Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster, Laurel Fingerboard, Lake Placid Blue

Lake Placid Blue is one of those Fender colors that never gets old, and it looks especially sharp on the Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster. Under the finish, you get the same excellent platform that makes this series so popular -- three Fender-Designed alnico single-coils with real depth and clarity, a comfortable slim C neck, and a 9.5-inch radius board that plays well for both chords and lead work.

The Classic Vibe line is honestly the sweet spot of the entire Squier catalog. You get period-correct styling and vintage-voiced pickups without the quirks that make actual vintage instruments frustrating to play. The tuners hold, the intonation is solid, and the bone nut is a nice touch at this price. A really satisfying guitar for blues, classic rock, funk, or anything that benefits from genuine single-coil tone.