KVR Audio

YnJ · Post by **YnJ** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:00 am

I was thinking of getting a couple. I just got an Ibanez in the same price range, and the build quality is the same as my premium Ibanez, the difference seems to be pick ups, type of materials and things like that. The tuning machines are simpler and have no locks, they still keep the guitar tuned for hours. The pick ups doesn't sound nearly as good as the DiMarzios on the premium, they sound perfectly ok though and there's no static noise or problems with feedback. That's Ibanez for you though, does the same apply for Squire?

I'm really intriged by the Contemporary Active series, the Starcaster in particular, and the Classic Vibe series Jaguar and Jazzmaster as well

lfm · Post by **lfm** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:39 am

Cheapest series Affinity made in china, stay away. Saw some demos of those saying so.
- cheap out on everything

I have a Squier Tele Vintage Modified Custom, with a Fender widerange in neck and some SD design in bridge. Made in Indonesida. They costed then about double the cheapest series, partly due to some american components like widerange, but also think manufacturer is better.

I find it excellent guitar, good finish and no tuning issues.

So Squier is not just one quality.

Same with Fender, america, japan, mexico etc.

jamcat · Post by **jamcat** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:08 am

Years ago I had a friend with a Mexican Strat. It was the best sounding Strat I’ve ever heard, still to this day. But I think that was just because of the way he played it.

Bombadil · Post by **Bombadil** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:17 pm

I had a Mexi Strat, too. I remember bringing it in to compare against an American, and other than the extra fret, I really couldn't tell the difference. So, no 'Merican Strat needed. I'd try before you buy.

MadDogE134 · Post by **MadDogE134** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:38 pm

MiM's are good as any (think mine was made in '89 maybe and i got it for like $300) but recently... as with all things... way overpriced.

brand/logo has nothing to do with sound quality. the main thing you should look at is the hardware that comes stock... especially since most all wood work is done by computers... most all hardware needs to be replaced but many fine guitars (build-wise) are manufactured in Indonesia today but i personally would stay away from anything made in china

biggest thing i would worry about a squire is if the board is solid wood (even in sections... two and three piece) as opposed to plywood. many squires i have seen in the past and worked on for others were in fact plywood bodies

so not good

cheers

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:49 pm

I can only speak for their basses, but I agree with the opinions above - Squier makes great basses that (aside from the cheapest Chinese models) are on par or close to the Fender-branded counterparts. I currently only have one Fender bass (MIM P-bass), which is bassically (pun intended) my cheapie backup and I've been giving a lot of consideration to swapping it out for a nicer Squier J-bass V.

YnJ · Post by **YnJ** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:04 pm

I should mention that where I live I don't have the opportunity to try before purchasing anything. The company I usually use have a 30 day money back garanty, no questions asked policy though

The Affinity series was never of any interest to me, so that's not a problem. I'm mainly interested in the Classic Vibe series and the Contemporary Active series, the Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Starcaster in particular

Bombadil · Post by **Bombadil** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:17 pm

If you have the 30 days, try out whatever you want.

GuyaGuy · Post by **GuyaGuy** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:25 pm

YnJ wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:04 pm I should mention that where I live I don't have the opportunity to try before purchasing anything. The company I usually use have a 30 day money back garanty, no questions asked policy though

The Affinity series was never of any interest to me, so that's not a problem. I'm mainly interested in the Classic Vibe series and the Contemporary Active series, the Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Starcaster in particular

I have a Classic Vibe Bass VI and it's a great value. The bridge is whack but that's the original design. The Jag and Jazzmaster Classic Vibes that I've played have been solid too. I've not played the Contemporary Active series. Sounds like an adult diaper brand!

YnJ · Post by **YnJ** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 6:14 pm

GuyaGuy wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:25 pm I have a Classic Vibe Bass VI and it's a great value. The bridge is whack but that's the original design. The Jag and Jazzmaster Classic Vibes that I've played have been solid too. I've not played the Contemporary Active series. Sounds like an adult diaper brand!

I already ordered the Classic Vibe Bass VI, which was what got me looking at the guitars as well. I'm interested in the Starcaster as I don't own a hollow body guitar, and compared to the Classic Vibe I just found the Contemporary Active more interesting

GuyaGuy · Post by **GuyaGuy** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 6:33 pm

YnJ wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 6:14 pm
GuyaGuy wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:25 pm I have a Classic Vibe Bass VI and it's a great value. The bridge is whack but that's the original design. The Jag and Jazzmaster Classic Vibes that I've played have been solid too. I've not played the Contemporary Active series. Sounds like an adult diaper brand!
I already ordered the Classic Vibe Bass VI, which was what got me looking at the guitars as well. I'm interested in the Starcaster as I don't own a hollow body guitar, and compared to the Classic Vibe I just found the Contemporary Active more interesting

Nice. The only thing I don’t like about just about all low to mid tier hollow bodies like the Starcaster—and even many high end ones—is that they get a finish that’s just as thick as the solid bodies. It just makes them a bit stiff and I like a hollow body to vibrate a bit more.

RunBeerRun · Post by **RunBeerRun** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 7:58 pm

I had a Squire strat for 25 years, my friend who owned a music store put on new tuners for me as he said those were junk.

I changed the neck pickup to a Gibson as the pickups were weak.

It was a great guitar, very lightweight, nice low action and a great neck. I even sanded it down and painted it myself.

The Noodlist · Post by **The Noodlist** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 4:15 pm

I had a Bullet Strat that sounded OK, I it used for practice and band rehearsals. The frets wore out in no time, the construction wasn't as solid as more expensive models.

But, I'm impressed with a (£35, second hand) Stagemaster v2, quality woods and well put together. It was also setup really well and easy to adjust. The paltry tremolo block needs replacing with one with more mass, even brass. Replacement quality pickups and electrics could elevate this guitar into the mid-price range.

I'd have no qualms with a Squier CV, except the lack of alder bodies. The Classic Vibe range features full size bodies, unlike the lower models.

I'd also consider a Jet JS300 and a set of Tonerider or Artec SSA12 Vintage Staggered.

YnJ · Post by **YnJ** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 8:36 am

The Noodlist wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 4:15 pm I'd also consider a Jet JS300 and a set of Tonerider or Artec SSA12 Vintage Staggered.

I already have two Strats, Fender even, I appreciate the advice on pick ups though, as Fender guitars often seem to need to have the pick ups replaced, even the mid range priced.

My whole venture into these Squire guitars is about getting my hands on some classic models for a reasonable price. I will change pick ups and tuners though, whitin a reasonable price range, if needed or improve the sound

As the Ibanez guitar I mentioned at the start of the topic, it doesn't need to have the pick ups replaced, it will sound a lot better with a set of DiMarzio pick ups though

YnJ · Post by **YnJ** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 8:48 am

I'm a tad curious about the Mustang, is it just a short scale Strat?

What's your thoughts on Squire guitars?