IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST CHEAP GUITARS THAT PLAY LIKE A PRO-GRADE INSTRUMENT, THESE INCREDIBLE GUITARS NEED TO BE WITHIN YOUR SIGHTS. HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO PLAY A 2019 SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE GUITAR NOW.

Squier’s prestigious Classic Vibe line-up was first introduced to the world in 2008, and were quickly established as some of the finest models the company had ever produced. The idea behind the Classic Vibe Series was simple: provide a range of affordable instruments based on classic Fender designs, that combine great sound, vintage looks, and unbeatable value. With the re-vamped 2019 Squier Bass Classic Vibe range, not only do you get a choice of even more finishes, pickup configurations, and instrument types (there’s even a couple of Bass VI models!), but they also come packed with newly designed features to give you even more value for money.

Featuring high-quality Poplar bodies – tonally similar to the Alder used on their more expensive brethren – with Maple necks, a choice between Maple and Indian Laurel for the fingerboards, and a whole host of Fender Designed appointments, hardware and electronics, these instruments are made to appeal to players from all walks of life. But, why should you play one? Well, I’m glad you asked…

 

Squier Classic Vibe Line Up

5 REASONS TO PLAY A 2019 SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE GUITAR

1. 100% DESIGNED BY FENDER

Every component included in the 2019 Squier Classic Vibe range has been designed by Fender. No, really! From the all-new alnico pickups and Wide Range humbuckers to the bridges, machine heads, and control pot knobs – it’s all Fender-designed. This means that not only do these instruments feel and play more like a genuine Fender than previous models, but they’re also packed full of that familiar vintage Fender sound, with all of the sparkle and nuances that we’ve come to know and love.

2. INSPIRED BY VINTAGE FENDER MODELS

Each of the guitars and basses in the new Squier Classic Vibe line-up are based upon genuine Fender models of yesteryear. In addition to the more traditional Strat’s and Tele’s on offer, the 2019 Classic Vibe line-up also boasts a whole host of new faces, many of which will be familiar to the casual player, but some of which may not be. Amongst these models you’ll find Stratocasters with a humbucker in the bridge position, Jaguars with the traditional switching setup and bridge, Telecasters with one or two humbuckers, and even a Bass VI (more on that later).Every aesthetic on these guitars has been chosen to replicate the instruments of their particular time period - from headstock shapes/sizes to decals, control knobs and more – completing the vintage look and feel in traditional Fender fashion.

3. SUPERB VALUE FOR MONEY

One of the biggest sticking points for vintage-inspired guitars is often the price – it’s not uncommon to see a 60’s guitar replica on sale for more than £1000! With the Squier Classic Vibe guitar line-up though, that’s not the case. These guitars are cheap, but only when it comes to their asking price. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that if you were to play one whilst blindfolded, and then asked you to hazard a guess as to how much it would cost, you’d be above the mark by several hundred £’s. So, if you’re looking to buy the best cheap guitar that plays, looks, and sounds like something much more expensive, then you might want to make it a Squier Classic Vibe.

4.HIGH LEVELS OF PLAYABILITY

While they may certainly look and sound like vintage instruments, these 2019 Squier models boast the kind of playability normally found on modern instruments. With their modern “C”-shaped neck profiles and 9.5” fingerboard radiuses, these instruments are comfortable to play regardless of your playstyle. In addition to this, the lower-bout cutaways on each instrument grants you easy access to the neck’s upper frets, whilst the Narrow Tall fret types give you great finger control, and allow you to add inflections ranging from smooth vibrato through to big, bluesy bends to your playing with ease.

5. IDEAL FOR RELATIVE BEGINNERS

Due to the combination of their high levels of playability and super-affordable price, the 2019 Squier Classic Vibe range would be an excellent beginner guitar for players that are completely new to the instrument. However, when you factor in the quality you’re getting, both in terms of construction and tone, you’ll see that they would also make an ideal first gigging guitar for an aspiring pro that’s looking to upgrade, or even a perfect backup guitar for an experienced professional. These 2019 Squier guitars manage to take that budget-friendly reputation they’ve earned over the decades, and easily bump it up a notch or two into much more prestigious territory.

