We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Brand Spotlight: Getting to Know Squier Guitars

Squier Background & History

While many of you surely know the brand Squier as Fender’s little brother, did you know that the brand actually predates Fender itself?

Started in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier, the company originally was originally created to produce strings for violins, banjos, and acoustic guitars.

It continued on successfully until 1965 when Fender purchased the company with the intention of using them as their primary string manufacturer.

Sadly, in 1975, Fender decided to instead make Fender-brand strings for their guitars and ceased Squier’s production, essentially closing the company.

As fate would have it, this was not the end for the Squire company as Fender still owned the rights and in 1982, they decided to produce cheaper, entry level guitars under the Squier brand name overseas and sell them as “Squier by Fender”.

Fender had been attempting to produce cheaper lines of their guitars under their brand name in their Fullerton factory but was finding more and more competition from cheap, asian-imported copies.

Realizing that they couldn’t keep up with the lower prices at mass production levels, Squier was reborn.

Throughout their history, Squier has produced guitars in multiple locations including China, Japan, Mexico, America, and India before modern day operations moved primarily to Korea and Indonesia.

Squier continues to be owned by Fender and reproduces cheaper models of almost all famous, well known Fender standards ranging from Stratocasters to Mustangs.

While many of their guitars are awesome values and fun to play, it is important to remember what makes them cost so much less and how that may affect performance.

First off, mass production of anything overseas is cheaper than it is in America due to loose regulation, cheap labor costs, and sometimes spotty business ethics.

Regardless of your moral or economic opinion of the American manufacturing exodus to Asia, it certainly has helped make guitars cheaper.

Secondly, they rarely use name-brand parts such as pickups, tuners, or bridges, with some exceptions for more expensive, signature models.

Generally, you will not find advanced features like binding, locking tuners, or coil tapping on any of the entry level or mid-level Squier products either.

This doesn’t mean the guitars are poor quality, especially with CNC mass production keeping guitars to strict quality standards.

You just can’t expect much more than the basics from these instruments, which is why they often make great candidates for parts-casters or hot-rodded instruments.

Squier Guitars by Fender

Popular Squier Guitar Series

Following the hugely popular Classic Vibe and Affinity Series, Fender expanded the brand into more eclectic series such as Paranormal and Sonic.

Designed to appeal to those who want a little more unique personality wrapped in a familiar design, the Paranormal series features quirky takes of mix-and-match body shapes and electronics layouts.

Squier Paranormal Series >>

Squier Sonic Series >>

Squier’s Sonic Series takes another avenue with stripped down features that appeal not only to a tighter pocket book, but embrace a more understated approach to iconic design.

Best Selling Squier Guitar Models

Most Squier models available currently run from $189.99 to $599.99 – depending on the sales source, and can be purchased directly through their site or via popular retailers like Amazon, Guitar Center, Sweetwater Sound, or American Musical Supply.

Are Squier guitars any good?

They often have a robust used market on sites like Reverb.com or eBay.com due to their high production numbers and demand by money-strapped players like me.

They currently have five main series of guitars that they regularly produce at different price points called Bullet, Affinity, Contemporary, Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe.

Discontinued lines that you may still find floating around include the ill-fated Artist series from 2012 or the Deluxe series which produced some nice Strats but not much else. Let’s take a look at some top sellers from all these lines.

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack

A perfect starter pack for anyone trying to learn electric guitar, Squier has had lots of success with this marketing tactic of packaging a guitar, amp, case, and accessories together.

They have produced these options for both the Bullet and slightly better Affinity Series and can be found at almost any major retailer.

Furthermore, they have tried some packaging of higher end Squier models with low end Fender amps but that resulted in less success.

Often, it meant only getting a guitar and amp with no case/tuner/cord as a way of keeping prices low, which was less appealing to beginners.

With a number of parents buying instruments for their children to learn on, these are an easy way for people who know little to nothing about guitars to safely and securely buy one.

These packs also come in limited acoustic and bass guitar varieties, helping beginners of all kind get their start.

For more info, you might be interested in our complete Affinity Pack review.

If You’re A New Guitar Player

All guitar players have to go through the same process of learning how to play. Today, it’s never been easier – Fender understands this and has put together a great system to help you get started with “Fender Play”.

Squier Bullet Stratocaster

The simplest of all their models, this take on a classic strat is targeted to dominate the entry level market as it features just the bare bones of Fender’s most popular guitar.

Typically retailing for $179.99 it is priced to sell to just about anyone and offers a cheap option for parents of beginners or beginners wary of spending too much money on an instrument they may not stick with.

Often times, these models are sold as part of beginner packages that include a small guitar amp, a strap, guitar cables, picks and anything else you may need to learn to play guitar.

These are incredibly popular and are often the first guitars for many of the players in the latest generations, but they come with limited finish options and don’t feature the tuning stability or fast necks of their Fender counterparts.

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster

Are Squier Affinity telecasters any good?

A step up from the Bullet series is the Affinity series which offers more finish options as well as introducing a Jazzmaster model to the world.

Currently costing $229.99 these are not crazy expensive but are generally regarded as one of the best values in the guitar world and feature much better craftsmanship.

Our writer Matt says, “I even recently purchased one of these Tele’s to turn into a partscaster-copy of Joe Strummer’s famous black Tele and was shocked at how much I liked it before any upgrades.”

These are still entry level guitars but definitely make it a little bit easier to learn on as mine had great tuning stability and a comfortable neck. Also, they tend to come in more traditional Fender finishes such as Butterscotch,

Race Green, or 2-color Sunburst in addition to the White and Black variations of the Bullet line.

Find out more in our complete Telecaster Affinity Review here.

Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH

Checking in for the Contemporary Series we have a gorgeous Strat with two zebra stripe humbuckers with a finish headstock.

This line was created to add some modern updates to Squier’s family of instruments that target musicians playing high-gain or metal music.

While super-strats have long been the instrument of choice for shredders, hard rockers, and the like, they have often gone for instruments from Jackson, Charvel, or ESP in lieu of hot rodded Fender products.

The Contemporary Series offers Strats with HH, HSH, SSH, and even active EMG-style humbuckers and beautiful, bright finishes to get any 80’s hair rock or modern metalhead in on the bandwagon.

While still incredibly affordable, these are some of the more expensive Squier guitars coming in around $449.99 or more.

Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Telecaster Thinline

Last but not least is one of Squier’s best series of instruments, the Classic Vibe series. They tend to cost in the mid-hundreds range – the starting price for many of Fender’s made in Mexico series. Still, they have received great critical and commercial reception.

Boasting Squier’s best hardware and pickups, often referred to as “Fender-designed” meaning that they made overseas copies of the same pieces used on Fender USA models, these things play very similarly to high end Fender’s.

All of the Classic Vibe series set out to recreate the magical guitar models that were popularized in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s by some of the world’s biggest musicians.

Their take on the ‘70s thinline is one of the most beautiful guitars we’ve seen at this price point, and even features a heavy, smooth gloss finish associated with high end models.

Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster

What is the best Squier guitar?

We’ve been asked this question many times. If we had to sum it up in one guitar, we’d have. to say it’s the best is the Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster.

We’ve had so many come across the workbench for simple mods and setups, we’ve found it to be one of the best overall Squier guitar values you can get!

For more info on this model, check out our complete Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster review.

Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster

An older line that is slowly being replaced by the Classic Vibe Series, the Vintage Modified line of guitars was also a huge commercial success for Squier that featured higher quality remakes of classic Fender models.

Entering the market with new re-vamped finish options, upgraded “Fender-Designed” pickups, and vintage specifications their take on the Jazzmaster produced this beautiful model for only a few hundred dollars.

These and the Vintage Modified Telecasters are incredibly popular on the second hand market currently and represent fantastic “second” guitars for players looking for an upgrade or are great live guitars for budget minded performers.

At a lower price point than many of the new Classic Vibe guitars, these are one of the best values in the Squier family.

Squier Classic Vibe P & J Basses

Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 70’s Jazz Bass Guitar

With both classic Fender basses represented in the new Classic Vibe line for only a few hundred dollars, many bass fans should rejoice.

Squier has reinvigorated its bass lines in coming years removing many Affinity and Bullet basses and replacing them with an Affinity P/J bass you’ll see later and these higher quality, more expensive models.

The Precision (P) and Jazz (J) basses are arguably the two best bass guitars ever produced and have been widely used by most musical legends.

The P bass on top features the simple, one pickup design of Fender’s P bass which has been relied on for thumping, powerful bass lines throughout rock and funk’s history.

The J bass features two pickups and more onboard EQ options than it’s Strat-bodied predecessor and has more of an offset, Jazzmaster body shape.

For the extra money over the Affinity series bases, many of the upgrades are cosmetic or have to do with the quality and playability of the neck.

The J bass features beautiful black block inlays on the maple neck while the P bass, true to its simple form, has dot inlays along an Indian Laurel fingerboard both with smooth gloss finishes.

Squier Affinity Series P/J Bass

Featuring both P and J bass pickups in the body, this represents one of Squier’s flagship entry level bass guitars at the humble price of $229.99.

With three knobs giving more variable tonal options akin to the Jazz bass, you can get a number of great tones out it as you grow as a live player or songwriter.

In the familiar Strat-like body of the P bass, it has been noted by many for being incredibly comfortable to play.

This P/J bass also comes in the aforementioned packages with case, amplifier, cables, and tuner that makes it so readily accessible to students of all ages and budgets.

