Squier’s Classic Vibe series is slowly coming up to its 20th anniversary. In that time, it has introduced a host of now much-loved versions of Fender icons and, in the process, built itself a reputation for offering – dare we say it – better pound-for-pound value than the equivalent entry-level Fender models. Given the choice, I’d probably opt for a Classic Vibe Strat over a base Mexican Fender, for example. The guitar on review today, a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster, is a perfect example of why. Allow me to explain.
Electric guitars, like cars or wristwatches, all have objective merits and ways to grade these merits. The materials used, the craftsmanship that went into producing them, or the country of origin, for example. But they also all have a far less simple, intangible metric against which they’re judged: vibe. In the same way, a $20 Casio and a $10k Omega both just fundamentally tell the time; they both hold their own characteristic vibe. No two vibes are alike, and people seek out different things to match their requirements, personalities, or desire to express themselves.
