Squier Telecasters...
The Real Deal At A Bargain Price

The Squier Telecaster Affinity Series is the entry level Squier Telecaster model. This doesn't mean, however, that they are shoddy guitars. Both guitars in the series are made of quality materials and are worthy of the Telecaster name. They share the same basic specifications, so I'll only list them once. Both guitars have an alder body, which is a great tonewood. Both have a bolt-on, C-shaped polyurethane finish maple neck with a 9.5" radius maple fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets for great playability. Both Affinity Series models have 2 single-coil pickups for great sound as well as master volume and tone controls. Both have a 3 position blade pickup selector switch to allow you to shape your tone the way YOU want it. Both have a 6-saddle top-load bridge and standard die-cast tuners for tuning stability. Finally, both sport chrome hardware, a black top hat switch tip and a black silkscreen logo.

• Squier Affinity Telecaster
  
  
  

  On top of the specifications I laid out above, the Affinity Telecaster sports black plastic parts, a 1-ply white pickguard and 4 polyurethane finish body colors: Black, Metallic Red, Arctic White and Metallic Blue.




• Squier Affinity Telecaster Special
  
  
  

  In addition to the standard Affinity Series features, the Affinity Special features a black plastic nut, a 1-ply black pickguard and a Butterscotch Blonde Maple body finish.

Both of these Squier Telecasters are sweet looking and sweet playing instruments with classic Telecaster sound and styling. Either would make a great first guitar or a good backup guitar for the stage. Grab one and let your inner guitarist out!

Check out this sweet demo of a Squier Stratocaster Affinity.

Squier continues the now time-honored tradition of artist endorsements with three new artist Telecaster models: one for Avril Lavigne, one for Deryck Wibley and one for John 5. All three of these Telecasters have unique looks and sound based on the artist's style and preferences. Let's take a look at them.

• Avril Lavigne Telecaster
  
  
  
  

  The Avril Lavigne Telecaster features the chart-topping Grammy nominee's distinctive star logo inlayed at the fifth fret, with a checkerboard pickguard and Lavigne's signature on the headstock. The Avril Lavigne Tele doesn't really sound at all like a traditional Tele but it does have a great sound ranging all the way from clean tones to distorted tones.

  This Squier Telecaster features a basswood body with a black polyurethane finish. The neck is C-shaped maple with a Satin Polyurethane finish and a rosewood, 21 medium jumbo fret fingerboard with Avril's star logo at the 5^th fret with side dot position inlays to help you keep track of where you are. The headstock sports standard die-cast tuners and Avril's signature.

  Providing the sound is a dual-coil humbucking pickup at the bridge. To control the tone, the guitar sports a volume control and a 3-way switch that switches between the humbucker's coils providing you the option of using the back coil only, front coil only or both coils simultaneously. This is a bit of a strange set up but I guess it was necessary to get the sound consistent with Avril's musical style. Regardless, it works. This is a good sounding instrument. Good sustain and tuning stability is provided by a 6-saddle string-thru-body bridge.

  Further features of the Avril Lavigne Telecaster are chrome hardware, a 3-ply black and white checkered pickguard, black plastic parts, gold and black Squier logo and a "Squier" engraved neckplate.

  All in all, this Squier Telecaster provides great value for the money. I had a hard time finding a video of someone playing the guitar by itself instead of playing over top of Lavigne's songs but I finally found one that will give you an idea of how this guitar sounds. Check it out.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: zoesthebestdamnthing, YouTube member



• Deryck Whibley Telecaster
  
  
  
  

  Squier's latest uber-cool artist signature model is the Artist Series Deryck Whibley Telecaster guitar. Whibley, as all the cool punk-pop kids know, is the leader of Juno-winning Canadian punk-pop trio Sum 41. His new Squier signature model nails the vibe of a classic '70s Fender Telecaster Deluxe. I'll have to say that I think this is a funky looking guitar but you can't argue with the sound.

