Is This Still The Best STRAT For Your Money? - Squier Classic Vibe!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

VIDEO SECTIONS: 1. Where is it made, and does that matter? - 1:01 2. Is this guitar still a true classic? - 2:00 3. What does it sound like? - 5:20 4. One Minute Solo! - 9:46 5. Are they still built well? - 11:14 5. Classic Vibe or Player Series? - 15:00 Guitar Link - imp.i114863.net/kjzgxV Enjoy!

[@atoysy5883]

Still waiting to any kind of electric guitar as my Consolation Prize..🙏

[@Raphyes]

Really a nice sound.

[@robertlucas9867]

I heard the newer version coming out later this year (or maybe it’s the one you have) has a new updated Fender designed pickup that has tighter QA control to ensure it’s more consistent. I would like to know if it is a true copper, cleanly made pickups.

[@robertlucas9867]

To clarify the last model had Fender design pickups as well and looked well made but I heard Fender redesigned them to be better. I don’t know what was changed or if it is a rumor.

[@LP4ever088]

Have you looked at the Fender Vintera Strats before? I know they're not "budget" but compared to an actual vintage they are. I also like the idea of blending modern conveniences with classic tone.

[@seattleday9690]

My dad bought a 50s Classic Vibe Tele. He loves it.

[@johncrafton8319]

I love mine, that's for sure. It's got everything a Tele needs, and nothing it doesn't.

[@seattleday9690]

@@johncrafton8319 maybe I check it out. He did add the ashtray cover on it for more vintage.

[@kirkscobey3031]

Owned a few of them… great guitars!

[@SuperBroncosguy]

Menno- Creepy Vibe

[@LyThC00p38sc]

I have one, and its fantastic.

[@rickthelearner5631]

I bought my Squier Classic Vibe 50s made in China in fiesta red in 2013. 8 years now and it remains my favourite guitar. I do have a proper USA Fender with maple neck and ash body and still I prefer my Squier whenever I am asked to play.

[@wuakaranaio]

Classic Vibe feels like a high end strat to me, the only downsize is the sound of the pickups, but I just installed a Texas Special pickups on mine and it sounds and it feels so great!

[@DeadHandBlues]

Make sure you also upgrade the wiring. Its a huge blanket on the tone. Its pretty much the only part they cheaped out on.

[@wuakaranaio]

@@DeadHandBlues I did as well 👍🏻forgot to mention.

[@mrredritehand]

My 50s and 60s versions sound great for recording, and live? Forget about it!

[@DeadHandBlues]

@The British Bluesman haha well Mr Electronic Engineer its this magical thing called tolerances of parts used. All the Squier ones read below the 250k they were meant to be. Hope that helps.

[@enesozcelik4407]

@@DeadHandBlues If you are gonna upgrade pickups and wiring why did you even buy the guitar in the first place? Just buy whatever you want your guitar to be.

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

I took the plunge and bought a classic vibe and my results were somewhat different. Having bought and set up many guitars over my 43 years of playing I was hopeful I wouldn't have to do a lot for my $400 bucks. The reality is that I did have too: 1. Straighten the neck (and added a tiny amount of relief) 2. Replace the trem block & saddles (the OEM are junk) 3. Replace the tuners with EZ lock tuners (the original ones were maddening, they constantly would slip tiny bits, even after string & block/trem replacement) 4. Leveled, dressed, crowned and polished the frets, which we're really bad especially in the 1st position 5. The fret ends we're sharp and needed polishing all the way up the neck 6. The bone nut hung up on the low E string, so it needed a bit of filing, in addition to smoothing out and lubing all of the string slots. 7. Out of personal preference I rounded the fretboard ends a little, for a smoother feel Overall: The pickups sound great, classic Fender strat sound The color and body finish are excellent The hardware and electronics work good So new buyer's just be aware that if you pick one of these up either you or your guitar tech may be in for a few fixes & mods, to get not only that classic Fender sound from the Classic Vibe but a few mods to make this feel & play like a truly a "pro" guitar. Would I buy it again 🤔 NO.

[@erebus79]

I had the exact same problems. I can't recommend them for that reason.

[@agateenchantmentrockwizard5969]

@@erebus79 Sorry to hear that for you as well. Personally I've given up on "name brand" guitars. I bought a strat copy from Monoprice with less problems $84. It's a great 👍 guitar in comparison 👌

[@rocknrollresignation93]

The Classic Vibe Series really was the start of the affordable, quality, import guitar renaissance that we are currently in

[@charlie-obrien]

True. Squiers used to be a guitar only for beginners or "to just get by" with. Now I know players who use the Classic Vibe as their main guitars.

[@Petersorg]

And I thought that the "made in Indonesia" ones were actaually rated higher by everyone lol. I really don't care where it's made, as long as they are quality guitars.

[@sgtmac62]

They. are. He's backwards on his review. It gets pretty cold in Canada.

[@render341]

@@sgtmac62 In the Classic Vibe series they are not. The China one's are regarded as better because they used to use flame maple, 'tonerider' pickups and correct woods (alder).

