Nirvana Mustang Tone: 1971 Fender Mustang VS. Squier Classic Vibe Mustang

Hey guys, just following up on my recent Squier Classic Vibe 60's Mustang purchase and comparing it to my 1971 Fender Mustang. Out of all the 8 Mustangs I've owned, I can finally say I've found one that can hang with my 71 mustang, and who would have thought it would be a Squier... Squier is making amazing guitars in their current lineup. I've gotta say, right now couldn't be a more exciting time to get into budget guitars, they are insanely good! Anyway, I hope you guys dig the comparison and the general overview of the two guitars. Be sure to drop me a comment on what you think, negative or positive I don't care, I just love hearing what ya think! Alright, that about does it ✌🏻

[@Ghetto-Yeti]

You are one of a handful of people who are giving away some major tone secrets and I dig that a lot. My friend and I are both huge Nirvana fans who got vintage fenders back in the early 90s before they became expensive and all the rage. I was the only person in town playing a jaguar and him a mustang. Like at all. San Antonio isn’t a small town… anyway, we both ave talked for a long time about Kurt’s sound and while we have used parts of what he did, we aren’t trying to nail it in our own music. We do have all the various gear etc. I even played a quad reverb from 92 on (I payed 250 for my 72 quad and 275 for my 62 jag- I really miss those days). I remember my dad who was a musician as well telling me why the vintage guitars and older used stuff was usually better sounding… the wood had a chance to age and dry out over all that time so it was more resonant. The tiny holes occupied by the zillions of evaporated water molecules created that resonance etc. yes pickups were hand wound as well but it’s the wood that is the biggest part. So, it’s cool that you have come at the same idea from a bit diff route- that being the weight of the guitars. Makes perfect sense. The lighter guitars have drier, therefore lighter, wood. I’m guessing that’s the relationship. If I’m wrong please tell me but it makes perfect sense and works with new gear where mine makes you find older stuff. I hang a 1962 duo sonic body I made into a mustang since someone before me did a bunch of hideous routing on it so I made it better. It has a slightly skinnier and less wide body than my mustang from the early 2000s and my squire mustang bodies. That’s an interesting point I’ve noticed on the size and weight thing for a couple other vintage pieces. Anyway, great video and great work figuring it out. Awesome!

[@JJ-ze6vb]

There are no tone secrets

[@yourmother7112]

Your playing of heart shaped box sounded INSANELY close to the studio recording. That was nuts man, kudos, and great video

[@loveseat-honey]

I wish I could get a mustang or Jaguar. I’ve never heard any other guitar that can nail the tone. But it’s alright, my Orange amp and casino guitar can nail it :)

[@mirata7748]

Aesthetically I prefer the squier, And I prefer the sound of it too, It sounds bigger than the 71’

[@mirata7748]

@@Robertdeveaux i used my headphones and pc to hear the difference, sometimes you can make out the difference on phone

[@guizz6282]

@@Robertdeveaux that depends of how youre watching the vid ; 'cause if you are on a good phone / with headphones you 'll really hear the difference

[@jedimindfrak82]

That's because of the pots. Hot Rails were designed to be used with 250k pots; when you use them with 500k's they begin to sound weirdly sterile.

[@THE-CRT]

As mentioned in the video the 71’ has bigger pots which cause it to have a brighter sound coming out of that end, which is why the distortion doesn’t sound as full as it does on the squier

[@the_panos]

And the cork sniffers immediately come out. All Humbuckers are made to be used with 500k pots. The 71 mustang sounds like the 72 competition mustang I used to have through my monitor speakers.

[@rookie7413]

Thank You sir for sharing. You have helped me out so much with finding sounds.

[@sinbaon2154]

Thanks A Ron! You Have A Beautiful Eye For The Scene. Helped Me Understand So Much Behind The Tones From The Band.

[@laurent1678]

So excited for the tones video oh my

[@anthonysclafani3963]

that 71 Fender does seem to have a thing to it that just sounds closer, something about the definition. The squier sounds excellent too but the Fender just seems to sound closer

[@bluwng]

Closer to what?

[@The-dankster299]

This channel is criminally underrated, your quality of vids are insane man keep it up

[@JJ-ze6vb]

Takes him 3 minutes to get to the essentials. I think his channel rated accordingly.

[@PintsofGuinness]

I’m surprised you don’t find much difference between 250/500 pots. I have 2 guitars with Seymour Duncan JBs, one has 250 and the other has 500. The 500 is so incredibly bright and hot I have to keep the volume rolled off to about 8.

