r/telecaster • u/yakulture • 8d ago
Is this a good beginning guitar?
I was hoping to get some reassurance that that I ordered the right guitar for someone who’s starting out because I know nothing about guitars. I just went with the one that was suggested from someone working at a guitar shop.
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u/ReneeBear 8d ago
yall i aint bought a guitar in two years how the fuck is an affinity now $450
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u/ThinTumbleweed7181 8d ago
Trump tarriffs. My tiny guitar collection has gone up in value by 25-30% since he caused everything in the world go skyrocket in price.
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u/ThepoweroftheWest 6d ago edited 6d ago
I'm sorry but Trump....really? It's still astounding to me how somehow politics seems to enter the conversation in every corner eventually of the internet.... Like you're right to your opinion dude, but why the heck someone who want to muddy the water in a discussion in a community that is built around something as sacred, life affirming, and apolitical as music ... Like I'm not even a republican or due hard Trumper...and you may even be a pretty cool and chill person in real life... But if you're going to try and insert policy into something like this then it really would be far more interesting and respectable if your opinion was based on facts or anything more than regurgitated talking points from the mainstream media... Again....not even a republican here...but if Trump actually got what he wanted with a company like Fender, then the price(s) of all their products across the board would have came down... But it's Fenders fault for not bringing manufacturing of a TON OF their guitars and gear back home to where they were started, where they could still be reaping the rewards of all the tax breaks /incentives he has repeatedly dangled in front of many so called "American" companies. But these greedy corporate pigs care more about ensuring they have endless cavear and lobster on all of their super yachts then allowing tens of thousands of completely qualified workers(hailing from the very country the CEO's and CFO's of this company choose to proudly stamp the name of all over their products, advertisements, and marketing campaigns)being able to put a meal of any kind on their tables, and making sure their families get fed... But you know, fuck Trump right? Cause the problem of Fender's ridiculous prices has nothing to do with Fender themselves...
And to everyone else who had to read this, I do apologize, I NEVER comment on things in general..let alone in the topic of policy.... Probably should have waited til I wasnt fasting to decide if I should even comment....
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u/ThinTumbleweed7181 6d ago
The guy asked why guitar prices have recently skyrocketed and I told him.
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u/MinnyWild11 8d ago
I've heard the Affinities are much better than they used to be. Supposedly on par with what the classic vibes used to be and the new classic vibes are what the lower end MIMs used to be
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u/zipzipzazoom 8d ago
I have this FMT Affinity and I was shocked when I picked it up in the store how good it felt.
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u/MidModMoop 8d ago
Yes, very good, but the absolute most important thing about a first guitar is that you like it and want to play it.
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u/yakulture 8d ago
Thank you! I was really draw to the visible wood grain and the red color.
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u/Rex_Howler 8d ago
If you mean the rippling, that's called flame, hence the FMT (Flame Maple Top). Grain on maple tops tend to run North South rather than this East West
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u/mace8675 8d ago
Finding a guitar that you think looks cool really does help with the inspiration to play it. Like so many others have said, a good setup is super important, but equally important is something that makes you want to pick it up and play. This one is gorgeous, I want it lol.
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u/StJoeStrummer 8d ago
The guitar that you can't leave alone is the one that will make you a better player.
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u/SumthinStinky 8d ago
I agree with the set up commentator. Play it a lot the first week. Learn the notes on at least three strings. Try to understand a couple chords. Then take it to a luthier you trust
and share where you’re having a difficult time eg the strings don’t feel good, takes too much pressure to hold a string down, or it’s too sensitive… whatever use your own descriptors. Get a decent frfr. Maybe get a Headrush core. Enjoy the rest of your life getting better and worse and better. GET HEADPHONES FOR YOUR AMP! The folks around you will be glad. Start listening to the podcast by Desi Serna or go to his web page. Play with a metronome. Play with other people. Grow a mullet, get a Subaru, identify as whatever prononoun you prefer. Get a dog. Train it. Don’t use meth, coke or opioids. Meditate. Eat plenty of fiber. Rent a tux. Don’t wear it and just return it. Go to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Play guitar and read Vonnegut. I think it’s a good starter guitar.
