I believe I’ve just found my new favorite guitar channel. You have an absolutely perfect voice and demeanor for guitar reviews. My fellow Americans are too often a bit condescending or jaded by their own preferences to give unbiased reviews with follow-up advice for buying an instrument. Thank you for posting your review. I’m a 70 year old man trying to learn guitar and deal with physical limitations from injuries and arthritis. I’ll look further into your videos now.
Hi Michael - Thank you for the kind comments and encouragement, very much appreciated and good to read that the videos are helpful. Please do think about subscribing and commenting, and do check out the rest of my videos covering all types of gear and other music related topics. My brother-in-law at 80 years old has recently taken up guitar and is doing well but it's hard on the finger tips ;-) I also have arthritis in my fingers and this can be a challenge at times but as long as we get enjoyment from what we do that's what counts. If there is a video I can do that would help you (and others) just let me know. Some folks private message me so as to keep personal details private, please do feel free to do that. My private email is listed on my channel details... thank you again Michael and hope to hear from you again... regards: Stu
One of the best seemingly unbiased reviews I've heard. The guitar and amp combination sounded great. This guitar might be just thing for any player who doesn't have a Telecaster in their arsenal but is curious if they'd enjoy one.
Hi Lengross4126 - Thanks for chipping in and the kind comment. As you say, definitely worth a look at, particularly if someone wants to purchase a brand new guitar that is an authorised Fender instrument. Regards: Stu
Stu, it was great to visit with you and spend some time in Scotland. This truly is a great time to play guitar and this guitar review is no exception. That pickguard swap made this guitar shine for sure and it sounds nice. These are great for beginners or just someone who wants to try out a telecaster without the commitment of a Mexican or American price tag. Great review!
Hi Allen - Was a real pleasure to spend time with you both... so funny to think how our meeting came together over a 'guitar channel'. Yes, for anyone starting out there is so much choice and the second-hand market is full of great gear we could only have dreamed of years ago. It's a nice touch how easy and cost effective (pattern part pick-guards) it is to change out the pickguards on the Strat / Tele style guitars to give them a different look. Regards: Stu
It is so nice that they make good guitars for this price point. They are wonderful if you want to teach yourself how to work on and mod a guitar. I did that with a Squier Bullet Telecaster Limited-Edition back in 2020 and I still love it and play it often.
Hi Tom - Without doubt, in recent years it's been a good time for anyone looking to enter the world of guitars, and as you say some of these entry-level models are indeed great to learn how to do 'set-ups', 'modifications' and 'upgrades'. Next again Friday I will be showing the upgrades and alterations I did to this Squire Debut guitar... regards: Stu
Thank you for this review - one of the most informative and straightforward I've seen. I've just ordered one of these in the Dakota Red because I just wanted something with Fender on it (but I think my Harley Benton TE52 will be hard to beat!!) Thank you again!
Hi Nigesilvestri6790 - Thank you for your comments, much appreciated, always good to hear that some of these videos are helpful. You may need to set-up the action a bit better but all in all, it's a nice looking guitar and sounds not bad at all for the money. I think the pearl pickguard, which along with many other styles, you can pick up cheaply (Non Fender that is) just gives this one a bit of a lift. If you get a moment, do please let me (and others here) know how you get on with it and how it compares to your TE52... regards: Stu
Nice review. Amazing what you get for the price and certainly a good option for modification using a Fender authorised platform. I love the colour and will certainly consider this telecaster when back at work and the folding stuff in surplus.