[@SoggyBacco]

@@render341 the indonesian factory has really stepped up in the last few years, i have a made in indo cv mustang and its my main guitar. flame maple neck, real bone nut, dark laurel fretboard that almost looks like rosewood, fender alnico pickups (i put a duncan jb in the bridge), and even though the body is poplar it's still solid and heavy.

[@SoggyBacco]

@@12xenn45 i think its a 2020 but it might be an early 2021 id have to check the serial

[@SingPsalms]

Indonesia as I'm quickly learning, seems to have fretwork issues. Of course not always but anything from Indonesia I've owned needed fretwork and leveling to fix fret buzz issues up and down the neck. Otherwise they are great, and with no other no complaints from me.

[@adamd2090]

I have this exact guitar. Love Fiesta red with the maple board. Has all the classic strat tones you could ever want. Very comfortable to play. Definitely the best bang for your buck!!

[@tompelham7035]

Me too!

[@matthewratcliffe1953]

How is the neck? It is baseball bat or quite comfortable? Thanks

[@NoobOnATele]

Nah bro its C​@@matthewratcliffe1953

[@chuckecheater]

I have the CV 60's strat. Works great for me. Stays in tune great. For got to mention...it's an Indonesia CV.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Unless the posts were located incorrectly, just about any strat style bridge can be made to stay adequately in tune, floating. Some are much easier, though, and require less periodic maintenance.

[@mikesalt8248]

I had 2 China Strats and 2 50's Teles CV's didn't do it for me, The Indonesian versions definitely superior and now I have a few of them too even the Bullets are great too

[@bldallas]

My lovely wife bought me a brand new Squire 60s Vibe for Father’s Day. It is in my favorite color, Lake Placid Blue, AND it’s AWESOME!!! Definitely as good as the American Strat that I used to own. I have a lot of experience doing hobbiest level luthier work and really enjoy doing setups, so I took my time and tweaked the relief, action, intonation, pup heights and tremolo string positions/tension. The intonation was the only thing that needed some pretty significant adjustment. I also polished the frets (their ends were already perfect), lightly polished the nut slots (with 1000 wet dry sand paper), added graphite to nut and installed some E.Ball Super Slinkies. BOOM, plays perfect and no tuning issues! I frankly couldn’t be happier with this guitar, and it was only $430 new, with free shipping! Great stuff.

[@royallencustodio810]

My dream guitar since i was a kid is a red strat with a maple neck🎉

[@davolthe1261]

Maple neck is best on any guitar i would say ✌✌

[@jmangi6221]

I'll second that.😉

[@BaconatorJames]

Exactly! My favorite color combo too. I like a Hot Rod Red with white pickguard & maple neck. I love roasted maple but somehow, maple makes for a better fretboard for a Strat. I bought a Noventa Jazzmaster with 3 P90s and this exact color combo, but it weighed a ton. I returned it for a Daphne blue Noventa Strat w 2 P90s. If I can get a Mod Shop guitar built, I'll get the Red + maple neck. I'll need to get a HSS or even a HSH config.

[@kapperwouter6806]

fiesta red or apple candy red 🤙❤

[@gsuderman]

I hear you! I have a '94 MIA Strat in Candy Apple Red!

[@johanjerkhag6654]

I bought a Classic vibe 50´s Sherwood green (China). Adjusted the bridge to floating and it stays in tune very well ( three springs). I have a couple Custom shops and I will say that this guitar is a very nice guitar for so less money. Rock on!

[@harveydjent_]

Squiers have gotten insanely good these last few years.

[@SuperBroncosguy]

After lots of research that's why i got mine. Hss & it rocks.

[@pyaargb9926]

Just got a 60’s classic vibe strat a week ago and i love it, so so playable

[@RobBluth]

I've got the CV 50s in sunburst, I can't play it worth a damn but it sounds sexy as hell when I practice scales

[@bluezedd]

I bet them scales sound lovely though Rob. Keep at it! I've been playing for 16 years and would happily add a classic vibe or 3 to my collection as they're great guitars.

[@saberistheway]

You went into some details that no one really talks about for some reason so thank you for that!

[@imacmadman22]

I have a Chinese made ‘50’s CV Stratocaster in white, it’s a forever guitar. I’m not going to let it go, I want to get a 1960’s CV Strat to go with it, preferably in Lake Placid Blue because when I was a kid, we had a Cadillac in the same color.

[@gsuderman]

Bought a used 50s Classic Vibe Tele, Butterscotch, a number of years ago for $360 CDN. I also have a MIA 1994 Strat and 2011 G&L ASAT. That said, I absolutely LOVE this guitar. I upgraded to CTL pots, USA made switch, Switchcraft jack and push back wire. I did NOT upgrade the pups. Then I took a sanding sponge, great idea Darrell, and went to town on the back of the neck almost to bare wood and sanded and filed all fret ends. This makes it feel a million years old (it actually "rolls" the fretboard) and the back of the neck actually looks like a reliced guitar. The upgraded electronics made a huge difference in tone, so much that I haven't yet replaced the pickups. Bottom line is this is a great guitar and is now my #1, play it every day.

