I was in a wholesale club an notice Fender Strat for sale, this is not where I would expect to see Fender guitars but had to take a look. After looking and touching this piece of crap,my feelings are if I was a Fender owner or employee I would be ashamed to say so. I own two Fender product Guitars, a Strat and a DeArmond and I am appalled that Fender would put their name on such an inferior product!

I don't know the guitars but what precisely did you find "crappy"?

They make guitars for all levels of buyers so they can own a Fender product. Some people can`t go out and buy a $1000 guitar and this suits their pocket. I wouldn`t really knock Fender for making a lower end guitar, their only trying to make them available so everyone can afford one no matter what their financial status is. The Squier line up is considered lower end, but if you`ve ever played one you would see their pretty good for their price range. Their an excellent choice for a beginner.

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Hi southpaw54, welcome to the Forum.

Nevermind the club guitar, show us pics of your guitars! Obviously we are happy to look at the Strat - and we'd love to see your DeArmond too!

Guitar glamour always appreciated!

Cheers - C

I understand why companies make these toy guitars but not why people would buy them. It makes more sense to me to buy a quality instrument such as a Squire series for your 5 year old if you wish to spur their musical talent. A toy guitar just isn't going to sound as good as a real guitar and maybe the child would lose interest more quickly. If one gets them a real guitar it's just going to sound better, the childs interest would hopefully increase. If the child doesn't maintain interest you can always unload a Squire for a decent price to recoup your investment whereas with one of these toys you're just gonna end up throwing it in the trash one day.

For every kid that gets a first guitar and actually wants to learn how to play well there are probably ten that stick it in a corner and never play it. Daddy doesn't wanto to spend real money on a guitar until the kid demonstrates that he's serious. It makes sense.

And if you think the Starcaster guitars are bad, don't look at the drums.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

Where, where?! I want to see the drums...!

- C

"Entry level" guitars are a huge commodity. Fender, just like all the other high-end manufacturer is vying to get a significant piece of this market too. Granted, these Starcasters (et. al) are a step above a toy but you have to look at them in the aforementioned perspective.

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You dig?

Its the marlboro ethos of 'hook em while their young'. All over again

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No no and no

Hey Fellow Stratheads-

I bought a "Starcaster" For my 12 yr old who is just getting into playing. I di a set-up on it and it really isn't half bad for the price- Infact it is pretty good. The 10 watt amp sucks ...but the whole package is just $199.99- cant beat the deal. All it really needs is some new pick-ups (The Ceramics from my MIM will work fine and some up graded hardware when the time comes ...my son can learn to thrash his punk stuff all day long.

I love my son...but I'll be dambed if I'm going to pay out a whole lot of cash on a guitar that he may or may not continue playing. I'm glad that Fender has decided to put their name behind a low cost Starter package.

The Freeze

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There's Always Room For MELLOW !!!!

2000 MIM Stratocaster, Midnight Wine W/Texas Specials
2000 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
1969 Fender Vibro Champ

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

That looks like a really nice SET! lol