My first guitar was a Squier. My dad surprised me with it on my 16th birthday back in 1996. It was the first year Squier was made in China. We were dirt poor when I grew up, so seeing that shiny red beauty quite frankly shocked me. Now I knew why dad worked all those overtime shifts leading up to my birthday. Now, 26 years later, that Squier hangs on my wall and still gets played. Almost as much as my les pauls. From the day that Squier hit my hands I learned a valuable lesson: The name on the headstock does. not. matter. You know a good guitar by how it feels in your hands.

@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040

11 ай бұрын

Bro, your dad did overtime for it. This alone makes it a keeper. Many of us have no father, let alone the one who'd work overtime to treat his son to his very own new Strat. Dave Simpson talks about the same reasons to keep his imperfect cherry burst Epiphone LP. Not for sale.

@facepalmdaily4404

11 ай бұрын

@@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040 Oh for sure. That guitar will stay in the family. One day my son is going to take it, along with the story of where it came from. I 100% acknowledge how lucky I was growing up with a dad. Now my mission is to pass that same luck on to my own son. Fortunately, through college and my music I've been able to scrape out of poverty and provide my son more than I had as a child..... and it's all thanks to a good man and a cheap guitar.

@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040

11 ай бұрын

@@facepalmdaily4404 😭

@user-ky3gm3gq2n

9 ай бұрын

@@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040 I'll be your father

In August 1983 (yep 39 years ago) I went to Denmark St with some of my saved up wages from my first year of work. I left with a Squier JV 62 Strat. I still have it. I absolutely love it

@jochem420

Жыл бұрын

Never sell it! I came close to selling my first guitar (i bought 12 years ago), but instead decided to upgrade it with new hardware and a paint job. In the end its probably not worth the money, but I love that thing

@jazznotes3802

Жыл бұрын

Those 80’s JV Squier’s were the very best made. Just got myself one of the new “Fender JV 70’s Modified Strat’s,” cost just over £1000 and it’s incredible.

@CMHobbies

Жыл бұрын

My first guitar was a Squier strat bought by me after helping build a fence over part of a summer. 23 years later, nothing but the body is original (neck bowed beyond repair), but now it’s better than ever and has a vintage fender neck on it. It’s awesome!

@Stelly669

Жыл бұрын

My 80's mij Hendrix Strat could not be any better it's amazing

@Furtheronmusic

Жыл бұрын

@fastguitar sadly I did bin the original electrics. Hey ho, firstly for EMGs I'm the late 80s, then in the 90s for usa American Standard loaded pick guard (with the tbx tone control). However in my mind I'm looking to change it to something more 60s like maybe Fralins or Montys etc

I've owned a ton of Squiers over the years because they're affordable and they're quality... the latter increasing all the time. Cheap guitars have gotten really good in recent years and I think Squier has really led the way on that. They make good stuff for regular musicians and prove you don't have to drain your savings in order to play a good guitar

@JeighNeither

Жыл бұрын

You don't have to buy Chinese made guitars to avoid draining your savings either... My Fender MIM cost just $599 in 2020, & the extra $100 I spent for a MIM guitar is worth it for me personally because it supports the 'local economy" (I know, it's a stretch to call N. America local) & keeps manufacturing $'s out of the CCP's hands. When it comes to the tool I express myself with, that kinda shit matter to me.

@philroodart

Жыл бұрын

@@JeighNeither That is true... I have a MIM Telecaster that's the best guitar I've ever owned. I wasn't trying to say Squier is the only route for affordable quality, just saying that Squier is a great value for what you spend. But yes, the Mexican Fenders are amazing, as are many Epiphones, and Gretsch also has a great line of budget instruments. Lots of routes for affordable axes

@DJBuglip

Жыл бұрын

I've got a great little red strat that's about to get a complete refinish.

@gonebymidnight2881

Жыл бұрын

MIM Fenders are very overpriced outside the US and their quality is not up to what other brands are putting out.

@philroodart

Жыл бұрын

@@gonebymidnight2881 That's really interesting... in the States you can often find MIM Strats and Teles for just 1-200 more than the higher end Squiers. I believe some eras of MIMs were made with American Fender parts so they're essentially the same quality parts, just assembled in Mexico... I know those are specific instances and circumstances, but as a whole, I've always regarded MIMs as really great guitars

All in the fingers. Some guitars have real character, from the moment you first hear them, some dont. But a competent player with tone, passion and feel can make any instrument sound good. Chris being an example for one and Steve Rothery being another.

I’m glad you mentioned Jack Pearson . If there was ever an example of putting the WORK to make you sound good over the price tag of your instrument, it’s Jack Pearson.

I bought a MIJ Squire strat in about 1984-5. Played it on hundreds and hundreds of gigs. I still have it. Never changed the pickups.

@sparks2spare782

Ай бұрын

I have an SQ Strat from that time and the pickups are magical.