[@kimmontgomery6671]

Got mine in February, it is very addicting to play. It plays and sounds great, hard to put down. It was great right out the box after about a quarter turn on the truss rod (due to the winter weather I'm sure). Anyway after that I haven't done anything to it besides play it. I haven't even changed the strings yet! That is very unusual as I always do that right away. They are the gauge I use anyway and they're good Fender strings. This strat is a terrific value and a very nice guitar, mine is flawless and comfortable to play. I stole mine for $399, before they raised the price $30! haha! I was a little skeptical about the tinted gloss neck, but I actually love it, looks and feels great, and I like how it's one piece. Get one and you won't regret it!

[@SuperBroncosguy]

Yeah their up to $449.00 American now.

[@ghawwk86]

I just bought one! Eagerly awaiting delivery from Sweetwater this week! 😁🎸

[@wadya]

Another great video Darrell! Cheers from Indonesia.

[@jameslewis2635]

I'm quite impressed. In terms of general construction and quality in most aspects this guitar seems very good for the price. Even the pickups, which on budget instruments often tend to sound quite dull and uninteresting, give it a lively and bright sound as you would expect of a Stratocaster with the only glaring down side being the trem. Having said that, changing the way a trem is set up or even replacing it for a higher quality unit is both fairly easy and affordable.

[@therealjakeott]

Lefty here. I got a China-made CV60 Strat almost two years ago, came straight from the factory right out of the box setup absolutely perfect. Almost two years of gigging, still plays like a dream. Ordered an Indonesia-made CV70 HSS Strat, absolute junk - wiring was a total wreck, pickups were a straight up mismatch, no shielding under the pickguard, and no amount of nut, fret, and/or saddle/trem work/adjustment would get rid of the buzz - not to mention some kind of sawdust everywhere inside the guitar and in the neck joint. Traded the Indo CV70 in and ordered a China-made contemporary HH Strat, came straight from the factory right out of the box setup absolutely perfect. Unless I get get my hands on an example that says otherwise, if all Squiers are now made in Indonesia I'll probably never buy another.

[@jamesallen7093]

I just got a 50s classic vibe strat , tobacco burst , maple neck & maple fretboard . Just a beautiful guitar that plays incredibly good and sounds great 👍 I also have a custom shop strat that is my main player but lately I've found myself with the Squier strapped on & plugged in more & more. Love it , awesome guitar 🎸

[@Tomatenmark-Mark]

I own that exact CV 50s Strat, bought in late 2019 and I can confirm what he says! Just one addition: the frets higher than 15th fret are pretty fine on mine as well. The entire neck has a really decent fretjob. You can't go wrong with this guitar!

[@astewart9410]

I still love my CV 50s Strat (2-tone) and Tele (blonde black guard) from years ago, made in China and still amazing. I’ve been tempted to upgrade sometimes but these are great and if I’m comfortable why bother? I’d love to check out a made in Indonesia to compare.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Keep the Chinese ones. They dont get much better !

[@astewart9410]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 I absolutely will be keeping them, I figure they're lifers around here. I love 'em.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@astewart9410 I had a 50s and 60s cv strat but I soldl them because i have Greco and Tokai japanese guitars. The only real thing I like more on the Japanese models are the fat necks ! Especially my Super real 50s strat with its fat v neck. Other than that the cvs are as good ! I still have a cv telecaster custom that is a crazy great tele !!

[@astewart9410]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 Those others sound like brilliant machines. And you kept a CV, you're living correctly! Enjoy!

[@allenwoody5909]

I bought a 2009 CV 60's used back in 2016. I lucked out it was in stellar shape, and the most beautiful flame maple neck (looks quarter sawn) with rosewood FB. The finish coat on it is very thin, and it had 3 small chips in the paint (no extra charge for the relicing) It is the 3 color sunburst or "clown burst" as some might call it. It really is a wonderful guitar and has that great well made feel when you pick it up and play. Also updated the electronics and put full size steel block in.

[@qaiskhoshnaw4335]

I am still waiting to get the Ibanez prestige!

[@sotg1167]

Did you win?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Winner will be drawn on the 15th :)

[@Silkaz7]

ME too!

[@jithinlawrence]

😂😂😂 fingers crossed

[@marcanglin7127]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar You just had to wait until after Bastille Day, didn't you, Darrell ?!? :-)

[@nikoshazaridis2766]

I was contemplating getting one to restart playing guitar after quite a few years and your video was the thing that made me go for it. A great guitar for the price tag. Thank you for going over it so thoroughly.

[@SuperBroncosguy]

I love my 70's hss strat. Thing rocks!

[@Hot80s]

I’ve got a Squier Strat built in February 2012 in Indonesia. Dark blue with a white pick guard rosewood neck. It plays beautifully very bright and twangy all for the low cost of $120.

