfect
I just bought a Harley Benton telecaster, the te-52 and it looks so much better than that. Butterscotch body with the amber colored neck. It’s got the thick neck like that one and they sound better than the fender squire classic vibe. 200 dollars delivered to my door. I was blown away when I saw it in person. It probably comes From a factory next door to where those are made. Anyways, I’m sorry I wasn’t meaning to poop on your parade but when I saw this vid it struck home. If you like that fender you should get one of the Harley Bentons and do a review or better yet do a comparison between them. Take care man.
I'd be too wary to trust the long term durability of pine. The thick poly coating might give it a hard shell, but it could be such a soft wood that neck screws would eventually strip out ??? Leo stopped using pine.
@@brin57 I don't doubt that. But I'd still be very wary of the longevity of budget priced mass produced Pine Teles. In the late 1970s/early 80s, A British guitar maker "Shergold" 'hand-crafted' guitar bodies out of Obeche. [a soft wood relative of Mahogany]. Collectors who love these quirky 'vintage' guitars, are well aware of the flawed weak neck pockets, and extreme finish cracking.
You know alot of people will drill the body holes so the neck screws only grab in the neck, they say it slips into, and sits in the neck slot better, it doesn't need to grab into the body at all really.
@@stevefitz2522 This is correct - neck screws that are biting into both pieces of wood cannot pull the wood together sufficiently to get a good solid fit unless the the pieces are clamped firmly together before the threads are formed. Done carelessly and you have an energy-absorbing void between the woods.
I have a Made in Japan Fender Tele (pink paisley) and a classic vibe Squier 70s Tele. As someone who plays guitar literally every day there's no question the Fender is better, so much more clarity on the bridge and the dynamic is much more adjustable (it reacts much better to the way you play, how hard you pick etc). That being said though, for a £320 guitar (what I picked up my Squier for), there's nothing much to complain about! Just wish it wasn't as muddy sounding/more clear. I think with an upgraded bridge pickup and some thicker strings it will be a force to be reckoned with.
I love this guitar it feels great and sounds great l love to play old school rock it doesn't cost much and you will be surprised how awsome sound you get out of it when you use a classic tube amp get you a few effects pedals you want go wrong with this guitar
Got an Affinity, and upgraded to these pups 😁. My luthier changed all the electronics, put new tuners, so i basically have an amazing guitar for very cheap! Also, super light!
I bought one in the same color a couple of weeks ago and I love this guitar. But I have to say that some things are not so good on Indonesian ones. Shielding is absent on a body and a pick guard so my guitar made a mount of noise so I had to shield it. Now it’s totally silent. Also have to mention that the fret job wasn’t as good as I expected, roughly sanded and not rounded, nor polished at all so I made it by myself. But I really like how it plays and sounds. This is the first guitar where I really use a tone knob by the way))) I have a Japanese Fender Telecaster Custom which was my first electric guitar I bought in 2000 and I really like this Squier more, the neck is much more comfortable for me. Great instrument not only for the price.
hey thanks for the awesome demo great job I have one 2019 I've had a few Telly's before Fender Mexico The Squier plays way better I had to play a few of them before I bought one they all feel a little different
The real magic in these classic vibe editions is the super thin glossy neck and thin frets!!! This is the holy grail and its the spirit of Fender. I have tried Fenders latest American elite versions, and Mexican Made versions and they totally ruined it with their modern necks and frets those have nothing to do with old school Fender.
I own one. Used to own an American standard telecaster and I think my classic vibe is better. Unreal for the price. The pick up could be a little bit better, but come on it’s a steal.
Hello! The guitar wasn't running entirely on clean and overdrive in 3:52 , right? Was there an effect in the guitar signal too? A rotary? What was it? If there isn't, do you remember the settings in the amp? Or, what amp was it? Thank you!
I have one of these and it's great! I have a few Teles (and a couple of great American made ones) and this Classic Vibe 50s is up there with them! Having said that, I prefer a thicker neck and so my Original 50s Tele is my go-to. 10 points to Squire though! :)
I love my BSB CV! A previous owner put a minibucker in the neck position, flipped the control plate, and wired it with two volume knobs and no tone knobs. It’s quite different, but can get a lot of cool tonz!
Finally a demo mostly showing what a GUITAR sound like, not just showing off the players rock star prowess!
I remember my first encounter with a squier Tele classic vibe. The shop owner (who is a friend of mine) told me to go to the place because he had something he wanted to show me. When I got there, he blindfolded me and say "I want you to try 2 telecasters and tell me which one you liked the most". After the tryout I pointed the one that I preferred and it was a Squier classic vibe. It turned out the other was a Fender American Professional. I couldn't believe it, because with the blindfold I liked the Squier very much more in comparison, but I guess facts are facts. Unfortunately the Squier got sold before I could managed to save the money, but now I'm in pursuit of a '50s.
