BUILDING A SUPER SQUIER! - Upgrading a Squier Classic Vibe!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I've been wanting to do a sleeper upgrade on this guitar for a long time! Let me know if you think I should add the block inlays on the neck or keep it stock! Enjoy :)

[@What-the-Fox-YT]

Yes definitely do the block inlays it will make it look cool and unique. Great video can’t wait to see the finished product 👍

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Keep the black neck dots imho .

[@Viewdelity]

I like the idea of pearloid inlays and the same on the pickguard.

[@72dodge340]

Those block inlays look horrifying on that guitar. But then, I almost always lean toward a vintage/stock look, so don't mind me.

[@richardpaxman8519]

Nay! You set out to keep the tuning machines looking vintage while changing them to lockers, but you want to radically change the neck. Doesn't make sense.

[@WeldyMcwelderson]

I think it's going to be a nay on the blocks. I like the simple look of dots on a Strat.

[@luigigetsu]

I think the problem is that the blocks are black on a yellow maple, probably white blocks would look better or even abalone, but that's very subjective anyhow

[@tomfinn8076]

I think the nays have it

[@jordan.lafayette]

I typically prefer the look of blocks to dots, but I strongly dislike those blocks with that guitar. I love that new bridge! Can’t wait to see everything else! You make such interesting content

[@IBuiltDaArk]

Same, I don't like how they have an outline. A plain block would look better

[@221b-l3t]

Same, I love them my Les Paul style guitars but Strats and Vs have to be dots. It just look so wrong otherwise

[@Stratocus]

I vote Nay to the fret inlays. The neck, body and pickguard are light in tonality and those inlays would be jarringly dark. They might work better on a black body or even a sunburst.

[@AManning77]

I would pass on the inlays. You’ve done such a great job of keeping it looking stock. Nice work!

[@calgaryjimbo]

Full sleeper for me. I love the look of an old school guitar. No need to mess with perfection!

[@Gaoin86]

Great that you've retaken this series, Darrell. I loved when you upgraded a humble guitar and made it amazing.

[@pigsflyforever]

Woah those tuners! They look like classic split shaft tuners. I was not aware they existed. Thanks so much Darrell, I will put them on my CV50 A big nay on the block inlays, though, but hey, different strokes and all that...😀

[@seanbaines]

With threaded bars, I like dropping in one of those little bar socket springs you can get from Fender. It puts some tension on the bar as you thread it in, and has it sitting on a springy cushion when installed. This means the bar stays where you put it, unlike usual Fender whammy bars. Very handy-like.

[@ubermac85]

You can get little ball bearings and add one to the spring at the bottom so it doesn’t grind into the wood.

[@P_B_FR]

My squier's trem has gone all the way through the bridge. It really bugs me sometimes, but ig it doesn't make too much of a different overall

[@firstsgtrichard]

Thanks for another great video brother! Nay on the block inlays though.

[@fordjohnson1363]

I'm all about it, I like that it's unique!

[@sdsprinkle]

Thanks for the video, enjoy all of your build videos. I vote "no" on adding blocks to the nect.

[@oscarga99]

Nice vid as always. For me the block inlays are a no-go, but let's hear what people say. Also, you know what would be an interesting idea? Changing the finish on the back of the stock neck from glossy to satin. That way you can keep going for that sleeper build!! I myself have a 60s classic vibe strat (fsr limited release, I love it). I've changed the nut, trem system and also pots and switches. I love satin necks, but I don't want to risk sanding too much and get to the wood. That glossy neck doesn't bother me enough to buy a replacement neck, but if I cloud change it I'd totally would. Maybe if I saw it online id build the courage to do it hahaha. I'd for sure keep the shiny fretboard tho!!! Looks super nice

[@dreibel]

to satin down the neck, use a green 3M scouring pad - it dulls the gloss off enough without stripping all the finish off. That's what I did with my CV '64 Precision (before I replaced the neck with a MIM Fender one).

[@mickeymessstudios109]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... no block inlay... it looks horrible with the black block inlay ..... ggggrrrrr

[@jeffrowlette]

TOTALLY agree 👍

[@spikeafrican8797]

Ya.... can't abide block on a strat.

