Product ReviewsSquier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster Electric Guitar - Butterscotch Blonde

Great for the Money, but Overhyped

First, the good:cool tinted nitro gloss neck, beautiful body, lightweight, good bridge, more than adequate pickups, and it has many authentic details (like a five-hole pickguard) that you'll definitely appreciate if you're into vintage gear. And let's not forget: it's cheap. The average cost of one of these things, adjusted for inflation, would have been around $42 in 1953. That's amazing. For that price, you really can't complain.

...which is what I'm going to do. The thing about Squiers is they are hit-and-miss. If you can get a Classic Vibe that's a hit, it is around the quality of a MIM guitar--and if it's a Classic Vibe, it has upgraded hardware and cool features (like the nitro gloss neck and five-hole pickguard). If yours is a dud, then it's still pretty good--Fender subjects all these guitars to a quality check, after all.

This one I have is... so-so. The neck needs a little work. The frets aren't quite level (10th one is a little high) and the intonation is a little off. The tuners are serviceable, but telecasters are famous for their ability to stay in tune, and this one kind of has a tendency to go out of tune. The B tuner especially is kinda jumpy, and changing the strings and cleaning the nut hasn't really fixed this.

A fret polish, a good setup, and maybe a new set of tuners would address most of my issues. That's another $120 or so. I guess it's worth it. I'm tempted, though, to just spend another $100 or so and replace the whole neck.Kind of a shame, because these guys are famous for playing great right out of the box.

My advice is to buy guitars from a guitar store. They do QC, and they setup the guitars before you buy them. Importantly, you can get a feel for if you've got a good Classic Vibe or just a so-so one. Don't get me wrong, you can make a so-so one work, and I'm happy enough with my so-so one. Just need to set aside a little more money to get it to where it really feels good to play.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: mariasguitars1970

Vintage looks and sound for not much money

This little guitar satiated my classic Telecaster itch. I own a couple of Fender Nashville Teles and a Squier Bullet Tele. The other three have a much more modern appearance, feel and sound. I don't have the $$$ for a '52 Tele so I consider this $400 well spent. It has the look and feel and a surprisingly good sound. Somehow the pine body really rings out acoustically compared to an alder or ash body. I really like that it doesn't weigh a ton like an ash Tele too. I highly recommend one if you want the vintage thing but don't want to spend a huge chunk of money to get it.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: butlermusic

Awesome 50s vibe, great neck telecaster.

Pickups don't seem to be as powerful as the ones on my Squier Affinty Telecaster. Out of the box the input jack you plug the guitar cable into was very loose and needed tightening. When changing strings two of the metal hole inserts on the underside of the body fell out. Mostly minor issues but still a nuisance that shouldn't have been there.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: proaudiostar

Better than the players series.

I originally ordered a fender player's series, but returned it due to damage. (Not the same saler) I found this classic vibe at a great price and pulled the trigger. The neck is slimmer than the fender and the pots feel sturdier. I was most impressed by how it showed up. It was set up and tuned perfectly. Read full review...

Great Bang for the Buck!!

The guitar arrived on the projected day. It was set up and ready to play out of the box. It is stunning in appearance and playability. I'm having a lot of fun with it!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: themusiczoo

CV 50s Tele

Very good quality for the money! Very satisfied with it's playability! Great sound through my tube amps. Minimal adjustments needed.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: creamcitymusic

Guitars under $400.

Squire Classic vibe Tele, is an excellent guitar.
Plays great, love the feel, sounds really nice, without paying alot of money. Nice work Fender!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: butlermusic

awesome!

for an entry level guitar it feels, and play nice.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: proaudiostar

I would buy again!

Great guitar, A++++

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sweetwatersound