100% I was born in 72 and started playing at age 11 we had nothing like this quality at that price point. The Sears guitar I had literally when strummed would go Right out Of tune. The guitar was basically always tuned to D lol
Teenager in the 70's here. Man, cheap guitars were terrible. I still see them in the really dusty used stores. Some of them have some charm, like Teiscos, but most are just ratchety barely playable junk. I had a Sears Silvertone with action so high any chord was out of tune from the fretted strings stretching to sharp. Painful on the ears as it was on the fingers! It was like a guitar that you would give a kid to make them not ever want to be a musician. lol. We are definitely in a Golden Age for cheap guitars, if that could be a thing.
My dad bought me one of these as a gag. After a setup, new strings, and about three hours with a fret file, I’ve got the thing very playable. The laurel fingerboard on mine is very close-grained, it’s incredibly slippery-smooth and fabulous. On the downside, the pickups are a little harsh for my taste. So as with yours, the fret ends were atrocious, but with a little bit of work, this becomes a fabulous beginners guitar. I’m probably going to give this to one of my students.
They used poplar on many Fender guitars back in the day.. I had a set of good pickups lying around so I purchased one and threw them in and fixed all the little problems and wouldn't even hesitate to gig with it now... The satin finish has really grown on me
As a self taught player I really appreciate your generosity and support of our youth who like me was very poor unable to even get a guitar Awesome stuff
I bought one. A nice guitar for leaving out to grab and play. I never took the tremolo bar out of the box,of course the bridge is cheap. I'm in my 70's been playing since 13. I like the way it feels. Amazing what is available today for beginners whether young or old. Take the big sheet of plastic that covers the pickups, and put some D'addario 9"s on it. Makes a noticeable improvement.
I have a few Squiers a contemporary Tele and a Classic Vibe 70s Strat that are 2 of my most played guitars i usually pick them up first. After 30 years of playing i dont care what it says on the headstock as long as it plays and sounds good and I like it. I also commend you for giving these to music programs thats awesome man.
My first guitar was. Squire Bullet. I filed and polished the fret ends. Took it in for a setup from a small shop. I installed new locking tuners. After all of that it was very playable for a beginner to learn. After two years of lessons I bought a PRS SE.
I just added Eric Clapton Sig Strat electronics (TBX, Mid-Boost, Noiseless Pickups, and Jack) to my Bullet. Found a pre-wired pick-guard on ebay for $200 and the jack for another $15 and Fender Saddles $15. It took some effort with a router but this thing ROCKS now🤟. It looks mostly stock too so it’s an eye opener 😂
Nice mods. I was gifted a black Squire Bullet. I changed the all pickups to cheap knockoff Hot Rails and put on a Pearloid pickguard. Total cost was $35. It's now a fun guitar to play and, in my opinion, looks better too.
Thank you both, the generous viewer and to you Phil for doing a comprehensive deep dive on such a model. Fender seems to be genuinely thoughtful on their purpose for these Debut guitars
Thanks for reviewing this! I got one and was completely floored by how good they are. I’ve had countless guitars and this one has been my go to since they were released. With CNC machining, squier/fender just had to input the right specs and voila!
I’ve been playing for nearly 30 yrs. For fun a couple years ago I picked up a Squire and amp combo pack on sale for Christmas and I friggin dig the guitar. It plays and sounds awesome and nobody I play with cares that it’s a cheap‘beginner’ guitar. I Ike it playing it and hearing it so to me, it’s a good guitar. And that’s all that matters.
The mentor advice is so good there is nothing better than entering into guitar and becoming part of a tribe. You will find support just by being you and having a common interest with anyone of any age group.. Welcome to the new ones!
Special thanks to the viewer that paid for the guitar for you to dive iinto, and I feel you gave it a truly unbiased opinion. I wholeheartedly agree that you should first look at local mom and pop stores instead of the internet! Thanks Phil; the more I watch your videos, the more I like them.
As someone who plays clean/reverb or uses just a touch of overdrive, this guitar sounds great - amazing for the money. I've played many Fenders and Squiers. The only one I've kept has been a Squier Thinline Tele. Perfect comments from Phil at the end about going to your local store first. Excellent video. Full of info and tips. 10/10.
Thanks for the run through of the electronics behind the pickguard and the tech tips. I happen to wonder yesterday about upgrading the pots in my squiers, never would I expect the answer would turn up in your vid the next day. Haha. I have 4 Squiers and not even 1 Fender. Maybe that's a problem that needs fixing 😂 Subscribed!
That's funny, Amazon is almost that fast. I live just a few miles from an Amazon distribution center, and if I order something at work at lunchtime, it's usually delivered before I get home.
If your sticking a pencil eraserto help with the slop in the trem arm. If you want it out, thread a sharp screw into it so it bites into the eraser, then back out the screw slowly with the eraser attached. I use this technique on other things outside of guitar mostly on stuck Welch plugs in carbs when they refuse to come out with other methods
Awesome that you’re giving the guitar away in support of, and inspiring, young musicians. Your reviews are always fantastic, often learn something from you. Thank you.
