Squier Troublemaker Review

[@joerobertson795]

Re-seat the neck. Usually works for the E string problem. Torque screws half turn at a time each in turn when setting. Most Squiers are 30 minutes of handwork from being excellent playing instruments. The pickups however.... Enjoyed the vid.

[@unlockyourlute]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed it. And You’re right on the money. that was one of the first things I tried before I did the video. Unfortunately for this one I think it needs a partial fret dress if the shim doesn’t work which I have not tried yet. although noticeable the problem is so minuscule that I think the shim will work.

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

Are the pickups really bad? Do you know if they are as good as epiphones pro-bucking pickups? I know it's quite random question.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@matthewjdouglas6471 I’m not sure in regards to the comparison. I personally do not like the pickups whatsoever. However this is subjective. They are super beefy and the clarity for me is lacking. the coil taps do help with this however not enough for me to be able to keep the pups stock. Don’t get me wrong I love this guitar but the pups are def a weak point for me.

[@justinscheapguitarsandreviews]

I loved this review. Honest and accurate. And your playing throughout the review is top notch. You’re an excellent player, my friend. This was an easy sub.

[@unlockyourlute]

🙏 thanks so much!

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

I have a Squier CV Jazzmaster that I absolutely love since having the frets professionally leveled and the strings replaced. The stock Squier strings are not great, which is probably part of your tuning issue?

[@alexcarter214]

Stock strings on squiers are just Fender strings. Not my favorite either, but not awful.

[@MrAcollett]

I’d be looking at the nut first before replacing tuners.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@MrAcollett the nut is supposedly bone. And I already replaced the gold top in this video with another gold top and it has zero of the issues that this one has. Definitely was a nut issue (for string slippage)

[@frankbrown3717]

Nice looking guitar. Strings falling off of the fretboard, can sometimes be fixed by loosenig the neck screws a little, and sliding the neck up or down (in relation to playing position), to centre the strings on the fretboard. Good luck

[@chilly6470]

Thanks for that info. I will try that tomorrow, as mine are definitely falling off pretty easily.

[@DefinitelyNotYT]

Remember when the last guitar had a name that sounded like a motherboard? Well this one sounds like ram.

[@billybob-b7t]

Squier troublemaker?

[@DefinitelyNotYT]

@@billybob-b7t tbh it’s all I could really come up with. Ram is one of the few PC components that use actual words

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

Brief info on Squire troublemaker guitar

[@lionhearttx7156]

Great coverage and commentary on this guitar. Earned a sub!

[@airtimedesign]

What Bigsby did you install and did you use the adapter?

[@unlockyourlute]

I used a bigsby B5 and installed it via a vibramate v5 standard ez mount. I’m assuming you are referring to the Vibramate for the “adapter”? If so, I would watch the rest of the video towards the end where I do the install :) if that did not answer your question or if you have any further questions after that, feel free to ask away.

[@jeffanderson8384]

Looks awesome with the Bigsby! Loving the Black model. And as always with cheap Fenders/Squiers they are a great platform for modification.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@jeffanderson8384 I agree! did you got the black one?! Getting black vs gold was a tough choice as they both look SO good. But Because I already own a bunch of black guitars I went with gold, plus it’s a bit more synonymous with the “Les paul look. “

[@ivorytelecaster]

How do you like the alumitone pickups in your other tele? I’ve heard people say they can be a little harsh.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@ivorytelecaster in short I absolutely love those pickups. They are “clear” without being “shrill” or “harsh”. I only use the Standard HB not the death buckers. (Those sound a bit harsh to my ears). Unfortunately, the standard alumitone pickups kind of ruined me because of how good they pick up harmonic frequency definition and response to dynamics, everything else pails in comparison. I’m going to be doing a review and demonstration of the Alumitone pickups and how I use them. So stay tuned.

[@Markleford]

It's almost never the tuners that are the problem on a fixed bridge guitar -- it's the nut. Like you say toward the end of the video, make sure you use graphite in the slots, or whatever lube of choice. Your battle with strings falling off the fretboard also shows how often it's the nut's fault in possible QC issues (along with tuning problem for cowboy chords!). Though when you shim it you'll have the opportunity to re-seat the neck as well to get the angle right, which might exonerate the nut.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@Markleford sage wisdom!

[@LRHutch]

Great video man and the truth about Squiers. I have 3 different versions of Tele Squiers. I had to change the tuners recut a new nut, level and polish the frets, and change the electronics on all 3. Considering the cost of a Classic Vibe or Paranormal series you can put another $200 worth of work and parts and have a guitar that plays and responds like a $1000 guitar, but still not good for resale after all the upgrades. So if you plan to buy one it's gonna be a keeper. Have a good one.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@LRHutch I agree with everything that you just said. Although I haven’t had any problems with resale of other Squiers I definitely won’t be selling this one. It’s a keeper. 😂

[@gilku4725]

What pickups are you planning to replace the stocks with?

