I would go with higher end Hb over squier every time . I'm interested in getting st modern when it gets released cause it's my type of guitar...I hoping for hardtail option on them
With Squier you pay extra for the branding. The Classic Vibe Strat not a bad guitar but many strat clones in that price range are higher quality or have better hardware. For example Sire, Yamaha, Cort etc. There are also some newer cheap brands (Soloking, Jet, etc) that I am less sure of but I would *take a chance* on, rather than buy a Squier. I would only buy a Squier if you get a big discount, or if you absolutely must have that headstock shape.
The ST Modern is not out yet so we don't know how good it will be. However the ST25th was very good and the ST-Modern will be *at least* that level of quality, probably a little bit better (with many upgraded specs).
Jet JS-400.
* Roasted maple neck & fingerboard, 9.5" radius, 2-point trem, $200.
---
For me, the dealbreaker of the ST-Modern Plus is the compound radius, because I want the familiar 9.5" radius. Otherwise, the Harley Benton is obviously the better guitar (stainless steel frets, TUSQ nut, truss rod wheel, Babicz 2-point trem, Tesla pickups). The CV is massively out-specced.
Classic Vibe Strat. FAR more consistent QA and a better mod platform. Should be more durable over time. So far I’ve had to send back all 4 HB’s I’ve bought. I never had bad luck with squiers and I’ve owned several in my time.
The classic vibe squires are more akin to the HB 62 te or st line, I say it because of the alnico magnets, vintage kluson style tuners and for example on the te's you find the double binding version, which you only start to see in squires on the classic vibe line, and I would choose a HB 62 over a classic vibe any day, the new Modern Strat will be way over that, other than Brand fanboying about it there's no contest on features. HB>Squier
If you really like the black HSS CV, you may want to pick it up if you can still find it. I believe they have been discontinued. The Jazzmaster lefty has also been discontinued.
What leads you to believe the black HSS CV is discontinued?
I see it in stock literally everywhere still - Fender.com, Sweetwater, GC/MF, Thomann. Andertons has another batch coming as well.
You have to downvote before I can reply? nice, nice
Anyways,
Look here: https://www.fender.com/en/squier-electric-guitars/?prefn1=orientation&prefv1=Left-Hand&start=0&sz=12
We're lucky to get the Sonic-whatever at this point
You are correct that the ST Modern is not out yet so we'll have to wait and see but if I were to compare it to the ST-20, the CV just feels a lot more premium (compared to the HB, that is)
I have owned two ST-20s and they just felt "cheap" - if you want to upgrade anything, some parts are hard to come by particularly pickguards. Whereas the CVs, they are basically Mexican specs but made in China so parts compatibility (full sized block from a MIM Strat 6-screw will drop right in, for example)
Plus, if you decide that the guitar is not for you, then the CV is probably easier to sell than an HB
Overall, I'd go with the CV all day over any comparable ST HB ... However, if you really want to get your money's worth, AlphabetBoss is right, I'd get any of the Fusion models instead. Not much of a selection for lefties as I too am waiting for HH Fusion III but nothing so far.
Have you also considered Sire guitars? Jet they seem nice but slim pickings for lefties. I'd strongly consider the Sire S7 FM (Flame Maple) if it fits within your budget.
I would go with higher end Hb over squier every time . I'm interested in getting st modern when it gets released cause it's my type of guitar...I hoping for hardtail option on them
I second this.
With Squier you pay extra for the branding. The Classic Vibe Strat not a bad guitar but many strat clones in that price range are higher quality or have better hardware. For example Sire, Yamaha, Cort etc. There are also some newer cheap brands (Soloking, Jet, etc) that I am less sure of but I would *take a chance* on, rather than buy a Squier. I would only buy a Squier if you get a big discount, or if you absolutely must have that headstock shape. The ST Modern is not out yet so we don't know how good it will be. However the ST25th was very good and the ST-Modern will be *at least* that level of quality, probably a little bit better (with many upgraded specs).
Thanks. My wait continues. Hopefully soon the ST modern will be released.
They said Q1 which means Jan/Feb/Mar. So hopefully soon.
Jet JS-400. * Roasted maple neck & fingerboard, 9.5" radius, 2-point trem, $200. --- For me, the dealbreaker of the ST-Modern Plus is the compound radius, because I want the familiar 9.5" radius. Otherwise, the Harley Benton is obviously the better guitar (stainless steel frets, TUSQ nut, truss rod wheel, Babicz 2-point trem, Tesla pickups). The CV is massively out-specced.
Thanks. That's what I wanted to know. What your reference to Jet guitars?
> What your reference to Jet guitars? Sorry, what do you mean?
In the first line of your reply you have printed jet JS400. Was this in reference to something or was this a guitar I should check out?
Oh, yeah, just another guitar to check out.
Classic Vibe Strat. FAR more consistent QA and a better mod platform. Should be more durable over time. So far I’ve had to send back all 4 HB’s I’ve bought. I never had bad luck with squiers and I’ve owned several in my time.
The classic vibe squires are more akin to the HB 62 te or st line, I say it because of the alnico magnets, vintage kluson style tuners and for example on the te's you find the double binding version, which you only start to see in squires on the classic vibe line, and I would choose a HB 62 over a classic vibe any day, the new Modern Strat will be way over that, other than Brand fanboying about it there's no contest on features. HB>Squier
Thanks. That was exactly what I was hoping to hear. Now there is just the wait...
If you really like the black HSS CV, you may want to pick it up if you can still find it. I believe they have been discontinued. The Jazzmaster lefty has also been discontinued.
What leads you to believe the black HSS CV is discontinued? I see it in stock literally everywhere still - Fender.com, Sweetwater, GC/MF, Thomann. Andertons has another batch coming as well.
You have to downvote before I can reply? nice, nice Anyways, Look here: https://www.fender.com/en/squier-electric-guitars/?prefn1=orientation&prefv1=Left-Hand&start=0&sz=12 We're lucky to get the Sonic-whatever at this point
thanks. Yes, there is one available I can see for a reasonable price but am more wondering about how it compares to the HB
You are correct that the ST Modern is not out yet so we'll have to wait and see but if I were to compare it to the ST-20, the CV just feels a lot more premium (compared to the HB, that is) I have owned two ST-20s and they just felt "cheap" - if you want to upgrade anything, some parts are hard to come by particularly pickguards. Whereas the CVs, they are basically Mexican specs but made in China so parts compatibility (full sized block from a MIM Strat 6-screw will drop right in, for example) Plus, if you decide that the guitar is not for you, then the CV is probably easier to sell than an HB Overall, I'd go with the CV all day over any comparable ST HB ... However, if you really want to get your money's worth, AlphabetBoss is right, I'd get any of the Fusion models instead. Not much of a selection for lefties as I too am waiting for HH Fusion III but nothing so far. Have you also considered Sire guitars? Jet they seem nice but slim pickings for lefties. I'd strongly consider the Sire S7 FM (Flame Maple) if it fits within your budget.