  The Whibley Telecaster features an agathis body(good tonewood) with polyurethane finish options: Olympic White Maple and Black Maple. Pickguard options are 3-ply Black/white/Black. The C-shaped Maple neck is Gloss Polyurethane finished with a maple 21 medium-jumbo fret fingerboard with dot position inlays and a fast 7.25" radius. The headstock is a large '60s style Strat headstock that sports standard die-cast tuners and "Deryck" signature on the front.

  Blistering sound comes from a ferocious Duncan designed HB-102 chrome covered humbucker at the bridge with skirted black and silver "amp" style volume and tone control. Needless to say, since this is a full humbucker there is no pickup switch as there is with the dual-coil pickup in the Avril model. Further tone and sustain is provided by a 6-saddle string-thru-body bridge.

  Rounding out the features on this Squier Telecaster are red "X" graphics on the body and pickguard, no belly cut on the body and a side-mounted input jack. Like I said earlier, this is a funky looking guitar but you can't argue with the sound. Check out the video below and you'll see what I mean.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: chatreeo, YouTube member



• J5 Telecaster
  

  John 5 is a self-described "Fender fanatic" with a jaw-dropping collection of his favorite instrument, the Telecaster ("the greatest guitars ever built, by far," in his words). His Squier signature model, the J5 Telecaster, is a double-bound beauty based on his oft-modded workhorse Telecaster, which was pieced together at the Fender Custom Shop. I'm more of a Strat man, myself, but I've got to admit this is one great looking and great sounding guitar.

  Features include John 5's distinctive black-and-chrome look: a double-bound alder body with a gloss black polyester finish, a polished stainless steel pickguard and chrome hardware. The one-piece maple neck has a modern C shape, a matching black Telecaster headstock and a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets.

  The custom-designed humbucking pickups(Alnico 5 Magnets at the neck and Ceramic Magnets at the bridge) use a special dual-volume setup with the bridge pickup control in the front position and the neck pickup control in the back position (John prefers this setup because he spends a lot time giving the bridge pickup a workout). Rapid toggling the upper-bout three-way pickup switch gives you his signature "kill" effect by turning off the neck pickup volume and leaving the bridge control full up. Notice that there is no tone control - the custom pickups are voiced exactly the way John wanted.

  Like I said, this Squier Telecaster is one great looking and great sounding guitar. Check out the video below and TURN IT UP!

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: YiYUcrew, YouTube member

The Squier Telecaster Classic Vibe Series reflects a simultaneous commitment to quality, value and 'vibe'. The Classic Vibe Series isn't meant to be era or vintage correct but is instead meant to capture the look and feel of classic Fender Telecasters. Personally, I think they succeeded. The Telecaster Classic Vibe guitars definitely capture the look of vintage Telecasters while having their own unique "personalities" and sound. These are great looking, sounding and playing instruments. Whether you're a working musician, a student or a complete beginner these guitars are worth much more than the money you will pay for them. Give them a look.

• Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom
  

  The Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom is definitely a great looking, sounding and playing guitar. With quality materials, classic Telecaster sound and a super affordable price, this Tele is just begging you to take it home and play the strings off it. Let's have a look at what you get for the money.

  The Custom starts off with a double-bound alder body(superb tonewood) and a 3-color Sunburst Gloss Polyester finish. The neck(also Polyester finish) is a thin 1-piece modern C-shape with a 21 medium-jumbo fret, 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard with white Pearloid dot position inlays. Can you say, "Excellent playability"? The headstock is fitted with vintage style tuning machines.

  On the sound front, the Tele Custom is fitted with custom vintage style single-coil Tele pickups with Alnico V Magnets at both the bridge and neck positions. Great sound! To shape and control your tone, the Tele Custom has master tone and volume controls as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch. Adding to the tone and providing good sustain is a vintage style strings-thru-body Tele bridge with three threaded steel barrel saddles. Sweet!

  Rounding out the features, the Custom sports chrome hardware, a 3-ply green pickguard, knurled control knobs, a "top hat" blade switch tip, a gold Squier logo and a synthetic bone nut.

