Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Review & Mod Pt 2

Continuing from part 1 review we perform our essential mods on our Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster.
Part 1
• Squier Classic Vibe 50...
Barrel string tree
www.ebay.com/ipp/174072240608...
Brass saddles
www.ebay.com/itm/393468431697
Blank control plate
www.philadelphialuthiertools....

[@TedSchoenling]

just reverse the control plate and you don't need the slant. makes volume swells much easier too. I use the volume much more than the pickup selector AND I don't accidentally hit the pickup selector when I do a big hit

[@matthewbolduc2714]

I had already put the Gotoh in tune compensated brass saddles on my 7lb 8oz cv50 butterscotch. Now with new SD hot rails bridge pickup and Dunlop pots.

[@mairenared]

I bought a Chinese made Squier CV Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde off a friend of mine back in 2016. I bought it as a back-up guitar as I already owned a Strat and a Les Paul and kept it mostly in open G for those Keith Richards moments. However, I started to follow Ask Zac and listen to more Tele players and it's become a firm favourite. It came with brass saddles and well polished frets, so I haven't modified it from stock. I just love the simplicity of it and the stock alnico pickups make a great sound.

[@lotharroberts5978]

Great channel and info. I'll be upgrading my saddles along w/a fret polish. I wanted to mention the tuners on my Classic Vibe Tele also work like a charm. It never goes out of tune.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks! Saddles and a polish will do wonders for your CV for sure.

[@robb4340]

Great, Got my 50s CV Tele Butter Scotch today. Will definitely do the upgrades. Tnx For The Great and Clear Instructions. Subscribed.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

You’re welcome my friend. Hope it goes well.

[@thebenefactor6744]

I have a Chinese model from 2015. it's heavy, but I'll rout it out eventually. However, I kept the stock tuners, like you, and they are great; I didn't change anything on the neck, but I put in a Callaham bridge with brass saddles, and changed the pups to Jim Rolphs, and this thing is one of the best playing and tonally captivating guitars that I've ever played. Thanks for all the extra info on the other mods. Yay Telecasters!

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Awesome! It’s funny that you say that because I swear I was thinking about drilling it out in the back just yesterday. Getting a 1 inch bit and Swiss cheesing the back. I’ve actually seen this done a couple times. Never affected tone according to the owners. I may try it. 😆

[@newsongok]

Thank you for showing us how to customize our Classic Vibes!

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

You're welcome my friend!

[@acoustic9402]

i like where you changed the angle of the switch great idea great Job............👍

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks. Helps out greatly!

[@calvinevans6347]

Love the color and the wood grain.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Looks like a much more expensive guitar IMHO.

[@KillerKev1961]

Outstanding, I have one coming and will do these same simple mods. Im excited, Im a Gibson guy and this is my first Tele. There is nothing that sounds like a Tele. Such a workhorse of a guitar.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Absolutely!

[@upload2352]

One other thing to consider on the saddle swap is "action" or string height, after the saddle swap, so measure string height at the saddle before removing the old saddles to make it easier to get things back where they were (assuming you liked things as they were). String height adjusts using those hex head bolts on the saddle ends.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Good point.

[@johnbfromep]

Superb video sir!!!!! Good looking tele.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thank you

[@robertlyon1360]

My 2020 Chinese made CV tele is the lightest electric I own. Like you I replaced the saddles with brass Gotoh saddles however as no instructions came with them I just put them in how I thought best, After comparing your images in the video I have just realized that the middle one is back to front so thanks for taking the time to detail that bit. Like you I reckon the CV tele punches well above its weight.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I actually put my saddles in not knowing. I found out about it after the fact. I just got lucky and did it correctly the first time. 😆

[@Guitarnivore]

Nice. I have a 2019 and I never thought about changing the control plate to a slanted switch, but I did put a new one in because the stock Squier plate scratched up very easily. I changed out the entire bridgeplate on mine with a Wilkson that looks a lot better than the stock one and is easier to clean. I like the disc string trees myself, but I always add a bit of nut lube on the underside. Lastly, I put some vintage noiseless pickups in it, but the stock pickups in these CV's are fantastic too.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Nice! That’s the great thing about these. You can just about do anything you want to them.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Awesome job! Major improvements.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Way better! I had not idea it was going to help that neck pickup so much.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

@@Dirtbiketrike72 I don't care what some people say, Brass saddles do matter in a tele and there is a definite difference between them and the steel ones.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

