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Post subject: Can anyone help?
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:00 pm
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I have almost no guitar knowledge and I am trying to choose a Xmas gift for my boyfriend. He is not a beginner but has not played in over 20 years.
I am trying to choose between the starcaster package from target, about $150, the starcaster package from Sam's Club, about $200, or the squires affinity package which is about $250. I found some sites which clearly picked the squires over the starcaster but than found other which praised the starcaster. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.


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Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:48 pm
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Go with the Squier Affinity packages...They are all pretty much starter packages, but the Squier Affinity Series guitars can actually be pretty decent for the price...

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Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:34 pm
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The Squier Affinity package is a cool deal but the amp leaves a bit to be desired. Here is what I would do if you can afford it. If not the package deal is not a bad deal.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod ... sku=510423 = $179.99

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod ... sku=487030 = $99

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=330470 = $7.99

Total price for this set up is $286.98 plus tax. But the Roland amp is a great little amp and will not need to be replaced as quickly as the amp in the Strat pack.

BTW that is awesome that you are doing this for your boyfriend. I wish all women were like you. Let us know what you decide. I have to agree with bowelfreshener and vear away from the Starcaster line up. I have not played one that is worth the money. It is definately an expensive toy for a kid, not someone who had played before and getting back into it again.

RK


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Post subject: Can anyone help?
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:30 pm
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Thanks for the info and advice. I was also considering looking at used guitars on ebay. I will only buy him a fender or fender backed though.
Do you think this is too risky?
Thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: Can anyone help?
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:15 pm
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Rzepka1 wrote:
Thanks for the info and advice. I was also considering looking at used guitars on ebay. I will only buy him a fender or fender backed though.
Do you think this is too risky?
Thanks again.


If buying from eBay, I would suggest just going new from a vendor with a store and find out about the refund/return policy before buying/bidding...Used is fine too though, but I'd just be worried about if there was some sort of issue or something, with an individual, there's no way to replace a defective or broken in shipment item, whereas a store would most likely be able to get you a replacement or something instead of a refund.

If you do buy used though, only get one that has many photos. Ask if its all stock, or has it been modified in any way. Also, I am sure that if you posted a link here, unless is an auction that you are trying to keep at a low price, that some of us here would check it out to make sure things are cool, or what you might want to ask before bidding/buying.

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Post subject: Re: Can anyone help?
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:11 pm
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Rzepka1 wrote:
Thanks for the info and advice. I was also considering looking at used guitars on ebay. I will only buy him a fender or fender backed though.
Do you think this is too risky?
Thanks again.


There is always a risk buying from e-bay-type entities. Look at all the pics, also I have seen people trying to pass off Starcaster, Squier, or some no name brand as a Fender guitar. Although I do not mind the Squier line, it ticks me off to see it happen. There have been some big mistakes people have made buying used equipement.

Unless you know how to spot a fake or have friends who can spot fakes, I would not chance it. If you want to buy used, go to a music store and see what they have in their used gear section.

RK


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Post subject: Re: Can anyone help?
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:16 pm
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rkreisher wrote:
Rzepka1 wrote:
Thanks for the info and advice. I was also considering looking at used guitars on ebay. I will only buy him a fender or fender backed though.
Do you think this is too risky?
Thanks again.


There is always a risk buying from e-bay-type entities. Look at all the pics, also I have seen people trying to pass off Starcaster, Squier, or some no name brand as a Fender guitar. Although I do not mind the Squier line, it ticks me off to see it happen. There have been some big mistakes people have made buying used equipement.

Unless you know how to spot a fake or have friends who can spot fakes, I would not chance it. If you want to buy used, go to a music store and see what they have in their used gear section.

RK


I'm with you on people selling fake stuff or purposefully mislabeling their items as something they are not. Or selling some parts caster/"relic"/Fender Stratocaster which clearly says Squier on it for $500.

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Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:03 am
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I was at Hastings over the weekend, which sells Starcasters. They had two Starcaster bass guitars on display. Both were clearly marked Starcaster on the headstock - and marked Squier Affinity on the pickguard. Seems to me that they may be the same thing...

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Post subject: Good girl
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:20 am
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I would really skip the starcaster. The Affinity is really a pretty good guitar and he can go a long way with it.

See what your local dealer can offer you, before you go online. The guitar will need to be set up by a technician and a local store can help you with that for about $30.00 or so. A good set up means a lot!!!!!!!

"The stop dreaming start playing" packages are pretty good for starting.

Any way you are sure a nice girl to want to get your guy a stratocaster of any type!!


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Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:20 pm
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For $250 you should be able to pick up a mexican Standard on your local craigslist.


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Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:22 pm
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For $250 you should be able to pick up a mexican Standard on your local craigslist.


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Post subject: Can anyone help?
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:46 pm
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Thanks again to all for the advice. I am leary about the craigslist thing since I don't know what to look for in used but I guess that could be better then ebay cause at least I could see it. If I could stretch my budget, how much better would it be to just go with the Fender Strat standard( I believe this is the mexican) than the squire affinity. Also I think there's another squire HSS that's a bit more.
Thanks again,
Kathy


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:57 pm
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Well, the Standard Strat made in mexico is a more serious instrument, in my opinion. Upgrading is easier since the quality is much more even than with Squires. Maybe that's where the "Standard" comes from :)

If you find any local craigslist ad that fits your budget post the link here and we can help you from there.


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:18 pm
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I think you should consider a Squier Standard Stratocaster. It's a cut above the Bullet and Affinity lines, and only about $229.99. I got mine for $199.99 last year. They are made in Indonesia, and less than half the price of a Mexican Stratocaster.

Don't forget a tuner.


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Post subject: can anyone help?
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 5:25 pm
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I hope everyone had a great holiday. Thank you so much to all who replied here and helped me choose a guitar. I decided to go with the Squier Standard (special edition black and chrome). I also went with the Roland 15 amp. I got a great deal at Sam Ash.com on Black Friday weekend. My sweetie was surprised and happy at the thought of getting back to playing.

Thanks again,
Kathy


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