However, as with some of the Affinity guitars, you are likely limited in finish options to a basic white or black.

Popular Squier Guitar Signature Models

All popular guitar brands these days are constantly competing with one another to land more and more signature artists.

With each artist endorsement or signature model, the hope is that the band’s recognition will generate sales of the instruments they use as fans try to emulate their idol’s sound.

Often times, the most willing to buy signature models are beginners or students who are looking for their first guitar to learn their favorite songs on or are looking to upgrade from that Bullet series Strat to a more dependable instrument.

J Mascis Jazzmaster

According to J Mascis, he went to a local guitar store to buy a Strat, found out it was too expensive, and walked out with a Jazzmaster, which was a very lame guitar at the time.

Little did he know, his new Jazzmaster would go on to become a guitar icon in the world of alternative rock thanks to his work with the band Dinosaur Jr.

For $499.99 you’re certainly getting a lot of guitar, comparable to a low end Fender model, for less than the $500+ price tag of Mexican or American models.

With a stunning gold pickguard and all the essential Jazzmaster features in tact, the popularity of this model has been driven more by the quality of the guitar than by the name association or fame of J Mascis.

Jim Root Telecaster

Squier’s take on a true modern metal guitar saw them partner up with a true modern metal guitar hero in Jim Root of Stone Sour and Slipknot fame.

The humbuckers may look like active EMG pickups but are actually just matte black passive Squier humbuckers that have been noted for having impressive bite and output for the price range.

Root’s Tele, which can be found on Reverb at good prices, adds a unique option for metal players on a budget who want to look past traditional ESP, Jackson, or Dean metal instruments.

Available in Flat White and Matte Black finishes Squire likely hopes continued artist diversification will pay off in the ever changing guitar retail landscape.

J5 Telecaster

Checking back into the world of modern metal and hard rock, John 5’s love of Telecasters is well known and somewhat uncharacteristic for the music he makes.

Either way, Squier teamed up with him to make one of his signature hot rodded Tele’s available on Reverb at the affordable prices with some great features.

The J5 Telecaster is one of their newest signature models released and features Alnico 5-based humbuckers, a three way selector switch that features two volume knobs and no tone, which allows you to use the selector in as a kill-switch when soloing.

This guitar, like the other signature models listed, has a beautiful finish and detailed headstock that has really made Squier unique in that many of their cheap guitars don’t look like cheap guitars.

Squier Acoustic Guitars

Squier SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Fender makes many of its cheaper, entry level acoustics overseas under their own brand name leaving only one Squier acoustic commercially available.

The SA-150 is a budget acoustic targeted to those needing a cheap, acoustic guitar with no frills at a budget price point.

For more information on the package deal, read our full review here.

Pros Use Squier Guitars Too

Platinum-selling band Catfish and the Bottlemen have become one of the new faces of alternative and indie rock mixing the pub-rock influence of Oasis with the more textural guitar work inspired by U2’s The Edge or The Killers’ Dave Keuning.

But little did you know that frontman, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter Van McCann wrote and recorded the entire first album with one of the aforementioned Squier Jim Root Telecasters as his main instrument.

Proving you don’t need expensive gear to write quality tunes, you can hear this affordable Squier tone all over popular singles such as “Kathleen”, “Homesick”, and “Cocoon”.

McCann commented on his use of Root’s signature model: “I don’t even know him. Doesn’t he have a mask on sometimes? I use that guitar because it’s matte black and it’s got a volume knob, and that’s it. It was like £150 and I’ve swapped the scratchplates over and I’ve smashed it up, but it just doesn’t break or go out of tune.”

The post Squier Guitars [Brand Profile] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Ever since, the guitar community has been consumed with the Telecaster vs Stratocaster debate. It’s nearly impossible to say which guitar is better, as both sides have solid arguments.

However, we can zoom in on individual features and help you decide which one is better for you specifically. For example, the Strat vs. Tele sound quality, style, build quality, and price range are significant categories well worth exploring.

Telecaster vs. Stratocaster: The Difference in Tone, Sound, Body and Electronics

* Excluding special models and custom shop instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telecaster and Stratocaster

It’s not easy pitting two iconic guitars against each other and looking for a winner.

The task of categorizing them becomes even more difficult considering that both models are produced by sister companies – Fender and Squier.

Overall, Fender branded Strats and Teles cover the premium options, while the Squier brand covers the affordable yet still well-made guitars for everyone.

These categorizations and target marketing can confuse first-time buyers or guitar enthusiasts looking for their next investment.

That’s why, in order to fully understand the appeal of each style, the questions about differences are well worth examining.

What’s the Difference Between Telecaster and Stratocaster Guitars?

There’s no doubt that, for most of us, both the Stratocaster and Telecaster are beautiful, visually appealing guitars.

But the first impression starts with the body. Typically, both are made from alder, which provides excellent bite and tonal resonance.

Of course we know that other common body woods were utilized early on such as pine for the Telecaster, and swamp ash for Stratocaster bodies.

However, the shapes of the bodies are intentionally different. It’s easy to identify a Stratocaster by simply focusing on the upper part of the guitar’s body.

Additionally, when looking at the Strat and Tele tonewoods, the necks are both usually maple with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard option.

The differences being both visual and plying surface: maple is light in color with a clearcoat – in other words you’re playing on a painted surface, whereas rosewood is darker and unfinished.

Body Styles

A Stratocaster features a kind of a ‘horn’ or an ‘ear’ double cutaway with the deeper cut on the treble side allowing players easier access to higher registers.

The original Strats were also designed to be much more comfortable through the use of a tummy cut and well-rounded contours.

In comparison, the Telecaster is also easily recognizable with it’s single-cutaway and harder body contours.

Electronics

Additionally in the Strat vs. Tele neck tonewood comparison, both usually feature maple. But the difference is again stark when we compare the electronics.

The Telecaster has one tone, one volume control, and a 3-way switch, whereas the Stratocaster has one volume and two-tone controls and a 5-way switch.

Finally, the guitars have different headstocks, with Stratocaster featuring a notably larger design, which many believe gives the guitar the sustain and tone players know all about.

Which Is Better – Telecaster or Stratocaster?

The most accurate answer to this question is – it depends on who you ask and your own tastes. Many rock, jazz, and country legends would passionately argue for either of the two.

When it comes to Telecaster vs. Stratocaster sound, personal preference will play the deciding role. Hence, it’s essential to try the guitar before you buy it.

Furthermore, it’s also possible that some guitarists will adore how a Telecaster feels but will prefer the sound of Stratocaster, and vice versa.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster

If you’re a beginner, the Affinity Strat might be the best option. It has a thinner neck, and the double-cutaway improves the playability. In contrast, more experienced players will know exactly how to make the most of a guitar like Classic Vibe Telecaster.

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Do Telecasters and Stratocasters Sound Different?

Seasoned guitarists will recognize the difference in sound between Telecaster and Stratocaster easily. But, generally speaking, Strats offer more tone flexibility.

Originally designed for utility and serviceability, the Telecaster is somewhat more simplistic in terms of sound.

However, it has that classic “Tele twang” which has made it a favorite among rock and blues guitarists for decades.

Designed as an evolution of the Fender’s electric guitar offerings, the Stratocaster offered more tonal flexibility with its 3 pickups and creative circuit controls.

It also features a familiar tremolo bridge which allows the player to create a distinctive vibrato effect by changing the string tension.

It’s worth noting that the Stratocaster’s original electronics design has essentially remained unchanged since the 60’s and still used in regular production.

While this is a testament to its longevity, the development of the Superstrat by Ibanez was the solution to the limitations felt by guitar players that wanted an instrument more suited to modern music trends.

Regardless, both the Telecaster and Stratocaster offer incredible sonic versatility, especially in the right hands.

In fact, there are many who would testify that both instruments are perfect and fully capable of covering virtually any musical style.

Which Is More Versatile – Strat or Tele?

Both the Strat and Tele are made from traditional electric guitar materials. Their tones, while individually distinct, are not drastically different between the two, especially when compared to a humbucker-driven Les Paul.

The overall versatility of a guitar is more apparent when we consider controls and the number of pickups on each instrument.

As mentioned, the Stratocaster has three pickups, whereas the Telecaster only has two. Naturally therefor, the Strat allows the more possibilities when it comes to range.

On the other hand, the Telecaster is widely used by pros across all music genres from John 5 to Brad Paisley – the trick is being skillful enough to pull what you want out of the Tele.

Should I Buy a Strat or a Tele?

As individual guitars, another one of the main reasons both models have such impressive longevity is that, despite their similarities, each has something the other doesn’t.

Stylistically, some players prefer the relatively punchy tones produced by the Stratocaster, others relish in the simplicity of the Telecaster.

With so many factory-offered model variations available, you can essentially pick the specifications that work for you.

And when you consider aftermarket parts for upgrades (such as pickups), there are endless options for players.

Whether you’re considering a Bullet vs. Affinity model, or a Telecaster vs. Stratocaster Classic Vibe, start with reliable research. Then the choice is totally up to you.

Is a Telecaster Good for Beginners?

If your motivation is simplicity in design, a Telecaster will certainly fit the bill. But this simplicity, compared to other models, comes at the cost of flexibility for a beginner guitarist.

Still, mastering it will prepare you well for any guitar you might pick up after that. Being a “workingman’s guitar” they’re low maintenance and don’t require expensive repairs.

The Strat on the other hand tends to offer the style and design that excites a novice player. They’re also considered to be more comfortable, sonically flexible and therefore, more suitable for beginners.

