Squier Strat Battle (Bullet vs Affinity vs Classic Vibe)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out more gear videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNaLwTdlpQNFt5yZFJRiFtoHtPJm6bX-N

[@mnj4christ516]

This video has convinced me that all you need is a very good amp

[@jonathanoakley88]

usually that is the key. A great guitar player can make.any guitar sound good. You can upgrade bullet/affinitys cheaply with great.components. the issuw is the frets. higher end guitars come stainless, copper nickel plated frets wear fast, so if you play a lot or gig, you will wear the frets down believe it or not. But for the bedroom player, get a cheap one, mod it to make it yours and have fun with it!

[@DeadBird-wp9of]

All you need is usually to practice enough to make a bad guitar sound good and a better outstanding - Elmo does it everytime (but it is his secret - every guitar shop owner knows).

[@scottharrison9083]

So true

[@randomuser48737]

Yeah that's pretty much the excuse that got me buying many cheap monsters... ya know... gotta swap them around to not wear one 😂😂 ​@@jonathanoakley88

[@DerpEye]

The difference in price is mainly the finish and the quality of materials. A good guitarist and a good amp will make them sound the same.

[@GregHu77]

5:09 Bullet 9:25 Affinity 12:52 Classic Vibe

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@balaportejean7015]

❤❤❤

[@balaportejean7015]

Jesus loves you ❤🎉

[@janichmondieu6505]

Every time I change the strings on my bullet strat I do some gentle sponge sanding to the neck and frets. I shielded the pups and added a fender 3 ply pick-guard. Finally locking tuners. So about $220. Total and it feels and sounds as good as a MIM STRAT.

[@joejazz67]

I have the affinity stratocaster took it to a guitar tech to swap out the pickguard and pickups and set it up and it now plays excellent and sounds good. I think I am going to bypass the classic vibe and jump right to a real fender when I get better. Always excellent when people actually buy and do reviews rather than sent items to review new subscriber, thanks

[@_lordshadow1823]

I have been playing Guitar for 9 years now and electric for ~3.5 years, I have NEVER once seen a Player Strat I preferred over an Affinity. These Squier Guitars are an insane Bang-for-the-buck. I recommend to you that you get yourself a guitar that you like the sound of and want to play on a lot, no matter the name on the headstock. I made the mistake of buying a Player strat even though I like the Squiers a lot more. But hey, at the end of the day it's your money and personal preference.

[@joejazz67]

@@_lordshadow1823 thanks for your comment I ended up getting another squier and I play that thing all the time it is never in the case

[@_lordshadow1823]

@@joejazz67 Happy to hear that!

[@rach623]

This is what I’m going to do. I was torn between these 3 models and some advise to make the bigger investment on the Classic as it will be something your less likely to want to upgrade so soon from but I personally don’t like the colours or the headstock on the classic at all. I’d rather go middle ish lower end and then make the leap. Just makes sense to me.

[@octtrinittolavg]

I think Affinity and CV have the same quality of pickups but other components are on the CV's side: hand comfort, tuning stability, quality control, maybe wood quality etc, but anyway generally I don't trust "made in China" products, even if nowadays people say they are improved, I always find something that bothers me 😄 I tried exactly this CV from video in a music shop in my place, and it sounded perfectly, without any con I would say - altough perhaps it's because of awesome amp (Marshall DSL1). In the end I will look for second hand just because of money, but I think Squier CV can be guitar for the rest of life.

[@timcastle165]

Great video! A few years ago I purchased a 20th anniversary Squier Affinity Strat in a Forest Green color for only $25.00 (U.S.) from a guy I worked with. I found that the nut width was too narrow for me and the electronics weren’t very good so I went and purchase a MIM Fender Strat and replaced all the electronics in it, I then had those electronics installed into the Affinity and it Rocks!! I still have the Affinity and my wife plays it now.

[@93greenstrat]

My daughter did demo all three of these (we looked at the 70's CV) and found that, as you mentioned, there was a bit more resistance in Bullet vs. the Affinity. To me, the Bullet felt unrefined by comparison. At the end of the day, she ended up linking the Affinity (full disclosure: I was hoping she would have selected the VM 70's because I really liked it).

[@MrPolevaulter]

The quality will vary a lot in this price range.

[@anlylmaz881]

Man you put too much effort on your videos. I wish more people would have known you. You definetly deserve more subs :)

[@MrPolevaulter]

I appreciate that!