[@AaronRash]

Hey there! Yeah I don’t find too much a difference with the pots for a hot rail. I think with the full size JB it’s way more obvious. The hot rails are just dark to me no matter what pots I drop in. But I left the 250s in the squire so it wouldn’t be as bright as my 71 mustang. I think the main point I was trying to make was that pots aren’t going to change the “voice” of your guitar, they will only start rolling off high end the lower in value you go.

[@jedimindfrak82]

Agreed. It's been shown that changing the pot value changes the resonant peak of the pickup. If someone can't hear that that's on them 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@morganlockhart3442]

Awesome video! I had a classic vibe that I threw a hot rail in, which I regretfully sold. Great guitars for the price no doubt. Keep up the great content, fucken love it.

[@AppaBoy]

just discovered this channel, this is great! i love my mustang

[@FiestaRed]

You do not understand how many times I've rewatching this video lol. After almost a year I finally purchased one of these Squire Mustangs and when it was delivered I found that it had major grounding issues and the bridge wasn't right. I returned and I'm currently awaiting to get another one, praying that it isn't broken like the last one lmao. This video was pretty vital to making my decision on whether I needed to get one or not and the tones were too good to pass on. Thanks for helping :D

[@oskarzy1852]

How is it?

[@FiestaRed]

@@oskarzy1852 unfortunately both sucked and I ended up finding a really good used mustang bass at the local guitar center

[@andreil1234]

Bro kudos for telling it like it is! Also Squier is great for that money but your 71 just kills it (tonally) on both clean and especially OD. There's a difference you might say is minor in person and I could believe that, but at least as recorded, the tone with the older Fender is just more in your face, more of everything, not at all plastic for the lack of a better word. Nice demo and nice amps btw. It was a good watch which is something rare these days on YT.

[@maxsalmon1573]

Man , i don't know why they recommand your channel to me only now , but I hope so many more peoples are going to find it too

[@8bitakvids]

Wait... This WHOLE CHANNEL is Nirvana and Mustang stuff??!?! Omg awesome! Subbed.

[@Berchvbause]

This guy needs to collab with NirvanaGuitars, I think with Eric’s guitars and Aaron’s equipment will be perfection

[@mistermatsuda]

The Fender definitely has more soul in it but I wouldn't be mad if I saw you live playing that Squier - it sounds great too. Thanks!

[@grantdickey]

They both sound amazing! Holy sh!t

[@jejealin]

amo este canal!!!!!

[@tiagoduarte7560]

Your videos are so cool, dude. I am very happy with this kind of format. The 71 sounds the best to my ears...

[@AaronRash]

Thanks man! I think the 71 is still the undisputed champion but the squire is the closest I’ve ever heard any other mustang get to it. Would probably be closer if I did 500k pots

[@Orieus]

My god i like the squires sound more!!! i ordered one and i cant wait to rock it. The 71 one to my ears sounds a lil more bassy but still sounds great. Awesome job dude.

[@laurent1678]

Absolute masterpeice🥂

[@dankintx]

Dude your videos are SOOoOo good! I’m obsessed with rebuilding and collecting Vintage Mustangs. Have you ever considered doing one on the Mustangs grandparents - a vintage duo-sonic and a Musicmaster? Man, they are awesome also - especially the even shorter scale 22.5” student necks. I rebuilt a pre-cbs 1964’ this winter and man it’s like stepping into a library and seeing what it was like to be a student playing in 1964. That’s the year Beatles came to America.. pre Hendrix.. it’s crazy. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the obsession with these guitars only gets deeper!!! Hahaha. Also: as a fellow video / editing fan.. your videos are amazing!!! Love the colors and tones you use. Great audio as well. Really look forward to all of these!!!!! Keep it up. Also: total side note - but would love to see a video where you go over your studio setup - and especially the blinds / soundproofing or whatever that all is in the background.. it looks really cool, love the design aesthetic.

[@xNimrod97x]

i subbed because of your cat and Frances Farmer. and a great video. i miss my mustang.

[@bigmuffmelvin7388]

You are absolutely right with only being a slight difference in tone between the pots. I think I prefer the squire tone on I Hate Myself And I Want To Die. Well now I am off to go purchase a blue squire vm mustang (thanks) lol

[@hanhakan3631]

you are such a good player Man nice to know you

[@comeback1827]

@5:58 the sounding différence is incredible ! It's lile you play another way ! 😮😮 . In my expériences, after the pickups, the sound differences come from the strings and the éléments in direct contact with the strings : neck nut and bridge saddles.

