Fender vs Squier: Did this just Happen? 😳

This is a comparison between the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster and my Fender American Original 50s Telecaster. Is there a huge difference between the Squier and Fender telecaster? Does the price of the Fender match the increase in tone and performance over the Squier Telecaster?
Check the Guitars out online:
🛒 Squier on Sweetwater - imp.i114863.ne...
🛒 Squier on Thomann - bit.ly/3oZ23FE
🛒 Fender - imp.i114863.ne...
🛒 Fender on Thomann - bit.ly/2Kdgwdm
🛒 Squier on Guitar Center - guitar-center....
🛒 Fender on Guitar Center - guitar-center....
🛒 Sky Music - bit.ly/3SuJD0k
(Affiliate links)
This video is not sponsored but a huge thanks to Sky Music for letting me borrow the Squier.
0:00 - About the Test
0:50 - Jam Track
4:24 - Squier (made in Indonesia vs China) & Disclaimer
4:52 - Isolated Clean Tones
5:30 - Isolated Lead Tones
6:43 - Tone and Playability Results
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Please note: I do not take a cash payment from guitar companies, nor have I been paid by Sky Music or Squier to produce this video. If you want to help support the channel, please use the affiliate links to Sweetwater or Thomann. Many thanks!
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►Patreon: / intheblues
►My Socials - linktr.ee/inth...
►My Sweetwater Gear Page - imp.i114863.ne...
►intheblues Merch - bit.ly/2KLR5CV
(Links to Sweetwater, Thomann, Amazon, B&H, Artist Guitars, and Walmart are affiliate links.
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#Fender #Squier #intheblues

[@Beclouder]

Love the different format and isolated parts, plus the new camera look/view...gives the comparisons a more natural feel..

[@intheblues]

Thank you! :) Hope you are well.

[@MrPompanoman]

These guitars are both excellent and sound so close there is not 1000 dollar difference both instruments are great I had my squire set up made it way better

[@roaddog7542]

If guitars didn't have headstock labels Squiers and Epiphones would kill off their pricer alternatives.

[@chrismikan2631]

True

[@sunnohh]

Sure but marketing causes the current system, and I doubt you want to seriously do anything about capitalism so it is what it is.

[@baz6128]

@Ki ̇No Perhaps they want to be judged by content and not the avatar ;)

[@SocialAutism]

The only counter I can offer is the Gibson pickups are slightly more balanced in isolation, but I think the Epiphone is better at cutting through a mix. The moment the pickups are indistinguishable is the moment "Gibson" dies.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

@@SocialAutism When I see pros using Epiphone instead of Gibson I'll believe that, but it's never going to happen.

[@jeffroq]

I remember buying my Classic Vibe. I spent ages playing it in the shop to the point where I had to get a tap on the shoulder from the assistant. I was only in there passing the time while my wife was shopping. Her face when we met up later and I'm carrying a new guitar 🤣. Not sure if it's common but mine had proper reverse taper lefty pots. Couldn't believe it on a budget guitar. It is heavy though and didn't stop me buying an American Original series, in fact it probably influenced me to buy the American one. Top video Shane. 🤘

[@RebSike]

My CV 50's doesn't have the proper reverse taper. I was wondering if that was the case on all of them. I guess not. Is your CV Chinese made or Indonesian made? mines Indo. Shane didn't mention anything about it, so I assume that his did have the proper pots.

[@DMSProduktions]

* whip crack *

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I once went to the store to buy milk and came home with a tv, so I can completely understand your wife’s feelings

[@DMSProduktions]

@@allisonholmesmusic97 LOL! Milk & a TV are a BIG leap!

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

@@DMSProduktions that’s where Costco gets you, those impulse purchases

[@hkguitar1984]

As a hobby I've been playing guitar since 1974. I've a vintage Les Paul Custom, a CS Stratocaster and a 1966 RI JMB Jazzmaster. Through all those years I never considered a Telecaster as they just didn't interest me. 2 years ago a close friend recommend I try a '50s Classic Vibe Squier Telecaster. Without playing one I purchased a used example online, beautiful pine butterscotch body with a crazy flamed 1-Piece maple neck. Since it arrived I've played that Squier 99% of the time with my other guitars left in their cases. Such a great guitar for the price and I still get a big smile every time I play the Squier.