[@shooweri3666]

Moi Elmo! Finnish guitar tech here. I've been doing guitar repairs for the last 10 years and have done work on many Squier instruments. Most Bullet and Affinity series guitars that I've worked on have had many production flaws. Three of them had crappy truss rods that wasn't adjustable and others had sharp fret ends, fret tops that felt like 400 grid sandpaper and crappy electronics. In my experience, Bullet and Affinity guitars feel very similar in terms of build quality and I strongly recommend to try those in the music shop before purchasing so you can get a better one. The Classic Vibe instruments are far superior quality overall and I recommend them over cheapest Fenders. Two years ago a friend of mine was looking to get a Classic Vibe strat and we went to couple local shops in Helsinki to try them. Most of them were impeccable and we both of us bought a strat that day. I wasn't even thinking to get one, but I had to because I found a 60's spec strat with Lake Placid Blue finish. It has been my main strat ever since and even if I'm gonna upgrade to Warmoth parts build in the future, I'm not gonna sell it!

[@farber2]

Yes, I had a Squire a bought in a pawn shop, and it played great. Most Squires I have played are crappy. An odd one here and there, will be really great.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I think you're pretty much spot on there. I'm actually tempted to keep the CV and upgrade it.

[@ramlihassan8238]

in my country people only pawn gold ring or gold necklace...something like that...there are no music instrument..dont know why

[@ramlihassan8238]

what pedal you use sir?like the tone..

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@ramlihassan8238 Strymon Riverside these days. I used to use a Fender Yngwie Malmsteen overdrive.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

I owned a Squier 60s Classic Vibe Telecaster. The body, neck, fretboard, tuning machines and bridge were all fine. The only things I replaced were the pickups with a set of Fender 64 Telecaster pickups, the control pots, and pickup switch with CTS components. I also had the control cavity, pickguard and pickup cavity grounded and shielded with copper tape to prevent single coil hum. Even Fender guitars need to be grounded and shielded sometimes.

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

FYI- Classic Vibe guitars are set up professionally before being shipped. The others are only tuned. Something to remember

[@VUZOOKA]

Hey, dont forget, Mike Rutherford of Genesis bought a Squier Bullet Strat back in 2020 because he fell in love the quality of it and has even played it live on tour. Although… his guitar tech reportedly did some typical tweaks with it like changing hardware and electronics, but still, it says ”Squier” on the headstock either way! 😄👌

[@nicholasmercorella5318]

Love my classic vibe 60’s. Did a little setup work, added a hot rail to the bridge. Plays like a dream. I compared the classic vibe to a Mexican strat and the classic vibe felt better all the way around. Especially the pots, felt more solid, being an electrician that meant a lot to me.

[@metalhead_1996]

I love rewatching your videos again and again, good job man,

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you like them! :)

[@God-yb2cg]

Meanwhile newbies after watching this man's crazy skills give up on guitar before even deciding on which to buy.

[@lynellerradu326]

Thank you, I sold my strat due to financial issues 15 years back, now it's so confusing as there are so many to choose from. Your opinion has helped 👍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad to help!

[@dodoipelima727]

you should have a clean sound man. that's the soul and identity of strats.

[@monmac1165]

ABSOLUTELY....

[@0000song0000]

Let's be honestly: the headstock somehow looks cooler on that yellowy shade on the CVs over the pale bare wood look of the other Squiers

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep.

[@ShredGeek007]

If there is a Strat and a Marshall in a video, you just know that it's only a matter of time before the Yngwie licks come out to play. Thanks for the comparison and clean shredding. Great work.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you :)

[@ShredGeek007]

@@MrPolevaulter Would you ever consider upgrading a Squire Strat (affinity/classic) to the Seymour Duncan YJM Fury pickups (entire pick-guard/individual single coil pickups, your call) and demo the difference in overall tone for a KZbin video?

[@ivnxri1a]

I’m getting a guitar for my birthday and I went around to all thease shops and I really liked the squire classic vibe, it also comes with nice colours :3 I’m from Australia so there a bit hard to come across but I’m so excited as I have only ever played acoustic

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

Bending the strings and having it feel gritty will become smooth after playing a short while.

[@rickraydubs]

You can also just polish them.

[@Subcat001]

Good video. The issue with most budget guitars is the consistency of the QC and the lower end Squiers are no exception. My experience has been largely positive though I have an older Affinity Tele and it's great. I've also had a play of the Bullet Mustang and the hard tail strat. Both would have benefited from a basic set up and polish but they played fine. Far better than the budget instruments I grew up with in the 90s. Personally I'd recommend a used hard tail bullet series Squier. For beginners they are simple and can be picked up cheaply. Allowing for them to invest more money into a better practice amp or even a set up(maybe even both) . For a more experienced player it's a great platform to experiment with and the cheapest way to get a Mustang style body.

