Squier Vibe Telecaster by Fender

Click to Enlarge

Stopping by Music Showcase in New Castle, Pennsylvania yesterday to try a few guitars turned into some interesting quality time with a Squier Telecaster. The looks caught my eye, but more than that was the wonder of how this guitar would stand up against the real thing. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I’m a guitar purist, loving the sounds produced by the amps natural resources; so to speak. While I do use them out of necessity, I am not a fan of simulated amps; it’s just not the same. After talking with Rich, who was eager and happy to discuss guitars and equipment, I decided to plug into a Peavey Vypyr amp with all effects bypassed (minus a little play time). With the amp set on the simulated twin amp setting with plenty of reverb, it was time to see what this guitar had in it.

The first thing that I noticed was the smoothness of the fingerboard, not exactly what I was expecting. The sound was total telecaster, no complaints. I was very impressed with the tone adjustment also, it’s not something that many people worry about, but nice to have a decent tone range. For the short time that I played the guitar didn’t seem to have a problem staying in tune, which is my biggest pet peeve. However, if there were any modifications that I’d do to this guitar I would equip it with some new Grover machine heads. This is simply because that is something that I am very picky about; I do not trust cheap tuners.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this guitar the spitting image of an American Custom Tele by any means. However, if you’re looking for something economical that has the tele look and sound, the Squier Vibe Telecaster Custom should fit the bill.

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: 1-Piece Maple, Modern “C” Shape, (Gloss Polyester Finish)
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5-inch Radius (241 mm)
  • No. of Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo Frets
  • Pickups: 2 Custom Vintage Style Single-Coil Tele(R) Pickups with AlNiCo V Magnets (Neck & Bridge)
  • Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
  • Machine Heads: Vintage Style Tuning Machines
  • Hardware: Chrome

(You can find it here: zZounds)