[@dw7704]

Love the block inlays, but not a deal breaker or maker

[@TranceMasterJack]

What caused this Poor choice?

[@seanfromaustin]

Well... that's just like... your opinion, man.😂

[@fredwagner240]

Hoping you will do a before and after on what the sound difference is and if it has more or less and sustain. Thanks!!

[@audiophileman7047]

Yes, I'd like to see that too. 👍👍👍

[@GCKelloch]

Thick Steel saddles just absorb less upper-mids.

[@angusorvid8840]

Great video, Darrell! As a lifelong strat player who loves to mod my axes, this is a solid video. Leo Fender envisioned the strat as a mod platform. He was a genius with too many brilliant ideas for one human being. Squiers are a great value, especially if you love to mod strats. You get a lot to work with. There is an entire industry built around modding and building strats from the ground up.

[@adammichaelchannel]

Thanks Darrell. I put a Gotoh bridge on my Squier Affinity Telecaster. It really increased the feel of the string attack reverberating in the body, and made it more exciting to play.

[@carlossanteliz5293]

Fun video to watch, thanks Darrel. For me it´s a no go with the blocks : ) Waiting for part 2 : )

[@limpeacock573]

I love these videos. I’ve used a Babicz bridge on my Les Paul for years. They are fantastic and give you maximum flexibility. Don’t care for the block inlays. Thank you!

[@arrondaniels358]

Really enjoy the channel, brother. Keep up the great work and have a blessed Christmas,.

[@Desh_Saxena]

Been watching this channel for years, love these guitar builds!

[@padawTV]

Nice update, I have seen Barbicz trem systems when I have updated "the mechanic parts" of my Strat player last year. Finally I have just swap stocks saddles by new massive saddles as we can find on player plus or strat with fixed bridge. I also upgrade my tuners by fender locking tuners. These updates are easy to made and cheaper than the price difference between Player and Player Plus Strat.

[@snapfinger1]

Man please. You are giving your fans the business. After 14 minutes of gettin’ ‘er done.

[@andrewbecker3700]

The block inlay neck is a worthy upgrade. But you need to get rid of all the other white plastic then too. Maybe black pickups and control knobs would work with the white pickgaurd?

[@davidwood351]

I had a Squier parts thing and upgraded everything, turned out very nice. I really liked the Dakota Red color with the RT rosewood neck.

[@dreibel]

No on the blocks. Thumbs up on the Gotoh locking vintage tuners. I installed the Gotoh-branded ones on my Squier Simon Neil Strat, and that made a huge difference in keeping it in tune. Another option would be to just replace the block and saddles on the stock bridge - again with the Simon, I used one of GFS' import-compatible brass blocks (also bought a new arm, which is beefier) and solid steel block saddles. The way the tone improved was pretty remarkable, the notes just projected better. When I recorded something with it a while later, people were asking what brand of pickups I was using - it was the stock ones of course. The upgrade made that much of a difference. Be interesting to see what you use for pickups - I'd suggest DiMarzio Area 58s to have it sound like a 50s Strat without the hum myself.

[@ap530ii]

Dimarzio Areas are great

[@andrewthompson14]

I'd vote no block inlays. Dots look better.

[@MegaHawg]

Starting with a Classic Vibe, the best you can get for the money, is a great choice! I like block inlays...not so much stickers. Seems kind of trenagery to me, but I'm an old guy, so what do I know! Your guitar, your channel, your choice. I would like to hear tones before and after as well as compare to higher dollar models.

[@jezmez68]

I've often thought of upgrading my Squier Telecaster turners with regular 18:1 Fender tuners. I guess locking tuners are cool, but I'm weird and enjoy the process of stringing the old school tuners. Can't wait for part two. I love upgrading the electronics on these, but am holding out for the Nocaster pickups for my Tele.

[@mnobrega]

Awesome video and I am thinking about doing the same upgrade with my MIJ strat. Looking forward to the next video and no blocks please. This maple neck looks great as is. Cheers!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

my go to 6 point trem is the Wilkinson WVC, it keeps the vintage aesthetic but is super high quality and has a pop in trem arm. I have a few of them on different guitars in very different setups and I have no issues :)

[@brianpaauwe3641]

SUPER excited for this upgrade, as I have a CV 60’s strat! Can’t wait for part 2! Super intrigued on the electronics you choose. Recently found your channel and love your videos!

