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Does Fender’s Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Deliver the Goods?

(4.3)

The Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Guitar is synonymous with classic guitar designs in the United States. In fact, when many people picture classic rock guitars, they’re imagining the iconic Telecaster.

If you’re looking to travel back in time with your musical talent, this is one of your best options.

As a guitar manufacturer, Fender is one of the most prominent companies on the planet. While this model isn’t the cheapest on the market, it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous in design.

It’s also much less expensive than some other high-end alternatives and custom shop models.

With plenty of features and performance benefits included, it’s hard to say no to this guitar if it’s within your budget. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster to find out whether it’s a yes for you in particular.

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Classic 50’s Design

If you appreciate classically designed guitars with historical significance, you can’t go wrong with the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster. This design is known around the world for its famous appearance and retro-look.

Many of the world’s most famous guitarists played telecasters – including Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards. This economical and very practical guitar design comes with plenty of history attached to it.

A Wide Range of Included Features

While the modern Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster isn’t exactly the same as the classic design from decades past in small details. It has plenty of traditional features including a master volume and master tone controls, as well as two custom single-coil Tele pickups.

• Maple neck, “C” profile
• Pine body; gloss polyurethane finish
• Maple fingerboard, 9.5″ radius with dot inlays
• 25.5″ scale length, 21 Narrow Tall frets
• 3-way pickup selector; master Volume and Tone controls
• 3-saddle string-through-body bridge
• 1.65″ wide nut (now bone)
• Vintage-style tuners

In short, this guitar is built to perform every bit as well as its predecessor.

Check Classic Vibe Tele Availability Here! >>

Two-Year Warranty – One of the Best in the Industry

Protecting your guitar from malfunctions or design defects is an essential part of being a musician, plus it’s peace of mind. If you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars on a guitar, you need to ensure it’s as protected as possible against defects. Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing your guitar out of pocket.

New instruments can be particularly prone to changes in climate, often having to “weather” seasonal changes until they become stable. If a guitar is going to have problems, it’s within the first year and change that they’ll pop up.

With Fender, you’ll find a two-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing issues related to your guitar. Considering the nature of wood and it’s unpredictable stability as such, this is a very good thing.

This warranty is better than the industry standard – many major guitar companies only provide a one-year warranty. If you want a company that backs its own products, Fender is a good option.

Variations to Choose From

Find great deals on your favorite gear at Sweetwater.com >>

How Does the Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Sound?

The sound quality of the Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Electric Guitar is unmistakably high-quality. With a full and powerful sound output, this guitar is capable of performing at home or at gigs.

One of the first places a manufacturer will cut costs is in the electronics. Not so in this case, we’ve found the pickups to sound remarkably close to the original design from decades ago producing a tone that is exceptionally on par with classic Tele tone.

If anything, the support controls – the pots and output jack specifically would be a worthy upgrade.

You may also decide to replace the thick pickguard with a thinner, period-correct piece as well. While having nothing to do with the sound quality, it certainly represents better. Plus if it looks that much better, you feel better about it too.

While the amplifier you purchase will impact the quality of sound, you can count on this guitar to provide high-quality tone and reliability as is.

What’s the Classic Vibe Telecaster Build Quality Like?

There’s no doubt that the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation – FMIC – has one of the best reputations on the market. In fact, Fender might be the most famous electric guitar manufacturer on earth. Their status is aided by their steadfast commitment to creating great guitar products that last.

The Squier guitar is thoughtfully made using a selected resonant pine body (like the original Esquire), 1-piece comfortable “C” shape maple neck, a traditional bridge with brass barrel saddles, and a signature single coil pickup configuration that’s simple to use and service.

There’s a reason this design continues to remain popular over 60 years after its inception – it lasts.

Playability is great. Strung with 9-42 gauge strings out of the box, it’s easy to play and work through the control settings. Only two small complaints here:

1. The pots feel a little tight in their rotation which could slow you down should you want to make lightning fast changes, and
2. The finish on the fretboard in combination with the medium frets reduces the perceived fret height a touch.

Though the fretwork itself is impeccable and nicely finished, you might find you have apply a little more effort to get those big bends.

Squier Classic 50’s Tele UPDATE:

In January of 2020, we had a most recent Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster production model come in for a setup. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the frets were taller – .043″ in height vs the previous .034″. This allowed for a much more playable guitar when bending notes, plus the notes themselves range a bit more true.