I will never stress it enough, the Telecaster Classic Vibe is unbelievably good.
Nice story, man!
As an owner of one, I can confirm its frigging amazing
I have three two fifty's stratacasters and a telecaster butterscotch blonde. You can buy 4 to one american!! I have had high end fender's in the past !! Don't let the name squire fool you.these guitars have stepped up to the plate 🎸
Yep, I'm paying one off right now, cheers
Totally agree. Since posting my comment I bought an American performer Telecaster and an American professional II telecaster. I didn't care for the sound of the American professional II... sounded flat clean compared to my other two so I sold it. I love the performer Telecaster too...it sounds a bit different and warmer than my classic vibe but I wouldn't say it sounds better. The CV is just phenomenal... which is why I didn't sell it when I bought my American telecaster... the CV just sounds too good... and I really don't notice any difference in quality between the CV and my American telecaster other than a different finish color. The CV stays in tune perfectly, resonates like a beast, etc. I really didn't need the American one.... but I collect guitars and had money to burn...
Just ordered the White blonde version of this a little bit ago, cant wait till it shows up! itll be my first ever tele
Same, the left handed ones only came in butterscotch tho 😅 still very cool tho! Cant wait for it to arrive
YeetSlayer96 Thinking of also getting a white blonde later this year as my first tele. Let know how it feels so I can see if it's worth it lol
@@jc--xd3779 its pretty good. The neck is chunky,and having a gloss finish doesnt really bother me. Its a heavy body,probably due to it being a slab of pine.tonally,its very good. I havent played many teles,but I like how it sounds.
You wont be disappointed for your first tele.
@@ironmaidenfan66670 does the white blonde look like white colour or pink in person? , cuz it looks pink in pictures
I personally own a player telecaster, an American telecaster, and a squire classic vibe 50s. That being said I pick up the classic vibe everyday. I haven't played my American telecaster or my player telecaster in months. I think squire hit it out of the park with this one it is amazing and it sounds great. I've been playing guitar for 30 years now and I own many guitars and this is my go-to every time.
The Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is by far one of the best-playing guitars I've ever owned! I've had mine for several years and yes--butterscotch yellow! 😃Yeah, I get some looks, smiles, and raised eyebrows from headstock snobs until they are blown away by the sound through a Marshall SV20 and greenbacks. It is a great guitar!
I played one of these a while back and was amazed. I 100% agree that the Classic Vibe guitars are proof when you buy Fender, you're paying for a brand. The CV 50s Tele I played was a 2014 model some years back and I just remember being totally blown away by how great it sounded. You could've put Fender on a headstock to that guitar and it would've fooled me.
Just got mine after watching this video and others a thousand times. I have always been a firm believer that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great guitar. And this one is proof of that. Absolutely love this thing and it is a better quality guitar than most guitars I've owned that I paid twice or 3x as much. Thanks for the video my friend.
got one 5 months ago after surveying reviews. It played beautifully straight off the shelf and at home through a Yamaha THR desktop amp it sounds brilliant. I've owned a Custom shop Strat Professional and a PRS custom24 (with the moon frets) and I am just as happy with this Telecaster. I think it's a pro. Plug it in and it's about the music.
Yamaha THR is incredible for what it is.. I played with a band with one, headphone out to the PA and it sounded great lol..
I prefer twangy and pokey. And regarding the wood, I actually prefer the pieces that are put together to not be perfect. Because wood itself is also like that. Imo that's more viby and authentic :)
I own several guitars. Les Pauls, Strats, Gretsch, G&L, Danelectro, and this 50’s Vibe Tele. If someone asked me to choose one guitar to play a gig where all genres would be played, this would be the one. It truly is the Swiss Army knife of guitars and is a HUGE bang for the buck.
I've owned a squier affinity and a classic vibe. I absolutely hated the affinity...it never stayed in tune, intonation terrible, pickups thin sounding, and it felt cheap. I absolutely love the classic vibe telecaster... worth every penny above the affinity. It sounds epic, pickups phenomenal. I played it against my core PRS custom 24, Gibson Les Paul, 335, American standard strat, and Chris Robertson, etc. and it's shocking how good the classic vibe sounds in comparison. The pickups are even clearer than my strat pickups which are single coil too... and much clearer than all of my other guitars. They are plenty punchy too for lead playing. The build quality is rock solid... and pickups are perfectly balanced. I don't think you can get a better sounding telecaster no matter what the price... but maybe you get less sharp frets and nitro finish. The poly finish on this guitars doesn't effect resonance on this guitar at all though ..it resonates for days... just as much as any of my nitro guitars. I don't care what the name on the headstock is... If a guitar sounds this phenomenal I'm proud to display the company name on the headstock...who cares that it doesn't say fender... squire deserves high remarks for this one. No reason to spend a penny more for anything else...