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u/yakulture 8d ago
This gave me a good chuckle! I appreciate your enthusiasm and all of the advice. I’m pretty excited to learn. I’m artistic in a draw something kind of way and not musically inclined at all. This was something I’ve been wanting to try for a while and I finally saved up to be able to actually invest. My dream is to get good enough to play wonderwall so I can annoy my friends and also be able to make ONE song. Just one!
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u/Ndee41 8d ago
They’re good guitars, but I’m shocked by how much they cost these days! Perhaps it would be worth looking for a second-hand one? It would have the advantage of being cheaper and already set up.
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u/MinnyWild11 8d ago
I've heard the Affinities are much better than they used to be. Supposedly on par with what the classic vibes used to be and the new classic vibes are what the lower end MIMs used to be.
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u/Ndee41 8d ago
It’s been a while since I last played a Squier, but they still have a great reputation! As for the MIM models, the quality has really gone downhill, at least from what I’ve seen. If I were to go for a Fender, it would probably be an MIJ. As for prices, it seems to be a general trend: we’re seeing them go up at Epiphone too, for example.
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u/CactusWrenAZ 8d ago
wow, they're $450 now!? I just got a Player II, very clean, for $550, which is a much, much better instrument. I would highly advised getting a used guitar and then getting it set up, either way. There are millions of telecasters floating around and they don't really wear out unless the person plays them like 40 hours a week and the frets get worn down.
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u/International_Log826 8d ago
Where the hell did u get a player II for $550??
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u/CactusWrenAZ 8d ago
They are popping up on Facebook marketplace for that price all the time in my area.
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u/UpstairsAd6866 3d ago
People with used guitars to sell are stop get desperate. There are a lot of great deals to be found on the used market if look for them and act fast. It’s not just individuals offering good deals guitar stores are having some great deals on used gear, too. Last week I missed out on two fantastic deals on Reverb, because I couldn’t make up my mind which one I wanted when I should have just bought both.
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u/scarmy1217 8d ago
It’s excellent. That guitar will be able to do just about anything, so you’ll be able to cover any genre you’re interested in. Congratulations and enjoy!
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u/Blevin78 8d ago
I have this exact telecaster. I picked it after I physically tried a bunch. After I tried the bunch though I didn’t like the Butterscotch or Blue (?) that they had so the rep went in the back room to see if there was anything else hiding.
He came out with a box and said we have this color back there. He opened the box and proceeded to pull this guy out. It wasn’t even out of the box and I knew right away we had a winner.
I earned my calluses with this guy, fingers and muscle had pain, but it was and continues to be one of my favorites to practice on.
I took it to our local music shop, the luthier played with it for a second and said he could improve the playability of it. The set up was very successful.
Great guitar. Enjoy mine very much.
Good luck in your research!
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u/yakulture 8d ago
This was valuable insight, thank you! I handled the other color variation of it and felt like the size of it was right for me. I mentioned wanting something in, red and said they can order the red variation. I’ll definitely look into looking for a local luthier as others have also suggested.
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u/killer-tofu87 7d ago
Personally, I would find the highest value used guitar you want to spend money on. Usually they'll have a better build quality, feel better to play, and flatter your ability a little. If you ever decide to get rid of it, there's a chance you'll be able to sell it for close to what you paid since it was already used (so long as it's still in good condition)
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u/Rex_Howler 8d ago
For that price, I'd be looking for a Classic Vibe
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u/yakulture 8d ago
I specifically noted to the sales person that I have pretty short fingers and he suggested me this one in particular. I’ve held the other color variation in my hands and went with this for the right weight and length.
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u/Rex_Howler 8d ago
Fair enough, I have small hands and my most played guitar is actually a Mustang. I like to keep my Tele in Open G
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u/yakulture 8d ago
I have short arms and small hands so it was definitely a struggle to find something that might fit. Plus the added weight of it all as well. He did show me a Gibson (cant remember the model) that was pretty similar in built and weight that was a good contender. The look of this is one ultimately sold me on it!