[@rijosigns]

always loved the classic vibes. great guitars for the money for sure.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

I tried this at the music store...high gain was so much fun to play through this strat. Usually, I just put them back...but I kept playing this one and I am getting one soon!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

They look very nice, but importantly they sound like a Strat, I see players using these on their live gigs, value +!

[@cuda426hemi]

LOVE my 3 year old Chinese CV Strat - came set up and in tune from SW for $350; was concerned about my new 50s CV Tele made in Indo but was pleasantly surprised to see excellent construction, a wicked nice Pine ( a 9.1 lb obviously raccoon fed Pine) body and super fast glossy like the Strat neck - a jewel just like the Chinese CV Strat!! These babies play above their pay scale. 🎸 💥Edit: almost a year later - the CV Tele had some fret sprout and the 9th fret actually pulled out - caught an edge. I had it repaired by pros here in hollywood JUST before the warranty expired. 55 point inspection couldn't predict this, Indo made though? Chinese CV Strat is still perfect.. Don't know but the irony is because of the fix needed it's back to a KILLER guitar, just a pleasure to drive - FAST. 🚀

[@HooksBill]

We all have our preferences. A glossy fingerboard is a no go for me. It's a great looking and sounding guitar though. Good price too.

[@donald-parker]

Agree-ish ... but a few minutes with a damp (new clean) green scrubby and you will be amazed how great the neck feels. You can do it with the neck on, but I would probably take it off to make it easier to avoid getting the dust on other parts of the guitar or accidently scuffing the body around the neck joint. Be gentle, wipe the dust off with a damp cloth frequently so you can stop before taking too much off. You are just trying to scuff up the gloss finish - NOT remove the finish entirely. You can do both the front and back of the neck. I would avoid the headstock - it looks better with the gloss finish left on. I've done this on 3 different guitars and been very happy with the results. On a Fender style maple neck it is hardly visible. I also did it to my Steinberger Spirit which had a high gloss black finish. It is very noticeable on that, so probably not a great move for future re-selling. But I'm still super happy with results for playing.

[@s.geo.7639]

@@donald-parker Agree. Also the 9 1/2 radius is a non starter.. strat copies with approx. 12 radius better for me. C.v. is usually heavy also.

[@JDKingStratslinger]

I bought one. It was so great I bought another. Then another. Then another. Fiesta Red, Black, White Blonde, and a '70s-style in Vintage White. Love 'em! PS: I never use trem on these or others.

[@Zappateer]

I had the same issue with the tremolo causing the guitar to go out of tune. I had much better stability after lubricating the slots on that vintage style string tree. You can use vaseline or chapstick. Also good to check that its aligned correctly looking at the string tree slots VS where the strings go. No issues after that, great guitar!!!

[@studioborgatta3504]

I have this guitar in the 60's version in Blue and the more I play this guitar, the more I love it. My end goal is to own a legit Stratocaster, but until then, I actually love this guitar and is indeed is a really great guitar for this price range.

[@CarlostHG]

I have a CV 60's, and the pickups are incredible, alnicoV

[@dorksouls978]

Same here. With a bit of gain they sound absolutely amazing.

[@anthonystark5412]

@Carlos Hernandez That's because the pickups are made by Tonerider (if you have a MIC Classic Vibe). In my opinion, that's one of the best decisions Fender made with the CV range.

[@bluwng]

@@anthonystark5412 new models are not Tonerider

[@anthonystark5412]

@@bluwng I believe that's the case, which is why I specifically pointed out the MIC Classic Vibes.

[@studiojj769]

You have a very unique approach when you play🤘🏽

[@johnjacks5599]

Hey Darrell. I’m hearing a lot of good things about the IYV guitars, especially the Les Paul copy. They’re cheap, ($182 for the Les Paul copy) but everyone I’ve seen seems to be very impressed. Would love to see a review from you!

[@jmangi6221]

I bought one before the hype took place, and it is fantastic. I absolutely love it.

[@67lilbear]

Amazon has their Mustang copy available on Amazon right now ($134). They've got quite a buzz on online forums I've found. When Amazon gets some they sell out quick and takes a few months to get more...

[@greenfly1264]

Oh no not more cheapos on the market 😊

[@jmangi6221]

They're pretty much everywhere. You can get whatever you want with a little searching.

[@stevebrusseau3301]

I just bought the green les paul copy IYV for $128 and it had scratches on each side of the nut and got refunded half my money, so I only payed $62 and it is a fantastic playable guitar right out of the box. So the next week I bought the IYV strat and not as good, had to level 3 frets file the sharp fret edges sand and polish the frets , do a setup. If you can set up your own guitars they are great for the money.

[@zobbyzockbrecht2469]

Last days i saw lot of CV and Squier Strat Vids. This is the only one with that i saw and hear details i wanted. Very good Video.

[@bumblefritz]

The Classic Vibes are rock solid guitars. I have a couple Chinese CVs and I play them just as much as my $1000+ guitars, at home and live.

