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Yes, "too cheap" is bad for newbies. You need something at least average or you'll struggle progressing.

Same thing happened when I learned bass. I was unable to achieve anything after 2 years on a shovel. I then tried a squier special edition.. suddenly everything was getting out. Still a newb but the tool gave me direction on where to work to improve with a lot less effort. I was shocked.

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I’ve been steering parents on this for years: for beginners (especially kids) the difference between a lifetime passion and another hobby on the pile is usually down to the quality of the instrument + the ability to have early wins (and it’s almost impossible to have early wins on a poorly-made instrument)

Quite true. Once again, balance is key.

> Same thing happened when I learned bass.

I didn't enjoy playing until I swapped out the strings on my Ibanez with some Rotosounds. The tonal change was significant.

Heh, my "shovel" was an ibanez sr400 (not the cheapest, maybe 2nd low cost entry) but I have no idea what strings were on. Ibanez thin neck felt like a win at first but it wasn't enough it seems.

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