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This Fender and Squier drop is strongest on Classic Vibe electrics and a few acoustic and amp bargains, with the J Mascis Jazzmaster and the $279 Classic Vibe Strats drawing the most praise for value. The Classic Vibes are described as well made, sounding excellent, and often comparable to pricier Fender Player models, while the HSS Strat stands out for harder rock or metal. The J Mascis Jazzmaster is a different take on a Jazzmaster, with a more stable trem, Gibson style bridge, and P90 style pickups. Main caveats are that several items sold out quickly, the Tele Bass may need pickup swaps, and some Fender acoustics are a no go for buyers who dislike the headstock shape.
people shopping for a first electric guitar because they want something that's "most likely... perfect out of the box" and don't want to deal with the QC/setup issues commenters associate with cheaper alternatives like Monoprice.
acoustic-electric owners who want a portable amp for "kick[ing] around the house" because the Acoustasonic 40 is described as hitting the bullet points of "decent volume/power, portability, and... price."
buyers considering the Monterey E because the extra cost for onboard electronics/tuner is described as worth it since it "can't be forgotten," and the smaller body is noted as potentially more comfortable.
guitarists who want a modding platform but still want a great deal because one commenter planned mods for a Classic Vibe '60s Strat but found the guitar "actually incredible" for the $279 price.
buyers who want to avoid pickup-swapping work because the Squier Tele Bass is described as a good deal but likely needing "a swap the pickups job," which is a deal friction point for some.
people who want a traditional Jazzmaster sound because the listed option is described as "different than a traditional Jazzmaster," with the trem moved for stability but reducing the behind-the-bridge resonance that gives Jazzmasters their character.
buyers who are specifically looking for the telecaster bass in this thread because reviewers are cited as describing it as "sort of eh," making it an "easy pass" for that item.
anyone trying to buy after the sale window because commenters say "nearly all of these are sold out" and call it a "dead deal now" unless you got in earlier.
people who are extremely picky about headstock aesthetics because one commenter says they "simply can't" buy the acoustic due to disliking Fender's headstock shape and even the Fender knob.
The Classic Vibe guitars are reported to stay desirable over time, with one Lake Placid Blue CV SSS bought for about $210 shipped and later sold for $400.
Classic Vibe Strats and Teles are widely treated as the best value in Fender/Squier's lineup, with quality close to much pricier Player-series instruments. A $279 Classic Vibe 50s or 60s Strat is described as an excellent first guitar that is likely good out of the box and usually needs no setup or upgrades.
The J Mascis JM is not a standard Jazzmaster: the trem is moved up for a steeper break angle, which improves stability but reduces behind-the-bridge resonance. It also uses a Gibson-style bridge and P90-style pickups, so it has its own sound and feel rather than the classic Jazzmaster setup.
The Squier Tele Bass is a good deal at the sale price, but it may be a better fit if you are willing to swap the pickups. It was also reported as sold out, so availability is the main limitation.
A $279 classic vibe 50s or 60s Strat is the best first guitar you'll ever find as long as you're not planning to play Metal. It'll most likely be perfect out of the box. Unlike a Monoprice that needs a professional setup and eventual component upgrades, Classic Vibes need none of that. The Classic Vibe Alnico 5 pickups for example sound excellent.
Noob question, any of these a good option for a teen who wants to learn how to play a guitar with zero experience?
Many YT vids on how good the Squier Classic Vibes are, both Strats and Teles. Tempted to get a Tele myself, but I need another guitar like I need another ...
I have a Fender player Telecaster (about $650) and a squier classic vibe 60s Stratocaster ($280). They are of equal quality IMHO. One of the player series is a great buy.
Any thoughts on an acoustic for a brand new 13 year old? Is the California Redondo a good place to start?
The Monterey E is a slightly smaller body (a bit less low end, a bit quieter - could be good or bad, but also possibly more comfortable) and has built in electronics. Even if never played through an acoustic amp, $13 more for an onboard tuner that you can't lose or forget seems worth it.
Noob question, any of these a good option for a teen who wants to learn how to play a guitar with zero experience?
These are good deals, but you may also want to check out new or second hand guitars in musical instrument stores near you if that's something you want to consider. They can answer your questions and help you pick a great guitar at a good price.
man i really wanted that JMJM too but sold out. oh well you snooze you lose. great deals on the CVs. i got the HSS one. FWIW, i got the lake placid blue 60s CV SSS from them back in 2022 for similar pricing (iirc about $210 shipped). i just sold it a few months ago for $400...these guitars are well made, sound fantastic and are still desirable.
Community Reviews
This Fender and Squier drop is strongest on Classic Vibe electrics and a few acoustic and amp bargains, with the J Mascis Jazzmaster and the $279 Classic Vibe Strats drawing the most praise for value. The Classic Vibes are described as well made, sounding excellent, and often comparable to pricier Fender Player models, while the HSS Strat stands out for harder rock or metal. The J Mascis Jazzmaster is a different take on a Jazzmaster, with a more stable trem, Gibson style bridge, and P90 style pickups. Main caveats are that several items sold out quickly, the Tele Bass may need pickup swaps, and some Fender acoustics are a no go for buyers who dislike the headstock shape.
people shopping for a first electric guitar because they want something that's "most likely... perfect out of the box" and don't want to deal with the QC/setup issues commenters associate with cheaper alternatives like Monoprice.
players who are into harder rock or metal because the HSS Strat option is called out as "probably the best option" for that kind of playing.
acoustic-electric owners who want a portable amp for "kick[ing] around the house" because the Acoustasonic 40 is described as hitting the bullet points of "decent volume/power, portability, and... price."
buyers considering the Monterey E because the extra cost for onboard electronics/tuner is described as worth it since it "can't be forgotten," and the smaller body is noted as potentially more comfortable.
guitarists who want a modding platform but still want a great deal because one commenter planned mods for a Classic Vibe '60s Strat but found the guitar "actually incredible" for the $279 price.
buyers who want to avoid pickup-swapping work because the Squier Tele Bass is described as a good deal but likely needing "a swap the pickups job," which is a deal friction point for some.
people who want a traditional Jazzmaster sound because the listed option is described as "different than a traditional Jazzmaster," with the trem moved for stability but reducing the behind-the-bridge resonance that gives Jazzmasters their character.
buyers who are specifically looking for the telecaster bass in this thread because reviewers are cited as describing it as "sort of eh," making it an "easy pass" for that item.
anyone trying to buy after the sale window because commenters say "nearly all of these are sold out" and call it a "dead deal now" unless you got in earlier.
people who are extremely picky about headstock aesthetics because one commenter says they "simply can't" buy the acoustic due to disliking Fender's headstock shape and even the Fender knob.
Common Questions (3)
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I have recently been looking for an amp for some of my acoustic-electrics. - Mainly something portable to kick around the house with.
I did a little research online, and from what little I read, it seemed to be a decent amp for the price.
This really seemed to hit some of the bullet points for decent volume/power, portability, and of course price.
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