Fender Review: Squier Stratocaster & Squier 8' 8' Distortion Amp

History:

Purchase: I mentioned to a friend my interest in converting from acoustic to electric guitar one day, and he said he had one he never used. I jokingly asked if I could have it, and the next day, he drove by to drop it off. I, therefore, got the guitar for free, but I normally see these in the stores for $199 with an amp.

What I Like About This Fender Squier Stratocaster & Squier 8' 8' Distortion Amp: For those just getting started, this is a decent unit. It gives you an electric, so you can begin to conceive what's possible with one. Standard three pick up Strat setup. The best thing about the package is the distortion on the amp... It allows you to start experimenting with it. Amp also has two inputs, for two different insturments I suppose, and an output. Has a headphone setup that prevents your parents from busting your door down with a hammer and slaying your setup.

What I Do NOT Like About The Fender Squier Stratocaster & Squier 8' 8' Distortion Amp: The unfortunate part, however, is that a serious player will find this to be utter CRAP. The sound is fairly horrible, the distortion is muddy... The amp pretty much sounds like a crappy mike, and it doesn't have any tone. The Strat itself refuses to remain in tune, because the machines are loose.

Fender Squier Stratocaster & Squier 8' 8' Distortion Amp Quality Rating: Poor all the way around. The frets are beginning to dent, the machines, as I said before, just aren't cutting it. The amp is falling apart, as the inputs are loosing contact--If I move while I'm playing, the it just cuts out all together.

Review Summary: I wouldn't buy it... Good thing I got it for free. Might be good if you're not sure how devoted you plan on being to the insturment. Definently not for gigs... Big hint, though: if you really are a beginner, watch out for "Fender" and "Squier" together. By themselves, good, together bad. Squier is the low end of the Fender family, known for crappy construction and sound.

Rating of this Fender product: 2

This Fender Squier Stratocaster & Squier 8' 8' Distortion Amp Electric Guitars Review Submitted By: Brian, Aspiring Rock God

Review Date: 2001-11-29