Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

Modern substance meets '70s style with this guitar. It comes loaded with Duncan Designed pickups, a lively basswood body, and a sleek maple neck.

Overall User Ratings (based on 26 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(26) (see rating details)
Submitted April 14, 2015 by Bill P in Fairfeild, CT

"Schweeeet"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Had a usa strat that costs about 1000.00 bucks.i was very unhappy with it.have some experience with Duncan pick ups.i have 8 other guitars,this is my girl now.maple neck,I had to buy a soul food pedal to get any sound from the usa strat,this axe rocks don't waste your money on more expensive axes this one will rock your world.

Musical Background:

Been playing 40years.i jam at home and with my buds

Musical Style:

Rock blues metal
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Submitted March 11, 2012 by Dave H in Bloomington, IN

"Great Stratocaster!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This is a very nice guitar. I have owned several Fenders over the last forty years and this one is as good or better than any of them. The tinted glossy neck is like a 50's vintage one. I once played a Stratocaster with the serial number 00024 (1954) and this one feels like that.

Musical Background:

Playing since 1963, guitar and bass, semi pro.

Musical Style:

Folk, Rock, Blues.
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Submitted August 28, 2016 by a customer from gmail.com in woodville, TX

"It's a Strat"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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I have been very pleased with this guitar considering the cost. The neck is awesome in both feel and appearance. The finish on the neck is quite impressive looking and the vintage radius and neck profile make bar chords especially comfortable. The truss rod works well for adjusting the relief and action. The pickups sound a little better than those found on your average Asian import. I don't care much for the sound of the bridge pickup but, to be fair, I have never really liked the sound of a Strat single coil bridge pickup anyway. The tuners feel pretty good but, like most Strats with the vintage style six hole trem, it doesn't stay in tune very well, not too bad though either. I expect to upgrade the tuner, nut and trees before too long. Best of all it sounds like a Strat. Over the decades I have owned a few "S-type" knockoffs and they never really got THAT sound. This guitar is Strat through and through. I would REALLY like to see this model in a vintage sunburst finish.

Musical Background:

25+ years guitar and recording

Musical Style:

Anything with guitar in it.
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Submitted October 27, 2013 by Tommy M in St. Louis, MO

"Great Guitar"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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As a basic player, I'm very happy with this guitar. I bought a blemished guitar and there was a simple scratch in the finish above the pick-ups. I play through a Orange Crush CR20 and it sounds great on clean and with distortion. I like to play classic rock/new wave metal to funk. With this guitar I've been able to match pretty much any of those tones. Although you can't get a very heavy tone, you can still achieve something that is aggressive, I use a Metal Muff pedal. My only concern is that there is a bit of noise, too much for my liking, so I will most likely invest in a noise suppressor pedal. The styling of the guitar is great. I love the black on black look, along with the larger headstock. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and I would recommend this great priced guitar to anyone looking to buy a strat.

Musical Background:

About 4 years. Just Guitar. Jam at home.

Musical Style:

Rock, Metal, Blues, Funk
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Submitted January 12, 2015 by Todd D in Tacoma, WA

"Wonderful guitar."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Not only does the Squier Vintage Modified 70s Strat look way cool, it feels and plays terrific. For the price, you simply can't beat this. It may say "Squier," but it looks and feels like a well-made Fender. If you've been looking for a Stratocaster at a good value, here's your baby.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Classic rock, blues
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Submitted November 21, 2013 by Josh S in Beattyville, KY

"Top Notch Strat"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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One of the best bang for the buck out there. Second only to the Classic Vibe series, which I think is the best valued guitar every produced. This one comes close. Pickups are hotter (if that's what you are looking for). Set-up from the factory is not as good as the Classic Vibe series. All in all, a quality instrument with outstanding looks and sound.
Sound
Pickups are awesome. They covered the whole spectrum and even did a very good job with metal. Pinch harmonics seemed to be more pronounced on this guitar than hot humbucker equipped instruments.
Features
Tinted maple neck is fabulous. As mentioned early pickups are very hot. Worst feature on the guitar is the old syncronized tremelo, but those are horrible on all Fenders. They can be made to work, but most of us don't fool with trying.
Ease of Use
Pickups and selector switch allow pretty much any sound you need, short of the obvious humbucker sounds. Neck is fast even though it is laquered. Guitar was set up pretty high from the factory. With included wrenches, I adjusted truss rod and string saddles and was able to get Fender's recommended Strat string height with no buzz...but I couldn't go any lower. Let's face it, most high dollar American or Japanese guitars are pro set-up with fret leveling done at the factory to make you think you are getting "more for your money" than the cheaper guitars like this Squier. However, you could have the frets leveled on this guitar and have super low action. But like I said, it is totally able to be set-up within spec and very playable.
Quality
Paint is perfect, neck, tuners, pickups, knobs...everything seemed like high quality. I did not look at the wiring, so I can't speak to that. From all outward appearances you could stamp U.S.A. and Fender on the headstock and no one would be the wiser.
Value
Probably the best value out there, short of the Classic Vibe series. If only they offered the Classic Vibe with these pickups. . .
Manufacturer Support
Not need at the moment.
The Wow Factor
Black pickguard, black guitar, labeled pickups, 70s headstock...it definately has the bad boy rock and roll guitar look.