Hi David- thanks for the kind comment. You might be interested in the upgrade I did to this - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - and you may possibly be interested in my own Custom Build Tele style parts-caster build, part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Whatever you do... all the best and do let me know... regards: Stu
Hi - I was not sure how it would look from the limited photographs but when in your hand the satin finish works well with the Dakota Red colour. I will say though... having drilled hoes in it today (for a string-through-body Fender bridge plate) the finish is some kind of plastic based coating which is not as hard wearing as the usual poly coating you get on Fender guitars - care needs to be taken not to tear or in-dent the material used. If you stick around you will see the upgraded work done to this guitar in a week or two... lots of changes to 'Hot-Rod' the guitar... regards: Stu
Hi Allen - Thanks for chipping in... Yes, I actually regularly chat to a couple of subscribers in different countries via Zoom and it's great sharing stories and gear choices. Because of one of those zoom chats, one subscriber ended up doing a holiday tour round Scotland and we got a chance to spend a few days together. Regarding the Tele... do let me know (and others) if you decide to get one and how you get on with it. Regards: Stu
Hi - Well thank you very much, I do remember playing a gig back in the 70s and the support band was fronted by a young lad who was the son of one of the Nazareth guys. Thanks for chipping in and do have a look around at my other videos... they might spark some more old names from days gone bye... regards: Stu
Hi Tim - Thanks for chipping in. Yes, I bought a few pickguards from Kaish Music which is available on Amazon. They were around £10.00 each, so a lot cheaper than the Fender original plates. The quality is very good and it's certainly a cheaper way to give a Strat or Tele a new look without breaking the bank. I went onto fully upgrade that Squier guitar in this video - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - which was just for a bit of fun. Those upgrade parts were bought for a Telecaster style custom build I am working on, if it is of interest to you, Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Regards: Stu
Okay folks - below is the link to the Squier Debut upgrade and today I uploaded the Custom Build Project series, PART 1 - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html and now PART 2 - ruclips.net/video/eYZ1qQFRnRU/видео.html - and PART 3 - ruclips.net/video/KCCGHDISl00/видео.html - and PART 4 - ruclips.net/video/WBnXUAw2U1c/видео.html - Part 5 coming soon... Enjoy and please do comment... regards: Stu
Many thanks Stereo-mike - Much appreciated... this particular guitar will certainly handle getting knocked about, tuning stability on the Telecaster model is very good. I'm not sure how well the Stratocaster Debut would fair with it's tremolo unit. Regards: Stu
Just found you Stu, great review! I picked up a Squire Affinity HH model just before the pandemic. It was on a deal for just over $200 US dollars… I really wanted a Les Paul, but now I’m sold on the sound of the Tele with humbucker pickups and an easy to play neck… Quality has been great since I bought it. I’m just a casual (hack) player, but I love it. I will be watching more of your channel. All the best from the States. 😀
Hi Danny - Thank you for the kind comments. Yeh, Tele's are great guitars and while I don't have any Fender Tele's with Humbuckers in them I have been considering it in regard to a Custom Build Tele style project I working on just now. Video series to follow. I did upgrade the Debut Telecaster and that video will be uploaded at 5pm (UK time) tonight so that should prove interesting as I do a lot of changes and alterations. Thanks for chipping in and always love to hear other folks stories... greetings from Scotland... regards: Stu
I ihave one like that new. Will change the tuners with locking, change to stainless jumbo frets, change pickup and pickguard with white perloid. Let's see how will it sound after.
Hi Drixxv2435 - Thanks for chipping-in... In case you are not aware I have upgraded this Debut Telecaster, you can see the video here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - I replaced the pick-ups with Custom Shop Texas Specials, put in a Fender bridge plate (String-through-body with Fender ferrules) with Gotoh Brass compensated saddles, a Custom Shop fully loaded control plate and then sanded the neck down and fitted 10 gauge Ernie-ball strings. The thing is, I only did this as an exercise as all these parts were bought for a Custom Build Project which is still on-going - you can see the first video in the series on my channel under 'Guitar Build Project playlist' ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - you might find those videos of interest before you start your own modifications. Look forward to hearing what you get up to... Regards: Stu
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video, I too have not played guitar in a long time and I am looking for a good starter guitar to begin my journey once again. This telecaster from amazon looks like a viable option.
Hi gameratorcreator - Thanks for chipping in and welcome back to the world of guitars. Do think about subscribing to the channel which has a lot of gear reviews and backing tracks to practice along with. If I can be of any help in regard to equipment you are thinking about, please don't hesitate to ask and I will try to help where I am able... regards: Stu
Welcome back to guitar world. After 5 decades I took my 1965 original Fender Mustang mom and dad gave me for Christmas in 1965 and had it tuned up. The calluses are coming back and working on my finger movements. My Mustang neck is 38mm or 1.5 inch at the nut. So I either need to see if I can get these old fingers to work in such a small fret space or buy another guitar. I played the Fender player Telecaster today and liked it. The player is made in Indonesia.
Hi Guy-g - Thanks for chipping in and just love the Fender Mustang story... ;-) That old Fender could be quite valuable so take care of it... ;-) Perhaps you should put the Mustang on exhibition in a glass case and get yourself a Telecaster... there's certainly a lot of choice out there compared to the "old days" ... ;-) I had quite bad arthritis in my fretting hand pinkie but after about a year of coming back to playing its sorted itself out! I have quite a few Fender Tele / Strat videos on my channel you might find interesting and at present I am building my own Tele style guitar - all the very best with the guitar playing. Do think about subscribing to the channel to get updates on my Telecaster project etc... best regards: Stu
@@guyg2005 Many thanks... trust you will find many of my journey back to guitar videos of interest. Always love to hear stories from folks so don't be shy commenting... best regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel Working on some of your Backing Tracks. Do you post the cord charts somewhere in the video? Probably we get more views. You could probably add them under each cord name.
