I’ve been looking to get a guitar, but I don’t know anything about them. I want an electric (and all the related stuff, of course) and I want it to be cheap. I’m willing to spend $300 - $400 if need be, but no more than that. I just want to mess around; I’m not looking to become a serious guitarist. I’ve been looking at getting a Squier Strat Pak with Frontman 15G Electric Guitar for $280. The reviews at MusiciansFriend.com range from decent to great, and it’s definitely in my price range. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
I know you don’t want to spend more than that, but if you get a cheapie guitar, it’s going to limit your ability to become a decent guitar player later. Since you said you just want to mess around, it’s probably ok, but you definately aren’t going to be able to become a serious guitar player with that guitar.
That said, it doesn’t look too bad for an el-cheapo beginner guitar. The one thing that really bothers me about it is the fact that it has a whammy bar but doesn’t have a locking nut on the neck. This means that any time you touch the whammy bar you are going to throw the guitar out of tune.
Given your objective and price range, I think that’s a good buy for you.
I must respectfully disagree with this. While a poor quality guitar may make playing somewhat more difficult for a beginner I would consider this a good thing. Higher strings and lower frets will increase one’s hand strength and poor quality pickups will mean the player has to concentrate harder to get a good sound. Indeed, there are many world famous guitarists who claim to have started out playing on such monstrosities.
That said, I think the Squier Strat is a pretty decent beginner’s guitar, is usually constructed fairly well, and while the pickups are not the best they will provide a sound at least vaguely reminiscent of a genuine Strat. I must agree with engineer_comp_geek on the trem. I would suggest blocking it up with a piece of wood when you get it or the constant retuning will drive you insane.