Musical Background:

Playing for 24 years as a hobby.

Musical Style:

Hard rock/ Heavy Metal
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Submitted February 18, 2016 by John C in Lakewood, OH

" Squier VM '70s Stratocaster, Maple Neck "

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Was concerned this would come up short of my expectations but I have to say this is one of the nicest playing guitars i have in my arsenal ! The action was perfect right out of the box with no sharp fret edges and it sounds great both clean and under my heaviest of metal tones :) This is my first single coil guitar so i have to adjust to the buzz in 1,3,5 position( out of phase?) although i find the best tones i like are in position 1,2,4! Bottom line this is a great value with sacrificing quality, Thank you Squire for making a great instrument!!

Musical Background:

I have been playing guitar for 32 years and also play piano/keys

Musical Style:

Neo classical, Metal.....
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Submitted April 12, 2012 by mark s in Sheboygan, WI

"Excellent Guitar for the Money!!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I've been playing since 1963. I watched some you tube reviews of this guitar and bought one. I am very pleased. The neck is a little "beefier" then the Classic Vibe series Squires, but this guitar plays and sound like a dream. The Duncan Designed pickups give nice tone in all positions. My advice..buy one before the price goes up

Musical Background:

semi professional...45 years experience

Musical Style:

rock, country and blues
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Submitted October 11, 2013 by Robbie M in Big Stone Gap, VA

"Best guitar I have owned in this price range."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Overall, it is a lot more guitar than what I paid. It sounds like a Strat should. I am of the opinion that I would rather have a higher model Squier than a basement model Fender, and this guitar did not disappoint. However at some point during the assembly process, someone apparently missed the fact that some solder had been dropped onto the pickguard. It melted through the protective plastic and left a noticeable blemish on the pickguard. I needed the guitar as a backup for two shows two days after I received the guitar, so I kept the guitar and zZounds customer support credited $50 to my order with very little hassle. After a dozen or so shows since receiving it a month ago, I wouldn't sell it for twice what I paid.
Sound
There is a certain sound that only a Strat can achieve. This guitar can do it every day of the week. The cleans are crystal clear, but it will scream through a low watt Class A tube amp with the natural 'bite'. I had a pickup swap in mind for it before I had ordered the guitar, but there's nothing wrong with these Duncan Designed pickups.
Features
I thought about getting just a bargain basement Mexican Fender, but I don't like a non-gloss maple fretboard. The vintage tint gloss neck on this guitar is incredible for this price. The Duncan Designed pickups can do whatever you need them to do.
Ease of Use
The guitar came out of the box with a decent setup. After tweaking the intonation and a set of fresh strings, it was ready to go.
Quality
This is a well-made instrument. The not too heavy, but still has the heft of a quality instrument. It did have a blemish on the pickguard from the above-mentioned solder incident during manufacture. But after speaking with a zZounds customer service rep, I ended up getting the guitar for the 'blemished' price so I can't really complain about that.
Value
I don't know if I just got a gem out of the bunch, but I couldn't have found a better guitar for the money. A 'Five-Star' value rating honestly doesn't do it justice.
Manufacturer Support
I have not dealt with manufacturer.
The Wow Factor
It has the classic look and sound that I wanted without having to mortgage my house. It looks as good as as any Strat I've seen that was made in the last 20 years.

Musical Background:

Semi-professional; guitar, mandolin, bass, lap steel

Musical Style:

Rock, Americana, Bluegrass, Folk
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Submitted November 5, 2014 by Eric B in Saint Paul, MN

"This is the real deal !!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I have to admit I am sometimes a snob when it comes to the name on the head-stock of a guitar. Not anymore. Having recently discovered the unbeatable price point, and quality of craftsmanship with the higher end Squier Guitars (vintage modified and classic vibe series) my attitude toward Squier has shifted dramatically. I am now a believer. I simply can not say enough great things about this particular instrument. I'm truly honored to have this beautiful axe in my arsenal, and she will sit next to all my other "snob" guitars with pride and dignity.

