When I was a beginner I wasn't very quality conscious. I just flicked
through the cheap electric guitar packages in the Argos catalogue and
went with the "black one that looks like a Strat".
Now, putting this page together, it's evident that with a little more
attention to detail I'd have picked a guitar I could have
modded/tweaked and still be playing
to this day (or at least sold for more than half a bottle of whiskey)
and an amp that would still be gracing my bedroom practice sessions.
Sigh. Don't make the same mistake I did. Read this page...
Strat
Style Cheap Electric Guitar Package
Squier have several entry level offerings, but by far the most highly
rated, in terms of value for money, is the SE
Special with SP-10 amp. A comprehensive bundle including
guitar, amp, tuner, strap, guitar stand and learning materials. Even
those who wouldn't class
themselves as absolute beginners describe this package as a solid
practice rig.
Squier SE
Special
with SP-10 Amp - $200
Overall Rating
8 /
10
Forum Buzz
Key Features
Classic Strat cut & features
Fast C shape neck profile
10 Watt amp with 2 channels
Extras such as guitar stand, cable and
tuner included
What do you
get?
Squier
SE Special Strat - Agathis Body / C-shape Maple Neck /
Rosewood Fingerboard / 22 Medium Jumbo Frets / 3 Single Coil Pickups /
Volume & 2 Tone Knobs / 5 Position Switch / Tremolo Bridge
(with Whammy Bar)
A great purchase for beginners looking for the "whole package", to get
started right away. The SE pack
has exceeded many users' expectations in both the playability and
reliability of the guitar and the quality of the amp. The extras are a
bonus and you get more in the Squier packs than most.
More experienced players note that the SE Special guitar is set up
well, with clean fretwork and low actions attainable without fret buzz
- tools are included to adjust the string height. Unlike many cheap
guitars, the tuning on the Special is stable and remains in tune even
after several deep plunges on the whammy bar.
Users comment that the Strat is easy to play which is especially good
for beginners who are still developing their finger dexterity and
strength. I remember the first electric I got just made practicing ten
times harder - I wish this pack was around when I started!
The SP-10 amp does a fine job - nothing special but more than enough
power for those quiet bedroom sessions and the overdrive channel allows
you develop your lead and general rock playing.
Overall, people are very happy with their purchase and, browsing some
of the forums, many more experienced players are using the SE Special
either as a backup or a reliable base for modding and upgrading - so
it's future proof as well.
Les
Paul Style Cheap Electric Guitar Package
Silvertone aren't as well known as Fender/Squier or Gibson/Epiphone,
but they deserve to be. If you want the deep, rich tones and
sophisticated arched quilt associated with so many legendary
guitarists, with a
decent practice amp, the SSL3
package is sure to impress.
Silvertone
SSL3 Electric Guitar Package - $250
Overall Rating
9 /
10
Forum Buzz
Key Features
Authentic Les Paul features and sound
Impeccable fit and finish
Amp has separate volume control for
clean/overdrive channels + line input
What do you
get?
Silvertone
SSL3 Guitar - Single Cutaway Carved Flamed Top / 22 Frets
/ Rosewood Fingerboard / Set Neck / Chrome Precision
Die-Cast Tuning Machine Heads / Two Humbucker Pickups / Tune-o-matic
stop tailpiece
Smart III 10
watt amp - 6" Speaker / Switchable Overdrive Channel /
Separate Volume Control for Clean and Overdrive Channels / 2 Band EQ /
Headphone Socket / Line Input Socket
Plus
- Gig Bag, Electronic Tuner, Set of Strings, Lesson DVD, Plectrums,
Cable, Strap
What users say
Let's begin with the SSL3 guitar, because people are positively raving
about it.
The build is solid as a brick s**t house. In fact, one of its truly
defining features is that it will easily withstand thousands of playing
hours and any knocks and bumps that "nature" should inflict upon it.
It's almost like Silvertone have made this especially for the more
careless and/or aggressive player.
Saying that, you won't exactly want to throw it around, as it sounds so
beautiful for a $200 guitar (which is its going rate as a stand alone
purchase). The stock humbuckers deliver a sweet, warm tone that,
admittingly,
may not be fully expressed through the Smart III 10 watt amp, but as
mentioned above, treat it as an investment and you'll be
plugging it into a more gig worthy amp sooner than you think.
The set neck and tune-o-matic stop tailpiece gives it that little extra
sustain.
If some years down the line you become more discerning about tone, this
is the perfect project guitar to work on. No need to dream about saving
up for that entry level Gibson LP, you have a solid base axe for future
upgrades.
That's why this is such a good package - it delivers now and for the
forseeable future.
To be honest, the other bits and bobs you get are just standard, and
with the amp, as part of that extra $50 you pay on top of the guitar
itself, unbelievable value. Don't settle for less.
Compare
the Electric Guitar Packs on This Page
SE
Special
SSL3
Best
For
Guitarists
who want a slim, Strat style guitar.
Guitarists
who want a chunkier, Les Paul style guitar.
Defining
Features
Classic Strat
features with 3 pickups. Fast, C shape neck. Pack includes stand.
Classic Les
Paul features. Impeccable fit & finish. Set neck for increased
sustain.