IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
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Posted on Apr 21 2009 11:49 PM
I had a chance to visit the super, SUPER-cool store Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI this afternoon. Had a fantastic hour playing a bunch of different guitars (including the not-yet-officially-released Ritchie Blackmore Strat - a blast!!) and amps (including the Fender Supersonic - sounding really nice, better than I expected; the handwired Vox AC15 - awesome!; and a phenomenal Marshall 1974X 18W combo with tube trem - what a great sounding amp!).
One guitar I made a point of checking out was the relatively new Squier Strat Classic Vibe '60s, which now comes in the Candy Apple Red color:
Here it is on the Elderly website.
In short - I was blown away. This guitar goes for $350, and it's Chinese made, but the quality is unbelievable. It's extremely light (though it has an alder body), it plays like a dream, it's got a great '60s style neck, I mean, I could go on, but the simple bottom line is: I couldn't find a single thing wrong with it! I don't stay on top of everything that's being made right now, not even close, actually - but to me it seems that this guitar is a mind-blowing deal. I actually compared it side-by-side with a beautiful white '62 AVRI, costing more than five times as much, and I'd say the AVRI was ahead by only a bit, feeling slightly more solid and resonant. (I'm sure it also sounds better through an amp, but I compared them unplugged.) That's an incredible achievement for Squier, I think!
(Incidentally, I also tried the sunburst version of this Squier Classic Vibe, and didn't like it as much, since for some strange reason the sunburst version had jumbo frets while the CAR one had frets pretty close to the vintage size, maybe a touch larger. I don't know if this is standard for all the guitars with those two colors or if they're still working out the kinks of production and varying the model, but just be careful if buying one to get the preferred fret size.)
If they had that model in white or blonde, I would have been walking out of that store with that guitar this afternoon. As it was, just an hour ago I bought a white mid-'90s MIJ Strat for less than $400 on eBay.  I've been wanting a white inexpensive Strat for a while, and finally got it. But I'm worried it won't be quite as good as that Squier! We'll see....
Anyway, I really cannot recommend this Squier highly enough. If you're in the market for a really good inexpensive guitar, this is IT!! Snatch one before Fender realizes they may have made too good of a guitar and ends it!
— Ivan
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JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Apr 22 2009 11:35 AM
Hi Ivan,
I was waiting to see if someone would have such an impression of that guitar. 
Last time I was in a shop, I was playing an American Standard Strat. Then I picked up a Squire Classic Vibe bass to noodle around on. I was quite impressed with the bass. Id say the Strat and bass had the same level of fit and finish. I didnt go over it with a microscope or anything. But I found it to be a pleasant surprise. The bass was solid, well put together, and there was nothing at all to complain about. You could easily be fooled into thinking it's a higher end instrument. Didnt get a chance to try one of the Squire guitars but I was figuring it might also be of similar quality. What youre saying sounds like thats the case.
And these guitars and basses are only $350. On a related note, I once played a PRS SE guitar at something like $600 and it was also very well put together, with nothing that looked like it could use improvement (OK, maybe the pickups, but thats just personal taste).
The quality of the low end gear is pretty impressive these days. Its a very good time for musicians in this regard.
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Bilge_Rat
Joined: Apr 20, 2009
Posts: 320
Toronto, Ontario Canada
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Posted on Apr 22 2009 04:41 PM
I've been renting one of these for months now, and i can't seem to get around to returning it. soon enough I'll own the damn thing!
great to hear another strat lover giving this the thumbs up!
— formerly SvD, bots.... member since 2006. Same game different name!
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Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
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Posted on Apr 22 2009 05:26 PM
Very cool Ivan. I've been looking for a somewhat inexpensive rosewood fretboard strat for a backup. How do these compare to the Classic Series MIM strats that are waaaaaay more expensive?
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
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Doctor_Morbius
Joined: Oct 26, 2008
Posts: 608
This Planet Earth
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Posted on Apr 22 2009 08:59 PM
One of the guys that was at your band's Indy show was selling a CV Tele for $225. I had played it a few weeks earlier and it was indeed sweet. It was an extremely nice Tele, but it wasn't as nice as my Baja so I didn't bite.