[@312diag]

when reinstalling screws into relatively soft material, such as wood or plastic, always turn the screw backwards until the screw falls into the thread, then tighten.

[@williammiller728]

Glad you got to it before me. I've seen people jam screws into everything that already has a thread cut with a screw gun then end up with disastrous results. I start em by hand and tighten by hand and never had trouble.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I love these build videos.

[@gmel1084]

My squier became my number 1 even still to this day with the following upgrades: warmoth neck, locking tuners, callaham bridge, anodized pickguard, upgraded pickups of choice, Treble bleed

[@VintageRadius]

That’s almost a completely new guitar. I do love my Warmoth tele neck. They make great stuff

[@ruminantmelanoid5444]

No on the block inlays. The stock neck is more understated, classier.

[@Stratsrule]

I have the classic vibe 60s strat. Modded the heck outta it. Love it

[@picksalot1]

I would suggest a neck with a reverse Headstock. Also, get a 2nd Pickguard you can load up with your favorite Pickups, Pots, and Caps. Use a single "Quick Connect" at the the Jack, and you'll be able to swap out all the entire Pickguard in a few minutes, preserving it entirely. Then pop in the new loaded Pickguard and connect it without any soldering necessary. The advantages are well worth it.

[@bkhawaii]

Love this upgrade! I just upgraded a $20 Goodwill Squier with a Bladerunner trem, Fender Strat locking tuners, Texas Special Pups, leveled, crowned and polished the frets. I can replace all hardware with the original if I ever want to get rid of it (which I won't) and it sounds and plays great! Wish i knew about the Fender Vintage-Style Locking tuners. ((;

[@johnyamahakeyboard7472]

fantastic as always!

[@uniqueangel]

You could add a spring in the hold where the whammy goes into

[@JimiJackActual]

THE BLOCK INLAYS ARE AWESOME!!

[@nikkoberserker]

Hi Darrell ! I have the same exact guitar , i customise it with vintage locking tuners (with wheels to lock) and change the pickguard to a white one with a 50's sexy pinup .and i change only the bridge pickup for a Super Distortion S from Dimarzio (the single format rails humbucker) , and i suppress the 2 tones to have only 1 volume pot . I place the volume pot on the middle position , and i close the 2 hole with a flat Hex Screw . And Like my other guitars i put straplocks ! For the tele neck with black block inlays , i love it but i prefer the original one , this block inlay neck for me suits very well with a jaguar or jazzmaster guitar ! Thanks for video ,take care.

[@DarylT64]

👎🏻 That's a Big NO on the blocks for me. I'm not a fan of block inlays besides you want to keep it looking vintage. Great video. I'm really enjoying it.🎸👍🏻

[@pyratoothNL]

Always cool to watch how upgrades go and great to see that drop-in parts really are what they say they are! I suppose if it's a sleeper build then the original neck without block inlays would be a better look. Funny, I'm looking at a replacement neck for a Tele and the block inlays are piquing my interest too.

[@joshuapaaske3043]

The gotoh tuners aren't actually designed to be tightened by hand. You stick the string through, then start winding the peg and they automatically lock for you. The little coin/screwdriver slot is to loosen them to pull the string out

[@bomret]

Absolute YAY on the Block inlays 😍

[@joermnyc]

No to the inlay stickers. The tremolo itself is also modular so you could have replaced just the saddles and trem block. There are Highwood Contoured saddles that look vintage, but they loop in such a way that the height adjustment screws are not sticking out. Makes palm muting more comfortable.

[@tmartin6717]

The best upgrade for any Fender is a set of Kinman pickups. Sure they are truly hum free, but the best part is the tone.

[@ddweidner]

Hey Darrell, thanks for the video - looking forward to part two! And for my part, I’d have to vote no on the blocks, unless maybe they’re in white. Keep the great videos comin’!