[@jesseregenauer630]

Found an all black classic vibe 70's Stratocaster hss w/maple neck and fretboard like new at a second hand shop for $100 within the last year. Very excellent find at a very good price. I put new strings on it, adjusted the bridge, and keep it tuned to open E for slide work. Killer sounding guitar through my Fender Super Champ X2 head and cabs. It is the least expensive yet still impressive quality electric guitar I've ever purchased.......

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

My favorite is the CV, HOWEVER, I love the Affinity for 1)2 price.

[@andyreckert-4431]

I was surprised that my classic vibe had the most issues. The screws in the trem claw kept the plate against the body so I had to re drill the holes to make the trem float for the first time in 12 year's. It had small pots and a weak switch. I added basically everything.

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

The only thing Bullets or Affinity needs is a great setup and a little fret work (maybe). Most are good

[@Goreminator]

I have a 91' Korean Squire too my first guitar from new, looked after it had to upgrade the wiring and replaced the pickups with Lace sensor ones also put Hipshot locking tuners it's a great guitar love the neck on it and it resonates beautifully.

[@smoggybell]

Get the Bullet and spend time prepping the frets setting the action and intonation and putting on some NYXL's. Then maybe later some locking machine heads. Better than the Classic Vibe for a lot less.

[@michaelolz]

I love NYXLs. They’re my favorite strings.

[@indraptor]

I'm gunna do that but there isn't a big difference between affinity and the bullet in the used market here so might get the affinity polish the neck and fret board ..put in dimarzios hs3 in the middle ...Sey.dunc hot rail in the neck and a good humbucker in the bridge aaaand get a gud tremolo.

[@TransistorBased]

No? Why would you expect their bottom tier guitar to play better than their top tier? My first guitar cost roughly twice what the Bullets are going for and I got pretty burned out because it didn't play well at all. After getting the CV, I finally see how people enjoy playing guitar because it just feels good. The pickups and hardware are also heaps better than the Bullet, so a basic setup is absolutely not gonna make the difference. You'll have to sink in a couple hundred bucks to put it in the same league, at which point you should have just got the better one and saved a lot of effort.

[@ErrorlVlacro]

Tuning stability just seems so bad on the lowest end.

[@danieloleary4560]

So wrong

[@porschepal7932]

I just got the 1950's Classic Vibe Stratocaster for $249 brand new from Guitar Center. They price matched Pro Audio Star. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

[@michaelolz]

I just got the Classic Vibe 50s and I really like it. The frets were a little rough (not horrible) but the ends were very nicely dressed. The only real complaint i have is the bridge/trem. I adjusted the intonation at the saddles and the low E was already back as far as it would go to the bend. I may have to push those back out and readjust after backing off the tuners a bit. But the pickups with this are just awesome. The neck feel is really great despite the gloss on the back. (I really like the sheen on the fretboard also.)

[@mikevega7740]

I got a second hand classic vibe for 200. It had a short in it neck needed adjusting. Thing sounds great and plays great. Had to upgrade tuners too.

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Just saw this video today (2023), and I have to say the Bullet in this video sounded harsh, while the Affinity and the CV sounded way better. That said, I have a 2021 Bullet Strat that sounded decent, certainly better than the Bullet in the video. I'm assuming that maybe Squier has made some changes that may have improved the Bullet some, but I must caveat by saying I bought a FSR version that costs about 25% more. I also have two Affinity Strats, both of which are older ones (2004 & 2014). I'm quite pleased with them. One needed a pup upgrade but otherwise is a good player. The other was very good as is, altho I did swap in a lefty Affinity neck to use as a reversed headstock neck. I do not have any CV, but I do have 2 Squier Standard Strats, a SE and a StageMaster. They compare very favourably well to a Fender Mexican Standard Strat and a Fender Japanese Standard Strat.* So much so that I have them (the 2 Affinities, 2 Standards, the SE and the StageMaster) in my permanent rotation alongside the two Fenders. * I should mention that the StageMaster is not in the same category as tge two Fenders, which are traditional styled Strats. The StageMaster is a true SuperStrat with a reversed headstock on a 24-jumbo fret maple/rosewood neck that is a neck-thru the basswood body. My reversed headstocked Affinity HSS is actually the closest thing to the StageMaster amongst my Fender group. Actually I just remembered Fender now owns Jackson/Charvel, so probably the closest to the StageMaster in the Fender part of my herd is my vintage '86 Charvel Model 4.