[@unlockyourlute]

@@gilku4725 Lace alumitone splittable humbuckers :)

[@jimmyz2098]

Killer guitar! I want to pick one of these up for the collection - at some point. Subbed. I want to see more guitars!

[@unlockyourlute]

@@jimmyz2098welcome to the channel! I’m planning on doing gear walk throughs of all my guitars and modifications that I’ve made. And walk through doing mods in the future as well. Stay tuned.

[@giantrobot9000]

Same issues with mine….high E too close to edge, I adjusted the neck and helped a little. Pickups not surprisingly are lacking….beautiful guitar, probably gonna return it though

[@unlockyourlute]

@@giantrobot9000 I exchanged mine for a brand new one. No issues from this review are present. Highly recommend this guitar. Pick ups are more of a taste thing that will be present for most guitars that I pick up… pun intended ;) I’m going to be doing an update to this video after things get settled from hurricane Helene we’re still without power or cell service (running on generator).

[@nic1780]

What song are you playing during Demo 4 at 5:30 ?

[@unlockyourlute]

its an original etude that will be coming out on my channel in the coming weeks called "cliff dweller" stick around and stay tuned

[@tomasz3122]

Love the tele! Too bad it doesn't have 22 frets, otherwise I'd ditch the idea of getting a Les Paul. By the way, what's the tune in Demo 1?

[@unlockyourlute]

@@tomasz3122 yeah I wish it had 22 Frets as well. All tunes are in standard. That one is called “slick lick” it’s got a dedicated video on my channel how to play it If you’re interested.

[@BlackPenquinn]

I have one of the Fender Troublemaker 2 versions (white/black and gold hardware). Would be curious how the Squire sounds compared to that guitar.

[@fry9700]

I got one of these early last week. The high E was way too close to the edge. When I looked, the spacing between the E and the B was visibly wider than the spacing between the other strings, a bad job from the factory. I sent it back and got a new one. The new one is great, no issues.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@fry9700 that’s great to know! Thanks for the heads up. I still haven’t measured the nut slot spacing. If I have to fabricate one that’s an easy fix for me. I’ll come back and let you know once I’ve measured it out if that was the issue for mine. I’m curious now.

[@BullFrog96]

Looks so good with the Bigsby

[@unlockyourlute]

@@BullFrog96 100% agree!

[@davidmullins3936]

Watching the Andertons review it has split coils, didn’t see you mention that or show it either the push pulls on tone and volume, might have changed your view on those pick ups?

[@unlockyourlute]

@@davidmullins3936 good attention to detail. I had to cut that part out of the review because I ranted for too long and it wasn’t as cohesive. I actually use the exact coil tap set up on all my guitars which was a huge draw for me to get this one. And to be clear is still a huge draw because all I have to do is drop in my preferred pick ups. However for me the stock Pickups were not even usable on the Humbucker mode. And neither was the neck even when split. I feel as though that is not relevant as much to the overall quality of the guitar. This is so much of a taste thing and I didn’t want my bias mislead people.

[@whaleshark2625]

Does the Bigsby interfere with the push/pull pots much?

[@unlockyourlute]

@@whaleshark2625 Personally not much, however I’m very familiar with how to navigate the bigsby system, And how I use the push/pull system it won’t be an issue.

[@whaleshark2625]

@@unlockyourlute thank you!

[@charleswallace5818]

If you don't drop or smack the LP headstock, they don't just break. Watched my father play an SG for 40 years with no break. Same headstock design. The pickups are cheap because they are built to a price, same as the tuners

[@unlockyourlute]

@@charleswallace5818 i’m glad your dad never had any issues as SGs are sweet!!!! And I 100% agree that they don’t just break. It’s just a weak point on those models design. Unfortunately, due to the nature of working on so many guitars i’ve seen les pauls and yes SGs come from the factory in undamaged boxes with broken necks and headstocks, and I’ve also seen the same thing happen while the Les Paul was inside of a Gibson hardshell case barely getting jostled. It goes to show you how amazing that style of guitar is that even with those types of experiences I still hold them in high regard. I’m just lazy and don’t wanna deal with those possible issues ;)

[@charleswallace5818]

@@unlockyourlute yes sir, under some extreme conditions they can break. I love my Fenders, and thanks for sharing and being honest about the squire. Have a blessed day

[@unlockyourlute]

@@charleswallace5818 for sure! right back at ya!

[@edgarmadhook]

What was the tune played around 5:30? Or was it just random improvisation?

[@unlockyourlute]

It’s the rhythm section of an original composition called the cliff dweller. It will be coming out on my channel in the coming weeks. Stay tuned :)

[@Paul-r2u3e]

I got the black version of this guitar last week. Really love the guitar, the fret work is really well done and I just can't seem to put it down.