Whether you choose a Stratocaster or Telecaster, or a different guitar entirely, the Fender brand is well rounded in its ability to serve new guitar players through the help of Fender Play lessons and user-friendly guitar apps.

Telecaster vs. Stratocaster: History, Style and Players

If you want front row seats to a fierce debate, simply ask the guitar community which is better, Strat or Tele?

Those who find the styles a little old-school or behind the times might find the argument a little strange. Both guitars come from essentially the same company, and have plenty of similarities.

Perhaps the Telecaster vs Stratocaster discussion is more about the musical genres they first represented in the historical sense?

Good question, let’s find out digging down a little further.

The History

The internet is full of extremely detailed information on the origins of the Fender brand and its impact on the evolution of the electric guitar.

Still, for the purposes of this article, it’s worth looking at the underpinnings as to how we got here – discussing the virtues and shortcomings of Telecaster vs Stratocaster.

Early Years

Leo Fender started working on the nascent Telecaster in 1949 in California. A year later, the Esquire was introduced to the music scene. It was the first mass-produced and commercially successful electric guitar.

Initially, the guitar was named Broadcaster, but it needed to be renamed due to a trademark conflict with Gretsch.

Oddly enough, to meet production demands the model stayed unnamed for a while and was simply labeled ‘No-caster.’

In 1951, the prefix ‘Tele’ was applied as a way to take advantage of the rise of television.

Indeed, the Telecaster has an impressive history, but what about Stratocaster?.

Fender thought of improving the Telecaster but ended up creating an entirely new model.

Finally, in 1954, the developing guitar was fitted with an extra pickup, more contours and thus, an entirely different vibrato equipped model called the Stratocaster was introduced.

Ease of Use

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, adding to your collection, or simply looking for your next instrument, it’s natural to wonder about the practical use of each instrument.

There are plenty of dedicated opinions on both sides of the discussion, but let’s look at a few facts.

First, the Telecaster is an overall simpler guitar. While this could be considered more restrictive or unforgiving to some, others admire this simplicity and welcome the challenge to gain diversity from it.

Which side of the Tele coin are you on?

Second, Strats are generally more comfortable, and more versatile sonically. But the vibrato (sometimes called the trem) system can be a tuning headache for some – especially beginners.

It’s important to note that early models of both instruments featured a 7 1/4″ fretboard radius which, while designed to be more comfortable in the hand, usually meant the strings had to be set a little higher to avoid “fretting out”.

In other words, a little less playable if you’re big on bending strings in the upper register.

Modern models of Teles and Strats feature a somewhat flatter 9 1/2″ or 10″ radius depending on the specific model and country of origin.

Musical Style

What if you’re a rock musician, which guitar is better suited for you?

According to many, the Telecaster is a guitar that can handle almost anything. As music has evolved, it’s often the go-to choice for country, blues, rock, and in more recent decades, heavy metal guitarists.

Historically speaking, the Stratocaster’s tones and design were a better fit for emerging rock and roll. Still, it was happily adopted by blues players, pop artists, R’n’B musicians and eventually, accepted into the heavy metal world as well.

Ultimately, whether one model is more prominent in a specific music style doesn’t matter – a skilled guitarist can make any tone with any guitar. As they say, “it’s all in the hands”.

Yet for many of us, our sense of which one is better can be directly linked to those we consider our guitar heroes.

You can even compare Les Paul vs. Strat or even Telecaster vs. Les Paul debates here. Depending on your influences, a Gibson or Epiphone Les Paul is another versatile option for guitarists across all musical styles.

Telecaster vs. Stratocaster Pros and Cons

Well Known Artists

Of course, finding famous guitar players in all genres that use both Telecaster and Stratocaster is not difficult.

The following list is just a fraction of the incredibly talented players you’ll find in the music industry.

Famous Telecaster Players

A few famous Telecaster players include:

Famous Stratocaster Players

Just a few notable Stratocaster players include:

As you can see, this brief list of recognizable players of Stratocasters and Telecasters is impressive – which proves our point that even though each model has a strong following, they’re both exceptional guitars.

The post Telecaster vs Stratocaster: Which Is The Better Fender Guitar? first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Considered as one of the major manufacturers, Ibanez is a guitar brand with a strong reputation in the industry. But compared to the competition, are Ibanez guitars good?

If we take a snapshot of the brand’s best qualities, Ibanez guitars are easy to play, comfortable, and dollar-for-dollar, offer excellent and consistent build quality.

In short, we can say yes. Ibanez is a very good brand of guitar. But let’s have a closer look at what makes the Ibanez brand tick.

What Makes Ibanez Special?

Over the years, Ibanez has managed to gain an exceptionally strong following by developing their own trademark.

The brand offers unique designs, a continuous commitment to quality, and like any smart guitar manufacturer, fosters relationships with artists.

They’ve also managed to make user-friendly improvements to their predecessors original designs such as:

• Easier to play comfortable necks
• Ergonomic design
• Extended tones through electronics
• Lightweight construction
• Consistently great build-quality
• Affordability

You’d be hard pressed to find all of these qualities offered to the same degree by one of the more established brands.

Where Did the Ibanez Brand Come From?

It’s a matter of fact – the Ibanez brand is actually older than Fender, but not as old as Gibson or Martin.

Back in 1935, Japanese manufacturer Hoshino Gakki (the literal translation being “Hoshino Musical Instruments”) decided to leverage the name “Ibanez” in tribute to Spanish luthier Salvador Ibanez.

The newly launched brand name was then used for the production of their spanish guitars.

In the late 50’s , the Ibanez brand was used to promote instruments hitting the emerging and energetic electric guitar market.

Around that time though, imported Japanese products had a reputation for inferior quality. A result of a defeated country trying to rebuild its manufacturing industry after the ravages of WWII.

In terms of perception by the average North-American consumer, the 60’s was a time where “Made in Japan” was very similar in meaning to “Made in China” today.

The “Lawsuit” Years

As the 70’s rolled around, Japanese guitar manufacturers sensed an opportunity as major North American brands, such as Fender and Gibson, became more interested in siphoning off corporate profits instead of reinvesting in the companies and maintaining quality levels.

Thus, the Ibanez brand, along with others such as Greco, Aria and Tokai, were able to gain a foothold by offering guitars that were very well made and reasonably priced by comparison.

Of course, American guitar manufacturers (particularly Martin, Gibson and Fender) became concerned about the influx of copies such as Ibanez’s Destroyer which was a blatant reproduction of Gibson’s Explorer.

The long and short of it is, Gibson sued the distributor of the Ibanez brand (Elger) during the late seventies.

But Ibanez had already decided to shift production to their own designs such as the original Artist Series and popular Iceman designs – which are still in production today.

Is Ibanez Popular?

A brilliant decision to create their own designs, along with a commitment to building quality guitars, was the official launch of Ibanez becoming popular and considered as one of the better guitar brands available.

The interesting thing is, this rise to mainstrem popularity happened only a couple of short decades after the inception of the Fender brand.

To this day, the Ibanez brand is still considered by many to be “the new guy”, which essentially gives them license to design and do whatever they want.

The additional benefit is that this gives Ibanez the stylistic freedom to freely pivot and easily maneuver through changing market pressures.

In contrast, iconic brands such as Gibson, Fender and Martin are still heavily dependent on their historically original designs, which are often perceived as expensive.

Where Are Ibanez Guitars Made?

The majority of Ibanez guitars come from factories located in Japan, China and Indonesia.

Cheaper Ibanez guitars, such as the GIO and S Series which make up a large portion of overall sales, are produced in Indonesia and China.

Meanwhile, high-end Ibanez guitars such as Prestige Series are produced in Japan and Korea.

Furthermore, just as major competitors such as Fender have Custom Shop instruments developed for individual artists and promotional purposes, custom Ibanez guitars are often made in the US.

Why Do Metal Players Use Ibanez?

As mentioned, Ibanez as a brand is a relative newcomer to the guitar landscape. In a similar sense, metal is a relatively recent addition to the musical landscape.

Even though a lot of time has passed since these inceptions first came about, they happened to be born within a few short years of each other.

Whether or not the guitars were intentionally designed to appeal to emerging metal players is debatable. But considering the timing and the affinity the two share, the connection is highly probable.

It’s also easy to point out the visually sharper Ibanez guitar aesthetics perfectly compliment the harder audio edge that comes with metal music.

Who Plays Ibanez Guitars?

Here’s a short list of popular guitar players who use Ibanez guitars:

• Paul Gilbert
• Lari Basilio
• Munky
• Ichika Nito
• Noodles
• Joe Satriani
• Paul Stanley
• Nita Strauss
• Fredrik Thordendal
• Andy Timmons
• Steve Vai
• and many, many more

Ibanez vs Gibson

Is Ibanez better than Gibson?

It would be better to consider each brand as neither better or worse, just different with their own strong and weak elements.

Everybody has an opinion and, depending on many factors such as musical taste, budget and style, will prefer either one over the other.

Regardless, there are some objective points that can be pointed out:

As you can see, for every benefit there’s an equally important drawback.

If we could nail down one particular item that separates the two, it would have to be price points in the higher-end instruments.

As the price goes up, Gibson products (and Ibanez as well) will have more refined, expensive and labor-intensive cosmetic elements.

Pricier Ibanez guitars will also incorporate more diversity in electronics and sonic output.

The other key factor is a Les Paul will pretty much always sound like a Les Paul – which is a trademark tone many players desire.

