Squier Contemporary Series - Demo and Thoughts from the Team

he Squier® Contemporary Stratocaster® Special brings modern features and bold aesthetics to an iconic Fender platform to satisfy today’s most discerning and daring players. At the heart of this guitar is a set of Squier SQR™ alnico single-coil pickups positioned in a “special” configuration with the middle pickup near the bridge pickup for a unique variety of dynamically responsive settings. The roasted maple neck was chosen for its optimal tone and stability, and a sculpted heel design allows for improved access all the way to the 22nd fret. High-performance components round out the feature list and include a 2-point tremolo bridge for superior feel during bends, and a set of sealed-gear tuning machines with split shafts for smooth tuning action and easy restringing. Eye-catching styling cues include stealthy black hardware and a sleek painted headstock with chrome logos for a premium look.
The Squier® Contemporary Telecaster® RH brings modern features and bold aesthetics to an iconic Fender platform to satisfy today’s most discerning and daring players. At the heart of this guitar is a SQR™ rail humbucking bridge pickup and a Squier SQR™ Atomic™ humbucking neck pickup (RH = Rail humbucker, Humbucker), which offer a versatile range of massive genre-defying tones without hum. The roasted maple neck was chosen for its optimal tone and stability, and a sculpted heel design allows for improved access all the way to the 22nd fret. High-performance components round out the feature list and include a string-through-body hardtail bridge for ideal body resonance, and a set of sealed-gear tuning machines with split shafts for smooth tuning action and easy restringing. Eye-catching styling cues include stealthy black hardware and a sleek matching painted headstock with chrome logos for a premium look.

[@Darm0k]

The best local music store in my town carries lots of squiers. They've been really killing it with the finish options. Finishes that are hard to find outside of the high end American models, like natural strats, and teles with binding.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

The Squier contemporary guitars are professional quality the craftsmanship is superb excellent for live playing and recording

[@flatstheflounder9874]

The Squier contemporary Stratocasters are professionally quality no doubt about that the craftsmanship is remarkable

[@beefnacos6258]

I disagree. They are pretty low end. Professional quality? Lol, no.

[@flatstheflounder9874]

@@beefnacos6258 you're opinion opinions hold no water to truth I took one of these apart I know what I saw today guitar crafting Technology is all over the world everyone has it

[@flatstheflounder9874]

exactly the days of your guitar needs to be made in the USA for professional quality are long gone the quality professional quality craftsmanship is all over the World

[@YOSTINATOR]

The Squier Classic Vibe & Contemporary guitars are absolutely legit. I love them as much as my USA Fenders.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

@@YOSTINATOR I have a Squier Classic Vibe 60 Custom with Rosewood fretboard, 3 color vintage sunburst and double bound body. It plays great and sounds great too.

[@RossTheBossTrotter]

Picked up a contemporary telecaster last week, can't put it down! Squire nailed it with these!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Break all the rules; a video featuring a mini-gig with everyone in Jorts playing inexpensive gear.

[@matthewbergvall2217]

You did leave out some of the interesting features with the contemporary jaguar with the coil-split and series/parallel switching. Really like the roasted maple and different configurations. Thanks for doing a video on these guitars.

[@michaeleaster1815]

Squier is just killing it on bang-for-buck... (though Fender MIM is fabulous too). We are in a golden age!

[@lewisbeeman]

That is the truth!

[@alkoenig85]

I love the Schecter Fender style guitars, they too are killing it. That said, I love my new Ultra best of all among my electrics.

[@alkoenig85]

Oh yeah, definitely a golden age.

[@ronniefnd]

@@alkoenig85 I agree. I have a Schecter Nick Johnston (strat) and it is incredible.

[@lewisbeeman]

@@alkoenig85 I bought the Nick Johnston signature S type guitar from Schecter. It is my first Schecter and it is amazing. It is all of the guitar that an American Fender is but not nearly as much. Oh, and I was never a Schecter fan prior to it. Anyways, I am a huge Fender fan, but there are definitely others that are equally awesome.

