Squier Surpassing Fender Guitars In Quality?

#knowyourgear #thegeekystuff
KYG Merch
www.bonfire.com/store/know-yo...
Find this model and other Squiers here
sweetwater.sjv.io/Kjjkbx
00:00 intro
00:16 Specifications
02:56 The Geeky Stuff
13:40 Sound Demo
17:24 Tech Tip
20:20 My Thoughts
Dioxit contact cleaner
sweetwater.sjv.io/Gmmr7L
How To Fix Fret Sprout
• How To Fix Sharp Fret ...
How to set your intonation
• How To Intonate Your G...
Fret Polishing video
• Ranking The Top 10 Gui...
How To Do A Fast And Great Guitar Set Up
• How To Do A Fast And G...
Locking Tuners I used in this video
amzn.to/3Aw7djf
Shielding Paint
stewmac.sjv.io/ann37M
Dremol Polish wheel I used in this video
stewmac.sjv.io/Pyy1xY
PRS Sonzera V2 amp (this is the amp I am using in this video)
sweetwater.sjv.io/AWo9BD
Fret End Dress file
stewmac.sjv.io/7553YQ
Musicnomad fretguards
sweetwater.sjv.io/zNN1Er
Fret Rocker
stewmac.sjv.io/Xx7exX
MusicNomad String Action Gauge
sweetwater.sjv.io/4eZJQ0
Notched Straight Edge
stewmac.sjv.io/Ea7Na2
Notched Radius Gages
stewmac.sjv.io/15JN59
Neck Chape Templates
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Digital Calipers
stewmac.sjv.io/4eZrgG
Test your fret ends
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What tuner do I use?
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[@improvewitherror]

I went to Guitar Center a couple of weeks ago to buy a new Fender Strat, spent about two hours playing all the Fenders and some other brands. I kept coming back to the Squier 40th Anniversary Strat in Satin Seafoam Green. The neck is amazing (satin finish, rolled finger board), the action was great, and has killer looks. It played and felt better than every other guitar there, so I bought it instead. I really like the sound of the pickups as well. I really wanted a Fender but just couldn't justify paying more for something that didn't seem like it was worth paying a lot more for it. I don't know if I got lucky and found a diamond, but if they are all like the one I got it is amazing.

[@stallionstudios]

Yeah those 40th annis a slick. Would love to get a strat and drop a rails in the bridge. Good to go!

[@RepaidGold58]

Found a squire 40th anniversary telecaster. Smooth as butter, couldnt tell the difference between that and the American performer other than the price tag

[@TheWarduke1972]

Yep. They are real nice fiddles. The Squier classic vibe 60’s and 70s ones I had were awesome also.

[@TheWarduke1972]

@@stallionstudios I had the red one and put in a Seymour Duncan lil’ screamin demon and sounded great. Shoulda kept that guitar.

[@bricebowlin8834]

They're nice, yes. Only drawback is the Indian laurel fretboard

[@BunkMasterFlex77]

Everyone knows that moving the strap button back 5mm not only eliminates neck dive but also doubles your sustain

[@markoakley4520]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Good one!

[@SGdoesit]

Must be why SGs have the button all the way on the back

[@michaelsmith2785]

It's like vinyl tape on a Honda Civic. 20 extra HP!

[@PantanoHD]

it also gives you more tone!

[@henrydiaz720]

😂😂😂

[@davedavid7061]

I bought this online when the price was $600. I wanted it because of the block inlays. I think if I played it in store first I would have passed. I've grown to like it.BTW. my strap button is centered. Fret ends were nicely rounded over also

[@TheBcoolGuy]

I love block inlays too. Looks powerful and electrified. But I'm just playing an old 22-fret B.C. Rich Warlock from 2011 as it stands. With how little I play, I don't need anything more anyway.

[@suzannecoholic1467]

Thanks Phil! I love these videos as they teach me more and more about the workmanship that goes into the instruments you feature. The Geeky Stuff rules!

[@TaiChiBeMe]

I purchased a Ruby Red 40th year anniversary Squire (also a green tele 40th) for my two grandsons. I thought that one day... perhaps 10 - 15 years from now, when I'm gone, they might like getting something from their granddad. The strap button on the strat on the one I got is also off-center installed, so it looks intentional.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Excellent future gift!

