If you’re wondering which Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is the best, you’ll definitely enjoy this review! In today’s article, we’re going to compare three great versions of this guitar – ’50s vs ’60s vs ’70s. Surely, these models are really affordable, but are they actually worth it?
All the Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters offer a really high quality and they’re totally worth it. Although they look similar, there’s a few things that differentiate them and affect their final look and sound.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what makes these guitars so special. Hopefully, today’s article will help you to understand which model is a right fit for you. Of course, there will be a few sound demos as well, so you’ll be able to hear how they all sound like.
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
One of the most popular Telecasters in the world. The vintage feel and aesthetic of this guitar is based on the original Telecasters introduced by Fender back in the ’50s.
The ’50s Telecaster is a solid-body guitar with a maple modern C-shaped neck and Fender-Alnico pickups. In addition, there’s a vintage gloss finish, a vintage bridge with string-through-body design vintage-style tuners. he guitar is available in two different color versions: Butterscotch Blonde and White Blonde – both of them look equally cool.
When it comes to guitar tone, it offers a classic sound of a Tele. So if you’re looking for the characteristic twang, this is the way to go. Squier equipped this Telecaster with a regular pickup setting – two single coil pickups.
To be honest, I’m not surprised that this guitar is so popular. Surely, considering the price, it’s a really good choice for all lovers of vintage vibes. I had the pleasure to use this guitar in the past and it made a stunning impression on me.
Here’s the sound demo.
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Custom Telecaster
In comparison with the ’50s model, Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Telecaster offers a different look and a different fingerboard. Instead of maple, it’s made of laurel. And as you can see on the picture above, it’s available in a three-color sunburst.
Overall, the guitar offers a very similar tone and playing experience. The guitar features a slim C-shaped neck, the same Fender-Alnico pickups and the vintage-style hardware.
What’s interesting, the ’60s model features a really great-looking binding on the guitar body. This is not that common among the Squier guitars, so it definitely improves the overall appearance of this guitar.
Is it better than the previous model? Well, if you don’t like maple fingerboards, you should definitely choose the ’60s model rather than the ’50s.
Here’s the sound demo.
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Thinline Telecaster
This is the Thinline version of the ’60s Telecaster. As you can see, it looks completely different than the regular ’60s Tele. There’s something really cool about that natural color with the vintage gloss finish!
Although the guitar features the same hardware and Fender-Alnico pickup setting, it offers a maple neck instead of laurel. In addition, there’s a classic Thinline pickguard, which looks a bit different than the regular one.
Since Thinline Telecasters aren’t that common at this price level, it’s a really great alternative for a lot of guitarists who are looking for something different than usual solid-body Telecasters.
Here’s the sound demo.
Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Custom Telecaster
An absolutely unique Telecaster with a really cool pickup setting: a bridge single coil pickup and neck wide-range humbucking pickup. This version offers a really special tone and it makes this Tele even more versatile than the rest of models.
The ’70s Custom Telecasters offers the same vintage aesthetic as all of the guitars from the Classic Vibe Series. This particular model offers a comfortable maple C-shaped neck with the maple fingerboard.
What’s important, the guitar has a pickup switch at the top of the guitar and four volume and tone controls at the bottom. Surely, it’s one of the most versatile Classic Vibe guitars of all time.
Here’s the sound demo. I highly recommend checking it out!
Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Thinline Telecaster
The Thinline version also offers a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. This particular model is equipped with two humbucking pickups, so it has a lot of punch. Although it’s a semi-hollow guitar, it still has a classic Telecaster twang.
What’s important, while most of the Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters offer 3-saddle bridges, this particular model has a 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail bridge. Squier uses similar bridges in Stratocasters, so it’s a really reliable option that enhances the tuning stability.
Telecasters with two humbuckers aren’t that common at this price level, so it’s definitely one of the most interesting Telecasters on today’s list. I think that the vast majority of guitarists will be satisfied with playing on that axe.
Here’s the sound demo.
Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Deluxe Telecaster
If you don’t want a Thinline Telecaster and you still want to use two humbuckers, there’s also another really cool and affordable option – Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Deluxe Telecaster.
Just like the ’70s Deluxe Telecaster, the guitar features the four controls at the bottom of the body and a pickup switch at the top. The main difference between these models is the fact that the Deluxe Tele is equipped with a pair of very powerful humbucking pickups.
Similarly like all the previous guitars, the guitar offers a very cool vintage aesthetic with oldschool looking hardware and gloss finish.
What’s important, the guitar doesn’t have the classic Telecaster headstock. It’s pretty unusual to see a Tele with a Strat headstock, but I’m sure that a lot of guitarists are going to love it.
Here’s the sound demo.
Who Are These Telecasters For?
All of the Telecasters mentioned above will be perfect for all-level guitarists. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a more advanced player, you will definitely enjoy their sound and quality.
Telecasters are really versatile and they can be used in a wide range of genres. This type of guitar works well not only in rock and blues, but also in such genres as country, folk, indie, grunge or even metal.
If you don’t care about having the Fender logo on the headstock and you’re fine with getting a more affordable Squier, all of these guitars will be definitely a great choice for you.
Which Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Is Best?
Since there are so many different models of Telecasters, it’s not easy to pick a clear winner of this fight.
In the end, it all depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a classic, reliable Telecaster – the regular ’50s or ’60s Telecaster will be a great choice.
Guitarists who prefer semi-hollow body guitars should definitely consider one of the Thinline Telecasters instead.
Lastly, musicians who are looking for something way different than the rest should most likely choose the ’70s Deluxe or Custom Telecaster.
Disadvantages Of Squier Telecasters
It’s really difficult to find major disadvantages of these guitars, although there’s a few things that you should know before buying one of them.
Squier Telecasters often have problems with the input jack – sometimes it becomes loose and it requires adjusting. I personally experienced it on my Squier Telecaster a few years ago, but it’s not something that you can’t fix on your own.
Another thing is the gloss neck finish – some people either love it or hate it.
Are there any cheaper alternatives?
If you don’t like any of these models or you can’t afford them, there’s a few good alternatives out there.
Firstly, I highly recommend checking out the guitars from Squier Affinity Series. These guitars may not be as good as the Classic Vibe guitars, but they still offer a really good quality.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option out there, you should check out the Squier Bullet Telecaster. This low-level Tele is also really good for beginners, but to be honest it can’t compete with any of the Classic Vibe telecasters. Still, it’s very budget-friendly.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for the best possible quality and you don’t want to get a Fender guitar, any of the Squier Classic Vibe guitars will be a safe bet. Honestly, it’s really worth it to save up a bit more to get one of these models!
FAQ
Where are Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters made?
All Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters are currently manufactured in Indonesia.
Are Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters good for beginners?
All Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters are suitable for beginners and intermediate players. They’re inexpensive and the offer very comfortable C-shaped necks, which are perfect for amateurs.
Summary
As you can see, all three Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters offer a really high quality at a relatively low price. Undoubtedly, if you’re looking for a reliable piece of gear, you can totally trust this brand.
Personally, I’d stick with the ’50s Telecaster. I really like that Butterscotch Blonde color and the maple neck. Nevertheless, all of these guitars are equally awesome, so I highly recommend checking them out!
Which Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear what you think!
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