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

The guitar is equipped with Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickups in both the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to deliver vintage-style tones with more power than standard single-coils.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a maple neck with a 'C' shaped profile. This shape is intended to be comfortable for a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.

How does the sound differ from a standard Telecaster?

While a standard Telecaster uses two single-coil pickups for a 'twangy' sound, the Deluxe uses humbuckers for a thicker, warmer tone. This makes it better suited for high-gain rock and blues.

What is the fretboard material?

The fretboard is made of maple. This material is known for its bright tonal response and smooth playing surface.

What genres is this guitar suitable for?

The manufacturer states it is highly adaptable and suitable for rock, blues, funk, and many other genres. Its humbucking pickups provide the versatility needed for various musical styles.

What is the typical price range for this Squier model?

The guitar typically retails for approximately £419. This places it in the mid-range category for Squier electric guitars.

Does it have the same headstock as a standard Telecaster?

No, this model features the larger 1970s-style headstock typically found on Stratocasters of that era. This is a period-correct feature for the '70s Deluxe design.

How many controls does the '70s Telecaster Deluxe have?

It features a four-knob layout, allowing for individual volume and tone control for each of the two humbucking pickups. This offers more precise tone moulding than a standard two-knob Telecaster.

What finish options are available for this specific model?

This specific version is finished in Olympic White. It is a classic Fender colour that complements the vintage 1970s aesthetic.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, while it is high enough quality for intermediate players, its comfortable 'C' neck and versatile pickups make it an excellent choice for beginners who want a reliable first instrument.

How does the Classic Vibe series compare to the Squier Affinity series?

The Classic Vibe series is generally considered a higher tier than the Affinity series. It features better electronics, such as the Fender-designed pickups, and more period-accurate hardware and finishes.

Can the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe handle heavy distortion?

Yes, the Wide Range humbuckers are designed to handle higher gain levels better than single-coil pickups. This makes it a popular choice for classic rock and heavier blues styles.

Gear article

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe is an electric guitar that recreates the aesthetics and tonal characteristics of Fender's humbucker-equipped 1970s models. It features Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickups and a traditional maple neck construction, catering to players seeking vintage rock and blues tones within an accessible price bracket.

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Background and History

The Squier Classic Vibe series was developed to offer period-correct designs inspired by specific decades of Fender's history. This '70s Telecaster Deluxe model pays homage to the era when Fender first introduced humbucking pickups to the Telecaster platform to compete with the thicker sounds associated with Gibson guitars. By utilising Fender-designed components, the Classic Vibe line bridges the gap between entry-level instruments and professional Fender American series models.

Design and Construction

This model is distinguished by its 'large' Stratocaster-style headstock and the expansive pickguard that houses two humbuckers and a four-knob control layout. The neck is crafted from maple with a comfortable 'C' profile, designed to facilitate smooth movement across fret positions. The Olympic White finish provides a classic aesthetic that aligns with the vintage theme of the Classic Vibe range.

Electronics and Sound

The core of the instrument's sound lies in its Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickups. Unlike traditional single-coil Telecasters, these pickups provide a fuller, more powerful output with significant 'bite' and character. The maple fretboard contributes to the overall resonance, offering a bright, punchy response that suits a variety of genres including rock, blues, and funk.

Target Audience

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe is suited for intermediate players or professionals seeking a reliable secondary instrument. Its versatility makes it an appropriate choice for guitarists who need to cover multiple genres but prefer the ergonomic feel of a Telecaster. Because it offers a different tonal palette than a standard single-coil guitar, it is often favoured by those who require more gain and sustain.

Market Comparisons

Within the Squier and Fender catalogue, this model serves as a mid-tier alternative to premium models like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the specialised Jim Root Telecaster. While it lacks the high-end hardware of a Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic, it offers a similar vintage-inspired experience at a fraction of the cost. It competes with other traditional designs such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s by providing a humbucker-driven sound but with the longer scale length and bolt-on neck characteristic of Fender designs.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe?: The guitar is equipped with Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickups in both the neck and bridge positions. These are designed to deliver vintage-style tones with more power than standard single-coils.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a maple neck with a 'C' shaped profile. This shape is intended to be comfortable for a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.
How does the sound differ from a standard Telecaster?: While a standard Telecaster uses two single-coil pickups for a 'twangy' sound, the Deluxe uses humbuckers for a thicker, warmer tone. This makes it better suited for high-gain rock and blues.
What is the fretboard material?: The fretboard is made of maple. This material is known for its bright tonal response and smooth playing surface.
What genres is this guitar suitable for?: The manufacturer states it is highly adaptable and suitable for rock, blues, funk, and many other genres. Its humbucking pickups provide the versatility needed for various musical styles.
What is the typical price range for this Squier model?: The guitar typically retails for approximately £419. This places it in the mid-range category for Squier electric guitars.
Does it have the same headstock as a standard Telecaster?: No, this model features the larger 1970s-style headstock typically found on Stratocasters of that era. This is a period-correct feature for the '70s Deluxe design.
How many controls does the '70s Telecaster Deluxe have?: It features a four-knob layout, allowing for individual volume and tone control for each of the two humbucking pickups. This offers more precise tone moulding than a standard two-knob Telecaster.
What finish options are available for this specific model?: This specific version is finished in Olympic White. It is a classic Fender colour that complements the vintage 1970s aesthetic.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, while it is high enough quality for intermediate players, its comfortable 'C' neck and versatile pickups make it an excellent choice for beginners who want a reliable first instrument.
How does the Classic Vibe series compare to the Squier Affinity series?: The Classic Vibe series is generally considered a higher tier than the Affinity series. It features better electronics, such as the Fender-designed pickups, and more period-accurate hardware and finishes.
Can the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Deluxe handle heavy distortion?: Yes, the Wide Range humbuckers are designed to handle higher gain levels better than single-coil pickups. This makes it a popular choice for classic rock and heavier blues styles.