[@QS-si3cq]

*Squier, not "Squire."

[@TheDarthsenso]

i also have the ruby red one and the strap button is off-center.

[@TaiChiBeMe]

I stand corrected. @@QS-si3cq

[@5150show]

Classic vibes that were made in China from 2008 -2014 were some of the best guitars you could ever buy . I’ve got a CV60 strat , 50s Tele and I had the 50s strat .

[@Zoso981]

You're right. I've got the CV 50's Tele, and it's fantastic. And I bought it used for only $250

[@123uzuz]

😂😂😂😂

[@jimmy5634]

The ones made in Indonesia today are just as good.

[@EarlyCyler-ue1iz]

Even better it doesn’t say CHINA on the headstock

[@terryd4025]

Yep...got the Blackguard 50s CV from that time period ...its a belter... My bandmate bought a Squier Tele CV last year (a 2022 version), I played it - didn't sound near as good or play so well....

[@christianmcintire9864]

I bought one of these just because I wanted another Strat, and I liked the options (and the surf green color) and aside from the fret polishing issue, it's fantastic.

[@user-zr2pz8rr2l]

I love to see these reviews getting so many views and attention, all deserved. You will struggle to find a review as thorough and well spoken, and with as much helpful advice.

[@jleighwolfe]

I also gotta say, ive been following you for quite a while now, and i love how far these videos have come. More in depth, and as you acquire more knowledge over the years, you pass it on to us, and im forever grateful. Most informative gear channel on YT.

[@musstta01]

@Jake Football that "because" is not a reason. Give reasons.

[@rockerneverdie1]

@@musstta01he doesn't need to lmao

[@metroquadri457]

Thank you for the great video! I have the same guitar and the straps are mounted identical. Also hated the gloss on the back so i got rid of it and in my opinion its feels a lot better to play now.

[@jleighwolfe]

I sanded off the gloss finish on my Squier baritone tele too. So much nicer

[@achimdg6335]

I like that you demonstrate the middle position. Some guitar youtubers leave out the middle position, but it's got such a nice sound, you should not leave it out!

[@TheRealChetManley]

Not many YTers I trust for reviews…you and The Guitaristas are my favorites. Excellent reviews and I always learn something! I’m not a strat fan so I wouldn’t buy something like this, but it does look nice.

[@mortonwilson795]

With you on that! Phillip and Colin (Guitaristas) have set the bar for informed, honest and fun guitar reviews. So many 'salespersons' out there 'reviewing' stuff . . .

[@AAllinsonNN]

@@ThankHank agreed I fucking love him And his playing is so realistic but always so good too

[@voiceofexperience]

Col is great, open & sincere, & I really like his playing style.

[@ricrandmfx]

1st time viewing your channel. Got to say I found this review very informative & detailed. As a novice guitar builder I definitely learned some good tips! Personally I dig the look of a Squire neck with big block inlays & binding. I've put a few of the Indonesian Squire necks on different Fender Jag bodies & really like 'em once they're polished up!

[@danedearmond4905]

That's nice of you to make those adjustments to his guitar just for letting you review it. You're a nice guy Phil (and a great source for honest guitar reviews). Thanks for the video.

[@picksalot1]

Cool tip on how to put a groove in the Dremel pad to make polishing the frets easier. Thanks

[@catmandoodoo7903]

I have the ruby one and absolutely love it. Had to change the pickups to a Tonerider City Limits set but it’s now spot on for me.

[@jpetes9046]

Phil, what a stand-up guy you are, I mean it! You borrowed that guys guitar, and you put a ton of upgrades in it for him as a thank you! That is old school honorable behavior, brother!

[@ericoswood1856]

I bought a Squire Starcaster and I was really impressed with the fit and finish, playability, and the overall tone. The frets on my were done well, maybe because it had a maple fretboard. Great video!

[@danthegeetarman]

Would love to see an episode where you get a used guitar and do a full setup and fix whatever needs to be fixed. Most of these new guitars just needs a tweak here or there but the used ones usually need a full truss rod, action, intonation, nut, and other stuff which I would love to see. Thanks for all the cool videos 🙏🙏

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Check out Zimm’s Guitars if you haven’t already. He does a ton of videos like that on his channel.