  This Squier Telecaster definitely gives you your money's worth and then some. Check out the video below to see what this beauty is like in action.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: cdebonzo, YouTube member



• Classic Vibe Telecaster Thinline
  

  The Classic Vibe Telecaster Thinline not only has great vintage looks, it's a very versatile guitar. Sound-wise, the Thinline provides fantastic warmth, clarity, punch and a range of tones that will allow you to play country, rock, blues, jazz and just about any style your heart desires. This is probably one of the best values for the money of any guitar on the market.

  The fun starts with a lightweight, semi-hollow mahogany body(FABULOUS tonewood!) with an "F-Hole". The body's finish is polyester Natural. The Thinline's neck is C-shaped 1-piece maple with a Gloss Polyester finish. The neck sports a 21 medium-jumbo, 9.5" radius maple fingerboard with black dot position inlays. In keeping with the Vintage vibe, the headstock sports vintage style tuning machines.

  The sonic bliss starts with custom vintage style single-coil Tele pickups with Alnico V Magnets at both the bridge and neck positions - the same pickups that are on the Custom. The Thinline shares its controls with the Custom: master volume and tone with a 3-way blade pickup selector switch. And, like the Custom, more tone and sustain is provided by a vintage style strings-thru-body Tele bridge with three threaded steel barrel saddles.

  To finish out its features, the Thinline sports knurled chrome control knobs, a 3-ply White Pearloid pickguard, gold Squier logo, Original Barrel switch tip and a synthetic bone nut.

  This sweet Squier Telecaster sounds and plays as good as it looks and will hang with you no matter what style you want to play. Have a look at the video below and then grab yourself one of these babies and let the good times roll!

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: NAMM 2010, YouTube



• Classic Vibe Telecaster '50s
  

  Last in the list, but definitely not least, we come to the Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster. The Classic Vibe Telecaster '50s puts classic "blackguard" Telecaster vibe into a gorgeous Vintage Blonde-finished pine-body guitar with thoroughly modern appointments. In fact, if you didn't know better you'd swear you were playing a premium ash-bodied guitar. Squier has done that good of a job with this gorgeous guitar.

  The vibe starts with the Vintage Blonde Gloss Polyester finish pine body which is mated to a Vintage Tinted, Gloss Polyester finished, 1-piece C-shaped maple neck with a 21 medium-jumbo fret, 9.5" radius maple neck with black dot position inlays. Continuing the vibe, the headstock sports vintage style tuning machines.

  The sonic Wonderland begins with 2 Custom Vintage Style Single-Coil Tele Pickups with Alnico 3 Magnets: one at the bridge and one at the neck. To control your tone, you get the traditional Telecaster controls: master volume, master tone and a 3-way pickup selector switch. As with its Classic Vibe stablemates, the Classic Vibe '50s adds tone and sustain with a vintage style strings-thru-body Tele bridge with three threaded steel barrel saddles.

  Finishing out the Classic Vibe '50s features are knurled chrome control knobs, gold Squier logo, Original Barrel switch tip and a synthetic bone nut.

  Believe you me, you'll fall in love with this Squier Telecaster right out of the gate. Don't watch the video below unless you're ready to whip out your credit card. Just kidding but you ARE going to love this guitar. Enjoy!

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: rotren, YouTube

The new OBEY Graphic Series from Squier combines electric guitars with distinctive art and killer vibe to form truly inspirational "freedom of expression" instruments. These Squier Telecaster models truly stand out from the pack thanks to the artwork of renowned artist Shepard Fairey. In addition, thanks to Duncan designed pickups, the Telecaster HS Collage and the Telecaster HS Propanganda have a sound all their own. Telecaster "purists" may turn up their noses at this but, regardless, these distinctive axes sound as good as they look.

The only real difference in them is the graphic so, since they share the same technical specifications, I'll only list the specs once. Each guitar features an agathis body for great tone, a Polyurethane finished maple C-shaped neck for great playability and a fast rosewood, 22 medium-jumbo fret, 9.5" radius fingerboard with dot position inlays. Their headstocks sport standard die-cast tuners.