No doubt

[@matthewbolduc2714]

My 2010 CV50 yellow pinecaster weighs 7 pounds and 8 ounces. It is a very nice Tele that I purchased in order to get a great sounding telecaster after I purchased a white Fender Stahdard telecaster 2010 +/- model and found that the stock Fender pickups were not noise cancelling in the middle switch position. So I purchased the Squire cv50 pinecaster and was rewarded with great stock Tele sound to my instant liking. I guess I lucked out getting a light 1. I appreciate the lighter guitars these days. Your video presentation is very excellent. You obviously actually own and like the guitar. You are not a casual reviewer getting ready to send it back. So many reviewers bad mouth Squires. Squires are very decent guitars. You are personable and you focus upon elements of guitar knowledge that the actual experienced player can relate to and learn something. I appreciate Squires. I had once fallen upon hard times and no longer had my Fender jazz bass, Japan made. I went to guitar center and purchased a very nice red metallic Squire Affinity Jazz Bass. And I purchased a set of Fender noiseless jazz bass pickups. I had a pro tech bass player install the Fender noiseless pickups and treble bleed circuit. I put on a beautiful nickel jazz bass bridge, replacing the cheap stamped metal stock Squire bridge. I put on Grover bass tuners. This is my best sounding bass guitar today.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes I love this squire. I played it for a good while and really thought hard about what it actually needed rather than just change everything and turn it into an expensive upgrade. I made this video with the mindset of someone on a budget. So the upgrades I made were IMHO the best bang for the buck. And yes I absolutely appreciate light guitars as well. My lower back thanks Me. 😆

[@matthewbolduc2714]

We purchased a digital walk on scales for our dogs. It works great for guitars. Just stand them on the scales, balancing them. Very easy and accurate.@@Dirtbiketrike72

[@mrb5606]

Best guitar out there for the money. This feels like a premium guitar for budget guitar money.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I agree 100% just a few very inexpensive mods and it’s much better still.

[@weightlessfilms5651]

Fantastic job! I love my 50's CV Tele. Interestingly, mine came with brass saddles stock. I think the ones made in China did (like mine), not sure if they're compensated though. Regardless, I ended up swapping the bridge with a 6 saddle Gotoh; aesthetically I miss the classic look, but the intonation is better and it's easier on the hand too. I replaced the plastic nut with a TUSQ one by Graphtech, which came in a package with a string tree. I think the newer Indonesian made CVs come stock with bone nuts now though. But the best upgrade I made was a Custom 4-Way wired control panel by Obsidianwire. The fourth switch plays both pickups in series, almost like a humbucker. And the pots are so precise and smooth. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a noticeable upgrade to this guitar.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Interesting that they added a bone nut but scraped the Brass saddles. One step forward, one step back.

[@Stratsrule]

I have the 60s strat cv. Love it. I changed the tuners. Put me some fender pure vintage 59s pickups in it. And a mojotone solderless blender wiring harness. Not that it needed I just wanted to. Also later on I put a fender v shaped jumbo fret neck. I own a few strat. By far I reach for this one first. Next one I’ll buy the tele.

[@TheYjmfan]

Nice mods thanks for sharing.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

You're welcome my friend.

[@chrishammonds72]

Put the same Gotoh saddles in mine but mine came in a proper Gotoh branded package but they definitely made a big improvement. The other upgrade I did was put a pre wired harness in with better CTS pots, better switch & jack with treble bleed and that was a huge improvement especially with the taper. My tuners are very stiff even after 2 years so will probably upgrade them to Gotoh soon but besides that don’t need to do anything else to it.

[@matthewbolduc2714]

My Gotoh tuners are the best. I have a nonlocking version of 510s, these are smooth and accurate, and also look great. I also have a set of top locking magnum lock Gotoh tuners that are also great. These are nicer than Fender or Grover in tuners, mire like miderhn contemporary Klusons but better. These are on a Peavey Tele HS. Gotohs are the highest quality of the tuners that own. Made in Japan - that says something.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I may put a Treble bleed circuit in mine. I actually thought about it before making the vid.

[@pickersgrip]

Good mods!

[@claytonphelps9911]

Excellent videos, thanks

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks!