Update from my previous comments... I've since bought an American performer Telecaster and an American professional II telecaster. My previous thoughts are still the same this telecaster is phenomenal for the price. I 100 percent agree with the person who made this video that the pickups are very bright and biting...which is perfect for the 50's sound. They are extremely clear also. My performer telecaster sounds completely different...warm and smooth. The professional II is kind of in between. My favorite is the three is my performer telecaster. I just sold my professional II because I didn't care for it's clean tone... I actually prefer both of my others to it. If I just had one it would be my performer because I tend to gravitate towards the warmer pickups but for lead playing the CV may sound a bit better because of the bite and creamy lead tone you get from the maple neck, pine body, and 50s sounding pickups.
Thanks a bunch for a great review. I am in the weeds on what to buy. Gonna go out and play some over the weekend. Excited.
@@tcm6756 yep! Lots of great telecaster options... but the good news is the cheap ones sound damn good now a days... unless you get a lemon...
@@thadlogan51 Not experienced with this Thad. That's why I am going the lower cost route. But damn, there are so many options. I need to find something to explain them all and preferably a You Tube comparing them all. The!
I played the classic vibe at my local guitar store. It played very well even better than the fender player although the strings had more rust than a vcr store
Just got one today. It was down to this or the Player. The pickups were better on the Fender, but the neck was better on the Squier. Pickups can be swapped so I went with the Squier. Birthday guitar. Perfect companion to my Gibson Les Paul Standard.
Bough a Squier 50's CV strat last year - amazing player. I ordered an early xmas present for myself this evening - the CV Tele. Should arrive in next couple of days. Can't wait.
Yes!!! So stoked for you. I haven’t played the CV strat for a while. Hoping to get my hands on one soon.
Love my CV 50 Stratocaster. Lightweight plays excellent and sound pretty darn good.
Have one of these for nearly a year, brilliant straight out of the box, unbelievable value, variety of tone is fantastic, that neck pick up is beautiful and it never goes out of tune !! Can’t recommend enough
Just pulled the trigger after a few weeks of holding back buying this!
@@TridentVruinzTheSniper Good stuff , you will love it !!
I’ve recently got one, and I’m very impressed with it. It’s been setup and I’ve had the Brass saddles put on and a new input jack, as I was told they’re renowned for having some issues. Not sure but I wanted to get it properly setup so it wasn’t expensive. Also the guitar tech that setup the guitar was really impressed with how well that particular guitar was made, the wasn’t any sharp fret ends, the parts are great quality. But for me it sounds and feels amazing. Overall it feels and looks great quality. Love the vintage tuners, it’s really quick changing strings to.
Put some new 250k pots in it and see more magic happen!
The first thing I noticed was the intonation. No need to replace the tuners on the CV.
Those vintage Fender tuners are a near flawless design.
To me, the matching of grains aren't a big deal. Just adds more character to me.
Bought this exact same model Squier CV50s Tele, used, made in 2017, and love it. Did a quick setup myself and it’s really nice. Highly recommended.
All I can figure is Fender is beating the copycats at their own game.
It looks like they are :) just recorded reviews of 2 more Classic Vibes, and both are stellar as well!
2020/Covid gave met the time and opportunity to finally learn to play guitar (at 37) and I bought this (as a lefty).
Absolutely love it. Only remark after a couple of months of play is I'm sanding down the neck, because the gloss can get sticky :)
So awesome! The gloss necks are definitely a personal preference, but I’m super excited for you!!!
I just purchased a butterscotch blond one and the fit and finish well exceeds my expectations.
Awesome! Super excited for ya! 🎸🎸🎸
I just picked up a 60s cv tele, it's phenomenal, I have absolutely no regrets.
I just ordered the same guitar today same color Im soo excited to get it lol! Im a new beginner at guitar, tried to learn a few times before but went back to drums instead lol, thanks for this review this video really helped me decide on this guitar to get. Love the channel and videos great job!!!
Good review man. I have one of these, a 2015, and even though I was skeptical about it, I actually really like it. Mine is a made in China, pine body, like the gloss too. The tuners work well, the pots are decent. I can't find anything wrong with it except it doesn't say Fender. The quality is as good as my American standard Strat, and I don't say that lightly either. It's a very basic, 50s style guitar. It sounds great through a fender tube amp, any one will do.
2 years later: I put a fender 51 u shape fat neck on. Now it’s my favorite guitar mostly.
@@jonathanhandsmusiclove the update! Might buy this as a bday gift for myself!!
I bought a 2010 white blonde cv Tele - had the brass saddles, cant tell where the bookmatching is, actually sold a 1995 mexican fender strat to buy it and have never had any regrets. It's in the collection for good. Love it. Personally I think the earlier Chinese ones are better than the new indo made versions but they're all great!
Just got one of these 4 weeks ago ... it’s amazing to play ... can’t wait to pick it up and plug it in - great guitar !