These friday fretworks videos are always so well-made; thanks for putting the time in to put these info pieces together.

Hi chris, at the moment you are my favourite guitarist, I love your way of making the guitar live and every day I strive to become like you, my greatest aspiration

Jack Pearson ...enough said !!! Smashing guitars , way better than the crap that some of our hero's begun with !!! We are spoiled... now if only I could play like Chris.

I have two MiC Squiers, both are Classic Vibe 50s models, the Strat and Tele. I love them completely, total bang for your buck instruments and just super cool. I’ve heard so much snobbery about the Fender brand etc but every Squier experience I’ve had has been excellent.

My first guitar was a 57 Squier JV 2T sunburst Strat. That guitar will never leave me. I'll sell all the high end reissues first.

@fstopclick37

Жыл бұрын

That is exactly the same guitar I got around my 13th birthday back in 1984. I took the neck off about 30 years ago and remember it was either a 1982 or 1983 but can't remember! My local music shop had it from a customer that left it there on consignment. I don't think anything was done to it, but it has a cream colored tip to the whammy bar instead of white and a couple of screws that don't match the others around the pickguard. 🤔🧐

I bought a Fender Squier Stratocaster in 1984 and it plays and sounds as good today as then.

always, always! pleasure to watch your videos Chris. Your playing is outstanding , always pleases my ears and my soul! Hope to see you again in Ireland someday!

I love to hear you play! Thanks for the informative video.

Chris while listening to you my eyes were unconsciously roaming on your wall , found myself wondering where it was my favorite pic/cover ever .. was on your shirt!! Love love love Sinchronicity, instant BIG smile on my face mate. Keep your beautiful art ( and shirts) coming!

Good call on Squire, I have owned one and played many I am always quietly impressed by these beauties - the 'classic vibe' series is astounding value

It's always cool to hear those live jams! I've got my eyes on that Jazzmaster now 👀

That intro solo is one of the more inspiring things I’ve listened to. Crazy good!

Super sad over the loss of Jeff Beck yesterday. Listening to your opening solo I’m for the first time hearing the connections with how you vocalize on the guitar . Thank you for easing my melancholy with your brilliance. May you have a long road ahead of you Chris.

Glad to see Fridays back

Great chops & feel! I'm a Squier man myself so it's good to see them getting some recognition.

killer playing as always Chris. Love your work!

Super tasty playing & great tones Chris, nice one mate.

You´re a beautiful player. Great sound, technique and feeling.

Excellent video as always.Thank you!

That intro jam was the jam!! Amazing playing man.

Thanks for a great brief history of the Squire, which I never knew before.

I want a CD compilation of all your demo passages Chris!! Very classy playing indeed. Your info is always worth listening to.

chris what an amazing intro solo! studying it right now

Still jamming on my 2007 vintage modified squire. Love it!

I got my first Squier on Sunday, the 40th anniversary Telecaster, and am blown away at how good it feels and sounds.

I agree Chris. I got a brand new japanese Squier Bullet Strat in Hamburg, Germany, june 1984, I still play it here at home, in Lima Peru. I still love it. It is still perfect.

I say with a heavy heart after I've spent way too much on fenders from Japan and even one from California, Classic Vibe squiers are some of the best guitars you can buy. I have plenty of squiers I'd never sell for no amount of money.

@Havanorange

Жыл бұрын

It's hardly worthwhile selling Squiers. I nearly gave one away, accepting a low offer after listing it for sale at a low price for a few months.

Thank you for the great video! I love the way you play, it's really something special. Keep it up! :)

I bought my first squier a year ago, a squier 60's classic vibe, i absolutely love it. Sounds amazing and the quality is even better

@smokeless7774

Жыл бұрын

I have a classic vibe Telecaster and a Squier J Bass. Both are brilliant - my go to guitars.

You are so right Chris. I was 15 or so when they initially released, and most of us Fender American owners pretty much ignored them..now however, I own 2 of them..50s CV strat,and 50s CV Tele adjusted just how I like..

...especially that solo at the end. It’s electric. I still have goosebumps all over and it’s still playing in my head even though the video finished 10 min. ago. I had to come back and write this.

@PureJadeKid

Жыл бұрын

Holy cow I love odd time signature stuff.

@PureJadeKid

Жыл бұрын

Hard to count but I count 6/8 10/8 alternating or 6 + 6 + 4

@31hoursofficial

Жыл бұрын

it’s in 4/4 !

Squier and Ephiphone are often great guitars, and there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with playing them! My first guitar was an Epi LP, and it’s still a great guitar!

@78tag

Жыл бұрын

I get what you are saying and I agree that the "off brands" can be a great value but just saying "there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with playing them" is furthering the idea that it is okay to support the rape job guitar companies are putting on guitar enthusiasts. The guitar industry is a rip-off - but then again, what isn't these days? :)

@3Torts

Жыл бұрын

@@78tag ...Ain't the companies faults...