— Cats 'n' Strats, 'cause that's how I roll - I eat reverb for breakfast!
Fenderus Collecticus
Strat Blender Pot Modification HERE
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Surfabilly
Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Posts: 852
Connersville, Indiana, USA
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Posted on Apr 23 2009 06:26 PM
I wonder how many folks are gonna be gravitating more toward Squiers, now that MIM Teles and Strats start out at $550.00? The Electron Blue/rosewood MIM Strat that I bought last year was $400.00; just $50.00 more than what the Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series Teles and Strats are currently going for.
Matt
— Fast Cars & Loud Guitars!
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Woodsurfer
Joined: Feb 07, 2009
Posts: 310
Bel Air, MD USA
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Posted on Apr 23 2009 07:26 PM
It's time to start haunting the pawn shops and Music-Go-Round again. They're chock-a-block with MIM Strats.
-- Woody
— It takes a lot of mussel memory to avoid clams.
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Apr 23 2009 10:24 PM
IvanP
If you're in the market for a really good inexpensive guitar, this is IT!! Snatch one before Fender realizes they may have made too good of a guitar and ends it!
Funny you mention these guitars. I am now looking for a new backup after I dispensed with a perfectly nice yet totally uninspiring AVRI Jaguar. I ran across some shockingly favorable reviews of these Squier models online yesterday and nearly pulled the trigger on one. Thing is, I am not at all a Strat person (though I have played them out with the band) but for the price it is more than intriguing. It boils down to the Classic Vibe '60s or this guitar which is also just out:
image
My gut tells me that, with a Strat, there would be less amp knob fiddling and such if I break a string while using my Jaguar. But that Danelectro looks quite fun also. Choices...
— SSIV
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Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 09:45 AM
LHR
Thing is, I am not at all a Strat person
Just look at it like a makeover 
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19342
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 10:02 AM
I propose a super-group consisting of Ivan, Ruhar, Ferenc, all playing these new Squires through crate power blocks and piece of crap reverb pedals. It would be so awesome that we would have to close the gear forum once and for all.
I can dream!
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me
"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 10:57 AM
One thing I overlooked when trying a Squier out was the tremolo arm...it wasn't there. All the trem arms are kept in a drawer at the local music store and I didn't think to ask for it. I realized after I got home with the guitar and put new strings on, that the arm was wobbly and nothing I did would fix it. I spent an extra $40 on a Wilkinson unit but I had to fill the 6 holes and redrill for the new bridge. Standard bridges DO NOT FIT SQUIERS. The new unit is a huge improvement.
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badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 11:14 AM
Brian
I propose a super-group consisting of Ivan, Ruhar, Ferenc, all playing these new Squires through crate power blocks and piece of crap reverb pedals. It would be so awesome that we would have to close the gear forum once and for all.
I can dream!
Really? Hmmm... Let's see... What if they didn't all use the SAME crappy pedal... True Bypass vs. buffered... Different strings... Different pics... Cables... Vintage style straps... And somebody would be using a powerstrip 
The scenery would change slightly, but the forum would still be a-sizzle!
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badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 11:17 AM
If you want a good giggle check out the polar opposite of this discussion on The Gear Page, where the "road worn" series are viewed as the second coming 
Apparently with the thin nitro finish and relicing, you have to go custom shop to find a better sounding and playing strat or tele! Very few have the stones to argue with the true believers and point out it's an $1,100 MIM...
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IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 03:06 PM
Ruhar
Very cool Ivan. I've been looking for a somewhat inexpensive rosewood fretboard strat for a backup. How do these compare to the Classic Series MIM strats that are waaaaaay more expensive?
Ryan, I must say that I don't really know. I haven't played one of those in many years. The MIM Classic is closer in specs to a '50s or '60s Strat, but I suspect that there's not much difference in quality. When I did play that guitar I thought it was pretty decent for the money.
Brian
I propose a super-group consisting of Ivan, Ruhar, Ferenc, all playing these new Squires through crate power blocks and piece of crap reverb pedals. It would be so awesome that we would have to close the gear forum once and for all.
I can dream!
 I'd TOTALLY be up for that!!