I ordered one from Sam Ash and it took several months to arrive. Finally got by Butterscotch Blonde yesterday. The fit and finish is absolutely great. The wood on the body of my guitar is pretty well matched and looks fantastic. If this guitar said Fender on the headstock, no one would be any wiser. The action out of the box was excellent. It's perfectly twangy like a Tele should be. The pickups sound great and the electronics sound just fine. This has to be one of the best values under $500 and arguably could be the best value under $1,000. Boy, we're lucky at the quality of guitars we can pick up for $500 today versus in the 1980's when cheap guitars had horrible quality. I'm a 50's CV fanboy. No one will be disappointed getting this guitar!
The 70s was worse.
I recently got the Classic Vibe 70's Tele Custom with the humbucker in the neck position and standard single coil bridge pickup and it slays. Changed the strings and gave it a setup and good to go. Oh and the sunburst finish on it is damn nice too. Last year i bought a Classic Vive 50's Strat in Fiesta Red and that guitar is KILLER period. I play it way more than my new Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's which is also fabulous.
This is going to be my first electric guitar
Good for you :) you are lucky to have this guitar as your first ;)
@@BiZii1024 Thank you, I've had it for a few weeks and I love it
Hey man, what do you think about this tele in high gain? I'm highly into jazz, fusion, rock in general and death metal, so I wanted a guitar that would sound great in all of that and wouldn't cost me that much. And so far, seems like the tele would be a great choice! What do you think?
@@marcelosena8955 my amp has presets for metal stuff and it sounds pretty good using the telecaster so I'd say go for it bro. I don't really play metal, I just play whatever I like and I think it's a good option for playing all sorts of genres :)
Good choice! You have definitely done your research. I’m about to pull the trigger on one of these, I love tele style guitars but I’m not a fan of the wide necks but I hear this has a thinner neck. How are you liking yours so far ?
I just got one of these Classic Vibe Teles. I wanted it as a backup for my MIA Elite Tele and my MIM Player Series Tele, I was just blown away by the quality of this guitar, It rivals my other Teles it's that good. The Butterscotch finish with that great shaped neck seem to give it a certain mojo that you like in a Tele. I'm so happy I got it, I'll play it just as much as my other Teles no problem.
I agree strongly with your comments. I was shocked how good mine is (Vintage White). I've played for close to 60 years and have five vintage Strats ('72, '74s & '75s) and was about to drop 4K on a '75 Tele. Always wanted one. Then my family dropped a bunch of Gift Certs on me for my 70th Birthday and decided to start trying a low end Tele before going for the '75 Tele I was considering. I may still buy one someday, but this thing is all I could ask for. In my case, I found I'm using it like an Esquire. Bridge pickup only, and rolling back the tone for the thicker stuff. I found that the neck pickup is very muddy and weak (on mine, anyway) making the middle position not so hot. Over the decades I've purchased and own several early Tweed Deluxes and one Model 5 Alamo. This thing sounds incredible thru them. Just the right amount of compression. Probably a lot brighter thru a Blackface Fender or whatever, but thru the earlier amps with Alnico Jensens it is 100% wonderful. I can nail 99% of what I enjoy playing without an issue. If I was still active, I would bring it along with me. It's that good. There are aftermarket parts galore out there, but it's fine "as is" and I would only consider upgrading if/when any part fails and needs replacement. Great review! I have forwarded to some of my cynical friends out there.
I got a 60s Vibe. Was gonna complete my telecaster collection of all the generations eventually. The 50s or the 70s is next on my list.
I have a 2019, the body is 1 piece of pine, the neck is 1 piece mahogany. Next to my Epi ES-339 it's my 2nd favorite guitar.
Got one last week: will swap out the saddles/bridge for compensated Wilkinson (with brass saddles). Only downside on mine is the frets were all over the place so I had to give it a complete fret level. That said, it's an easy job for me as it's my job but you guys should be aware! Nice guitar...
This is the Indonesian model. The string tree is lower on the head stock and the bridge saddles are stainless steel. Either way Squiers are well made guitars.
Totally agree this is a great guitar and value...just bought one...it was nice as delivered! I did have action lowered, pickups replaced, and brass saddles added to suit my style...it does compare very favorably to the Mexican and American teles I have played that cost far more.
Have owned about 5 of these and are great guitars at the price point or not! Always consistent! I use the as mod platforms as well as gifts for some of my patients.
what do you do for work i gotta work my butt off and get into that field!
@@denyel_ was doing wound care and hyperbaric medicine but that has fallen through. Tough breaks!
@@kirkscobey3031 hook me up please
Just ordered mine from Sweet Water this morning. The one I’m getting has absolutely no visible laminated seams or knots. The grain is rich and honestly it looks like it could have been made from one solid piece (though, seriously doubt it) the match is that good. It was also the lightest, weighing in at 7 lbs, 14 oz. Can’t wait to receive it.