[@unlockyourlute]

that's AWESOME! I love this guitar too! I still cannot believe they made this thing... still feels surreal!

[@GeoffByrdMusic]

What did YOU think of the pickups?

[@ethanhunt5961]

bonjour, La question que je me pose est-ce qu'une Telecaster DLX équipé d'un TOM sonne mieux qu'une Telecaster DLX équipé d'un chevalet type Fender. Y a t'il plus de sustain, de fréquences avec un TOM ou est-ce que c'est juste cosmétique pour le côté "paranormal" ? Je pense qu'un chevalet à rouleaux à 6€ chez Ali ferait très bien l'affaire pour garder un bon accordage. Merci.

[@unlockyourlute]

(j'utilise un traducteur) C'est une excellente question ! La réponse de base est que la conception du pont TOM aura plus de durabilité en général en raison de la connexion entre la surface du bois et celle du pont. même si, disons, un pont à queue dure de stratocaster semble plus grand, il y a plus de surface de contact avec un TOM. j'espère que cela répond à votre question.

[@ethanhunt5961]

@@unlockyourlute THANKS. I watch your videos with the KZbin real-time translator. This guitar offers great modification possibilities. And all this gold, j'adore !

[@airtimedesign]

Funny, Sweetwater has a demo model that has a cracked pickup mounting plate. Same issue you have.

[@unlockyourlute]

I’m going to be doing an update video. They reached out to me and offered to send me a new one. Which I’ve received and has none of the problems that were in this video at all. The one that you are referring to is most likely the one from this video. That’s hilarious!

[@DaveConnellGuitar]

Goat!

[@P3photo]

I’m Glad that I wasn’t the only one that thought that the pickups sound like crap. I ordered the black one with gold hardware. I just ordered a set of Filtertrons and CTS 300k pots to replace the OEM humbucker pickups and minimini pots. I may order the Bigsby as well.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@P3photo ya as much as it is a subjective thing whether you like the Pickups or not, I think what is not subjective is the pickup’s frequencies that are pronounced. IMO I can make these pickups sound good but it’s a lot of squeeze that I have to do for the little juice that I get…again IMO.

[@mike70s]

I've got the black one. Overall 7/10. Pick ups were great. Tuners feel lesser quality . Tuning fine for home, but gigging would be an issue. Very light guitar. Low E string slips off fret edge some times depending where you are on the neck. I don't think it's worth upgrading pick ups or tuners, it a good little rock machine for home playing

[@6stringsandwood05]

So many people sleep on the Squiers. Sometimes you can do a little work and have a work horse!

[@unlockyourlute]

@@6stringsandwood05 that has been my experience. Love squier

[@dennisrohm6372]

I'm getting one this coming Tuesday. I want to try a duesenberg trem for mine.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@dennisrohm6372 that sounds sweet!

[@kingstumble]

Excellent comprehensive review. Thank you. I thought the pickups sounded great---almost gave it a semi-hollow quality, which just goes to show---well I don't know what it goes to show actually!

[@unlockyourlute]

@@kingstumble 🙏 thank you for the compliment AND the chuckle!

[@BuckFlicks]

Fender humbucker are awful. I got this guitar on Wednesday and I am already looking for upgrades. I haven’t had the problems you are having with the tuners. Split top tuners are super stable for me. If I can’t have locking tuners, these are my favorite. Easy string changes and super stable tuning, if done properly.

[@peterwilson8039]

It's interesting that you don't like the pickups. I'm not in love with the sound of the guitar - personal taste I suppose. I'm not in love with the faux-vintage tuning machines used by Squier. I wouldn't call them out and out garbage, but the split shaft tuning machines on my newer Affinity are noticeably more comfortable, turn more smoothly, and are easier to use. I'm personally a believer in function over fashion.

[@erickgroveart]

I love this guitar, I picked one up (black white and gold) and it plays beautifully. My pickups sound great whereas yours sound really tinny here. Your voice in the video also sounds odd, so I would caution folks not to go by the sound from this video. Not saying yours in person doesn't sound good but there is something going on with the audio in this video.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@erickgroveart Sounds like we agree. I love my guitar too and Oh, and I’ll try to make my voice, not sound odd in vids ;) cheers.

[@poconnorish1]

@@unlockyourlute Been thinking of a Bigsby for my old Tele Custom for a while but it makes sense to try it out on a Squire. In another review their Troublemaker came with push-pull treble knobs to 'single coil' the pickups. Just wondering.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@poconnorish1 yes it does, and it it makes a huge difference in the performance of the guitar much more usable for myself personally. I will be doing an update video on some of the nuances that I did not cover in this video. I just didn’t want to make the video 1 million years long. Super amazing Guitar can’t recommend it enough even with some of the issues that I had

[@poconnorish1]

@@unlockyourlute Now I'm jealous.

