So, you’re checking out the Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster, huh? Maybe you’ve been scrolling through gear forums, or you’re just sick of your basic Strat and want something a little more… offset.
TL;DR – this Jazzmaster is mostly awesome. I bought it for myself and I can 100% recommend it.
But there are w few things that could be better. Scroll down to learn more and hear my sound demo!
About This Squier
Alright, so let’s start with the basics. The Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is part of Fender’s Classic Vibe series, which basically says, “Hey, you want vintage? We got you—without that $2,000 price tag.”
It looks the part, plays (almost) like it, and won’t force you to live off ramen for the next six months. Win-win, right?
I bought the sunburst version, but it’s exactly the same as any other 60s version out there.
Build & Design
The body of this guitar? Poplar. Yup, you heard that right. Not mahogany, not alder—poplar. It’s kind of like the budget wood of the guitar world, but hey, at least it keeps the guitar lightweight. Your back will thank you.
And honestly, it still feels solid. The bolt-on neck is maple, and you get a fingerboard made of Indian laurel, which is kinda like rosewood’s less-fancy cousin. You’ve also got those cool pearloid dots on the fretboard. Sure, they’re not abalone, but we’re not here for luxury, right? 😉
Now, the neck profile is a comfy C-shape, which, IMO, feels perfect for most players. It’s not gonna cramp your hand, and the 9.5-inch fingerboard radius is pretty standard, meaning you won’t feel like you’re playing a baseball bat.
The 25.5-inch scale length is typical Fender, giving you that bright sound and tension that’s great for bends.
The headstock? Classic Jazzmaster. That long, oversized, slightly awkward vibe. You either love it or hate it.
Hardware & Pickups
Here’s where it gets interesting. You get Fender-designed Alnico single-coils, and lemme tell you—they’re no joke. They’re not Fender Custom Shop quality or anything, but for a Squier?
You’re getting pretty damn close to that signature Jazzmaster tone. Think: bright cleans, jangly chords, and a little bit of that surf-rock magic. If you’re looking to play metal, though… well, why are you even looking at a Jazzmaster? Just saying 😉 These are NOT P90s.
For controls, you get the typical lead circuit with two volume controls (neck and bridge), and a master tone knob. Then there’s the rhythm circuit for when you wanna get all jazzy and mellow.
It’s got those two little thumbwheels to control neck volume and tone. It takes some getting used to, but once you figure it out, it’s pretty fun to mess with. And of course, there’s the three-way toggle switch, because what’s a guitar without a toggle switch?
Oh, and let’s not forget the floating bridge with the Dynamic Vibrato Tailpiece Tremolo. That’s just fancy talk for “whammy bar.” Is it a bit finicky? Yeah, sure, but it’s part of the charm. If you’ve ever played a Jazzmaster before, you know the drill.
Setup & Playability
Okay, so here’s the part where I get a little picky. The setup out of the box? Eh… could be better. Like, unless you’re one of those „I’ll tweak everything myself” types (respect if you are), you might want to take this baby to a tech.
The action was a bit high for my liking, and the intonation? Well, let’s just say it needed some love. But that’s kinda par for the course with budget guitars, right? If you’re expecting perfection straight out of the box, you might be disappointed. But if you’re cool with a bit of tinkering? You’ll be fine.
Oh, and no case included. Shocker. Better budget for that unless you’re planning to carry this thing around wrapped in a towel.
Specs (For All You Nerds)
- Body: Poplar (Yeah, poplar… I know, right?)
- Neck: Bolt-on maple
- Fingerboard: Indian laurel with pearloid dots
- Neck Profile: C-shape (super comfy)
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 inches
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Frets: 22 narrow tall
- Pickups: 2 Fender-designed Alnico single coils
- Bridge: Floating bridge with dynamic vibrato (fancy tremolo)
- Controls: Lead and rhythm circuits, 3-way toggle, thumbwheel for neck volume and tone
- Hardware: Nickel (looks vintage, no complaints)
- Strings: .009-.042 (decent out of the box, but upgrade if you like beefier strings)
What I Didn’t Like
Alright, time for the “cons” section—let’s keep it real.
