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I am thinking about snapping up one of the Classic Vibe Strats but cannot decide between the 50s model or the Simon Neil version. I have also noticed that although both are supposedly in fiesta red, the shades look very different in the shop (oops, what have I started). So, Squier owners (and I know there are one or two), give me your thoughts....

I have had my CV 50s for about a year and still love it, the quality for the price is hard to believe.
Can't give an opinion on the Simon Neil as I have never tried one.

Having had one, I would say that even the cheapest Squier Bullet Strat is a great little guitar and terrific value too.

The posher ones look very nice but cost quite a bit extra of course.

I'm more than happy with the Simon Neil model - looks good, sounds good, and the personalisation is very discreet - couple of squiggles on the headstock back and front...

George

I bought one of the Simon Neil models 2 years back, as I was really taken by its stunningly good
finish and build quality.
It is superb value for the money for playability, and quality of the standard pickups.
Its an instrument that has the general qualities of a 62 vintage reissue at a fraction of the price too
Well worth considering (imho) even though it is slightly more expensive than the standard 50s Classic Vibe
Model.

Mike

leddo wrote:I am thinking about snapping up one of the Classic Vibe Strats but cannot decide between the 50s model or the Simon Neil version.

I think the Classic Vibe 50's looks better with the mapple fingerboard neck !

Didier

Hi, I have a Classic Vibes 50's Strat. It was the worst £280 that I ever spent. It is nothing more than a cheap plank. The trem is useless. Two years ago I tried a Simon Neil strat in a music shop. I was not impressed,strangely enough the salesman agreed and offered it for a much reduced price, but I declined. If you have limited funds you might be better buying the equivalent Burns. Hope this helps.
regards Rover

Rover wrote:Hi, I have a Classic Vibes 50's Strat. It was the worst £280 that I ever spent. It is nothing more than a cheap plank. The trem is useless...
regards Rover

I've said this before, but the trems on almost ALL oriental copies and versions of the Stratocaster are effectively useless. You shouldn't be surprised that a $3 cast Mazak item doesn't work as well as a $100 item properly machined from steel (as fitted to the real thing - the American Vintage series, for instance).

All you have to do is swap the bridge out completely. The Fender USA vintage item costs £80 - £100 over here, but the Wilkinson vintage item (with steel bridge saddles and block) is an acceptable substitute for about £25 - £30.

Hi, yes Jim you are right and I will take your advice and upgrade with a wilkinson unit, but my point is that you shouldn't need to do this. Things should be ok when you buy new in the first place.
regards Rover

I bought a Squier Classic Vibe 50's a couple of years ago and it was brilliant in sound and playability, even the trem was fine with a bit of PTFE tape to take up the slack. I made several good recordings which were posted here and received high approval, as well as using the guitar to make a living for several months before selling it to a good friend of mine who still has it and loves it to bits. I bought it to prove the point that these are usable guitars and they do the job. It seems they are not all of the same quality as mine.