[@dragan4658]

Very similar guitars, the Squier is definately the way to go when it comes to price, and I prefer the colour of the fretboard and headstock on the Squier but the fender logo looks so good on the American! Thanks for sharing Shane, cheers!

[@landonbailey]

WAyne's World extreme closeups! Cool Teles!

[@DMSProduktions]

EXCELLENNNTT!

[@duanemcknight3895]

To me just like the Gibson off shoot's Gibson does take time with there instruments both with playability and electronically for sound. If I were to get a Squire I'd change the electric's right away for my taste.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@duanemcknight3895 Squier.

[@DMSProduktions]

@Spalien Acecraft AWK!

[@Slushpuppie55]

I Grabbed a 50's Classis Vibe Tele a year or so ago. It's made in China.. but honestly I cannot fault the build quality of this instrument. I agree that the Fender original in this comparison did sound a tad fuller/thicker but as I am only learning, I'm pretty happy with mine. Thanks for your efforts once again Shane. Luv your work!

[@TheAndybow1964]

I could genuinely hear no difference. I recently got a chance to directly compare my 50s classic vibe strat with iron gear single coils to a 50s custom shop relic. The custom shop definitely felt better but sound wise a bit different but couldn't say better or worse. Certainly the difference between the two was nothing I'd pay 3 grand for. That rule of diminishing returns is so true.

[@teleguy5699]

Tough to hear difference depending on computer speakers.

[@TheAndybow1964]

@@teleguy5699 Yes maybe if your there in the room it would be more noticeable. But as I said certainly the difference between my 50s classic vibe and the custom shop one was far far less than I expected. It's possible I suppose that some people have very pronounced aural skills and can hear some subtle harmonics or tonal variations that I can't. Honestly not sure. Pretty sure an audience at I live gig however would notice nothing

[@teleguy5699]

@@TheAndybow1964 You are correct and just changing pickups can bring them closer. The difference between Squier and Fender are not that wide. I have both. I just love my Mod Shop Fender neck more (it's from The Elite). The the only thing I want to correct you on is, The Am Original is not custom, but it is a top end guitar. You can buy them off the shelf. Custom, you work with the Luthier directly.

[@TheAndybow1964]

@@teleguy5699 Your completely right . I stand corrected.

[@gsauce132able]

@@TheAndybow1964 Exactly how I feel about Dumble amps.

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

I also own a new Indonesian made Classic Vibe 50s and I can attest that it's definitely NOT a heavy guitar I guess Squier fixed the weight problem with this production line.. Most comments on the video I uploaded about the guitar were in regards to the weight. Glad to see them listening to their customers.

[@stephenbarnes8460]

I've got both the Classic Vibe 50s strat and the 70s tele and I love them both. Straight from the factory and everything perfect for me. Excellent quailty for the price.

[@leonthompson8988]

The miniscule lack of output is probably due to the slight resistance difference in the volume pot. Those could be as high as 20% tolerance which cost around 2 dollars when buying bulk. They could spend 4 bucks and put in 5% tolerance pots. With fender your lucky to find one with moderately level frets

[@mindfall82]

The Fender has a little more clarity, almost fatter sounding when isolated but it's very small. In the mix you can't really tell!

[@carldavies6967]

Great demo once again Shane. There's a reason I subscribed to your channel and that's because you do proper reviews. I've just got a 60's Classic Vibe Tele and I couldn't be happier. Keep up the great work.

[@intheblues]

Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing mate! Cheers.

[@intheblues]

Does the Squier Classic Vibe still hold its own in 2021? 🤷‍♂️😎🎸 Check the Guitars out online: ►Sky Music - alnk.to/8iO8gRH ►Squier on Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/gbbADX ►Squier on Thomann - bit.ly/3oZ23FE ►Fender - imp.i114863.net/oeeXzW ►Fender on Thomann - bit.ly/2Kdgwdm (Affiliate links) 0:00​ - About the Test 0:50​ - Jam Track 4:24​ - Squier (made in Indonesia vs China) & Disclaimer 4:52​ - Isolated Clean Tones 5:30​ - Isolated Lead Tones 6:43​ - Tone and Playability Results This video is not sponsored but a huge thanks to Sky Music for letting me borrow the Squier.