[@GRUDGEDu]

I was thinking buying the Squier mustang because my Jaguar I used it a lot and want to change things a little bit. And nice vids u have dude 🙏🙏

[@rubbadubdub6543]

I have that same Squier and I love the tone - it’s heavy - 7lb 10oz but still feels lively. I’d love to play a 60’s or 70’s one to compare.

[@aidanmodd3130]

One question about your twin reverb amp. Does it have the same speakers as the quad reverb or does it have different ones but sound similar? Also great video man! Can't wait for more of these tone videos!

[@AaronRash]

Hey man I'm not sure what speakers were in the twin, they had no labels but they were definitely not the same as the ones in the quad. I took that twin back to the shop I bought it from the next day

[@TheSovietUnion-]

Brilliant video I have a video suggestion too and its Nirvana live at the paramount tone recreation

[@AaronRash]

Thank you! Yep I will do it

[@cinemod5393]

Another great video - Could you do a live at the paramount '91 tone recreation? Best show they had

[@AaronRash]

I will!

[@santa3468]

Thank you so much for the information I always was told that fender is the better brand and squiers suck and I’ve always wanted a fender mustang but the newer ones are so expensive and the guitar dosent have the feetures that make a mustang a mustang so I wanted to say thank you and because of you I am going to get one of these squiers as soon as I can

[@silesia93]

For me the Fender seems to have a richer or fuller sound. It's hard to describe. There is definetly a difference, but not worth the price :)

[@guizz6282]

the squier Defends its self really really well for the price and the woods

[@coreyrini550]

Thank you for this video. It inspired me to get classic vibe mustang (even though I'm a lefty-fortunately I have a really good guitar guy who was able to intonate it as perfect as you could get it). Anyways, I am curious if anyone who has a squier classic vibe mustang thinks that the guitar sounds like it has a chambered body and/or semi-hollow? I've owned several 335, an Ibanez artcore- so I know what a semi-hollow guitar sounds like. I actually like the sound- it's just weirding me out!

[@PanicJackShow]

Hello Aaron, so much good video like always, you and jq are one of my favorite KZbinrs, and really thx for all your videos. I have a question, can you tell me the exact model of your tune o matic bridge of your Squier Mustang please? I so much want to buy the same as you.

[@ciscoisdef1]

That Squier 😮was sick!

[@guinness1376]

Thanks for the video. Both mustang sound great 👍 just curious what brand/gauge strings do you use. 🤔

[@SteeveSpeed]

« Dead to me » 😂 love you dude. 🖤

[@satevo462]

If you came to my house, looked at my guitars, and said "dude, can I have your old strings"? I'd look at you like you just drank my bong water.

[@garyp5522]

Great Video. I will take the squire.

[@monkeyjocks]

That Squier sounds great to me! You should try and get your hands on a 98-01 cyclone. Mine is soo wicked.

[@Afiel84]

the fender sounds sickkkkkk

[@fenderbender1351]

I know this was only a comparison between the two mustangs, but what pedals did you use for the distortion? Was it only the Sansamp? Or did you use the EchoFlanger on filter matrix too?

[@NeoRichardBlake]

1:14 LOL Such a cat move! Mine does this to me while I'm trying to play my Steam Deck.

[@transmissionggb2820]

You got me, I was thinking about getting one and if the squire is as good as it sounds here then I will save cash.

[@andrewehinger4571]

I also wanna buy one but I´m a lefty and I haven´t seen any sqier mustangs for left handed. I also don´t wanna buy a right-handed and string the guitar upside down...

[@atealime]

@@andrewehinger4571 Id say just try to get parts and either have someone build it for you or build it on your own

[@andrewehinger4571]

@@atealime You’re right, that’s all I can do… It’s not always easy to be a left handed guitarist… 😂

[@user-yl4lf9mh1w]

@@andrewehinger4571 you could just string it upside down like Jimi Hendrix did and play it like that

[@andrewehinger4571]

@@user-yl4lf9mh1w Yeah but it won’t work with the guitar strap as well if i do that. A left- handed version would be the best option but i‘ll find something, hopefully.

[@TangerineMagazeen]

i dont know if i necessarily prefer one or the other. they both sound great. the jaguar video the classic vibe absolutely took the cake. ive never been impressed by a KC jag. ive heard some nice jagstangs though

[@jacksonbailey6648]

Now what about those 180 dollar hh mustangs 💀

[@larrence3]

Definitely need a hot rail in mine now..

[@basslinger]

thanks, great episode! did your cat have a preference? also, that Squier...is that sonic blue? yours extremely blue compared to mine

[@awightviewuhs6103]

have you ever tried an MG-69 japanese mustang? with a bridge hotrail? also the reason the one mustang you returned might sound not as good could come down to pickup height, bridge, and string age, it kinda sounded like the pickup needed to be closer.