Ibanez on the other hand, has a much wider sonic footprint and can reproduce nearly any tone you’re looking for.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you as to which one you prefer.

Which is Better Ibanez or Fender?

As with comparing Gibson and Ibanez, each brand will have it’s own sweet spots and corresponding detriments.

For the sake of taking a different approach, let’s compare two popular models offered by each brand to see where they really differ:

Ibanez vs Fender Comparison

Are Ibanez Guitars Good Quality?

Being a production made instrument using the most modern engineering methods ensures Ibanez branded guitars stay within tightly controlled specifications.

But, like any product that’s made using such processes, the end product is subject to the quality of the materials being used and the training of those who actually put the product together.

Depending on the price-point, you can expect to see minor variations or little imperfections. This is true for virtually any major guitar manufacturer.

Within just a few seconds of research (especially on social media channels) you’ll easily find complaints from those buying anything from a relatively expensive Gibson Les Paul, to a reasonably priced guitar made by Fender.

To answer the question directly, in terms of dollar-for-dollar quality, you can’t go wrong with Ibanez.

Are Ibanez Acoustic Guitars Any Good?

Ibanez acoustic guitars, as with their electrics, are feature design innovations that make them stand out.

Many models feature eye-catching finishes and body styles, with quality electronics found on their acoustic-electric models.

For the most part, Ibanez acoustic guitars tend to lean more towards the affordable range. Hence, many of them are laminate construction. Still, they do offer acoustic instruments using traditional tonewoods and solid tops for better resonance.

If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar design that’s stylistically a little off the beaten path, Ibanez acoustic guitars are definitely worth looking at.

Are Ibanez GIO Guitars Good?

When you consider these entry-level guitars cost no more than a nice night out over dinner, it’s hard not to be impressed.

in comparison, the Ibanez Gio Series is to the Ibanez brand what Epiphone is to Gibson and Squier to the Fender brand.

Designed to provide a versatile range of guitars for beginners, the Gio series offers new players a reasonably priced and very well made instrument that easily satisfies a look, sound and budget.

By keeping costs under control through material choices and cosmetic appointments, the Gio range is an ideal Ibanez guitar for any newbie player.

This also makes it a great choice as a second instrument for those just starting to add new voices to their guitar collection.

In terms of overall quality, you get the usual comfortable and very playable Ibanez neck, plus the excellent build quality.

If you’re in the market for a budget guitar from a recognized brand, you can’t go wrong with in Ibanez GIO.

Are Ibanez Guitars Worth the Money?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Regardless of your personal taste in musical styles, there are a few points that make Ibanez guitars stand out:

Excellent Playability

Fast, thin necks and innovative extended range designs are hallmarks of the Ibanez brand.

Their electric guitars in particular aren’t just great instruments, but strong competitors compared with similar offerings from other brands.

Sonic Versatility

Known for being creative with electronics and tonal shaping, Ibanez is not shy about offering factory options you’d normally find on custom built or electronically upgraded instruments.

Great Price Points

From entry-level instruments to signature guitars of exceptional quality (and everything in between), you’ll have no trouble finding an Ibanez model that both fits your budget and looks good.

The post Are Ibanez Guitars Good? (And What Makes Them So Special?) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

There are many makes and models of guitar, but two dominate the market. The most famous guitar players typically play on Les Paul or Stratocaster guitars.

Both the Les Paul and Stratocaster have been around since the 1950s: the Les Paul since 1952, and the Stratocaster since 1954.

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster: Is There a Clear Winner?

Since their inception, they’ve had entirely different paths and manufacturing strategies.

Hence, it’s nearly impossible to have a Les Paul vs Stratocaster battle and expect a clearly dominant winner.

Simply put – there isn’t one. However, there’s plenty of evidence that they’re both individual winners in their own right.

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions that come up regarding the most prominent features of these iconic instruments.

* Made in North America excluding special models and custom shop instruments.

Common Questions About Les Pauls and Stratocasters

The fastest way to learn more about the Les Paul vs. Strat debate is by asking the relevant questions. Buying a good guitar is no small feat, nor is it an insignificant investment.

Regardless of which you choose, you’ll need at least a few hundred dollars. If you’re considering a Gibson Les Paul instead of Epiphone, that number raises to thousands.

Let’s dive into the necessary information to help you see each side of the Gibson Les Paul vs Fender Stratocaster argument.

Is a Les Paul Easier to Play Than a Strat?

Right off the bat, the question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. However, in terms of playability, we have to consider several crucial characteristics.

First, the guitar body types play a significant role. But how do size and shape make a difference in the Les Paul vs. Stratocaster reckoning? Well, the Strat has a slightly thinner body, which makes it much easier to play for many.

In comparison, Les Pauls might feel like large chunks of wood if you compare them directly to Strats. But, in actual fact, modern Les Pauls aren’t as uncomfortable compared to the vintage models.

Then, we have to consider the scale length, one of the most prominent differences between the two and relevant to playability. The Les Paul scale length is 24.75 inches, and the Strat scale length sits at 25.5 inches.

The shorter scale length of a Les Paul has makes the strings a little easier to play, but the light weight and body contours of a Strat make it more comfortable.

Many professional guitar players prefer a Les Paul due to its shorter scale because it allows greater ease of use. Generally, the Gibson scale length for all models is the same as for Les Paul guitars.

Likewise, Fender scale length is always the same on Strat’s – with few exceptions.

Finally, we have to mention the string tension which directly affects playability. As mentioned, a shorter scale length equals more string elasticity.

Les Paul wins in this round as it has a lower string session than a Stratocaster.

Is a Les Paul or a Stratocaster Better?

Considering that both guitars are incredibly well-made and come in various finishes, specs, and styles, it’s impossible to say outright whether one is better than the other.

Much like an individuals taste in music – it’s entirely subjective.

Whether you think a Les Paul or Stratocaster is better is a matter of opinion, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. When in doubt, play it out.

Perhaps the question of whether Les Paul is superior is related to the fact that it’s typically more expensive. In addition, the Les Paul weight, usually between 9 and 12 pounds, is another reason many assume it’s a better guitar.

The Stratocaster weighs around 7 to 8.5 pounds, making it lightweight compared to a Les Paul. But a Les Paul is heavier because the mahogany body typically weighs more than alder or ash.

What Is the Difference Between a Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson Les Paul?

There are some similarities between these two fantastic guitars. For example, both can have have rosewood fingerboards. However, the differences are much more notable.

The Stratocaster has a built-on neck, whereas Les Paul’s is set and glued. We already know the differences in body and neck tonewood material.

When it comes to pickups, a Les Paul has two “hum cancelling” humbuckers and a Strat three single-coils, which can be noisy at times.

In design, the Stratocaster features one volume and two tone controls with a five-way switch for electronics. By contrast, Les Paul has two volume and two tone controls, with a three-way switch.

In sound, the Strat is highly versatile thanks to its electronics design which enables a wide tonal palette. By comparison, a Les Paul is sonically more limited, but packs one heck of a punch in output due to its dual coils.

Why Are Les Pauls More Expensive Than Strats?

Essentially, the two main reasons why the Gibson Les Paul guitar is pricier than Stratocaster are the materials used, and the build method applied.

Historically speaking, by the time Gibson started manufacturing electric guitars, they had already dominated the market with acoustic guitars and mandolins.

To this day, the emphasis on meticulous hand-crafted construction is evident in the Les Paul guitar.

With the addition of time consuming cosmetic features such as binding and inlay work, the price goes up accordingly.

Furthermore, mahogany is one of the most expensive types of wood on the market, and a standard for many custom-made guitars.

In contrast, Fender guitars, Strats included, were meant to be mass-produced from the get-go using readily available materials for every detail.

Why Did Eric Clapton Switch to Fender?

In the 1970s, Eric Clapton replaced his Gibson SG for a Fender Stratocaster and further fueled the war between the two guitar communities.

Many still wonder why he made the change, as we all know Gibson makes some of the best guitars on the planet.

While we can’t say with 100% accuracy, the standard explanation is that he was influenced by Jimmy Hendrix and his bandmates to switch to a Strat.

He famously named his first Strat ‘Brownie’ due to the color of its finish.

He then bought six more Strats and gave one to George Harrison, one to Steve Winwood, and one to Pete Townshend.

He then used the best parts of the remaining three Strats to build ‘Blackie,’ another famous Fender Strat.

Are Les Pauls Good for Beginners?

It’s essential to point out that beginners can learn how to play either a Les Paul or Strat as long as they practice.

But, as mentioned, they both have their benefits and downfalls in terms of ease of use.

For most players just starting out however, budget is a major consideration. For this reason, entry level models from the sub-brands Epiphone and Squier make more sense.

When you’re a complete novice, every guitar will seem overwhelming at first.

However, Stratocasters are lighter, have a C-shaped neck, and are often better for beginners.

What Is the Best Fender Stratocaster for the Money?

Even though they are far more affordable than Gibson Les Pauls, Strat guitars come in a wide range of prices and specs.

In terms of a meat-and-potatoes, everything you need in a US-made Strat, the most affordable option is the Fender Player Stratocaster, priced around $800.

A high-end Strat can cost up to $2,000, as is the case with the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster HSS.

It is worth noting, at the risk of stepping outside the context of true Fender USA made products, an excellent guitar that combines quality and value for money is Fender’s Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster with a price tag of around $500.

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

Why Are Les Pauls So Heavy?

Gibson Les Pauls are heavy because they’re slightly thicker and made from relatively dense mahogany.

