Squire 50s Classic Vibe

[mojolomjl]

Having just about recovered from an operation to clean out my carotid artery from a 59% blockage, which caused me to have
(unknown to me) 3 mini strokes, I have decided to treat myself to a new toy. Having read a lot of comments on this and other sites it looks like the Squire 50s Classic Vibe is going to be my choice. What is a bit confusing though is the fact that some people have (quote) upgraded with Ironstone Gold pickups when it looks like the pups fitted as standard are Tonerider.
As I upgraded my MIM strat with Ironstone Golds I certainly have no complaints about them but it makes me wonder why some of you thought an uprade was necessary as the reviews on the Tonerider pups seem to be very positive. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[peterbower]

I don't think upgrading the pickups is worth it, whats in there already are pretty good, but this is just a personal opinion.

Peter

[allclaphands]

I have never found the need to change the pups on my
Squier Classic Vibe 50's it sounds just right to me.
Again just my personal opinion.

Pete

[Stu's Dad]

Hi Maurice,

I bought a Classic Vibe last year, and I don't know what the pickups are, but they're advertised as vintage. I'm thinking of putting Ironstones into my Mex Strat, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't improve on what's already on the Classic Vibe.

All round I think it's a brilliant guitar, especially at the price. If I had the money I'd buy a couple more before Fender realise what they're selling so cheap.

Good luck,
Len

[baz]

Hi Maurice..........Firstly just to say that I trust the operation has been a total success and that it has made an appreciable difference to your wellbeing.

I have a very early Squier CV 50's. Well set up its a great piece of kit but I have upgraded to "axes r us" class act pups. You will know only too well that all opinions on tone are totally subjective and without being able to conduct direct A-B comparisons it comes down to what you are happy with.

I'm not sure it will help but I have recently posted two of my own compositions on the members only sound files (Deep shadows and Soft shadows) both of which feature my CV with the new pups.

Best regards Baz (new recruit to charlies but strat player for 50 years+)

[mojolomjl]

First of all thanks to those who have responded to my post.
It looks like I have made a good choice from the feedback so far and as suggested the pups will have to be tried to see weather the sound is acceptable or not.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[peterbower]

Only a suggestion, probably the best up grade you could do to the Classic Vibe guitars is to fit a steel sustain block. I got mine for £25 from CeltRocka. Anything more expensive is not worth it for the Vibe. It really does enhance sustain and you get rid of the 'wobbly' arm at the same time.

There is an old saying in the guitar trade, don't fit after market parts that come to more than you paid for the guitar in the first place as you will never get your money back!

Peter

[harley]

Hi Maurice

I have heard of people "upgrading" classic vibes to toneriders before now. Im sure some people hear what they want to hear. I have 50's and 60's CV's and a Simon Neil, basically a 60's CV with non standard pick ups. All fantastic guitars and all still have their original pick ups. For what its worth i also used a 50's CV body and parts for on of my HBM replicas. I dont think you will be dissapointed in any area

regards
Ian

[Roger...]

Hi Maurice,

I purchased a new CV 'Simon Neil' back in 2011. I recently changed the pickups for a set of CS Fat 50s only for the reason of matching it up to my new 2012 Standard USA Strat of which they are fitted as standard. The original pickups were excellent and in no way really need changing for anything else. They are excellent for the sweet stuff and also the punchy stuff. I'd say stick with them, you'll find little that betters them.

I would echo the comment by 'peterbower' of replacing the light alloy trem block with a heavy rolled steel one though.

CV guitars in my opinion - excellent.

That's my two-pennuth.

Kind regards
Roger

[mojolomjl]

Many thanks to all of you for your opinions, it has made my choice so much easier. As soon as I get back home from my trip to Ireland it will be my first priority to locate a suitable Classic Vibe, or maybe I'll just buy a new one

Best regards,

Maurice.

[ossettbob]

I`ve been looking at these guitars. I have a 1984-87 Squier Strat. I just wondered if anyone knew how this compared to the Vibe ?

[mojolomjl]

Well I have done the deed, just ordered a new Fiesta Red 50s Classic Vibe which will be delivered to me on Thursday. As soon as it has had a good work out I will report back

Best regards,

Maurice.

[allclaphands]

Hi Maurice
Good on you and I'm sure you will have a lot of
pleasure and enjoyment playing it.