[@stonewallmedia4314]

Outstanding 2-part series…easy to follow and understand. Subscribed. Is that a budget Ibanez RG over your right shoulder? I would enjoy watching a review and mod of that guitar. Maybe include a part on the setup and intonation of the bridge. I want to hear it from your perspective.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks for subscribing! That Ibanez was a friends guitar. I set it up for him. It was an RG 270. Unfortunately I already gave it back to him. But I can get it back to do a review on it the near future if you’d like.

[@patriciolegett1757]

I too have this guitar and it has the same shortcomings as yours. I made the same mods except the intonation problem, to which I've found a better solution in the form of a G&L T-style instrument (designed by one Clarence Leo Fender!). which allows for individual string intonation. I suspect Leo eventually came to see the basic flaw in his original Tele bridge and came up with something infinitely better. The G&L bridges are expensive, but e-bay knock-offs are of a pretty decent quality, to the point that I've used these on all my T-style guitars. I also sanded the back of the neck which is a great improvement on the overall playability.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I’ll probably sand mine in the future. With the new brass compensated saddles the intonation is actually dead on. I was a little surprised

[@codiaq]

I bought this guitar and it was so heavy. I decided to do a drastic modification as I was sure to keep the guitar. I took my routing machine and routed away any wood which is invisible under the bridge plate and under the pickguard. Finally, I painted the cavity with a shielding graphite varnish. After that I ordered an ashtray bridge plate with 6 steel barrels and the same Position of mounting screws and I am satisfied with it. The wood routing resulted in a weight loss of about 600 g. The guitar was 3,9 kg, now it is 3,3 kg.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I thought about doing something similar to mine!

[@ranman58635]

The weight of pine is heavy. Mine is about 10 pounds. One cannot cit enough wood out to be satisfied. Most of my guitar's weight is like that. Definitely the heaviest I've had. I don't stand while playing so it doesn't matter to me.

[@barbaraeskew9167]

Great video!

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks!

[@1thess523]

My son and I used a Tusq string tree, made from Tusq Nut material

[@Chimp_No_1]

Really interesting videos ! Thanks ! New subscriber.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks my friend!

[@jean-mariefuentes1787]

Merci beaucoup, pour ces conseils.A bientôt ( see you soon).

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks for watching!!

[@dougwilson7336]

Very nice mods! Well done. Moto x fox,! Thats old school there.

[@dandean2345]

What! No locking tuners , boutique pickups and rewire with $200 capacitors! I'm a tech and can't fault your assessment. 👍

[@Rico_B]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I love the Squier CVibes, great guitars for the price. Did you mention how much the machine shop charged? Might have missed it- thanks again.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

It was $30. It will vary though depending on where you take it.

[@mattbluesmain1359]

great communication super job

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks!

[@johnhines7288]

I would love to see you do a fender classic vibe jazzmaster or a sqwuire short scale jaguare bass guitar 🎸

[@claytonphelps9911]

I've got one of these coming, and mine is light, 7lbs 9oz. Lighter than my Les Paul by over a pound and change (the White 50's Tele)

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Wow, 2 lbs lighter than mine. Crazy

[@ellisvener5337]

Thank you!

[@stevelankford7087]

Well I probably will do all on the Esquire and some on the CV. Just wondering why didn’t doctor up the heavy gloss on the neck though?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

It hasn’t been a problem for me. It bothered me for about an hour. After that I got used to it.

[@jonyplace4443]

Thank you. Can I get all that from Amazon? I LIVE ABROAD.

[@ronaldworkman2870]

I bought the CV Tele from Indonesia about 6 months ago. I just got the new brass saddles but haven't put them on yet. I look forward to doing a few upgrades. What do you think about the pickups? Worth an upgrade? If so what would you recommend for blues/classic rock?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Cool man!!. I really like the bridge pickup. The neck pickup is much improved since I added the brass saddles. But I'm not totally satisfied with it. I might put a Strat pickup in the neck. I hear a lot of people Bragg about the Tex mex pickups too.

[@Tecniconta]

Cual recomendariais vosotros la Vibe 50' o la Harley Benton TE 25 aniversario???? Esta ultima parece venir mas completa ademas de ser algo mas barata !!!

[@prisonerofrnr]

Good job.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks my friend.

[@stockholm1752]

My 2020 Indonesian 8 pounder was perfect right out of the box. The only thing I’ve done to it is change the strings to D’Addario hybrids (9/46) and remove the plastic film from the pickguard. I’ll probably be one of the few who keep it 100% stock.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

It’s crazy how the weight varies so wildly from guitar to guitar. Yours is over 1.5 lbs lighter than mine. Nothing wrong with keeping it stock!