[@carpathus]

Have one of the gunmetal metallic telecasters within arms reach right now. The features are incredible. First time seeing split post sealed tuners on any guitar, they are my new favorite tuners. The roasted maple neck/fingerboard is a thing of beauty. These even have the same sculpted neck joint found on some Fenders. The Fender logo on a headstock carries weight for sure but I think this guitar somewhat blurs the line between high end Squiers and low end Fenders with the main differences being the names on the headstocks and prices.

[@michaeljay9019]

I have the gold Tele. I love it! The roasted neck is sweet and the frets are done very nicely. Great guitar for that edge of breakup thing. Loving it!❤️🔥❤️

[@nikclash]

Love the guitars and love your guys’ videos! :)

[@janichmondieu6505]

Great video. Squires have always been my favorite affordable guitars, after some TLC, even my bullets are solid. I'll be repeating this video because I have to learn that riff. I REALLY LIKE IT.

[@toddman26]

LOL!!! You guys are hilarious...BAM!!! I look forward to watching your videos on my lunch break!!! Keep up the good work!

[@midlowhigh]

Just my luck I was looking into buying a roasted maple neck for my tele. Almost Cost as much as just buying one of these and the gun metal finish is beautiful! This was definitely made for me. Just ordered mine from Sweetwater. Back ordered until the end of July but I can’t wait to get it.

[@277southtombob]

My first good guitar was a 80’s Squier Tele from the Fender Japan factory and it was a great guitar. I’ve actually played it enough to wear the finish off parts of the neck and fingerboard which isn’t easy with a poly finish. I was glad to see Fender up the quality of Squier again starting with the Classic Vibe series. Most Squiers have been decent but the first MIJ were great and a way for young players to afford a good instrument.

[@DanAddison]

I’ve had one of the Teles in shoreline gold for a few months now. The bad news: it needed a fret levelling due to several high frets. The good news: literally everything else. It is outstanding.

[@philipprauh1596]

i also have this model but mine was perfect! got it set up by the store i bought it in and they said there was not much to do with it!

[@diegoleiva7242]

Yup. Bought mine in Gunmetal Green last week and some of the higher frets are a bit whack. It is however a ton of guitar for not a lot of money. I'm loving it as an alternative to my Les Paul. This guitar sounds hotter, is lighter and looks more modern while not being a pointy RG or something. What's not to like?

[@BoyitoEnnui]

The ball cap is awesome!!

[@IAM_Reedy]

Wow.. that opening roll… 😂 I did not expect to ever see jorts again in my lifetime. Thanks, I think. Squire’s are pretty cool, great deal and unique sound. I personally loved what the Tele was throwin’ at us. Bridge on the Strat.. barely cracked wah? 🤔

[@natashanyxx9486]

Come for the jorts, and quite frankly, *stay* for the jorts! I dig what Squier is doing with the new line.

[@phillippitts6294]

Squire has been killing it !

[@jackdavidson7853]

Picked one up on black ( a black one with cool aluminum pick guard) Friday sale for $199 what a steal deal! How could I resist! Really great quality and the neck suprisingly fabulous. Also awesome video thank you and love your style and comedy❤

[@AndyDion]

Jorts and big gulps!! Those new Squires are rad

[@jesselawson224]

I bought one of the white Teles and it’s been the guitar I have been playing the most. did put locking tuners on and changed the pickups, just because they were a little to hot, but going to pick a humbucker single coil in the bridge again.

[@wrobinson1702]

Interesting. I understood the "Thwacky" comment about the sound when I heard Baxter playing the demo. FWIW-I've always liked Squiers. I've got a 2004 Telecaster Squier that is terrific, for multiple reasons: 1) It's indestructible. Nothing on it has ever malfunctioned, and the only maintenance it's had is changing strings. And that's despite being played on the road for 5 years or so, with all the bumps and drops that go along with that. 2) the sounds-as Baxter mentioned, the Telecaster may have the overall best and (I think) most "desirable" (I thought about saying versatile) sound among the Squiers-particularly if you're playing in a Blues-Rock cover band, for which I used it extensively. 3) It's just fun and easy to play. Not too heavy, not too light. 4) I only paid $349 for it brand new. It's perhaps the best "value" guitar I've ever bought. It have made up it's purchase price many times over. How many guitars can you say that about?

