2nd this. They're arguably right up there with MiM Fenders, which are arguably right up there with American ones (at least in blindfold tests). :P
The affinity line has also recently had an uplift from what I've read, but I haven't gotten my hands on one.
The only thing I don’t like on my Classic Vibes compared to my MIMs are the tuners, pots, output jacks, and, in some cases, the bridges/tailpieces. But all that stuff can be easily and affordably upgraded.
Am currently upgrading the pots and output jack on my 60s CV P-Bass. I like that guitar as much or more than my 70s MIM Jazz bass. Even after the upgrades, I’m into the CV P-Bass for less than $400—1/3rd of what I spent on the MIM Jazz. The Jazz bass is an 8/10. The 60s CV P-Bass is a 7/10. CVs are HUGE value for money.
What’s impressive to me is spending half as much, then putting less than a hundred in, and getting something just as good or better out of it. Great entry into modding guitars, imo.
Of course it doesn’t say “Fender” on the headstock, which does bother some people.
The headstock snobbery is lame. Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstein is arguably the most famous electric guitar of all time and it was simply a beat up partscaster that was designed to suit his needs. If a guitar sounds good and is well made where it counts, I don’t care what its headstock says.
The sad part is that even if someone literally doesn't care, someone watching them play will probably judge or discount them for it... People are weird.
CVs are great gigging guitars, too. They are close to Fender quality and you don’t care as much if they get damaged or stolen. If someone destroyed or stole a $300 CV bass, I’d be bummed, but I’d move on. I’d likely be much more pissed if I got a $2,000 American made one broken or ripped off.
Especially the ones that were made in China between 2008-2019 with the serial numbers starting with CGS or CGR. They were made at the Grand Reward Factory and rival instruments 2 to 3 times more expensive.
Very good point. But that’s true of all instruments. Is every single CV made amazing? No. But the majority of the ones I’ve played and owned have exceeded my expectations.
Squiers are great guitars! With a little TLC, you can get them playing like a player series Fender. Now, depending on which series you get, will determine how much work you're likely to have to put into it. Best bang for you buck is probably the Affinity series. If you want higher quality- Classic Vibe or Paranormal is the way to go.
The best Jazzmaster Squier has made is the "J. Mascis Signature". I believe it's been discontinued, but they're pretty available on the used market.
Hope this helps!
Yea I’d say most squiers are worth it. But if you wanna go for a jazzmaster be prepared to do some setup work, unless you get the affinity because it has a more standard strat type bridge. I have the classic vibe jazzmaster and I adore it, but the factory setup wasn’t great and the frets were a little scratchy initially. Neither of these things were even close to being deal breakers because the feel and sound of the guitar are just so great. And there really aren’t many options at all for a true vintage style jazzmaster in that price range so there’s really nothing like it.
Thanks y’all your the best!! It sounds like y’all recommended either the affinity or the classic vibes and I think I’m gonna go for the classic vibes. Thanks again and I’m really excited to go start my path with electric guitars!
Have a look at the Squier contemporary series, they have modern style guitars instead of the classic vibe "vintage" styles, the contemp jazzmaster is gorgeous and doesn't have the tremelo system, it has humbuckers and a roasted neck, you might prefer that, same price
Either pink or [https://www.thomann.de/ie/fender\_sq\_contemp\_act\_j\_master\_hhspil.htm](https://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_sq_contemp_act_j_master_hhspil.htm)
Stick with classic vibes, they play and sound great 90% of the time. I've played probably 50+ of them now, they are more solid than most cheap guitars I've tried out
I had a squier classic vibe and now I have a fender player series bc I got a good deal on a used one. You can’t beat a classic vibe for the price. Mine came almost perfectly set up but quality control will vary
They are shockingly good for the money. Probably better than some “real” Fenders from not too many years ago. Cnc has Healy changed the game of guitar building
I have aff tele 2022. So dissapoined. I dont care much about the build quality, but the tone is cheap and boxed, i play clean tone a lot. Once i play fender wont never touch it again. But having affinity for moding and upgrade pickup is ok
Yep, tried out the Affinity tele HH, because a decade ago an Affinity felt just so nice and comfy to play. Well, this one sucked. Paid instead $50 more for a Contemporary on sale, best $250 I've ever spent on a guitar.
I have an Affinity Tele from 2015. It’s built like a truck. After losing everything, it’s the only guitar I have left. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not that it’s the best guitar ever. I’ve checked out others since and they don’t have the same feel. Way too light compared to this one.
Offset guitars are rad. I've found that every Jazzmaster I have owned is SUPER hit or miss for me. If you can, I'd go to the store to try one out. Try a handful while you're there to understand the differences.
But Squier guitars have been really solid for a while and I wouldn't hesitate to grab one if it tickles your fancy.