[@sober-southoftheborderever3591]

I just got one. I LOVED IT!!! It is a blonde white (something like that), it is a little pinky...well nothing is perfect, still love it!!

[@jasong546]

Great job with this one, and the playing examples sound awesome. I remember the classic vibe feeling very solid and well constructed. I got to try a player series strat for the first time last week and it didn’t seem like it was as quality as the classic vibe. Not for the extra money really. But they are both nice anyway. Great to see you revisit this guitar for sure.

[@Unapproachable_Light]

My son bought me a second hand Squire Strat 23 years ago for $60 and it still works fine. I've never had to take it to the guitar store. If this Classic Vibe is anything like the one I have, then it's definitely worth the money. I looked up the numbers and it said that it was made during the '90s in America.

[@Flatpicknation]

Yeah those guitars are great. Got that fiesta 50s and waiting for the 60s fiesta red. Something about FR with "rosewood" board. Looks killer,also mintgreen pickguard. Going to upgrade it alot,handwired pickups made in Sweden ala SRV,Gotoh NS510 trem,vintage gotoh tuners. Gonna be a killer guitar.

[@benlogan430]

Just got one of these in two color sunburst. They are blowing them out all over. $224 free shipping and it’s spot on. Had to adjust the action and low e intonation, but that’s all and ready to rock. Pine body and not a flaw on it. Only upgrades needed are tuners and bridge in the future perhaps? But they function find out of the box.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

They look and sound superb. The CV range overall can't be beaten on price and style. I bought the CV FSR 60s Tele Custom Esquire and it's awesome and looks amazing.

[@BenjaminRoethig]

I just bought an Indonesian 70s cv strat from Sweetwater earlier this year. It blows my Chinese contemporary away. So light and the fit and finish are flawless

[@henrod27]

I truly believe the squier classic vibe are amazing and modding them is a huge plus change/ upgrade of pickups and wiring harness also tremolo bridge and maybe upgraded tuners and last a great setup and its a working axe guitar

[@simonpark843]

I've got a 2019 Squier Standard Strat (Indonesian made) and it's excellent. Two-point trem, satin finish on a maple fretboard and it plays brilliantly.

[@tbmuse]

So my question is ... get a Squire (vintage vibe or otherwise), get a kit guitar, or a cheaper one (firefly, glarry, et al) ... for a strapped for cash guitar newbie, who is very handy at wood work and wiring, what in your opinion would be the best way to go to get a really well playing instrument to last for a few decades? I would love to see you do an episode of the ultimate cheap guitar build or buy / comparison / DIY ... for a strat type, tele, les paul, gretsch, etc etc etc .... pick a type(s), I am sure you'll kill it !!

[@FenderLesPaul1989]

It depends how much you want to learn about setups. You will need to learn the basics for any guitar you get, but kits will need a lot more work, with the advantage of allowing you to customize them easier. A Glarry, FF, Squier Bullet or old Affinity might require some adjustments or upgrades, but are great to start learning. New Affinity models seem to have been improved a bit, I think to cath up with the now discontinued Standard models. Classic Vibes usually are good as they are, and are just adjusted to player preference.

[@matthewmckinney5387]

When ppl played my 1991 Korean gold label strat they cant believe it's a Squire, then I put a ste of Fender custom shop fat 50s pickups and added as series/parallel switch in and now they're completely blown away with it! Honestly can say it's my first instrument that I can say I'm 100% satisfied with and 100% comfortable playing

[@Ryan_Poff]

I have the china 70s classic vibe, and I still love it.

[@vincelee6247]

I'm so glad you said that.. I just bought a use one made in China for $180 , just today.. thanks so much for sharing. Great information..

[@EXMORr]

Indonesia Makes Amazing Guitars

[@tmx63]

Been playing just shy of 50 years; my two #1 guitars at this point are '96 American Standard Strat and '00 Mexi standard strat with an American Standard rosewood neck and 2-point American Elite trem. Absolutely wonderful guitars, among the best I've ever owned/played. I tell you that to tell you this Just yesterday, I found a 2000 Classic Vibe 60's Strat at a pawn shop. Lake Placid blue. Brought it home for $160 out the door with the intent of giving it a good cleaning and complete setup, and then flipping it. But after doing the work....this guitar is absolutely amazing. Plays better than both my #1 Strats, and sounds better than one of them. Everything about this guitar punches well above its price range. The fretwork is quite good, with not a high or low fret to be found - all I had to do was polish them - and unlike yours, the fret ends were acceptably finished. The neck profile overall is super comfortable. The pickups sound _fantastic_ . The tuning stability is rock-solid, which surprised me, but which can probably be attributed to a combination of the properly-cut bone nut and the split tuning pegs. If there is one glaring weakness, it's the tuning machines themselves, which are crap; lots of slop/lash in the gears which lubrication doesn't help. But overall...my goodness, what a jaw-dropping bargain this guitar is even, IMO, at full retail. So now I face a dilemma - flip it, or put one of the others up for sale...?? We'll see how I feel about things in a few more days....

