I’m glad someone finally said this. As a “hobby” guitar player, I can’t justify $1,500 - $2,000 for a Gibson Les Paul when the Epiphone quality is excellent for less than half the price. I paid $100 for a Squier Bullet Strat and it plays so well I invested in some upgraded locking tuners. While the brand does help the resale value, I don’t buy my guitars for the next owner. Great video, Phil.

me, a broke beginner: *i like your funny words , magic man*

My squier Tom delong strat was so nice and played so well that my dad would constantly ask to borrow it to play in his church worship band. Imagine that, an old man playing a blink 182 themed guitar on stage with piano, drums, and a choir.

As an owner of the player series telecaster, this hurts me inside

A few years ago I bought a Squire Jaguar by mail. I thought if it sucks I'll just hang it fog wall art. I was shocked at the fit and finish. This guitar was setup and detailed better than many Fenders I've tried at Guitar Center. It gave me a new appreciation for the workmanship from, if I remember correctly, Indonesia,

I appreciated this video because as a lefty, I notice Squier has more models readily available without custom ordering. Thanks

I bought the Classic Vibe ‘70s Thinline Telecaster a week ago for its looks and all I could say is, this definitely one of the nicest playing and sounding guitar I ever owned. Can definitely compete with Fenders

My whole philosophy is that the audience (with the exception of maybe a couple of gearheads) don't really give jack about what brand of guitar you play. I play a partscaster I put together from odds and ends and I like it because it's comfortable to me. Never heard anyone once say you suck because you play x guitar. As long as you can play its ok

One of my favorite things about your videos is how you jump right into things and get down to business. Great one as always.

The “more traditional” wood, alder, is actually a more modern convention in guitar manufacturing for fenders. The pine and poplar are used to make the classic vibe series true to their vintage counterparts. Tele’s originally used pine (back in the esquire days) and mustangs used poplar in the 60’s and 70’s.

Phil, we'D *loooooove* to see a similar video comparing Epiphone and Gibson....specifically the Les Pauls

As an intro guitarist, I'm so happy with my 50s classic vibe tele, sounds great to my ear

I would probably choose the Fender in most cases... but man! The Squires they are putting out today are absolutely superior to what they were 30 years ago when I was a beginner. If I were on a strict budget I would be completely happy with a modern Squier.

I wish you had mentioned the j mascis jazzmaster. I have one and I think it's been one the best guitars I've owned, and I've had a gibson les paul, prs se custom 24, and a epiphone sheraton

I played a thinline tele with the jazzmasters at GC. I fell in love with it. I already own an ultra Strat and a 60th anniversary with a v neck. The squire blew me away. Awesome tone and sustain. Not every thinline was like the one I picked. So very important to play your instrument before you buy.

I wanted to get a Tele for years. I went to GC and A/B'd the Classic Vibe to the Mexican Tele and it was no contest. The classic Vibe won me over every time. Plus, the CV has the vintage tuners which I've always loved. I bought the CV and I absolutely love it.

Great video man, I love my 60th anniversary squier classic vibe strat.

I just came back to playing an electric after only playing a 12-string acoustic for the past 25 years. I picked up the Squier Jazzmaster. I absolutely love this guitar.

I love this show. Even when he talks about a thing I've learned, there is more info. Good show ,channel, vid, guy, IDK I'm old and I learn new stuff all the time. I'm sure it is one if not all them words. Peace man

it's not about brands. it' about fun and music. keep the buck in your pocket until you need it! thank you philip for being a reminder and a guide.

My squier J bass plays like a dream and looks amazing, especially after I got all black hardware(kick-ass bridge, Schaller tuners)

You nailed it. I bought a 2010 Classic Vibe Tele used for124$ out the door and was impressed. Didn't put it down for days and I have a custom shop USA Fender Strat

Thanks for the reviews. Your integrity is evident and appreciated. Love your channel.

I have that “72 Classic Vibe. It became my #2 guitar pretty quickly. Great neck and very playable. Great recording guitar!

Thank you Phillip, I really enjoyed this. It would also be nice to do a comparison of Squire and Fender basses

I love the Squier Classic Vibe series, and own the 50’s Tele and the 70’s Strat, they’re awesome guitars! I’ve owned a MIM Fender Tele before and I feel the quality and value of the classic vibe is above the Mexican Fender. If you can move past not having that Fender logo on the headstock, the Classic Vibe is a great route to go!