@@guyg2005 Hi Guy-G No, I don’t have any chord charts for those tracks although I did think about doing them. I’ve had a few folks asking me about scales and bar chords and 70s style guitar phrasing, but I just figured that there is so much stuff out there I did not see the point. I have a lot more backing tracks including acoustic based themes but have been too busy to do anything with them. One of my regular viewers recently recorded himself playing lead work over a couple of the backing tracks and sent it to me… always really interesting to hear how others approach things. Regards: Stu
Great review , I like a lot of other viewers thought the pick guard changed and improved the guitars look . I bought a Fender Tele a few years back but never gelled with it and moved it on , but do have now an inexpensive kit type Tele I bought on ebay part finished . It came with a bridge similar to the one you have there and when I strung it up the strings lifted the saddles off the bridge , some head scratching and thought ! I bought some ferruls and drilled through the body converting it to through body stringing and hey presto sorted , sounds great and as it is inexpensive I have tried lots of different pick up arrangements ,its great . I wonder how the Debut would react to a similar conversion , may improve it ? I liked and subscribed .
Hi Dave - Thanks for the comment and subscribing... much appreciated. It's interesting that you took that action with the Telecaster and yes I have done exactly the same with much more changed-out on that Debut model. You might be interested to see and hear that - video here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - As you are building a kit, you might also be interested in my Custom T-Style guitar build series which is coming to a head very soon - Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html and it's up to Part 7 so far... I am seeing if I can build a relic Telecaster type model as good as a Fender Custom Shop for a fraction of the cost... so far it's looking good if I don't say so myself.... ;-) Do let me know how your kit build works out, always great chatting with others and hearing their own stories... regards: Stu
I enjoyed this honest review. I've been building nice partscasters. For around 500 dollars you can get top notch parts and hardware. Plus it's fun and you end up with a nice T style guitar. BTW, I just subscribed
Hi Thomas - Thank you for the kind remark and subscribing. As you say, you can certainly get a hold of all kinds of accessories these days at very reasonable prices. I have been recently building a T-Style Guitar to try and match my Fender Custom Shop Ltd Edition Relic Tele's - Part 1 is here if you are interested - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Always good to hear any tips you can pass along... Regards: Stu
Hi Zoningout... Many thanks and thank you for the encouragement. When you have time you will see I have covered a lot of gear reviews as I check stuff out for my own use in my small studio. In regard to Telecasters I've done a many reviews on various makes from budget models to Fender Custom Shop. I'm building my own T-Style guitar just now to show how close you can get to building a very high quality T-Style without the high price tag... part one begins here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Enjoy and don't hesitate to chip-in with your own stories and comments... regards: Stu
Hi Kieran - thanks for chipping in. Because these guitars come from Amazon, unless you can get them from a shop now... the general opinion about these 'Debut' series guitars is that they really could do with a set-up. So do be prepared to tinker with it. Certainly it's good to learn to do general set-ups yourself if your not familiar with doing so and this is a reasonable guitar to learn on. I have a video coming shortly as I have now taken this guitar apart and kitted it out with a range of upgraded parts and also sanding work to the neck... do make sure you hit the bell to get notification when that one comes up... regards: Stu
Hi MG - You are very welcome... I will be doing an upgrade to this guitar in a week or two with a lot parts replaced and a couple of amendments here and there... which should turn this into a mean machine... regards: Stu
Hi Patrick - I do believe it is now... you might be interested in the upgrade I did with this which you can see here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - regards: Stu
Hi - Thanks for chipping in... just out of interest, I will be upgrading this Telecaster Debut guitar in the coming weeks to see if it's actually worth upgrading ot a false economy... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel thank you Sir. Really waiting for the upgrade. How's the pickup? Compare to sonic or bullet? To be honest i prefer Pickups in Sonic Telecaster than my Fender Player series 😅
@@Blumencomusic You are very welcome... ;-) Perhaps someone else can answer your Squire questions as I have never played those guitars. I can tell you that I am just awaiting a Telecaster type guitar (same price as Debut model) to be re-delivered (first one was damaged and non working), and it's a very nice looking and feeling guitar. Depending how it sounds this could be a really good deal. Regards: Stu
Hi Clarence - Thanks for chipping in. I have another Telecaster arriving that just might rival this if not 'better' the Squire and for the same price. Regards: Stu
Hi sirshenduseal - Thanks for your kind comments, much appreciated. You may find my guitar / music gear journey interesting so do have a look through the channel playlists. Are you based in India? I have quite a few friends there and they keep asking my wife and I to go and visit. My other passion is 'Curry' and when I'm not writing / recording I'm trying out new ways to mix spices... ;-) Best regards: Stu
Hi Rob - I've not tried out their Stratocaster series, but this Telecaster offering is really pretty good for the money... with a decent set of second-hand pick-ups and a bit more attention on the set-up, possibly sand the neck / fingerboard sides a little and this would be a very decent little guitar... regards: Stu
Just found your channel. Wow. It's crazy but I haven't played drums from 2004 til 2024. I was gifted a little 4 piece kit from my daughter. It needs lots of upgrades and cymbals. Kick pedal. But I am hoping to get back to it. I played from 8 til I was 34. I was quite good at one point. I can still play I guess but man about 60 percent is gone. My fills mainly and endurance. My technical side took a back seat but I plan on getting back on. In 2018 end year I decided to try my hand at electric guitar. I've been sharing parts of that journey over that time. Lots of fun. Now im hoping to one day play it all since I have a few years off and on with keys too. Great video subbed.