[@mikecorey8370]

If you have a Squire Affinty Strat, install the Fender N4 pickups, and you will have an amazing sounding guitar. I've had one for 8-9 years. Never did anything with. I had the N4 pickups put in, and it sounds better than my American Standard. You'll have to have it routed out a bit. But for a couple of hundred bucks, you'll have a fantastic sounding guitar. I have the 70's Classic Vibe HSS. Sounds great. Plays great. 2 very different sounding Strats. Don't be afraid of Squires.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Same as with anything. Try before you buy (or make sure you can return it).

[@ramlihassan8238]

i own a classic vibe 50s....cool tone sir.....appreciated all the info about everyrhing you gave....salute

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@mikestand714]

i have an affinity and just learning i'll keep it

[@garrytalley8009]

The main thing is if a guitar is not fun to play it will be played less or none at all. I do have several guitars and am only pretty much a strummer but if a guitar is hard on your fingers it does sit more and you will never play as good as you would if it wasn't sitting so much. But I have some cheap guitars that are more fun than some I have paid more for. It's all about fun more than money. Of course if you have money it can be more fun sooner rather than later.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah. If it's not fun, it's no good.

[@rickstone774]

Try taking the screws out and put tooth pick with wood glue in the holds and let the glue dry. Then tap hold again.

[@jasonpietrobone4570]

Loved the sound of the red strat looks like the yngwie malmsteen strat

[@MrPolevaulter]

The red one is the Classic Vibe, and it does look a bit like a candy apple red Yngwie Strat.

[@sunnytaufiq07]

Got myself a Squier Bullet HSS hardtail & might get myself Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster 60s soon...

[@MrPolevaulter]

No. I might at some point. There's just so much gear out there.

[@coatsbrothersfirearms8406]

Love your skills! I got the 70's Classic Vibe Strat. I use it in a Mad Season cover band.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@victorboucher675]

Love my hardtail bullet ...2019 model local purchase, QC is all over the place, so try before buy.

[@danielhartman5086]

I love my 50'sClassic vibe Strat.Better then MIM. IMO.

[@bilalnachabeh]

@2:30 frets need polishing it's a simple fix. I always do that when changing strings. On the bullet the pickguard is the most part making that guitar look cheap!

[@luismangiaterra1031]

I don't care if the pick guard looks cheap while I'm playing the guitar. But that red color on the cv is gonna annoy me right from the git go.

[@cliffb2454]

Classic vibe tone, my ears go aaaaah Alnico 😀

[@MrPolevaulter]

:)

[@mattvanity284]

Love your videos. The information and honest reviews are really helpful

[@transmissionggb2820]

I bought my daughter the squire beginners set up which has the bullet strat and she inspired me to learn guitar myself and I bought the CV and I now feel my daughter deserves better.

[@transmissionggb2820]

By the way My daughter got a bass guitar and amp for Christmas so she did get something much better.

[@luismangiaterra1031]

It doesn't get better than the bullet squire, from the bullet squire, it's all downhill. It will need to be customize though. That's why they're unfinished and cheaper so you can customize it. It's not playable out of the box.

[@transmissionggb2820]

@@luismangiaterra1031 well I need to get it upgraded.

[@luismangiaterra1031]

@@transmissionggb2820 Eddie van Halen and Brian May built their own guitars. The bullet and most less expensive guitars need to be custonized. No need to upgrade put that money into a good amp. If you don't know how to set up, you'll need to pay for that.

[@luismangiaterra1031]

@@transmissionggb2820 make sure you get someone who knows guitars real good to check it out at the store before you buy it. Specially the neck.

[@amac1010]

The classic vibe is much better guitar without a doubt. I have owned and played many fender and squier cv stratocaster and can say many squiers were better guitars

[@scottgulberg6543]

Good video because I almost bought a bullet for 80 bucks . Now I know I might look for a used squire vibe but most likely I ll be looking for something better on eBay. Thank you, very helpful video.

[@Carvi206]

Now in chile the affinity cost 359.00 USD and the classic vibe cost 565.00 USD (Aprox) so it is gonna be fun this video to see and informative , thanks elmo for that :)

[@Carvi206]

as a new luthier, (I trained with a professional luthier for more than 6 months) It doesn't matter so much to me that the guitar feels uncomfortable, that the frets are sharp and/or uneven, because I have the preparation and tools to turn a cheap guitar into something decent. but obviously for the majority the case is not like that and if they send it to a luthier to fix everything it will cost them a lot of money or some money depending on the luthier. So I would also recommend the Squier Classic Vibe in relation to what you said Elmo because you seem sincere to me. I also have information from other KZbinrs who demonstrated the guitars, also reviews on the internet where they say, for example, pointing out the frets and defects of them, which leads me to say the same thing as before, that is, recommend the most comfortable one. Replacing the pickups and electronics on a Stratocaster is not difficult and would be the only thing I would change as a priority to the guitar. But now, first of all, they cost at least 200 dollars more in my country and they must be different from the ones they did about 3 years ago, so I would recommend the second thing that Elmo said. Test the guitars completely and then decide with all the information. thank you very much for the video elmo

