I've played dozens of these in the stores. My brother/band-mate now owns two- a 50's strat and a custom tele (his arsenal also includes a G&L Legacy, ASAT, 1965 Fender Duosonic II, Jaguar HH special modded with bigsby and p-90s, among other guitars...these Squiers are quickly becoming his favorites).
I've just got to say, these are great instruments. IMO, they are better than most every American standard Fender I've played. Squier seems to really have upped their quality.
Ten years ago I would have thought this:
Squier<MIM<Japan<American Standard<American Deluxe<Custom Shop
Now I'm thinking this:
MIM<American Standard<Japan/Squier/Deluxe<Custom Shop.
And honestly, after putting in a new trem block in the strat, upgrading pickups and setting up the guitar to your personal tastes---I really think Squier's Classic Vibe guitars would rival anything out of Fender's Custom Shop.
Am I crazy? Has anyone else had similar experiences?