[@lazvt8469]

Got my lefty yesterday....replaced with comp'd brass saddles and polished out sticky neck. No high frets, nice fret work overall, flawless finish, great volume pot. The tuners are trash...some have dead spots and the low E wiggles like crazy when unstrung. Garbage...ordered some Fender Vintage. Other than that,...amazing value...and keeps up with my USA/Japanese Teles. $313 new.....can't beat that with a stick.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

@@lazvt8469 You would be hard pressed to find something better for the money for sure!

[@lazvt8469]

@@Dirtbiketrike72 BTW: I kept strings on guitar when I changed the saddles...I marked the strings where they touched old saddles, then slide new saddles in into the same position/touch point. Got it real close. Thanks for the vid! Oh, I did have the middle bridge in backwards after seeing this vid.....flip it and also got perfect intonation. ;-).

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

@@lazvt8469 Good idea!!

[@Jwt583]

I just put the same saddles on my cv thinline. I was also able to intonate perfectly but I noticed that they don’t line up perfectly straight. Middle one was fine but the other two weren’t flush with middle one. I expect the saddles are just slightly wider than the stock cv ones. Did you have the same issue?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I didn't notice any issue like that JT.

[@Arcade1959]

What is the origin of Fender Designed pickups ? Tonerider ?

[@markgordon817]

Thank you. I want a tele. PS pencil with dogs on it for a pointer ha ha is that your favorite pencil?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

You will not be disappointed in this Tele! Lol that pencil just happened to be near and handy.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

When I got mine the fret ends were sticking out a little so I had to take a fine file to dress the fret ends. It's not hard, but if you don't feel confident take it to a repair person and have them do it.

[@barrybeckett602]

My Squier CV50s Tele just arrived from Germany Gear4 music (I'm in France), so I was surprised to see it was made in Indonesia in June 2021, fabulous finish, about to change to Gotoh brass saddles, handed it to anace musician friend who has a guitar shop. He previously told me that the Chinese tele from a while back were "merde", Well he played mine and he played mine and just kept saying what a lucky guy I am. "What a neck..." Is it normal or am I really one of the lucky ones? ( I am less than amateur on guitar, I am a singer, harmonica and piano player.) Great video, full instructions really help.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

My experience with Squier instruments is that you may have to try a few to find a nice one. But they are definitely out there. I have a Classic vibe Strat that has one of the best necks I’ve ever played on.

[@alejandrornr]

Genial 👌

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks my friend

[@Jedum]

Great and easy to understand video! ...did I read right that something in the barrels cause ´could´ cause cancer according to the state of California?! :O if so, what is it that could? thanks again!

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks! I think the cancer thing is if you ingest them. Seriously.

[@Jedum]

@@Dirtbiketrike72 hahaaa wow, there are some strange and hungry people out there! 🙏 thanks!

[@bentmller675]

Did the same, but altso put in, De Marzio Twang King,. Pick up"s are not bad on the Squier, but,can be bettered.

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I really like the Twang king!!

[@user-wp2ej5mn4c]

Is it a need to .or is it just your preference.

[@brianmartin1139]

it appears that the Classic Vibe I bought used after the owner died already has brass installed.

[@user-qn6dn1ht4j]

Man, you dont need a tele, you come with the twang built in,

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

😆

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Did they use enough pieces of pine?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Lol. I thought the same thing when I first saw it. It reminded me of scrap wood after framing a house. But I think it looks cool.

[@rickcordero5574]

Where do you find the metal plank?

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Ebay

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

www.philadelphialuthiertools.com/control-cavity-covers/tele-control-plate-080-thickness-no-hole-screws-not-included

[@markv.5962]

you should also replace the jack input , with an elecrosocket. under $10.00 far superior will never come loose

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

True

[@jonnybeck6723]

My 2018 version has the string tree disc back near the G tuner where it was for 50 or 60 years... ...and that along with the stock brass saddles (and with an after market "ashtray" cover) AND the stock "dome" type knobs looks vintage '50's... Heaven knows why they made these dumbass changes but your fixes/repairs are just right and well thought out... Thanx

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

Thanks. Yes a backwards step for sure.

[@md770]

That’s really heavy for a Telecaster, especially if it’s a pine body, I’d take off the Polly coat and put a super thin coat of nitro on it

[@Dirtbiketrike72]

I’m fairly sure that added quite a bit to it.