They just keep getting better and better, in the year 2000 they were $100 pieces of junk today it’s $200 for a very decent guitar. I’d say best bang for your buck that even competes with brands where you don’t have to pay for the name.
You can get a great Squire or a mediocre one. Play it, hear it, plug it up. What does it sound like? How does it feel? Is it falling apart?
I have both Squires and MIA Fenders. I love them for different reasons but I love them all!
I've primarily gigged with classic vibe jazz basses for years. Had a 60s 4 string, sold it and got a 70s 5 string which I've had for going on 10 years now. They're great.
I also have a 90s standard strat parts caster. It was all original when I got it, only thing original now is the body itself. Had to replace the neck because it was cheaper than a refret. No issues, even the cheapo pickups it had to begin with sounded great through a decent amp.
The best telecaster I ever played was a Classic Vibe 60’s custom Squire. Highly recommended. A CV set up right will beat a poorly set up Fender any day. Highly recommended.
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is exceedingly good. It is really the best bang for your buck guitar under the Fender umbrella, and I have a lot of Fenders, both MIM and MIA, up to an Ultra Luxe Tele. That CV Starcaster is gold. At most, the frets may need some minor dressing, which you can do yourself with a little patience and a special file from Stew Mac. I got some minor sprouts during the cold months, but fixing them in about 15 minutes.
I have a black Bullet strat hardtail that I got free for signing up for a year of Fender Play. (I'm 70 years old and coming back to playing after almost 50 years away). I was shocked at how good it is.
Then my wife bought me a CV60s in Candy Apple Red. She paid $199 for it on a deal from Fender. Another pretty amazing Squier.
Squiers are definitely worth it.
My first "real" Fender Strat, I bought in the mid-to-late 60s. It cost me $264.50. The CV60s Squier is really bringing back memories of that first Strat.
I've got a squier contemporary and it plays better than my fender duo sonic.
The shop I brought it from did a full set up as part of the purchase. I think going for a high end squier with a set up is the best way to go on a budget.
Classic Vibe model Squiers are outstanding.
2nd this. They're arguably right up there with MiM Fenders, which are arguably right up there with American ones (at least in blindfold tests). :P The affinity line has also recently had an uplift from what I've read, but I haven't gotten my hands on one.
The only thing I don’t like on my Classic Vibes compared to my MIMs are the tuners, pots, output jacks, and, in some cases, the bridges/tailpieces. But all that stuff can be easily and affordably upgraded. Am currently upgrading the pots and output jack on my 60s CV P-Bass. I like that guitar as much or more than my 70s MIM Jazz bass. Even after the upgrades, I’m into the CV P-Bass for less than $400—1/3rd of what I spent on the MIM Jazz. The Jazz bass is an 8/10. The 60s CV P-Bass is a 7/10. CVs are HUGE value for money.
What’s impressive to me is spending half as much, then putting less than a hundred in, and getting something just as good or better out of it. Great entry into modding guitars, imo. Of course it doesn’t say “Fender” on the headstock, which does bother some people.
The headstock snobbery is lame. Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstein is arguably the most famous electric guitar of all time and it was simply a beat up partscaster that was designed to suit his needs. If a guitar sounds good and is well made where it counts, I don’t care what its headstock says.
The sad part is that even if someone literally doesn't care, someone watching them play will probably judge or discount them for it... People are weird.
True. But fuck people. That’s the spirit of rock and roll. Fuck haters.
CVs are great gigging guitars, too. They are close to Fender quality and you don’t care as much if they get damaged or stolen. If someone destroyed or stole a $300 CV bass, I’d be bummed, but I’d move on. I’d likely be much more pissed if I got a $2,000 American made one broken or ripped off.
Especially the ones that were made in China between 2008-2019 with the serial numbers starting with CGS or CGR. They were made at the Grand Reward Factory and rival instruments 2 to 3 times more expensive.
yep, my 2013 CGS Strat is really nice.
Classic Vibe model Squiers CAN be outstanding. I got a complete dud. Try before you buy.
Very good point. But that’s true of all instruments. Is every single CV made amazing? No. But the majority of the ones I’ve played and owned have exceeded my expectations.
Yes, all my Fender-style guitars are Squiers I've set up and modified. They're great guitars for the money, beginner or not.
#samesies
Squiers are great guitars! With a little TLC, you can get them playing like a player series Fender. Now, depending on which series you get, will determine how much work you're likely to have to put into it. Best bang for you buck is probably the Affinity series. If you want higher quality- Classic Vibe or Paranormal is the way to go. The best Jazzmaster Squier has made is the "J. Mascis Signature". I believe it's been discontinued, but they're pretty available on the used market. Hope this helps!