Their distinctive sound starts with hot Duncan designed pickups: an HB-102B humbucker with Alnico magnets at the bridge and an Alnico magnet single-coil at the neck. Tone control is achieved using the standard Telecaster controls: master volume, master tone and a 3-way blade pickpup selector switch. Each guitar gets good sustain and increased tone from a 6-saddle strings-thru-body fixed bridge.

Completing the features on each of these Squier Telecasters is un-plated RusticAndWorn hardware, no pickguard, a Gold and Black Squier logo, an engraved neckplate, black plastic parts and knurled dome controls.

• OBEY Graphic Telecaster HS Collage
  

  Unique to the Telecaster HS Collage is the Collage graphic on the top of the body and an Antique Violin finish on the back and sides. To tell the truth, the graphic is a bit "busy" for my taste, but it's still a good looking guitar and I can guarantee that you won't see anything else like it.




• OBEY Graphic Telecaster HS Propaganda
  

  The Telecaster HS Propaganda has the Propaganda graphic on the top and a black finish on the back and sides. Personally, I prefer the Propaganda to the Collage because the Propaganda graphic is much less "busy" and much cleaner to my eyes. It's much easier to see the overall design because there is much less artwork crammed onto the top of the guitar.

  In any case, if you're looking for a totally unique Tele both in sound and appearance, either of these Squier Telecasters will fill the bill for you. As usual, I've dug around and found a couple of videos for you so that you can hear what these bad boys sound like. One of the videos is done with clean tone and the other dirty so that you can get an idea of the versatility of these Teles. Enjoy!

The Squier Standard Telecaster Series consists of two very nice, very affordable guitars that are suitable for the beginner and more advanced player alike. Both provide great build and sound quality for a budget price. If you're in the market for a nice Tele but don't want to or can't afford a top of the line Fender, either one of these guitars would make a great choice for you.

• Standard Telecaster
  

  The Standard Telecaster features a fast-action neck profile modeled on a late '60s Telecaster. In addition, the pickups and their voicing make the Standard a very versatile guitar capable of handling a surprising range of musical styles. Let's take a look at the Standard's features.

  The Squier Standard Telecaster features an agathis body for good tone. The body is available in 4 Polyurethane finishes: Vintage Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Antique Burst and Black Metallic. The Standard's neck is C-shaped, Polyurethane finished maple with a 22 medium-jumbo fret rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" radius and dot position inlays. The headstock sports standard die-cast tuners.

  Great sound and tone begins with 2 Alnico magnet single-coil pickups: one at the bridge and one at the neck. To get just the tone you want you get the traditional Telecaster controls: master volume, master tone and a 3-way pickup selector switch. More tone and great sustain is provide by a 6-saddle strings-thru-body bridge.

  The Standard's features continue with 3 pickguard choices depending on the body finish: 3-ply parchment(Vintage Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Black Metallic), 4-ply Tortoise Shell(Antique Burst) and 3-ply black(I'm not sure which finish this goes with - the Squier site lists a finish number that isn't in the specs.)

  Finishing out the Standard's features you get a Gold and Black Squier logo, chrome hardware, black plastic parts and an engraved neckplate.

  All in all, this Squier Telecaster is a great looking and sounding instrument with quality WAY beyond anything you would expect from a guitar at this price point.




• Standard Telecaster Black and Chrome Special Edition
  

  If you want guitar that will really stand out, the Squier Telecaster Black and Chrome Special Edition is for you. You get the classic Telecaster design but the Black and Chrome look gives this beauty an edgy look that says you mean business. The basic specifications as far as materials, pickups, bridge, controls, etc. are the same as the Standard so we won't repeat them. Let's look at the unique cosmetic features that really make the Black and Chrome stand out.

  All the hardware is chrome, the pickguard is 1-ply chrome, the body's finish is Black Polyurethane. In addition, the Black and Chrome Telecaster sports knurled chrome control knobs, black plastic pickup covers and switch tip and an engraved neckplate. All this adds up to the edgy, much sought after chrome look.