I love my squier which is the last one you discussed. It’s also purple which adds to the aesthetic. The tone is also really nice. The more flat fretboard is a little strange at first, but not a problem.

I have a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Stratocaster and I just love it!

I'd also mention a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster Thinline, especially the older mahogany body versions. They literally had no competition in the Fender lineup outside their Custom Shop up until recently, and they're fantastic little axes.

Love my squire jazz master. I had a Fender jazzmaster back in the early 70’s but the squire is actually better.

At the end of the vid. the guitar in your right hand is the one I got yesterday. It's black and I used your tutorial to set the intonation on it and it worked Perfect!!! The tape measure was the end of my messing with the intonation from another page. Set my length and it set up like a dream!! Thanks from another McKnight. Kirk n TX!!

I totally agree. I was checking out Squier vs Fender the other day. Strictly going by the specs. I decided that the Squier Claasic 70s Thinline just became a must have for me. Thank you for this informative video.

Also the New Jags with Block inlays look amazing. Some new pickups would give you a damn fine instrument.

My father bought me a Squier 50s Classic Vibe Telecaster 10 years ago for my birthday. It's my favourite guitar, both because it plays great and because my dad gave it to me. I have owned two MIJ Fender Strats, they sound good but can't beat the tele.

I took a flyer and purchased a Squire 70's Thinline, and I was pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish are first rate, and it plays and sounds great. I did need to do some minor surgery on the neck pocket to square up the neck seating, but a few strokes with a medium fine wood rasp and it was good to go. For $400, I am very pleased with it.

Great video, showing specs and material used rather than any sound comparison or else !! I've learned many things, thank you !

The Fender Mustang from Mexico is also 24" scale length, Fender bungled that up in some of their literature.

Great video Phil. Thank you. Around 6:20 you said the Fenders had "Polyester" and it tripped me up until I went back, and the Fenders have "Polyester gloss". Go figure!

Always impressed with the in depth reviews that you do, You have certainly influenced my next purchase, I will definetely be considering the Squire, I just recently bought the Squire Cabronita in Fiesta Red and it plays so easy, the neckwork was excellent and great job on the fret ends. Great sounds with both Jazzmaster single coil pickups, I can play it for hours and easy on my hand and light on my shoulder. Thanks Phil

I bought the Squier Classic Vibe telecaster last year in September after reviewing many videos including Phillip McKnight's assessment. It is true the pine finish is beautiful on the Squier tele and it cuts through the mix in a very unique way. Thanks lots. My best buy last year !

I have a 1992 korean made squier that in blind tests constantly beats out de more expensive fenders in tone and playability... The secret here... SETUP SETUP SETUP!

Have the squier 72 thinline tele.. quality is pretty amazing at any price point..

Right on, I'm getting a Squier Jazzmaster Baritone this week. I was quite impressed with that guitar and its quality.

What a brilliant review. I've been eyeing up that thinline for ages.

I completely agree on everything you mentioned. These Squiers are amazing really.

In my opinion with just a “little love” any squier is as good as its fender counterpart ...

I purchased a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster this year, and absolutely LOVE it. One of my best purchases!

Super excited for the updated 2019 Classic vibes! If they are at least the exact same as the previous ones, they are already as good as a lot of Fender's in my eyes. Maybe even better, for the value!

Omg this video came at the right time... I was seriously thinking about buying the squire Thinline telecaster but was a bit concerned because it is not Fender. I'm impressed!

Bought a CV Tele with BS blonde finish a few years ago and still love it. Last year I upgraded the switch, pots, wires, input jacks and did a treble bleed circuit. Only thing I didn't change was the p/u and saddle. These small changes, maybe $50 at Stew Mac made the instrument sound way better. Overall a great guitar with the best parts you can get for a real steal.

Food for thought, especially since I am in the market for a Jag. Nice vid...thanks.

"Know your gear." I bought a Squire to improve upon things like the strings trees, electronics. I am learning to know my gear. Thanks and Keep RockN in the Free World!

The Squire Tele is one of my very favorite guitars.

I'm more of a Gibson fan when it comes to guitars, but as a bassist, I love Fender. I recently bought one of the new series 60s vibe fretless jazz bass, and quite frankly, it's my new favourite bass. Better than basses I own which cost me 5x the price! Well done Squier, keep up the amazing work, I'm a fully converted fan boy.

