Which Squier Strat??

[Leep Dog]

I'm 100% pleased with my CV50's Tele and am kicking around the idea of adding a Strat to the family. I've read good things about the CV Strats as well and have read some good things about the Squier Deluxe Strats. Which one do you recommend?

[PennyCentury]

I'm partial to the Olympic white 50's Squier CV Strat with the gold pickguard.

[jimmynumber9]

I would agree, just like the classic vibe teles, the clasic vibe strats are great guitars.

[ValveFan]

http://www.fender.com/products/searc...tno=0300500523
I got one of these. A Squier Deluxe Stratocaster. Very happy with it. The two point trem bridge is really stable and smooth (if you are going to use the trem). I like the stock pickups. Alnico V and the middle is reverse wound/reverse pole pieces for hum cancelling in positions 2 & 4. These are not called "Classic Vibe", but they sure have it going on IMHO. Not much for color choices but I really didn't care about that. I got the daphne blue. It's real purdy.

[plymman]

You really can't go wrong with any of the Classic Vibe line but the Squier Vintage Modified models are also well worth trying. The CV and VM models seem to get universal praise and punch well above their weight. I have a CV Tele and a VM Jaguar bass, both play well and sound fantastic. I briefly had a Fender Classic Player 50's strat that I just sold on, and found my CV tele to play better and have a better standard of finish.

I dont know anything about the deluxe line but the one that link points to looks like a real beauty.

[Leep Dog]

Originally Posted by ValveFan

http://www.fender.com/products/searc...tno=0300500523
I got one of these. A Squier Deluxe Stratocaster. Very happy with it. The two point trem bridge is really stable and smooth (if you are going to use the trem). I like the stock pickups. Alnico V and the middle is reverse wound/reverse pole pieces for hum cancelling in positions 2 & 4. These are not called "Classic Vibe", but they sure have it going on IMHO. Not much for color choices but I really didn't care about that. I got the daphne blue. It's real purdy.

That's gorgeous. I'm interested in the Classic Vibe strats based on the fact the CV Tele's are so good and I'm interested in those Deluxes because they look so good. Good to hear you like your Deluxe.

[ValveFan]

Originally Posted by Leep Dog

That's gorgeous. I'm interested in the Classic Vibe strats based on the fact the CV Tele's are so good and I'm interested in those Deluxes because they look so good. Good to hear you like your Deluxe.

The Deluxe Strats (mine anyway) are made in Indonesia rather than China. I'm not saying that makes them better, just a tidbit to chew on. The fit and finish on mine is top notch. Not to sound like a broken record, but IMHO if you plan to use the trem get yourself a model with the two point bridge. Some of the other Squiers have it, but I could not tell you which ones off hand. I've played my fair share of Strats and it makes a big difference. There is a reason Fender puts it on the American Standard Strat. On the other side of that coin, if you are going to lock the bridge down the CVs (and VMs) are pretty sweet as well.

[tlimbert65]

I've also got a CV50 Tele, and was looking for a Strat. Went back and forth (and back and forth and...) between the CV50, CV60 and Deluxe. In the end, I decided to balance the vintage sound and feel of the CV Tele with the modern Deluxe Strat in Daphne Blue. After setting it up the way I like it, I'm really happy with it. It's a good, solid workhorse strat, and the price can't be beat.

[Leep Dog]

Can you explain what the 2 point trem system is and how it's better than whatever you call the trem system on the CV's? Thanks.

[ValveFan]

Originally Posted by Leep Dog

Can you explain what the 2 point trem system is and how it's better than whatever you call the trem system on the CV's? Thanks.

Are you familiar with the original six screw strat bridges? For reference it is the type used on the Classic Vibe models. The six screws under the strings in front of the saddles are what the bridge plate pivots on when the tremolo arm is pushed on. It certainly works, but it's not a very precise pivot point. If they are set up right, kept lubed, etc... they can be made to work well. Now go back and look at the bridge on the Deluxe. Look in the spot where the six screw heads are on the regular bridge. In their place are two studs out at the sides of the bridge plate that thread into brass inserts pressed into the body. The studs have a groove machined in them. The two points where the bridge plate contacts the grooves on the studs are machined to a fairly sharp chisel like edge. This forms a precise "hinge" for the bridge plate to pivot on. It's kind of difficult to explain. IMHO it is a superior design and just works better. In my experience they are smoother and return to pitch better. Leo Fender must have thought so too as almost all the G & Ls with trems use the two point design. Keep in mind you will find others who will have a different opinion. Just sharing mine.

[Oakville Dave]

I LOVE my 60's CV Strat!! Sunburst with tortoise guard!!

[Togman]

I've got CV50 Strat and do a lot of Hank Marvin style playing with the Trem. I have floated the bridge and have no problem with trem action or tuning stability. I have loosened the 4 middle screws on the bridge so that the trem piovots on the 2 outer screws.

As ValveFan said - we all have our diferent opinions. It's just a case of what suits your playing style and needs.

[Thighbanez]

I have a....Well, I actually don't know what the model is.
But it's a 3-color sunburst 2-piece book-matched flamed body with a 2-point trem.
The headstock says "Standard Series" on the sticker.



My first Strat!

[Oakville Dave]

Originally Posted by Oakville Dave

I LOVE my 60's CV Strat!! Sunburst with tortoise guard!!

One thing that I really like about the CV 60's Strat that separates it from the deluxe is the alder rather than basswood body. Don't get me wrong, basswood is a fine tone wood. I've owned and still own basswood guitars - love my CIJ Aerodyne Tele - but I really think the alder body contributes to the CV 60's being a sonically versatile guitar, (my favourite Tele also has an alder body) plus the sunburst finish is a real looker with the subtle alder grain showing through.

I've played the CV 60's Strat at many gigs, and have gotten compliments on its tone and looks. Several guys have said that they couldn't believe it was a Squier, even after seeing it up close.

Of course, the chronic case of G.A.S. finds me intrigued by the new Squier Surf Strat with the lipstick pickups!! Like anything though, it's about finding the guitar that speaks to you, so play many, even of the same model. I played at least a half dozen different CV 60's in several stores before I knew this was the one. Take your time, and when the right one lands in your hands you'll know.

[scrumley]

I'd get the cv50's in Fiesta Red! Beautiful.

[Jbnaxx]

I have Squier Standard Strat, red with the maple neck. It has a set of Dimarzio Area 58/61 pickups in it with 500k pots and a proper American strat switch. In a collection that includes an American Std. Strat and a Gibby Les Paul, it continues to be a favorite..... I paid 229.00 for it new...... a true bargain.

[djphelan01]

Today I went to GC with the purpose of playing a CV strat. Unfortunately they didn't have any in stock. I looked for a deluxe and they didnt have that in stock either. I did play a CVC tele and really liked it. I also tried the new Squier strats with the lipstick pups. They did look very nice but to me they didn't have the same quality feel as the CVC tele had. So I have the same dilemma as you.

[Count]

Try one of the made in China Bullets, you might get a big surprise at how good they are.

[plymman]

Have you considered any of the vintage modified strats? I have no idea how they play but I think they look amazing.

[djphelan01]

I've heard some good things about the vintage modified strats and they are cheaper than the cv models. I looked at the fender site to see what the differences are between the vm and cv strats. Unfortunately they didn't list all the specs for the vm70's strat. I could only see he differences so far as the pups and the vm is basswood and the cv is alder. I'm not too sure how much a difference between the two woods are, maybe someone else can chime in and explain the difference between the woods. They can also say if there are more differences than wood and pups.