Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster ’50s Electric Guitar Review

This guitar is a favorite in my house. I would recommend the Classic Vibe for a beginner teen or older child ( age 11 +) who is very serious about learning to play. It is more expensive (around $400) than other beginner electric models that I recommend, but this is an excellent value for the money, and it is still considered a budget guitar. You would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the Classic Vibe, so if you want a serious instrument for your kid that will last for years, this is it.

Read More: How to Find the Best Electric Guitar for Your Child

Appearance

The Classic Vibe has vintage telecaster styling with a traditional single cutaway. The body is pine, and the neck is maple. The colors for the Vibe are a bit limited, with only Butterscotch Blonde and Vintage Blonde for the ’50s model or Sunburst if you get the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom model.

Playability

The Classic Vibe is very easy to play. The neck is nice and smooth, and the switches and knobs are easy to manipulate.

Sound

This model sounds good for all types of music. It stays in tune very well and has excellent intonation right out of the box (for the most part). Telecasters are known for a kind of twangy sound, and you can easily hear that on the Vibe.

Electronics

The pickups are very good, although you should be aware that Butterscotch Blonde has a different pickup than the Vintage Blonde (Alnico 5 on Butterscotch Blonde/Alnico III on Vintage Blonde).

Hardware

The tuners are the vintage style with a split shaft. The three saddle bridge is also vintage-style Tele with /brass barrel saddles.

Quality

The quality of the Classic Vibe is excellent. There are no sharp frets, and it has a beautifully done maple neck. The finish is also really well done.

Things to look out for with this guitar

I can’t think of anything negative to say about this guitar. Although one consideration on this instrument is the weight, it is perhaps a little on the heavy side for some people. If you are looking for something lightweight, this might not be the model for your child. Try it out at your local guitar shop.

Overall

If you are buying this as a gift for a beginner or for a teen who wants to learn, they will not be disappointed. Yes, it is maybe a little pricey for a beginner guitar, but honestly, the Classic Vibe will have great resale value if your child or teen decides not to stick with learning, so the risk is minimal. If you get your child a high-quality guitar, in the beginning, it will make learning to play that much easier. Your kids will know that you trust them with a moderately expensive guitar and they will take learning seriously and feel pride in having a beautiful instrument. I can’t say enough about how good this model is.

Read More: Should you buy your child a used guitar

Where’s the Best Price?

Specs-   Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster ’50s
Finish- Polyester
Neck- “1-Piece Maple, Modern “C” Shape”
Fingerboard-“Maple, 9-1/2″ (241mm)”
Frets- “21, medium-jumbo”
Scale Length- 25-1/2″ (648mm)
Hardware- Chrome
Tuning Keys- Vintage-style tuning machines
Bridge- Vintage-style Tele bridge plate w/brass barrel saddles
Pickguard- 1-ply black
Neck pickup- Custom Telecaster pickup
Bridge pickup- Custom Telecaster pickup
Pickup switching- “3-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup,”
Controls- “Volume, Tone”