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Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
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Playability
73
Sound
67
Build
54
Value
75
Score
65
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Playability
70
Sound
71
Build
59
Value
77
Score
67
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Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH vs Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster Specs Comparison
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
General
Brand: Fender Squier Fender Squier
Year: 2018 2018
Configuration: HH SS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China Indonesia
Series: Contemporary Classic Vibe
Colors: Red White, Blue, 3-Color Sunburst
Left-Handed Version: Yes Yes
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Poplar Poplar
Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles 6-Saddle Vintage-Style with Non-Locking Floating Vibrato
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Standard Die-Cast Vintage-Style
Fretboard: Maple Indian Laurel
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Black Dot White Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Modern C Modern C
Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 9.5"
Nut: Synthetic Bone Bone
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Ceramic Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Ceramic Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Bell
Pickup Mods: None Multi-Voicing
Volume Controls: 1 2
Tone Controls: 1 2
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Nickel
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH's switch options
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster's switch options

Reasons to Get
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH over Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster

Pickups
HH vs SS
High output without hum
Number of Frets
22 vs 21
Allows to reach higher notes
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend

Reasons to Get
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster over Contemporary Stratocaster HH

Country of Manufacturing
Indonesia vs China
Built with higher quality standards
Pickup Mods
Multi-Voicing vs None
Changes the voice (tones or gain) of the pickups
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SS vs HH
Beautiful cleans
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Value Score
77 vs 75
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH vs Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster

Bridge Pickup
Ceramic Humbucker vs Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Ceramic Humbucker vs Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil
Different Neck Pickup
Fretboard Wood
Maple vs Laurel
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH vs Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster

Body Wood
Poplar
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Tremolo
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs Narrow Tall
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH Prices

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    Hand Size Comfortability

    And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster favors large hands more than the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH meets only 5. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    Sound Quality Comparison

    The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

    Woods Used in Both

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple
    Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
    Poplar

    Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

    Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster

    Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
    Laurel

    There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

    Winner: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH has an HH configuration while the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster has SS pickups.

    Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

    On the other hand, SS is the classic Telecaster configuration. It's used mainly for playing clean or with low-gain distortion, and it's very popular for the country genre because of their brightness. It doesn't give you as much versatility as a Strat SSS configuration, but you might like the cleaner look of a guitar body with fewer pickups.

    Pickups Quality

    The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH. Its pickups should give you a fuller, richer sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Blues and similar genres.

    Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster.

    Versatility Comparison

    Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

    Switch Options

    Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

    Only the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster comes with some kind of pickup modification: Multi-Voicing.

    Multi-Voicing means the pickups come with multiple ''voices'', which means they can change the tone and gain by a simple switch or knob. Piezo, Fishman and similar are considered multi-voicing pickups.

    When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
    Pickups 60
    Sustain 80
    Versatility 64
    Tuning Stability 65
    Sound 67
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
    Pickups 70
    Sustain 70
    Versatility 78
    Tuning Stability 65
    Sound 71

    Build Quality Comparison

    When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH compares to the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH is built in China while the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster is made in Indonesia.

    China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

    Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

    Winner: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster

    Nut Material

    If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

    The Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH has a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

    On the other hand, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster comes with a Bone nut. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

    Winner: Tie.

    Fret Material

    Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

    Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

    Winner: Tie.

    Bridge

    The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

    Both come with a similar bridge: Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

    Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

    Winner: Tie.

    Tuners

    Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH's are Standard Die-Cast while the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster's are Vintage-Style

    Winner: Tie.

    Neck Joint

    Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

    Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
    • Bone Nut
    • Multi-Voicing Pickups
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Indonesia
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    Final Build Quality Scores

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
    Quality of materials 51
    Features 55
    Quality Control 55
    Build Quality 54
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
    Quality of materials 51
    Features 60
    Quality Control 65
    Build Quality 59

    Playability Comparison

    Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

    Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

    Nut Width

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH Nut Width
    Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42mm (1.654'').

    This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

    If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

    Scale Length

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH and Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster's Scale Length
    Both have the same scale length

    The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

    In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

    This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

    However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

    Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

    Neck Profile

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH Neck Profile
    Both guitars have the same neck profile

    No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

    Both the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH and the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH's Fingerboard radius
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster's Fingerboard radius

    Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

    In this case, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH.

    Fret Size

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH and Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster Frets Size
    Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

    Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

    Final Playability Scores

    Fender Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
    Chord Playability 60
    Solo Playability 80
    Playability 73
    Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 70