[@jimcarter6669]

I have a Squire tele. Realized too late that there was a serious paint error on the front under the laquer. I love it otherwise. Do you know if they might send me a new body to replace it? I'm kind of afraid to try and mess with it, because it sounds and plays well. With my luck, I'd get a messed up routing job where the neck is a fixed.

[@Stlie1]

You ever made a video about slide playing? A show about Coodercasters? Mojo pickups have just made a lap stell pickup in humbucker size

[@darthfaderlives89]

I’ve really been trying to break out of my brand prejudices and videos like these help me look at guitars for value alone instead. The neck is the most important piece to me so it would come down to feel (other than the price tag of course) but in terms of tone I couldn’t believe how similarly they performed. Great video.

[@Zoso981]

I went thru the same brand prejudices as you, I recently sold both my 2019 Gibson Les Paul Traditional and my Fender Jimmy Page Dragon Tele and now play a new 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Custom and a 2016 Squier Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster, and I'm very happy about it. (And I also have a few dollars in the bank)

[@jordijb007]

Man, I wasn't even looking at youtube that was autoloading random videos, as soon as you started playing and do the first bend, the insta thought was this guy sound like Shane frorn in the blues, went to look and it was you! XD one day you have to talk about your "signature moves" is cool how you defined your sound, great videos, great content, allways, thanks ;)

[@mikecorey8370]

He's always been good, and just keeps getting better.

[@lucassmith1319]

Ikr I was just vibing the whole time!! Awesome playing had me wanting to play along with em and eventually probably will do it!!

[@tonkageorge]

The classic vibe is a great alternative. I wasn’t crazy about my Classic Vibe 60s Strat but the Tele looks great. I dug the backing track btw. I’d love to see you post that as a download.

[@wfm210]

Great Video Shane, Its your talent that shines through all guitars sound great in your hands. But great to see nice guitars that are not 2k.

[@Craig_Fussell]

Great comparison man! Couple of thoughts...First, in the hands of a good player like yourself inexpensive guitars can sound as good as expensive ones (You said recently that you’d been listening to Jack Pearson, a perfect example!). Second, to my ear, the biggest difference to me was that the CV sounded like it possibly had newer strings?...especially on the bridge PU it had that brighter, new string sound. 🤙🏻🎸🎶

[@iagobroxado]

Maybe just alnico V on the Squier X alnico III pickups on the American Original?

[@lucassmith1319]

@@iagobroxado great point there brother!!!! 💯

[@GuitarsZnuff]

I've owned 3 CV Teles and multiple CV Strats. Great guitars and I love everything about them except I find the neck too thin. If they could make the necks as thick as the MIM teles they would be perfect.

[@tragedician]

Wow. Great comparison. The Squier really exceeds expectations. Great playing too!

[@stevec.1802]

I got lost listening to the track and your soloing. Love the groove.

[@michaelogden5093]

I'm go'in straight to my Tele and hang a price tag off the neck to see if that help my sound. The Squier had a bit more "pipeline" vibe. Sounded cool.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

It depends what the tag is made of though, and how thick the ink is. And the string length to thickness ratio will affect sustain, so watch for that.

[@michaelogden5093]

@@whatwouldhousedo5136 Your onto something. Tone Tag.

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

I mean ... For price to value to tone Well The Squier holds her own there Of course if I was Mr Money bags I’d go for that US Telecaster every time But I’m not Mr Money bags So Squier all day.

[@Aniki82]

mmm it's ok to save and get something your really want ! and be sure to do it when ever you have the money Money goes anyway..... at least the guitar will stay ! Ps : I mean if you're really serious about guitar ofc I guess not all musician have a lust for gear ahah

[@jimmy5634]

In this comparison, The Squire CV Bridge is more raw and slightly thinner by comparison. Some people might like that. Having said that, you take any two Teles with factory pickups Fender or Squier and that could happen. Plus, you could EQ that difference out if you chose. The feel and the neck difference takes some getting used to, but once you do, it’s actually easy to play.

[@hawg427]

WOW! The Classic Vibe has really improved their electronics. The Tone King just put out a video about guitars and the law of diminishing returns. He hasn't played some of the latest Aquires but he really likes what Epiphone has done with their new Flying V's and Explorers. Great video man.

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

GREAT (again) clip with no faff or filler BS ! Thank you very much - keep 'em coming.