[@larryburwell8550]

i have the burst version, its better than any strat ive ever played and im a les paul player but i love this guitar. great sound great fret work and board. unreal for the price

[@yannlaliberte8407]

I bought mine 5 years ago, made in China, seafoam green, Classic Vibe for 400$ Canadian, its a wonderful guitar, really. I bought a Fender Player Series last week and, yes the Player Series is GREAT but followed very very close by the Classic Vibe for 50% less. I like both.

[@Remsterdam]

Still think the Fender player series are the sweet spot between price and quality. Got both my strat and tele of those. But for my jazzmaster and thinline tele i went for SQ CV, it’s a really good alternative.

[@larsfocken3456]

I really love this special kind of vintage tuners. If you wind your strings properly, tune always up to pitch and make sure the nut is well lubed, the tuning stability is very good. No need for replacing the tuners at all.

[@90sboy87]

Is the neck good and high quality

[@larsfocken3456]

@@90sboy87 It is. The neck is as good as that of my Fender 50s Classic Player Strat from 2003. It has a nice grain and the frets feel good. Also the edges of the frets feel convenient. The nut is made of plastic I think but that can be easily replaced.

[@rindred]

Darrell: You're not going to play this with that much gain... Bryan Adams: *stares*

[@Marta1Buck]

I want djent strat

[@greatscottvoicemedia8651]

Yeah, tell that to Yngwie.

[@averyprice9422]

I got one this past winter .. a 60's CV Strat.. love it

[@axfxe355]

This guitar shines brighter than my future

[@holycrusader3130]

And yours look shinier than mine

[@atjonesjr1992]

Almost 300 views in 4 minutes. That’s awesome. Congrats on continued awesomeness, Darrell!

[@chattratitpisuddhipanwong5813]

If you want the same guitar as the old made in China Classic Vibes, look for the Farida F-5050, F-5051, and F-5150. They are made in the same factory that made the old Chinese CVs.

[@daveowens]

I sent two American Original '50s Strats back this week due to structural issues. Dropped by a local used store today and came home with a fantastic Squier CV '70s Thinline Tele. I'm doing a setup right now, but it played and sounded great even before I started tweaking - much better than the two AOs.

[@mimil_jd331]

I really feel like indonesia makes really good guitars. The Larry Carlton’s Sire serie guitars have great reputation for instance.

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Those site guitars are worth every bit of money they're charging for them. I've had a couple of the basses and they blow anything in their price range away.

[@markpetten9777]

I just bought a CV 60s thinline tele. Love it! Great guitar for the money.

[@jeradrhone8773]

Gotta say the g&l tributes, literally any of them takes it for me at roughly the same price. No stiff trem problems and the tribute pickups are the exact ones used in their higher range guitars. Also cant forget the ptb system, so you get some tone control for the bridge. These do seem cool though, just a personal preference.

[@John17thru26]

I have a Classic Vibe Thinline Telle H H . love it, plays great, capable of very low action. very "tight" solid feeling. Tones are great, tones controls are exceptionally versatile.

[@Eth_C]

Hey Darrell you should try out the squier contemporary strat special next.

[@DMSProduktions]

Squier.

[@jerryfox3731]

Thank you Darrell for the review. I ordered a Squier Classic Vibe package on Amazon the other day should be here in a day or so. Thanks for making me feel like I made a good choice.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

In my experience, the Indonesian Squiers are truer to the Fender shapes and profiles than the Chinese variants. I had a 2009 Deluxe Stratocaster (just like the faded Daphne Blue that Darrell reviewed), and it was pretty much identical to the Mexican and USA fenders in body shape and Modern C neck profile. The Chinese Classic Vibes of the time had noticeably thinner necks and slightly different body contours. Looking across multiple brands, I'm far more impressed with the quality and consistency coming out of Indonesia.

[@blastofo]

Very keen observations there. Biggest complaint on the china cv's was how thin the necks were. Hoping my indonesian one has a thicker neck.

[@sunnytaufiq07]

Agreed. Mine is just made in Indonesia Bullet & it's feel great than my frenz Bullet made in China. Same goes to my Ibanez from Indonesia is way better than both GIO from China. The construction is great.

[@johncrafton8319]

I enjoyed my Squier Classic Vibe. I loved it so much I gave it to someone who could really use it, and they're loving it as well. Since I have too many instruments, I don't miss it, but I do still love that instrument. It's not my favorite S-type for the money (that would be the Michael Kelley CC60 Burl Burst), but it's still a great value.

[@greghobbs1086]

I'd really love to know more about the working conditions in these overseas plants. They sure do keep the cost down.

[@rodneyketsa8554]

No worse than amazon

[@Magik1369]

I own a 50's CV Strat and a 50's CV Tele and they are 2 of the best in my collection which includes Fender, Gibsons, Gretsche, Kramer, Charvel, Schecter, etc. I did have to do fret jobs on both guitars to bring them to my personal standards. The pups in these guitars are very good.

