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This Fender and Squier drop is strongest on Classic Vibe electrics and a few acoustic and amp bargains, with the J Mascis Jazzmaster and the $279 Classic Vibe Strats drawing the most praise for value. The Classic Vibes are described as well made, sounding excellent, and often comparable to pricier Fender Player models, while the HSS Strat stands out for harder rock or metal. The J Mascis Jazzmaster is a different take on a Jazzmaster, with a more stable trem, Gibson style bridge, and P90 style pickups. Main caveats are that several items sold out quickly, the Tele Bass may need pickup swaps, and some Fender acoustics are a no go for buyers who dislike the headstock shape.
people shopping for a first electric guitar because they want something that's "most likely... perfect out of the box" and don't want to deal with the QC/setup issues commenters associate with cheaper alternatives like Monoprice.
acoustic-electric owners who want a portable amp for "kick[ing] around the house" because the Acoustasonic 40 is described as hitting the bullet points of "decent volume/power, portability, and... price."
buyers considering the Monterey E because the extra cost for onboard electronics/tuner is described as worth it since it "can't be forgotten," and the smaller body is noted as potentially more comfortable.
guitarists who want a modding platform but still want a great deal because one commenter planned mods for a Classic Vibe '60s Strat but found the guitar "actually incredible" for the $279 price.
buyers who want to avoid pickup-swapping work because the Squier Tele Bass is described as a good deal but likely needing "a swap the pickups job," which is a deal friction point for some.
people who want a traditional Jazzmaster sound because the listed option is described as "different than a traditional Jazzmaster," with the trem moved for stability but reducing the behind-the-bridge resonance that gives Jazzmasters their character.
buyers who are specifically looking for the telecaster bass in this thread because reviewers are cited as describing it as "sort of eh," making it an "easy pass" for that item.
anyone trying to buy after the sale window because commenters say "nearly all of these are sold out" and call it a "dead deal now" unless you got in earlier.
people who are extremely picky about headstock aesthetics because one commenter says they "simply can't" buy the acoustic due to disliking Fender's headstock shape and even the Fender knob.
The Classic Vibe guitars are reported to stay desirable over time, with one Lake Placid Blue CV SSS bought for about $210 shipped and later sold for $400.
Classic Vibe Strats and Teles are widely treated as the best value in Fender/Squier's lineup, with quality close to much pricier Player-series instruments. A $279 Classic Vibe 50s or 60s Strat is described as an excellent first guitar that is likely good out of the box and usually needs no setup or upgrades.
The J Mascis JM is not a standard Jazzmaster: the trem is moved up for a steeper break angle, which improves stability but reduces behind-the-bridge resonance. It also uses a Gibson-style bridge and P90-style pickups, so it has its own sound and feel rather than the classic Jazzmaster setup.
The Squier Tele Bass is a good deal at the sale price, but it may be a better fit if you are willing to swap the pickups. It was also reported as sold out, so availability is the main limitation.
I clicked on this thinking, it'll probably be some signature models that are way overpriced at retail. No, there's a bunch of great deals in here, especially because most Squier CVs are selling for $300 used anyways. I might be in for a J Mascis as u/breaktheground mentioned, but the Squier CVs in there are great colors too.
EDIT: In for a JM. Thanks for posting!
Last edited by hyooey January 9, 2026 at 01:43 PM.
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Quote
from mattysaurus
:
Am I right to assume that it's probably pretty similar to the classic vibe? I have one of the Daphne blue ones from musicians friend.
They're pretty different- the trem is moved up to increase the break angle, which makes it more stable but cuts down on the behind the bridge resonance that makes Jazzmasters sound the way they do. It also has a Gibson style bridge and P90 style pickups. Cool guitar in its own right, but different than a traditional Jazzmaster.
They're pretty different- the trem is moved up to increase the break angle, which makes it more stable but cuts down on the behind the bridge resonance that makes Jazzmasters sound the way they do. It also has a Gibson style bridge and P90 style pickups. Cool guitar in its own right, but different than a traditional Jazzmaster.
Thanks for the heads up. I like the color on my Daphne so prob not worth it for me.
Noob question, any of these a good option for a teen who wants to learn how to play a guitar with zero experience?
Check with them to see if they're more interested in acoustic or electric. More likely to stick with and enjoy the option that's more interesting to them. Just about everything listed is a good price. The electrics are all Classic Vibe, the higher level of Squier models (at lower level pricing), other than the Affinity Jaguar. The Jaguar is a shorter scale length though which may or may not be a good thing. Also, if they have any interest in harder rock or metal, the HSS Strat is probably the best option.
Was tempted by the telecaster bass, but I saw several reviews that it was sort of eh, so I think it's an easy pass. I bet that 70s jazz bass is a good get if you don't have one, I just don't need another jazz.
Community Reviews
This Fender and Squier drop is strongest on Classic Vibe electrics and a few acoustic and amp bargains, with the J Mascis Jazzmaster and the $279 Classic Vibe Strats drawing the most praise for value. The Classic Vibes are described as well made, sounding excellent, and often comparable to pricier Fender Player models, while the HSS Strat stands out for harder rock or metal. The J Mascis Jazzmaster is a different take on a Jazzmaster, with a more stable trem, Gibson style bridge, and P90 style pickups. Main caveats are that several items sold out quickly, the Tele Bass may need pickup swaps, and some Fender acoustics are a no go for buyers who dislike the headstock shape.
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EDIT: In for a JM. Thanks for posting!
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