[@michaelogden5093]

"Feel" is the real difference. I can add or take out sound if I need to but feel can cause me to really like picking and strumming.

[@cavemanzach9475]

This. I had a squier bullet mustang for about six weeks. It sounded great but the neck was terrible. When I went to the store and tried my Mitchell ms450 I truly understood what "playability actually means. To anyone reading this; ALWAYS TRY A GUITAR BEFORE YOU BUY IT. Even if it's the same brand in the same price range play something comparable before you buy it.

[@shanewalton8888]

I just love the sounds of those high bends on those guitars. Thanks for all the clear shots of your playing. I can slow the video and try to learn this.

[@greatpix]

They sound a little different but I'd be hard pressed to say one sounded better, just different and you could chalk that up to something like different strings or slight variations in output. Both sound really good. Your playing on both was great. Musical, fluid, great style.

[@hutchfromba]

The American Fender is worth the price if your a collector due to the resale value. Also if your a gigging musician. However, if you play just for enjoyment, the Squire is more than sufficient even if you gig sporadically. Great playing. Blues On....💙

[@hutchfromba]

@Spalien Acecraft I wasn't suggesting you can't gig with it. I own a Classic Vibe 50's Strat that I put SRV Custom pups in. I love it. However, having a real Fender makes you look more professional on stage. It's not the wand, it's the magician.

[@PapaJohnsBlues]

Great video! I own the Chinese 50s CV, and it is definitely higher quality than the Indonesian, starting with brass saddles, rounded volume/tone knobs, and no pickup screw holes in the neck position. I believe the round string tree is also placed in the traditional 50s location, whereas the Indonesian model has moved it.

[@walkingtruck]

I picked up a CIC like yours last week and have been very impressed so far. The CV’s pickups are definitely lower output than the ones on my old ‘52ri but their clarity and chime is fantastic for that Bakersfield tone.

[@g.sferrazza10-13]

off the rack really depends on the shop... I've seen small shops that will set it up to the point of perfection,, and others just make it functional

[@AmericanVetMusic]

They both sound the EXACT SAME!!! Both my wife and I can’t tell them apart. I personally think Squier is an amazing deal for the money and with American Fender’s, you’re absolutely paying for the name. I personally prefer the look and feel of a Squier over Fender any day! Great video 😊

[@shanewalton8888]

Well I have a CV on the way, so let's see if the CV wins.

[@wildatlanticman128]

Excellent review - frank straight to the point and useful...great also cause I just bought a Squier 50s CV Tele ,😆😎👌🏻

[@darwinsaye]

I have a made in China CV Tele. Some of the differences I know about are, the China one has brass saddles vs steel, full size potentiometers vs mini, full shielding painted body cavities, and the neck pickup adjustment screws are beneath the pickguard like a true 50s Tele.

[@JeuneLysOfficiel]

Yes that's right ! Maybe the new CV is a bit harder to mod, because the control plate is not compatible with full size pots, and I don't know about the bridge and some other parts, but I guess it's ok to put a US standard plate on it, thats what I'm going to try soon !

[@Rico_B]

Great review Shane. Liked it so much I just ordered the Classic Vibe! Thanks

[@a.j.garrett9639]

Sitting at home watching this on TV they're virtually indistinguishable.

[@caseylee12]

I'd got a Fender Pro. (1) tele and a Classic Vibe 50s telecaster. Both are great guitars. But I also have a Squier Bullet tele, and it's really great, too. I play it all the time! I'm just a tele nut! Setup is so important on cheaper guitars. With a little time and patience, you can make a cheap guitar a play good, too, then you get tons more fun out of it! Love these comparison videos, Shane. Great playing!

[@stoffls]

I "only" have a Classic Vibe but still from China. And it is a great guitar. Had to replace the neck recently, now it has a Fender neck with vintage specifications and man, this made the guitar even better!