Only the best mahogany is used for the bodies; the necks can be made with the same material or maple.

This in not to say that Fender products are feather-weight either. We’ve seen some, particularly from the 70’s, that were ridiculously heavy.

Over the decades, specific gravity tolerances used for body materials have been relaxed in order to make production more cost effective.

The result is that, in some cases, Fender guitars that aren’t as light as they could be.

Can a Stratocaster Sound Like a Les Paul?

This is a great question. Les Pauls and Strats feature two very different sounds. A typical Stratocaster footprint has the thinner and brighter sound, some would express it as “sharp sounding”.

A Les Paul is all about thicker, darker tones and focuses on mid-range frequencies. But is there a way to make them sound similar?

You can make significant changes by adjusting the amplifier settings, using an EQ pedal, and opting for the neck pickup, but we’ll explain it like this:

Through modifications you can get a Stratocaster to sound very close to a Les Paul, but, because of its inherent construction, a Les Paul will never produce a convincing Stratocaster sound.

Is Gibson or Fender Better?

Again, the question is subjective and almost impossible to answer. The Fender vs. Gibson comparison comes down to personal preference.

Gibson is an older guitar maker with a different history and intense focus on details. On the other hand, Fender makes Stratocasters which are incredibly popular and more affordable.

Also, Telecaster vs. Strat by Fender is another challenging comparison to make.

Les Paul vs Stratocaster: A Breakdown

We’ve covered the main questions about these two brilliant instruments, but we have to touch on several other specific categories.

This will give us further insight into the Les Paul and Stratocaster legacies and what they represent to guitar communities.

The History

The Gibson company was founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is undoubtedly one of the most well-known guitar manufacturers in the world.

When they started making electric guitars in the 1950s, and their best-known models were the Les Paul and SG, along with the Flying V, Explorer and Moderne though with limited success.

To this day, every “authentic” Gibson guitar is made in the US in one of the Nashville or Montana factories.

The first Fender guitar, Telecaster (originally Broadcaster), was introduced in 1950, and the Stratocaster came a mere four years later in 1954.

They were both designed by Leo Fender in California as marketing products used to support his amplifier business.

Today, these practical, every-day-working-man guitars are synonymous with professional guitarists.

Musical Styles

If you know what you’re doing, you can play any musical style with any guitar – talent is truly in the hands of the player.

However, due to the style, tone, and general comfort, Les Paul and Stratocaster are divided based on musical styles.

While a Strat can be used in any genre, it’s considered one of the best blues guitars ever. The low levels of gain make it suitable for country, pop and R’n’B music.

With Les Paul guitars, it’s all about the hands that play it. It’s original inception was to be an affordable electric guitar for jazz musicians.

Therefor of course it can be an excellent jazz guitar, but it found incredible popularity among, blues, rock and heavy metal musicians too.

Price Range

A Gibson Les Paul guitar is gorgeous, sturdy, durable – and expensive. No doubt that it’s a fantastic investment that can turn into an heirloom.

But it might not be the best option for a budget-minded person in need of a new guitar. Even the cheapest Les Paul is over $1,000. For that money, you can buy a reasonably high-end Stratocaster.

Ultimately, it’s about what you’re looking for and what will work for you. Besides, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is much cheaper and shares incredibly similar features.

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster Pros and Cons

By Gibson

By Fender

Les Paul vs. Stratocaster: Which Guitar Is Better for You?

If you don’t know anything about guitars, it’d be nearly impossible to choose between the Les Paul and the Stratocaster.

You would probably be inclined to make a decision based on looks.

The lack of contours and the weight of a Les Paul would make it an automatic “no” for some. However, others will appreciate those same features.

The playability factor is essential but shouldn’t be the defining factor.

You can learn how to play either of these guitars as long as you dedicate time and effort.

However, perhaps the better way to assess the better option is to focus on the preferred music style and pickup options.

The post Les Paul vs Stratocaster (What We Love, And Hate) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

Fender and Squier: How Do Their Guitars Differ?

🎸 Fender, and its sub-brand Squier, currently rank as the top-selling guitars in the world.

In fact, Fender reported the highest number of sales ever in just 9 months in 2020.

However, while the two have one big thing in common, massive sales numbers, many people are more interested in their differences.

If you’ve been wondering about Squier vs Fender, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dig into some comparisons and distinctions to help you learn about two of the most legendary guitar brands out there.

FAQs & Common Questions

With Fender and Squier offering so many of the same products, it is natural to have questions about the differences between the two. Maybe you want to know about how the spec sheet difference impacts price?

Or what’s the difference between the Strat vs Tele within both brands? Let’s jump into some frequently asked questions with detailed answers below.

Is Squier As Good As Fender?

The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as some might make you seem. With obvious price differences, most associate Fender’s premium price tag and reputation as the superior guitar and bass line.

The same question could also be asked of Epiphone and Gibson. In contrast, Epiphone is still very much thought of as an affordable brand, while Gibson, compared to Fender, has seemed to price itself out of the reach of many players into what is perceived as elitist territory.

Still, Squier has upped its game to the point where some of the high end Squier guitars are just as studio and stage ready, if not more, than some low end Fender products. At the end of the day, it will all come down to what you’re looking for in a guitar.

There are multiple factors that influence a player’s choice of instrument. Everything from historical identity, rarity, or price point, down to a simple choice of color.

If you want a truly robust instrument, a perfectly set up guitar that’s been gone over with a fine tooth comb, Fender products are better.

On the other hand, if you want a perfectly functioning, sweet sounding guitar that won’t break the bank, Squier may actually be better.

What’s The Difference Between A Squier And A Fender?

The two biggest differences between the two brands are the price points and countries of origin. Squier is meant to be the affordable line of Fender guitars, meaning you can get a Tele, Strat, or P-Bass that is made overseas to cut costs.

Additionally, it comes down to the details that go into making a better instrument. Fender branded instruments will have better quality woods, hardware, electronics, and more man-hour time put into finishing processes.

When you first pick up a guitar, there is no mistaking an instrument that’s had the extra time put into the small things that elevate it – the human touch. But it has to be paid for!

Which Squier Is The Best?

Just like Fender, Squier’s best guitar comes down to a Strat vs Tele faceoff. Squier’s highest quality line is the Classic Vibe series, which recreates popular historical Fender models for less than $500.

For the money, the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Telecaster is widely considered one of the best affordable guitars on the market, not just the best Squier.

Check out this side by side demo of a Tele vs Strat from the ‘50s Classic Vibe Series to decide for yourself.

Additional awesome Squier guitars include:

• Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster
• Squier Contemporary Telecaster
• Squier Affinity Jazzmaster
• Squier Paranormal Cyclone

Are Squier Bullet Strats Any Good?

Plain and simple, YES! Squier Bullet Strats are an incredibly affordable option for beginners or DIY guitar modders. They even come as part of a beginner package with accessories like an amplifier, strap, and guitar cable.

Why Are Squier Guitars Bad?

Generally speaking, Squier guitars are not bad at all. In fact, they are often underrated because they lack name brand pickups or hardware.

Their overseas origins also tend to lead to assumptions about the quality. Squiers are not perfect guitars, but Squier guitars are by no means bad and offer supreme value for the money.

Is Epiphone Better Than Squier?

Another tough question, especially because Epiphone and Squier make such different products despite the similar price point.

Ultimately, no Epiphone is not better than Squier, especially when you consider Squier and Fender have sold more guitars than any other company from 2015-2020.

But Squier makes affordable Fender designs, so if you are looking for a Strat, Tele, or Jaguar Squier is a better bet than Epiphone!

Breaking Down Fender Vs Squier: What We Looked For

We’re not here to tell you which brand is superior to the other. In fact, we want to shed light on how wonderful all these products are depending on your needs.

Whether you are considering a Signature model Jazzmaster, Mexican vs American Strat, or are interested in a Classic Vibe Squier, there is a guitar for everyone here. Here are a few key differences to consider.

Price Difference

It’s not uncommon for the price of a guitar to be the main driving force behind a purchase. Everyone wants to get the most guitar for the money.

However, sometimes cost doesn’t equate to overall quality, so it is important to understand why the prices are different.

Fender

Fender guitars cost more because of where they are produced. Paying the factory workers in the US and Mexican factories simply costs more than it does overseas in Asian countries.

While there is certainly a price difference attributed to the upgraded features and parts in Fender guitars, most of the price difference comes from the labor associated with building guitars in North America.

Squier

As stated above, it is just so much more affordable to mass produce guitars overseas. Squier guitars also feature overseas made copies of things like Fender pickups, tuners, and bridges which cost less to produce separate from the already cheap assembly.

Sound Quality 

The way an individual guitar sounds is often subjective, with each musical genre and player having their own definition. Squier vs Fender guitars certainly sound different, even if both have generally impressive sound quality.

Other than the natural qualities of the tonewoods and quality of the hardware, the most important sonic factor is the pickups. They’re the engine behind the sound.

Moreover, one of the first places a guitar manufacturer will cut costs is in the electronics. Whether it’s a Squier or a Fender, the quality of the electronics can make or break your sound.

Fender

Fender is known for pioneering so many iconic electric guitar sounds. When comparing Strat vs Tele pickups, Fender has a strong reputation for reproducing their signature tones in every guitar, be it Mexican or Fender. The sound quality is undoubtedly high.

Squier

Squier’s whole mission is really to clone those Fender sounds and tones and bring them in a more accessible package. But can you cut production costs and still maintain an authentic vintage-stlye tones?

