Stratocaster delima

TheGoryl1 · 8th November 2011

Okay so for awhile I've been looking into strats trying to find out which ones for me and I've heard so many good things about the Squire Classic Vibe strats that I'm almost sold on one but my question is, is there something else I should consider? I mean, possibly something that isn't even Fender? Thanks!

3waytie4last · 8th November 2011

My only advice would be that you are looking at a price point where it likely doesn't matter.

You are probably better off saving your money to get to the next price point at around $500, then you will find some better quality.

Jmoon79 · 9th November 2011

I'd at least go with a MIM or a MIJ if you're not financially ready to commit to a USA. Squires are just... well, I'm sure there's some playable ones out there but the parts have got to be super cheap.

The sum of good parts makes a big difference. Personally, if you don't want to spring for a USA, and I understand, I'd find a good MIM or MIJ and slowly upgrade the parts. A good luthier can do wonders to a mexican strat.

All the basics are there in a MIM. Just upgrade the pots, pickups, wires, and saddles maybe. That would get you into a great playing guitar for a good bit less than a USA.

blueflamingo · 9th November 2011

I was excited to try out the classic vibe strats and teles after reading rave reviews about them. I currently own 2 USA strats, 2 MIJ strats (one from 2008, one from 1984), and one 2000 MIM 50's strat. Upon trying the classic vibe strats to say I was disappointed would be a gross understatement. They legitimately felt like fischer price toys. Just reeked of cheap. From the garbage input jack, the extremely dull sounding pickups, and most importantly just the feel of the guitars I tried I couldn't have been more disappointed.

If I were you I'd hang around and pick up a used 60's or 50's strat. I've seen them go from anywhere between 350-500 from craigslist and the like. They are miles and miles better than that made in China crap fender is spewing out.

AudioWonderland · 9th November 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmoon79

I'd at least go with a MIM or a MIJ if you're not financially ready to commit to a USA. Squires are just... well, I'm sure there's some playable ones out there but the parts have got to be super cheap.

The sum of good parts makes a big difference. Personally, if you don't want to spring for a USA, and I understand, I'd find a good MIM or MIJ and slowly upgrade the parts. A good luthier can do wonders to a mexican strat.

All the basics are there in a MIM. Just upgrade the pots, pickups, wires, and saddles maybe. That would get you into a great playing guitar for a good bit less than a USA.

Squires in general I would agree are not that great. The Classic Vibe series are a different thing though. They are pretty much on par with the MIM guitars.

Musiclab · 9th November 2011

check out the Agile Strats, they are an excellent value

Pohaku · 9th November 2011

If you want a Squier, I would look for a MIJ unit. They are pretty inexpensive and are very well made (mid $300s). I have 2 CIJ teles (2000s) and one MIJ strat (1987 and bought off this board). The necks feel very similar. I have changed out the pups in the teles (didn't like the stock pups much), but the stock pups in the strat are actually quite decent. I have some Fralins with which to replace them, but I haven't been in a great hurry to break out the soldering station.

TheGoryl1 · 10th November 2011

No I don't really even have a price limit Id just like to spend under 1k but I've heard some really remarkable things about the Classic Vibes and so I was just wondering what you guys thought.

kafka · 12th November 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGoryl1

No I don't really even have a price limit Id just like to spend under 1k but I've heard some really remarkable things about the Classic Vibes and so I was just wondering what you guys thought.

The problem is that everybody loves their equipment, no matter how crappy it may be, right up until they get something better. I've never seen anything that didn't have rave reviews somewhere.

The way we used to buy Strats, back when there was only one kind, was to go to a store and play all of them until we found one that felt right. Even good Strats are really finnicky about setup, so there's just no way to judge them based on model or price. You just have to try them all until you find one that speaks to you.

3waytie4last · 12th November 2011

For under $1K, you can get a G&L or other strat-style guitar that is probably much better than the equivalently priced Fender.

I think G&L builds a custom shop quality guitar, and you'll find a wide variety of features that you won't find in a standard factory strat.

ivansc · 24th November 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3waytie4last

For under $1K, you can get a G&L or other strat-style guitar that is probably much better than the equivalently priced Fender.

I think G&L builds a custom shop quality guitar, and you'll find a wide variety of features that you won't find in a standard factory strat.

IF you can find a genuine USA G&L strat-alike for that money, go for it.
I bought an asat a while back and love it. The Tribute models made in the far east are OK but not in the same league as the "real" ones.

P.S. I also own a Squier Silver Series MIJ strat which is a beautiful instrument.
But it became much better when I added a set of Fender Texas specials

drbob1 · 29th November 2011

Yeah, with the 3 single coil, 25.5" scale guitar there's SO many choices it isn't funny. Get out there an play the damn things, find the one that speaks to you and buy it (take along your own amp). I'd argue that the low end Peaveys are some of the best values in this segment, especially if you can find a used set of upgraded pickups for them...

henge · 30th November 2011

I have to chime in and recommend the Godin Progression. Built in Canada and fantastic value. I paid $600 cdn for mine new, used who knows!! ;-)

Godin Guitars

davet · 1st December 2011

I bought a MIM 57 re-issue Strat some years ago. It's been a project guitar and over time I've replaced pretty much all the hardware. PUPs are Laurence, some of the bridge is Callahan, roller nut, Goto tuners, replaced the pots and switch, shielded the PUP cavity. The body and neck are stock. It's been fun, but in the end I've found nice used American Standards for less than I have in my guitar. The nice thing about the MIM is guitars is that you can find parts to upgrade them if that's what you're into.
DaveT

Igotsoul4u · 1st December 2011

A yamaha, Peavey or, MIJ strat would be a far superior guitar. My experience is that there are nice squires out there, but they are 1 in 10 at best with the other 9 being complete dogs.