The other surprise was the use of a more traditional bone nut rather than the synthetic material – nice! Overall, these two improvements really help to push the guitar further into the realm of superior value for money.

Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster in Review: Key Points

What Do Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Players Think? >>

Find great deals on Squier guitars at Sweetwater.com! >>

Our Verdict: Is the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster a Good Deal or Not?

Should you say “yes” to the Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster?

Whether you’re a new guitarist or a seasoned veteran, you’re sure to find great value in the Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Guitar.

Out of the box, this guitar has all the functionality you’ll need to perform in front of a large crowd or jam out at home while likewise boasting a solid warranty to back it up.

With a few modest upgrades, particularly in the supportive electronics, you can have a guitar that competes with instruments worth hundreds of dollars more. Now that’s getting your money’s worth!

If you’re really looking to go upmarket, there are better options available, but purchasing a Squier gives you a great guitar with a significant history and a killer traditional look to boot.

Check Today's Squier Classic 50's Telecaster Price! >>

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The post Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster Review (Fender’s Best Value?) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

On a budget and need a decent acoustic guitar with electronics? Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best acoustic-electric guitar under $300.

We hope you find this article helpful and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do, thank you so much!

What Are The Best Electric-Acoustic Guitars Under $300?

Inexpensive Acoustic-Electric Guitars at a glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best ValueGlen Burton GA204BCO Acoustic Electric Guitar		(4.2)	$$
#2 Best Branded KitFender FA-125CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar		(4.6)	$$$
#3 Best Premium BundleEpiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package		(4.3)	$$$

Contents

Top Three Acoustic-Electric Guitars on a Budget:  Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
1. Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar
2. Fender FA-135CE Cutaway Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar
3. Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package
Compare featured inexpensive acoustic-electric models
What is an acoustic electric guitar?
Final Words on Cheap Electric-Acoustic Guitars
EDITOR’S PICK

If you love the sound of an acoustic guitar and want to amplify it without using mics, it is possible with an acoustic electric guitar. You also don’t have to spend to find the best acoustic-electric guitar under $300 that fits your budget.

Let’s have a look at our top picks for budget friendly instruments:

Top Three Acoustic-Electric Guitars on a Budget

1. Best Cheap Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300: Glen Burton GA204BCO Acoustic Electric

Glen Burton GA204BCO Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

The Glen Burton GA204BCO Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar is the best acoustic electric guitar under $300 for beginners looking into buying all that they will need to play the guitar.

Aside from the guitar itself, the purchase also includes several accessories such as a guitar strap, picks, guitar strings, battery, tuner, amp cord, 10-watt amp, and a gig bag. The guitar features a cutaway to make it more comfortable to reach the frets.

The body of the guitar has a flame top and basswood back and sides. This provides that good acoustic sound. For the electrical part, it has an active 4-band 7545 EQ and a battery-operated preamp. This guitar is available in black or a natural color and has a smooth finish.

Glen Burton Key Features

• The guitar body has a flame top and basswood for the back and sides
• The neck and bridge are both made of catalpa while the fingerboard is made of rosewood
• The gear tuners are sealed and it makes use of a steel strings
• The package includes the strings, guitar bag, 10 watt amp, truss rod, strap, picks and a digital tuner

Glen Burton Acoustic Electric Guitar in Review

Pros

• It includes an amp that you can use to practice playing the guitar
• It comes at a very affordable price
• It is available in black or a natural color
• The guitar has a preamp, which enables the sound to be amplified even before it goes to the amplifier where it is further amplified

Cons

• Needs to be set up to for it to sound well. This can be done by more experienced guitar players or by a guitar store when players are still beginners
• Strings may need to be replaced for those of a better quality

What do Glen Burton Acoustic-Electric Guitar Owners think? >>

2. Best Branded Kit: Fender FA-125CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Fender FA-125CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Fender FA-125CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a fine branded acoustic guitar you can play plugged or unplugged.

This Fender acoustic has a strong laminated spruce top that helps provide a clean and punchy sound, and will take extra abuse which is great for lead guitars. It comes with die-cast sealed tuners that enable players to tune the guitar precisely and keep it stable.

The electronics in the guitar are by Fishman, a very well known company. The controls are easy to use, and accurately reproduce the instrument’s natural voice for a guitar that was made to take the stage should you choose to do so.