They certainly succeed in doing that, especially with the Squier Classic Vibe series. In our humble opinion, they sound eerily similar to original Fender guitars. So much so that it hardly warrants replacing the pickups.

Even when you put the Squier Bullet vs Affinity lines up against each other, the distinct Fender sound is there.

Build Quality

Overseas production quality has drastically increased in the past decade. This has been a net positive for consumers like you and me, who can get better products without having to dig deeper into our pockets.

Fender

Fender very well may be the industry leader in build quality. Even Mexican Fender products are known to last a lifetime.

And on the off chance they don’t, Fender’s modular guitar design makes it easy and affordable to swap parts in and out for upgrades or repairs. But if Fender is on the headstock, you can expect top notch build quality.

Squier

Squier is no slouch when it comes to build quality either, with drastic improvements from past decades. Many Squier guitars come out of the box ready to go, with smooth action and sweet pickups.

Quality control certainly lags behind Fender a bit, but really it should be on the dealer to make sure that you don’t get a lemon or beat up instrument.

Pros and Cons of Each Make

Fender Guitars

Squier Guitars

Which Brand Is Right For You?

Ultimately, Squiers are beloved by beginner players because they are an affordable way to learn guitar. Squier guitars even come with a free trial of Fender Play, their proprietary online guitar instruction program.

If you are a beginner or want to start learning guitar, Squier may be right for you.

Now, if you are a player who has progressed through lessons, upgrading to a Mexican or American Fender could be the right choice for you. The smoother playability and reliable tuning make Fenders a tad more stage or studio ready.

The post Fender vs Squier – Which One Is Better? first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you find this article helpful. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Marshall Origin 20W Combo Review: Classic English Tube Tone – Without The Half Stack!

Marshall ORI20C Origin 1×10″ 20-watt Tube Combo Amp

Origin 20W Combo at a glance:

Marshall Continues to Make Killer Combo Amps

For most guitar players, the company Marshall is only known for creating half stack or full monstrosities.

We’ve all seen the armada of amp cabs behind Lemmy, Jimi Hendrix, and Billie Joe Armstrong.

But did you know they actually make combo amps as well? Not just that, but they make iconic combo amplifiers like the famed Bluesbreaker with 2×12 speakers.

This Origin combo amp isn’t packing quite that much muscle into its frame, but is still impressive nonetheless.

Marshall has put together an affordable, compact all-valve amplifier that will get many players the Marshall tone they dreamed of at a cheaper price.

Not to mention it is much easier to fit one of these in a bed room than a half stack! With 20 watts of classic tones and looks, it is hard to beat the Marshall Origin 20W.

Digging Deeper Into This Marshall Origin

What Marshall has created here is a wonderfully versatile little tube amp that can take external effects pedals. It is not a modelling amplifier as it has no built-in effects.

Instead, it prioritizes tone shaping through an EQ section with a unique “tilt” control. Better yet, the switchable power options make it easier to crank this combo amp into overdriven territory without breaking any glass windows around you.

It’s a modern take on the classic Marshall sound for sure, built with effects pedals and tone junkies in mind.

Origin 1×10″ 20-watt Tube Combo Key Points:

What are Marshall Origin Owners Saying? >>

Who’s The Marshall Origin 20W Combo Meant For?

This amplifier would suit any beginner or pro player equally well, thanks to the high quality tube tone.

For beginners, it would be affordable enough to consider while still being loud enough to potentially use in your first few gigs.

Likewise, the ability to lower the power makes it an appealing practice amplifier too, meaning you can lower the wattage when practicing inside.

On the other hand, the FX loop and dedicated EQ controls make this a fun option for pedal happy guitar veterans.

Run your effects in, dial in the right flavor of British Invasion for you, and you are off to the races with a really fun amp.

You can record with it, practice with it, or mic it up for bigger gigs.

While it may lack built-in effects that attract some beginners, this is a do-it-all amp in a lot of senses.

What Comes In The Marshall Box?

Unlike many of the amps in this price point, the Marshall Origin 20W Combo is light on extras.

There is no digital interface for downloading patches, or recording your first attempts at song writing. It’s a straightforward all tube combo amplifier that provides quality over quantity.

In other words, when you unbox your new Marshall Origin 20W Combo Amp, that should be all that is in the box!

Marshall Origin Combo Amp Features

There are a lot of fun features to unpack here, especially when you consider the price.

First off, this Marshall really sticks out to me because of the switchable power options.

You can toggle between low, mid, and high power outputs, meaning your amp can get quieter for practicing without losing any tone quality.

f you want to crank some warm tube overdrive, just toggle down to low power and dime the master volume and gain knobs.

The built-in FX loop is incredibly useful for more experienced players with a full pedal board as well.

Last but not least, there is a fairly diverse EQ panel for a small combo amp, with their unique tilt control.

This tilt control lets you blend bright amp tones with more traditional Marshall amp tones.

In addition to the middle, bass, treble, presence, and master volume controls, you can even roll on more chime than expected.

• FX loop built-in
• Diverse EQ controls with tilt knob
• 20 watts is small gig ready
• Power controls to lower volume
• All tube combo amp
• Affordable price for the quality

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Origin 20W Guitar Amp

The Marshall Origin 20W Combo Amp is very easy to understand and use out of the box.

With no extras, accessories, or digital patches to download you can just plug in and play.

For beginners, they may be upset that there aren’t built-in effects, but you will get a premium guitar tone that most of your peers won’t have.

Consider saving up, adding some pedals, then you’ll really be enjoy this tube combo to the full extent! Check out this killer demo below for more.

Alternatives to the Marshall Origin Amp

Final Thoughts: Is The Origin Amp The Most Underrated Marshall Combo?

The Marshall Origin 20W Combo is a phenomenal little amplifier that brings a legacy sound down to an accessible price.

It may be a bit plain for beginners in the sense that there aren’t any effects or amp voicings built in. But on the other hand, it will give beginners a much better guitar tone than any of the competition listed above.

For long time players this is a great value, letting you add a Marshall to your quiver that will take effect pedals really well. It’s loud enough to play small gigs but can be mic’d up for bigger shows.

At the end of the day, this amp grades out significantly higher than others because of that British tube tone.

You can’t fake it, and Marshall captured it wonderfully here.

Check Marshall Origin 20-watt Tube Amp Availability! >>

The post Marshall Origin 20W Combo Tube Amplifier Review first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack Review: Is This The Right Electric Guitar For You?

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster Package at a glance:

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack by Fender 

Overview of an Affordable Strat Package Designed to Quickly Get You Playing

While the Stratocaster was actually released after the Telecaster model, it is arguably Fender’s most beloved and well known guitar.

Used by such legends as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Buddy Guy, almost every guitarist has played a Strat at some point. Squier, Fender’s more affordable guitar line, introduces this convenient and versatile model to the marketplace.

The Affinity Stratocaster Package featured here pairs a higher output humbucker with the more mellow Strat single coils.

This lets students from many musical disciplines find the right sound and feel at home on the Affinity Stratocaster.

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Package From Fender

While the Stratocaster may be most known for the historical legends that played it, it is still employed by many today.

Modern heroes such as John Frusciante, Melanie Faye, or John Mayer have led a new wave of students to wield a Strat.

This Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Package is designed to get you playing quickly, without multiple purchases or trips to a guitar store.

The affordable price tag certainly makes it appealing to many, but the guitar included is no budget minded slouch.

Who Is The Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster Designed For?

Well, as the full name suggests, this package is meant to make beginner’s and student’s lives much easier.

Many students will find themselves wishing for a Strat after watching a David Gilmour or Jimi Hendrix solo anyways, making this an appealing purchase.

The real value though lies in the inclusion of awesome extras and accessories. Otherwise, the C-shaped neck and body contour make it a comfortable guitar to learn on for players of all sizes and shapes.

What’s Included In The Box?

Inside the Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Package you’ll find many of the same accessories of its competitors.

One thing you won’t find anywhere else is the free 3-month subscription to Fender Play that comes in this Squier bundle. Fender Play is Fender’s own guitar lesson subscription site.

This provides valuable resources to many students who will buy this guitar to begin their six string journey.

A 15-watt Fender Frontman amp, a padded gig bag, and instrument cable help you get playing right out of the box.

Lastly, a guitar strap and extra picks are thrown in just to make this offer even better.

Squier Affinity Strat Features & Specs

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster featured in this package distills down many of Fender’s finest features. The C-shaped neck is comfortable, and a common design featured on many Fender guitars you may play throughout your career.

The Poplar wood body and Fender-designed belly cut make it a lightweight and form fitting guitar to play sitting or standing. The real highlight though has to be the HSS pickup configuration.

The bridge humbucker is capable of providing that big, hard rock sound that many would expect from a Les Paul. Switch the 5-way selector around, and you can quickly go to blues, pop, funk, and more atmospheric sounds with ease.

There’s no coincidence that this guitar design is used by a wide variety of players and genres. The 25.5” scale length is larger than the 24.75” or 25” scale length on some competitors guitars, but shouldn’t discourage you from picking one up.

Affinity Strat Highlights

• Versatile humbucking and single coil pickups
• Comfortable, C-shaped neck
• Beautiful finish options
• Vintage style tremolo arm
• Lightweight construction

How To Use Your New Squier Affinity Stratocaster

Purchasing this Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Package makes playing electric guitar very accessible.

You can immediately plug in and play right out of the box thanks to the included amp and cable.

Check out this helpful demo below and see how you can get the best sounds possible out of your new Strat!