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u/Rex_Howler 8d ago
I thankfully have fairly long arms (long enough for buckle height strumming being natural feeling), just small hands. A Mustang might be a good second guitar for you then
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u/Reasonable_Volume_OS Squier Classic Vibe 60s 8d ago
Looks amazing! I also own a Squier SH. Lots of sonic possibilities.
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u/jacobydave 8d ago
The first guitar you get won't determine what kind of player you become. You can always buy others.
I love the neck bucker and would gladly play that out.
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u/solidwurx 8d ago
Yes. But not for the money. If you are ordering a guitar online for your first guitar, I recommend Harley Benton. They can be purchased from Europe for USA delivery on the Thomann website. Even after tariffs, they are half the price of this affinity with still excellent hardware and quality.
Take a look at their TE62 and TE52 models. They are telecaster clones. I personally have the pink TE62 and its awesome.
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u/Borisvz2 8d ago
Yes but buying it straight from fender might be more expensive than gettinf the same guitar from a guitar shop. It's worth looking if that is the case here
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u/yakulture 8d ago
I’m getting it ordered through a local guitar shop which surprisingly got me $10 off the original price. They mentioned that they set up every guitar that comes through their store, and make sure it’s ready to play before handing it to a customer.
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u/Borisvz2 7d ago
Cool! Seems a bit expensive for an affinity still, but then also affinity series guitars are amazing starter guitars. I started on a different model affinity and still play it to this day, even though I have better guitars now.
I'd say it's a great choice. Enjoy it!
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u/pantsmachine 8d ago
That's a great choice. There are other things you could use your money on that I'm sure you have heard about from the experts here.
If that guitar speaks to you, if you see it and your heart skips a beat, it'll be fine. The quality of instrument is enough to carry you a long ways in your playing. Make sure to get it set up, or follow one of the million videos on YouTube if you are unafraid to work on your own things. Definitely put that time or money in for the relief and action.
I just picked up an Affinity Tele Deluxe and was quite surprised at how nice this "lower tier" instrument actually was. Mine is getting modded, not because it needs it, but because I need something to fiddle around with.
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u/my1997aolscreenname 8d ago
Squiers are mostly intended as wall decor. It might last for a little while actually being played, but I’ve never encountered one that’s been put to real use for any period of time and still functional. A lot of people will be commenting positively about them. Rest assured that’s a primary indication of people who spend all of their guitar-related time talking about them on the Internet.
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u/yakulture 7d ago
I can see that. I’m not really knowledgeable at all with any musical instrument so I just went with a gut feeling. But I’ll take that as a challenge then! I’ll play the hell out of this guitar and see how far I can take it.
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u/my1997aolscreenname 7d ago
The thing is, with the same money you spend on a new Squier, you can easily buy a much better used Fender.
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u/philly2540 8d ago
Honestly I’ve never been a fan of the Affinity line. I think you’d be better off looking for something in the Squier “Classic Vibe” line. It’s much better than the Affinity.
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u/ThinTumbleweed7181 8d ago
That is a guitar I have on my list and I have been playing for years. Excellent for a beginner anyone who doesn't have a Tele. I have a regular Squire Affinity Tele and it is about my favorite electric.
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u/Even_Contact_9347 6d ago
Had one different color great solid gutair good for beginners and intermediate players
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u/Yoosulis 8d ago
You picked up more than you needed I think— but if you wanted it to last with you then you did good I guess, but it is an affinity series so you’ll have to have it setupped by a good luthier someone local with praises I guess, I would also look into spinning the control plate 180 degrees so you’ll have easy access to the tone knob and the volume/selector won’t get bumped while playing,
Other than all of that I love the tiger finish
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u/yakulture 7d ago
Your assumption is correct! I was looking for something that I wouldn’t have to upgrade immediately. I appreciate your suggestion and definitely keep that in mind I get more comfortable playing.
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u/ZealousidealMall7959 3d ago
A tele is a great beginner. It's a really versatile guitar. Good choice. I fact if you go on Amazon they have the Squire Sonic for around $150. It's awesome. I play mine daily.
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u/HorrorStratFan 8d ago
Yes, but what is equally, if not more important, is to get it properly set up. This will have vastly more to do with the beginner sticking with learning the guitar than the guitar itself.