Squier Contemporary Active Stratocaster Review
Ok, I recently picked up a Squier Contemporary Active Stratocaster.
They run about $449 new at the time of this writing. However, I’ve seen one locally for $280 used. You may also be able to get a deal on one on Reverb.com.
So, are they a good deal?
I will say I am happy with the one I received. However, with any entry level priced guitar there are potential quality issues. Overall, I’ve had good experiences with Squier instruments. I’ve bought Bullet Telecasters, Bullet Strats, and a Classic Vibe Telecaster. In each case I’ve either had no issues or minor issues.
But, were there issues with this one?
Yes. But they were very minor and easily remedied.
Squier Contemporary Strat Issue One
This guitar had two minor issues.
First, the volume and tone pots were a little “tight” when turning them. This also happened on my Classic Vibe Tele.
Fortunately, this is a very easy issue to fix.
All you need is a can of Deoxit D5 Contact Cleaner
It will take a couple applications if the knobs are very slow turning. Simply spray a little and then turn the knob back and forth a few times. There’s no need to spray a lot. A little at a time works. Simply repeat the process until the knob turns smoothly. It may take 3-4 applications.
The longest part of the process is removing the strings and the pick guard to gain access to the pots. There is a small gap where the wires are soldered onto the contacts. That’s where you want to spray the Deoxit. Remember, a very quick spray is enough. There is no need to drown it in contact cleaner. Turning the knob back and forth will work it into the contacts well enough.
Issue Numero Dos
Second, the fine tuners on the Floyd Rose Tremolo were very difficult to turn as well.
But again an easy fix.
For this I used a little 3-In-One oil. I really like the bottles with the telescoping spout. It makes it very easy to apply one drop at a time.
To get those fine tuning screws to turn easily apply a single drop and then run them all the way in and back out. After applying each drop wipe off any excess and repeat 2-3 times on each fine tuner.
I’d also pick up a few 9 volt batteries. They probably pay a penny for the ones that they ship in the guitar. That’s how they save on costs. Having a pack of Energizer 9 volts on hand is always handy for a guitarist anyway.
The Good
I like the way the neck feels. It’s not a chunky next like an old Gibson and it’s not super thin like an Ibanez Prestige. It’s somewhere in the middle. Maybe slightly thicker than slim taper 60’s necks on Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls.
It’s a 12 inch radius neck. It has jumbo frets. The fret board is Indian Laurel. There is a lot of light to dark variation with Laurel. Mine is very evenly dark and looks as if it’s rosewood. The scale length is the standard Fender 25.5.”
The pickups are active Squier. They are their version of an EMG pickup. I like they way they sound for metal. Could I replace them with these EMGs?
Overall, a great guitar. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.