[@martyshwaartz971]

It’s nuts, when I was newbie I used think the pricy guitars just played way better. Even though there are still certain advantages to pricy guitars, a good setup brings them super close

[@Aeon135]

Check out Phil’s Sharpen My Axe series fir exactly what you’re describing!

[@Mr1121628]

I love how your logo colors for this video matched the guitar! Cheers and hope you're doing well.

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks @Phil I Really enjoyed the LIVE...keep bangin' and RAWK!!! 🤘🏼

[@jackroller8237]

A lot of care, passion and love for the instrument... Great guitar, great teacher and a great video!!! Way to go....

[@BR-7]

Just found your channel and it is awesome so I subscribed. Can't wait to check out all the videos.

[@drumbyte]

Always a thorough review on every detail you could be interested in!

[@jackschijven8219]

Great honest review as always. Thanks. You do not only learn about a guitar but also what determines its quality.

[@jde9095]

Great episode, answered a lot of questions I had on that guitar

[@MindDezign]

The past two years your guitar playing has improved a lot ! I've been watching since the beginning.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Good rundown. Thanks Phil!

[@Sammywhat]

Nice work, Phil!! Thanks for the deep dive!!

[@josequiles7]

Great info on details, price comparison, subbed!

[@jleighwolfe]

I love what Squier is doing rn. I have a couple diff ones and theyre really great instruments for the price. I recently got a Squier baritone tele and its my current favorite. I did sand down the back of the neck tho because i hated the gloss finish

[@drtm1718]

The one with P90s? I messed around with one at guitar center when i was done checking out acoustics, and I kinda want one. I played it through a supro delta king 5 watt, and it was lovely.

[@DougZbikowski]

Bought a Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline for $379 on a Musician’s Friend sale sometime back on a whim. I’m not exaggerating when I say the finish, build quality, and even the setup out of the box was some of the best I’ve seen from any sub $1000 guitar I’ve purchased. It quickly became my #2 and has stayed close by ever since. That Thiline can do anything from acoustic to metal….it even tracks well!

[@eamonn_arden]

Another great video. Thanks, as always, for geeking out so that we can geek out.

[@rexdarvog]

When I started to get interested in luthiery, I wanted to make my first guitar sound a little better. It was an Affinity Stratocaster from a starter kit, it had decent hardware and construction, unlike the new Bullet kits. Now the first thing I did was learn how to play better, and the second thing I did was install a 1-meg mini potentiometer on the volume knob. It made those cheaper single coils open up and the guitar almost has this humbucker driving tone, but it's rather different for sure.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Guitar looks and Sounds awesome. Great playing as always and thanks for the tech tips. Cheers

[@absproducoes8871]

Hi Phill ! Congrats for the great show! Excelent review and great tips: always learning from Know Your Gear. You' ve made the Dream of every guitar owner: having a guitar reviewed and made better by Phillip McKnight ! Best wishes. Luís Batista (Portugal)

[@stephenmccain-wx2jy]

Another great video! Glad that you share other similar guitars as options in this price range. The new Firefly FFST Strats have way more modern features for no money SS frets roast body and necks some mild to wild color options. They need setups though some of these inexpensive Chinese guitar are getting better all the time Thank for the Snark Air tuner I won!

[@matthewjones8865]

Very interesting information about this model guitar. I really like how you go into the technical side of this model Squier. Nice playing too. Thanks for a great video.

[@padrejuan7763]

!!! Greetings from Montréal, Québec, Canada !!! I have been watching your videos for a few years now and ALWAYS enjoy the instructive content of them !!! Recently bought a Squier Telecaster Affinity, Not happy with the 'FREE One month later adjustment', the low strings 'Buzz' within the first 5 frets and still find the strings to be too high past the 12th fret soooo, with your good advice and tricks, I shall try to correct the situation myself, I do not think I can do such a bad job on the bridge for string height and intonation IF I follow your instructions !?! Keep you posted on this one. Thank you for your professionnal videos, may you and familly stay healthy !!! Cheers !!!

[@TheContinuum7]

That is a beautiful Squier! Love the binding on the neck!

[@copperaudio9664]

Really good eval and demo Phil - thank you. All the Squires I've bought lately have been similar good. The nut is the most important as every thing else is pretty easy to fix IMO. My only beef is the cool kid colors are not available in lefty versions.

