Once I adjusted for fret buzz and fretting out--simple fixes, actually--I doubt I'll be looking at other strats again. Or at least not in the same way [;^) I may turn this into a hardtail, since I never use trems. Other than this, I think I've covered everything. And, if the reader is considering what I've written in his/her selection of, say, this guitar vs a Fender American strat...go ahead and play them. I'm pretty confident that the Squier Vintage Modified will be the winner in that contest.

Sound
I bought this guitar about six months ago as my backup axe for one reason: its tone. It's the best I've heard in this line/type of guitars. It's light, built like the tank that stratocasters are, and produces a credible jazz-comping tone. The fact that the cherry sunburst turns the heads of even the most seasoned guitar veterans is a tribute to the Squier India's luthier skill and attention to detail. You just don't make a guitar like this without a serious plan and a commitment to production quality.

Features
Duncan-designed pickups are orgasmic to my ears. For these pickups alone I would pay the full price of the guitar. The flame-maple top is well-matched and is (apparently) REAL! Anything that does not enhance the tone or playability is, honestly, fluff, but I have to admit that I find the top very appealing. The other feature that I truly appreciate are the "no name" tuning machines--precise… read more and smooth. Though I'm not a fan of trem bridges, the one on this guitar does the job.

Ease of Use
I'm puzzled (and will always be) by this question. There are far too many variables to consider when endeavoring "to get great sounds from this product." Given the sheer magnitude of gear and gizmos available, I can probably make any guitar sound like the engineering plant of Star Trek's USS Enterprise.

Quality
There isn't a flaw anywhere, which suggests a production process under tight control. I enjoy the guitar's easy playability and smooth feel--it makes me want to use it more and more often. When I'm playing pieces without guitar solos/leads, I use this guitar.

Value
This is a very good guitar, constructed and executed with obvious attention to detail. Fit, finish and overall precision make this a guitar that competes with some of the top-of-the-line Fender strats (think American Deluxe with usual pickup setup here).

Manufacturer Support
An unknown. I've had a Fender Standard Strat before, and had to contact Fender customer service. Since Squier IS Fender, I'm assuming I'll get the same quick, relaxed and thorough service.

The Wow Factor
I don't like any of the other Squier Vintage Modified Strat color schemes--just the cherry sunburst w/flame maple top. Man, you have just got to see one in person. For sex appeal, it's between Mira Sorvino and Salma Hayek...but I've just got an irrational thing for Mira (oh God, someone PLEASE tell her I'm available AND employed (this time)).

Musical Background:
Active performer, composer/songwriter

Musical Style:
Jazz, world fusion, jazz-rock, "jazzabilly" read less