[@THE-CRT]

I’m surprised your came in such an authentic sonic blue

[@jakespencer431]

Love them both! Hate being a lefty it’s so hard to find mustangs!

[@ahoksure]

String the guitar upside down like Kurt did 👍

[@jakespencer431]

@@ahoksure I thought Kurt got lefty’s made for him by fender? Or was that before the mustang? Would I have to change the nut? Thanks

[@ahoksure]

@@jakespencer431 I don’t think you’d have to change the nut, you’d just need to string it upside down.

[@jakespencer431]

@@ahoksure thanks brother 🤟

[@Jgreen2794]

I thought the '71 sounded better. But they both sounded good. I am new to Mustangs, so still learning. I actually haven't played electric since back in the day when I had a '61 SG Les Paul.

[@spidermanfan.3161]

Come to think i Just got this Squire 60’s mustang and it sounds great…but i might end up doing a few Mods to it.

[@ItsJinxxx_]

your a good man mister rash

[@joshuamartinson8191]

cool man

[@le_th_]

You're low-key awesome...and your cat seems pretty cool, too (I'm a dog person).

[@LeonardoTineo_]

I always wanted a Kurt Cobain Signature mustang, but after hearing how the squier sounds I think I’ll just build one like yours

[@AaronRash]

Can't go wrong with the classic vibe squiers IMO

[@Dravenscrypt]

Hey dude. You seem to have a good ear for this. I either want to get a fender squire SSH and put a Seymour Dunkin in it or get this squire mustang. It looks like you changed the bridge pickup? Do you need to change that pickup? Lmk, thanks.

[@pupmusic2281]

Yes I agree that you have to personally test a guitar before purchasing it. A physical store is always good for me coz you can see, touch and test the guitar. Well unless the store clerk is not welcoming to customers who won’t buy after (of course why buy it if you don’t like the guitar after testing it)

[@Panzerblitz]

The 71 sound is waaay better, more precise, more roundish and deeper because of the guitar age (wood/pickups etc...), i have a 62 Jag and a modern reissue, the sound is close but at the same time so different.

[@antoniocarvalho6720]

How link for buy the tune o matic bridge? Great video, congratulations!!!

[@amandipsingh7550]

Have you had a look at the squier sonic series? The red mustang looks awesome!

[@krispuggy941]

Haha I love the cat!😁

[@DylanHutto]

Good to know Squier finally fixed the blue on those mustangs. They used to be basically white

[@AaronRash]

It honestly depends on the lighting. Sometimes it looks white still

[@DylanHutto]

@@AaronRash Yeah I realized that as I watched the video more, that's unfortunate

[@ricksarai8549]

I just got one now and they finally did fix the blue on it.

[@DylanHutto]

@@ricksarai8549 No shit! Really? Do you have any pictures?

[@davidkay3443]

Is that a standard bridge pick-up on the squier looks different to every one I’ve seen advertised ? Or have you just taken the cover off? Great tones and I much prefer the squier overall and it’s alot cheaper . Great video . From UK 🇬🇧

[@JACKDAW1967]

its a tune o matic nashville style

[@dc_latername9064]

It took me 13 years of playing just to start playing like Kurt a bit and when you actually play a good mustang or telecaster it's easy. It's twice as easy to get that bouncey quirk from the strings on those guitars.

[@stevenhickcox7288]

Thanks, Aaron! I just ordered this Mustang with the idea of venturing away from the Strat. What gauge strings do you recommend?

[@objectforever]

Hi, Steaven! I'm not Aaron, but I recommend trying GHS Boomers Thin And Thick Electric GBTNT 10-52. Unlike Ernie Ball, they have a thicker A string (44 vs. 42 from Ernie Ball) At least legend has it that Kurt used this brand of strings. I have a Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster, now I gave it to the master to change the frets and sand the fingerboard, for 10 years the neck was deformed from very dry air in winter. I asked him to make a nut for this gauge of strings. I hope everything goes well with the guitar. I myself am interested in playing this set of strings with Seymour Duncan JB in bridge position. P.S.: sorry for my english, i use google translate

[@MikeFergus]

I got a classic vibe 60s squire last weds, it is like yours more daphne blue than white like my other classic vibe 60s I had. Which was more white. Are they doing a new run in the skystang colour ,?

[@jankratochvil4447]

What kind of bridge pickup humbucker do you use for both Mustangs? Thanks.