Beginners and developing players alike will appreciate the comfortable nato neck that gives the guitar a lively tone and smooth, easy playing feel.

As a standalone unit, and considering it comes with a super protective hardcase, this is the best branded acoustic-electric guitar kit under $300.

Fender FA-125CE Key Features

• Highly affordable dreadnought acoustic-electric cutaway that is great for beginners
• Laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides produce great tone
• Nato, C-shaped neck with walnut fingerboard offers great playability
• Visually stunning Viking bridge provides great tonal support
• Fishman electronics provide solid amplified acoustic tone

Fender FA-125CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Review

Pros

• Quality is good as the parent company name demands better standards
• Includes a free Fender Play trial subscription
• Comes with a hardshell case for excellent protection

Cons

• Doesn’t come with an amp
• May need a setup to realize full playability

What Are Fender FA-125CE Cutaway Guitar Owners Saying? >>

3. Best Premium Bundle: Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package

Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package

The Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Guitar Player Package offers great value for its price. It comes with additional accessories that beginners and more experienced players will love.

Additional accessories include a guitar bag, amp, cord, strap, picks, instructional DVD, tuner and strings.

The Epiphone branded guitar itself comes in a great shape and size that’s comfortable for players both beginners and more intermediate players alike. Made to withstand great use, and is made with a mahogany body and spruce top.

The hardware is chrome for it to withstand use. This is the best acoustic electric guitar under $300 that has a passive piezo pickup with volume control.

Epiphone PR-4E Key Features

• Package comes with various accessories including a guitar bag, strap, chord, picks, tuner, strings, instructional DVD and amp
• Can be configured to fit different game consoles such as a PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 or Xbox One
• The body is made from mahogany and spruce while the neck is made from mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard
• It has chrome machined heads that look great and are durable too
• It has a passive piezo pickup

Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Player Package in Review

Pros

• The cutaway style of the guitar enables players to easily reach the frets past the neck-body joint
• The included Epiphone 10-watt amp provides more than enough customization including gain, treble, volume, mid, bass and a boost switch
• It comes with a tuner that is easy to use.

Cons

• Players may experience fret buzz when it is not properly set up. More experienced players can set it up on their own while beginners would have to bring it to their local guitar shop
• Strings are not the best quality and should be replaced to achieve a better sound

Are Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Customers Happy? >>

Compare these featured affordable acoustic-electric guitars:

Overall Best Value

Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Acoustic Electric Cutaway...

Best Branded Kit

Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway...

Best Premium Bundle

Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Guitar Player...

What is an acoustic electric guitar?

An acoustic electric guitar is a hybrid of an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. Essentially, it sounds just like an acoustic guitar when it is unplugged but it is also fitted with a pickup or microphone inside so that its sound will be amplified and be loud enough for a bigger area.

“Piezo pickups”, which can be cost effective, are mostly used to make sure that the sound produced still sounds like an acoustic guitar, but just louder and clear.

Most of these guitars also have preamps to help boost the sound even before the amplifier does its job. Some also have an equalizer for players to alter the sound to their preference.

Many guitar players choose an acoustic electric guitar for its advantages, one of which is that the acoustic guitar is easily amplified by just plugging it in.

You won’t need a mic and a stand manually placed in front of the sound hole of the guitar. Your playing and the music you create is heard easily when plugged into the additional amplification.

Another advantage is the broader range of performance situations it allows. You can certainly play it as an acoustic guitar for more intimate jamming sessions where volume may need to be minimum, or you can plug it in when you need to be heard in a larger environment.

The sound and tone produced can also be altered, depending on the electronics that are fitted in the guitar, to better suite the atmosphere.

Final Words on Cheap Electric-Acoustic Guitars Under $300

In our opinion, the Glen Burton Acoustic-Electric Guitar Pack qualifies as the best acoustic electric guitar under $300 of our choices. That includes not only the guitar – and an amp, but also other accessories that will be useful for beginners and more advanced players alike.

If you only have $300 as your budget for an acoustic electric guitar, you can certainly find one that you can practice on and make beautiful music with.

With proper setup and tuning, this guitar makes an excellent start for a player to help you learn and improve your skills.

EDITOR’S PICK

Glen Burton Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar

Check Glen Burton Acoustic-Electric Availability! >>

• Build Quality
• Sound Quality
• Value Factor

4.2

Summary

Overall Score:

The post Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300 (Quick Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.