Draytone · 18th December 2011

I'd be looking for a used MIJ Fender, or perhaps a G&L, Godin, Yamaha...

I still actually prefer my MIJ 57 Reissue over any of the off the shelf USA Strats I have owned.

8th November 2011	#1
TheGoryl1 Gear Head Joined: May 2011 Posts: 38 Thread Starter	Stratocaster delima Okay so for awhile I've been looking into strats trying to find out which ones for me and I've heard so many good things about the Squire Classic Vibe strats that I'm almost sold on one but my question is, is there something else I should consider? I mean, possibly something that isn't even Fender? Thanks!

8th November 2011	#2
3waytie4last Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 165	My only advice would be that you are looking at a price point where it likely doesn't matter. You are probably better off saving your money to get to the next price point at around $500, then you will find some better quality. __________________ "I like bass lines. They're good, because for people who don't understand what's going on in the rest of the song, there's always the bass line." - FZ

9th November 2011	#7
Pohaku Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 1,036	If you want a Squier, I would look for a MIJ unit. They are pretty inexpensive and are very well made (mid $300s). I have 2 CIJ teles (2000s) and one MIJ strat (1987 and bought off this board). The necks feel very similar. I have changed out the pups in the teles (didn't like the stock pups much), but the stock pups in the strat are actually quite decent. I have some Fralins with which to replace them, but I haven't been in a great hurry to break out the soldering station. __________________ Yeah I'm an attorney, but everyone needs a day job.

30th November 2011	#13
henge Lives for gear Joined: May 2003 Location: oshawa,ontario Posts: 1,677 2 Reviews written	I have to chime in and recommend the Godin Progression. Built in Canada and fantastic value. I paid $600 cdn for mine new, used who knows!! ;-) Godin Guitars __________________ Henge Website http://www.villageworkscanada.com/landingpad.cfm

1st December 2011	#15
Igotsoul4u Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,845	A yamaha, Peavey or, MIJ strat would be a far superior guitar. My experience is that there are nice squires out there, but they are 1 in 10 at best with the other 9 being complete dogs. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/polishedproductions MacPro 2.66 quad, Macbook Pro 13" 2.4, Protools 8 LE 003, Logic 8, McDsp, Sonnox, API 512c, GR NV500, Buzz Essence, Focusrite Solo, DBX 160A, Telefunken AK47, AKG 414eb Adam A7 Sub 8, Laney, Fender, Martin, Musicman, Marshall.

9th November 2011	#3
Jmoon79 Gear Head Joined: Nov 2009 Location: Bham, Alabama Posts: 47	I'd at least go with a MIM or a MIJ if you're not financially ready to commit to a USA. Squires are just... well, I'm sure there's some playable ones out there but the parts have got to be super cheap. The sum of good parts makes a big difference. Personally, if you don't want to spring for a USA, and I understand, I'd find a good MIM or MIJ and slowly upgrade the parts. A good luthier can do wonders to a mexican strat. All the basics are there in a MIM. Just upgrade the pots, pickups, wires, and saddles maybe. That would get you into a great playing guitar for a good bit less than a USA.

9th November 2011	#4
blueflamingo Gear interested Joined: Mar 2011 Location: New York Posts: 19	I was excited to try out the classic vibe strats and teles after reading rave reviews about them. I currently own 2 USA strats, 2 MIJ strats (one from 2008, one from 1984), and one 2000 MIM 50's strat. Upon trying the classic vibe strats to say I was disappointed would be a gross understatement. They legitimately felt like fischer price toys. Just reeked of cheap. From the garbage input jack, the extremely dull sounding pickups, and most importantly just the feel of the guitars I tried I couldn't have been more disappointed. If I were you I'd hang around and pick up a used 60's or 50's strat. I've seen them go from anywhere between 350-500 from craigslist and the like. They are miles and miles better than that made in China crap fender is spewing out.

9th November 2011	#6
Musiclab Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2002 Location: Elmont NY Posts: 6,277 3 Reviews written	check out the Agile Strats, they are an excellent value

10th November 2011	#8
TheGoryl1 Gear Head Joined: May 2011 Posts: 38 Thread Starter	No I don't really even have a price limit Id just like to spend under 1k but I've heard some really remarkable things about the Classic Vibes and so I was just wondering what you guys thought.

12th November 2011	#10
3waytie4last Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 165	For under $1K, you can get a G&L or other strat-style guitar that is probably much better than the equivalently priced Fender. I think G&L builds a custom shop quality guitar, and you'll find a wide variety of features that you won't find in a standard factory strat.

29th November 2011	#12
drbob1 Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 1,420 3 Reviews written	Yeah, with the 3 single coil, 25.5" scale guitar there's SO many choices it isn't funny. Get out there an play the damn things, find the one that speaks to you and buy it (take along your own amp). I'd argue that the low end Peaveys are some of the best values in this segment, especially if you can find a used set of upgraded pickups for them...

1st December 2011	#14
davet Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 548	I bought a MIM 57 re-issue Strat some years ago. It's been a project guitar and over time I've replaced pretty much all the hardware. PUPs are Laurence, some of the bridge is Callahan, roller nut, Goto tuners, replaced the pots and switch, shielded the PUP cavity. The body and neck are stock. It's been fun, but in the end I've found nice used American Standards for less than I have in my guitar. The nice thing about the MIM is guitars is that you can find parts to upgrade them if that's what you're into. DaveT

18th December 2011	#16
Draytone Gear addict Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 345	I'd be looking for a used MIJ Fender, or perhaps a G&L, Godin, Yamaha... I still actually prefer my MIJ 57 Reissue over any of the off the shelf USA Strats I have owned.

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