2008 Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster~ First-Year Chinese~ Sunburst Strat!

2008 Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster – First-Year Chinese Production – Two-Colour Sunburst

An excellent opportunity to own an early example of the original Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster, manufactured in China in 2008, the very first year of Classic Vibe production.

 

These original Chinese-made Classic Vibes have developed a particularly strong reputation among Fender enthusiasts, thanks to their impressive build quality, traditional specifications and excellent vintage-inspired pickups.

 

This example is finished in classic Two-Colour Sunburst, with an alder body, beautifully vintage-tinted maple neck and fingerboard, and its original set of Alnico III single-coil pickups.

 

For players familiar with the earliest Classic Vibe instruments, these first-generation guitars have become increasingly desirable, offering a combination of specification, character and value that continues to attract considerable interest.

 

First-Year Classic Vibe Production – 2008

 

Fender introduced the Squier Classic Vibe series in 2008, bringing vintage-inspired Fender designs to a more accessible price point without compromising on many of the features players associate with traditional instruments.

 

The original Chinese-manufactured models quickly established an excellent reputation, particularly for their necks, pickups and overall quality.

 

This example carries an early CGRK08-series serial number, consistent with its 2008 production date.

 

Unlike some later Classic Vibe models, these original ’50s Stratocasters feature an alder body, paired with a one-piece-style maple neck and maple fingerboard.

 

The Two-Colour Sunburst finish, single-ply white pickguard, aged-white pickup covers and vintage-style hardware give the guitar an unmistakable late-1950s appearance.

 

It’s a lovely example of the original concept behind the Classic Vibe range.

 

Original Alnico III Single-Coil Pickups

 

One of the most appealing features of these early instruments is the pickup specification.

 

This guitar retains its original factory-fitted set of custom vintage-style Alnico III single-coil Stratocaster pickups.

 

These pickups are particularly well regarded for their warm, open response, excellent clarity and traditional Stratocaster character.

 

The neck pickup offers a smooth, rounded sound that works beautifully for blues and clean playing, while the bridge provides the brighter attack associated with a traditional Strat.

 

Positions two and four deliver the familiar hollow, glassy tones that make the Stratocaster so versatile.

 

The traditional five-way selector, master volume and two tone controls provide a wide range of familiar Fender sounds without unnecessary complications.

 

For anyone looking specifically for an original Chinese-made Classic Vibe, having the correct factory pickups still fitted is an important attraction.

 

Vintage-Tinted Maple Neck

 

The maple neck is another highlight of the original Classic Vibe series.

 

Finished in a warm vintage tint, it has a comfortable Modern C profile, a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 21 medium jumbo frets.

 

The gloss finish gives it the familiar appearance and feel of a traditional Fender-style maple neck, while the more contemporary fingerboard radius makes it comfortable for both chord work and lead playing.

 

Black dot position markers, a small Stratocaster headstock and vintage-style tuners complete the classic appearance.

 

The guitar is fitted with a traditional six-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo, with the tremolo arm included as photographed.

 

Condition

 

Good overall condition for an 18-year-old guitar, with honest cosmetic wear consistent with its age.

 

The Two-Colour Sunburst finish still presents very attractively, with the lovely amber centre and darker edges showing off the character of the alder body.

 

There are some small chips, light finish/lacquer cracks, surface scratches and general cosmetic marks in various areas, particularly around the body edges and contours.

 

Some of these marks are shown in close-up photographs taken under strong, direct lighting. This lighting highlights every reflection and surface imperfection, making certain marks appear more noticeable than they are when viewing the guitar normally.

 

The finish cracks and chips are cosmetic, and we have not identified any indication of structural damage from the areas photographed.

 

There is also some age-related tarnishing to the bridge and metal hardware, along with general signs of handling and playing.

 

Overall, this remains a very attractive early Classic Vibe Stratocaster that has developed some cosmetic character over the years.

 

We have deliberately photographed the imperfections in detail so prospective buyers can see exactly what they are purchasing.

 

Please examine all photographs, which show the actual guitar for sale and form part of our condition description.

 

Specification

 

* Manufacturer: Squier by Fender

* Model: Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

* Year: 2008

* Production: First-Year Classic Vibe Series

* Country of Manufacture: China

* Serial Number: CGRK08000065

* Finish: Two-Colour Sunburst

* Body: Alder

* Body Finish: Gloss Polyester

* Neck: Maple

* Neck Profile: Modern C

* Neck Finish: Vintage-Tinted Gloss Polyester

* Fingerboard: Maple

* Fingerboard Radius: 9.5”

* Scale Length: 25.5”

* Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo

* Nut: Synthetic Bone

* Nut Width: 42mm

* Fingerboard Inlays: Black Dots

* Bridge Pickup: Original Custom Vintage-Style Alnico III Single-Coil

* Middle Pickup: Original Custom Vintage-Style Alnico III Single-Coil

* Neck Pickup: Original Custom Vintage-Style Alnico III Single-Coil

* Pickup Configuration: SSS

* Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck), Tone 2 (Middle)

* Pickup Selector: Five-Way Blade

* Bridge: Vintage-Style Six-Saddle Synchronised Tremolo

* Tuners: Vintage-Style

* Pickguard: Single-Ply White

* Pickup Covers & Controls: Aged White

* Hardware: Nickel/Chrome

* Neck Plate: Four-Bolt Squier by Fender

* Condition: Good Used Condition with Cosmetic Wear

 

What’s Included

 

* 2008 Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster in Two-Colour Sunburst

* Tremolo arm as photographed

 

Why Buy From Chordplay Guitars?

 

We’re an independent, family-run guitar shop in Darwen, open 7 days a week and specialising in carefully selected new and used guitars.

 

Every used instrument is checked and cleaned before sale, with setup work carried out where appropriate. We aim to give honest, detailed condition descriptions so you know exactly what you’re buying.

 

Free next-working-day UK mainland delivery is available on orders over £470.

 

£50 secures it, and part exchange is always welcome.

 

Friendly support is available before, during and after your purchase.

 

We Buy Guitars

 

Looking to sell or part exchange something? We’re always interested in quality used guitars and collections. Get in touch with details and photographs and we’ll be happy to take a look.

 

International Buyers

 

Worldwide shipping is available. We have plenty of experience packing guitars securely for international transport. Any import duties, VAT, taxes, customs charges or other local fees are not included in the purchase price or shipping charge and remain the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your local customs authority before purchasing.