Hacker News Reader

Comment by paulgrimes1 | Hacker News Reader

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

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.

And, contrary to when they started being produced, they're of comparable quality to regular Fenders now.

Has Squier improved or Fender declined?

As a former owner of a 1981 and a 1999 Squier, I would say Squier has definitely improved.

Squier has definitely improved. Pretty mind blowing what they can make now for $150.

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!

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.

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 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.

And a Fender Squier can be had for $150 or less. I know a lot of people who started on one of those.

  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."

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

Reply on news.ycombinator.com