[@johnwillard6198]

I love my bullet tele after fret polish and tone city pickups . Plays awesome , Total investment about $278

[@toddmartin1523]

I got my affinity strat on marketplace for 70 bucks and I tell you what I can't be happier

[@davidezetta7230]

congratulations for the technique ... it seems to me that the bullet sounds better than the affinity, even if it seems more poor ... from the lower, in the sound, and the sound is more evident ... what do you think?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Can't remember. It's a while ago.

[@rhodes7394]

Sounded better to me too

[@IanTheAlternative]

@@rhodes7394 it sounded clearer because of the amp settings, the affinity is the best overall

[@WizardOfArc]

I have a bullet strat... I just found out today that the tele I had for a while was an affinity

[@MrPolevaulter]

OK. Are they good?

[@WizardOfArc]

Elmo Karjalainen my bullet is my favorite guitar. It felt much more playable to me than the PRS I had.

[@danieljennings6144]

My bullet is my fav to but I changed everything except the neck and bridge. I can't change the bridge bc squire Bodies are thinner then fenders and a new bridge will stick out the back

[@0000song0000]

@@danieljennings6144 but only like a milimiter... You Can put the cover on it and it kind of "maskes" it 😃

[@TheTurnerBurner]

I recently bought an Affinity. I expected the tuners to not be the best but my low E string in particular cant even ring out in tune. Other than that I'm happy with it; I'm not good enough yet to be shelling out on anything expensive lol

[@72dodge340]

I put Wilkinson tuners on mine... I think they were about 30 bucks maybe? I didn't have a huge issue to begin with, but I like the Wilkinsons and they solved the minor issue I did have.

[@TheTurnerBurner]

@@72dodge340 That might be the way to go for me then. Thanks for sharing

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, replacing the tuners might work.

[@toddmartin1523]

You need to have it intonated

[@InZomnia365]

I just got a bullet hss hardtail, and even as an intermediate player, the first thing I noticed was the resistance in the frets. The sides were pretty decent, and the neck feels okay in general - but the resistance in the frets was something I've never felt before. Wondering if I can sort it out by using a foam block to smooth them out a bit, though. Aside from that fret issue, it's an okay guitar for the price.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I think the strings will even them out in time.

[@mrbesserwisser7447]

Use some steel wool to polish the frets.

[@Subcat001]

They just need a polish. With some wire wool and a foam sanding block you can polish the frets, roll the finger board and finish the frets ends.

[@leoroarfischer9271]

@@Subcat001 how I polish frets?? I'm a pro guitarist but frets just makes me angry and I don't know how to do it

[@danielmedeiros3986]

Your videos are the best! Greetings from Brazil!

[@danielmedeiros3986]

I said once you should have more subscribe. Well, that still true my friend. I'm sharing your content with friends (at least the ones who speaks english haha)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Obrigado :)

[@MrPolevaulter]

That's all the Portuguese I speak :D

[@raeshardyudhistira7052]

No, i don't want to go to brazil

[@danielmedeiros3986]

@@raeshardyudhistira7052 good for you.

[@caoileeleazar]

I have to subscribe coz you are really honest and very relaxing to watch! Nice one bro!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you very much :)

[@DeadBird-wp9of]

By the quality of the fret work I think: Don't buy anything below the Player series. Ibanez and Cort had better guitars. I made the mistake to buy a 600 EURO G&L Strat - heavy as hell (feels heavier than my bass guitars - I mostly play) - but this thing is passive with awesome pickups and a great neck. In the end it is better to buy a Telecaster to yield this vibrato+string hassle when changing strings a.s.o.

[@cyaneo7]

Elmo, I agree with you - In 2016 I got a 2nd Hand Classic Vibe Vintage Modified 70' for the Price of a new Affinity and I'm still verry Happy with it! BTW: It DOES matter what you think ;-)

[@MrPolevaulter]

👍

[@dookieday1]

I have an affinity strat 20 years later still ok , but for me japan made guitars play better.

[@mrbesserwisser7447]

Get a Player series Strat from the start and avoid all the disappointments and replacement of tuners, pickups etc.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@2305denver]

I went to buy a players, classic vibe put it to shame tho. Tried more than 1 too.