As a guy who worked an entire summer to buy his first electric guitar... these are great and I hope the help inspire some really great up and coming rock stars. We all need rock and roll to come back!!!
Over the past year, I have purchased three guitars - much to my GF’s chagrin. • 1990 Fujigen ST-65 Fender Stratocaster ($800) • 1994 “Black Label” (Made in California, finished and assembled in Mexico) Squire Series Fender Stratocaster ($300) • 1994 “Black Label” (Made in California, finished and assembled in Mexico) Squire Series Fender Telecaster ($350) The Fujigen’s body is a bit heavy and the electronics need replacing, but that guitar plays like butter. The Telecaster is fun to play, but it needs some fret work (and it could also use new electronics). That said, my least expensive purchase (the Black Label Mexican Strat) is one of THE best guitars I have ever played. It is easily the best guitar I have ever owned. The only Strat that I enjoyed playing more than my Black Label Strat was a 1983 JV-57 Fujigen Stratocaster. Someone put love into making that thing. It felt like it was holding and playing me. If I get a bonus check next year, I am going to go back to Mike’s in Seattle’s Emerald City and buy that SOAB. Goodbye $3k, hello euphoria. Don’t take my word for it. Research the Black Label 1994-1997 Mexican Fender “Squire Series” Stratocasters. Lots of pawn shops, yard sales and music stores don’t even know what they have. I give it a few more years before they begin to get really scarce. Anyone who has ever had one will tell you. And if you have the cheese to spend, remember this: 1983 Fujigen “Made in Japan” (“JV”) Stratocaster.
I got a Squier Jazzmaster 12 string no tremolo. For 380 delivered from Fender. It is amazing didn’t need any set up. Intonation was great stays in tune and sounds great. Awesome for the price !!
Just bought one of those and customize it. New pickups new electronics. New pickguard. New strings and you will need to file the fret ends. Plus 5 full springs on the tremolo.
Thanks for mentioning the pots. Small dime-sized pots do not affect the sound in any way. Electrons don't know or care what size or price the pots are, only the resistance matters.
Thank you for reviewing this guitar! I’ve been looking at one now since these hit Amazon a few months back. I’d like to try one just to see if I like Fender, and this model might just be the ticket. We all trust your judgement and recommendations a great deal. You don’t have an agenda, and that’s a good thing. Thanks for all of your content.
LOVE watching your VERY informative and entertaining videos Phil. I wish I had THAT as my first guitar, instead of the Spiegel catalog guitar and amp combo, that went for 106.00 back in late 1970's. Still have the amp😄
What surprised me that with an experienced player like Phil playing a $120 guitar, it sounds just as good as a American Professional Stratocaster. Everything that Phil listed that the guitar needs help on like, fret sprout can be fixed with common tools at home. Hydrating your fingerboard with lemon oil you can get from Home Depot.
Slide players can play anything. As long as the strings are tight, the instrument is playable. That's how they get away with playing $100 cigar box guitars.
Phil your point to hydrate the board (especially laurel/rosewood, etc) is so true as I drenched my Debut when I got mine over the summer. Solved the problem. Will be changing the awful bridge to 9ne with a brass block. Great thrasher!
I think people probably read too much into guitars and their quality. I bought a $199 Carlo Robelli at Sam Ash 25+ years ago. I've crudely modified it a whole bunch of times, including sanding and painting, and leaving it outside of the house. It's never cracked or twisted of anything. The frets are all grooved and it still plays good enough...feels even better.. Just spend $200 on something you like and stick with it. It'll be fine.
Hi Phil! Thanks for the video. I'd been wondering about this model. FYI, Squier Strats, at least over the past decade or so, are all 42mm nut width, as are the MIM Standard/Player models. You don't see 43mm nut consistently until Player Plus or American.
You have to admit that would be a great first guitar and for the price you can't beat it! My first guitar was a late 60s fender strat (used) it was $300 in 1971
The Gear may help a little even inspire but it's the Guy or girl not the gear. Anyone telling you otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about. Talent can't be bought or replicated. Good to see someone supporting new players as they come into their own especially in school! Thanks for that mate!
That's a really interesting finish on the body - is it actually more of a matte vs. gloss ? If so, I actually think that's really cool - maybe sunburst isn't the best to make use of it - but I think I like it better than the often over the top (to me) glossy finishes... it's at least nice to have another option...
I’m not a beginner but I’d be happy with that guitar - it sounds great. Once you get over the gear snob thing (which can be fun in its own right) guitars like this really come into their own. Great review.