[@thesurfjunkies]

Great review as always. We have been impressed with our Squier CV70’s Jag with the exception of the pickups which have been swapped out.

[@Tk-sm2cw]

Great Video , I did the same thing to mine, except I changed the bridge as well, put a Wilkinson bridge in mine and i love it

[@jamieskillman6972]

Solid video Phil and a good way for the new owner to have less worry in ordering the guitar.

[@SkeeterDigs]

Thanks Phil, great video 👍

[@youraverageguitarplayer]

Hey man! Great content as always. I have one of those and I ended up replacing the bridge with a Vega trem and it sounds incredible. I might have missed that but did you measure the string spacing?

[@raymondroy4049]

Very impressive, I will look for you lessons!

[@igavehimadollar3354]

great review mate

[@Tiburcio1950]

Another great and honest review. Thanks

[@gregs2466]

Thanks for this video. I have a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Tele and Strat. I have noticed both of my Fender were giving me some static in the amp but after watching your video, I used my can of Deoxit and I no longer have any static and it was in the pots. Next is to round off the frets but I do not have a nylon thing to test them. However, running my hand over the fret edges shows that some were sharp and other were not. I have the tool to file them from Ste Mac Fret End Dressing File. Again, thanks.

[@alsesalses]

Absolutely fantastic review!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@nedbaez]

Great review, like always...😊

[@jadslash]

You've come a long way man. Congrats

[@robertholtom9345]

Thanks always for sharing your knowledge regarding maintenance on guitars. Cheers Bro!

[@Doctaj54]

Thanks for this one. Hopefully you do any update of this guitar later on.

[@EmbelekoBand]

I like the color and the metal pick guard shade they look nice together. 👍🤘

[@mattbluesmain1359]

great detail presentation we need you THANKS

[@TheRealDealBobbySteele]

Got the Sea Foam Green Vintage version and it’s pretty awesome probably my best guitar. Thanks for the review. Did have to adjust the claw as the trem was very tight.

[@benperry490]

I bought the same on lst year love it, my strap button is in the same place and my pickguard is a bronzy gold

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

Thanks For Sharing 🎸

[@oinkooink]

The last Fender I bought was a 2017 Pro Tele. It had something like 10 to 12 high frets in various places up and down the fret board. Thanks Fender!

[@Deep.Purple]

Great video! Good Job

[@robblackmoreofficial]

Very Beautiful Strat Phil,Seen This Particular Model at Long & Mcquade Yesterday.Very Impressive For Sure,Thank You For All The Info & Sound Demo Very Sweet Sounding & Bright Tones. 😉👍

[@darrell5228]

Nice strat and good tech tips.

[@thehalographicmind3976]

Thx , great video 🤙

[@Raul1971xxx]

Neck and middle is the Strat sound that mostly use Mark Knopfler.

[@jimmy5634]

Yeah but not with these pickups.

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@jimmy5634 Aha.. 👍🇪🇸

[@mathewwalker2811]

Thanks phill!! great video.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Pretty nice guitar. Looks cool. Does stratoguitar things. Neck binding is neat, uncommon. Squire is working hard to own 300-500 dollar range, or at least staying pretty close in quality to the upstart brands with less "heritage." Really makes you look for something loaded up with features if you go for value on an off brand alternative.

[@TheBcoolGuy]

Harley-Benton is a pretty good alternative from what I can tell, but their cheapest strats actually don't sound good. To my ears, most electric guitars sound basically the same, and almost all of it comes from effects, filters, etc. But that guitar just sounds affected. Maybe it suits certain styles of music, but I'd want a versatile guitar.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

great vid, thanks Phil!

[@captainkirk70]

Classic Vibes are always the way to go.

[@captainkirk70]

How much more can full sized pots cost? Its a $500 guitar.

[@classicaxe1]

I love the block inlays !

[@WhiteNacho]

Wow that anodized gold looks awesome on that blue!

[@TommySG1]

Hey Phil, I don’t own any Squires however for $499.00 this to me is an incredible deal honestly. It would’ve been nice to have this many choices when I was growing up as a kid in the mid 70’s @ these price points.

[@zaxmaxlax]

Japanese fenders in the 80's were less than 300bucks new, not cheap but affordable and very high quality, arguably better than today's stuff at that price.