[@MaartenAnna]

Why didn't you show the electronics? What kinda pots, caps, soldering, etc.?

[@stefaneduard8169]

because they suck and he didnt wanna anger the Fender company :)

[@toastedphantom3007]

Because they barely matter aside from electrical values and pot taper

[@MaartenAnna]

@@toastedphantom3007 Precisely, that way I know what value pots & caps to use on my next partscaster. ;-)

[@toastedphantom3007]

@@MaartenAnna well that changes things. I'm willing to bet they're 47nF polyester caps and 250k logarythmic pots.

[@MaartenAnna]

@@toastedphantom3007 Kinda what I thought as well. I might put large size 250 potts in, with neck (Alnico 2) & middle (Alnico 5) connected to tone pott 1 on a 223 cap & for the bridge an Alnico 8 humbucker, with a 500 push/pull pott & a 47nF cap. Just to be different really.

[@Holden_McHock]

Man this honestly might be the best looking guitar i've ever seen

[@isaiahj117]

For $500, you can get a used/pre-own Fender player series.

[@gcardoso71]

I had a classic vibe strat, but I didn't like it (all of them had horrible frets). The CV tele was pretty good though. Then I got a new player strat for 550€ and it's night and day difference

[@upcycleelectra8311]

NOPE !! Buy a used late model Mint Fender MiM standard $300 Mod it with Seymour Duncan SSL5 Bridge pickup $80 Fender Locking Tuners $80... Vastly Superior Instrument for $40 less ✌

[@techwatch4202]

Exactly, at that price point I'd rather look at pre-owned player series or even other brands like Ibanez who spoil you for choice at that price category

[@isaiahj117]

@@upcycleelectra8311 Right. For $500 can get a lot of good pre-own/used stuff to do the upgrade.

[@isaiahj117]

@@gcardoso71 I have tried the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Telecaster Thinline, and it sounds good. I found a pre-own one for $250, no damage, no scratch, did a bargain, finally, $200 came with a gig-bag.

[@joemccarthy641]

I bought two. I put a 60s Squier Strat neck on one of them. I set them up so they're a 'perfect' fit for me. Nice guitars.

[@Malediction99]

They're good, but for me the Player Series is the best bang for buck.

[@theceo1]

Agreed

[@jakeritchie3805]

Truthfully I prefer my upgraded classic vibe, than my stock mexican player. Both are now upgraded 100 percent but the classic vibe was easier on my wallet

[@Malediction99]

@@jakeritchie3805 Like I said, they're good, but I just can't do gloss necks. Also, my comment pertains solely to the maple fretboard versions, I'm not a fan of Pau Ferro.

[@Malediction99]

@@EarthSouthside Interesting, the fit and finish on my Player Series is much better than any Squier I've played. Sounds like either I got lucky or you got unlucky.

[@RJ_HTx]

@@EarthSouthside I’ve played both and I would rate the player series above the CV but I would not buy either because I own a 60’s Classic Series Strat. That guitar is far superior to the CV when it comes to finish and quality overall.

[@squirelova1815]

I just know that the "Yako" guitar factory in China does excellent work, from my experience. My Chinese 2011 CV 50's Strat has very lightweight Alder and is phenomenally well made and came with a stock/factory perfectly Quartersawn neck(?!). Luck of the draw on that piece of Maple that day. They were only about $299 in 2011.

[@brandontay2053]

Hey Darrel, with regard to value for money strats, have you checked out Swing guitars? Its a Korean company. I personally own a S-1 series strat and it sounds way better than its price range suggests. Would love to see you review one and tell us what you think!

[@leeholzmann1023]

if you take out the middle spring in the trem and move the end ones straight and the float it slightly that trem will work great...

[@crashandburngaming5103]

I bought a modded 2003 Squier standard a few years back. Better tuners, titanium trem, and bone nut for $200. Not sure if the maple neck was replaced too but it plays really nice. Stock pickups are pretty good in these. Couldn’t pass it up at that price.

[@jwd1112]

I’ve played the CV a couple of times, and was more impressed with it than any Mexican Strat that I’ve played

[@johnp.6692]

What's more beautiful than a red strat?

[@jimbop4499]

A white one!

[@jmabs5096]

My first strat will be a classic vibe, especially with a laqured fretboard, love the feel of pure silk under the fretting hand l

[@MegaLochgelly]

I've sent 4 Fender player Strats back to the dealer, quality control sucks for the price and boy it's increasing in price. Squire seems to be finished better from what I've seen in stores and maybe one day they can move the player series to Asia also.

[@atb1325]

Bought a Squire limited edition HSS Blackout last year made in Indonesia. Great guitar, came set up well with no fret buzz and plays like butter. The neck is awesome, light satin finish and feels really nice. The electronics are decent and are workable. An upgrade on electronics would not break the bank so... for the money they are fun to play and you can upgrade them however you want. The bones on these guitars really good for the price.