I had a bullet 2019 Indonesian limited in their seafoam green which looked more surf to me but I loved it. Had the wider width neck and man the neck pos was brilliant. 119.00 then they went up to 199.00. Lol.
Hi Robert - Thank you for all the comments on a number of videos and for chipping in with what you are up to, much appreciated. When I get a moment I will hop onto your channel. It's late hear just now in Scotland and just closing my system down but look forward to finding out more regarding your guitar journey... best regards: Stu
@@robertclarkguitar Congratulations on the grandchild... just wait till they are old enough to spot your guitar collection and make a bee-line for the most expensive ones when you least expect it... My Fender Tele 61 is still in recovery... ;-) regards: Stu
That tele sounded fine to me. I am a gretsch player but have been wondering about a tele for rockabilly play, this model when it finally comes to Canada may be the ticket. BTW - those amps are sweet!
Hi Weasel6535 - I mentioned in my last message to you (sticky neck video) I will be sanding the neck down and changing out various parts on this guitar to see how easy it is to up scale an entry level Tele. This will eventually be raffled off. I am awaiting another Tele (same price) which may just be a better buy - unfortunately, the one I was just sent was a dud (dead electrics) but what a lovely looking and feeling guitar - hope to review this soon. Yes, those little Blackstar Amps are quite versatile, I do like this Studio 10 6L6 model, I understand Blackstar have a new one out now. Regards: Stu
Hi - Thanks for chipping in with those... I have not tried any of these myself but know some fellow guitar lovers that have quite a few of these models. I have another budget brand coming to the studio today (same price £129.00) and it looks very nice indeed for the money. I will compare this to the Debut model. When it comes to the reason why some folks will go for the Squire or Epiphone brands, I imagine its because they want that connection to Fender or Gibson. But without doubt there is so much choice today that opens the door to guitar playing for most folks. regards: Stu
Hi Bravo - Thanks for the comment. Yes, I think Fender has made a clever business move here, I wonder if they will soon extend the range to more colours or even introduce more guitar models - Jazzmaster etc. As you say, I'm not sure what Gibson is thinking with the Epiphone brand, it does appear to be a step in the wrong direction. Regards: Stu
Technically Squiers ARE getting more expensive - higher end Squiers are now what Fender Player used to be. Squier Affinity is taking the place of Classic Vibe, Sonic the place of Bullet, etc.
Thank you for watching! If you benefit from what you see and hear, please give a ‘Thumbs Up’, ‘Subscribe’ & ‘Hit the Bell for Notifications’ it all helps the channel algorithms. Much appreciated! Do check-out my channel playlists… - Q&As Answering topical questions - Stu's Guitar Recording Journey - Unboxing Music Equipment Videos - Stu's Guitar Journey! (12 part Video Series) - Guitar Backing Tracks - Blues, Ballads and Cinematic - Stu's Guitar Channel short Trailer *Brought to you by Stu’s Guitar Channel - Enjoy Playing Guitar.
I'm kinda surprised they went with individual saddles like a Strat. That would be the first thing I'd replace. Hell, the entire bridge would have to go. A tele has to have an ashtray. Also, after listening to it, it doesn't even sound like a telecaster, it's lacking that tele twang. It sounds a lot like my Sonic Mustang SS.