Affinity Pros and Cons

Squier Affinity Strat Review

What Do Squier Affinity Stratocaster Owners Think? >>

Don’t Forget To Comparison Shop!

Another popular take on the Strat design, the Yamaha Gigmaker Electric Electric Guitar Pack features their Pacifica model. This is another humbucker and single coil-style guitar, or HSS as we call it.

Read our complete review here.

With excellent versatility and an equally affordable price tag, the Pacifica has quickly become another favorite of beginners.

While this package doesn’t include a gig bag like the others do, it’s still a worthy contender in the beginner guitar package world!

Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack with...

AFFINITY SERIES STRATOCASTER HSS PACK (371824009)

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, Vintage Sunburst

If you were inspired to pick up the guitar because of Jimmy Page instead of Jimi Hendrix, a Les Paul may be for you.

The Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package provides many of the same necessary accessories as this Squier package at a cheaper price.

Swap out the free Fender Play subscription for a convenient clip-on tuner, and you’re off to the races. This dual humbucker guitar may be a bit less versatile sonically however.

The Les Paul’s classic looks, design, and vintage finish give it plenty of appeal.

Squier’s Affinity Strat Package By Fender Is Popular For A Reason…

Much like the aforementioned Les Paul, the Stratocaster design and features are deeply embedded in guitar culture. There may not be a worst place to start your guitar journey than this, and the versatile pickup options don’t hurt either.

The free subscription to Fender Play really should not be overlooked, as that can be a valuable way to stay motivated or speed up your progression.

Overall the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Package may be a bit more expensive than the competitors.

Don’t let that dissuade you from picking one up though, the Squier Affinity Strat and Fender reputation are held in high regard for good reason!

What are Squier Affinity Strat Players Saying? >>

The post Squier Affinity Stratocaster Review [Beginner Pack by Fender] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

An Affordable Version of Leo Fender’s First Guitar, How Does the Affinity Tele Stack Up?

The Squier Affinity Telecaster at a glance:

Squier Affinity Telecaster Guitar

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Overview

Squier’s take on Fender’s classic Telecaster design is one of the most popular and highly rated sub-$200 electric guitars. Used through many genres such as blues, rockabilly, classic rock, and country, you can’t go wrong with a Tele.

These guitars are adored by both beginners and pros for their ability to cheaply recreate that classic Fender Telecaster sound.

One of the Most Versatile and Iconic Guitars of All Time

Much like Squier’s SA-150 Acoustic guitar, the Affinity Telecaster is all about bringing Fender’s premium sound to a more accessible price point. The Telecaster is an iconic electric guitar used by giants such as Jimmy Page, Prince, and Chrissie Hynde.

Famous for its sparkling clean tones and warm overdriven sounds, the Tele gets much of its sound from the brass plate holding the bridge pickup. Equally suited for beginners and pros, Squier’s Affinity Telecaster will not disappoint Fender fans.

Who is the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster for?

Coming in just below $200, most would assume that the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster is a beginner level instrument. While the guitar is certainly a superb option for those looking for their first electric, it shouldn’t be discounted by veterans.

The Affinity Series blends classic Fender tone with comfortable, simplified features. The two single coil pickups can be easily controlled by a 3-way selector switch and a volume and tone pot.

This simple two knob set up certainly makes controlling your tone far easier on beginners right out of the box. The versatility of the guitar also makes it a top choice for players of all levels. You can go from sparkling clean country and pop sounds to overdriven rock riffs in no time, without ever being boxed in.

What Can You Expect In The Box?

Check Squier Affinity Telecaster Availability Here! >>

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster is available in a number of packages from different vendors. You can purchase the guitar by itself, or as part of a beginner’s pack where accessories come included.

With the package deal comes nice extras like guitar picks, a strap, clip-on tuner, and gig bag. All of these accessories can greatly help new guitarists keep their guitar in top shape when practicing or taking it out of the house.

It is worth noting that getting one of these packages will add a few extra dollars, taking the guitar north of $200 total.

Squier Affinity Telecaster Features

The Squier Affinity Telecaster has quite a few distinct, quality features. The two single coil pickups provide a diverse palette of sounds. Warmer and bassier tones coming from the neck, and brighter, “spank” from the bridge.

The 3-way selector switch lets you use each independently, or both in parallel, providing great sonic options. The Alder body is lightweight and comfortable to play sitting down or standing up. The neck is made of Maple, with either Maple or Indian Laurel fretboards available.

21 frets and dot inlays adorn the C-shaped neck, with the comfortable horn carve providing easy access to higher frets. The top loaded Telecaster bridge is paired with chrome tuners that provide great tuning stability, especially at this price point.

Plus, the bridge has six individual saddles for each string, making intonation adjustments easy for each string. While the pickups sound great, beginners should be warned that single coil pickups are susceptible to electrical interference.

This means that when played through an amplifier, there may be some hum or buzz produced by the guitar.

Tons of Color Options

The Affinity Tele is also available in a virtual rainbow of colorful finishes:

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster...

Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster Beginner...

Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster Electric...

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster...

See all available Affinity Tele finishes here! >>

Affinity Highlights

• Great, reliable tuning stability
• Diverse tones from all 3 pickup configurations
• Classic recreation of iconic Telecaster
• Comfortable, C-shaped neck for beginners
• Can come with needed accessories

Pros and Cons

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Guitar Review

Are Squier Affinity Telecaster Owners Happy? >>

See, and Hear It in Action

Squier’s Affinity Telecaster should be ready right out of the box, especially if you get it as part of a beginner pack! Widely regarded as one of the best cheap guitars ever made, check out this great demo of all the Affinity Tele can do for you!

Other Affordable Electrics to Try

There has never been as many great cheap guitars for young players as there is right now. While it is easier than ever to find great guitars under $200, it also is harder to sift through the many great options.

If you’re looking for another classic Fender design, Squier’s Affinity Series Stratocaster might be for you. Just like the Tele here, the Affinity Strat is tried and true recreation of the three pickup Stratocaster, arguably the most iconic electric guitar of all time.

At an equally affordable price tag, you’ll find even more tonal diversity in the Stratocaster. Plus, it’s also sold as part of great beginner packages by many common retailers, making it student friendly.

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster...

Epiphone Les Paul-100, Heritage Cherryburst

Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA - Transparent Black...

Sick of hearing about Fender and Gibson? Ibanez has just the guitar for you! Check out their GRX70, a “super-Strat”-styled guitar that mixes modern features with stunning finish options.

For players who want to pursue more technical styles of music such as fusion, metal, or Steve Vai-inspired madness, look no further. The GRX70 adds a unique HSH pickup diagram and dive-bomb ready tremolo system to a sub-$200 shredding machine.

Final Thoughts: Is the Squier Affinity Telecaster Worth Buying?

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster has got to be one of the best values on the market. For players inspired by vintage sounds and styles, the Affinity Telecaster is one of the best affordable options.

Capable of taking you from The Rolling Stones to Rage Against The Machine, the Affinity Tele is packed with great features. The comfortable neck, tuning stability, and broad number of finish options more than compensates for any flaws.

Even though the fret edges may be a bit rough and the pickups can be noisey, you won’t find many better guitars for under $200. And for pros, this is a superb guitar to purchase and customize or modify to your preferred specs!

What are Affinity Telecaster Customers Saying? >>

The post Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Review [Electric Guitar by Fender] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Squier SA-150 Dreadnought Guitar Review – Is It A Good Affordable Acoustic Package?

The Squier SA-150 Dreadnaught Acoustic at a glance:

No products found.

Squire SA-150 Acoustic Guitar by Fender 

Fender Squier SA-150 Overview

Fender’s budget entry into the acoustic guitar world, this acoustic does not disappoint. The Squier SA-150 Dreadnought is a reliable and light option for new and experienced players alike.

The body features laminated Mahogany sides and back with a stained hardwood top. The Squier SA-150 Dreadnought’s Nato neck features 20 frets with a slim, beginner friendly shape.

Scalloped bracing supports the internal structure help giving it that full, warm dreadnought sound.

An Acoustic from the World’s Most Trusted Electric Guitar Maker

Fender and their related Squier series is one of the most dependable and popular electric guitar makers in the world. Now, they’ve created an entry-level acoustic to pair with their popular entry level Squier Stratocaster packs.

Like many acoustics at this price point, the 25.6” scale length guitar has the neck meets the body around the 15th fret. The Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought acoustic is constructed from affordable but lightweight tone woods.

The neck is a bit slimmer than most, giving it an easy to play and fast feel along with the smooth gloss finish, even if the frets can be a bit rough.

Find great deals on Squier guitars at Sweetwater.com! >>

Who is the Squier Dreadnought for?

Squier’s SA-150 dreadnought acoustic is mainly made to appeal to beginner players and students. The affordable price tag and trusty name brand makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Especially because all newly purchased Squier products come with either a 3 or 6 month free membership to Fender Play. While it is certainly suited and marketed towards beginners, the Squier SA-150 Dreadnought is no slacker.

Experienced players who need a cheap, throw around acoustic should also check it out. The guitar has great bass response, a fast neck, and won’t put a dent in your wallet.

What Comes in the Box?

No products found.

Read the Latest Squier SA-150 Acoustic Guitar Reviews >>

The Fender Squier SA-150 Dreadnought is most often sold as part of a package deal. In fact, part of what makes it so perfect for beginners is that it sets you up with everything you need.

