Need advice, Squier Classic Vibe Strat of Fender MIM Strat ?

[SJB22]

After searching the net the last 3 months, I have found some used Fender Strats MIM in the high $200 to low $300 range. Some appear to be in very good condition. In the same ballpark price is the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Strat. I am very happy with the Squier Affinity Tele, and want your 2 cents. I realize I haven't given you specifics but what are your overall thoughts between the two. Thanks in advance.

[Zman]

Right now is a good time to buy used guitars, it is a buyers market. The MIM Strats made after 2006 are very well made guitars. They have a solid block on the trem and upgraded electronics and hardware, They still use the Ceramic pickups, but I really don't see any issues with those pickups. The necks are nice and usually the workmanship is pretty darn good.
The recent batch of Indonesian, and Chinese Strats are equally as nice.
Your mentioned the CVs but have you looked at the Deluxe Series in the White Pearl and Daphne Blue. They are probably in the 200 dollar range used, and have the Duncan Deisigned pickups that are really sweet.
Well made and really nice feel to the neck.
The CVs are probably the best guitars Squier has made since the Japanese JVs. They are without doubt worth much more than the new selling price. If you can snag a used one on ebay they are sometimes a huge bargain. If not, I would not hesitate to pay the going price for one.
They have great necks, really nice fit and finish and the Alnico 3s in the 50s model are amazing. No upgrades needed. I don't have any experience with the 60s model but they get rave reviews as well.
So it comes to to the deal you are looking for and how the guitar feels and sounds TO YOU.
I would say get out and try some in a shop, then go hunting for used once you decide what you like.

[SJB22]

Thanks Zman, I will keep you posted.

[YeahDoIt]

SJB22, when you write Fender MIM Strat do you mean Fender Stratocaster?

I suspect the craftsmanship and quality control is better for Fender Stratocasters than for Squier guitars. Intermediate priced guitars, various makes such as Lotus, Austin, Lyon, Aria can be good, sometimes very good but not always.

How many guitars have you owned and how well can you judge a used guitar?

I paid USA $ 120 for my Squire Affinity HSS, it came with cord, strap, gig bag and free guitar lesson. I think USA $ 200 to 300 is a high price for a used Squier guitar but OK for new.

[66musicmaster]

If it weren't for the pups, I'd say go for the MIM. Personally I don't like the ceramic pups in the MIMs as good as my CV60s. But you are correct that the price is right on used MIMs right now. If you really want the Fender name, then the MIM is the way to go. Hard call - good luck deciding. You win either way.

Randy

[SJB22]

YeahDoIt, Thanks for the advice & insight. I have owned several guitars over the years, but I am getting back into it because my son's interest has rekindled my own interest. Yes it is a MIM Stratocaster and if I can get for a deal, I would put in new pups. I will play both the MIM Strat and the Squier CV Strat and make a decision. Thanks for your feedback.

[peskypesky]

both good guitars. i think the CV gives more bang for the buck though. only problem for me is the glossy necks.

[D.Allen]

Go look at this post "Squier Classic Vibe 50's and 60's strat demo " on this forum he demos both and a $1500 fender. I think you will see that the Squier hold there own. The pickups are very good and are alnico where I think the MIM are going to be ceramic.

[Lonn]

If you can play both do so. I've been through about 80 Strats, both Fender and Squier and loved almost all of them. As for the pickups I've also been through MANY sets and always find my back to the stock MIM pickups. Just personal preference I guess. I'm also a big fan of Mighty Mite pickups.

[christian]

Don´t forget Cv 60 and 50 use Tonerider pickups, and I think that if you like that classic Strat tone they way much better than ceramic ones.

[D.Allen]

Also look for a good used MIJ Squier for about the same as a MIM. I hear they rock and are made better then the MIM's

[KevinV]

I love my CV50's Strat. After buying the Squier I bought an '07 MIM Fender Strat and ended up selling it. The CV easily was the better playing/sounding of the two.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Squier fanboy...I prefer my Am Std Strat over the CV, but the CV over the MIM.

[Zman]

Originally Posted by YeahDoIt

SJB22, when you write Fender MIM Strat do you mean Fender Stratocaster?

I suspect the craftsmanship and quality control is better for Fender Stratocasters than for Squier guitars. Intermediate priced guitars, various makes such as Lotus, Austin, Lyon, Aria can be good, sometimes very good but not always.

How many guitars have you owned and how well can you judge a used guitar?

I paid USA $ 120 for my Squire Affinity HSS, it came with cord, strap, gig bag and free guitar lesson. I think USA $ 200 to 300 is a high price for a used Squier guitar but OK for new.

Hey I am not sure but just for the record. MIM is Made in Mexico. which are actually under the Fender name. MIA is Made in American and then you have the Squiers that are made in various countries. I hope that helps. If you already knew this, never mind.

[rdmt83]

i have to agree with zman here, i tried out at least 8 or 9 different variations of strats at my local guitar center (including 5 different mim) before deciding to order an indo made deluxe strat from sweetwater. Best decision ive ever made imho. obviously we all would love a nice american strat but i really have to say I honestly wouldnt plunk down 300 or more for a used MIM when you can get a brand spanking new deluxe from squier for 280 to your doorstep. The quality of my indonesian made deluxe is a notch above the MIM in my opinion. Its got a basswood body (which I prefer) and a smooth as butter maple neck (skunk striped!) that is unmatched in this price range as far as im concerned. Play one at your local guitar store if you can and you just might agree.

good luck!

[peskypesky]

Originally Posted by Zman

The CVs are probably the best guitars Squier has made since the Japanese JVs.

I'd say the best since the Japanese SQ's.

[Strat-toter]

CV's are awesome Strats...made me, a former snob... a believer!

[AllroyPA]

Originally Posted by peskypesky

I'd say the best since the Japanese SQ's.

No ProTone respect '96-'97? The ash bodies kill the CV's ... and USA spaced trem with full block and steel saddles. Also a satin finished neck which is a common complaint about the CV's.

[Sparkfire]

Did you mean Glossy neck on the CVs? I didn't think you could get one with a satin neck.

[AllroyPA]

Originally Posted by Sparkfire

Did you mean Glossy neck on the CVs? I didn't think you could get one with a satin neck.

No, was speaking on the ProTone which has satin, but not tinted.

[BobD]

I had a CV 60's strat a while back but ended up selling it because I gave up on guitar(primarily a sax player). It was a great guitar and my brother-in-law, who is a guitar dealer(he owns 450 guitars ranging from Squiers to a Clapton owned Strat and a Roy Buchanon owned tele) said that it was a great guitar. Recently I got back into playing guitar so I bought a CV 50's Telecaster. The white one. My brother-in-law told me that he heard through the grape vine that Fender may discontinue the CV's because that are so good they are taking sales away from Fender's higher line guitars. He also said, the talk is, that these Squires will probably be collector items in the future.

So, definately play and pick the best guitar for you but keep in mind that these Squiers are the real deal.

[weelie]

Nobody EVER stops selling something that sells too well! Just hike up the price!

I think I'd be more satisfied with CV. But the resale on the MIM might be better, you buy used and you usually can sell it for the same price a bit later on.

[Strat-toter]

just Scotch brite the back of the neck lightly and wham-o! Speedy neck!