[@bobsaturday4273]

squier standard are all over the place for $200 , that 40yr one is way overpriced

[@benpowersguitar]

Great video Phil.

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

I am glad that I've found your channel.

[@kennygrube5751]

Nice review. Thanks

[@norseman61]

I own a 2001 Squier “Standard” Strat (Indonesia), and I’m amazed how “Fenderey” it is. The neck is slightly rolled (on a Squier?), and the Alnico 5 pickups sound good enough to me to not switch them out. The floated 2-point trem works well. The ONLY thing that bugs me is the 41 mm (yes, 41) nut. The neck at the 1st fret is pretty dang narrow. I replaced it with a Tusq, but had to trim off the ends.

[@anthonyhislop3006]

Thanks Philip, I really like your video's. Cheers👍

[@paulmcilroy7508]

A very thorough review. Nobody else does it better. Thanks!

[@sentforth5]

Nice one, Mr. McKnight! Thank you.

[@thehelluvaparty563]

Love my 2022 Squire Classic Vibe 50s. I also have a PRS SE and a G&L Tribute strat. The Squire is my go to.

[@mctimloneys681]

That guitar demo was godly and now I need to learn it.

[@mionapinyon6098]

Hi I got a ruby red today , the strap button was the same off centre as that one. Besides that and the typical iffy pots and switch, it is a wonderful guitar. No fret sprout and all frets are level . Next to no relief , string height 1.75- 1.5 plays great. Some flame in the maple.

[@markrandle4368]

wasn't really keen on the neck binding, but always love the 70's era headstock

[@KickArs]

An amazing review! I am blown away by it. It's really well done. Beautiful! Even though I'm not on the market, I couldn't stop watching the video and because of it, I am better for it. Well done!

[@scuzzzlebutt185]

Hey Phill, this is the video where I first learned about the new Sonzera 20. Sounds Great in this video, less great in PRS videos. Also not a lot of people reviewing these in general. Would love to see you do a review for this amp. Cheers!

[@paulgordo7505]

I got a green telecaster version with the gold hardware for $359 Christmas sale! Did all the mods mentioned in the video, but used shielding tape and gotoh tuners. Also changed pickups to tex mex, higher output than original!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Excellent!

[@brucerichard2904]

I have the same one with the exact same problems. Overall, I still like it. I'm changing out the pickups and doing the same alterations.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Awesome video.

[@dannyday1984]

What timing! I was just in a music store here in Prague the other day. There were two Strats that really caught my eye. One was a Squier, one was a much higher priced Fender. I liked the Fender better upon first glance. Maple fretboard, burst, mint green guard and aged plastic parts. The Squier also had a maple fretboard, burst, but white guard and white plastic parts. But when I looked closer at both, and picked them up, the neck on the Squire was A LOT nicer. Like a lot. Both in feel and in looks.

[@sunn_bass]

Nice deep dive. Most of the Classic Vibe, Vintage Modified, Contemporary and 40th Anniversary ones I've tried play fine after a good setup and new strings. Nice gear for the price. I love Squier guitars and basses.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

3:54 I typically sand the nut down from the bottom so my strings sit nicely on top. This way I only need to adjust the width for my preferred strings, which are 10 to 52 gauge.

[@Mindwave416]

i do love the squire tele 40th anniv black with gold so slick looking

[@trihuynh2317]

Thank you for making this video. The best guitar review that I have ever watched! Very detail and I have learnt much from your techniques to check a new guitar too.

[@teodelnorte]

Phil, thank you for the Deoxit recommendation. Orange Micro Dark crackling like crazy. Going to try this stuff ✌🏻

[@jaynecobb5774]

I got a cheap Squire Tele used from GuitarCenter for my nephew to learn on, and I was SHOCKED at how good it is. Plays great, sounds way better than it has any right to, and looks fantastic.

[@drew335]

Great video Phil! Can’t lie I am a bit disappointed that for this price point it didn’t have a rosewood fingerboard and alder body. Hats off to the lucky patron that gets an improved instrument, though.

[@ericbgordon1575]

If I knew anything about refinishing, I would apply that metallic blue finish and an off-white pick guard on my Squier Vintage Modified Bass Six. I dig that finish.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

It's nice that you do some work on the guitar like fretwork, shielding paint and adding locking tuners for the person whose guitar you demoed.