Squier by Fender Stop Dreaming Start Playing Starter Pack Review –Real Fender Style And Quality

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
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The market for entry-level guitars is flooded with Stratocaster style model – some are decent, but many are pretty poor. Which is why this affordable combo pack from Fender's budget subsidiary Squier is one of the most popular, as it offers authentic Fender style, sound, and quality at a price anyone can afford.

The Guitar

Whatever level you play at, the Stratocaster is a guitar that needs no introduction. And on first glance you’d be forgiven for mistaking the entry-level Squier Affinity Series Strat that comes in this pack with a premium American-made Fender Strat, as the looks are so similar.

The familiar double-cutaway body is made from solid alder, and finished in a simple glossy Black or a vintage-inspired Brown Sunburst. With a classic look, the well-contoured body makes for a comfortable feel whether standing or sitting. The bolt-on neck is made from maple and features a modern C-shaped profile, with a lovely satin finish, along with a rosewood fretboard, and 21 medium jumbo frets – built for comfort and speed.

The Strat sports three single-coil pickups at the bridge, middle and neck positions, which offer versatility and are excellent for everything from twangy country to overdriven classic rock. Those beginners who are more heavy rock and metal-inclined may find a guitar with a humbucker more useful, but for everything else this Strat copes very well. The versatility is enhanced by the controls, with a simple master volume knob and two tone control knobs, as well as a five-way pickup selector switch. The vintage tremolo bridge with whammy bar is also useful for subtle vibrato effects.

The Amp and Extras

This pack comes with a classic Fender Frontman 10G amplifier – a cute and stylish little amp that provides a practice-friendly 10 watts of power. However some packs can be found with 15-watt amps, which are a little more suitable for jamming, especially with a drummer. The Frontman features gain, volume, treble, and bass controls, that give you the tools to find the sound you want, as well as a convenient clean/overdrive switch for quick tone changes. You’ll also find a headphone jack, which is a plus for practicing without annoying the neighbors!

But there’s more – the ‘Stop Dreaming Start Playing’ set also includes a handful of essential accessories that make your life easier. There’s a soft Fender-branded gig bag (a shame it’s not padded, but for such a wallet-friendly price, what do you expect?), a cable, a strap, plectrums, a clip-on digital tuner, and an instructional DVD to help you get started with tuning your guitar and playing your first chords.

Conclusion

The ‘Stop Dreaming Start Playing’ pack impresses, and sets the bar high for others in our list of affordable combo packs. While some of the accessories aren’t the most robust, it gives you everything you need to get started. The guitar and amplifier are tailored for comfort and performance, with a fast and smooth neck, authentic sound, and easy controls. If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering the electric guitar, this pack is a good place to start.

For more info about this guitar starter kit, click here.
For more beginner electric guitar packs, click here.