The best value for money guitar I own

This review is of a 2018 Classic Vibe '50s with a two-tone sunburst alder body produced in the China Grand Reward factory. Specifications vary from the successor crafted in Indonesia.

This version of the long running Classic Vibe '50s series is quite simply excellent value for money.

In the absence of a Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster to compare Fender Mexico to Squier China Grand Reward, the closest comparison I can make is with my Fender Classic Player Baja Telecaster, which was pitched at the higher prices accompanying the Fender decal on made in Mexico models.

The Stratocaster body appears to be made of four pieces of unspecified alder, which is the same number of pieces as the ash bodied Baja Telecaster. The four pieces are fairly well matched in terms of grain and finish and do not stand out.

In terms of the quality control and feeling in the hand, the Squier feels at least as good to me, if not better, than the Mexican Fender. You could honestly change the decal and convince me that the Classic Vibe is part of the made in Mexico Classic Series.

Forums report that the stock AlNiCo III pickups are very similar to the Tonerider Surfari TRS5 AlNiCo III set (possibly produced in the same factory). Surfari are voiced around the earliest ash bodied Stratocaster pickups (starting in 1954). Literally the only tweak I ever contemplate would to be add some more zing and trebly bite (more associated with AlNiCo V pickups) - that would have perhaps put the rating up to five stars.

Aside from the decal, the more critical traditionalist may note that the guitar does not attempt to be a particular year but to instead impart the vibe of '50s models by mixing elements of earliest AlNiCo III pickups (from 1954, changing to V by late 1956 ), with alder body (from mid-1956), a post late-1956 "butterfly" style string tree (a conspicuous difference from the round string retainer of this model's crafted in Indonesia nyatoh bodied successor), and the convenience of a modern fingerboard radius and frets.

It could have said Fender instead of Squier on the headstock and many may not have been any the wiser. An amazing instrument for the price.

From Gear Setup

very good for the price

an awesome guitar for the price, it has a very good tone and the neck is very comfortable

Great guitar for the money

One of the best strat style guitars for under $1000. If you're after a classic style strat go for this.

the feel, tone, and the quality is hard to beat for the price.

Best bang for the buck!

I was seriously considering a Fender Vintera 50s Strat, but read a review of the CVs and ordered one. It has just as much punch as a Mexican Strat. The Alnicos are a nice touch. Real solid.

I. Love. This. Guitar.

I love the feel of this guitar, and it really captures the Strat sound. A little bit of leveling/polishing of the threats and it's an absolutely insane guitar for the price

Excellent.

Great feel. Great sound. Great playability. I probably don’t need another strat. This is so good.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Great guitar for the price.

I really dig this guitar, it's just as good as the mexican strats if not better. The glossy neck was a bit of problem so I sanded it down (which took a long time because the lacquer is really thick). Also, the trem broke off pretty early on but that might be my fault. The sound is awesome, pretty bright but with nice lows.

Solid Electric Guitar For The Price

I don't play electric guitar as often as I play acoustic. However, when I do pick up an electric, I tend to pick up this one. Obviously, this isn't quite as good as a Standard Fender Strat, but this guitar has a great tone range for the price.

great sound, nicely built and of course... cheap

i bought it second hand for 280€ and the neck feels right, tuning is surprisingly stable and sounds like a beast, i couldn't ask for more.

Modifications:

Purchased 2012. Fiesta Red, Warmoth 3-ply Mint Green pickguard, Lace Holy Grail (normal) in bridge, Ernie Ball Slinkys (.009)