I appreciate the honest review and not being afraid to say that it's a pretty great guitar for the price. I watched one of these where the guy felt like you had to do a complete tear down and remod before he would consider playing it--I think he forgot the guitar was made for a beginner, not a pro with custom Shop Fender's hanging on the wall behind him. I bought this guitar simply out of curiosity and was definitely impressed. I also LOVE that you recommend going to your locally owned shop first. Amazon is great and convenient, but the local guys need your money more than Amazon AND locals are the best option for information, repairs, and upgrades. Lastly, I'll say that one thing you get from the Debut that you don't get from other guitars at this level is constant quality. I have one and so do three friends who all bought the red one because red is rare on a cheap Fender. All of them are consistently good guitars. They all needed a little intonation, string stretching, and tuning, but what guitar at this level doesn't? One of my friends said the intonation on his was spot on except for one string which was only slightly out. That's impressive.
There was a time that I had a half dozen expensive name-brand guitars, and these days I have a small collection of inexpensive guitars that are surprisingly playable. There is no denying the value of the stability of the more expensive ones, but the fingers make the biggest difference. Phil can make anything sound good. :-)
FYI I used a file and sand paper on a Mexican block and put it in a 3/4 Strat. Got the tremelo cover on too with a little sanding on the inside of the cover.
Great review Phil. It looks like this guitar is an excellent choice for beginners. My kids have really started to take playing seriously and some of their friends are coming over to the house and also showing interest. Thanks to this review I would feel comfortable recommending this guitar to one of their parents looking to buy their kid a guitar.
I started with a thrift shop Squier Bullet Strat, cheapest of the cheap. Part by part, except the body, I replaced everything for about two years. My roasted maple neck, Made in Mexico, has a minor cosmetic flaw where a branch obvious grew out of the wood, but that's what makes it custom, zero problem, I could pick it out of a lineup. Maybe because of cheap wood, that neck is totally flawless. By the way kids, necks are traditionally made out of at least three pieces of wood, glued together. The reason the Fender style neck is flat and straight, with string trees, is because it's made of one piece of wood, plus the fretboard of course.
Great informative video as always, Phil. Seems like a great value. I really dig the satin finish on the body. Would look sweet with a matte black pick guard!
I remember my first guitar back in the mid 60's(a dual pickup Silvertone semi-hollow body I got used at a pawnshop. Got me started and into bands until I bought a new Fender Mustang. I designed and made a new body modeled after a Mosrite (but with a semi hollow body with F holes) and played in bands in high school and college. Great memories.
With a little craft sense, you can fix that fret sprout. Model tape and a jewelers file. Easy does it. Lots of vids on how. But this guitar and the Firefly are a lot nicer than the ones I started off with when I was in bands when I was a teen. I'm impressed. I wish they were out then.
Shrank The past tense of "shrink" that's used to describe something that got smaller at a specific moment in time. For example, "I shrank my shirt in the dryer". Shrunk The past participle of "shrink" that's used to describe something that got smaller at an undefined point in time or when writing in passive voice. For example, "I have shrunk my shirt in the dryer".
I bought a Fender Squire package with amp on sale for $149 and upgraded the amp to a Positive Grid Spark 40. Great combo. I plan of keeping the Squire. Fret edges are smooth, actions great. Build quality is impressive. I plan on swapping the tuners for a set of locking tuners and changing out the pick ups for some Fender Tex Mex pick ups. It will last me years as a solid strat.
This type of guitar is the way to learn how to mod and repair/tweak. Even better if you can find a decent pawnshop one for $70 bucks or so. Much better than messing up a $2000 Fender Strat or even a $700 Player Strat or Tele, because you don’t know what you’re doing. These low price Squires are the perfect “learn on for modding & repair” guitars. Great video 👍
I wish guitars like this existed 40 years ago. Kidding aside, this looks like and excellent guitar for holistic learning: playing, modding, care & maintenance. The whole shabangzl. Kids today are very lucky. Well, except for the sky falling every other day. That initial bridge pup setting screams, "Surf's up!" I'm digging the format: Geeky/Demo/Thought.
I can't feel the guitar trough youtube but surely I can say there is no bad/cheap gear, only bad/cheap players. People with know how can make anything sound awesome as this video shows.
I feel pretty special too. Back when I was building guitars pretty regularly, I had 7 listings up on Ebay, and one day they were all taken down. Plus, I had a cease and desist from Fender to EBay. So after a couple of weeks, and showing Fender why my guitars did not infringe on their design, I relished them. No problem since. I like Fender guitars, but I build them better, and you know, do the little things, like put very good pickups in, and fully work the frets and fretboard edges. lol.
I bought one of these for a friend with a case, amp and few other goodies. For about $250 delivered for the bundle, I definitely was not disappointed. My Dad enjoyed setting it up and playing it before I gave it to my friend, who also enjoyed it.
One thing you can bet your bottom dollar on .... Fender is not going to put their name on a junk guitar. This review is thorough, by someone who knows guitars, and the results are pretty amazing. No serious player would buy this guitar and use it as-is .... a fair amount of work would go into it to move it into a truly usable place. But, frankly, it's a really good platform to start with. Some serious fretwork is definitely needed for rough edges ... a new nut definitely ... set up work, as always, for decent strings, tuning and intonation stability ... the spring-in-slot technique for the vibrato stick is a nifty solution ... maybe (probably) pickup replacement ... etc. I have to say, i'm REALLY impressed with what you can buy today for that price.