[@ianmartens5286]

Great video brother! I would stick with the original style fretboard dot inlays if it were my guitar. Excited for the next one

[@kennyb214]

I just did the same thing on my classic vibe regarding pickups and electronics. I actually bought a loaded pick guard from the Stratosphere. It was a takeoff from an American Performer strat. Yosemite pickups (SSS) ,CTS pots, a Push/Pull to activate the “neck on” (Gilmour) mod, and a greasebucket circuit. My guitar is absolutely amazing sounding. I am paying attention to what you did with the bridge. I haven’t changed mine out yet but I did “deck” it to gain better tuning stability. Anyway, I’m taking notes! BTW, the loaded pickguard cost me $192 US d shipped

[@nateb.4959]

I don't like the black blocks, but if you could do like a moon inlay like prs that would be sick

[@jcows12]

The vintage tuners are fantastic in my experience

[@joemomma9177]

It's looks awesome with the black block inlays

[@mikedwiles]

I prefer the dots over the blocks on this build. The fiesta red is a special guitar. The blocks detract from the build.

[@red58impala]

Personally I think it should remain a sleeper. I had not heard of those tuners before. Nice!

[@lollofunky]

i really wanted one of these Classic Vibe 50 fiesta red! ! ! love this video !!

[@CRIMEONTHELACOBB]

Hey Darrell … The next time you show up in Los Angeles you need to contact me because I owe you lunch. I looked everywhere for a replaceable bridge, everybody insisted on buying a fender bridge but I knew in my mind that would make no sense to have a fender product fit a squire… and I could never find the fender vintage locking tuners on the Sweetwater catalog. But because of you I found my bridge on my schooners so yes I owe you lunch. Thank you so much you have no idea how much time & money you save me …

[@activese]

Hi Darrell, great mod, gorgeus looking guitar, when ever you can, if possible, try to upgrade the trem block with an affordable brass one, from the brand musically, just try it, I did it on a squier, 6 screws, and it is an outstanding sleeper improvement, there are 2 different screw spacing versions, check that. Cheers.

[@phobos7176]

It's the original inlays for me but I don't hate the block inlays! Feels like it would need the lacquer over the inlays to really make it work!

[@joachimdeissler3198]

The Strat neck looks much better! Greetings from Frankfurt germany!

[@77cleland]

No to the inlays. Fun video thanks!

[@kurvelo01]

Did something similar on a classic vibe 60s strat recently. Kluson deluxe tuners, Fender standard vintage trem and a pre loaded Fender vintage noiseless pickguard and a switchcraft jack. Turned out brilliant, beats recent player series strats easily. But those blocks need to go!

[@davidkadlec3518]

Just finished my Squire Affinity Mod. loaded Fender pick guard Wilkinson lockingTrem locking tuners tusq nut new neck.paint blue pearl all black accessories. Looks mean👍👍 Sounds great . Definitely worth the $ I threw at it

[@johnp1657]

Well Darrell, the other half was out shopping in charity shops with her mate, I'm in the garage working on my motorcycle and my phone goes, she says just seen this guitar in the shop window and sends me picture of said guitar. Now, some of my guitar ramblings must have rubbed off and she dives into a full shop and grabs the guitar whilst awaiting for me to pick up the phone. I did and looked at the photo she sent me and sees a Squier Strat, how much, £30, buy it and then she brings it back on the bus. (Apparently it had just been put in the window). I meet them at the local supermarket car park and see it for the first time. A 20th anniversary Squier Strat in very good condition. Gets its home and rips it apart. The neck is amazingly finished, the tuners are great, the pots are full size and slick, the bridge standard fair as with the pickups. So a fret level took 45 seconds and a fret polish another 20 minutes, not sure it needed it, a new shim and a tweek of the truss rod to dead straight and reset the the saddles, all good. Next to no marks on the 22year body, so switched to a 3 ply scratchplate an then lowered the pickups as per your instructions, instant Blackmore, graet belted birthday present and she's a keeper

[@1revwilly]

I'd vote to keep the original neck on that guitar, sleeper all the way! :-)

[@ubermac85]

I did the same kind of build on my Squier CV 70’s Jaguar. Upgraded everything but the neck and body. 1gig pots and cloth wiring. Custom 65 jag pickups. The luthier who did the work said he’s had Fender Custom Shop Jags that didn’t play or sound as nice. I didn’t have to pay the $2500 price tag either. It’s one of my favorite guitars. Oh and I added a mute to it as well.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Block inlays on a maple neck are like turning it from just beautiful to a Bond-Girl.

