Squier Vintage Modified Strat Electric Guitar
Vintage Style Tremolo. Custom Pickguards by Color.
Overall User Ratings (based on 19 ratings)
Submitted July 13, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
"Currently one of the industry's exceptional values."
Once I adjusted for fret buzz and fretting out--simple fixes, actually--I doubt I'll be looking at other strats again. Or at least not in the same way [;^)
I may turn this into a hardtail, since I never use trems. Other than this, I think I've covered everything. And, if the reader is considering what I've written in his/her selection of, say, this guitar vs a Fender American strat...go ahead and play them. I'm pretty confident that the Squier Vintage Modified will be the winner in that contest.
Sound
I bought this guitar about six months ago as my backup axe for one reason: its tone. It's the best I've heard in this line/type of guitars. It's light, built like the tank that stratocasters are, and produces a credible jazz-comping tone. The fact that the cherry sunburst turns the heads of even the most seasoned guitar veterans is a tribute to the Squier India's luthier skill and attention to detail. You just don't make a guitar like this without a serious plan and a commitment to production quality.
Features
Duncan-designed pickups are orgasmic to my ears. For these pickups alone I would pay the full price of the guitar. The flame-maple top is well-matched and is (apparently) REAL! Anything that does not enhance the tone or playability is, honestly, fluff, but I have to admit that I find the top very appealing.
The other feature that I truly appreciate are the "no name" tuning machines--precise and smooth. Though I'm not a fan of trem bridges, the one on this guitar does the job.
Ease of Use
I'm puzzled (and will always be) by this question. There are far too many variables to consider when endeavoring "to get great sounds from this product." Given the sheer magnitude of gear and gizmos available, I can probably make any guitar sound like the engineering plant of Star Trek's USS Enterprise.
Quality
There isn't a flaw anywhere, which suggests a production process under tight control. I enjoy the guitar's easy playability and smooth feel--it makes me want to use it more and more often. When I'm playing pieces without guitar solos/leads, I use this guitar.
Value
This is a very good guitar, constructed and executed with obvious attention to detail. Fit, finish and overall precision make this a guitar that competes with some of the top-of-the-line Fender strats (think American Deluxe with usual pickup setup here).
Manufacturer Support
An unknown. I've had a Fender Standard Strat before, and had to contact Fender customer service. Since Squier IS Fender, I'm assuming I'll get the same quick, relaxed and thorough service.
The Wow Factor
I don't like any of the other Squier Vintage Modified Strat color schemes--just the cherry sunburst w/flame maple top. Man, you have just got to see one in person. For sex appeal, it's between Mira Sorvino and Salma Hayek...but I've just got an irrational thing for Mira (oh God, someone PLEASE tell her I'm available AND employed (this time)).
Musical Background:
Active performer, composer/songwriter
Musical Style:
Jazz, world fusion, jazz-rock, "jazzabilly"
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Submitted August 17, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Guitar bargain for the decade....best strat available for any money!"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
If you are going to own a HSS type guitar within the next five years, dont jack around and wait, you know as I do, corporations are filled with boneheads who dont have a clue what we want, and they will discontinue this and make more cutesy pink kitty guitars if they get the urge. This is a bargain, and if I only bought one guitar for the next five yrs,, I dont think I could find one as good as this one, I have owned quite a few guitars in my life and this is probably one of the very best ones I have ever owned. BUY ONE, you will thank this ole dude. I cannot stress the workmanship, incredible. Think custom shop which sells for hundreds more..........get one now!
Sound
Without doubt one if not the best HSS strat I have ever played let alone owned. Much, much better quality than the Mexican standard stratocaster I own. I love it too, but this one has legs. Lets start with the sound...ok, the Indian Red Cedar does sound scary,,dont let it get you down. Think Mahogany growl and you have it. this thing is a dream. Best damn sounding strat that you will ever pick up..tone, tons, sustain and then some. Eddie Van Halen would grab up a dozen. Pick one up and dont let the Squier name give you second thoughts. BUY ONE!
Features
Ok, where do I start, tuners are better than on my Mex standard fender strat, or at least as good. Neck,,,,wow!, the fretboard is dead on, and none of that crappy burrs on the frets on the edges with squier affinities, nope, not on this Indian made beauty. the finish on the body cannot be described, AT LEAST as good as american strats, at least. Not just your standard black paint job, this has depth and beauty, a clear coat i believe. Wood, indian red cedar as I said above, think mahogany tone, without quite as much weight,,,pickups, now here we go.....incredible, great lil buggers. Great axe,
Ease of Use
this guitar has one of the fastest necks I have ever played, age 55 been playing for 47 years now and my first guitar was a 58 candy apple red fender, this plays as well or BETTER....fantastic guitar.
Quality
Best quality I have ever seen from Squier, and need i say it, every bit as good as a Fender American but with better finish, neck, wood and pups to boot! If you look at the strats fender is now making, this one is a copy I would say of the "LONESTAR STRAT" but not made in Ensenada Mexico....this one will beat the burritos out of those strats in my humble opinion. Stuff made in India is top shelf stuff at a bargain price....buy one before they get smart and charge more!
Value
When you compare the Mexican 'lonestar strat' price to this guitar, you will find it better priced, better made and dare I say it, a better bang for your buck, pocket the difference and buy a combo amp with the change!
Manufacturer Support
Have not ever had any problems with my Fenders or my squier strats....no real input at this point from me...sorry.
