BUILDING A SUPER SQUIER! - Upgrading a Squier Classic Vibe!

Time to upgrade my trusty 50s Squier! A sleeper Strat that can hang with the best of them!
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[DarrellBraunGuitar]

I've been wanting to do a sleeper upgrade on this guitar for a long time!
Let me know if you think I should add the block inlays on the neck or keep it stock!
Enjoy :)

[WeldyMcwelderson]

I think it's going to be a nay on the blocks. I like the simple look of dots on a Strat.

[jordan.lafayette]

I typically prefer the look of blocks to dots, but I strongly dislike those blocks with that guitar. I love that new bridge! Can’t wait to see everything else! You make such interesting content

[Stratocus]

I vote Nay to the fret inlays. The neck, body and pickguard are light in tonality and those inlays would be jarringly dark. They might work better on a black body or even a sunburst.

[AManning]

I would pass on the inlays. You’ve done such a great job of keeping it looking stock. Nice work!

[seanbaines]

With threaded bars, I like dropping in one of those little bar socket springs you can get from Fender. It puts some tension on the bar as you thread it in, and has it sitting on a springy cushion when installed. This means the bar stays where you put it, unlike usual Fender whammy bars. Very handy-like.

[Gaoin]

Great that you've retaken this series, Darrell. I loved when you upgraded a humble guitar and made it amazing.

[calgaryjimbo]

Full sleeper for me. I love the look of an old school guitar. No need to mess with perfection!

[pigsflyforever]

Woah those tuners! They look like classic split shaft tuners. I was not aware they existed. Thanks so much Darrell, I will put them on my CV50
A big nay on the block inlays, though, but hey, different strokes and all that...😀

[firstsgtrichard]

Thanks for another great video brother! Nay on the block inlays though.

[fredwagner]

Hoping you will do a before and after on what the sound difference is and if it has more or less and sustain. Thanks!!

[sdsprinkle]

Thanks for the video, enjoy all of your build videos. I vote "no" on adding blocks to the nect.

[mickeymessstudios]

no block inlay... it looks horrible with the black block inlay

[andrewthompson]

I'd vote no block inlays. Dots look better.

[oscarga]

Nice vid as always. For me the block inlays are a no-go, but let's hear what people say. Also, you know what would be an interesting idea? Changing the finish on the back of the stock neck from glossy to satin. That way you can keep going for that sleeper build!!

I myself have a 60s classic vibe strat (fsr limited release, I love it). I've changed the nut, trem system and also pots and switches. I love satin necks, but I don't want to risk sanding too much and get to the wood. That glossy neck doesn't bother me enough to buy a replacement neck, but if I cloud change it I'd totally would. Maybe if I saw it online id build the courage to do it hahaha. I'd for sure keep the shiny fretboard tho!!! Looks super nice

[adammichaelchannel]

Thanks Darrell. I put a Gotoh bridge on my Squier Affinity Telecaster. It really increased the feel of the string attack reverberating in the body, and made it more exciting to play.

[Nate_P]

I think the block inlays clash. Great upgrades all around! Thanks for sharing!

[dreibel]

No on the blocks.

Thumbs up on the Gotoh locking vintage tuners. I installed the Gotoh-branded ones on my Squier Simon Neil Strat, and that made a huge difference in keeping it in tune.

Another option would be to just replace the block and saddles on the stock bridge - again with the Simon, I used one of GFS' import-compatible brass blocks (also bought a new arm, which is beefier) and solid steel block saddles. The way the tone improved was pretty remarkable, the notes just projected better. When I recorded something with it a while later, people were asking what brand of pickups I was using - it was the stock ones of course. The upgrade made that much of a difference.

Be interesting to see what you use for pickups - I'd suggest DiMarzio Area 58s to have it sound like a 50s Strat without the hum myself.

[ruminantmelanoid]

No on the block inlays. The stock neck is more understated, classier.

[Desh_Saxena]

Been watching this channel for years, love these guitar builds!