For me as a Begginner Guitar Player, the guitar's tuning ratio's make all the difference in the world. I have two fender squires ( a telecaster and J Masic's Jazzmaster) and almost quit, because if you can't stay in tune, which I could not with these at ALL, what's the use? I bought a used Reverend 390 Jetstream for just a little more...what an amazing, REAL instrument.
My Indonesian made Bullet Strat is actually one of my favorite guitars. Swapped in some Tex Mex pickups and a set of vintage style tuners. It's had a complete set up to dial everything in and its actually a pretty decent guitar, especially for the small amount of money invested in it.
Phil, inexpensive or expensive guitar, doesn't matter to me they all sound good when you are playing them. It is all in the fingers anyway. If a beginner was playing it I'm sure it would not sound good because they don't know how to make it sound good YET.
Phil, I really enjoyed what you chose to play in the clean section. I thought it showcased the guitar well and it was just enjoyable to listen to. Is that some of the music you've been putting together on your album?
There were two dudes talking on TV and after 45 minutes ... I quit. So ... being too early for bed, I needed some respite from the cacophony which I had been drowning and almost puking in and thought to myself ... "I wonder what Phil is up to?". I needed to listen to a bonafide good dude. Appreciated Phil. 🙏
I agree- my 2021 Chinese Strat from Fender with FMT SSH is a great guitar in every way- even fret ends, sonically ( after ear tuned pickup height ), feel, - love it!
I bought a $159 squire and it plays great , mostly I love the color, Squier Sonic Stratocaster Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Surf Green, I might switch out the pickups
I picked up a Squire Affinity recently used for $100 as an experiment guitar to try out some wiring ideas and practice fretwork on. When I got it and tried it out, I couldn't believe how good it felt and sounded. This started me down a path of buying some other cheap strats from craigslist and this guitar is going to stay around for my kids to learn on. Also, I'm starting to really come around to having a guitar with ceramic pickups because they act as though they have a perfect high pass cap in them where it really retains the same tone all the way through the volume sweep. At low volumes with a higher gain tube amp (using a Victory V10 as my "under desk" amp) they sound fantastic and are quite enjoyable. Beginning guitarist have no idea how good they have it now.
It's amazing for 120 bucks, poplar body that's great value. It's way better then what us older guys started on.
Exactly! Entry level these days are so much better and much cheaper to boot.
No doubt! @@portland573
100% I was born in 72 and started playing at age 11 we had nothing like this quality at that price point. The Sears guitar I had literally when strummed would go Right out Of tune. The guitar was basically always tuned to D lol
Teenager in the 70's here. Man, cheap guitars were terrible. I still see them in the really dusty used stores. Some of them have some charm, like Teiscos, but most are just ratchety barely playable junk. I had a Sears Silvertone with action so high any chord was out of tune from the fretted strings stretching to sharp. Painful on the ears as it was on the fingers!
It was like a guitar that you would give a kid to make them not ever want to be a musician. lol. We are definitely in a Golden Age for cheap guitars, if that could be a thing.
For sure, I had a old Teisco that was a nightmare. I loved it though.
As a teacher and a guitar bro, I really appreciate you giving these to kids. There are so many kids in my state that dont have a whole lot.
Yea that’s a great thing!
If you don't mind me asking... which state?
@@AvroBellowi don't remember he says in the beginning
@@lauriemacquanan2141 hmm
As a student and guitar nigga, I agree
Phil really is a treasure for the info he gives to the community.
Also the viewer who donated the money to buy this guitar so it could be reviewed. We all win.
Agreed
My dad bought me one of these as a gag. After a setup, new strings, and about three hours with a fret file, I’ve got the thing very playable. The laurel fingerboard on mine is very close-grained, it’s incredibly slippery-smooth and fabulous. On the downside, the pickups are a little harsh for my taste. So as with yours, the fret ends were atrocious, but with a little bit of work, this becomes a fabulous beginners guitar. I’m probably going to give this to one of my students.
They used poplar on many Fender guitars back in the day.. I had a set of good pickups lying around so I purchased one and threw them in and fixed all the little problems and wouldn't even hesitate to gig with it now... The satin finish has really grown on me
This is amazing. We’re living in the golden age of guitars for real.
I appreciate your charity to the young students in school. You just made a student and their teacher very happy!
As a self taught player I really appreciate your generosity and support of our youth who like me was very poor unable to even get a guitar Awesome stuff
Phil, you're a saint for putting guitars in the hands of the kids! Rock on brother!!
I bought one. A nice guitar for leaving out to grab and play. I never took the tremolo bar out of the box,of course the bridge is cheap. I'm in my 70's been playing since 13. I like the way it feels. Amazing what is available today for beginners whether young or old. Take the big sheet of plastic that covers the pickups, and put some D'addario 9"s on it. Makes a noticeable improvement.
I just bought a Squier Affinity Strat and its great for 200 euros/dollars. They really did a nice job on it.