Musical Background:

I've been playing off and on as a basement jammer for 25 years.
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Submitted December 23, 2017 by Chase Walker in surprise, AZ

"My first Strat!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Again another shout out to zZounds for a speedy delivery.. man there fast. Now this is my first Strat I have held and played a tiny bit on a standard fender strat but this is the first guitar that has felt absolutely comfortable standing or sitting.. it has a nice fat light body accompanied with a wide fast neck.. I have a medium size belly aonthe guitar doesn't flop forward when I play ( big belly crew for life! Yo) I got this guitar to mostly play blues. But out of the box it was in horrible shape. Now mind u I am a beginner and watching review and having to go out to get the right tools to completely set the guitar up was a mother of a you know what.. but for a more in tune artist it shouldn't be a problem. My neck was bowed way to forward. The string height was at the highest across the bridge and the saddles were just placed in the bridge no measurements to get a kinda intonation done or anything.. had to do everything from scratch. But luckily I didn't give up and have set right where I think it should be. ( Again not an expert of an sorts). I think a beginners guitar should come out of the box ready to play to help encourage people to not give up on it. Because I'm pretty sure most beginners would have found it difficult to continue to find the sweet spots in setting up a guitar.. over I'm happy with this piece of work. And am so glad I went with this guitar to get back in the swing of things.

Musical Background:

4 years.. 6 to more years not playing... Very little experience

Musical Style:

Metal, blues, acoustic, regea, rock, punk... Absolutely no hip hop or r&b
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Submitted January 18, 2014 by Lisa H in Wynne, AR

"Squier VM 70"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This is my 2nd guitar, and I love it. Plays great. ZZounds was awesome to deal with, and super fast.

Musical Background:

Beginner

Musical Style:

Rock,Blues
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Submitted April 22, 2018 by Vince M in Philly, PA

"Squire Strat"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I was a little hesitant about buying this piece, but I decide to go for it, and zZounds makes it easy to get. after ordering it the thing was at my door within two days. I could not be more pleased with this low end guitar. it has the look of a 700 dollar guitar and the sound is right there also, if you are thinking about it do it you wont be sorry.

Musical Background:

been playing over forty yrs.

Musical Style:

Classic Rock and Blues.
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Submitted January 2, 2018 by Ed L in Virginia Beach, VA

"Worth the Money"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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It plays like a Strat and feels like a Strat. a few years ago, I played a buddy's low end Squire at a gig. It was clumsy and like playing a 2x4. However, this "Squire" is nothing like that. It comes decently setup, but of course you have to do your own tweaking. Buy it.

Musical Background:

47 years...used to gig and play in bands...do three or four shows a year now.

Musical Style:

Hank to Hendrix
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Submitted July 23, 2017 by Jesus Lopez in Austin, TX

"Vintage Modified Fender Squire 70's Stratocaster"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This guiter is all that I expected and more. I've owned several Strat's in my time, but this one I have to say is hard to put down. With the it's maple fingerboard, and Duncan Designed pickups, this baby whails, and sounds better that my other strats. I highly recommend this guitar for beginner's and the more advanced; not to mention the awesome price. Thank you zZounds for coming through!

Musical Background:

20 plus years, I play Guitar, Bass & Drums.

Musical Style:

classic rock
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Submitted February 3, 2014 by Lisa H in Wynne, AR

"Squier Vintage Modified 70's Stratocaster"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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LOVE IT!! I'm a beginner and this guitar has been great for me. Feels and sounds wonderful. Highly recommended.

Musical Background:

Beginner

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Blues
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Submitted January 27, 2016 by Bob H in Pearl River, LA

"Squire 70's Vintage Modified Strat. Black."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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What can I say, this is one great and inexpensive AXE. It was well setup upon arrival and I can't stop playing with it. It's beautiful and sounds awesome. Kudos to zZounds, I ordered it on Thursday, no special shipping and it arrived on Friday. What a surprise. And the price, you can't find a better deal on a great guitar!

Musical Background:

Hobbist, Jam with friends at home. Strictly guitar and bass.

