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Flawless finish and Playability
Let’s take a look at the fingerboard. It comes with 9.5-inch radius, 25.5-inch scale length and has 21 medium jumbo frets with the flawless finish, sliding up and down the fingerboard is very effortless.
Fret edges have no burrs and they are quite smooth. So, playing with this thing for long hours is definitely not a problem.
However, for those who don’t want the polyester finish, as typical for a guitar in this price range, you can do quick sanding to have that less sticky feel.
Reliable Electronics
One notable upgrade made by Squier to Classic Vibe Strat 50s is the pickups. Instead of the vintage single-coil pups, it used a set of Custom Vintage single-coil pickups with the infamous Alnico III magnets.
Like any other Squier guitars, pickups are connected to the standard two tone knobs, a volume knob and a five-way pickup selector switch.
While the pickups are hot, it still has that vintage six-saddle synchronized tremolo.
Overall, the custom pups and the old tremolo, along with the tuners do their job well to make the guitar stay in perfect tune. Not only that, it produces quality sounds very nice.
Sounds Amazing
The pickups with Alnico III magnets produced warmer and milder tones than those with Alnico V.
The three custom single-coil pickups and the 5-way toggle switch is perfect for this guitar. This combination helps you achieve varied Strat tones.
The alder body and the maple neck give more dynamic tone ranges. Hence, playing various music styles from this guitar is definitely a “no sweat.”
Great Value for Money
Imagine playing the guitar that sounds like its three times more expensive. Amazing, isn’t it? This is what you get with this fella.
This is perfect for beginners who are on a budget. In addition, for intermediate players who want to have a new companion for practice sessions, this is also a great pick.
It is cheaply priced, yet, you’ll never see any cheap parts of this guitar.
Although it replicates the 50s look and feels, not of it seems to be poorly constructed, instead, only vintage looking – classic.
Indeed a Guitar with a Plus
If you are looking for a budget guitar to practice, this one is a perfect pick. Aside from being a great guitar, it also is a real tool for aspiring musicians.
In addition, it comes with great playability that allows you for more experimentation. Thus, you’ll master your craft faster compared to using other guitars.
Therefore, if you think this guitar is right for you, don’t second guess, grab it before it’s too late.
Pros
- Vintage-look makes it very elegant
- No fret buzzes
- Excellent fit and finish
Cons
- Average tremolo
Verdict
For beginners who want a more classic-looking guitar and sound quality, this guitar is the best.
In addition, intermediate players who need a new companion for jamming and practicing, Classic Vibe Strat 50s is also a great choice.
Not only that, it’s also a reliable instrument on stage.
But, is it really worth the money?
Compared to the Fender American Performer Stratocaster, this one is a little cheaper.
Hence, this is indeed a wise choice for those who are on a budget but still want a Fender quality electric guitar.
Also, it is more versatile that even seasoned players can’t easily get over its beauty and sound quality.
Do you agree with this review? Let me know by leaving your comments below!
Hello, Charles:
I just want to say that I recently bought TWO of these Squier Classic Vibe Stratocasters. I have played for nearly 50 years and my first love is acoustic guitar. However I have played electric guitar very often, especially during the 1980s when I played in country/rock bands in Texas. In those days “country/rock” meant mostly country with a mix of select classic rock and roll and “southern rock” (such as The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd) thrown in.
I bought two of these CV strats because they impressed me very much! I read a review from another veteran player who said that he thought the CV strats were the best electric guitars in the entire Fender/Squier line, outside of the Fender Custom Shop. I think that I agree! I DID add a full size trem block and better electronic components under the pickguard, which is not unusual for the purchase of ANY guitar, but the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster is a great guitar for ANYONE; NOT just for beginners. If it weren’t for the guitar world being beset with “brand snobs” the CV Squier would be considered much better.
1) The frets are narrow tall, not medium jumbo.
2) The CV 50s used to Alnico 3 pups, but now all guitars in the CV series have the same Alnico 5 pups (except the HB in the 70s HSS).
3) The tone control configuration is not standard; the lower tone knob controls the bridge pickup.
Regardless of which Alnico pups are being used, the 50’s n 60’s CV models produce excellent sound. I think the 50’s has a bit more “tin like” quality to them, but that’s not meant as a bad thing here. Listen to some of the early Beach Boys stuff n you’ll know what I mean.
Bang for the buck, especially if u catch them on a decent sale, I think the entire CV series is worthy of a look-see.