[@CamMead]

LOL yeaa those frets polish up after about your first set of strings :D

[@davidmahoherrezuelo]

I have 4 bullets (1 strat from China and the same white on your video and 2 FSR Teles) and 4 squier Classic Vibe Telecaster (2 from China and 2 from Indonesia) and Esquire Custom 60s...and I LOVE ALL! More Squier very soon! And people, Check in to Jack Pearson 😁 Great video bro!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@HansBaumeister]

I‘d picked up an Affinity Tele some time ago - it was absolutely inacceptable quality-wise. Just an example: the bridge was completely off which resulted in the 1st string „falling“ off the fingerboard below the 12th fret if you moved your finger just a tiny bit. Luckily, I got it at Thomann and was able to return it without any issues.

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

Are you sure it was a quality control issue? I had an american original fender strat that had that issue with the string falling off below the 12th fret

[@Subcat001]

I've got an Affinity Tele that I picked up from a local pawn shop and i can't fault it at all. It's sounds like QC issue which ultimately can affect any instrument.

[@lone-wolf-1]

You could loosen the strings then the neck screws a quarter or half turn, and (depending on the clearance in the neckpocket) shift the neck upwards towards the low strings. Tap gently, don’t use force or overdue it, to not get a crack on the side of the pocket. I do this on all of my guitars, even if the allignement is symmetrical, because I like the wound E closer to the edge of the fretboard and the high e further away to have more space for vibrato.

[@chrisandrade4738]

still got the blues thanks!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@paulbrown7775]

Buying new instruments is for people who don't believe in money. New or used, expensive or cheap, you need to expect set-ups and maintenance. (In a dry climate like Denver, there WILL be fret sprout on any guitar that hasn't been here long.) Learn to do it yourself with cheap tools (I use emery boards from Sally Beauty Supply) or pay $75 for a good pro. Buy locally from Craigslist so you can check the guitar out first. Used Bullets currently go for around $70 here with a cheap gig bag, and they are generally in new condition since they are often the starter guitar for people who never really start. If you can do a good setup yourself and play through a modeling amp, you probably can make that work. However, even if you set it up beautifully or even upgrade it, you'll never get more than $70 for it when it's time to sell. And it will always feel cheap. Stay away. However, I often see used Affinities for $100 in good condition, and they can be set up to play terrifically, even with stock components. Great for beginners, small players (thin neck and body), or for taking on the road if you don't want to risk your prized instruments. When you're good enough that your guitar is holding you back, sell it to get your $100 back and trade up instead of upgrading. If you're an experienced enough player to know the difference, you don't need this advice or video, but the Classic Vibe is a no-apologies instrument. $250-$300 on Craigslist Denver recently. Compare (but don't buy) at the music store. If you can't tell the difference, get the Affinity. If the CV just *feels* better, wait until you find a good deal on a good used one. These are keepers, so upgrade to suit yourself. Thanks, Elmo, for the helpful video!

[@tyecook9630]

As someone who has owned each of these in the past I found your comments to be spot on and should be very helpful to someone who's considering a strat and doesn't want to spend tons of money. And also helpful for those who think they need to. I'm an intermediate level home player and the classic vibe is everything I need and more. The one I originally bought about 8 years ago is completely stock and staying that way and a few years later I found one dirt cheap on craigslist because the electronics weren't working at all. It was too cheap to pass up so I grabbed it and have been messing around with different mods just because I've always wanted to and wanted a decent guitar to do it with...

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you for the comment :)

[@stephane406]

Would have like to hear about the squier standard, which is in the middle (bullet-affinity-standard-vibe). Because I see used standard cheaper than affinity !

[@stephane406]

Made some research, seems the standard are made out of agathis wood, doesn't seem as a positive information ... Affinity is a very good serie, don't known about the strat but got a tele, really a good one, even with the stock pick ups.

[@keremkaya1185]

I own a 50s cv strat and its sick

[@juliusefhrem1802]

If me, i maybe will go for the affinity. Having Telecaster affinity squier was much amazing for me. Thinking of affinity family is better enough well classic vibe is the best but for well beginner guitarist player affinity is better to start from beginning👍🏻😁.

[@damirkozeev6582]

Thank you for the video. I was looking for some kind of guitar about 200-250 EUR and went to shop today and there were all three of those and I tried to compare and to find best from the price/quality perspective. So I would say that bullet is unplayabe... affinity, looks good, quality of how is was assembled is fine but playability is low you just do not enjoy the process Idk what is the reason for it but it's felt really cheap and unpleasant even the sound is good. Classic vibe feels much better not like really smth good but at least playable so unfortunatelly I had to spend more on classic vibe , looks like it's really the cheapest begginer one that worth to buy

[@luismangiaterra1031]

I would take the bullet,. Specially the red color is too distracting. I have no problem customizing the bullet strat. The bullet strat is extremely playable after adjustment. Bet you I play circles around you and leave you in the dust all day with a bullet and you can try it with the most expensive guitar in the world. I'll give you a 2 year head start, and me just 1 hour, that'll be enough to blow the doors off you with my bullet strat. And don't forget you said it was unplayable.