The people who think that the more expensive the guitar the better it sounds are the people that keep the instrument industry going these days, ive been rambled to about how “Squiers are just a beginner instrument”, every squier ive ever played is just as good, if not better, then every fender ive played. Make music with what you have, if you’re a good player then the price of your gear shouldnt matter, you’ll still sound good.
I hate high gloss necks, whenever I bought a guitar with one, I took 00000 Steel wool and "sanded" the laquer down. It just removes the buffing and gives it more of a satin/dull feel.
I've the same model for one year and I'm pretty happy with it. Very cool to play with. The neck is great. Just one thing : this girl is heavy as F but that's ok, I do not play standing up :)
Hi! glad someone else comments on the weight of this guitar. Iv'e had my one now for about 2 or 3 months. It's a good guitar and I like the neck but I wont be doing any 'Wilko Johnson' moves with it!
There are lighter ones. The guy who owns the shop where mine came from has one of the light ones. Heavy seems to be the norm. Still pine that heavy is odd I would think. Of course I'm talking Eastern Pine.
Weight is important to me also. That's why I've got a thinline version. I found a lightweight custom version also, so might be worth hunting around if you don't want the thinline.
@@chrishyde1216 Thanks Chris!
I have one, a ‘12 MiC. Bought here in Nashvegas with a big plus: a Seymour Vintage Broadcaster in the bridge for $300 (score already!). I was pleasantly shocked. Neck was straight. Frets were clean, no sprout, no anything. The body is beautifully striped pine, inspection revealed three well-matched pieces but you’d never know unless you knew how to look.
I’ve played other CV Teles and the Broadcaster has more midrange and isn’t icepicky or harsh; an Alnico V. The stock neck sounds like every other Tele I’ve owned or played but that’s a good sound and has balls when pushed. However, I had an idea to put a P90 in the middle position and do a phase push/pull. P90 is from a Fender Powercaster. Hot AF, I believe it was 13.2. But it’s a neck pickup so I use my EQ pedal to brighten it up. The 5 way Strat switch makes this Tele a Strat and that Knopfler sound is awesome between the P90 and the bridge but has extra oomph. The phase p/p on the tone knob gives extra airy sounds.
Anyway, I love the thing and it’s absolutely a guitar I’d play on stage (and will, hopefully soon). I also have an Indonesian CV 50s 2-tone Strat and, after a factory authorized setup at a local shop, it plays fantastic, has Alnico 3s and it, like the Tele, stays in tune. I’ve always had tuning problems with Fenders but f💥cking imagine that MiC and Indo guitars are the ones that keep tune.
Fender is using roasted pine for the USA models. The roasting process results in a much more resonant body than raw pine does. But my main problem is that I know I'm going to have to replace the tuners, the bridge, and the pickups on the Squire. I prefer to save a little cash until I can get a guitar that doesn't need immediate upgrades.
Wholeheartedly agree with everything said in this excellent review. This is the Tele I’ve wanted Fender to make for years - especially because of 2 personal preferences; Slim, C shape neck (not ‘Modern C’) very similar to my old ‘78 Fender; Pine body (until recently only offered in Fender’s Custom Shop reissue models). But like you said (6:30), the wood seems haphazardly matched, so you either have to choose one in a shop like I did, or get lucky. Mine is very well matched with nice figuring and interesting grain.
Everything else (hardware, pups, etc.) is more than decent. Believe the hype.
The late great Jeff Buckley had a BSB telecaster so that’s why i considered buying a BSB and holy crap the BSB grew on me and i knew i wanted a telecaster next so thanks for this review cause I’m gettin one
James , you definately will NOT be disappointed . I have several more expensive guitars , but this one is my fave . It"s Indonesian made and they really know what they are doing . No need for a pick up swap , they sound fantastic .
Don't hesitate ....do it .
I’ve been looking at these too since the price of the Mexican Fenders have went up a little too high for my liking. Definitely an awesome sounding guitar!
You can’t go wrong!!
The classic vibe Squires are made by Cort in Indonesia, who are the OEM for G&L Tribute, Gretch, Music Man, mid range Ibanez and many more. They are turning out some excellent guitars. Most need a setup and probably better fret finishing out of the box, but all represent incredible value for money.
@@nicbrownable They're currently being made in the Samick factory in Indonesia as well. Look at the serial numbers on the Squier CV's. If they start with ICS, then it's made at the Cort factory; if the s/n starts with ISS, then it's from Samick.
Thanks for cutting straight to the chase. Great review.
Just bought one today to partner my CV 50's Strat. Great workhorse guitars.
Any thoughts on it?
I have this identical vibe and I'm telling you it is every bit as good if not better than my 75th anniversary mim tele I got last year. To sum it up I find myself playing my classic vibe much more than my mim .why ? I actually like the neck much better and tones are simply amazing. And yep you guessed it , for half the price ! That's the deal closer for me.