Just wanted to say thanks, Phil. You're such a low key genius! I appreciate all your gear knowing and axe sharpening vids. Thanks for helping me be a better and better informed guitarist!

I've been debating between getting a player series or classic vibe tele, this video was perfect for deciding!

I Like Squire Guitars. Great value. Nice job comparing the two brands. Cheers

I was hesitant at first to buy a Squier but after a lot of research and comparison I pulled the trigger on the Classic Vibe Telecaster. I absolutely love it. Its become my go to instrument in our set. It sounds beautiful and plays amazingly smooth and I got it for a fraction of the price of a Fender. I highly recommend getting the Classic Vibe series

I got myself a Squier strat CV 60's and holy moly it's SO good

The fender mustang has a scale length that matches the original Jaguar. The jump from 25.5" to 24" is pretty wild. It feels heavenly.

The Squier Classic Vibe Teles are great. I have all three, and the John 5 Squier Tele is another huge winner. The Squier Contemporary HH Tele is also a stud. I have a 1976 Fender Tele, Standard model and the Squiers are definitely in that league.

I've been told that I have an one of a kind squire strat. I traded an Ibanez acc/electric and the store had one left. I was told that this guitar kept being overlooked. I traded and I'm so happy.

Great video Phillip. The team running Squier really understands guitars and will be running all of Fender some day. They keep getting the details right.

On the bass side, I’d add the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '70s over the Fender Jazz Standard MIMs. Fraction of the price and playability and tone is better. IMO

i bought a squier telecaster HH contemporary and it sounds really good with my blackstar HT 40 MKII. Perfect to play Foo fighters and Green Day stuff.

When the Vintage White Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster came out it was a must have. I modified mine as well. Removed the rhythm electronics along with the tone control knob. Essentially a Thurston Moore setup. Replaced the Pickups with genuine Fender Jazzmaster Pure Vintage '65 Pickups. Also Replaced Tailpiece/Tremolo with a guanine Fender Vintage 62. Now it Rocks! Its a keeper and I highly recommend the platform if you can find one in good nic.

Phillip, thank you for sharing and explaining these guitars. I was always leary of Squiers for a long time. However over time as I was able to afford the Fender, time and time again, I always bought the Squier, Classic Vibe specially. I still own a Squier ‘70’s Vintage Modified Strat(black w/maple neck-I bought it because it was the only one with a maple fingerboard, my preference), a Classic Vibe '70S Jazz Bass V and a Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Deluxe. I also knew ahead of time that was I was never going to sell or trade them in before buying, so the resale factor never entered the equation. I’ve never had an issue nor would I change a thing. The ONLY thing I’ve done was to change strings to a lighter gauge. I simply couldn’t justify the extra expense for the Fender in the same category. The only thing I MAY have been “out of pocket” for, is a hard shell case, but I always found great deals on preowned Fender hard shell cases. Not a cheap skate, but I’m not “mad at my money either,” LOL!😂🎧🎸-Chris C.

Bought a Classic Vibe Tele a couple of years ago and it plays and sounds great. I actually like the pickups better in it than the MIM Teles of the time because they have more "bite" to them.

just bought a vm jazzmaster and im officially in love lmao

Great video, most helpful, beautiful collection if instruments and superlative, expressive playing, cheers

I have a '97 MIC Squier affinity strat. It's a gift from an old friend. The only flaw is some missing paint under the jack (dreaded strap drop). I bought some upgrade stuff, (Wiggins Texas wound pickups, high grade pots, Fender 5 way switch, tuners, jack) but don't have an insane urge to upgrade. The thing was already set up, feels great. Stock pickups sounds great. Even the tuners seem solid and do what they're told.

I love my Squier Classic Vibe 50s. I still can’t believe I only spent $400 for such a great sounding and playing guitar.

Just bought my Squier Contemporary Active HH Strat brand new in box at local GC on sale for $249. Ridiculous deal.

Good review. I'm glad the Squire line has gotten better. I have an old Affinity Strat and it doesn't stand up to my American Strat at all, but these new ones are so nice I'm considering getting one. The Tele with pine body is what I'm most impressed with. Thanks for posting.

I have the Squire Contemporary HSS Strat and think it a great guitar. I to like the ceramic pickups. Is the second position a coil tap of the humbucker?

IMHO, The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is one of the best products Squier makes, and it blows away many of the American models. The neck alone (which is the same as the neck on the Fender Custom Shop Rory Gallager Strat) is worth the budget price.