I own a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster in butterscotch blonde and I absolutely love it!

Great piece Chris 👍🏻

Peripheral Vision by Turnover has their frontman play a Squier for the entire album, and it's a phenomenal record. To me, this is the ultimate threshold of Squiers becoming cool.

@HasanibnSabah

Жыл бұрын

Watching the rig rundown with Turnover led me to get the J. Mascis Jazzmaster. It is fantastic.

@szymondudzinski6661

Жыл бұрын

@@HasanibnSabah i'm sure I will buy it one day. His amp did a lot of work for that buttery smooth tone tho

@Scamc1974

Жыл бұрын

@@HasanibnSabah The J. Mascis is probably one of my favorite guitars. It exceeded all expectations and beyond.

I bought a new Japanese Squire strat in 1983 as my 76 Les Paul was just feeling so heavy to gig with. It has seen a ton of use and still plays fantastic. Other than routine maintenance I have never needed to upgrade anything and it is still completely stock. Setup was perfect when I bought it. Plays better than most Fenders I have played. Still have both guitars, lots of dings from the road, but both great instruments.

From LeoM: Squier has really come around. The Contemporary Vibe models are every bit the guitars of my Fenders. There were several years where Squire made Strats with a 12 inch radius neck. I love the flat necks and have bought some just for the purpose of getting the necks to mount to other guitars. If you like a guitar, play it with pride, no matter what the snobs say.

@nedim_guitar

Жыл бұрын

Contemporary Vibe? I know of Classic Vibe. Did I miss something? I need to do a web search.

Thanks Chris!!

I recently got a burgundy mist (incredible color) humbucker Squier Strat and it quickly became my go-to gigging guitar over my Tele, SG, Revstar, a few others. It's just too much fun to put down.

This is a great piece Chris, thanks. I bought my first Squier in 1983 - a JV 62 sunburst strat which cost about £250. The quality was fantastic and I still own that guitar today. It is light in weight with quality electrics and hardware. The rosewood neck is perfect and better than many American strats I have owned over the years.

@seanc.5310

Жыл бұрын

It was the reverse in 1993 when I got my first guitar which was a Squier Strat and it was trash but I've played some decent ones in recent years.

The opening is beautiful.

thanks again Chris

Thanks Chris!

Excelent contribution....!

I bought a Squire 70's classic vibe and I love it.

Amazing playing brother!!

I own one Squier Strat Classic Vibe in LPB finish. I absolutely love it! The neck is incredible, the finish is perfect and I play it as often as my others Fender strats from US or Mexico! 👍🏻

What Alan Turing and the Tapes said! Your videos are well thought out and interesting. Thanks for your efforts.

Back in 2000 and friend of mine bought a Squire strat from musicians friends catalog I was at his house after he bought it and I picked it up to check it out, boy was I surprised, I couldn't believe how nicely it played.

Yep! I bought a second hand Squier Esquire made in Indonesia and the quality is outstanding in every way, remarkable instrument 👍❤️

Gosh, that playing. Wow.

Damn, that's some fine playing Chris.

your a class act Chris...in everything you do

Nice solo! Fascinating right hand panache! 😎👌

I have a classic vibe 60s strat. I have played Player strats that can't beat it. It has the most comfortable neck I've ever played on a guitar. And it still has the most lush tone to it. Love it.

Intro!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍

Love the outro playing.

Glad to see a Strat in your hands once more Chris 😌

The classic vibe are a great way to fill out a collection without spending a ton. I want a Jazzmaster and Jaguar just to have something different and will definitely get the Squiers

Great video as always. I have a 87 MIJ squier telecaster. I love that guitar. A guitar that I’ll never sell. Thank you.

⚓️ Thanks Chris 😎

I love the classic vibe squires they are very good quality.

Excellent playing tasteful ,emotional ,and the sound of the guitar and amp, excellent tone tasty liks. Thank you!

Well said, Chris👏Just completed my first project guitar using a Squier Tele. I upgraded everything on it, barring the wood and the bridge plate, for about the same price again as the guitar. The result more than holds its own against other "premium" brand guitars I own. Great "bones", as they say!

My friend has a black Japanese Squier strat from the old days I believe 1986-87. It is a great playing guitar. I own 4 Squiers I love them. Great video

Awesome truths video 👊💥😄

There are demos and there are DEMOS - - - some of the best guitar demos I've seen in years - not drenched in distortion or effects, just good old gain and damn good playing.

I just got the 40th anniversary Jazzmaster after watching your videos, I love how good it feels to play! Guitar center had a sale on it so I got it for an EXTRA steal, too! Can't put it down

I've owned several squires there great little guitars and excellent for modding up.