[@mhoppy6639]

I had a Godin exit 22 and bought a MIM tele about 9 years ago. I’ve had them both now for 12 years and 9 years respectively and have actually grown to love my Godin just much as the tele in terms of variety of tones and playability. (It’s an HSS design) but I’m thinking of getting a US strat or tele at some stage to just “ round off” the collection somewhat. I’m put off a little by the fact that when I bought the tele I tried every tele in the shop including the US ones abs it was only the MIM one that “sang” to me (I’m no more than a hobby player and not very talented). What was most interesting was that my budget allowed me to move up to some of the lower situated Gibsons up to “Studio” level but frankly these were all really really uninspiring and left me so sad as I wanted to love those instruments. The advice here then is if it’s at all possible play the maximum numbers of instruments you can and keep an open mind about what might appeal to you. Sorry, long post. 😃

[@jjerszy]

Love the opening track!! Sounds like a Danny Gatton tune. Makes me want to pick up my tele and jam. :)

[@TheQakman]

I’ve had the classic vibe for about a year now. Great guitar. I have the player series butterscotch too. The player series had serious fret sprout this winter. The classic vibe had none. Don’t know but maybe it’s the roasted maple neck ?

[@ricklee4513]

Hi Shane, it’s EOFY sale time here in Adelaide and I’m being tempted and having recently got a CV 70’s Strat I’m now thinking of a CV50’s Tele so thanks for this comparison, so I’m off shortly to check one out. As always, your videos remain informative and entertaining and a point of reference for me.

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

This makes me totally want the Squier! I would be totally happy with it!!😁

[@murdock8068]

Great video! Just bought a proper squier classic vibe 50s tele in white. What a remarkable guitar! Wilikinson brass saddles on the way plus a setup and new strings. My hwy1 American strat may just start collecting dust..

[@murdock8068]

@@keithclark486 I forgot to add that it has a cumberbund at the bridge..

[@fongy200]

Your channel rocks man i'm a lefty so it's all gospel. i can actualy play right side over but i am naturaly and most comfortable playing LH. I have a couple of Teles an old Hohoner Madcat and and Esquire that was my Dad's, bless his soul. I'm on the verge of buying another i like the Squire but the appointments on it are cheaper than the Fenders, understandable it's less expensive but i think i'm going to buy the player, it's the real deal all the parts on them are branded Fender parts and the feel better to play in my opinion. That's straight out of the box though, with some fettling the classic vibe would probably go toe to toe with the Fender. Top show by the way.

[@MrSteviek52]

Excellent analysis...as always ☝️ ....it’s easy to agree on this one... the Squier CV series definitely rocks by the dollar 👏🏻🎸

[@dannyharvey7398]

There’s so many variants to consider here. What type of music do I play, jazz, rock, country... Where do I play, bedroom, jammin’ with friends, gigging... Having owned both of these myself I would say that the difference is a bit Ford vs Ferrari, sure both will get you from A to B and if you were blindfolded you would have a hard time telling one from another just by sitting in it and driving normally........but it’s what it delivers when you need it. What I’m trying to get across is that both are great guitars and can deliver the goods to a degree, but in my experience the higher end models never leave you feeling that there could be more because for the most part there isn’t. And this is where GAS begins. 🤪

[@stablegenius465]

Really enjoyed your playing on this one Shane. The Fender sounded juicier but it's very close. Good comparison 👌

[@gmac8852]

Got a 2015 China butterscotch blonde CV 50s telecaster . It's perfect in every way.And by the way tone knob is there for a reason .

[@jezza46]

I know this is probably not going to be viewed now, but Sky Music in Melbourne are doing the 50's Classic Vibe for $489 aud in their end of financial year sale!! That is an absolute steal....

[@calbrockocat8728]

You really had it going on with both Teles. My Saturday morning blues fix after that epic 2 parter with Dr. Rick and company. Great playing. You seem to have more feel with Teles.

[@fachrudinhidayat9929]

Sound is the matter of personal preference. Squier sound is more than enough for Squier lovers - Except you want to hear a price

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

Hi Shane, I played a Classic Vibe 50.s Tele in a music store years ago. If I had the money, at the time, I would have bought it. I bought a set of the pickups out of one of these and tried them on my '92 American Standard Tele. They sounded great! But I did notice the slight lack of "umph" over time and put my slightly overwound Fralins back in it. Even as I write this I'm thinking about buying one for a back up. This a fantastic guitar for the money!

[@themaelstromnotebook5418]

I just found a Chinese CV 60s sunburst Tele with swapped out Vintage Tele pickups instead of the Toneriders. I've never owned a Tele style guitar before. Really love it. I was in the market for a Mex Tele but there was so much enthusiastic commentary on the CV Teles on youtube that I didn't see too much of a difference. That said, I don't like the Poly finishes and the finish on the neck so these will coming off in the next year or so (a big job, I suspect). I'd like to get it down to either bare wood or the thinnest of black nitro finishes on the body. We'll see.