I have the Squier Classic Vibe model. Absolutely faultless in all respects, (especially build quality, sounds and weight) and - for me personally, - it manages to do what I thought could never happen. I've loved Strats all my life, but this Squier Tele has totally turned me round to the extent that I sold both my Player Strat and Hendrix reverse-headstock Strat. The tone control has a very wide range without any sudden drop-offs or cut-ins. The volume control is equally effective across the whole ranger up to 10. Money-wise and quality-wise, there's no contest as far as I'm concerned. It's a superb instrument. My Squier CV Tele weighs in at just about 7lbs.

Just bought a Squier CV '70s Telecaster Thinline. The quality, feel & tone are very impressive for the money.

The Squier Classic Vibe Tele is one of my favorite guitars! I have three Squiers and I love them all! Even my friends with Fenders are impressed. I also think my Epiphone Sheraton is head and shoulders better than any Gibson from the past twenty years. I'll NEVER own another Fender or Gibson! There are too many guitar makers out there putting out better, more modern product than either of those.

Hey Phil! I think there might be a typo on the Fender/Squier Mustang spec sheets here -- I believe they're still all 24" scale, whether Fender or Squier.

I have found this to be so true as the decades go by. GREAT REVIEW

I just bought a Squire Affinity. I filed and polished the cheese grater fret ends, adjusted the action to suit me, and it plays great.

I'm going to still give it to Fender, I have many Fenders at home and everyone are awesome. I'm not saying anything bad about squier, but there's still no telling what the overall quality is like. Are they still using the cheap import mini-pots? That cheap circuit board selector switch? Are the frets leveled? Are the fret ends smooth? Are the nuts cut correctly? What about the trem block? All those would be on my mind if I was considering the squier over the Fender, and not to mention the extremely low resale value of the squier. I've always been a firm believer that you get what you pay for. But if the squier is fine for someone, and they like them, by all means.

I agree, I own a Squier Vintage Modified 70s Bass. It destroys the more expensive $550 and up Fender Player Series Bass. I'm serious.

I got the Squier Strat 40th anniversary and I love it so much, not changing it for any fender any time soon

I have a 93 korean squier and a 2012 vintage modified indo surf strat..i love them both very much

I have a CV Squier Tele and it is a very nice guitar.

The J Mascis Squier Jazzmaster is an incredible guitar...would like to see you do a video on it.

Hay Phill, I have come to love my Squire Contemporary Strat HSS. There was slop In the tuners that came with it , so the were replaced with Gotoh ones. Put a Tusq on it. There was such RF noise that I got the cavity copper taped. Added a Fender pre wired noiseless pick guard. Now I love it.

I love the classic vibes, I have a 60s custom tele and a 50s Strat and they’re absolutely fantastic instruments.

I have to say the squire is moving ahead with quality a few mods an you have a nice guitar I know the professional players have standards. But I have made my guitar it Wil take it to the Street. Beefed Up.

"I own a 1997 Korean made Squier Stratocaster and it sounds and plays way better than any US made Fender ive ever played it nails that SRV/ Hendrix tone its got a nice flat 14" finger board radius and extra jumbo frets,only thing ive done is install a custom made bone nut, switchkaft 5 way switch, input jack,and a professional setup and shes amazing"

Owned about 5 of the Squier CV both 50s and 60s. Loved each one over my Fender teles. Currently own the Contemporary Strat HH in white and love that too!

hello Philip, thanks for the great content of your channel, iv been following it for years now, actually tried to convince myself that fender is better, but dont know why each time i play squiers i feel more comfortable playing them and dont want to put them down, i have a squier bullet fsr ht, rosewood fingerboard. man it just blows every fender i played at the shops, also i prefer it over my expensive partscaster strat. they are just like magic. i just upgraded the pups, and it feels and sounds ammmmzing

Review of Squier Standard Strat please?

I'll say this much, I will never get rid of my J Mascis Squire, is and will always be my main guitar.

Squiers are incredible. I have a classic vibe j bass and it's amazing. This video is really important because it shows how amazing these instruments can be be without the steep price tag. Brand power is a very real thing so it's always important to stay educated.

I have got a couple classic vibes (guitar and bass) and they are fantastic!!!

$2k for pine???? thats a home depot caster! haha

The vintage modified strats are not to be scoffed at either ....great poly finish and Duncan licenced pups . Well worth a review .