I bought this guitar made in China and loved it so much so I got the same color American pro 2, only to find out it was pointless. Yeah American pro 2 is better but not 4 times better. This guitar is all you need really
I recently picked up a new white Classic Vibe Tele. I agree with you on the pickups, but they always can be changed. Some guys think replacing the steel bridges with brass ones will give better tonality. If intonation needs to be addressed
, Callaghan makes some ones. The biggest takeaway is that the Tele is about as barebones as they get… even the multimegabuck Teles that Fender sells aren’t signifanctly different. My only gripe is that I also want a butterscotch one. And at that price it shouldn’t be an issue.
That neck position is too die for. Beautiful ❤️🎸. Bluesy.
Ive got that exact guitar, the body on mine looks like a one piece!! You can’t really see the splice lines. Blended extremely well
I bought mine yesterday, a white blond cv 50s, made in Indonesia, it feels, plays and sounds just like an original fender, the weight is not bad, a little on the heavy side, 9.36 lb, but I like that. I just love the guitar. It's cost me 399,- that's a really good price, compared to the 700,- +, for an fender player series,
Just bought cheap sx telecaster, it was like $150, i like it so far.
I have the Vibe and the Performer Teles, I won't say one is better than the other, however, I love them both. They both get roughly the same playing time. If you're looking for a Tele, do yourself a favor and try the Fender Squire Vibe, it's very very good.
how do you make it twang like that? Mine doesn't do that
Mines has perfectly matched pine and It's 2 years old!
That is awesome. 🎸
How does this compare to Fender player Tele?
I have a 1999 American Standard Telecaster that I absolutely love. I would argue that it is a better built instrument than Squiers. Nicer hardware, nicer wood, 22 frets, a fabulous instrument.
That said, I want to get a CV Telecaster just to have as my jam/beater guitar. Take it to friend’s homes, spill beer on it, drop it, etc.
Who asked ya?
just got one of these..so after I changed the tuners pickups...then I got a killer usa neck...then I swapped out the body for an ash custom body it is now EPIC!!!
I''ve tried the Player series and came to the exact same conclusion as you, prior to have seen this video about the Squier Tele CV.. It sounds as good as some models 4x or 5x the price and the fit and finish was top notch.. The only drawback for me was the heavy gloss finish but that's just me..
I got a CV Tele after Rhett Shull said he’d take a CV over a Player Series Tele, and I think he was right in his observation. The CV feels like way more guitar than you get out of the Player Series, and I’m glad I found mine for a really good deal. I can’t stop looking at it or putting it down.
I buy Teles for the "twangy bitey" sound. lol. I buy Les Pauls for deep rounded tones. people should buy the right tool for the job their doing. IMO.
just bought one thank you for the great review! my first guitar so excited
What a great first guitar! Stoked for you!!!!
I got three guitars, 2 strat copies and an epiphone les paul, I'm thinking of getting this tele now lol
Do it, you will have a nice variety :P then you will just have to get a SG
I feel like once you get past the fact it says Squier on the headstock, it's a REALLY good guitar. I've wanted a second guitar to my MIJ Mustang for ages, finally pulled the trigger on a CV Jazzmaster and WOW does it play nicely! Yeah, it needed a setup, and the frets needed leveling, but after that? I'd totally gig/record on this full-time, no doubt.
All of the Squier series are great, I’ve played bullets all through the classic vibe series, and they’re all great. The CV tele beats my modern player plus tele.
The fact that you said it needed fret leveling, kills it for me. Just about any guitar with a proper setup and proper leveled frets will play great. The point is NOT to have to do a fret level to a newly bought guitar. Setting up a new guitar is necessary and easy, so that's fine, but needing to do a fret level means the guitsr wasn't made well in the first place. And were all looking for well made guitars we don't have to pour more time and money into
I have a Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde made by AXL in China, my only concerns is the Chinese one is more period correct, with the string tree in the right position near the G tuner, it also has Brass Barrel saddles. The control knobs are domed apposed to the flat ones fitted to the Indonesian ones. My chinese one has a one piece solid Pine body. The electrics are 250k 1" diameter pots and a modern type switch, which works perfectly fine. The neck pick up is only adjustable under the pick guard, but I like that as period correct. Hold the guitar at the base with one hand and pluck the B string and feel it resonates through the body for plenty of sustain. I personally would go for the Chinese one, they stopped production in 2018, but ive managed to buy two in mint condition, 2012 and 2018, both are identical. These are increasing in value. It also states Squier Fender on the Headstock on both, as another person says his dont .
I bought one of these only a few days ago, Because I've always wanted to try a telecaster... I was not disappointed, For the money I paid the guitar has a real quality feel to it...
Just been offered a nearly new one of these at a bargain price-wasn't sure-watched this and bought it-thanks for the clarity.
I would buy one, if I didn't have so many already. (Non-Fender)
Which non-Fenders are you liking the best?
im a rhythm guitarist in a band and i have one and it's great
Great review.