Setup Issues
Straight up, the factory setup? Not great. The action was too high, and the intonation was off. If you’re new to guitars, this might throw you for a loop.
If you’ve got a bit of experience, it’s no big deal. But still, having to get your guitar setup right after buying it can be annoying. It’s not like you want to run to the guitar tech right after unboxing it, right?
Not a deal-breaker though.
No Case Included (Shocker!)
Are we surprised that there’s no case included? Nope. I feel like this is Guitar Marketing 101: Give ‘em the guitar, but make ‘em buy the case. And while we’re at it, maybe throw in a set of strings because you’ll probably want to upgrade those, too.
A Bit Lightweight?
The poplar body means the guitar’s a little lighter than your typical Jazzmaster, and while some folks might love that (hello, long gigs), I kind of missed the heft of a good old alder body. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you like your guitars to feel like they’ve got some “weight” to them, this one might feel a little… light.
My Sound Demo
Let’s talk tone. You’re not gonna buy a Jazzmaster for shredding metal riffs (if you are, I have questions…). This thing’s all about those bright cleans and smooth, vintage vibes.
You can watch my full demo on my channel Best Guitars Now (and if you’re from Poland, head to my second channel called Strefa Gitar).
Here’s the vid (it’s an old video so plz don’t judge my YouTube skills haha):
My Overall Rating
Alright, let’s get to the verdict. In my opinion (IMO), the Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is a solid 8/10.
What I Loved:
- Great vintage vibe without spending a fortune
- Fender-designed pickups sound killer for the price
- Comfortable neck and easy playability
- Affordable, especially compared to the real-deal Fender Jazzmaster
What I Didn’t:
- Setup could be better out of the box
- No case (c’mon, Squier, throw us a bone here)
- Lightweight feel might not be for everyone
Other Cool Offsets to Consider
If you’re in love with the offset shape but maybe not sold on the Jazzmaster, don’t sweat it. You’ve got options.
Squier CV Mustang (or Jaguar)
The Squier CV Mustang and Jaguar are pretty similar, but each has its own quirks. The Mustang is short-scale, so it’s easier to play if you have smaller hands (or just like less string tension). The Jaguar gives you more of that punchy, treble-heavy tone.
Squier Affinity Jazzmasters
If you’re really pinching pennies, check out the Squier Affinity Jazzmasters. They’re cheaper, though you might have to sacrifice some of the vintage aesthetics and tone. But hey, they still get the job done for way less.
I tested the version with two humbuckers and honestly it was pretty awesome!
Fender Vintera II Jazzmaster
If you’re ready to spend more, the Fender Vintera Jazzmaster is a step up. More vintage specs, better build quality, and just a bit more of everything. But, of course, it’ll cost ya.
For more gear recommendations, have a look on my list of five best offsets.
FAQ
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers (probably).
1. Is the Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster good for beginners?
For sure! It’s affordable, and with a bit of setup work, it’s really easy to play.
2. Does it come with a case?
Haha, nope! You’ll have to get that separately.
3. Can I play metal with it?
I mean, you can, but it’s not really built for that. Add a pedal or two, though, and you might get close.
4. Is it gig-worthy?
Absolutely. Once you get the setup right, this thing holds its own.
5. Can I upgrade the pickups?
Sure thing. If you want to get closer to that Fender Jazzmaster tone, swapping out the pickups is a common mod.
6. How durable is the hardware?
The nickel hardware should hold up fine, especially if you’re not abusing it. But hey, it’s still a budget guitar, so don’t expect gold-plated unicorn hardware.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster is a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking to get that Jazzmaster look and sound without going broke.
Sure, you might have to put in a bit of work with the setup, and the lack of a case is a bummer, but overall? It’s a steal for what it offers.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking for a backup, this guitar gets the job done—without making you cry over your bank statement. And really, what more could you ask for?