  This Squier Telecaster is fabulous looking, playing and sounding guitar. Like its series-mate, the Standard, the Black and Chrome gives you value WAY beyond what you'll spend on it.

As always, I dug up a couple of videos for you. Both guitars will sound the same because the only difference is in the look so the videos are of the Standard only. I chose one that shows off the blues sound that you can get from these babies and to show you just what they're capable of, one that is HEAVY METAL TO THE MAX! Enjoy!

Like the Squier Vintage Modified Stratocasters, the Squier Vintage Modified Telecasters are meant for people who like to "hot rod" their guitars to get a custom feel or a custom sound. As with the Vintage Modified Strats, the modifications are already done for you so that you don't have to shell out any more cash than the price of the guitar or chop up an expensive, high-end guitar to get the feel and tone you want. The Squier Telecaster Vintage Modified Series contains a guitar for pretty much every taste. Let's have a look at the 2011 line-up.

• Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom II
  

  The Tele Custom II is a super-affordable temple of tone and playability. Blistering Duncan designed pickups provide tone that you would be hard pressed to find at a much higher price point and the neck is simply fantastic for such an inexpensive guitar. Let's have a look at the Tele Custom II's features.

  The tone fest starts with an agathis body which is available in two Polyester finishes: Black and Blonde. The neck is C-shaped maple with a Satin Polyurethane finish. The neck sports a 22 medium-jumbo fret maple fretboard with a 7.25" radius and dot position inlays. This combination makes for one of the best playing necks you will find on any guitar. To keep things in tune, the headstock boasts standard die-cast tuners.

  The sonic bliss begins with two smoking Duncan designed P90-2 single-coil Alnico magnet pickups: one at the neck and one at the bridge. In order to help you shape the tone just the way you want it, the Custom II has separate volume and tone controls for each pickup as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch. The tonal variety you can achieve with this beauty is awesome. Adding to the tone and sustain is a 6-saddle strings-thru-body bridge.

  Finishing out the appointments on this great guitar are a 3-ply black pickguard and chrome hardware. If you pick up one of these Squier Telecasters and put it through its paces, I can guarantee that you won't want to put it down. As always, I dug up a video for you so you can see and hear it for yourself. Check out this great review by Owen O'Malley of gearwire.com.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: Owen O'Malley from gearwire.com, YouTube member



• Vintage Modified Telecaster SH
  

  The Squier Vintage Modifed Telecaster SH is definitely a hot rod. It combines killer Telecaster looks with a totally unique sound due to its materials and a set of blazing Duncan designed pickups. If you want the real Telecaster look and feel with a serious sonic bite unlike any other Tele, you need to give this guitar a look.

  Starting things off is the Indian Red Cedar(Cedro) body which is available in Black and Metallic Red polyurethane finishes. This is an unusual body wood for a Telecaster but it is just the ticket for giving this bad boy a tone all its own. The neck is C-shaped maple with a gloss Polyurethane finish and a 21 medium-jumbo, maple fretboard with a 9.5" radius and dot position inlays. The headstock sports chrome, standard die-cast tuners.

  The sonic pyrotechnics begin with two hot Duncan designed hum-canceling pickups: a TE-103B Stack single-coil at the bridge and a HB102 humbucker with Alnico 5 Magnets at the neck. The bridge pickup gives you the sound you would expect from a Tele but fire up that humbucker at the neck and it's Katy Bar The Door! The SH gives great tonal diversity with a master volume and master tone control as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch. Keeping everything anchored is a vintage 6-saddle bridge.

  Completing the features on the SH is chrome and black hardware, a 3-ply white/black/white pickguard, knurled black chrome control knobs, black "Top-Hat" switch tip, a Gold and Black Squier logo, reverse control plate, an engraved neckplate and white plastic parts.

  Talk about getting your money's worth. This Squier Telecaster gives you everything but the kitchen sink and I wouldn't be surprised to find that thrown in there. Have a look at this great video and see what this baby is all about.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: VintageSH, YouTube member



• Vintage Modified Telecaster SSH
  

  Take everything we just said about the SH, kick it up a couple of notches and you've got the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster SSH. If the SH is a Hot Rod, this Squier Telecaster is flippin' Ferrari.