I have a 2010 just like this and I added a SD hot rails sthr-1b Bridge pickup and Jim Dunlop super pots, plus 'in tune' Gotoh compensated brass barrel bridge saddles. It is my best Tele.
This model is the best of all classic vibes...bought one 6 months ago...love it
It is so good. I’m trying to get the strat and 70s tele to see how they fair.
Just bought one, went for the squire cv as I wasn’t sure I’d use it much as I’ve always been a Strat person but just fancied a tele but for the money, I can’t fault the squire over my fender strats, what a guitar! I wonder if the CV strats are just as good? I’m as just as guilty for wanting that fender name on the headstock but after playing this tele I don’t care anymore…..i love it and have found a new main axe!
The CV Strats are BRILLIANT (except for the trem, which is just OK). (I have no use for a trem, so it's not an issue for me.)
Great video!
Though being a owner of some fender and squier guitars I disagree with you about the cost, that even if they priced it around US$ 700,00 it would be worth it.
In my opinion, squiers are fairly priced when you take in consideration their Mexican and American upper models, but overpriced when you look what they are underneath.
The electronics are very cheap, the wood quality is questionable, cheap metal parts etc. they’re well put together guitars with better than average attention to QC and factory set up (great fret filing for example).
I feel they are great guitars considering the competition on the price range, but far from the deal of a lifetime as so many UA-cam videos may lead to believe.
That being said, one of my favorite guitars is a 60’s classic vibe tele from 2015, so....
;)
WOW! No pedals? Great tone!
Yes, and no amplifier :-)
Yeah bud. I own one from 2015 i got 3rd hand off my brother. Its got some nicks and dings but it still feels and looks good and above all sounds great. For good reference i also own a 2020 Esquire. Both have a nice heavy pine body. The neck shapes are close but the Esquire feels just a bit thinner. The frets are slightly bigger on the 2015 tele. For all the people that think country of origin matters, well it doesn't. What matters is the build quality which relates to a team of people in ANY factory. I own both indo and china squiers. In my experiences, there is no difference in quality between the two. The differences are the specific selections of woods used to piece together the instrument and maybe some of the hardware but not likely. For example the tuners on my 50s p basses which are from 2014 and 2019 are different style. The newer models have a much more rich hue in the vintage gloss neck finishes and come with bone nuts, and the knobs are more era correct too. Back to the tele and Esquire, the bridges are different. The 2015 tele has brass saddles and the 2020 Esquire has larger plated barrel saddles and top load option. However on the newer teles, the string retainer is too close to the nut unlike the 2015 and the new Esquire. I personally like to buy from sweetwater so i can pick them out by weight and wood figuring of there is any. I always go for the heaviest one and its a bonus if it has some figured wood. Nice lp special on the wall back there, i want the epophone one some day.
I don't know man. I love the CV squires, but as someone who repairs guitars/amps for a living i definitely believe there is a substantial difference between a CV and something like a MiM Fender. Now,the big caveat is i base this after both guitars have had a well done aet up, leveling, etc. Out of the box, the Squires are pretty phenomenal for their price. I do believe they are easily the better bang for buck. But if both have been set up and leveled, dressed, MiM Fenders ate just superior in almost every way. The big drawback of the squires is their wood and hardware. It usually leaves then sounding much flatter, bland,and not near the same resonance/sustain as a proper alder/Ash bodied Fender with good metal parts.
I know you need a good title for clickies, but objectively speaking i don't know many people honest with themselves that can say they are better than Mexicans or are as good as an American Fender 😂. I can't believe you went that far.
Out of if the box, i do agree that the CVs are often as good or better. So if one isn't planning on getting a setup, then yeah go for a CV. Mexicans almost always will need some work off the factory line. But they can be pretty awesome guitars once they get worked on where the CVs are limited by comparison.
I've got plenty of acoustics so now it's time to get an electric r.i.p neighbours.... I've always loved the sound of a telecaster and these affinity models actually sound like a telecaster!...big up fender i say...your not just getting the look but the sound as well perfect
I just bought a Harley Benton telecaster, the te-52 and it looks so much better than that. Butterscotch body with the amber colored neck. It’s got the thick neck like that one and they sound better than the fender squire classic vibe. 200 dollars delivered to my door. I was blown away when I saw it in person. It probably comes
From a factory next door to where those are made.
Anyways, I’m sorry I wasn’t meaning to poop on your parade but when I saw this vid it struck home.
If you like that fender you should get one of the Harley Bentons and do a review or better yet do a comparison between them.
Take care man.
I'd be too wary to trust the long term durability of pine.
The thick poly coating might give it a hard shell,
but it could be such a soft wood that neck screws would eventually strip out ???
Leo stopped using pine.
Some of the best Tele's ever made were pine. Look it up. You'll find folks with good things to say about them.
@@brin57 I don't doubt that.