I have a few Squiers a contemporary Tele and a Classic Vibe 70s Strat that are 2 of my most played guitars i usually pick them up first. After 30 years of playing i dont care what it says on the headstock as long as it plays and sounds good and I like it. I also commend you for giving these to music programs thats awesome man.
My first guitar was. Squire Bullet. I filed and polished the fret ends. Took it in for a setup from a small shop. I installed new locking tuners. After all of that it was very playable for a beginner to learn. After two years of lessons I bought a PRS SE.
I just added Eric Clapton Sig Strat electronics (TBX, Mid-Boost, Noiseless Pickups, and Jack) to my Bullet. Found a pre-wired pick-guard on ebay for $200 and the jack for another $15 and Fender Saddles $15.
It took some effort with a router but this thing ROCKS now🤟. It looks mostly stock too so it’s an eye opener 😂
Nice mods. I was gifted a black Squire Bullet. I changed the all pickups to cheap knockoff Hot Rails and put on a Pearloid pickguard. Total cost was $35. It's now a fun guitar to play and, in my opinion, looks better too.
Thank you both, the generous viewer and to you Phil for doing a comprehensive deep dive on such a model. Fender seems to be genuinely thoughtful on their purpose for these Debut guitars
They are in a small way investing in the future customers!
Another solid video as always
I wish all people who worked at guitar stores had attitudes more like this one.
Sounds like solid deal at that price point. Thanks Phil!
Great content i wish this kind of stuff was around back in the late 1970s when i first picked up a guitar
Those little springs can be found in self closing cupboard hinges. I discovered this when one broke and the spring fell out. Fits perfectly....
As ever, great perspective. For a parent who can’t stretch for their kids first guitar, seems great.
Thanks for reviewing this! I got one and was completely floored by how good they are. I’ve had countless guitars and this one has been my go to since they were released. With CNC machining, squier/fender just had to input the right specs and voila!
I’ve been playing for nearly 30 yrs. For fun a couple years ago I picked up a Squire and amp combo pack on sale for Christmas and I friggin dig the guitar. It plays and sounds awesome and nobody I play with cares that it’s a cheap‘beginner’ guitar. I Ike it playing it and hearing it so to me, it’s a good guitar. And that’s all that matters.
I have two SQUIER guitars. They are great! A Telecaster and an Esquire! Mine cost $389 each. But they are now $449. Still great bargains!
The mentor advice is so good there is nothing better than entering into guitar and becoming part of a tribe. You will find support just by being you and having a common interest with anyone of any age group.. Welcome to the new ones!
Special thanks to the viewer that paid for the guitar for you to dive iinto, and I feel you gave it a truly unbiased opinion. I wholeheartedly agree that you should first look at local mom and pop stores instead of the internet! Thanks Phil; the more I watch your videos, the more I like them.
I have all three of these. I've been playing for 40 years and these Strats are easily some of the best guitars I've played in ages.
As someone who plays clean/reverb or uses just a touch of overdrive, this guitar sounds great - amazing for the money.
I've played many Fenders and Squiers. The only one I've kept has been a Squier Thinline Tele.
Perfect comments from Phil at the end about going to your local store first.
Excellent video. Full of info and tips. 10/10.
Usually guys in Guitare stores are intimidating. And many times try to sell you what they want to get rid of
Intimidating??? Lmao they are all dorks
Thanks for the run through of the electronics behind the pickguard and the tech tips. I happen to wonder yesterday about upgrading the pots in my squiers, never would I expect the answer would turn up in your vid the next day. Haha. I have 4 Squiers and not even 1 Fender. Maybe that's a problem that needs fixing 😂 Subscribed!
Nothing wrong with that at all. Sounds good.
Best guitar I've played in my life was a hopped up Bullet my buddy had. It smoked his PRS and that PRS had thousands in it.
I hear that. Got a bullet tele, got an American Pro 2 tele. Play the bullet just as much, probably more.
@@chasbee the bullet is probably lighter too.
Guitar's certainly have come a long way from I started in 60's
What wonderful, inexpensive guitars are made today.
Thanks for the post.
That's funny, Amazon is almost that fast. I live just a few miles from an Amazon distribution center, and if I order something at work at lunchtime, it's usually delivered before I get home.
Are you in Tampa? I have the same experience you do I typically can't get to Walmart as fast as Amazon gets to me
If your sticking a pencil eraserto help with the slop in the trem arm. If you want it out, thread a sharp screw into it so it bites into the eraser, then back out the screw slowly with the eraser attached. I use this technique on other things outside of guitar mostly on stuck Welch plugs in carbs when they refuse to come out with other methods
Awesome video, I love seeing how fender are trying to market to new players.
As a separate note...you're a great person Phil!
Awesome that you’re giving the guitar away in support of, and inspiring, young musicians. Your reviews are always fantastic, often learn something from you. Thank you.
As a guy who worked an entire summer to buy his first electric guitar... these are great and I hope the help inspire some really great up and coming rock stars. We all need rock and roll to come back!!!