Hi Christopher - Thanks for chipping in - I agree that it would have been nice to see the standard barrel set-up and ashtray plate but I presume, costings aside - this may have encroached too far into their other models. I would say, that the individual saddles did help improve action and tweak intonation without too much trouble. For sure, a consideration for a newcomer. As for the tone... I could have made it more twangy, but at the end of the day - the pick-ups are what they are. If you like 'Traditional' Tele's do check-out my reviews on various model types on the channel... regards: Stu
Hi Mr Fat Bob Rider - Thanks for the kind comment... While I have never owned a Harley I have ridden one, being Scottish, I use to design and build custom motorcycles using Triumph and BSA engines... long time ago... ;-) If you like guitar builds and conversions I recently Hot-Rodded that Squire Debut guitar which you can see here - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). At 5pm (UK time) Part 1 of my Custom Build T-Style guitar begins... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel hey cool bit of history there, I used to own a … MKIIA 850 Norton Commando , awesome bike, regretful sale cost me 5.5K and now you could remove the decimal point from that figure, at least I still have a photo of it and a son named Norton
@@mrfatbobrider1969 That was a nice looking machine, had a few friends with different model types. I’ve see some of the new British bikes but not quite the same as the old stuff where you needed to carry a tool kit in your pockets and usually got covered in oil… ;-)
@@mrfatbobrider1969 Nice... ah.! New Zealand... my wife and I nearly moved there back in the early 90s, we have quite a few friends there... by the way just in case you did not get notified (because the RUclips notification thing does not work for many folks) I uploaded part 1 of the custom T-Style guitar build - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html regards: Stu
Just a heads up - Another Telecaster (same price) just arrived today and it’s quite the looker! So I will do a side by side comparison. However - The Debut Telecaster is about to get a transformation upgrade - many new parts… and some alterations… hit the notification bell to be notified when I upload them… regards: Stu
Hi Felipe - Thank you for the kind comment, you might be interested in the upgrade I have just completed to this particular Fender Squier Debut Telecaster guitar which you can see here - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). Greetings from Scotland... regards: Stu
As always Amin - many thanks, I thought you might like the Dakota Red Telecaster... ;-) Have a great Canada Day!!! and take care of yourself... best regards: Stu
Hi Klopfer - Thanks for chipping in and subscribing, much appreciated. Yes I also prefer the ashtray string-through set-up. If you like Telecasters you can see quite a few reviews I have done on various Fender Tele's - they are great guitars. That Dakota Red in the satin finish is really quite smart looking and with the aged-pearl white pick-guard replacement, I think it finishes it of a bit better. Regards: Stu
I'm curious what used Tele you think beginners can get for "a little bit more" than the $119 that this one costs. Have you tried buying a used Squier Telecaster in the past 10 years? Note that the used guitars do not come with a 2 year warranty like these do.
Hi - Thanks for your comment, always appreciate folks who take time to chip-in. To answer your first question as best as I can... I did a general search here in the UK and there are quite a few 'used' Squire guitars available at a range of prices and in various configurations. As you will be aware, guitars are sold in a variety of market places and deals are not difficult to make with a keen seller. In regard to equipment in general, I make deals with both private individuals and regularly with music stores. However, the buyer does need to have an understanding in regard to what they are buying and may need advice from someone more knowledgeable. Second question: I have not purchased any Squire guitar other than the one you see in the video. I did try out a Squire Strat when they first came out around 1982. If you were to look at my channel, It is about my journey back to playing and recording and reviews on 'budget' or entry-level gear is not my focus - I was simply helping out some folks who chat and message me. Warranty - Yes I think I mentioned that, along with the free lessons, all great stuff for the beginner. I also made another couple of videos after that looking to see if this particular guitar was worth upgrading... ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) all just a bit of fun. I looked at another £129.00 Tele Style Guitar - ( ruclips.net/video/EWSD9s6iaA0/видео.html ) that has a beautiful finish and great value for money. I looked at Glarry, £65.00 for a Strat Style guitar - what a great little guitar for the money - ( ruclips.net/video/m6WzQQ76bKE/видео.html ) And now I am looking for good homes these can go to.... regards: Stu
Great review. It’s amazing how cheap they some of the squire entry level guitars are. Has anyone compared it to the Harley Benton T series? Similar price point so would be interested in hearing people preference.
