Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster review

The Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster is the beginner pick for players who want a traditional Strat rather than a modern take. Fender lists three Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups, a slim C-shaped maple neck with a 9.5 inch radius and narrow tall frets, and a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo. It also has a bone nut, which helps tuning stability and is unusual on a guitar at this level, plus nickel-plated hardware and a vintage-tint gloss neck. The control layout gives the bridge pickup its own tone knob, a useful touch the original 1950s design lacked. Body wood depends on the finish: Fender's page lists pine and nyatoh options. The tradeoffs are that three single coils hum more and suit clean and blues tones better than heavy rock, and the narrow vintage frets feel less forgiving than medium jumbo. Fender's store showed local currency from our location, so the US price is pending. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Beginners who want the classic three single-coil Strat sound and look from the Fender family.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Three Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups
• Slim C-shaped maple neck with 9.5 inch radius and narrow tall frets
• Bone nut and vintage-tint gloss neck finish
• 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo
• Separate tone controls for neck/middle and bridge pickups

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Alnico single coils designed by Fender
• Strength: Bone nut, which is rare at this level
• Strength: Two tone controls, including one for the bridge pickup
• Weakness: No humbucker, so less suited to heavy rock
• Weakness: Narrow tall frets and a rounder radius feel more vintage
• Weakness: US price not verifiable from our location

Key facts

• Pickups: Three Fender-designed alnico single coils (SSS)
• Body: Pine or nyatoh, depending on finish
• Neck: Maple C shape, maple fingerboard, 21 frets
• Nut: Bone, 1.650 inches (42 mm)
• Bridge: 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo

Where it ranks

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster is No. 2 in our Best Beginner Electric Guitars verdict.