[@ricbrunner3880]

Finally I get to see you play. You do have some skills. Squires yeah I was there when they first arrived. Plywood guitars back then. If I’m going to spend custom shop I want nothing traditional. I just love the fact that I watch you guys and get such kick out of how opposite we are Lol.

[@semperfidelis2150]

I hope they bring back the Squier '51. That was a great guitar.

[@lockedowng]

Or the mij fender version

[@simontemplar3359]

I so regret selling mine. Fender will make those dopey acoustasonics forever but no squier 51. The struggle is real!

[@thesmellycatjazz]

It was absolutely hideous

[@gregolson5089]

@@lockedowng I happen to have one.... and its for sale.....

[@MMcG25]

@@gregolson5089 details? How much?

[@ThatBrendonGuy]

I love me some Squier guitars with the big headstocks, I'm also wearing jorts and a black shirt right now. Did you make this video just for me?

[@Shiloh7377]

Baxter that was a bad ass jam ....loved it...

[@introxgrunt]

i’m really excited they’re doing roasted maple necks

[@TheFeelButton]

Bringing sexy back! Cheers Baxter and Jonathan!!

[@TheCat-777]

Bought the Jaguar Contemporary and just love it.

[@tball5677]

I have 3 Squires. Fantastic guitars.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

The flames on that Squier neck. It's not fair

[@underdog8797]

These contemporary Squiers are incredible hard to believe they're only $450....excellent guitar Craftsmanship is now on all 4 corners of the World professional quality is now everywhere has been for awhile

[@beefnacos6258]

Not really. It's just 80% of the guitar market is literally robbing everybody.

[@kantina4765]

@Micah Whitten no he's absolutely correct. It's a bit of wood with some metal screwed into it. The majority of companies are ripping us off.

[@autistichead8137]

None of them are my sonic style but Fender continues to put instruments in young guitarists hands while the other big boy continues not to.

[@icantplayguitarandnowyouca3198]

The Tele and Strat seem to be a response to Ibanez's new "tele" style AZS guitars that Lari B and Josh S are playing and their very-strat like AZ Prestige line.

[@ScottDreyfus]

I bought the gunmetal, can't wait to get into it.

[@wernerheisenberg1326]

Great video..! I am very indecisive ... Which of these would you choose as your first electric guitar? What would be the most versatile? I like the Strato Contemporary Special and the Strato Contemporary HH FR (You didn't show it).

[@adamsolton]

"It's got that hawh hawh" hahaha! You guys are awesome!

[@hughjass5156]

Wait, youre telling me people dont like the "thwacky" aspect of strat sounds? I thought that was like the whole reason people bought strats was to get that sound.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Lol I’m developing an appreciation for the 2/4 pup positions, in a clean fender amp, with a compression pedal. When I want a strat I want it to sound like Hendrix: neck pup with some overdrive into a Marshall, or full out bridge with distortion. I don’t like the SRV sound That said, I’m starting to enjoy clean fender sounds, but I want a tele for that

[@MatthewBaron]

I thought that Strats sound quacky, not thwacky.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

The only time I use “Thwacky” is at Chipotle. I always ask for two thwacks of sour cream

[@mma1st105]

@@allisonholmesmusic97 I was under the impression that was a dallup.

[@kitano0]

@@mma1st105 I thought it was dollop...

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

HAHAHAH!!! I GOT ONE!! North of my home here in Florida... PAWNTS-DUH-LEE-AWN, FL (Ponse De Leon) AWESOME! Ver sails.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

I liked the telecaster the best it was the most evenly balanced volume changing between the switched pickup positions. I liked the tone of the pickups better too.

[@johngonzalez7967]

Those Jorts, never again.

[@russellzauner]

okay so what are cut off jeggings called then and why does autocorrect already know what jeggings are

[@bigwavedave8492]

The telecaster does sound pretty good

[@93greenstrat]

I appreciate the new line, but I also miss the outgoing Contemporary Stratocaster HSS. The matching headstocks were cool.

[@nizodizo9549]

I Have a Squire Contemporary Strat that was made in 2020 at a China factory. It is HSS model and has a 20" radius neck plus a matching painted headstock.