[@preston_4824]

Not kidding I bought the same classic vibe and it didnt feel right either, thought it was just me

[@codymcgrew4015]

Oddly, even though the Classic Vibe only had 250k pots in them, I found it to be too bright! still preferred the ‘71 in almost every example but the Classic Vibe certainly isn’t bad. Maybe it just needs a Capacitor on its tone?? Or higher quality electronics??

[@jonathanbeck1018]

Which TonePros bridge fits on the Mustang?

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Holy shit, the Squier fucking kills it. Why do I keep getting surprised by this?

[@rainbowbridge4766]

Damn when the 71 mustang hsb kicked in, the low notes were as if a bass guitar was added in

[@derekscoles8404]

I noticed in all your Mustangs you always mount the hot rails back wards, logo is upside down. Is there a reason you do that? Also do you think Cobain ever used a stock Mustang bridge pickup on the albums or always had a hot rails? Thanks for your great videos, hope you do Nevermind

[@8bitakvids]

Jeez dude, if I close my eyes I think I'm listening to some IN UTERO isolated guitar tracks

[@terry2315]

The cat rocks!

[@THE-CRT]

I wonder if it’s something about the color blue, both your nice sounding squier mustang’s were blue colors. The Squier Jag was Daphne blue.

[@andrewehinger4571]

Is there any way to get the squier mustang in a left-handed version?? I haven´t seen any for left handed. I also don´t wanna buy a right-handed and string the guitar upside down...

[@apachewolf857]

I'm looking for a left handed one as well

[@andrewehinger4571]

@@apachewolf857 Unfortunately they don’t make left-hand versions of that guitar. I wish they did.

[@dunsaniandreams9]

What pickups did you install in the bridge and neck?

[@neoaureus]

I got a Squier Bullet for $120.... the guitars Neck PU is better than my American Professional II Strat at close to $2000 ..and kills the Cobain tones ...I have 11 guitars and this is one of the best.

[@sovka8394]

and many people still look down on squiers 🤡

[@gabrielbergmanlahovary9478]

On your Squier CV you have different mic under? Not orginal CV mic. So you switched mic on that one? Seymar Duncan Hot rails?

[@Camtcan]

Nice playing Come As You Are wrong great vid btw

[@mig6953]

hi mate, could you tell me what was particularly wrong about the first classic vibe you got? like what are the things to watch out for when getting one

[@eatttheball]

It was probably on the heavier side, seeing as he says the lighter squires sound better (although it could be something else entirely ie electronics)

[@mig6953]

@@eatttheball yeah man quite a puzzler, the whole classic vibe line is kinda in the shitter rn to be honest, QC is horrible...all the cv mustang that came in my local shop had damaged/stripped bridges, all 2021 productions...that's why I commented, cause it may be the same case

[@FatherOMalley]

im gonna buy a CV mustang. How can i tell if the bridge is damaged?

[@BrandonDeft]

The Squire to my surprise gives the better cleans, distortion is a tie.

[@morninglory6616]

I genuinely like the Squier sound better!

[@cookergronkberg]

So are these the only mods made to the Squier? 1. Bridge Pickup changed to SD Hot Rails 2. TonePros bridge

[@skylineXpert]

cat: you better pay attention when I do it

[@legatomodi3522]

Have you tried the vintera ones? They're pretty sweet.

[@Gmogli]

Did you forget to mention that you changed the pickups in both? When I look up the squier classic vibe mustang it doesn't have that rail style pickup in the bridge position. What other changes did you do to both of these? Thank You for any information! Also, love your cat!!!

[@AaronRash]

Hi, these both have duncan hot rails in the bridge for this video. Everything about them was exactly the same except the squire had 250K pots and the vintage mustang had 500K as mentioned in the video. Haha thanks!! my cat is always in the studio/guitar room and makes sure to make an appearance in all my videos lol

[@GunsNRoosendael]

funny how the 500K pots should be a little brighter but actually i found the Fender tone to have more bass than the Squier with the 250K pots?

[@spencerludman3915]

What pickups did put in them?

[@Birtheater4545]

6:09 that sounded really good! It just didn’t sound like nirvana lmao.

[@MrMrJameskeegan]

When u played the Mustang you didn't like I couldn't hear what was wrong, I enjoy your vids, can u help me understand what you didn't like, 🙏

[@tremode3]

I dislike "new string" sound as well. the only strings I have found that give off that "I've had these strings on this guitar forever" are DR strings. either 9-42 or 10-46. I went fron slinky to fender bullets to DR. I don't have a wealth of string knowledge but we like what we like.

[@michadopke5514]

Thanks for this video but I've a problem. Don't be angry but you playin on fender seems more relaxed than on the squier. This has a big impact on the sound. What do you think? :)

[@chilldude30]

What camera do you use?