[@vijaydaniels6768]

Agree, no block inlays. Stay with the classic dots!

[@hijmestoffels5171]

I’ve replaced the tuning machines on my Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster with Gotoh stacked locking tuners. Easy fix, huge improvement.

[@blekfut5763]

13:21 - are you sure there is need to tighten it? I have Magnum Locks by Gotoh and I just pull the string through the hole and tune up, string is locked automatically.

[@paulprice-pu6mc]

I would put the stickered neck on the guitar it gives a wonderful upgraded custom look. I would also upgrade the pickups with a full FLEOR loaded pickguard too !!!!

[@therewasascene]

For the block inlays to work I think you’d have to go black pickups/knobs/ selector switch but I think that would work better on a black body

[@ianinindy1165]

I have that exact same Babicz bridge I put on a Fernandes Strat. It’s awesome.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Great to know! Glad you like it!

[@AnimalJohn85]

Thats a solid no on the block inlays, takes a good custom look and makes it look cheap. If your going for the sleeper vibe leave the dots. That bridge is very intresting, looks the nuts

[@daniellebarrett-j8t]

Nay on the blocks LOL. thank you for this video...just bought a 40th anniversary and will be getting both mods for sure

[@Philsteele54]

Great video Darrell, given me some ideas for my own Fiesta Red Squier strat but it's a no to the blocks for me.

[@BuckFlicks]

I will always say yes to a maple neck with black block inlays. Do you still have the old Antique Burst Squier Standard Strat you did years ago? That one inspired me to do my own mods.

[@lestermobley1551]

I'm currently upgrading my Squire Starcaster. I recently switched out the cheap stock ceramic humbuckers with Fralin hb to start off. Later I plan to go with Fender locking tuners, upgrade the selector switch, output jack and fit with full size CTS pots. It is my understanding insofar as the tuners, that the holes in the Starcaster head stock are smaller and need to be routed and made bigger so to accommodate stock Fender locking tuners. Darrell is that true ? Also if I continue on as plan, do you think I'm over modifying my Squire Starcaster? Your opinions would be very helpful if I decide to continue on with these modifications. Block inlays? Nope!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I actually like the look of the black block inlays on the vintage maple fretboard but it doesn't look right with the white plastics to me. If you change them to black then I'm in. Definitely can't say I've seen anyone do that on Fiesta Red but why not blaze your own trail. Cheers.

[@jeremywills9303]

Agreed. When I see a black block inlay maple fingerboard I think of a natural, 3 tone sunburst, or white body.

[@d3w4yn3]

I completely fail to believe that this is the real Darrell Braun and not some master impersonator! Why? Because this is the first video I've ever seen where we don't even get to hear you play the one minute solo!!! I've been robbed man, robbed I say!!! Staying tuned for part 2, and man oh man, we'd better get to hear you play!!!

[@Furtheronmusic]

One option on the bridge is the Wilkinson that has pop in bar with adjustment option and looks true vintage.

[@dougbennett7881]

It's a no vote from me on the block neck option. I realize it's a personal preference, just not mine. I would love to see a Tele build with a modern radiused fingerboard (9.5 to 12) with a '57 Classic humbucker in the neck. Someday I'm gonna build that one! Love the video. Can't wait for the next one.

[@larryjeffryes6168]

Hearts, spade, diamond and club inlays - lol. Really match the dots to the pick guard, it looks pulled together. If there was a truss rod cover you could match that too. Pick a good contrasting color for fiesta to make the matching show itself.

[@carpathus]

Just say no to blocks. Dots for the win. Cheers!

[@RichDix-y1h]

Can't wait for part 2!!!

[@quedecree]

It's a Nay on the block inlays - to me, they just don't suit the guitar. Question on those locking tuners - if you loosen them to put the string in, how can you then turn/tighten them without wrapping the string around the post? Or does the string go through a hole below the bit you turn?