[@brunswicklord6365]

Definitely agree on the tone sound. The classic vibe was ever so slightly more harsh but still a great tone. I am wanting to get a Tele to replace my sons 20 year old Squier Strat which I borrowed in lockdown and there is no way I can justify paying for a Fender. The classic vibe therefore seems the way to go. I have already sunk a deal of money into an amp, I went for the Fender Champion 100 XL which I am really pleased with. The joys of buying online during lockdown here in the UK! You wouldn't believe hours of sleep I lost worrying about that purchase.

[@lambert1702]

They both sounded really good. I've been very impressed by Squier stuff over the years. I have a 50s Classic Vibe Precision Bass and it is a great instrument.

[@jimm8594]

So, if you installed custom shop pickups in a squier, would it sound (almost) as good as a custom shop guitar?

[@michaelolz]

The Fender sounds a little bit tighter and doesn’t seem to break up as quickly. But they both sound great! Both are more than acceptable.

[@yaguitar]

Great test. I almost got a CV in 2017 when I got my black Tele. What swung it for me was the satin neck on the fender, I found the CV very sticky. But as you say, they are great great guitars, especially for a gigging musician who doesn't want a £1000 telecaster getting bashed

[@thebigmanwithwalkingtree7471]

You can always use a sandpaper

[@yaguitar]

@@thebigmanwithwalkingtree7471 I have done that on Harley Bentons, but was twitchy doing to a CV lol

[@intheblues]

@@yaguitar I had a video about sanding the neck down many years ago haha. :) People either understood what was going on or they called me crazy.

[@jeffroq]

@@intheblues if it works for Zakk Wylde.

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Holy Shane your playing has really stepped up awesome throwdown man.

[@bernard288]

Great comparison. Sweet licks too Shane ✌️🌞

[@Voxguitarsrock]

I love Squier . My VM 70's Strat is one of my favorite guitars but having said that in this comparison I much preferred the Fenders tones. Good video Shane, thank you.

[@alainbrisebois8334]

I prefer the Squire tone, dertier tone, and I love the kind of baked yellowed . But above all the PRICE !!!

[@BladeDoomer86]

Upgraded my Affinity with these pickups... World of difference.. So glad i did, can't put it down anymore! Such a fantastic sound, love it as much as my Les Paul

[@frankreinhold9814]

I‘ve owned a classic vibe too. Sold it because the fretboard felt like glue, but the Sound was really good. Nice comparison, thank you for your Good Videos! :)

[@bwyou812]

What I like about the Squiers made in Indonesia, the maple necks are one piece of maple. Not a maple fretboard on top of a maple neck body like China does it.

[@thadlogan51]

I've owned a squier affinity and a classic vibe. I absolutely hated the affinity...it never stayed in tune, intonation terrible, pickups thin sounding, and it felt cheap. I absolutely love the classic vibe telecaster... worth every penny above the affinity. It sounds epic, pickups phenomenal. I played it against my core PRS custom 24, Gibson Les Paul, 335, American standard strat, and Chris Robertson, etc. and it's shocking how good the classic vibe sounds in comparison. The pickups are even clearer than my strat pickups which are single coil too... and much clearer than all of my other guitars. They are plenty punchy too for lead playing. The build quality is rock solid... and pickups are perfectly balanced. I don't think you can get a better sounding telecaster no matter what the price... but maybe you get less sharp frets and nitro finish. The poly finish on this guitars doesn't effect resonance on this guitar at all though ..it resonates for days... just as much as any of my nitro guitars. I don't care what the name on the headstock is... If a guitar sounds this phenomenal I'm proud to display the company name on the headstock...who cares that it doesn't say fender... squire deserves high remarks for this one. No reason to spend a penny more for anything else. As long as you don't get a dud... but that can happen with fender, Gibson, and other guitars too...

[@dreamspheree]

Man your playing is just phenomenal

[@mikepretorius6350]

Great Demo Shane, having just bought a mic 60's Tele the neck and frets might put some people off, first its Glossy back, frets on early mic guitars are Low, neck size it thinner, i can adapt because its a great guitar, just be aware !