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Indonesia guitar craftsmanship is waaaayyy better than China.

[@gringogreen4719]

Depends on the era. Twenty years ago, total garbage. I have a Standard Squire Telecaster with a mirror pickguard. Honestly its decent but could be better. Most new guitars, on par with Korean guitars from the 90s.

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

@@gringogreen4719 Totally agree... I trend to Korean an Indonesian. My experience with Chinese guitars was traumatic. Really bad pickups and fret dressing. I will pass any made in China guitar. Including any Epiphone guitar.

[@gringogreen4719]

@@AntonioCavicchioni I recommend taking guitars one at a time. Like people. I have Chinese guitars and most are decent to very good. My experience is to buy them from a music store that will service them before you take it home. These tend to be much better than say online. I usually hotrod and upgrade most of my cheaper guitars, so I already know I am going to spend time and money on them. That way I get a custom guitar I don't mind playing hard on. That said, I try to get them as cheap as I can and do as much work as I can by myself. That saves me money and gives me an appreciation of what my luthier does.

[@gringogreen4719]

@Mark Seymour I am going to be honest and say these companies can produce whatever you ask. If you spec a guitar or any product poorly, they will make that. If you spec it well, the Chinese and Indonesians can make that too. Many of these guitars are poorly speced and made in high enough numbers to turn a profit. Keep in mind the demand from the consumer keeps shifting. So now MORE people are expecting more quality from a lower price point. Before it was just a race to the bottom.

[@alfisika6826]

Well thankyou

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Jack Pearson, one of my favorite guitar players, is famous for playing Squires, even Bullets!!

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

I have found a lot of quality issues recently with squier, raised frets, sharp fretboard edges, bad finish, exposed glue, etc. The fingerboard edges are very sharp, I prefer a rolled edge. Not a lot of hand work on these instruments. Also the glossy neck is very sticky. Most people take the electronics out and upgrade anyways so not a great value IMO

[@chickenlegs28porkchops94]

Just bought a fifty’s classic vibe strat and loving it, I got the white blonde finish that the shop called it, to be honest the finish is almost like a pearl color or sea shell, you can see the wood under the finish, beautiful guitar.

[@shredderscult7363]

I’m first! I think 🤔

[@wildesage4172]

Great idea for a video, Darrell! Love this. For me, I'd have to go with a used Mexican Standard, but that's coming from someone who isn't dying for the vintage thing. For those who don't know, the old Mex. std. is a mix of vintage and modern specs (and some weird stuff, i.e. the body shape is not quite a true strat). Darrell's got LOTS of great videos covering them. If I WAS looking for a vintage Strat, I think I'd still start with a Mexican Standard and then build it out myself from there. That's just because I'm seeing them (in my local market) starting around $100 lower than MSRP on this CV. That $100 would go nicely towards upgrades, plus big upgrades like a replacement vintage-accurate neck would free up the existing neck to be sold off, recouping some cost... but of course that's a lot of work. This is surely a great option for someone who wants a nice vintage Strat straight out the box. Careful though, to any parents! If you're eyeing this for you kid, make sure they understand it's a *vintage*-styled instrument, and that doesn't just mean aesthetics. There are features on modern guitars that many players prefer over vintage designs (HSS/HSH pickups, 2-point trem, flatter neck, updated knob layouts, larger/more/stainless frets, more contoured body/heel joint, etc.). Of course that sounds like a lot to expect on a $460 guitar, but some brands are making it happen. I think the Fusion-III does most of that, and can be had, shipped, for $100 less than the CV; I don't own any HBs, I can't vouch for them, I'm just saying that $460 can get you a LOT of guitar today if you know where to look. A Vintage Strat is a great fit for lots of players, just don't be hypnotized by the fact that this is a nice quality, affordable, mainstream guitar; it needs to also be a good fit for the individual's musical tastes and playing style. Good luck!

[@brianwarner9106]

My market (northeast) for MIM strats starts in the 400-500 range. Most mexican strats ive played dont match the build quality of the classic vibe strats. The only downside of CV is the squire logo. Many times your eyes see a Fender logo and it tells your brain that the guitar feels better. MIM switched to medium jumbo frets in 2006. So anything you get 06-now is not going to have the "vintage" feel you speak of. The older MIM's used a very small fret. CV uses Narrow Tall frets which are a very popular. Narrow Tall are used on American pro strats. MIM/CV/AM all have a 9.5in radius. CV also have far superior pickups compared to MIM. If you really want a good deal buy a CV from Amazon Warehouse. You can get a returned CV in Like New condition for $300.

[@badbasic]

"Bridge pickup is exceedingly bright..." Bah, KZbinrs and their hyperbolic statements. *starts playing position one* Aghhh, holy hell, i can't look or listen to it, it's too bright, give it a college degree allready!

[@jasonvoorheeskill]

Bruuhhh . . . . . .

[@nathanmarineau3993]

Thank you for the honest review, especially when it came to the tremolo. Nice to know there's a solution though! 🎸