[@ryangarrettofficial]

Squier as a whole has upped their quality control over the years, but I feel like the Bullets have went downhill over the years. I have a 2005 hardtail Bullet Strat and it plays perfectly. Are the tuners the greatest? No. But it doesn't have a trem so it holds tune really well once you finally dial it in. Also I've took really good care of it since I was 12. I have an American Strat WITH a Trem and they're very close. The American has slightly better tone but the tone on the Squier isn't bad at all, it's just the Fender is much better.

[@MidnightStorm4990]

I wanna get that classic vibe in that colour!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, it looks great.

[@Totone56]

Nice shirt ! (And astonishing playing)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@mystshark7646]

Superb playing.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers 😊

[@EM-km8em]

A quick A to B comparison woulda have been the best way to compare

[@voiceofexperience]

If you possibly can, get the Classic Vibe: they are probably the best value guitars on the market atm.

[@karlfriedrich7758]

I believe they're a gloss neck, would you recommend it still for a beginner? I've heard people suggest a satin finish is easier to play on. Where I am the Affinity is almost all sold out so it's just the Bullet or Classic Vibe :P

[@JB-jo1pf]

Take 0000 steel wool and you can turn a gloss neck to satin in less than 5 minutes.

[@sonumohammed9610]

Okay I'll just go with Yamaha 112. Way better tone than beginner starts.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool :)

[@panan7777]

But NOT the sound. I have a VERY good custom build, with humbuckers that can rival anything on the market, but the but I NEED that twang. That's why we always end up with several guitars. ;))

[@shanetankey3340]

Hey Elmo, excellent video.Ive owned a Bullet, I have an Affinity, but I would like to get a Classic Vibe. You stay cool, thanks for your videos 👍 -pretty sure the CV is the pick of the bunch.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, it's much better than the other two. I feel a temptation to keep it, and upgrade it actually :)

[@MrMollyMoff]

It`s always fun to watch you try to say something positiv about products you test. They are made for BEGINNERS and the vibe is a great guitar for a lot of players of all levels. The shit i had to learn guitar with in the mid 80`s. todays cheap guitars are on another level. There is alot of things beginners can do with and eg. affinity and learn something along the way. The way you play i would suggest you also do some metal guitar testing instead :-)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@DrFeelgood1127]

A bullet with $20 alnico v’s sounds like $1000… Quality control really changed for the better in the last couple years.

[@richardk.6932]

7:10 still got the blues? :d Great comparison! Great to see that most of the sound comes from your hand and the amp.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@dirklonely6804]

I agree, I could get a decent sound out of a dog turd

[@LawHunterSound]

I think that the test should be done with guitars of the same level. If you test a Classic Vibe you have to put in comparison with a Squier Vintage Modified (now discontinued) or with a Fender Mexican. Even The Affinity Strat is not exactly the same level as the Bullet, even if the comparison between these two has sense. Maybe instead of a Classic Vibe it should have been better to test a Squier Standard or a Squier Contemporary. And remember at last that both Bullet and Affinity have a reduced thickness of the body and that is important as for the resonance of the body and as for the way you feel in your hands and breast (or bell) the guitar. Anyway Elmo ... i like your work :-)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! I get your point. At the same time, those are the three main Squier Strat models at the moment (at least in Europe), so in that sense the comparison makes some sense :D

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

No, of course not. People want to know what the price difference buys them and they want to know most about readily available models.

[@MrPolevaulter]

@Steve You mean the neck?

[@MrPolevaulter]

@Steve Dunno.