  The body and neck specifications for the SSH are the same as for the SH with the exceptions of the body finishes and pickguard. The SSH gives the choice of an Olympic White body with a 3-ply black/white/black pickguard and Black body with a 3-ply white/black/white pickguard. Both body finishes are Polyurethane.

  Where the SSH really differs from the SH is in the pickups and controls. The Vintage Modified Telecaster SSH sports three Duncan designed hum canceling pickups: a TE-103B Stack single-coil at the bridge, an SC-102 Stack single-coil in the middle and a MH-101 Mini-humbucker at the neck. The bridge pickup gives the typical Telecaster twang, the middle pickup gives you Stratocaster sounds and the Mini-Humbucker lays out an almost Gibson-like Metal crunch. Yow! It doesn't stop here, though. The SSH features a 5-position pickup selector switch. The 1^st position gives you the bridge pickup, the 2^nd gives you the bridge and middle pickups, the 3^rd gives you the middle pickup, the 4^th gives you the middle and neck pickups and the 5^th gives you the Mini-Humbucker by itself. Holy Moly, Batman! Can you say TONE MONSTER?

  This is one Squier Telecaster that be anything it wants. If you want to see what this thing can do, check out the video below.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: brandfbr, YouTube member



• Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom
  

  The Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom is an affordable hybrid of two popular Telecaster designs: the '72 Tele Custom and the Tele Deluxe. The result is a great looking and playing Squier Telecaster with tone that just won't quit.

  The Custom starts with a Black Polyester finished agathis body for great tone and continues with a Gloss Polyurethane finished, C-shaped maple neck with a 22 medium-jumbo fret, 7.25" radius, maple fretboard for great playability. The fretboard sports dot inlays so that you always know where you are and the headstock boasts standard die-cast tuners to keep you in tune.

  Awesome tone begins with 2 chrome covered humbucking pickups, one at the neck and one at the bridge. You get great control over your tone from separate tone and volume controls for each pickup as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch. A 6-saddle strings-thru-body bridge adds to the tone and sustain of the Tele Custom.

  Finishing out the Custom's features is chrome hardware and a 3-ply black pickguard.

  If you want the great Telecaster look and feel in a guitar designed to be a Rock & Roll monster, give the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom a look. The video below will give you a good demo of this killer Squier Telecaster guitar.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: chatreeo, YouTube member



• Vintage Modified Telecaster Thinline
  

  The semi-hollowbody Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Thinline is a very sweet instrument. The vintage, semi-hollow body, F-hole design combined with Duncan designed pickups and great tonewoods make for a guitar that is just dripping with great tone. The Squier Telecaster Vintage Modified Thinline is definitely a world-class sounding guitar.

  The Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Thinline starts with an alder body(one of the best tonewoods) that is available in two Polyurethane finishes: Black and Shoreline Gold. The C-shaped neck is maple with a Gloss Polyurethane finish and sports a 22 medium-jumbo fret, 7.25" radius rosewood fingerboard for great playability. The fingerboard features white dot position inlays so that you can keep track of where you are on the neck. The headstock features die-cast tuners to keep you in tune.

  The semi-acoustic, F-hole construction combined with 2 Duncan designed single-coil pickups: a TE-101N at the neck and a TE-101B at the bridge combine to give you a tone unlike that of any other guitar. To help you shape your tone, the Thinline provides you with a master volume control, a master tone control and a 3-way pickup selector switch. A 6-saddle strings-thru-body Telecaster bridge also adds to tone and sustain.

  Chrome hardware, a 3-ply Parchment pickguard and a "Top-Hat" Blade switch tip finish out the Thinline's features.

  Being a hard rocking Metahead by nature, I prefer a solid-body design to a semi-acoustic but this Squier Telecaster is one I definitely wouldn't mind adding to my collection. Check out the video below and you'll see why.

  
  
  
  
  
  Credit: ricoco33, YouTube member