Tuning issue with new Squier Classic Vibe? What other models would you suggest?

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rajprods

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After going through other models and returning them (Squier Black and Chrome Special Edition, and two ASAT Classic Tribute models), I picked up a Squier Classic Vibe yesterday. I do like the sound and tone of the guitar, and especially like the smooth finish on the neck. I put a new set of Exilir strings on, and although I'm still trying to get the tuning to settle, the D string seemed to have some issues with staying in tune. It's better now after I took the string off and put it back on. However, I'm concerned there maybe some type of issue either with the tuner, bridge, etc. If so, I will definitely take it back and get another brand.

I didn't like the Squier Black and Chrome Special Edition, as I thought the overall built was too cheap, and the rosewood neck was horrible (It also did not have the glossy finish). I liked the ASAT Classic Tribute models, but one dealer sent me one that was 2 years old, and the other one had a scratch on the body, so I sent it back.

The Squier Classic Vibe is really cool, and like most, you kinda of wish that it didn't have "Squier" on the headstock.... I guess it's more of a mental thing. It does sound good, and again, I really like the smooth glossy neck. However, I'm afraid that after changing the strings, there could be some issues. I'm going to take it to a repair shop on Monday to have it checked out. If the tech guy says that it's the nut, tuner, or bridge, I'm going to return it. If I do return it, does anyone know another model in which the build is better and has a glossy neck with same sound and tone?
 
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ole AZ

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I don't have experience with the model, but if it is having tuning issues, it is a cheap fix. You like the guitar; don't go trading it in when the problem isn't that big. Just my opinion.
 

DaleH

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How many wraps of string are around the tuning peg? 4 0r 6

It's more of an ego thing.
 

3 Chord

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If you like the guitar maybe it's worth getting the tuning thing figured out.

First thing I would do is check to see if the strings fully stretched. And don't worry about what the brand is on the headstock. The CV is a cool guitar.

And remember, no guitar is perfect and you can waste a ton of energy and money chasing for the ultimate guitar when the real trick in the tone equation is in your hands and putting in enough practice.

Good luck in getting the Squier to your liking.
 

XKnight

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Welcome to the forum. You sure do seem to return a lot of guitars though. Did you play any of these prior to buying them? That may solve your issue.
 

rajprods

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Welcome to the forum. You sure do seem to return a lot of guitars though. Did you play any of these prior to buying them? That may solve your issue.

No, I bought the first three online, and the Squier Classic Vibe locally. I'm mainly a keyboard player and producer..... I just need a decent and not expensive guitar to do some strumming and picking on R&B/Soul/Jazz tracks that I'm working on. I record parts and then loop them for different sections. I do like the Tele sound and always have since the early Prince days.
 

rajprods

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Mine stays in tune great.

Just use some D'Addario 10-46 and it will stay in tune great.

The Exilir's I put on are 9-42. Maybe I will try the D'Addario 10-46 tomorrow and make sure I wrap it about 4 to 6 times according to one of the replies I received. Thanks.
 

Mark Davis

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The Exilir's I put on are 9-42. Maybe I will try the D'Addario 10-46 tomorrow and make sure I wrap it about 4 to 6 times according to one of the replies I received. Thanks.

It has vintage style tuners. You simply pull the string taught and measure about 2 1/2-3" past the tuner post like on the big E you wanna cut the string around the d-g post area and stuff the end of the string right down the middle of the tuner. If you tried to string it like your other guitars which didnt have vintage tuners thats your problem. This is a common mistake.
 

rajprods

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It has vintage style tuners. You simply pull the string taught and measure about 2 1/2-3" past the tuner post like on the big E you wanna cut the string around the d-g post area and stuff the end of the string in down the middle of the tuner. If you tried to string it like your other guitars which didnt have vintage tuners thats your problem. This is a common mistake.

I went maybe 1 3/4 past the tuner and then put the end of the string in the middle of the tuner. I'll try another set of strings tomorrow, and will go past each tuner using the measurements you suggested. Thanks.
 

Mark Davis

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I went maybe 1 3/4 past the tuner and then put the end of the string in the middle of the tuner. I'll try another set of strings tomorrow, and will go past each tuner using the measurements you suggested. Thanks.

Cool. Let us know how it turns out.
 

rajprods

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Cool. Let us know how it turns out.

Just put on a set of 10-46 D'Addario's. Need to stretch them a bit before I can tell if there is a problem. I'm no expert on necks, but when looking down at it, I do see a slight dip near on the fretboard near the neck. Don't know if this will cause a problem later, but I will have my guitar tech check it out tomorrow. If he feels there is some slight problem with the tuners, neck, or bridge, I will definitely return it. Thanks.
 

JDRNoPro

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The tuning of my Classic Vibe is amazingly stable.....as good as any of the 15 guitars I own. I'll bet it's either string stretch or possibly tight nut slot(s) - easy fixes. Always be sure to stretch new strings thoroughly when you install them.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Jim
 
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My was set up perfectly out of the box. Great neck and fully intonated at the 12th fretted and harmonic.

If the have a tech where you bought it have them check your set up
 

cotecj

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Have a good guitar tech file the nut slots a bit. Nearly every guitar needs a bit of attention to the nut. That is what causes most tuning issues. The string binds in the nut slots as you are tuning.
 

rajprods

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My was set up perfectly out of the box. Great neck and fully intonated at the 12th fretted and harmonic.

If the have a tech where you bought it have them check your set up

I'm no expert at necks, but looking at it like a tech does, I notice a bit of a dip at the 12th fret.... It looks at if the frets on both sides at lower at that point than at other points on the neck. I'll let my tech look at this tomorrow and he can determine whether it's a bad neck and/or could cause some problems in the future. Thanks.
 

Jack

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These guitars come with and are set-up for 10's. There is supposed to be a bit of relief in the neck to keep the strings from buzzing against the frets. Go to Fender.com and look at the set-up instructions in the support section. They expain everything you need to know. With a little reading you should be able to get it set-up with no problem.
 

rajprods

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These guitars come with and are set-up for 10's. There is supposed to be a bit of relief in the neck to keep the strings from buzzing against the frets. Go to Fender.com and look at the set-up instructions in the support section. They expain everything you need to know. With a little reading you should be able to get it set-up with no problem.

Thanks for the info.... My tech is going to check it out today. Hopefully, it's something minor and not a problem with the neck.
 

Old Cane

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I'm afraid that after changing the strings, there could be some issues.


So there was no problem to start with? Changing strings shold not cause a problem but if you change gauges you can expect it to be a little different. The only guitars I've ever bought that were set up perfectly were the ones I sold myself (yes, I've sold myself guitars). I'm trying to curb my normal sarcasm but why did you return the other guitars?
 
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