5 ms·

Most beginners (quitters?) don't receive fenders for their first guitar. If they do, the gifter is obviously LOOOADED.

dri_ft 10y ago
I guess that's why Fender have an interest in getting people beyond the beginner stage.
reducesuffering 10y ago
I wouldn't say that. The classic fender stratocaster is around $400 iirc. It's a great guitar for the price and that is by no means a high end guitar or high end fender. The other "classic" guitar is the Gibson Les Paul which start at $1500. If a beginner got THAT, the gifter would be loaded.
- thraxil 10y ago
  And a Fender Squier can be had for $150 or less. I know a lot of people who started on one of those.
- manarth 10y ago
  The classic fender stratocaster is around $400 iirc. It's a great guitar for the price and that is by no means a high end guitar or high end fender. "$400 looks a little pricey, what about this $100 guitar? Oh, that one is a Fender? Fender are a good make, right? I don't think they need a Fender just yet, they're only just starting. We'll go with the cheaper one. If they like it, maybe we'll get them a Fender if they stick with the lessons."
jdietrich 10y ago
Fender Squier guitars start at around $150. They've been a popular first guitar for decades. Fender sell a substantial quantity of "guitar starter packs" through retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco.
- mfukar 10y ago
  And, contrary to when they started being produced, they're of comparable quality to regular Fenders now.
  - jackfrodo 10y ago
    Has Squier improved or Fender declined?
    - mfukar 10y ago
      As a former owner of a 1981 and a 1999 Squier, I would say Squier has definitely improved.
    - keeganjw 10y ago
      Squier has definitely improved. Pretty mind blowing what they can make now for $150.
      - 6stringmerc 10y ago
        One of the things I learned growing up and playing some real vintage axes is that the consistency of build quality back then was incredibly hit-or-miss. Hand made not always a good thing, fit and finish. Sure, a lot of character, but from a practical standpoint, the "build quality" of guitars is highly refined in the 2000s!
  - jukkakoskinen 10y ago
    So true. I'm very happy with my Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50's Tele. Awesome build quality with a great off-the-shelf setup. It's not exactly cheap (~$400), but it was totally worth it.
  - pklausler 10y ago
    Anecdata: I went shopping for a new 5-string bass last month, took my time and had fun playing everything I could find in town (Portland), and even though I'd budgeted a couple grand to treat myself, the one that felt best under my fingers turned out to be a $225 Squier. It was a weird experience having to talk myself into spending less, but man, it's a great instrument.

I guess that's why Fender have an interest in getting people beyond the beginner stage.

I wouldn't say that. The classic fender stratocaster is around $400 iirc. It's a great guitar for the price and that is by no means a high end guitar or high end fender. The other "classic" guitar is the Gibson Les Paul which start at $1500. If a beginner got THAT, the gifter would be loaded.

thraxil 10y ago
And a Fender Squier can be had for $150 or less. I know a lot of people who started on one of those.
manarth 10y ago
The classic fender stratocaster is around $400 iirc. It's a great guitar for the price and that is by no means a high end guitar or high end fender. "$400 looks a little pricey, what about this $100 guitar? Oh, that one is a Fender? Fender are a good make, right? I don't think they need a Fender just yet, they're only just starting. We'll go with the cheaper one. If they like it, maybe we'll get them a Fender if they stick with the lessons."

jdietrich 10y ago

Fender Squier guitars start at around $150. They've been a popular first guitar for decades. Fender sell a substantial quantity of "guitar starter packs" through retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco.

mfukar 10y ago
And, contrary to when they started being produced, they're of comparable quality to regular Fenders now.
- jackfrodo 10y ago
  Has Squier improved or Fender declined?
  - mfukar 10y ago
    As a former owner of a 1981 and a 1999 Squier, I would say Squier has definitely improved.
  - keeganjw 10y ago
    Squier has definitely improved. Pretty mind blowing what they can make now for $150.
    - 6stringmerc 10y ago
      One of the things I learned growing up and playing some real vintage axes is that the consistency of build quality back then was incredibly hit-or-miss. Hand made not always a good thing, fit and finish. Sure, a lot of character, but from a practical standpoint, the "build quality" of guitars is highly refined in the 2000s!
- jukkakoskinen 10y ago
  So true. I'm very happy with my Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50's Tele. Awesome build quality with a great off-the-shelf setup. It's not exactly cheap (~$400), but it was totally worth it.
- pklausler 10y ago
  Anecdata: I went shopping for a new 5-string bass last month, took my time and had fun playing everything I could find in town (Portland), and even though I'd budgeted a couple grand to treat myself, the one that felt best under my fingers turned out to be a $225 Squier. It was a weird experience having to talk myself into spending less, but man, it's a great instrument.