Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster SH with Bigsby Aztec Gold

New- 2025. 

The Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster SH with Bigsby in Aztec Gold is a striking take on the classic Telecaster design, combining vintage-inspired styling with a versatile pickup configuration and the unmistakable character of a Bigsby vibrato. Part of Squier’s well-regarded Classic Vibe series, it offers a convincing vintage aesthetic and a strong level of playability without moving into the price range of a full Fender instrument. Guitar World praised its playability, Telecaster character and overall value, while noting a few minor build compromises expected at this price point.

The double-bound poplar body gives the guitar a particularly attractive appearance, with the Aztec Gold finish complemented by a three-ply parchment pickguard and nickel-plated hardware. The vintage-tinted gloss finish on the maple neck adds to the old-school look, while the comfortable C-shaped profile and 9.5-inch fingerboard radius provide a familiar feel that should suit a wide range of playing styles. The 21 narrow-tall frets and 42mm bone nut complete a straightforward, comfortable neck design.

Where this Telecaster really stands apart is its SH pickup configuration. The bridge features a Fender-designed Alnico single-coil that delivers the familiar Telecaster bite, clarity and twang, while the neck position uses a Fender-designed Alnico humbucker for a fuller and warmer sound. A three-way selector allows you to use either pickup individually or combine them, giving the guitar considerably more tonal variety than a conventional two-single-coil Telecaster. Guitar World particularly highlighted the strong character of the bridge pickup, while finding the neck humbucker somewhat darker in comparison.

The addition of the Bigsby B50 vibrato gives the guitar another dimension, allowing everything from subtle pitch movement to more pronounced vintage-style vibrato effects. It is paired with a vintage-style floating bridge with Mustang saddles, while the string-through Bigsby design makes restringing more straightforward. Reviews suggest that the Bigsby can feel slightly less refined than more expensive versions, but it adds plenty of character and is a particularly appealing feature at this price level.

Overall, the Squier Classic Vibe Custom Telecaster SH with Bigsby is an excellent choice for players looking for something more distinctive than a standard Telecaster. Its combination of classic styling, Telecaster bite, humbucker warmth and Bigsby vibrato makes it a highly versatile instrument for blues, rock, country, indie and roots-inspired styles. The Aztec Gold finish also gives it plenty of visual appeal, making this a guitar that looks as distinctive as it sounds.

For players wanting vintage-inspired Telecaster character with added tonal flexibility and the expressive feel of a Bigsby, this Classic Vibe model offers an impressive combination of features and value.