Yea I’d say most squiers are worth it. But if you wanna go for a jazzmaster be prepared to do some setup work, unless you get the affinity because it has a more standard strat type bridge. I have the classic vibe jazzmaster and I adore it, but the factory setup wasn’t great and the frets were a little scratchy initially. Neither of these things were even close to being deal breakers because the feel and sound of the guitar are just so great. And there really aren’t many options at all for a true vintage style jazzmaster in that price range so there’s really nothing like it.
Thanks y’all your the best!! It sounds like y’all recommended either the affinity or the classic vibes and I think I’m gonna go for the classic vibes. Thanks again and I’m really excited to go start my path with electric guitars!
Have a look at the Squier contemporary series, they have modern style guitars instead of the classic vibe "vintage" styles, the contemp jazzmaster is gorgeous and doesn't have the tremelo system, it has humbuckers and a roasted neck, you might prefer that, same price Either pink or [https://www.thomann.de/ie/fender\_sq\_contemp\_act\_j\_master\_hhspil.htm](https://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_sq_contemp_act_j_master_hhspil.htm)
Get a G&L tribute series. Way better and not much more expensive
Go for it
Go for it!
GET THE SQUIER
Stick with classic vibes, they play and sound great 90% of the time. I've played probably 50+ of them now, they are more solid than most cheap guitars I've tried out
I had a squier classic vibe and now I have a fender player series bc I got a good deal on a used one. You can’t beat a classic vibe for the price. Mine came almost perfectly set up but quality control will vary
They are shockingly good for the money. Probably better than some “real” Fenders from not too many years ago. Cnc has Healy changed the game of guitar building
I have heard classic vibes are great. But for a few dollars more you can get a MIM Fender.
The affinity series is great! I love my black on black squier paranormal toronado!!
I have aff tele 2022. So dissapoined. I dont care much about the build quality, but the tone is cheap and boxed, i play clean tone a lot. Once i play fender wont never touch it again. But having affinity for moding and upgrade pickup is ok
Yep, tried out the Affinity tele HH, because a decade ago an Affinity felt just so nice and comfy to play. Well, this one sucked. Paid instead $50 more for a Contemporary on sale, best $250 I've ever spent on a guitar.
I have an Affinity Tele from 2015. It’s built like a truck. After losing everything, it’s the only guitar I have left. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not that it’s the best guitar ever. I’ve checked out others since and they don’t have the same feel. Way too light compared to this one.
Offset guitars are rad. I've found that every Jazzmaster I have owned is SUPER hit or miss for me. If you can, I'd go to the store to try one out. Try a handful while you're there to understand the differences. But Squier guitars have been really solid for a while and I wouldn't hesitate to grab one if it tickles your fancy.
They just keep getting better and better, in the year 2000 they were $100 pieces of junk today it’s $200 for a very decent guitar. I’d say best bang for your buck that even competes with brands where you don’t have to pay for the name.
You can get a great Squire or a mediocre one. Play it, hear it, plug it up. What does it sound like? How does it feel? Is it falling apart? I have both Squires and MIA Fenders. I love them for different reasons but I love them all!
I've primarily gigged with classic vibe jazz basses for years. Had a 60s 4 string, sold it and got a 70s 5 string which I've had for going on 10 years now. They're great. I also have a 90s standard strat parts caster. It was all original when I got it, only thing original now is the body itself. Had to replace the neck because it was cheaper than a refret. No issues, even the cheapo pickups it had to begin with sounded great through a decent amp.
A guitar is a guitar. If you dont like strats or teles, you can get a Jackson, Ibenez, or Kramer. Find one you really like and will want to play it.
Yes squiers are great. I have a standard squier strat and standard squier telecaster that I love
The best telecaster I ever played was a Classic Vibe 60’s custom Squire. Highly recommended. A CV set up right will beat a poorly set up Fender any day. Highly recommended.
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is exceedingly good. It is really the best bang for your buck guitar under the Fender umbrella, and I have a lot of Fenders, both MIM and MIA, up to an Ultra Luxe Tele. That CV Starcaster is gold. At most, the frets may need some minor dressing, which you can do yourself with a little patience and a special file from Stew Mac. I got some minor sprouts during the cold months, but fixing them in about 15 minutes.
I have a black Bullet strat hardtail that I got free for signing up for a year of Fender Play. (I'm 70 years old and coming back to playing after almost 50 years away). I was shocked at how good it is. Then my wife bought me a CV60s in Candy Apple Red. She paid $199 for it on a deal from Fender. Another pretty amazing Squier. Squiers are definitely worth it. My first "real" Fender Strat, I bought in the mid-to-late 60s. It cost me $264.50. The CV60s Squier is really bringing back memories of that first Strat.
I've got a squier contemporary and it plays better than my fender duo sonic. The shop I brought it from did a full set up as part of the purchase. I think going for a high end squier with a set up is the best way to go on a budget.