But I'd still be very wary of the longevity of budget priced mass produced Pine Teles.
In the late 1970s/early 80s,
A British guitar maker "Shergold" 'hand-crafted' guitar bodies out of Obeche.
[a soft wood relative of Mahogany].
Collectors who love these quirky 'vintage' guitars,
are well aware of the flawed weak neck pockets,
and extreme finish cracking.
You know alot of people will drill the body holes so the neck screws only grab in the neck, they say it slips into, and sits in the neck slot better, it doesn't need to grab into the body at all really.
@@stevefitz2522 This is correct - neck screws that are biting into both pieces of wood cannot pull the wood together sufficiently to get a good solid fit unless the the pieces are clamped firmly together before the threads are formed. Done carelessly and you have an energy-absorbing void between the woods.
I have a Made in Japan Fender Tele (pink paisley) and a classic vibe Squier 70s Tele. As someone who plays guitar literally every day there's no question the Fender is better, so much more clarity on the bridge and the dynamic is much more adjustable (it reacts much better to the way you play, how hard you pick etc). That being said though, for a £320 guitar (what I picked up my Squier for), there's nothing much to complain about! Just wish it wasn't as muddy sounding/more clear. I think with an upgraded bridge pickup and some thicker strings it will be a force to be reckoned with.
Thanks so much for this video, It's so much better than I thought it would be, defo gonna get this
It’s an excellent Tele. I have the white blonde version. Sounds great, plays great, looks great.
Looks like the Squire has a two piece body, probably one of the cost savings. You can clearly see the transition under the Butterscotch finish.
I love this guitar it feels great and sounds great l love to play old school rock it doesn't cost much and you will be surprised how awsome sound you get out of it when you use a classic tube amp get you a few effects pedals you want go wrong with this guitar
Just picked up my first tele,, love my cv squire,, I’m excited about mine too,, totally know what you are feeling
Got an Affinity, and upgraded to these pups 😁. My luthier changed all the electronics, put new tuners, so i basically have an amazing guitar for very cheap! Also, super light!
I got one and I’m going to learn the rap snitch knitches by doom riff when I get it. My first guitar
Although it’s more expensive the G and L ASAT Tribute is way better for me , pickups are incredible.
Which color?
@@bushcry1 doesn’t matter really . Recent batch of G and L Teles are way too heavy !! Tried one and it felt terrible, not gong to buy one now .
I bought one in the same color a couple of weeks ago and I love this guitar. But I have to say that some things are not so good on Indonesian ones. Shielding is absent on a body and a pick guard so my guitar made a mount of noise so I had to shield it. Now it’s totally silent. Also have to mention that the fret job wasn’t as good as I expected, roughly sanded and not rounded, nor polished at all so I made it by myself. But I really like how it plays and sounds. This is the first guitar where I really use a tone knob by the way))) I have a Japanese Fender Telecaster Custom which was my first electric guitar I bought in 2000 and I really like this Squier more, the neck is much more comfortable for me.
Great instrument not only for the price.
As far as the neck you refer to, is it overall smaller for the Squire? I like smaller necks as a general rule.
@@johntinker3457 squier’s neck is definitely thinner c-shape neck and it’s really comfortable.
@@MrKirillOrlov Excellent thanks alot..
I’m getting this guitar in the white blonde variant as my first tele. I’m very excited. :)
Yes!!! I love the white blonde. 🎸🎸🎸 rock on.
hey thanks for the awesome demo great job I have one 2019 I've had a few Telly's before Fender Mexico The Squier plays way better I had to play a few of them before I bought one they all feel a little different
The real magic in these classic vibe editions is the super thin glossy neck and thin frets!!! This is the holy grail and its the spirit of Fender.
I have tried Fenders latest American elite versions, and Mexican Made versions and they totally ruined it with their modern necks and frets those have nothing to do with old school Fender.
I couldn’t choose between 50s or 60s thin line , so I got both , absolutely love then not stopped playing them
I own one. Used to own an American standard telecaster and I think my classic vibe is better. Unreal for the price. The pick up could be a little bit better, but come on it’s a steal.
Hello! The guitar wasn't running entirely on clean and overdrive in 3:52 , right? Was there an effect in the guitar signal too? A rotary? What was it? If there isn't, do you remember the settings in the amp? Or, what amp was it? Thank you!
Mine came with brass saddles, I bought it 3-4 years ago and it sounds better than my made in USA 1990's Tele.
I have one of these and it's great! I have a few Teles (and a couple of great American made ones) and this Classic Vibe 50s is up there with them! Having said that, I prefer a thicker neck and so my Original 50s Tele is my go-to. 10 points to Squire though! :)
I love my BSB CV! A previous owner put a minibucker in the neck position, flipped the control plate, and wired it with two volume knobs and no tone knobs.
It’s quite different, but can get a lot of cool tonz!
what do you mean "Flipped' the control plate?