Over the past year, I have purchased three guitars - much to my GF’s chagrin.
• 1990 Fujigen ST-65 Fender Stratocaster ($800)
• 1994 “Black Label” (Made in California, finished and assembled in Mexico) Squire Series Fender Stratocaster ($300)
• 1994 “Black Label” (Made in California, finished and assembled in Mexico) Squire Series Fender Telecaster ($350)
The Fujigen’s body is a bit heavy and the electronics need replacing, but that guitar plays like butter. The Telecaster is fun to play, but it needs some fret work (and it could also use new electronics).
That said, my least expensive purchase (the Black Label Mexican Strat) is one of THE best guitars I have ever played. It is easily the best guitar I have ever owned.
The only Strat that I enjoyed playing more than my Black Label Strat was a 1983 JV-57 Fujigen Stratocaster. Someone put love into making that thing. It felt like it was holding and playing me.
If I get a bonus check next year, I am going to go back to Mike’s in Seattle’s Emerald City and buy that SOAB. Goodbye $3k, hello euphoria.
Don’t take my word for it. Research the Black Label 1994-1997 Mexican Fender “Squire Series” Stratocasters. Lots of pawn shops, yard sales and music stores don’t even know what they have. I give it a few more years before they begin to get really scarce.
Anyone who has ever had one will tell you.
And if you have the cheese to spend, remember this: 1983 Fujigen “Made in Japan” (“JV”) Stratocaster.
I found a JV Squire at the GC, for 100$ Emerald City Guitars got that one, I think it sold for 600- 800. That fat body radius is hard to hide.
She AIN'T ya wife! (YET!)
I got a Squier Jazzmaster 12 string no tremolo. For 380 delivered from Fender.
It is amazing didn’t need any set up. Intonation was great stays in tune and sounds great.
Awesome for the price !!
Just bought one of those and customize it. New pickups new electronics. New pickguard. New strings and you will need to file the fret ends. Plus 5 full springs on the tremolo.
I always learn so much from these videos. Thank you.
Thanks for mentioning the pots. Small dime-sized pots do not affect the sound in any way. Electrons don't know or care what size or price the pots are, only the resistance matters.
Thank you for reviewing this guitar! I’ve been looking at one now since these hit Amazon a few months back. I’d like to try one just to see if I like Fender, and this model might just be the ticket. We all trust your judgement and recommendations a great deal. You don’t have an agenda, and that’s a good thing. Thanks for all of your content.
Great idea giving them to schools for learning ( after school?!). Poplar? Far out, I like it.
Great info! Thanks Phil!
LOVE watching your VERY informative and entertaining videos Phil. I wish I had THAT as my first guitar, instead of the Spiegel catalog guitar and amp combo, that went for 106.00 back in late 1970's. Still have the amp😄
Those pickups actually sound sweet! A great value all around here - I even like the new outline style logo. Looks way cooler and more traditional
What surprised me that with an experienced player like Phil playing a $120 guitar, it sounds just as good as a American Professional Stratocaster. Everything that Phil listed that the guitar needs help on like, fret sprout can be fixed with common tools at home. Hydrating your fingerboard with lemon oil you can get from Home Depot.
Slide players can play anything. As long as the strings are tight, the instrument is playable. That's how they get away with playing $100 cigar box guitars.
Phil your point to hydrate the board (especially laurel/rosewood, etc) is so true as I drenched my Debut when I got mine over the summer. Solved the problem. Will be changing the awful bridge to 9ne with a brass block. Great thrasher!
I think people probably read too much into guitars and their quality. I bought a $199 Carlo Robelli at Sam Ash 25+ years ago. I've crudely modified it a whole bunch of times, including sanding and painting, and leaving it outside of the house. It's never cracked or twisted of anything. The frets are all grooved and it still plays good enough...feels even better..
Just spend $200 on something you like and stick with it. It'll be fine.
Hi Phil! Thanks for the video. I'd been wondering about this model. FYI, Squier Strats, at least over the past decade or so, are all 42mm nut width, as are the MIM Standard/Player models. You don't see 43mm nut consistently until Player Plus or American.
Nice clear truss rod adjustment graphic there Phil, you're fantastic man.
You have to admit that would be a great first guitar and for the price you can't beat it! My first guitar was a late 60s fender strat (used) it was $300 in 1971
The Gear may help a little even inspire but it's the Guy or girl not the gear. Anyone telling you otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about. Talent can't be bought or replicated. Good to see someone supporting new players as they come into their own especially in school! Thanks for that mate!
That's a really interesting finish on the body - is it actually more of a matte vs. gloss ? If so, I actually think that's really cool - maybe sunburst isn't the best to make use of it - but I think I like it better than the often over the top (to me) glossy finishes... it's at least nice to have another option...
Yeah those Amazon Squiers have matte finish it’s neat
@@josephabrams3051 Definitely cool - I don't recall Fender really having that sort of finish... maybe using these as a bit of "test marketing" (?)