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

Love my classic vibe

[@rickbellamy5589]

Hi Elmo. I'm looking to buy a new strat copy because I can't justify (me personally) buying a Fender standard, Mexican/American etc. I'm no beginner I've been playing and gigging on and off for decades. I've never been good enough to be the lead guitarist in a band though. I'm a strummer/ rhythm guitarist/singer. Someone once suggested to me (a very accomplished guitarist) that I would do better trying to play lead with a strat? OK so here I am. They also suggested that a guitar with the back of the neck polished rather than with a high gloss was easier and quicker to play, in fact, the guitarist I'm talking about sands the lacquer off the back of very expensive guitars if he has to. Here's the point I'm making. I've noticed that the Classic Vibe has a beautiful looking glossy back of the neck (also sounds head and shoulders better than the inferior Squires) whereas the other 2 look to be just polished. Here's my dilemma, I could just about stretch to/justify buying the Classic Vibe but the neck issue is putting me off. Sorry for such a long-winded comment but would welcome anybody's thoughts?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Hi Rick. I really don't have any thoughts on the topic, as I don't really pay attention to if the neck is glossy or polished. Sorry :(

[@TheHenkka65]

Thanks again, bro. Btw; I ALWAYS like your videos! Very professional playing and views that come from experience. What else can you expect from a proper review? 👌😀

[@MrPolevaulter]

Kiitos :)

[@aleksandrkukharev5777]

Cool review !!!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@leovanhorn9577]

When you come to one channel to get a review and they start showing off this is a constant problem with KZbin

[@natsuxv]

17:28 man tried to convince us to buy classic with the most polite way I've ever seen 😂😂 Thanks for the video man it helps a loooot i was confused what to buy affinity or bullet now I'm not buying any of it HHHHHHHHH

[@luckydee7909]

Very clear...!And,Squiers apart,U're a great player.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you :)

[@David-u7l5w]

Excellent video again I've got a infinity but a HSS one so cannot complain about it so , but if the classic vibe had the larger headstock I would stump up for that ..... What i would like to see is if the bullet or infinity are better than say harley benton or crafter or cort etc cheaper strats ? Also I agree that maybe a better amp would also make a difference to in respect of practise amps ?. Looking forward to thd next one 😊 cheers Be Safe.

[@tarkett8529]

The other brand to check out in the classic vibe price range would be G&L Tribute series best thing is G&L don’t hold their value as well on the second hand market as Squier or MIM Fenders.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks for the tip. Have to check them out.

[@MrPolevaulter]

They do seem to be a bit more expensive then the CV.

[@tarkett8529]

Elmo Karjalainen second hand in the uk they’re about the same price, and have been known to go on sale for the same kind of money brand new

[@teodelnorte]

@@MrPolevaulter that's because the g&l tributes compete with MiM Players. And they are better than them. I have both. G&l USAs are ludicrously good

[@robertclarkguitar]

Love my Classic Vibes.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, they seem like nice guitars.

[@vancesnyder2426]

I want to buy a used one to practice my luthier skills and I want the model with the best neck.

[@kiranatv5999]

I like squier affinity guitar

[@christopheraaron8299]

Might have to do a new video now that Squier has replaced the Bullet line with the Sonic line. The Sonic line, I think, is an improvement over the Bullet.

[@keovongvilaykeo4799]

Great advice thanks you always again 😊

[@cameronverrette4550]

You know I've been wondering, most necks I've ever felt on Squier's have all been cheap and crappy feeling, that being said, does anyone know if the neck pocket dimensions would be the same between the classic vibe's body, and a regular Fender replacement neck

[@tyecook9630]

I'm not 100% sure but I think the dimensions are the same. I've seen what are apparently cv bodies with American necks on them for sale on line so I think it would be ok.

[@tyecook9630]

@Harry Newman oh that's interesting...not sure either if that would make a difference or not but like you said the necks on the cv's are pretty awesome, I wouldn't change mine for anything and I'm damm proud to have that nice gold squier logo on there!😊

[@MrPolevaulter]

Not sure, but I think they're the same.

[@tenantrep]

I believe they are as I’ve heard stories of people buying online what they thought was a Fender only to find out it was a Squire body and a Fender neck. Hard to decipher the bodies Im told. Im no expert.

[@teuvohuhtanen8650]

And keep in mind that all these Squiers on the video have 21 frets. You can't (or you can but shouldn't) change a 21 frets neck to a 22. Usually many Fender replacements necks you see around have 22 frets.

[@ijrowx_unlimitedhd9864]

I have a blue squier jazz master is that like lower sounding and worse quality because I was looking to buying a bullet affinity or Jay turser

[@haroldjhafhethmelendezmart3655]

nice video, you have good skills. The classic vibe sounds better to my ears.

[@RebeccaHindle]

I've had a Fender starcaster ive had it for 9+ years i like it was talking to my tech if I can get pick ups upgrade was Intersting thoughts on that

[@MrPolevaulter]

Sorry, not sure I understood. You want my thoughts on a pickup upgrade?

[@RebeccaHindle]

@@MrPolevaulter yes

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@RebeccaHindle Depends on the pickups I guess. Personally I use stacked humbuckers to get rid of that single coil noise.