Squire or...?

[daacrusher2001]

OK, I am in a situation where I'll be traveling to CA on regular basis and I thought I'd buy a cheap guitar to leave out there so I can play in the evenings in the hotel (using VOX Amplug, or maybe I'll get a Pocket Pod)

I was thinking - maybe a Squire?

Then I tried 5 of them today and they ranged from really bad to pretty bad...things like fret finishing was dramatically different from one to the next.

What else is worth trying in that $150-$200 price range. I'm not expecting a lot, and I won't be using a real amp at any time with it. It's really just to keep me entertained while sitting round the hotel at night.

Thoughts?

 

[powermatt99]

I have a Classic Vibe that gives much pricier Fender models a run. The Vintage Modified are not bad either, but more variance in quality. In fact, I've played few USA Teles better than my two imports. I picked up my CV for $250 from CList. I've seen several others for around the same price.

 

[Phoenix59]

It's "Squier."

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

It's "Squier."

but the squire comes with free coconuts.

 

[gtraddict]

Go with the Classic Vibe for a few bucks more you will be suprised about the quality of the guitar overall

 

[Robert1950]

but the squire comes with free coconuts.

 

[Lukeling]

Ooh sunface.

 

[SmilingDave]

Go with the Classic Vibe for a few bucks more you will be suprised about the quality of the guitar overall

 

[solitaire]

ESP LTD make great guitars regardless of price. Cort as well to some degre.

 

[daacrusher2001]

Are the classic vibes also Chinese made? Just better materials?

 

[powermatt99]

ARe the classic vibes also Chinese made? Just better materials?

Greater attention to detail.

 

[chrisrocksusa]

I 2nd ESP ltd line. Get a used 300 or 400 series, best bang for the buck out there and very playable.

 

[gtraddict]

I 2nd ESP ltd line. Get a used 300 or 400 series, best bang for the buck out there and very playable.

They also do things like higher lines of pickups(Duncans or EMGS), Earvana Nut, 3 piece back, Which Gibson hardly does anymore, Grovers, things such as that

 

[datguytim]

Go with a Classic Vibe - I've had some great Teles over the years, and I'm blown away by how good my '60s CV feels, plays, AND sounds! A steal at under $300 used/mint cond.

 

[wemedge]

How about a Peavey Raptor (strat-type). $150 new, even cheaper used.

 

[Bikedude]

Some of those Squier's rock. I bought a Chinese made Affinity BSB Tele about 5 years ago for $139 closeout at GC, and it plays as good as anything I have. Stuck a set of Lollars in it and a 6 saddle string-thru, set of sperzels, and it's rock solid for around $400.

 

[brianr0131]

used early 90's Peavey Predator (made in USA) you can get these for $150 or Less easily. Very nice guitars

 

[daacrusher2001]

LOL...ok, ok, wasn't paying attention when I titled this post...

 

[marktweedy]

Used Danelectro reissue. I just picked one up (with HSC!) for $200.00 off the local CL. Outstanding value and cool sounding to boot.

 

[daacrusher2001]

Some of those Squier's rock. I bought a Chinese made Affinity BSB Tele about 5 years ago for $139 closeout at GC, and it plays as good as anything I have. Stuck a set of Lollars in it and a 6 saddle string-thru, set of sperzels, and it's rock solid for around $400.

When I get out to SoCal next week I'll go shopping for all of the guitars you guys mentioned. It'll give me an excuse to stop by TrueTone again!

If I had the guitar here at home, I'd upgrade wiring, pups, etc...but I'm just going on business trips and won't have any tools with me except maybe a swiss army knife

GC had some low end schecters for something like $159. I tried one and it was ok but the neck was very thin. Playability was ok otherwise - since I'm likely going to use it through something solid state, I skipped the tube amps. It sounded ok.

If I have to get into the $500 range, then I'll probably get a PRS SE used or something like that.