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Solar T1.6Vinter
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
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Playability
73
Sound
81
Build
70
Value
75
Score
75
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Playability
72
Sound
68
Build
57
Value
76
Score
66
FIND IT ON:
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Solar T1.6Vinter vs Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom

Reasons to Get
Solar T1.6Vinter over Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom

Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Release Year
2022 vs 2019
From a more recent year
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Pickups Brand
Fishman vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Pickup Mods
Multi-Voicing vs None
Changes the voice (tones or gain) of the pickups
Pickups
HH vs SH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24 vs 21
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.654'' (42mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Evertune vs Fixed
Fixed bridge that will keep the guitar in tune forever
Fretboard Radius
13.78'' (350mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output

Reasons to Get
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom over Solar T1.6Vinter

Number of Frets
21 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Nut Material
Bone vs Graphite
Good quality nut with rich tone
Neck Joint
Bolt-On vs Set
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SH vs HH
Very bright bridge tone and a very warm neck pickup
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Fixed vs Evertune
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 13.78'' (350mm)
More curved fretboard helpful to play chords without muting strings
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Value Score
76 vs 75
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Solar T1.6Vinter vs Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom

Bridge Pickup
Fishman Fluence Modern vs Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fishman Fluence Modern vs Fender Designed Wide Range Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Alder vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony vs Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
R6 vs 6
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Graphite vs Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Solar T1.6Vinter vs Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Type of Frets
XL Jumbo vs Narrow Tall
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Weaknesses

  • Weight Relief
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Solar T1.6Vinter is probably the better product overall with its final score of 75 compared to the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's 66 score, although not by a lot.

The Solar T1.6Vinter wins when it comes to sound, playability, build quality. On the other hand, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom has the upper hand when it comes to value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom is the better choice.

The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Solar T1.6Vinter meets only 4. 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

Solar T1.6Vinter
  • Comfortable shape
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Easy-to-use bridge

New Player Friendliness

Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Solar T1.6Vinter Overview

  • From Solar's 2022 Type T series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Evertune F-Type bridge
  • Solar C Shape Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Solar 18:1 Locking Type tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Overview

  • From Fender Squier's 2019 Classic Vibe series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 9.5" Fretboard Radius
  • Poplar body
  • Maple neck
  • Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Fender Designed Wide Range Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • 3-Saddle Vintage-Style Strings-Through-Body Tele with Chrome Barrel Saddles bridge
  • Modern C Bolt-On neck
  • 21 Narrow Tall frets
  • Vintage-Style tuners
  • Compare Specs >

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

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.

Woods Used in the Solar T1.6Vinter

Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony
Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Woods Used in the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom

Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
Poplar

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.

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

Pickup Configuration

The Solar T1.6Vinter has an HH configuration while the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom has SH 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, SH is a more versatile version of the classic telecaster (SS) configuration. The bridge pickup usually produces a bright and twangy tone, while the neck Humbucker gives you the warmer tone you'll need for more Jazzy/Bluish solos and chords.

Pickups Quality

The Solar T1.6Vinter has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Heavy Metal and similar genres.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Solar T1.6Vinter's and use them on any guitar:

The Solar T1.6Vinter's pickups are Active while the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's are Passive.

Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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 Solar T1.6Vinter 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.

Solar T1.6Vinter pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Solar T1.6Vinter's switch options
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's switch options

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

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Pickups 85
Sustain 80
Versatility 59
Tuning Stability 100
Sound 81
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
Pickups 60
Sustain 85
Versatility 58
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 68

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 Solar T1.6Vinter compares to the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Indonesia.

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: Tie

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 Solar T1.6Vinter has a Graphite nut. It's a self-lubricating material that will allow the strings to slide over the nut without a lot of friction. It's a good type of nut if you want to have better tuning stability than with plastic, although it's not as resistant as Bone or Tusq.

On the other hand, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom 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: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom.

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.

In this comparison, the Solar T1.6Vinter is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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.

The Solar T1.6Vinter's brige is a Evertune. It will keep your guitar in tune and intonated until the next string swap. If you really like extremely subtle vibratos, this might not be the bridge for you because you won't be able to perform them as well. However, the fact that you won't need to tune your guitar is a huge advantage that many people will gladly pay the extra price for.

On the other hand, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

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: Solar T1.6Vinter.

Tuners

The Solar T1.6Vinter has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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.

The Solar T1.6Vinter has a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

On the other hand, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom comes with 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: Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Solar T1.6Vinter
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
  • Bone Nut
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 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 Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Quality of materials 66
Features 70
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 70
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
Quality of materials 56
Features 50
Quality Control 65
Build Quality 57

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

Solar T1.6Vinter Nut Width
Solar T1.6Vinter Nut Width
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Nut Width
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Solar T1.6Vinter has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 42mm (1.654''). This is a 1mm (0.039'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Solar T1.6Vinter, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Solar T1.6Vinter and Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom'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

Solar T1.6Vinter Neck Profile
Solar T1.6Vinter's neck profile
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Neck Profile
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's 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 Solar T1.6Vinter and the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom 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

Solar T1.6Vinter Fingerboard Radius
Solar T1.6Vinter's Fingerboard radius
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Fingerboard Radius
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom'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 70s Telecaster Custom's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Solar T1.6Vinter'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 Solar T1.6Vinter.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Solar T1.6Vinter:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Solar T1.6Vinter Frets Size
Solar T1.6Vinter's Frets Size
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom Frets Size
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's Frets Size

The Solar T1.6Vinter has XL Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom's Narrow Tall frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 50
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 70
Playability 72

Specs Side-by-Side

Solar T1.6Vinter vs Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
General Solar T1.6Vinter Squier Classic Vibe 70s Telecaster Custom
Brand: Solar Fender Squier
Year: 2022 2019
Configuration: HH SH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia Indonesia
Series: Type T Classic Vibe
Colors: White Matte Black, 3-Color Sunburst
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Poplar
Bridge: Evertune F-Type 3-Saddle Vintage-Style Strings-Through-Body Tele with Chrome Barrel Saddles
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Bolt-On
Tuners: Solar 18:1 Locking Type Vintage-Style
Fretboard: Ebony Maple
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Solar Logo on 12th Fret Black Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Solar C Shape Modern C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) 1st Fret: - 12th Fret:
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 13.78" 9.5"
Nut: Graphite Bone
Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) Fender Designed Wide Range Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Multi-Voicing None
Volume Controls: 1 2
Tone Controls: 1 2