What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster?

The guitar is equipped with a trio of Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups. These are specifically voiced to provide a rich, warm, and vintage-accurate tone.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a classic 'C'-shaped maple neck. This profile is designed for easy playability and a comfortable feel for a wide range of hand sizes.

What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?

MN stands for 'Maple Neck,' indicating that the guitar has a maple fingerboard rather than rosewood or laurel. This is period-correct for the 1950s.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is typically priced at approximately £394. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does this guitar have a vintage or modern tremolo?

It features a vintage-style synchronised tremolo bridge. This design allows for pitch manipulation while maintaining the look of the original 1950s hardware.

How does the sound compare to modern Stratocasters?

The alnico pickups and maple board lean towards a brighter, more 'glassy' vintage tone. Modern models often feature higher-output pickups or different wood combinations for a more contemporary sound.

Is the 2-Tone Sunburst finish historically accurate?

Yes, the 2-Tone Sunburst was the standard finish for Fender Stratocasters in the mid-1950s. It transitioned to a 3-Tone Sunburst (adding red) later in the decade.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is considered an ideal choice for beginners who want a dose of 'old-school cool'. Its comfortable neck and versatile electronics make it very approachable for learners.

How does it differ from a Squier Affinity Stratocaster?

The Classic Vibe series generally features higher-quality alnico pickups and more vintage-accurate hardware compared to the Affinity series. The Affinity series often uses ceramic pickups and more modern design elements.

What genres of music is this guitar best for?

It is best suited for genres that benefit from clean and articulate tones, such as blues, country, surf rock, and classic pop. It is highly effective for 'iconic sonics' that defined the early days of rock and roll.

Are the tuners vintage-style?

Yes, the guitar is equipped with vintage-style tuning machines. These contribute to the overall period-correct aesthetic and provide stable tuning.

What is the scale length of this model?

This guitar features the standard Fender scale length of 25.5 inches. This is significantly longer than short-scale models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.

Gear article

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster MN 2-Tone Sunburst

The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is an electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic qualities of early-era Fender instruments. It features a maple fingerboard, a vintage-style synchronised tremolo, and three Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups, positioned as a period-correct tribute to the 1950s Stratocaster.

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Background and Design

The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is a revival of the original solid-body electric guitar design that helped establish Fender's reputation in the 1950s. This specific model features a 2-Tone Sunburst finish, a classic visual hallmark of the mid-1950s. Unlike later versions of the Stratocaster that moved toward rosewood fingerboards, this model maintains a one-piece maple neck and fingerboard (indicated by the 'MN' suffix), adhering to the specifications of the instrument's first decade of production.

Features and Playability

The instrument is built around a 'C'-shaped maple neck, designed to provide a comfortable, familiar feel that accommodates various playing styles. The hardware includes a vintage-style tremolo bridge for vibrato effects and vintage-style tuning machines.

A defining feature of this model is the set of three Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups. These are voiced to deliver the specific output and clarity associated with 1950s instruments, focusing on warmth and articulation rather than high-output modern distortion.

Sonic Character

The Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is characterised by its bright, 'chimey' tone, largely attributed to the combination of the maple fretboard and alnico magnets. It produces a rich, warm vintage tone that is suitable for clean or lightly overdriven settings. The 5-way pickup selector allows players to access the classic 'in-between' sounds in positions 2 and 4, which are staples of the Stratocaster's versatility.

Target Audience

This guitar is intended for players seeking a vintage-accurate experience without the high cost of a Fender American Vintage or Custom Shop model. It suits beginners who want a high-quality entry-point instrument, as well as intermediate players looking for a reliable '50s-spec guitar for studio or stage use. Its traditional aesthetics make it a popular choice for those performing blues, classic rock, and pop.

Market Comparison

Within the Squier and Fender hierarchy, the Classic Vibe 50s sits above the Affinity and Sonic series in terms of hardware quality and period accuracy. While the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster offers modern refinements like 'deep C' necks and roasted pine bodies, the Classic Vibe remains strictly traditional. Compared to fixed-bridge guitars like the Fender Jim Root Telecaster or short-scale models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster, the Classic Vibe 50s offers a full 25.5-inch scale length and the standard Stratocaster layout.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster?: The guitar is equipped with a trio of Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups. These are specifically voiced to provide a rich, warm, and vintage-accurate tone.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a classic 'C'-shaped maple neck. This profile is designed for easy playability and a comfortable feel for a wide range of hand sizes.
What does 'MN' stand for in the product name?: MN stands for 'Maple Neck,' indicating that the guitar has a maple fingerboard rather than rosewood or laurel. This is period-correct for the 1950s.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is typically priced at approximately £394. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does this guitar have a vintage or modern tremolo?: It features a vintage-style synchronised tremolo bridge. This design allows for pitch manipulation while maintaining the look of the original 1950s hardware.
How does the sound compare to modern Stratocasters?: The alnico pickups and maple board lean towards a brighter, more 'glassy' vintage tone. Modern models often feature higher-output pickups or different wood combinations for a more contemporary sound.
Is the 2-Tone Sunburst finish historically accurate?: Yes, the 2-Tone Sunburst was the standard finish for Fender Stratocasters in the mid-1950s. It transitioned to a 3-Tone Sunburst (adding red) later in the decade.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is considered an ideal choice for beginners who want a dose of 'old-school cool'. Its comfortable neck and versatile electronics make it very approachable for learners.
How does it differ from a Squier Affinity Stratocaster?: The Classic Vibe series generally features higher-quality alnico pickups and more vintage-accurate hardware compared to the Affinity series. The Affinity series often uses ceramic pickups and more modern design elements.
What genres of music is this guitar best for?: It is best suited for genres that benefit from clean and articulate tones, such as blues, country, surf rock, and classic pop. It is highly effective for 'iconic sonics' that defined the early days of rock and roll.
Are the tuners vintage-style?: Yes, the guitar is equipped with vintage-style tuning machines. These contribute to the overall period-correct aesthetic and provide stable tuning.
What is the scale length of this model?: This guitar features the standard Fender scale length of 25.5 inches. This is significantly longer than short-scale models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.