Squier: Standard tele versus Classic Vibe

[FatRosie]

So I've finally decided that I want a Squier telecaster. Needless to say, I'm on a budget (or I guess I'd get a Fender).

I'm trying to decide between the Squier Classic Vibe telecaster or the Squier Standard tele. The Standard is cheaper, of course. In either case, I want a rosewood fretboard (I like the look of maple fretboards, but don't like the feel).

Is the Classic Vibe worth the extra $$$?

 

[tce63]

Oh yes, the CVC is a fantastic guitar.

 

[dan1952]

So I've finally decided that I want a Squier telecaster. Needless to say, I'm on a budget (or I guess I'd get a Fender).

I'm trying to decide between the Squier Classic Vibe telecaster or the Squier Standard tele. The Standard is cheaper, of course. In either case, I want a rosewood fretboard (I like the look of maple fretboards, but don't like the feel).

Is the Classic Vibe worth the extra $$$?

Yes. Yes it is. Buy it.

 

[Reeek]

The CVC is a much better guitar than the standard Squier. You are approaching MIM territory minus the neck profile with the CVC as far as overall quality, tone and potential playability go.

 

[amckenzie27]

Classic Vibe pickups are surprisingly good. Haven't plate a Squire standard, but I would recommend the CV any day to anyone.

 

[el cheapo]

As has been said so many times, make every effort to try before you buy. Play both and see which one speaks to you. I have a Standard, a CV Thinline, and a CV 50's BSB that I ended up putting a Squier Standard neck on. IMHO, the Standard neck is the best of the lot. It feels a little fuller to me, but it isn't chunky and fat. I can play it for hours with no discomfort. Everybody's different though...

The build quality of the CV line tends to be a little better, but my Standard is very good as well. The pickups in the CV guitars are more vintage sounding, and those in the Standard are a little hotter. It depends what you like.

The bottom line is, these are all good guitars. Give the Standard a good set up and it will serve you well. Many of the CV's are very playable right out of the box, and the vintage sounding pickups are quite good. Take your time and try several, then get the one that feels best to you. Good luck!

 

[moonman2]

Considering the only CV tele with a rosewood board is the CVC model; I'd hold out of a used one if you can.
- You should be able to get a used one for a similar price to a new standard (maybe even cheaper).

Personally, I'd sooner have the CVC for the double bound sunburst body alone.

 

[Skub]

If you are on a budget (who isn't) buy used to get what you want,rather than spending the extra just to get new and it's your second choice.

 

[FatRosie]

Comparing specs, I see that the Classic Vibe has a "Modern 'C' shape" neck, versus the "'C' shape" neck on the standard. From what I can tell, the modern C shape is flatter (thinner?) than the other. So in theory, the Classic Vibe neck would be flatter/thinner than the Standard neck? I tend to like thinner necks, which could be in favor of the Classic Vibe.

 

[Johnnyb4894]

I had both,spend the extra$$ and get the CV, You won't be disappointed..

 

[soulman969]

Yep. Comparing those two series is like asking if an MIA Standard is better than an MIM Standard. Yeah they are but only you can justify the price difference. All I can tell you is that I own a CVC and it's a great playing guitar.

 

[TheDTrain]

I had a Sq STD in high school ('99) and changed the pickups with the same ones that come stock in the 52 reissue a year or two after buying it. STDS play good if your change the tuners, pickups and pots.

As for the classic vibe, you get a CV Tele you don't need to do the upgrades.

 

[olefudd]

I've had a Standard since 2009 and love it. The only mods I've done to it is changed the output jack for a Switchcraft and a Tusk nut. As someone above said, the Standard has the best neck of all Squiers. My brother has a CVC and It has a slimmer neck profile. Try to play both before you buy. IMO the CV's are not worth the extra money.

 

[nomadh]

I dont like the cv neck finish. thats why i like std so much more. Its a very natural, raw neck

 

[dman]

I have a 2002 Standard that I really love. I have, however, changed a number of things on it. First was the neck...it was a fairly chunky C, which I liked a lot, but it was only 40mm wide at the nut. Some research showed that some of the Indonesian-made Std's. from about 1999-2003 had the narrower necks, so if you're thinking of a used Std., keep this in mind. I put a new bone nut on it with wider string spacing, but it still felt too narrow overall, so I bought a Mighty Mite neck that was very close to the same C profile, but 42mm wide...mo' betta'.

I also replaced the pickups with GFS '60s hot repro in the bridge and their vintage repro in the neck...the originals were OK, but only OK. The pots were dime-sized (which really isn't a problem) but 500k ohm which to me makes single coils too bright, so I went with full sized 250K Alphas and a .022 Mojotone Dijon cap that I had laying about.

Last mod was worthwhile no matter what Tele you get...a Electrosocket jack.

Total expenditure came out to around $300 (the guitar was $140) and for me it plays and sounds great. That said, if the CVC's were around at that time, I would have grabbed one of them in a heartbeat...I've played 'em and they are terrific. Only mods I'd make would be brass saddles and an Electrosocket.

So while you might be able to get a Std. for around $150 and it is certainly a decent guitar, if you can get a CVC for the mid $200s, that's the way Id go.

Sorry for the verbosity!

 

[w3stie]

I went to the local music store to check out one of the CV Squiers that everyone was raving about. I thought it real nice, but I decided to try the MIM burst hanging up next to it. Well, it was even better. Solid feeling, smooth and easy to play. Just for larfs, I thought I'd try the cheapest one, the BSB Affinity. I couldn't believe how well it played! I really like the thinner lighter body, and the neck was just right for me. I could afford the MIM, but it was the Affinity that spoke to me. One happy Affinity owner

So to echo what others have said, get thee to a guitar shop and play a few. Buy the one that speaks to you - don't let them go out back and get another one.
__________________

 

[teletubby63]

I'm in the same boat as deciding on which one to buy, if the CV's have a slimmer neck profile then I will buy one!

 

[6x47]

Currant production CV (with the pine body) is very good, I have two, contemplating another.
I play lefty but I bought a third in righty for people to play when they stop by.

I should ask Fender for a commission as people tryin' are buyin'.

 

[Bones]

Honestly, save up another 100 bucks and buy the Fender MIM Satin finished standard. It has a rosewood board and it's a Fender.

 

[FatRosie]

Thanks to all for the great advice. I will definitely go to GC and try 'em out. Probably the feel of the neck will be the deciding factor, but...

Honestly, save up another 100 bucks and buy the Fender MIM Satin finished standard. It has a rosewood board and it's a Fender.

You know, when I look on eBay at used, I'm surprised that some Fender teles (used) are pretty affordable. So I'm weighing options, for sure.