I don't generally care for bursts but I like this. Got to be the Matte finish.
I’m not a beginner but I’d be happy with that guitar - it sounds great. Once you get over the gear snob thing (which can be fun in its own right) guitars like this really come into their own. Great review.
I appreciate the honest review and not being afraid to say that it's a pretty great guitar for the price. I watched one of these where the guy felt like you had to do a complete tear down and remod before he would consider playing it--I think he forgot the guitar was made for a beginner, not a pro with custom Shop Fender's hanging on the wall behind him. I bought this guitar simply out of curiosity and was definitely impressed. I also LOVE that you recommend going to your locally owned shop first. Amazon is great and convenient, but the local guys need your money more than Amazon AND locals are the best option for information, repairs, and upgrades. Lastly, I'll say that one thing you get from the Debut that you don't get from other guitars at this level is constant quality. I have one and so do three friends who all bought the red one because red is rare on a cheap Fender. All of them are consistently good guitars. They all needed a little intonation, string stretching, and tuning, but what guitar at this level doesn't? One of my friends said the intonation on his was spot on except for one string which was only slightly out. That's impressive.
There was a time that I had a half dozen expensive name-brand guitars, and these days I have a small collection of inexpensive guitars that are surprisingly playable. There is no denying the value of the stability of the more expensive ones, but the fingers make the biggest difference. Phil can make anything sound good. :-)
FYI a thin body would not fit standard tremolos if you are thinking of modding. The block would be sticking out the back.
FYI I used a file and sand paper on a Mexican block and put it in a 3/4 Strat. Got the tremelo cover on too with a little sanding on the inside of the cover.
@@davidkastin4240 Or put a 'gasket" under the the trem cover. Only needs to be built out a few mm and it's noticeable but not annoying.
@@frankiegoestoponsonby4741 That would be plan B LoL
Great modder. Especially the bass version of the debut series.
Very happy to know you fix it up, and give it to young people to check out so they may find out they may find the Joy of playing guitar
Great review Phil. It looks like this guitar is an excellent choice for beginners. My kids have really started to take playing seriously and some of their friends are coming over to the house and also showing interest. Thanks to this review I would feel comfortable recommending this guitar to one of their parents looking to buy their kid a guitar.
I started with a thrift shop Squier Bullet Strat, cheapest of the cheap. Part by part, except the body, I replaced everything for about two years. My roasted maple neck, Made in Mexico, has a minor cosmetic flaw where a branch obvious grew out of the wood, but that's what makes it custom, zero problem, I could pick it out of a lineup.
Maybe because of cheap wood, that neck is totally flawless.
By the way kids, necks are traditionally made out of at least three pieces of wood, glued together. The reason the Fender style neck is flat and straight, with string trees, is because it's made of one piece of wood, plus the fretboard of course.
Nice finish that brown is really nice!
Great informative video as always, Phil. Seems like a great value. I really dig the satin finish on the body. Would look sweet with a matte black pick guard!
I remember my first guitar back in the mid 60's(a dual pickup Silvertone semi-hollow body I got used at a pawnshop. Got me started and into bands until I bought a new Fender Mustang. I designed and made a new body modeled after a Mosrite (but with a semi hollow body with F holes) and played in bands in high school and college. Great memories.
With a little craft sense, you can fix that fret sprout. Model tape and a jewelers file. Easy does it. Lots of vids on how. But this guitar and the Firefly are a lot nicer than the ones I started off with when I was in bands when I was a teen. I'm impressed. I wish they were out then.
Shrank
The past tense of "shrink" that's used to describe something that got smaller at a specific moment in time. For example, "I shrank my shirt in the dryer".
Shrunk
The past participle of "shrink" that's used to describe something that got smaller at an undefined point in time or when writing in passive voice. For example, "I have shrunk my shirt in the dryer".
A friend of mine got a free new squier affinity bass and it was really comfortable to play, it wasn't much different than my fender or 80s copy
I bought a Fender Squire package with amp on sale for $149 and upgraded the amp to a Positive Grid Spark 40. Great combo. I plan of keeping the Squire. Fret edges are smooth, actions great. Build quality is impressive. I plan on swapping the tuners for a set of locking tuners and changing out the pick ups for some Fender Tex Mex pick ups. It will last me years as a solid strat.
Seems very decent for the money. I do wonder what Fender / Squier are doing for their brand value selling these in USA / European markets.
This type of guitar is the way to learn how to mod and repair/tweak. Even better if you can find a decent pawnshop one for $70 bucks or so.
Much better than messing up a $2000 Fender Strat or even a $700 Player Strat or Tele, because you don’t know what you’re doing. These low price Squires are the perfect “learn on for modding & repair” guitars. Great video 👍
Great video! My Squier Affinity Stratocaster has ceramic pickups and I really like the sound of them. Some Seymour Duncan pickups are ceramic.
I wish guitars like this existed 40 years ago. Kidding aside, this looks like and excellent guitar for holistic learning: playing, modding, care & maintenance. The whole shabangzl. Kids today are very lucky. Well, except for the sky falling every other day.