Hi 1981gwm - Thanks for the kind remark, much appreciated. Hopefully others will chip in on your question. You might be interested in a couple of videos coming up. I have another Telecaster (same price) arriving (very nice indeed) which sadly is a replacement due to the one I received last week was damaged and non-working. I am also preparing to rebuild the Debut Telecaster using High-end Fender parts which includes a string-through-body bridge. Regards: Stu
Hi Pedalscapes - Many thanks, much appreciated - I've just recently had delivered another Tele from a different manufacturer that is really very nice for the same money. Unfortunately there was a fault with it and I'm awaiting a replacement - Hope to review that soon... . I'm also in the process of building a Tele on a budget to try and rival my custom shop 61 - regards: Stu
@@pedalscapes Thanks Matt - I know they are a bit more expensive but I've done quite a few reviews on Telecasters and putting them along side other types of guitar to get a comparison, for example - Firebird V Telecaster ( ruclips.net/video/x9Izh6qzeYY/видео.html ) or Telecaster Shoot-out! 50s, 60s & Professional ( ruclips.net/video/FfDAtvUXT0o/видео.html ) and various others - regards: Stu
Hi - Thanks for the comment... if you have time, check-out how this guitar was stripped down and completely re-fitted just to see what difference it would make - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html You might also be interested in the Custom Guitar Build project - Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - thanks for watching... regards: Stu
Hola AL-xg4jo - Gracias por suscribirte al canal. Muy pronto actualizaré esa Telecaster con muchas partes nuevas en un video. Sí, esta guitarra será sorteada próximamente. Adioso - saludos: Stu
Okay Folks... For those who were interested, I have uploaded the Squier Debut Telecaster Upgrade video ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). In this I show a quick breakdown of the guitar and the parts that will be getting replaced along with various modifications. I have sought to do this with basic tools and DIY skills and do a side by side comparison (before and after). You can decide if it was worth doing and something you might be thinking about. Once the guitar is put back to its original 'form' I will be doing a competition to give this away... Regards: Stu
I enjoyed your video. Many others have mentioned this but this telecaster is still not available in the US, otherwise I would really consider it. I've also been waiting for RJ Guitars (from the Philippines) to get their Skycasters on Amazon. Anyway, good luck with your channel! I have subbed and hope to watch more of your videos.
Hi Mark - Thanks for subbing to the channel, much appreciated. Good to see that this particular video has been helpful or entertaining. I don't know much about RJ Guitars but there website certainly shows some very interesting models. I have just finished upgrading this 'Debut' Telecaster with a lot of changes and alterations so do keep an eye out for that coming shortly. Or if you have considered building your own guitar, I will be starting a short series on how I am building a high-end T-Style guitar for a lot less than a Fender Custom Shop. If you have time, do take a look around the channel playlists and do chip-in with comment and what you are working on, always nice to hear what others are up to... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I am looking forward to both the guitar build and modding video. It will be interesting to see what parts you use for the thinner body on the debut!
@@MarkNealJr Hi Mark - Just finished the Squier Debut upgrade and yes I was a little concerned about the thinner body (although its not really that much thinner) because of the things I did to it... ;-) That video will be uploaded next Friday as I am uploading a different piece of gear altogether tomorrow. The last parts of the Custom Build project came today and I'm really looking forward to doing this... Regards: Stu
Great video, and playing. It does sound seriously nice. Unfortunately, to acquire one on them Tele's here in the US, requires an order from Amazon Europe with a shipping charge almost the same price as the guitar itself. Still worth it? In my opinion... Absolutely. But I already own 28 guitars, 8 of them being high end Tele's. So, unfortunately, I'm gonna have to wait it out, till they make these available to us Yanks. Great video. Great playing. Thanks for posting
Hi - Thank you for the kind comments - you might be interested in the upgrade I did with this last week - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) and today's video upload which is part one of my Custom Built Tele style guitar where I hope to challenge my Fender Custom Shop guitars but at a much lower price. As we are both high-end Tele user/owners you might find this of interest in regard to my reason for doing this along with choices I made. Thanks for watching... please do chip-in with your own experiences... regards: Stu
Thanks so much for this and it would have been a dream for me too when I was a teenager instead of practicing my licks on an acoustic whilst listening to the record... I'll bet most folk won't knew what I'm talking about 😂 in fact, tbh, it was usually a cassette tape with a recording off the radio. Memories... and my friend who was the drummer... errrr, I can't remember what she used, but we thought that if we got our sound tight enough, we'd become a famous female band to be reckoned with. (It's called delusion!) Anybody else out there learned Stairway to Heaven one note at a time on a Spanish acoustic, stopping and starting a cassette tape??? 🎉 Ah well... even if my folks had bought me this guitar, I'd need the amp etc. It was just a pipe dream at that age but I did eventually do what I wanted as I got older and enjoy writing my own stuff. Deferred gratification is one thing, but seriously, kids don't know they're born today. And now I sound like my 92 year old dad! 😮 PS I love your style of presentation. The best I've heard yet - and this thing is a wee beauty to look at. PPS I'm fascinated watching your guitar build. Thanks for your great videos too. They must take loads of time to edit.
