Squier Vibe Update

[zagatron1]

Looks like Squier has some new meat on the horizon.......check it out! http://squierguitars.com/news/index.php?display_article=157

[creekster52]

Ooohhh...I like that Tele!

[pictoratus]

Yeah, that Classic Vibe Telecaster ’50s in Butterscotch Blonde is definitely looking good!

Still a pine body but looks like they changed to Alnico IV pups instead of Anico IIIs.

[hagarfreak33]

They are making those Squiers very nice now

[DetroitBlues]

I've played the Vibe Tele, and I must say its very comparable to an American Standard tele.  It sounds amazing and its built rather well.  The tinted neck with real glossy laquor.  My only issue is a used Mexi tele or a Highway 1 tele is not far off from the new price of the Vibe.  I really don't like it when new models of guitars pricing model competes with the used market for higher end guitars from the same manufacture.

[hagarfreak33]

The squiers now are what the Mexican strats were a few years ago-even better it seems

[DetroitBlues]

Not all squires.  A friend has my daughters old affinity squire.  The neck constantly needs to be adjusted and it goes out of tune when its been sitting too long.  My guitars don't do that.  Unless there are new strings or I've been doing a lot of bending, my strat or h-140 stays in tune.

[creekster52]

The Affinity series is the most entry level of the Squiers, as you probably already know. They are fine for parents to buy for new students, until they decide to advance. That way if they quit parents aren't out a lot of $$. They could also be fun to mod though, but I never liked the thin frets.

I've been tempted by that butterscotch Tele a few times though. I have an extra set of Sperzel tuners laying around! 

[pictoratus]

Yeah, if you don't mind the narrow nut and thinner body, the Affinity is a decent platform for modding. Swap the tuners like creekster said, change the pot metal saddles and block, pickups, and a few other things depending on your preference and you've got a decent guitar for not a lot of dough.

You can even start with the Squier Bullet which starts at a lower price point than the Affinity. Still has the thinner body but I think it has a full width nut.

[DetroitBlues]

I even found my mexi strat feels a little crowded at the nut.  I've been thinking of swapping it out with an American neck for some time now....

[DetroitBlues]

The Affinity series is the most entry level of the Squiers, as you probably already know. They are fine for parents to buy for new students, until they decide to advance. That way if they quit parents aren't out a lot of $$. They could also be fun to mod though, but I never liked the thin frets.

I've been tempted by that butterscotch Tele a few times though. I have an extra set of Sperzel tuners laying around! 

The vibe's frets are really small.  Helps out for really low action, but they are very, very small frets.

[Dan]

I was on the fence about getting the vibe tele or a mexi strat, the prices are close enough but I guess always wanting a  white strat won out. It should be here Tuesday.

[zagatron1]

Anyone remember "Pro Tone" series Squier guitars? They were pretty cool in their own right. I believe they were manufactured in Korea. They were only around for a couple of years though (1996-1998). They had "Duncan Designed" pickups in 'em. Well, at least the Strat I had did. Anyway, I don't understand why they stopped that line of guitars, 'cause they were nice. Built well and all that. Ash bodies, maple necks... I mean if ya got something going good, I would think you'd want to stick with it. What's next..... stopping the Classic Vibe series? Oh yeah, also I'd like to ask this question... why are folks so hard on Mexican axes (Strats, Teles, etc.) They are excellent platforms for modding, upgrading or whatever. And you still come out cheaper than buying a HIGH dollar American piece. Not that there is anything wrong with American. Everybody cannot afford that stuff. Folks that play for fun deserve something decent too. I personally ain't buyin' no guitar that costs more than my car just to sit at home to play the thing. I used to play professionally but not now.

[diaper head]

Oh yeah, also I'd like to ask this question... why are folks so hard on Mexican axes (Strats, Teles, etc.) They are excellent platforms for modding, upgrading or whatever. And you still come out cheaper than buying a HIGH dollar American piece. Not that there is anything wrong with American. Everybody cannot afford that stuff. Folks that play for fun deserve something decent too. I personally ain't buyin' no guitar that costs more than my car just to sit at home to play the thing. I used to play professionally but not now.

i agre on the mexican strat part.  as for the other part, i REALLY agree. it's why i don't have a custom shop or a vos les paul. but i do have 2 really nice korean guitars.  i could afford the gibson but why?  so i can feel guilty and pawn it next time i get laid off?  at least with my korean guitars, even though they play and sound like a boss, they ain't worth squat.  so when money gets short i get to keep em.

[DetroitBlues]

Anyone remember "Pro Tone" series Squier guitars? They were pretty cool in their own right. I believe they were manufactured in Korea. They were only around for a couple of years though (1996-1998). They had "Duncan Designed" pickups in 'em. Well, at least the Strat I had did. Anyway, I don't understand why they stopped that line of guitars, 'cause they were nice. Built well and all that. Ash bodies, maple necks... I mean if ya got something going good, I would think you'd want to stick with it. What's next..... stopping the Classic Vibe series? Oh yeah, also I'd like to ask this question... why are folks so hard on Mexican axes (Strats, Teles, etc.) They are excellent platforms for modding, upgrading or whatever. And you still come out cheaper than buying a HIGH dollar American piece. Not that there is anything wrong with American. Everybody cannot afford that stuff. Folks that play for fun deserve something decent too. I personally ain't buyin' no guitar that costs more than my car just to sit at home to play the thing. I used to play professionally but not now.

I had a korean made squire in 1995.  To this day, I swear that guitar was a great sounding and feeling guitar.  I had to get rid of it a couple months later,  ironically because I was moving to Korea and didn't know I could take it with me.  To this day I wish I still had that guitar.   I think the Korean made guitars are of much higher quality than what's made today.  Just look at the PRS SE models...