Musical Style:

Rock, progressive, TOOL.
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Submitted March 2, 2018 by James Lafferty in knoxville, TN

"best strat ever"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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had many strats over the years.this one by far is the sweetest one bar none! I cant believe the fit & finish on itI also have prs se & an epi les paul flame top.this axe stands proudly in the middle! got the blemish one. Where? thank you for all the good reviews on this wonderful guitar buy this one!you wont be sorry but get it from zzounds!at my door in two days as promised!

Musical Background:

guitar,keyboards,drums playing over 40 years!

Musical Style:

classic rock,blues, latin(santana)
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Submitted February 9, 2018 by james B in ROCHESTER, NY

"NICE GUITar"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Very pleased with the quality of the guitar. plays great. have been wanting a strat with a maple fretboard for some time now. zZounds made it easy with the 8 payment plan. Guitar could use a slight set up but nothing major. Love it! Maybe I'll put in the gilmore SL-1 down the road. but for now couldn't be happier, and at this price it's a steal. Thanks zZounds.

Musical Background:

songwriter/ at home studio

Musical Style:

Rock
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Submitted January 4, 2019 by Chris L in Newnan, GA

"Amazing Guitar For The Money"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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I bought this guitar for a very specific purpose. I build guitars and custom pickups. I wanted a Vintage Modified Squier Strat to demonstrate the difference between stock pickups and my custom built pickups. What I can tell you is that you get an incredible guitar for the money. I was amazed by the quality of the neck and the overall quality of the guitar. I did have to do a set up one the guitar. I lowered the action and set the intonation. The electronics work well but could use an upgrade. The one place the guitar is lacking is the pickups. They just don't sound like the higher end strats. The guitar is going to get a new set of pickups and stay in my collection for a very long time.

Musical Background:

I am an closet player that is average at best. I have played for about 20 years and played in a band a few times in 20 years

Musical Style:

I like classic rock and blues
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Submitted July 21, 2014 by Mike T in Arlington Heights, IL

"Squier VM 70s Stratocaster"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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The guitar is awesome!! Pictures do not reflect the beauty of this instrument. Totally satisfied with product and service.

Musical Background:

Restarting guitar player, jam at home

Musical Style:

Blues, Classic Rock
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Submitted October 21, 2018 by Michael D

"Very happy with the purchase"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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I got this as a knock around guitar for jamming around the house. Feels and plays like a much more expensive strat. Very happy this purchase.

Musical Background:

Playing 30 yrs mostly at home, jam sessions and garage bands but also a few actual gigs if time permits.

Musical Style:

Rock, country, blues, rockabilly
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Submitted June 13, 2017 by Benjamin M in new Richmond, WI

"Hope yours is better than mine."

Overall: 2 out of 5 stars
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This looks pretty at first glance. The neck pocket is crooked. I've tried to adjust it and have gotten it close. It came with a chip near the nut. The bridge saddles are very poor quality. When you run your hand down the neck the edges feel crooked and look that way. After adjustments, setup, new nut, and overall a lot of work it plays OK. The pickups are good and I really liked the tone. It has classic strat tone but is aggressive. It came in a factory sealed box evident it was never opened by zZounds. I have done a lot of work to make this guitar salvageable but would not have bought it had I known what I know now.

Musical Background:

intermediate player. I gig once a month.
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Submitted November 18, 2015 by Don N in Judsonia, AR

"It's Ok But Not What I'm Looking For"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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After Seeing It Being Demo On You Tube I Thought I'd Give It A Try. I Like The Basswood Body And Maple Fretboard After I Made A Couple Of Adjustments, Truss Rod And Saddles At The Bridge. It Felt Better In My Hands But It Doesn't Have The Sound I Was Looking For. I'm Getting The Fender Excelsior Tube Amp In A Couple Of weeks And Hoping It'll Sound Better. Just Not What I'm Looking For.

Musical Background:

Been Playing Over 50 Years. Play Electric Guitar And Acoustic Electric

Musical Style:

Classic Rock Like The Doobie brothers And Allman Brothers Band
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Submitted October 15, 2018 by James H in Montgomery, TX

"Great Buy"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I just ordered and received it last Wednesday and didn't have to do any adjustments just tuned up and started playing right out if the box most definitely a great buy would recommend to any beginner or seansoned player

Musical Background:

Mainly play at church

Musical Style:

Southern gospel style music
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Submitted October 10, 2018 by James H in Montgomery, TX

"Awesome"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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I just got mine today and by far the best strat I had ever played. Ive had other squier strats but this beats them hands down.

Musical Background:

Guitar since 1997, bass and drums since 2002

Musical Style:

I mainly play at church or at home
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