Squier Classic Vibe Gearhead,

by Jeff Krebs

I’ve played literally thousands of guitars over the years (I’m a very lucky man!), and I’ve always been a big fan of Fender electrics. To me, old Leo Fender really struck gold back in the 1950’s when he designed the Telecaster and Stratocaster—these are classics that always sound and play great. Fender now is making great Strats, Teles and other classic models, but your best bang for the buck may just be in the Squier Classic Vibe series.

Fender introduced these in 2009, and I have to tell you that I bought the first one I ever saw: an absolutely stunning Candy Apple Red 1960’s Classic Vibe Stratocaster. Our Fender rep brought one for me to check out, and it’s barely left my hands since (well, I have to work some of the time!). If you haven’t tried a Squier electric lately, come on down to Jim’s and give them a try. Some people think of Squiers as the “cheap” Fenders, and admittedly they do have a lot of lower priced models, but they are all outstanding deals. For a professional player like myself, the Classic Vibe Series is just what the doctor ordered: a pro level instrument at a beginner level price!

Classic Vibes are designed to represent certain heydays of Fender guitars, taking historical cues from different models, but adding some modern touches (and I hear they’re made in a factory that used to do nothing but high-end acoustics…). The design, looks and sound of all the models I’ve tried are just astounding. Look for a “Classic Vibe” decal on the pickguard, or ask one of our friendly staff members to point you in the right direction.

For 2010, Fender Squier is offering six models of Classic Vibe electrics, and three models of Classic Vibe basses, all less than $400! For Strats, you can choose a ‘50’s or a ‘60s model in a total of five different finishes. For Teles, there’s a ‘50’s model that will knock your socks off, a Tele Custom in sunburst, and a dynamite looking Tele Thinline that is sure to be in my collection before long. Also available is the super cool Duo-Sonic ‘50’s. For basses, choose the ‘50’s Precision (ultra cool and ultra old-school!), ‘60’s Precision, or ‘60’s Jazz.

Guitarists and bassists worldwide are flipping over the incredible value of the new Fender Squier Classic Vibe Series instruments. Stop by your local Jim’s Music today to find out why! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to kiss the sky on my ‘60’s Classic Vibe Strat…

Update: After I wrote this article, I did end up buying my second Classic Vibe: the Telecaster Thinline, as expected.  Beautiful magogany and light as a feather--it came in the other day and I just couldn't put it down!