That initial bridge pup setting screams, "Surf's up!"
I'm digging the format: Geeky/Demo/Thought.
I can't feel the guitar trough youtube but surely I can say there is no bad/cheap gear, only bad/cheap players. People with know how can make anything sound awesome as this video shows.
Truer words have never been spoken!
I feel pretty special too. Back when I was building guitars pretty regularly, I had 7 listings up on Ebay, and one day they were all taken down. Plus, I had a cease and desist from Fender to EBay. So after a couple of weeks, and showing Fender why my guitars did not infringe on their design, I relished them. No problem since. I like Fender guitars, but I build them better, and you know, do the little things, like put very good pickups in, and fully work the frets and fretboard edges. lol.
I bought one of these for a friend with a case, amp and few other goodies. For about $250 delivered for the bundle, I definitely was not disappointed. My Dad enjoyed setting it up and playing it before I gave it to my friend, who also enjoyed it.
"let's try some overdrive"...🔥
Phil I gotta say I’ve learned so much from you. You’ve inspired me to potentially become a guitar tech in the future
One thing you can bet your bottom dollar on .... Fender is not going to put their name on a junk guitar. This review is thorough, by someone who knows guitars, and the results are pretty amazing. No serious player would buy this guitar and use it as-is .... a fair amount of work would go into it to move it into a truly usable place. But, frankly, it's a really good platform to start with. Some serious fretwork is definitely needed for rough edges ... a new nut definitely ... set up work, as always, for decent strings, tuning and intonation stability ... the spring-in-slot technique for the vibrato stick is a nifty solution ... maybe (probably) pickup replacement ... etc. I have to say, i'm REALLY impressed with what you can buy today for that price.
Hey Phil your playing has improved so much over the last few years! Cheers!
I don't know what he used to play like, but he's definitely a playa now.
Great video. Very educational well beyond just this guitar. Thank you!
I played the NYXL strings this guitar. It cost the same as 10 packs of strings blows my mind.
I have relatively small hands and LOVE the necks on these guitars!
For me as a Begginner Guitar Player, the guitar's tuning ratio's make all the difference in the world. I have two fender squires ( a telecaster and J Masic's Jazzmaster) and almost quit, because if you can't stay in tune, which I could not with these at ALL, what's the use? I bought a used Reverend 390 Jetstream for just a little more...what an amazing, REAL instrument.
Great extra information for beginners!
My Indonesian made Bullet Strat is actually one of my favorite guitars. Swapped in some Tex Mex pickups and a set of vintage style tuners. It's had a complete set up to dial everything in and its actually a pretty decent guitar, especially for the small amount of money invested in it.
Phil, inexpensive or expensive guitar, doesn't matter to me they all sound good when you are playing them. It is all in the fingers anyway. If a beginner was playing it I'm sure it would not sound good because they don't know how to make it sound good YET.
Phil, I really enjoyed what you chose to play in the clean section. I thought it showcased the guitar well and it was just enjoyable to listen to. Is that some of the music you've been putting together on your album?
There were two dudes talking on TV and after 45 minutes ... I quit. So ... being too early for bed, I needed some respite from the cacophony which I had been drowning and almost puking in and thought to myself ... "I wonder what Phil is up to?". I needed to listen to a bonafide good dude. Appreciated Phil. 🙏
Was one of them Danish?
@@DesconectadoOaxaca The language (to my ear at least), was more akin to Bovinius Scatalogicus. Not Scandinavia?🤣
You sound like you're 70 years old
@ … and some!
This guitar screams project guitar. Thanks for producing and sharing!
I have the Dakota red version and every time I pick it up I'm so impressed by the value for $ this guitar provides
You can use the spring from a ball point pen for the tremelo as I have. Kudos for giving these guitars for kids at schools.
I learn so much from your videos
I agree- my 2021 Chinese Strat from Fender with FMT SSH is a great guitar in every way- even fret ends, sonically ( after ear tuned pickup height ), feel, - love it!
really like your noodling licks😀
I bought a $159 squire and it plays great , mostly I love the color, Squier Sonic Stratocaster Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Surf Green, I might switch out the pickups
I remember when a Fender Bullet Strat was $99.
Inflation
i used to walk uphill in the snow both ways to school
I picked up a Squire Affinity recently used for $100 as an experiment guitar to try out some wiring ideas and practice fretwork on. When I got it and tried it out, I couldn't believe how good it felt and sounded. This started me down a path of buying some other cheap strats from craigslist and this guitar is going to stay around for my kids to learn on. Also, I'm starting to really come around to having a guitar with ceramic pickups because they act as though they have a perfect high pass cap in them where it really retains the same tone all the way through the volume sweep. At low volumes with a higher gain tube amp (using a Victory V10 as my "under desk" amp) they sound fantastic and are quite enjoyable.
Beginning guitarist have no idea how good they have it now.
Thinner body and its a matte finish with satin neck. I'm sold.