You’ll get a gig bag, picks, extra strings, and a strap meaning you get playing ASAP. Even better, you get a 3 month subscription to Fender Play, Fender’s online guitar tutorial site.

Depending on where you purchase it from, you may even get an extra instructional DVD suited for beginners. Overall, it’s a one stop shop for players looking to get their acoustic guitar journey underway.

Squier SA-150 Acoustic Features

The Squier SA-150 Full Size Acoustic is a stripped down, straightforward acoustic guitar for beginners and experienced players alike. The neck is made of Nato wood with a stained hardwood fretboard and 20 frets with dot inlays.

The neck also features a plastic nut, a dual action truss rod, and covered chrome tuning machines. The SA-150 comes stock with Fender Dura-Tone acoustic guitar strings as well, but you can an extra pack for when one breaks or they begin to lose tension.

The laminated Mahogany body features scalloped x bracing to support the dreadnought body and stained Hardwood top. The Mahogany body gives the guitar a bit of a darker sound, giving it excellent bass response.

The dreadnought sound does provide a warm, full sound though that makes it ideal for singer-songwriters and beginners. The bridge is stained Maple, and wrapping up the features of the SA-150 is the stylish black pickguard.

No products found.

SA-150 Highlights

• Solid stained Hardwood top
• Reliable chrome tuners
• Stained Maple bridge
• Resonant, bass heavy tones
• Slim, fast neck

See it in Action

The Squier SA-150 Dreadnought should be ready to play right out of the box, especially with all the helpful extras you get with it! Check out this helpful video below:

As Fender’s Entry Into Cheap Acoustics, How Does the Squier Dreadnought Compare?

Squier SA-150 Acoustic Guitar in Review: Key Points

No products found.

What Do Squier SA-150 Acoustic Guitar Owners Think? >>

Other Affordable Acoustics You Can Try

There are plenty of sub-$200 acoustics on the market, some of which stack up just as good as the Squier SA-150 Dreadnought. Another top seller, the Epiphone DR-100 is not lauded for the same playability but is a bit cheaper at under $150.

Many of Epiphone’s more expensive options are superior guitars, but come at a steep cost. While the construction is pretty similar, Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, the build quality is often more spotty with some rough fretwork and less tuning stability.

Yamaha’s FG800 is another high quality, sub-$200 guitar that many people would call the SA-150’s rival. The FG800 is a bit more of a bright sounding acoustic, that chimes and rings out.

YAMAHA FG800 Solid Top Acoustic...

The lighter Nato tone wood is what causes this, as opposed to the bass heavy Mahogany used in the Squier SA-150. Overall though, it has many similarities including chrome die cast tuners, a laminated top wood, and can be bought as part of a value pack.

Willing to go a bit above $200? Takamine’s G Series GD20 Dreadnought is comparable in quality but for an extra hundred or so dollars.

With a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, the upgraded tone wood will provide a bit more volume and bass response from the G Series dreadnought.

The slim-satin finish on this guitar is a bit nicer than the gloss on the SA-150, making it feel and cost a bit more than the SA-150 Dreadnought.

Find Great Deals on Fender Acoustics at Sweetwater.com! >>

Final Thoughts: Considering the Price Point, Should You Buy the Squier SA-150 Acoustic?

Overall, the Squier SA-150 is one of the top selling affordable acoustics for a reason, it’s reliable and sound great. The slim neck and smooth finish makes it incredibly easy to play for either beginners.

Experienced players who prefer electric guitar will also feel at home on this neck, making it a great option for budget minded veterans.

Coming in well under $200, you can’t wrong with the SA-150 when you consider all the extra value you can get from the Fender Play subscription and tuner/gigbag/other extras.

If you’re a beginner looking for your first acoustic, there may be no better brand to trust than Squier by Fender, check out an SA-150 for yourself!

No products found.

Read What Squier SA-150 Guitar Owners are Saying! >>

The post Squier SA-150 Acoustic Guitar Review [Dreadnought by Fender] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar Review: Is it the Best Affordable Acoustic on the Market?

The Yamaha FG830 Folk Guitar at a glance:

Click Here to Check Yamaha FG830 Availability! >>

The Yamaha FG800 Folk Guitar is one of the best values on the acoustic guitar market, for beginners and experienced players alike.

The guitar features laminated Nato wood on the back and sides, with a solid Sitka Spruce top and satin finish. The neck meets the body at the 14th fret on this 25” scale length dreadnought acoustic.

The comfy feel makes it ideal for singer-songwriters who are looking to string a few chords together or practice.

A New Edition to Yamaha’s FG Series

Yamaha’s FG800 is the newest entry into Yamaha’s Acoustic Guitar line, based on the classic FG series. This series has been a top seller and player favorite since its 1966 inception.

The FG800 is the most budget friendly of the new FG family, coming in just under $200. Laminated Nato wood makes up the back, sides, and neck with a solid Sitka Spruce top and Rosewood fretboard.

The guitar is a 25” scale length instrument with the same familiar V-shaped headstock that makes all Yamaha’s recognizable. Die-cast chrome tuners and a  urea nut and saddle round out the construction.

Who is the Yamaha FG800 for?

The FG800 is a versatile product in that it should serve beginners and guitar veterans equally well. The budget friendly price and comfortable feel certainly make it a great option for students.

Furthermore, the tuning stability is far superior to most other cheap acoustics. This guitar puts performance above all else, making it a great option for more experienced players too.

Especially, if you aren’t willing or able to shell out big money for a premium acoustic guitar. Overall, it’s a must try acoustic guitar model from any player from one of the most trusted and familiar brands on the market.

Opening the Box

You can purchase the FG800 in a variety of packages, including a value pack, accessory kit, or just as the individual guitar. If you purchase just the guitar, the only extra feature you’ll get is a hex wrench.

You can add a case, picks, tuner, or other sweet extras via the value packs. There is no assembly necessary with this guitar, and it should be ready to go with a quick tune-up straight out of the box.

For pickier players, you may want to get it setup to lower the action a bit. Otherwise beginner players may want to go stock up on picks, capos, and a strap to get the most out the FG800 Acoustic.

Read the Latest Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Guitar Reviews >>

FG800 Acoustic Guitar Highlights

• Solid Sitka Spruce top
• Reliable chrome tuners
• Rosewood bridge
• Resonant, bright sounds
• Classic V-shaped headstock
• Fast, Rosewood fretboard

See it in Action

There’s nothing too crazy here, the Yamaha FG800 should be ready to go out of the box, after tuning it up that is. Check out this helpful review and demo to see how great the FG800 can be for fingerstyle and solo playing!

Yamaha FG800 Folk Guitar Features

As we said before, there aren’t a lot of extra frills or features to prop up the cost of this quality acoustic guitar. The FG800 Folk Guitar features unbranded but reliable die-cast chrome tuners that hold tune great alongside a rosewood bridge and comfortable satin finish.

With no electronics or name brand parts, you end up with an ideal inexpensive acoustic guitar for at-home songwriters and students. More advanced acoustic players may feel limited by the dreadnought-shape, with access to the higher frets pretty difficult.

The Rosewood fretboard is fast and comfortable, making it a good option for players of all skill levels. Because the body meets the neck at the 14th fret, this guitar is definitely more suited for staying within one octave.

The solid Sitka Spruce top is supported by scalloped-bracing, giving it rock solid construction underneath the glossy finish and multi-ply binding.

The Nato wood sides and back sound great, but not quite as warm and loud as higher quality tonewoods like high pressure Mahogany.

You do get bright, very top heavy chime and the chords ring out at a still reasonable volume for jamming. Practicing along to songs, or song writing with a partner should come second nature on the FG800.

Pros and Cons

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar Review

What are Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Guitar Owners Saying? >>

Other Affordable Acoustics to Try

There are plenty of sub-$200 acoustics on the market, but not necessarily any as great as the FG800. Another top seller, the Epiphone DR-100 is not lauded for the same playability but is a bit cheaper at under $150.

Many of Epiphone’s more expensive options are superior guitars, but come at a steep cost. While the construction is pretty similar, Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, the build quality is often more spotty with some rough fretwork and less tuning stability.

No products found.

Fender’s FA-115 dreadnought is a bit more comparable in terms of quality and price. Retailing around $150, the FA-115 features a Nato set neck, a laminated Spruce top, and Agathis back and sides. Thanks to its light weight, this also is a similarly comfortable and balanced guitar.

Willing to go a bit above $200? Takamine’s G Series GD20 Dreadnought is comparable in quality but for an extra hundred or so dollars.

With a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, the upgraded tone wood will provide a bit more volume and bass response from the G Series dreadnought. The slim-satin finish on this guitar is comparable to the FG800, making it feel and look familiar when comparing them side by side.

Final Thoughts: Is the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic a Good Fit for You?

Overall, the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar is one of the best budget acoustic guitars on the market. It has a ton of great features like the smooth Rosewood fretboard and quality tuning stability.

We think most players will be genuinely surprised by how great this guitar feels for the price. It’s an equally great option for beginners and experts alike, and the pros far outweigh the cons.

Once you get the FG800 set up properly it should be ready to go. Without a set up it is definitely best suited as a practice instrument as opposed to a stage instrument.

For $200, it’s hard to find any serious faults with the FG800. It’s absolutely worth checking out if you’re looking for an acoustic guitar. Get your hands on one today, you won’t be disappointed!

What Do Yamaha FG830 Guitar Owners Think? >>

The post Yamaha FG800 Review [Solid Top Acoustic] first appeared on GuitarNiche.