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
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IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 03:08 PM
LHR
Funny you mention these guitars. I am now looking for a new backup. It boils down to the Classic Vibe '60s or this guitar which is also just out:
image
My gut tells me that, with a Strat, there would be less amp knob fiddling and such if I break a string while using my Jaguar. But that Danelectro looks quite fun also. Choices...
LHR, do you have an opportunity to try them in person? That's really the best way to know which is the guitar for you.
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
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Doctor_Morbius
Joined: Oct 26, 2008
Posts: 608
This Planet Earth
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 04:54 PM
Stormtiger
One thing I overlooked when trying a Squier out was the tremolo arm...it wasn't there. All the trem arms are kept in a drawer at the local music store and I didn't think to ask for it. I realized after I got home with the guitar and put new strings on, that the arm was wobbly and nothing I did would fix it. I spent an extra $40 on a Wilkinson unit but I had to fill the 6 holes and redrill for the new bridge. Standard bridges DO NOT FIT SQUIERS. The new unit is a huge improvement.
Did you use the Wilky Vintage Trem like the ones sold by GuitarFetish here?
http://store.guitarfetish.com/wivitrpoarst.html
I really like those trems. I've put a couple in partscasters and am very happy with them.
— Cats 'n' Strats, 'cause that's how I roll - I eat reverb for breakfast!
Fenderus Collecticus
Strat Blender Pot Modification HERE
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 05:55 PM
Doctor_Morbius
Did you use the Wilky Vintage Trem like the ones sold by GuitarFetish here?
http://store.guitarfetish.com/wivitrpoarst.html
I really like those trems. I've put a couple in partscasters and am very happy with them.
That's the place. I love the trem arms on those...brilliant!
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Fuzzmeister
Joined: Jan 06, 2008
Posts: 163
Canberra, Australia
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Posted on Apr 24 2009 11:59 PM
I tried a Classic vibe Telecaster today.
Gorgeous! The neck was perfect, great tone. And I was playing it on a little Marshall tranny amp. Imagine what it would sound like through a decent tube amp!
They are charging $899 Australian for the Tele over here though. That's $649 US at today's exchange rate.
But there's always ebay!
— http://www.reverbnation.com/spaceparty4
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Aug 23 2009 08:56 PM
IvanP
LHR
Funny you mention these guitars. I am now looking for a new backup. It boils down to the Classic Vibe '60s or this guitar which is also just out:
image
My gut tells me that, with a Strat, there would be less amp knob fiddling and such if I break a string while using my Jaguar. But that Danelectro looks quite fun also. Choices...
LHR, do you have an opportunity to try them in person? That's really the best way to know which is the guitar for you.
Ivan: I can't seem to locate one of those Squiers to try out in person. Though today I finally got to try the Danelectro Dead On '67. It had a few good points: the neck and fretwork were quite nice, the pickups were fine, the satin finish body was really cool. This thing is, it seems impossible that this guitar could withstand the rigors of regular stage use. It felt very much like a toy, frankly. I figure it might last a year at best. On to the Squier...
— SSIV
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Sep 16 2009 07:18 PM
I bought the candy apple red Squier, sight unseen. It was new but from a music store closure so it cost me all of $200. I set it up with 12-52 and it is now seeing backup duty now for my band. It looks the part, very nice finish and the mint pickguard is swell, too. It has outstanding acoustic tone, unplugged, so there is always hope. Still, I am not a Stratocaster player, I have resolutely determined. The third pickup bothers me to no end. That seems to be where I pick, as it happens, and the thing gets scraped constantly. As well, there is a sort of "springy", open sound to the Strat that I do not like. Accidentally switching to switch position 2 or 4 (you know, where the SRV/Robert Cray money tone is hidden) is happening also...I hate that sound.
But enough with the bitching, because my complaints have nothing to do with this particular model or example. This is my second Stratocaster; my first was a really nice Fender so I can say with certainty that this scrappy Squier holds its own. Side-by-side comparison with a MIM Std. Fender Strat reveals that it is a decent instrument. In fact, in some ways, I like it better. And considering the action, scale, radius, and fret size, it is sure a <u>lot</u> easier to play than my Jaguar.
Anyhow, if you are a Stratocaster player, check one of these out.
— SSIV
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