Hi HoneyBee-Dee - Thanks for the kind comments, while some of the videos do take a bit of time to edit together (despite being a professional editor... ), it's a bit of fun doing them and good to hear that some are helpful to folks. I've been helped by many others here in RUclips land and it's good to be able to share back. Stick in with the guitar playing and writing your own material... regards: Stu
It would be interesting if you mentioned the weight of the guitar. Poplar is supposed to be a light wood but many budget poplar guitars seem to be rather heavy.
Hi 7171jay - Thanks for chipping in and you are right, I should have mentioned the weight. So... I have just weighed it and it's approximately 3.4kg (7.49 pounds) - so a fair bit of weight to it. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannelThanks for the info! I'm surprised with the thinner body that it is still coming in that high. I like light weight guitars, I could sort of deal with 7.5 pounds for a Tele style but I really prefer guitars to about 7 pounds max. Kind of disappointing that this one doesn't come in as a true lightweight or I might be tempted by the super low price and want to use it as a mod platform.
hekk yaa brother! might need to bag one in sunburst to match my debut strat lol! sweet one there mate! wonder if another mate of mine in south end of sea(hope i got that area correct)would be able to bag one of these teles? he reviews and compares loads of various guitars....bet hed love to feature this one as well!
Hi Birdman - Thanks for chipping in. Yes, Southend-on-Sea is in Essex (England). I'm not sure how much it would be to send a guitar from the UK to the USA but it might be cost prohibitive. I'm still not sure why you can't order these Tele's from the States, perhaps that will change in due time. I see you are/were into RC products... I used to design and build large RC aircraft and mount stills and video cameras in them for commercial work we did for construction companies and forestry departments. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel koool! im in the US so i can get these all day long lol! colin is over there in the UK and was hoping he could get one if he decides to once he gets wind of such...
I just did a review of these cause we can’t get them in the states. Mine was a dud, sending it back hoping a new one will be better. So many problems with it, wonder if it was from shipping
Hi Searchingfortone - That's always a disappointment when that happens, hopefully the replacement will be better. Just having a guitar returned today... same problem, dead electrics and troublesome string binding. Had hoped to review it but we will have to see what the replacement will be like. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannelI completely understand, especially when it takes a while to get. Also, I had to initially pay for shipping back because they can’t send free international shipping labels. Now it will take 2 weeks to get back to Germany. Then I can submit my postage which will take 30 days to review and then 2 weeks to issue reimbursement. If the 2nd is beat up I am not sending it back.
@@SearchingForTone Yep... I have the same scenario with the outfit that supplied me with this latest guitar. Considering that this particular guitar clearly never went through any form of QC, I would have expected a quicker response. I have written the company a friendly letter but clearly outlining the terrible disappointment someone starting out (budget guitar) would feel, only to be told it could take some weeks to resolve the problem. Very poor... I await their reply... regards: Stu
Hi cheeseboy - Well, this Telecaster will be up on a competition soon so if the winner is in the States - it might just end up being the first ;-) Next Friday I will be uploading the upgraded make-over where I have changed out lots of parts, altered and changed things.... regards: Stu
Hi Drew - Thanks for chipping in and the kind remarks, much appreciated. Very shortly, I will be upgrading this Debut Squier guitar with a lot of different parts to see what can be done with this. As I am building my own Custom Shop T-Style guitar over the coming weeks I am going to fit out the Debut with some high end accessories while I await a custom neck being made for the Custom Project. If you subscribe and hit notifications you will get notice as I load this video series... should be a lot of fun and encourage others to perhaps have a try. Regards: Stu
Hi Christopher... I just checked Amazon USA and your right - it states they will not deliver the Telecaster model there. I wonder why that could be? Anyone know?... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel An enterprising European might be able to make a little extra scratch exporting some to envious Americans. Not me, I'm a Strat guy, but I bet some would pay a small ransom to have an item that would be quite rare here in the States. It makes me feel naughty to possess something that wasn't meant for me.
