Is the Squier Debut Stratocaster a Good Deal?
2024 witnesses the launch of a the Squier Debut Stratocaster (click here to see on Amazon). This entry level Stratocaster is an Amazon Exclusive item. It is priced at $119.99 plus tax with free shipping (at the time of writing). The closest price of non-Amazon exclusive are the Sonic or Bullet series that are currently $199. So, the question is, is an $80 savings a good deal?
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First Impressions and Comparisions to Sonic/Bullet series
Out of the box I found the Squier Debut Stratocaster to be very similiar in quality to Bullet Series Stratocasters that I have reviewed. I haven’t reviewed a Sonic series yet. However, I am confident in saying the issues I’ve found with the Debut will be similar ones that you’ll find on most Squiers in general.
If I was to give an quick answer to whether this Stratocaster is a worthy purchase I’d say yes. For what you pay this is an acceptable beginner instrument that will be functional out of the box. Of course, you’ll need to tune it and stretch the strings and retune as you would any guitar. So, if you’re looking to buy one also get a tuner like this Snark.
The overall appearance of the satin body paint and satin finish on the neck are excellent. I didn’t see any blemishes on either. All the hardware and electronics are in perfect working order and condition.
Main Issues
The first issue I noticed right off the bat is the nut slot depth. The nut slots are slightly too shallow which causes sharp notes by causing the string to bend too much when depressed on the first few frets. It also affects the overall adjustment of string height. But, you’ll find this issue on many guitars, including ones costing much more. The attention to this detail is commonly skipped on entry level and intermediate guitars.
It’s not a huge issue and certainly not one a beginner would notice. But, if you wanted to make an improvement then you would want to address this issue. You can either use a set of nut slot files or take it to a local guitar tech. The nut slot files are expensive. So, unless you want to get into guitar repair you’d be better off taking it to a guitar tech or luthier for a complete setup. Make sure that you ask if they will address the nut slots in their setup.
The frets are suprisingly polished for a guitar at this price point. Many times they are scratchy and dull looking. These actually are shiny. I also didn’t notice any particular sharp edges or fret sprout.
One thing I did notice is that the fretboard is fairly dry giving it a dusty feel. This isn’t that unusual. I’ve experienced this even with some expensive guitars in my collection. It’s an easy fix for any guitar. All you need is a bottle of Fender Fingerboard Remedy. Simply loosen all the strings, pull them to the side, and wipe on/off the fingerboard treatment and this will take care of the dustiness and dryness.
How About the Intial “Setup?”
The action height is typical. I measured about 2.5 mm on the bass and 2.0 mm on the treble side. You may be surprised to learn that these are the action specs for Ibanez prestige models! So, like many other guitar specs, people make too much out of string height.
It is fine for a beginner and will be playable as is. I like my action slightly lower, about 2.00 on the bass and 1.9 on the treble. However, keep in mind that other players LIKE higher than 2.5 and 2.0 action! Action is largely a preference as opposed to an indicator of quality.
The relief was also slightly high. This is another spec I don’t read much into. Changes in humidity will affect the setting of the truss rod. The guitar was shipped from China and I highly doubt that it was kept in a humidity controlled environment the entire time while being shipped to an Amazon distribution center. I’m sure that not all Amazon distrubution centers have temperature and humidity controlled storage for guitars.
Again, a minor issue that can happen to any guitar at any price. It is easily resolved with a slight tightening of the truss rod.
The fretwork is good. There were no buzzing frets anywhere on the fretboard as it was received.
How Does it Sound?
It sounds like a Strat!
Comparing the sound to other Strats is a bit of a useless effort. The pickups on this are ceramic. Most other higher priced Stratocasters are going to have Alnico type pickups. So, it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges.
Ceramic pickups seem to be a bit warmer sounding than alnico in my perception.
I think it’s more helpful to think that the sound is simply different. Tone comparison is a rabbit hole that really isn’t helpful for beginners to pursue. A beginner needs a functional guitar that makes good sound. This guitar meets those requirements.
General Guitar Specs
- Poplar body
- Maple neck
- Laurel fretboard
- 21 Nickel frets
- Ceramic single coil pickups
- Vintage style tremolo
- Satin finish body and neck
Final thoughts
Out of the box I found the Squier Debut Stratocaster to be a functional guitar suitable for beginners. With a couple minor tweaks (conditioning the fretboard, adjusting the trussrod, and filing the nut slots) it would go from being “great” to “excellent.”
As far as trying to “purchase out” of the issues I’ve listed I don’t think that any of the other entry level Squiers coming out of China would be much different. As I mentioned these are very typical issues I see with all entry level guitars produced at this price point. And to be very clear they aren’t ones that would prevent the guitar from being played as is.