I have a Squier Stagemaster 7 and that thing was ahead of it’s time. Made in 2000 it had 7 strings, 24 frets, a reverse headstock, 2 excellent stock humbuckers, and some models came stock with a FR locking tremolo system.

Bought my first Squire Telecaster back in 1986 and just bought a new one a couple of years ago, love them for price, quality and seriously feel better to play than a real one.

I have a squire telecaster and I love it ,Francis Rossi liked it when he signed it for me .

Hey Chris, great video and I want to add that I own a Squier Bullet strat, Squier Bullet Mustang and a Squier Standard Tele with the last two being among the funnest and best sounding guitars I own. The Squier Standard Tele being a gem of a guitar, the neck pickup is amazing. People need to wake up to the fact that Squier are a great instrument.

My first guitar was a Squier bullet one made in '84 and I'm keeping it. It's definitely my go to guitar.

I could not agree more. Even the 2020+ Affinity guitars are amazing ( even if the pickups sound a bit bland) . I’ve got American and Mexican Fenders as well as Squier Strats and even Squier bullet telecasters. I gig with them all

Have a fiesta red CV 50s, and a 3ts CV 60s, and a black on black VM 70s. After I purchased my first 50s model I sold all my Fender models, and have never viewed them the same. What nice guitars newer Squiers are manufacturing. Love that new sonic blue anniversary strat Chris.

I'm a beginner. But in my early 50s. Wish i had started years ago. But now I'm hooked! I have to admit i was a bit reluctant to get a "cheaper" Squier and got a Mexican player strat and then my favorite Baja tele. Then i got a CV 60s jazz bass and from that point on I absolutely love Squiers. The CV series and the paranormal releases are simply great guitars. (Not just "for the money").

@castleanthrax1833

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad someone said it. Too many times you hear "they're great for the money". They're actually just great.

@USSLIBERTYREMEMBERER

Жыл бұрын

Bear in mind, the frets are still the same old ultra soft squier frets. They’re a slight improvement over vintage fender or rick frets, but still cheese compared to mexifenders

@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020

Жыл бұрын

Cool stuff man & good luck on your journey as a guitarist. You’re gonna love it. Rock on 🤘

@robraaiii

Жыл бұрын

I’m with you 100% Hard to beat the CVs. I’m 42 and started playing at 40 with a CV 70’s Strat. I love it…even more than the MIM Fender I later bought (That FAILED to be the Upgrade & Replacement Strat). Got a CV 50s Butterscotch Blonde Tele as well. Also Solid. I’ll have to check out the Paranormal, they do look cool as all hell. 👍🏻🤘

@castleanthrax1833

Жыл бұрын

@@robraaiii Yeah, I got a thinline paranormal and it's great. Quality tuners too.

Squier fan here. Excellent machines.

Oohhh sh*t you had me at the open, that was TASTY AF 🤯!

I have an Indonesian made vintage modified Squier Tele from around the mid 2000s and still love playing it.

My first strat was the 57 MIJ. Loved it

I have a JV Squire ‘52 Tele Export I bought in London in ‘83 - best electric I’ve owned.

Wonderful guitars. Wish I still had my 90s Squier.

that last solo...😲♥

I bought that Sonic Blue Strat because of you Chris! I really love it and it’s really well built. Can’t get my hands of it everyday.

My first guitar was a 86 MIJ Squier E serial. Superb playing guitar. I still have it 🙂

Got 5 teles mostly mim’s & 1custom shop & my 50s classic vibe is still my go to

I picked up a creme Squire tele for a song about 12 years ago. The maple neck is beautifully worn and it plays like a dream. Sounds every bit as good as a Fender.

Mt Squire 70's Classic Vibe in Natural is just an amazing instrument. Fit and finish is superb.

Can't wait to get my hands on a 40th Anniversary Squire Stratocaster Vintage Edition 😃

I'm actually a bass guitarist. I own just, and only Squier Classic Vibe basses (1 Precision bass made in China 2013; 1 Precision and 1 Jazz bass made in Indonesia 2021). I just can't tell how much I love these instruments. The ergonomics, the sound, the quality of the materials all of it. Beside I also have a Squier Vintage White Classic Vibe FSR Stratocaster. I'm not that good on electric guitar yet, but that strat gives me the motivation to practise more on it. Sometimes I just can't realize that some hours just passed when I'm playing it. It's also true for my basses. :)

@tompoynton

Жыл бұрын

I picked up the 70s P walnut bass last year and I absolutely love it! It definitely could do with a wee setup (But what guitar doesn’t out of the box?) but otherwise insanely good value

My first electric was an 80s Squier Super Strat..it ripped! I still have it though I don't play it live anymore. Cheers!

A Korean made Squire Strat was my first Fender, and still my fave guitar in my collection to date!!!

I've played Squier Strats and Teles since the mid-80s. So fun and easy to mod!