What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar?

The guitar is equipped with a set of Fender-Designed single-coil alnico pickups. These are voiced to provide a vintage sound with significant bite and clarity.

How does the dual-circuit wiring work?

The guitar features separate Lead and Rhythm circuits. The Lead circuit uses the lower switches for pickup selection, while the Rhythm circuit uses the upper horn switch to activate only the neck pickup with dedicated thumbwheel volume and tone controls.

What type of bridge does this model have?

It features a non-locking floating vibrato bridge. This allows for smooth pitch bending and is a key component of the traditional Jaguar aesthetic and functionality.

Is the Surf Green finish historically accurate?

Yes, Surf Green is a classic Fender colour that was popular during the era this guitar seeks to recreate. It is a signature part of the '70s vintage styling of this Classic Vibe model.

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

The typical retail price range for this specific Squier model is approximately £399. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does this compare to the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar?

The Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar follows a traditional single-coil layout with vintage-style hardware. The Kurt Cobain model features humbucking pickups and different control configurations, making the Classic Vibe more suited for traditional '60s and '70s tones.

Can I get a wide variety of sounds from this guitar?

Yes, the combination of the two circuits, individual pickup switches, and the 'strangle' (bass cut) switch allows for a vast array of tonal textures ranging from dark and jazzy to bright and piercing.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While the controls are more complex than a standard guitar, the shorter scale length and comfortable offset body make it very playable. It is a high-quality instrument that a beginner could use for many years.

What is the scale length of the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar?

The Jaguar traditionally uses a 24-inch scale length. This is shorter than the 25.5-inch scale found on Stratocasters, resulting in lower string tension and a unique feel.

What kind of hardware does it have?

It features nickel-plated hardware, including vintage-style tuning machines and a floating tremolo system. The hardware is chosen to elevate the instrument's vintage styling.

What is the 'strangle switch'?

The strangle switch is the third slider on the lower control plate. When activated, it cuts the low-end frequencies, giving the guitar a thinner, more cutting tone that excels in dense mixes.

How does the build quality compare to other Squier series?

The Classic Vibe series is generally considered the top-tier of Squier production. It offers better pickups, hardware, and finishes than the Affinity or Sonic series, closely mimicking the specs of vintage Fender instruments.

Gear article

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar - Surf Green

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar in Surf Green is a faithful recreation of the iconic 1970s offset electric guitar, featuring Fender-designed single-coil pickups and the traditional dual-circuit switching system. It is designed to offer vintage aesthetics and versatile sonic capabilities at an accessible price point, typically retailing for approximately £399.

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Overview

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar is an electric guitar that emphasises vintage styling and tonal authenticity. Finished in a period-correct Surf Green, this model captures the aesthetic of the 1970s while providing modern playability. It is part of the Classic Vibe series, which is known for delivering higher-specification hardware and finishes compared to entry-level Squier ranges.

Electronics and Circuitry

A defining feature of this instrument is its complex electronics, which mirror the original Fender design. It is equipped with a pair of Fender-Designed single-coil pickups that provide a bright, biting tone. The guitar features the classic Jaguar dual-circuit design:

Lead Circuit: Standard controls for volume and tone, with individual slider switches for each pickup and a 'strangle' switch to cut low frequencies.
Rhythm Circuit: A dedicated circuit for the neck pickup, activated via a slide switch on the upper horn, featuring independent thumbwheel controls for volume and tone.

Hardware and Construction

The guitar utilizes a non-locking floating vibrato bridge, a hallmark of the Jaguar's design that allows for subtle pitch modulation and expressive tremolo effects. The neck is designed to replicate the 'iconic Jaguar feel,' typically featuring a shorter scale length (24 inches) which reduces string tension and facilitates easier chord reaches and bends. The hardware is finished in nickel to maintain the vintage aesthetic.

Sound Character

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar is noted for its impeccable clarity and vintage voicing. The Fender-Designed pickups are voiced to ensure that every nuance of the player's technique is captured with 'bite' and definition. When using the lead circuit, the tone is percussive and bright, whereas the rhythm circuit offers a darker, mellower sound suitable for jazz or smooth lead lines.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is suited for guitarists seeking vintage Fender aesthetics and functionality without the premium cost of American-made models. While it shares the offset body shape of models like the Kurt Cobain Jaguar, it remains closer to the original 1970s specification rather than a modified signature variant. It offers a more complex control set than a standard Stratocaster or Telecaster, making it ideal for experimental players or those who require multiple distinct preset tones on a single instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar?: The guitar is equipped with a set of Fender-Designed single-coil alnico pickups. These are voiced to provide a vintage sound with significant bite and clarity.
How does the dual-circuit wiring work?: The guitar features separate Lead and Rhythm circuits. The Lead circuit uses the lower switches for pickup selection, while the Rhythm circuit uses the upper horn switch to activate only the neck pickup with dedicated thumbwheel volume and tone controls.
What type of bridge does this model have?: It features a non-locking floating vibrato bridge. This allows for smooth pitch bending and is a key component of the traditional Jaguar aesthetic and functionality.
Is the Surf Green finish historically accurate?: Yes, Surf Green is a classic Fender colour that was popular during the era this guitar seeks to recreate. It is a signature part of the '70s vintage styling of this Classic Vibe model.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical retail price range for this specific Squier model is approximately £399. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does this compare to the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar?: The Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar follows a traditional single-coil layout with vintage-style hardware. The Kurt Cobain model features humbucking pickups and different control configurations, making the Classic Vibe more suited for traditional '60s and '70s tones.
Can I get a wide variety of sounds from this guitar?: Yes, the combination of the two circuits, individual pickup switches, and the 'strangle' (bass cut) switch allows for a vast array of tonal textures ranging from dark and jazzy to bright and piercing.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While the controls are more complex than a standard guitar, the shorter scale length and comfortable offset body make it very playable. It is a high-quality instrument that a beginner could use for many years.
What is the scale length of the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar?: The Jaguar traditionally uses a 24-inch scale length. This is shorter than the 25.5-inch scale found on Stratocasters, resulting in lower string tension and a unique feel.
What kind of hardware does it have?: It features nickel-plated hardware, including vintage-style tuning machines and a floating tremolo system. The hardware is chosen to elevate the instrument's vintage styling.
What is the 'strangle switch'?: The strangle switch is the third slider on the lower control plate. When activated, it cuts the low-end frequencies, giving the guitar a thinner, more cutting tone that excels in dense mixes.
How does the build quality compare to other Squier series?: The Classic Vibe series is generally considered the top-tier of Squier production. It offers better pickups, hardware, and finishes than the Affinity or Sonic series, closely mimicking the specs of vintage Fender instruments.