[@NateTheMeh]

I love Jorts. I make a few pairs with last years jeans every summer. SKY’s OUT THIGHS OUT

[@edwardsmith9801]

They sound cool.

[@klauswigsmith]

I've always been a Gibson/Epiphone guy, but I just saw one of those Contemporary Teles in Pearl White at my local music shop and I made the mistake of playing it for about 10-15 minutes. Now it's all I can think about.

[@fistovuzi]

i used to be a Gibson/Epi guy too. but i played a Gretsch Electromatic Jet recently for the first time and i have converted completely. around when you made this comment i saw the green contemporary tele at my local and played it. had to get it. reminded me of the old Charvels from the 80s. the *thick* poly finish is annoying but on a "white tux" tele you kind of want it. it'd take 30 years of *hard* play to wear down to the white. normally i like a bit of real "relicing" on a guitar, but not a white tux tele. hope you got it. i have since discovered that Charvel-Jackson are still a thing. owned by Fender, the Charvels made in the Fender Mexico workshop. "hot-rodded", belly-cut Tele has always been my preferred 25.5 inch guitar and now i play a couple of Charvels with this Tele as back-up. i prefer the 24.75 inch scale however and Gretsch's 24.6 seems perfect. in that scale i now play 2 Jets (one with Broadtron Blacktops, one p90s), a G5655T (semi-hollow body scaled down to Jet/Les Paul size) with the same Broadtrons soon to be Filtertron Blacktops, and the Streamliner (entry-level Gretch, Electromatic is mid-tier) Jet that is basically the Jet version of a Les Paul Special or Junior with a humbucker in the bridge position and a p90 in the neck. it's the only Gretsch with a bolt-on neck, a *completely* solid body, and curiously, 24.75 inch scale. half the price of the Jets, third of the 5655. got it as a back-up, discovered it has it's own thing going on, like the LP Special and Junior, and the PAF/p90 config makes it a rock/metal machine that can go p90 neck pup clean tone instantly. metallic mint with tone and vol knobs look like they're off a 1950's television, hand's down my *ugliest* guitar and i love it dearly. so much so, and it's so cheap, i'm *seriously* considering getting another in shell pink and the reason i hesitate is it also comes in a rather handsome barrel burst color that is only spoiled by the cream p90 and humbucker ring, installing black replacements would give it a very respectable 50's look to go with the ugly 50's of the mint/pink.

[@KC-yi1td]

I got the gunmetal Tele a few weeks ago. Really good guitar for the money

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I picked up one of the contemporary strats in the pearl white finish. My Bandmate pointed out, if totally gives him Jake E Lee vibes. One thing that really blew me away though, is the neck that I got is also flamed! Look is amazing playability is great, and the series single coils working as a pseudo-humbucker really has a great sound.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

And I just got to the part where you mention stainless steel frets, if these guitars had that at this price point, then Harley Benton would be in the ground. Lol. Once I wear the frets down on this guitar enough, I do plan on swapping out to stainless steel frets as I really don’t have to worry about it again.

[@ElJafaz]

I definitely thought the Tele sounded the best

[@yadakc]

I might have to pick up one of those Teles when I come down! Have you heard of Tom Rodriguez guitars? I've known Tom for 40 years, and I had him build a late 60's spec Strat type guitar. The specs will blow your mind, for instance, the nut is made from fossilized Mastodon Ivory! I'll bring it with me and let Baxter drool over it. Have a great day guys. Peace, Keith in RVA

[@Wargasm644]

I picked up a Squier Contemporary strat with actives and a Floyd for 187.50 brand new in the box. Gave it to my son. Although he spends most of his time playing his Les Paul, he’s really digging the Squier. We’ve since upgraded the pickups to EMG’s (the stock ones are perfectly fine) and swapped the Floyd for a nicer 1000 model simply because I had them laying around. It’s a killer guitar and the neck is fantastic. I initially bought it to resell because I got it for dirt. But my son has a way of falling in love with my “profit” guitars. 😩 Great little rig for the money.

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

Woah where’d you get it for that cheap ?