The Wow Factor
This guitar is a beauty, finish is awesome, neck is a fast one and well made with great clear coat which gives it sustain I think, body finish is not just your usual black finish, clear coat over it....hard to describe, gives it depth and classy appeal...this guitar is a classic gorgeous piece of stuff.
Musical Background:
hobby player, just for fun
Musical Style:
Rock, southern rock
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Submitted March 11, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"Better than a Mexican standard"
I will not need another guitar for a long time. I will never get rid of this one no matter how fancy of a new one I get. This is an amazing price, guitar, everything. Don't miss out on this one!
Sound
This sounds exactly like an american standard strat.
Features
The neck on this guitar is better than any found on mexican strats or any guitar i've used. It is extra smooth an lacquered. The pickups give great sound, they are duncans.
Ease of Use
The action is great, it just feels awesome in your hand. The instant you pick this up you know that this is a real stratocaster and not a watered down squier.
Quality
Perfect quality, well put together, great sound.
Value
For hundreds of dollars less, you get a guitar that in my opinion is better than the mexican standard. Unless you care that it says squier on the headstock, you are looking at quite a bargain.
Manufacturer Support
No support necessary.
The Wow Factor
I took one look at this guitar in a store, picked it up and knew I had to have it. The olympic white is stunning. It feels right in your hands.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, Pop
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Submitted August 14, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"Best for the many (350 euro or 450 $)"
Check your self, if you are interesting, in any store they will give you free tour - 10 minutes on this guitar , i think you will love it.
And yes, please check it with other Squire, you will see the difference, this is probably the most expensive Squire till now.
Sound
Sounds like a real Fender Stratocaster made in USA! That is almost perfect sound, no any additional "kricks" (bad noises). Really solid sound for my Indian Squire.
Features
Just 2 "imbues" key-s for the neck. Nothing more... nothing more is kneaded.
Ease of Use
It is guitar, it is easy for people who know to play on it, and is noise for the others :)
Quality
It looks like it is have really quality final. The parts are original Fender. Because is nearly same as American style Fender i will say that quality is one of top ratings of this guitar.
Value
I think for this price I can't find bather guitar. That make my 350 Euro or 450 $ USA good deal.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Folk and Rock
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Submitted December 18, 2010
"This guitar is great, attractive, and a workhorse."
I just got one of the Fender Blacktop HH strats and the only reason is because I wanted variety.
Sound
This guitar sounds AMAZING and just everything about it is great.
Features
I got the cherry-sunburst, and it looks amazing. It came with a tremolo, and I actually messed that up by taking it in and out of my case all the time, (I have a soft case), and I just didn't get it in straight one time. They have rosewood fingerboards, maple necks/headstock, I'm not sure what the body's made of though.
Ease of Use
All I've had to do is to change pickup positions and mess with my amp. It is very easy to get sounds you want. The action is superb (for my tastes). I didn't get a manual or anything with it (I got it at a music store and that's all it came with).
Quality
Everything about this guitar is great. The pickups could be better, and I want to switch out the bridge single-coil for a mini-humbucker. All you have to do for maintenance is change strings (duh!) and tighten the jack occasionally. It would be great for on the road use! It will last as long as you take care of it. You might just have to switch pickups once.
The Wow Factor
I just picked it because of the cherry sunburst color (and price) and I loved the tone. I was a beginner back then and it was the first electric guitar I'd ever played. I came back later and got it.
Musical Background:
hobbyist (for now)
Musical Style:
country, southern rock
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Submitted August 6, 2009
"MEXICAN STANDARD STRATS RULES!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
real nice good looks and sound. plays good.
Sound
it has a nice sound and it has duncan designed picks ups!
Features
just whats on the guitar
Ease of Use
just tune it and play it.
Quality
now this is why i wanted to rate it so i can tell ever body about it. i read all reviews about it and it is a real nice guitar plays good and sounds good i just got it yeserday from zzounds.but it is far from the mexican standard and the neck is not as good or fast as the mexican no way!!! it is nice to play but no way as good as the mexican standard. if you are getting your first good guitar get the standard. then later on get the indian strat.
Value
nice
Manufacturer Support
i bet it is good
The Wow Factor
very nice guitar
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Submitted December 31, 2007
"Squier Vintage Modified Strat"
This guitar provides all classic strat tone and smooth neck action. It suits my style of music and expertise. My personal taste is a maple fretboard but this particular model only comes with a rosewood fretboard. I would like to see Squier offer maple in the future. Unless you just have to have that Fender logo on the headstock and have an extra 800 to 1000 dollars to burn, buy this guitar, you will love it.
Sound
Has that classic vintage fender strat straight out of the box. The versatility of this guitar allows all styles of music to be played
Features
This Squier strat guitar ships with only a cardboard box and two allen wrenchs for neck and bridge adjustments. No user manual was provided but not really needed in my case.
Ease of Use
Like all new guitars and due to personal preferences, string height and intonation need adjustment and the strings were changed to my favorite brand for that Fender sound.
Quality
Workmanship was top notch along with the finish.
Value
I have owned a Fender 57' Vintage reissue with customized Seymor Duncan Pickups. This Squier Modified Vintage Strat is eqal to or better than that Fender at 1/4 the price.
Manufacturer Support
I can't comment as I have had no problems.
The Wow Factor
Classic Strat looks and outstanding finish. It's like owning a vintage hot-rod. It may not appeal to the metallic pointy guitar crowd but it can still play anything they can.
Musical Background:
Amateur
Musical Style:
Classic Rock and Country
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