PAUL’S TOP PICKS

Picking my favourites from the illustrious 2019 Squier Classic Vibe line-up has been tough, because it’s as varied as you’d expect in terms of models and finishes. However, after thinking long and hard about it, I’ve come up with my 5 top picks from the range (plus one honourable mention), based upon my own personal preferences.

1. SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE 70S TELECASTER CUSTOM, IN 3 COLOUR SUNBURST

First up we have the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom MN 3-Colour Sunburst

I’ve always been drawn to Telecasters in terms of looks, but for me, you can’t beat the tones generated by the “Wide Range” humbucker sitting in the neck pickup position. That’s why I’ve chosen this Telecaster Deluxe model, as opposed to a standard Tele set up with two single-coil pickups.

Shop all Squier Telecaster guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom MN 3-Colour Sunburst

2. SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE 60S JAZZ BASS, IN DAPHNE BLUE

Next up we have the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass Laurel FB Daphne Blue

Being primarily a bass player, I discovered many years ago that having a Jazz Bass in your arsenal can only be a good thing. Versatile, comfortable to play, and with an array of articulate tones suited to most music styles, they’re the workhorses of the bass-playing world.

Shop all Squier Bass Guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass Laurel FB Daphne Blue

3. SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE 70S STRATOCASTER, IN OLYMPIC WHITE

No list of guitars like this would be complete without the inclusion of at least one Strat, and with good reason too. This is why we have included the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster Laurel Fingerboard Olympic White.

Featuring that classic 3-pickup range of single-coil tones, a sleek and comfortable neck, and a stunning Olympic White finish that contrasts perfectly with the faux tortoiseshell pickguard, this 2019 Classic Vibe Squier Stratocaster would make a perfect first gigging guitar.

Shop all Squier Stratocaster guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster Laurel Fingerboard Olympic White

4. SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE 70S JAGUAR, IN SURF GREEN

As a long-time fan of Johnny Marr, Kurt Cobain, and John Squire, I couldn’t not include a Classic Vibe Jaguar in this list. In particular, the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar IL Surf Green. With its offset body and shorter 24” scale length offering a more comfortable playing experience than some models, and it’s uniquely-voiced single-coil pickups delivering the goods at any volume, it’s little wonder the Squier Jaguar is so popular amongst genres ranging from Surf to Shoegaze.

Shop Squier Jaguar guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar IL Surf Green

5. SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE 60S PRECISION BASS, IN 3 COLOUR SUNBURST

Like with the above-mentioned Stratocaster, no list of Fender-designed instruments would be complete without the inclusion of a P-Bass. So in this list we've included the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass IL 3-Colour Sunburst.

These no-nonsense, low-end powerhouses have been played on countless records since the 1950s, and the 2019 Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass continues that legacy in style.

Shop all Squier Bass guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass IL 3-Colour Sunburst

HONOURABLE MENTION: SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE BASS VI

As I mentioned this in the introduction, I felt like it also deserved an honourable mention in my Top Picks list. Whilst it may resemble a guitar, the 2019 Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI is, in fact, a 6-string short-scale bass guitar.

With its comfortable Jaguar-like body and 6 strings tuned from E to E (a full octave below standard guitar tuning), you could quite easily play a Bass VI in a similar manner to a standard 6-string – with a pick, full chords, musical melodies, etc. This instrument is ideal for guitarists wanting to make the transition to bass a little smoother, or someone just looking to add a little extra tonal colour to their band’s overall sound – and let’s be honest, it looks incredible too.

Shop all Squier Bass guitars.

Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI Laurel FB Black

Shop for the 2019 Squier Classic Vibe series at PMT Online today, or call into one of our 15 Stores Nationwide and try one out for yourself – you won’t regret it!