[@Wargasm644]

@@MrDream-zm1pw I bid on it on eBay. Dude didn’t have a reserve. I wasn’t expecting to win the auction. I just put in a 200$ bid and didn’t pay attention to it. Got an email saying I won it for 187.50. Brand new in the box from a dealer. Just got lucky I guess.

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

@@Wargasm644 sweet man, nice Score!!!

[@MrPhins]

I was so hoping these would have a matching headstock but the painted is still nice.

[@XlouietheflyX]

The Telecasters have matching ones, the others don't

[@Dian2Gig]

I realize this is a year later but I prefer short scale guitars. I just purchased the Squier Contemporary Jaguar in that blue burst. Should be arriving next week.

[@johne.1011]

So...I'm really behind in adding a comment cause it took a minutes to mod my Gunmetal Contem Tele by changing the tuners, the string tree, nut and saddles to Graphtech products. In other words I increased the tone and playablity by spending just a few dollars (in my option). I really love the neck and the feel of this guitar and it sounds great through my '67 Twin Reverb. Highly recommend this take of a classic guitar...the hotter pickups are a great addition.

[@randallmassey1696]

"Ladys and Germs" - I remember Danny Bonaduce using that one on the Partridge Family back in the 60's!

[@bradcollins7736]

Nice jam Nice jorts Nice legs Nice guitars

[@michaelderosier5077]

thanks for showing us strong men wear jorts too. great demo

[@VAmystic]

Got my gunmetal Contemporary Tele this week. Unbelievable at under $400

[@wilaustu]

thumbs up for the jorts day graphic

[@michael.davides]

That white Tele looks like it could be a Dave Navarro signature. Definitely fits his vibe.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I tore a hole in a pair of jeans I was wearing yesterday. Maybe it’s time to turn them into jorts. Like Baxter I don’t own a pair of shorts. On a side note that red Strat looks awesome

[@pierheadjump]

Thanks Casino. My Squier…. 2007 Affinity Strat… $100 - Portland, Oregon used STUFF…. skil saws next to guitars kinda place… Setup by San Francisco Guitar Works. I’m 66 yo & will never need another guitar 😎

[@thseed7]

Hearts & Minds 🤘🎸

[@tracyblair3064]

And they fixed the control layout on the Teles!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Jorts and squires I like those teles!

[@trevinbracken2889]

Would probably be buying a HT Strat if I didn't just get a vintera 50s stratocaster modified. So I'm getting the Contemporary Jaguar HH St in Shoreline Gold!. Shipping June 30th. Finally!

[@glenkepic3208]

I'll drink to this ;) First guitar,,,,my Peavey Predator reimagined. Mine, '95 Crafted in USA, $235 with gb and stuff. Still here. Maybe last to go. This Sq, first i've seen with two slanted sc's at the bridge. Turbo circuit rules but this might be nice, even w/0 the mid pup.

[@michaelrosa2589]

Squires are actully really good guitars. I have three A Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar fantastic guitar made in indonisia a J.Mascis Jazzmaster try one I think you will love it, I do and a black guard Affenity Tele what a fine guitar for the money. Squire is not the biggest brand sold in the world for nothing. I really think the quallity will suprise you. I have higher end guitars like my Les Paul.but I play my Mascis Jazzmaster the most. Thanks boys for another informative and fun video!

[@jeffwyatt7199]

Question..... How was the set up out of the box? Did you guys have to tweek them?

[@homegrownson]

Squire is really done amazing things to come from status as Fenders Step Child to a Real Contender for Market Share, Fender Issue is 10,000 models of every line from every country, They need to Limit selection some and focus more on Quality then how many different options you can offer. Leave that for Custom Shop

[@surinderpunia2804]

Just pulled the trigger on a Strat!

[@TamingTheSprue]

I want that gunmetal telecaster ..minus the painted headstock and with a pick guard..🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johnschutt9088]

The Contemporary Jaguar HH is Reverend quality. I bought one just for how good it looked. Not to mention features you only find in guitars closer to the thousand dollar range.

[@christophervincent8420]

Yeah, they look killer.

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

So I need that JM, the Tele in Gun Metal Gray, and one of the Strats, I'm thinkin' the Red one. I wish the Strats had the smaller headstock, but whatever, I'll get used to it.

