The old barn smelled of dust and regret. My grandfather’s ‘62 Strat, hanging on the wall, a legend in our family, a reminder of a different era. The neck, worn smooth by a thousand gigs, felt like an extension of his own hand. Picking up the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster, I felt a familiar ache, a yearning for that vintage magic, and the ghost of a smile.

It starts with the neck, doesn’t it? This “C”-shaped profile is a smart move. Not quite as slender as some modern shredders, nor as chunky as a true vintage behemoth. It’s a goldilocks zone, accessible to a broad range of players. The gloss finish on this model replicates that vintage vibe well, and provides a decent amount of comfort, though it can feel a tad sticky on a sweaty stage. Nothing a little fine steel wool can’t fix, mind you.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a direct replacement for a Fender Custom Shop instrument. But for the price? Utterly impressive. The Alnico 5 single-coil pickups sing with a clarity you wouldn’t expect. They offer a respectable amount of bite when dialed up, and sparkle beautifully when rolled back. Chords ring out with a pleasing sustain. You can certainly coax a variety of tones from this instrument. Especially nice is how it captures the bell-like chime of the bridge pickup – quintessential Strat.

The fretwork is generally good, but I did notice a couple of slightly high frets towards the higher end of the neck. Not disastrous; a minor adjustment is all that’s needed. This is where you might feel the budget nature of the build. Don’t expect perfection; it’s a factory setup. But that’s a small price to pay for the overall quality.

I’ve tested countless affordable Strats over the years. This one, in comparison to the older Squier Affinity models, is in a different league. The tone woods feel more responsive, the hardware feels more robust, and the overall fit and finish is significantly improved. It’s a vast improvement.

So, who is this guitar for? For the aspiring guitarist, the bedroom warrior, or anyone looking for a solid foundation to build upon. This guitar deserves your attention. Go grab one. You might just find your own legend starting to take shape.