[@andsoistopped]

Just picked up a second hand virtually new one. It’s fab.

[@artamussumatra6286]

The slight differences in sound can easily be compensated for with pickup adjustment and/or amp eq - and it’s all a matter of personal preference anyway.... The Fender definitely does not mop the floor with the Squier, despite what the cork sniffers say. I love my Squier Bullet as much as I do my Fender American Professional. They both have their own groove, and plenty of Mojo. Bottom line : Regardless of price and perceived prestige, if it plays good, and it sounds good, it IS good!

[@brin57]

Great comparison and I agree, there virtually nothing in it. One thing Fender do retain an edge in, is that asthetically desireable milky butterscotch finish that the Squiers never have. Quite possibly a deliberate point of difference. Nothing wrong with the CV's more honey like asthetic either. I just love the Milky butterscotch.

[@stovepipe9er]

I prefer the lighter butterscotch on the squier that seems to show the wood grain. But that’s just my preference for more natural finishes.

[@davidmahoherrezuelo]

Yesterday i purchased a Squier Esquire Custom 60 FSR classic vibe (Pete Anderson 80s with Dwight Yoakam) and i do a versus with my Fender Telecaster Brent Mason and...the Squier WINS in bridge position... No China/Indonesia versions...the pups on 60s Tele are great, are clear and warm with a Boss Cs3 on line, AWESOME for 90s Country, Brent Mason thing or Johnny Hiland stuff and for edgy Albert Collins Blues are huge

[@cuda426hemi]

I just scored from SW a nine point one pound Pine 50s CV Butterscotch Tele- Indo. Interestingly what's 50s? The Fender here doesn't have the top adjustable lipstick pup - the Chinese CV doesn't either yet the Indo does. Hmmmm I LOVE it.. And it goes with the CV Strat I bought (Chinese) 3 years ago. None of these - not even a MIM will hurt your feelings. For same price I sure like my new SG Muse from Epi too - coil splits/phase/graphtec nut/ binding and really fast neck - I'm digging this $420 price range lately - you get a lot of smack for the jack. 🎶

[@jamalabdul2009]

Both guitars look and sound great so you really can’t go wrong with either one! Me being more of a Strat guy, I would give the Squier a hard look. 👍🏾🎸

[@mikecorey8370]

Stay away from the 70's C.V. It ain't that great.

[@HoorayItsChris]

@@mikecorey8370 just like the real ones, hey? lol

[@barrytaaffe7449]

Great comparison, both sounding really good.

[@robertpurdy4452]

My best friend just purchased the first guitar in 20 years he's like as much as his Kramer DMZ 3000, it's a Classic Vibe 70's Strat and it's great!

[@zd351]

I have one of the Chinese Classic Vibes. It's heavier than I'd like it to be. Plays great, sounds great. I can't fault it really. That said, I've had it since 2014 and it has hardly been played. I never took a shine to it. I can't say why.

[@dragan4658]

The Squier is now made in Indonesia, better quality than the China version.

[@darwinsaye]

Dragan Not true. The made in China has full size pots vs small, brass saddles vs steel, full shielding painted cavities, and proper 50s style under-the-pickguard adjustment screws for the neck pickup.

[@ollieburden2562]

@@dragan4658 no chance. China CVs slice the Indonesian CVs balls off.

[@dragan4658]

@@ollieburden2562 all the comparisons on the net differ with your belief but hey if that's what you think you run with that. The rest of the world knows different, Chinas QC is nowhere near as good as Indonesia higher quality. Cheers!

[@landonbailey]

@@darwinsaye I agree. I've had both. The Chinese model was better assembled

[@johnpaul5037]

I just bought a 50s vintage, and I’ve been playing for 15 years. I know tone is subjective and that squire is the tone I’ve been looking for awhile. Cheers

[@lazvt8469]

I have a few USA/Japanese Teles....and two Indonesian CV50s. With minor QC tweaks and a set of either Lollar or Fralins....they sound as sweet as any guitar brethren 5x as much. Much prefer to play either CV than my new and excellent Pro II Tele.... especially love Lollar Speciat T neck. The USA's do have a 'premium' feel...necks are wonderful. Squiers do the job....

[@nobodys.shapeshifter]

The Squire is slightly more harsh. If I was recording Teles for a living I would absolutely go American. For live or casual playing I would pick the Squire because worrying about accidentally banging up an expensive guitar makes me play worse.