[@dennisrohm6372]

I'm getting one of these (gold top) and I have a ja90 love that Jim Adkins tele!

[@unlockyourlute]

@@dennisrohm6372 YES that’s awesome! When you get your gold top troublemaker let me know let me know is how they compare 🙏 please!

[@dennisrohm6372]

I really like good p90s, the Duncan's that came with it are fine. It came with 9s, I changed to 8s and locking tuners for easy string changes. My plans for the squire are change tuning keys maybe pots. I want to put a sustainer in the neck and a bare knuckle or lollar in the bridge.

[@bobfurman2739]

I had a Squier Starcaster classic vibe . Beautiful guitar ,but hated the "Fender wide range " pick ups, for the same reason !

[@unlockyourlute]

@@bobfurman2739 I cut out of this review that exact point because it became WAY too long!!! I’m so glad you said this I thought the same thing. The same pick ups are also in the new thinlines. They are actually humbuckers shoved into a thin line casing.

[@jaymelynnmcintyre8574]

Sounds great! ( I'd gig with it, )

[@unlockyourlute]

@@jaymelynnmcintyre8574 what kind of music would you be playing if gigging with it?

[@wonderfullife3108]

I'm waiting for squire to combine a Mustang and a saxophone.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@wonderfullife3108 don’t give them any ideas….if they did THAT they would be UNSTOPPABLE.

[@icu469]

Your playing is good. Put a thicker high e string on like .011 or .012. for string slipping off. The guitar sounds muddy for sure. Change your amp settings more treble, less midrange less bass. It looks good but that's about it. Oh not all fender humbuckers are crappy. I have 2 mim strats and both with humbuckers in the bridge and they sound fantastic. It's a squire. They cheap for a reason. Stay away from Squires.

[@isaacroche3223]

Be happy, it's already relic,price is up!!!😂

[@chelrob2]

My people call it a set screw

[@unlockyourlute]

You are a scholar :)

[@methatlovescats3602]

Darn i was just about to buy😡 Ok what strings

[@unlockyourlute]

@@methatlovescats3602 I changed from 9 gauge to 10 gauge because that’s the gauge I use. I think that the tuning issues had really to do with not enough wrap on the Tunning pegs…they work fine (for a non locking tuner).

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Always someone bitching about something and majority of the time it's all BS

[@Baci302]

First there is a Bigsby Then there is no Bigsby Then there is.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@Baci302 😂 good eye. Time travel confirmed!

[@Baci302]

@@unlockyourlute But how are we going to explain this to the judge? 😂 Btw, beautiful guitar. After shopping all of the different Fender series, I decided to go with the Squiers + mods.

[@benjaminfowler4513]

Too bad its not 24.75 scale like the fender version. Thats a huge detail that really makes it what its trying to be

[@unlockyourlute]

@@benjaminfowler4513. I prefer the 25.5 but that is a Great point.

[@OneWomanMoreGuitars]

I have a fender USA and a made in Japan version and both are 25.5.

[@nikolaki]

Each year Squier torments lefties with their releases.

[@han36solo]

Learn to tune. It's not the tuners, it's you.

[@unlockyourlute]

Thanks I’ll take it under advisement. :P

[@ro307805]

It plain just doesn’t sound good. As far as broken headstocks, strap locks are your friend. Headstocks don’t break on their own, i don’t care what the broke ass haters in their parents basement say. Some neglect or abuse went on.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@ro307805 100% agree, strap locks will help mitigate a majority of drops that can easily lead to broken headstocks on any guitar, however, that won’t rid of the other issue, I was referring to. Don’t get me wrong. I love Les Pauls. And thank you for the PSA and wise words my friend. It will for sure help many :)

[@cmet8280]

Looks great, sounds terrible.

[@timelanguid4813]

Yup pick ups sound hollow and awful.

[@beansnrice_forever3351]

I'm thinking about getting one, is it worth it? How does it sound?​@@erickgroveart

[@erickgroveart]

@@beansnrice_forever3351 Mine sounds absolutely great, I do think the guitar is worth it yes.

[@erickgroveart]

@@beansnrice_forever3351 I recommend it, mine sounds great, as opposed to the sound of the guitar here which is causing folks to say it doesn't good. Mine stays in tune too, I have no issues with the tuners or guitar at all.

[@BlackPenquinn]

I have one of the Fender Troublemaker 2 versions (white/black and gold hardware). Would be curious how the Squire sounds compared to that guitar.

[@unlockyourlute]

@@BlackPenquinn me too! Is there anyway you can comment on here the serial number of the pick ups and any information in the pick up cavity that you have on your guitar? I can compare it to what is in mind to see if they are utilizing the same pick ups.