Retailing for only $199.00 there is really not much bad I can say about this great package for any starting musician.  What better way to enter the music world than with an actual Fender in your possession. 

I remember when I was 10 my dad bought me my first electric guitar.  I think it was called the Alf or something...it seemed like a Gibson knockoff and was utterly useless.  When buying a guitar for a first time player you need to be mindful of a few considerations. (review continued below...)

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First, make sure that the instrument is playable.  The saddest thing in the world would be if a child was turned off to music simply because the electric guitar they are practicing on ripped through their fingers and makes their hands smell like rusted metal.

I wrote a pretty comprehensive article a few months ago on finding the right guitar teacher.  You can read that here.  I consider the Fender Squier to be the world's best beginner guitar and this package really ups the ante. 

For $200 bucks you get a Squier SE Special Strat and a SP-10 combo amp, plus an instrument cable, electronic tuner, instructional DVD, guitar stand, gig bag, and pick assortment.  The only thing you don't get with this package is a crowd of screaming fans! 

I tested the guitar myself a few weeks ago.  Essentially, this does not play like a beginner's guitar.  The action is solid, the craftsmanship is well done, and the guitar as a whole feels pro.  I would have been proud to enter the music world with this guitar in hand. 

The amp is pretty solid as well- it features volume, treble, bass, and an overdrive on/off button that delivers tube-like tone. A headphone output allows silent practice. 10 watts drive a 6" speaker and the amp has a tough textured vinyl exterior.  I think the additional of the headphone jack was a good marketing strategy by Fender. 

Most parents will consider this option a lifesaver until the moments your child is playing like Stevie Ray!  In my opinion a solid buy with no problems. Just buy some extra strings and you are good to go.  My favorites are DR-10 strings.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am and is filed under Electric Guitars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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