[@ferox965]

It was my birthday on Friday. I've always been a Les Paul man but I wanted some twang. It was either going to be a Fender Player Tele or the Squier classic vibe Tele. Tried both. Loved the neck on the Squier, but liked the pickups on the Fender. So I got the Squier and am going to swap out the pickups. ps-love the Fulci Zombie poster.

[@tonyv5202]

Cool soloing at the beginning Shane 👍

[@chrishyde1216]

Custom Shop twisted tele pick ups about £150 here in the UK. About AUS $270. A case is less important for a cheaper guitar, and a bag easier to carry. So it's down to feel, looks and price.

[@traceyoungs1637]

Great comparison video 👍

[@anorak211]

I would have a tele with 6 saddles so that knocks out both, I would go for a Fender Player for about £569 in tha UK. I have a squier bullet tele, it's fantastic!

[@MrTimdriver]

I also have a Squier bullet Tele, red sparkle. It has become my go to recording axe. It’s not perfect but I really like it.

[@jeffd8597]

Me too just did a mod job on a bullet and I put some Seymour Duncan alnico pro II pick ups and stainless steel saddles and cheap locking tuners and remounted the bridge because the factory didn’t have an on straight and guitar sounds great. in this video the fender does sound better than the squire. I prefer like you guys the modern bridge with the six separate saddles. The stock bullet bridge pick up to me was just not usable.

[@teleguy5699]

I have the compensated brass saddles. Just seems more Tele to me that way.

[@tster4181]

The fender was much warmer. I didn't think they were comparable. Squire sounded good but in comparing the two the squire sounded compressed.

[@neohiomale1947]

I've had a classic vibe strat for ten years, for the money it's served me well, I did notice the price has gone up all most 100 since I bought mine.

[@kenz5469]

Same strings?

[@neohiomale1947]

@@kenz5469 strings have been changed many times in 10 years

[@kenz5469]

@@neohiomale1947 For the comparison, the strings should probably be the same brand, guage, age, etc

[@wierdlygruesome]

Shane the saddles are steel on the Indonesian and brass on the Chinese vibe. The steel saddles have a high-end chime and the brass has a upper mid lower high end bump I prefer the brass saddles . You can hear the difference in this video I would bet if you changed out the saddles to brass the fender and the squier would sound identical

[@timothybarham9250]

I couldn't tell the difference, but I thought when Shane first switched to the Fender, there was more clarity. Maybe just a case of LOUDER= Better. Thanx Shane for your informative and entertaining content

[@buddybeetle]

Great review. Thanks mate !

[@MrPompanoman]

I have a classic vibe telecaster with a pine body I love it sweet guitar

[@mionapinyon6098]

AM. Sounds a bit better in comparison. The AM has quite a different spec. In terms of construction so.... also even guitars from the same series ,each have their own playability and sound. I have a squier 60s esquire that I picked out from several . Fit and playability is great weighs 7.8 ounces . Pots are full size and switch is oak/grimsby (sp?) style , which surprised me. Pickup pup is a bit too weak for me so that is going for ? IDK yet. No rush I can make it work but... any how cheers I do enjoy your playing and thoughts

[@LennySugiono]

I’d say the pickups are thinner sounding on the squier. It’s not unbearable but you can tell the fender has that punch and definition across the radius that the squier just doesn’t have. I’m sure good pickups would fix that or even EQ

[@baz6128]

The term 'cheap guitar' doesn't mean the same as it did 20+ years ago. Today you can get quality for relatively little money. And with online shopping being what it is you can buy the cheap guitar and upgrade the pickups or whatever very easily. I should also point out that 'Made In America' doesn't carry much weight over here in Europe.

[@DougMen1]

I think the new Fender designed CV pickups on the Strats and Teles are awesome, and, IMO, they are even better than the much love previous Tonerider designed ones. Tim Shaw hits another homerun with these pickups

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

My classic vibe 50s Tele is all I need for tele sound and feeling. Even though if I had a higher income I would like the Fender version, I can’t really hear a significant difference between the two guitars. Good video Shane. BTW, I got my CV 50s after watching your video of it a few years ago. Mine is an older Chinese one with the heavy pine body. It’s heavy sure, but it’s a very good guitar nevertheless.