Pete

[rosemary]

Hi Maurice
Congratulations and looking forward to hearing your report. Everyone seems to regard them very highly. I tried one out in a shop once and thought it was a beautiful guitar to play and seemed much lighter than my Strats too. Have fun!
Best wishes
Rosemary

[didier]

Jul 2, 2013 12:25:00 GMT mojolomjl said:

just ordered a new Fiesta Red 50s Classic Vibe which will be delivered to me on Thursday. As soon as it has had a good work out I will report back

There was one as the raffle first prize at the recent Swisshads meeting I attended on June 15th. Unfortunatly I didn't win it. Otherwise I would have had no exuse left for not trying again to try to learn playing ! (after a first failed attempt 50 years ago)

Didier

[allclaphands]

author=didier
There was one as the raffle first prize at the recent Swisshads meeting I attended on June 15th. Unfortunatly I didn't win it. Otherwise I would have had no exuse left for not trying again to try to learn playing ! (after a first failed attempt 50 years ago)

Didier

Go on Didier give it a go and try and learn to play and you
will find the Squier CV 50's a good guitar to learn on it's not
that hard it's just a mind set to achieve anything you want
and I'm sure a man of your caliber can do it.

Pete

[carl c]

Hi Didier,
I am sure you mentioned you were going to start playing again last Christmas.
Perhaps we are lucky this time ??.

HI Maurice
I tried a 50s classic vibe at our local shop it did sound very good, but I ended up with the Fender standard M I M and fitted the cs fat 50s in, Its a mellower tone. I have also got the Fender AM deluxe so between the two have a good range of tones.
Carl

[rosemary]

Hi Didier
As someone who only started playing 3 years ago I'd also really encourage you to try playing again. The melodies in The Shadows tunes are so good that even in a basic arrangement they can sound nice from beginners with a good guitar tone and then you can add in all the ornamental bits when you're ready and have the technique. That's what I do anyway so I can keep learning new tunes and not get too stuck and frustrated. If you tried learning once before you might already have a head start and it will all come back.
Best wishes
Rosemary

[mojolomjl]

My new toy arrived on time this morning and it was difficult to put down. My first impressions are better than I expected, the only slight niggle was the trem was set level with the body and consequently it was a bit stiff, but losening the springs soon cured that problem. Everything else was spot on, intonation and action were excellent and the finish looks fantastic. I'm sure this new toy will give me years of pleasure. Thanks again to all of you who took the time to give me your valued advice about this great guitar.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[harley]

Hi Maurice

Glad you are pleased with your new toy. Which model/colour did you get?

regards
Ian

[mojolomjl]

Hi Ian,
Thanks for your interest.
I opted for the Fiesta Red Classic 50s and it really looks the part and plays great.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[jim]

Hi Maurice,

I'm thinking of getting the same model, and I would like to know how you get on as well.

regards,
Jim.

[harley]

For what its worth, a fiesta red 50's CV is an excellent donor for a home made HBM tribute







regards
Ian

[mojolomjl]

Hi Ian,
That sure is a great looking guitar, but I am so pleased with mine that altering it is not an option at the moment. It has been suggested that certain upgrades like trem block, pickups and scratchplate would be an improvement, but for now it will stay as it is. Still can't get over the quality of this guitar for the price

Best regards,

Maurice.

[jim]

Hi Folks,

As mentioned in my previous post I'm thinking of getting a classic vibe as well, but as yet I'm still trying to make my mind up on colour, fiesta red or 2 tone sunburst.
I was fan of Buddy Hollys before the Shads so what I'd like to know is what shade of red is it on the vibe.
I once saw a strat that was supposed to be fiesta red but it looked more like pink to me and I don't like pink guitars so any help would be most welcome.

Regards,
Jim.

[harley]

Hi Jim

the pics above are of a modded fiesta red 50's classic vibe. the body and pick guard are standard. hopefully that will give you a good idea of the colour

cheers
Ian

[mojolomjl]

Hi Ian and Jim,
Like Ian stated, the colour in his photos do look the same as mine so it should give you a good idea. I still love this guitar and have no intention of upgrading as yet. I would not hesitate in recommending this guitar to anyone, especially for the price.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[jim]

Hi,

Thanks for clearing that up for me, only thing left now is to find one that feels right.

Many Thanks,
Jim.

[allclaphands]

Hi Maurice
Welcome to the Squier CV appreciation society,
guaranteeing a endless time of guitar playing
pleasure.

Pete

[ossettbob]

Just got my Squier 50`s Classic Vibe this morning. Can`t believe price of this guitar. I have a 1984/87 Japan squier, but the new one is lots lighter and ,I think, easier to play. What a difference the pick-ups make !!. I suppose my old squier might have sounded as good with new pick-ups, but don`t we all want a red Fender ??.
If anyone is thinking of buying one.......do it !!