[@TRIGG262]

I would love to hear that tele on a high gain channel!

[@brianm9282]

I'm just putting my 1983 MIJ 3-Bolt Squier back together after 30 years!

[@billybat5790]

i rarely buy guitars but i bought the blue special strat because of that reasoning that they might not make them anymore lol i doubt it but the specs are out of this world for the price

[@djt6546]

TwoRock amps in the house! Wahey! 🎉 Do we get a video on the topic soon? Cheers for all the fun and frolics 🤟

[@jasonaustin3270]

A hardtail strat from squier hells yeah

[@HSet77]

Nice rug!

[@johnpearson4899]

About 2 weeks ago I got the contemporary "Special HT" Stratocaster in pearl white. The one with the 2 slanted single coils at the bridge. It lists for $429. I got it for $407 including tax and shipping so, not too bad. I wasn't thrilled about the idea of the pickup configuration but wanted a hardtail strat with the output jack on the edge. You know. Where it should be. There are just not enough hardtail strat options with the jack in the correct place in the world. At least not affordable ones. I got it about two weeks ago. It is fairly well made, I guess. It's a decent guitar for the price but, I'm not too crazy about the action. I was in hoping that, with the hardtail bridge I would be able to have the action a little lower than the typical strat but, no. The fret work is pretty good but nothing to get too excited about. As far as tone goes, you can get fairly close to the standard strat "thwack" or "quack" with the right amp and settings if need be. Not exact but, close enough for most stuff so, having the ability to get workable classic tones and other tones all in one $400 guitar is pretty nice and very useful. Although, in the near future I will most likely swap the pickups out for a regular HSS setup with a '59 humbucker, or something very similar at the bridge.

[@CarlyonProduction]

I just wish they offered that one with the maple fretboard. I think it is a really cool guitar but I am not mad about the dark brown fretboard with black hardware etc. I really like the look of the pink Floyd version....burt I have never had a Floyd before and worry I will hate it!!

[@shroompicn-shrooman]

Just bought the contemporary hardtail Stratocaster.. been looking for a hardtail above the bullet strat ... and I found it ... I thought I'd change the pick gaurd to an SSS alneco5 or something but nope ... leaving it as is ✌🍄👍

[@mars6433]

@6:23 That headstock looks MASSIVE !! #JORTS

[@brucebondsjr6766]

the teles are killer

[@bluwng]

Do you guys inspect all of these guitars prior to shipping to a customer?

[@OrigenisAdamantios]

New Yawker goes Cackalackyian!! 🥸🎸

[@CarlyonProduction]

Wish they had the single coil hardtail version in the pink colour scheme! Dammit!

[@FullTekAuto]

My favorite Squier and the only one I would buy is the Squier '51. They need to bring it back. They only thing similar to it now is the Kramer Baretta special around the same price

[@lewisbeeman]

I am wearing jorts next time I come in the store. They will be cut short enough that you can see the front pockets.

[@mikedwiles]

In Missouri, it's 'Ver-Sales'. Here in Alabama, the next street over is pronounced the same. We're in the south, not Europe. Yes, we had French in high school. We know how the French say it. We're just not into that. Another one that will tell if you know is Lancaster. In California, it's Lan-caster. In Pennsylvania, it's Lank-a-ster. Don't say it wrong or you look ignorant.

[@autistichead8137]

Baxter : totally Garcia inspired with the torn shorts

[@chipoverbaugh5919]

Anyone had any experience with a Squire Jim Root Tele as it seems most similar to this line?

[@JesseLeeKing]

I like the pink one

[@tlister67]

In Maine “Calais” on the Canadian border is pronounced “Calis”. I can only imagine what the Canadians think.

[@russellzauner]

oddly enough I just watched a video where it shows Prince's last bass (IIRC) and it has the same pickup configuration (but lipsticks)

[@shanewalton8888]

Stainless steel frets don't really cost that much more than nickel. It is just a pain in the arse to cut and shape stainless steel.

[@nickmartinez8217]

As much as I love Podcasts you can’t have jorts day on a pure audio media.