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

No on the neck!

[@nataliebeach6148]

I've got a six screw Wilkinson trem with a pop in bar that looks completely stock. I can drive it like crazy and it stays in tune perfectly.

[@mikeolivier6794]

I have a 70's CV and purchased this trem. It dropped in right away and was easy to adjust string height and intonation - way easier than the stock Squier. It's not 100% compatible as the new claw is wider than the Squier claw and drilling another hole would have been difficult. The 6 screws are longer than the Squier screws. I wound up reusing the Squier claw and 6 screws. Overall, I'm glad I made the upgrade.

[@GCKelloch]

Babciz has the physics wrong about saddle energy transfer. Transferring more string energy to the bridge plate would reduce sustain through the plate resonance/s. The reason there's better sustain is because of the increased saddle mass. Technically, it would be better if the saddle only contacted the plate at 3 points. That would minimize energy transfer, but there won't be much loss through those thick saddles anyway. The guitar will mainly have stronger/hasher upper-mids, made more prominent with AlNiCo V poles. The thin Steel saddles absorb some upper-mids around the saddle resonance freq. It's really integral to the Strat sound, but you can use a GFS Alumium pickguard shield to reduce the harshness, and lower Guass pickups would be good. I would seriously consider one of the Wilde Noisefree S sets for ~$200. The NF series have the best hum-canceling design of any brand, but maybe for $315+ newest Zexcoil Tru-guage sets, which don't have any redundant wire, and may have more even response when bending strings. Both designs are highly efficient without any cancelation or high freq losses.

[@andybolanos6854]

Use this as a "prefer the tele neck". Screw it, it definitely has it's own look but it vibes with your love of modding guitars

[@hifibrony]

The big black blocks don't work on a maple-fretboard Strat. Cool build.

[@shalomshalom735]

great video Darrell !

[@jezmez68]

Hey Darrell - is there a part 2 coming?

[@mikestroud9969]

Good video as usual DB. I just bought a Michael Kelley Tele similar to the one in this video. Loving it. Man. 👍💯🎸🎸. No Block inlays 😢

[@SparkyGoldsmith]

1. Thank you for the Tuner info. Great option! I had yet to find an exact fit for Squires. Maybe mine were older Squires and still didn't line up because FOR CERTAIN I've looked at Gotoh in the past, the most obvious and metric option. 2. The Babicz bridge looks like a total waste of time. The blocks are nearly identical, they both look like similar cheap molded blocks (correct me if I'm wrong on that), it's still a threaded arm, it's still 6 screws and the Squier saddles aren't the problem. I don't get it. The only thing you may be getting there is a cleaner set of 6 holes in the bridge plate, maybe slightly harder base plate, and probably harder screws that will last longer. Just upgrade the screws and you're getting most of the benefit for really cheap and even that will be meaningless unless you use the vibrato quite a bit for a couple years. I think you'd get more mileage out of knowing the nut slots are properly sized and lubricated than anything to do with that bridge change. The nut is the problem like 90% of the time, even on American Strats. Even the cheapest (like $300 range) dual locking guitars have no tuning issues when setup correctly as long as there are no obvious flaws in the build (body issues, neck alignment) or components (bridge, studs and nut). The higher end versions are the same design, just better materials so they last longer. Sad but true. I set up my son's $300 Kramer Striker and it's been his main practice and stage guitar for at least 18 months now with no issues. Even I was shocked how good it was after the setup. I cringed when he bought it. I figured it would be long gone by now, but I was wrong. 3. Heck no on the block inlays.

[@msgt1953]

Pass on the dark inlay neck

[@GabrielCustomGuitars]

Great Video as always Darrell, definitely a nay for the black blocks, maybe abalone or pearl ones would look nice but stock is the best to keep the vintage look. AND the Babicz Bridge upgrade I really can‘t understand and would never recommend on my builds or upgrades for import guitars as the Babicz is also a China made cheap cast zinc block trem that kills the vintage look and feel. I would always go for the Gotoh 510 NS (narrow spacing) with a steel block and a pop in trem arm. 😊

[@ryansheldon6046]

Sleeper, all the way! :)