Hi Midifalcon4965 - If you are in the States, I don't think you can get this. Some folks think its called by another name in the USA but I'm not sure - if your in the UK - Just put a search in - "Amazon - fender squire debut telecaster" at present they have 5 Red ones left. I copied the link but it is huge. Let me know how you get on... regards: Stu
Hi howdytoyer - Thanks for chipping in... some folks tell me that the 'Sonic' is the American version of the 'Debut' but others disagree - so I'm not sure what's actually the case. If anyone has any official statement from Fender, that would be helpful - Regards: Stu
@@howdytoyer In an upcoming video I take the Debut Tele apart and replace lots of parts and do a couple of amendments which should turn this into a mean machine... regards: Stu
Hi - Not sure where you are based? - You can get Fender style pick-guards from 'Kaish Music' (available via Amazon) but you will need to make sure you get the correct guard. If it's a Telecaster it will either have 8 holes or 5 (vintage) and it will either have holes for the neck pick-up or it won't (vintage) They come in a whole range of styles and cost around £10.00 for a Tele style. Hope that helps - Regards: Stu
@@ricecrisis3927 You are very welcome - you might also be interested in the upgrade video on this guitar (my next Friday video upload) where I pulled it apart and rebuild using higher-end accessories to see if it's worth 'Hot-Rodding' and entry level guitar. After that I look at building a guitar from parts to see how close I can get to a Fender Custom Shop guitar at a much lower price... regards: Stu
Hi - If you are in the UK you can get it on Amazon but if you are in the States - Sorry it appears not to be available at this moment in time - Regards: Stu
Hi James - Thanks for chipping in and subscribing, much appreciated. You will find I have done a lot of gear testing over the last year as I come back to guitar playing. I have still not found out why this Telecaster is not available in the USA particularly when you can get the Strat version, and the P-Bass. I would expect this will change as the market place continues to flood with budget Chinese guitars. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I do have the Stat and I like it alot. The pickups need to be upgraded. But everything is fine. I am thinking about getting the pb bass next.
@@jamesthompson6726 Hi James, are you on the search for another set of pick-ups, if so, did you have a favourite type? I understand these are expensive but I did a review on Fat 50s, 60s, Texas Specials & V Mod 1s if that interests you. (ruclips.net/video/i2R80hs-Ovs/видео.html). If you do change them it would be good to hear how that goes. The P Bass looks good, out of the Fender gear I always felt the P Bass was the easiest for 6 string guitar folks to get to grips with. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I was still thinking about what I could do with strat. Under the the pick guard, it's bored out to where I could put 2 humbuckers in this thing. But I'm not going to do that.
@@jamesthompson6726 Hi James - Perhaps putting a distortion humbucker at the bridge would give the Strat a lift. That's quite a common alteration and I did a review on my USA Fender Strat here - ( ruclips.net/video/vAA-wh6yHNI/видео.html ) and also here when I first bought it ( ruclips.net/video/J29vybfJVbU/видео.html ). That's a Tim Shaw (Shawbucker) design and it really helps thicken the tone and add crunch. Will be interesting to hear what you decide. You can now hear the Texas Specials I put in the upgrade of this 'Debut' Tele in my recent video upload ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) - regards Stu
Hi Ordanarylife... Thanks for the comment - you might like the video where I upgraded this Debut Telecaster with many new parts - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - regards: Stu
Hi - I recently heard from someone who said that they are now being sold in the USA or at least, are about to be. I'm not sure if that will be actual music stores or just Amazon. Do let us know if you hear anything... regards: Stu
Hi Jude - I've still never heard why you can't get this Telecaster model in the States (I presume you are in the USA?). I have just completed a full upgrade on this one with many new parts and alterations... and that video will be uploaded next week. After that, I will return it back to it's original specs (except for the alterations) and I will be doing some kind of competition... and someone else can enjoy it... more on that to come... Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel yea I should have mentioned my location. Maybe it is along the lines of released elsewhere to see the demand. I will be purchasing the Stratocaster in the next few weeks. Hopefully they will have the Telecaster available soon. Cheers and awesome review
@@judemisura4323 All the best with the Strat when you get it, it will likely be similar in construction to the Tele. If you get time, keep an eye out for the upgrade video I will upload next week as much the same will apply to the Strat. Regards: Stu
Hi Zack - As far as I have recently heard, these Debut series Telecasters are supposed to be available in the USA around about now. I don't know what the issue has been since the Debut Stratocaster model has been in the States at the same time as the UK. Do keep us posted should you hear something... regards: Stu
@@zackeverson3666 If it is of any interest to you I did an upgrade video on this guitar - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - and if that wets your appetite for more - I decided to build my own Telecaster style guitar - Part 1 here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html regards: Stu
Would you say this would be a good purchase if you were looking for a tele strictly to record with specifically for situations where you want that very unique telecaster tone , particularly from the bridge pickup? And also noting I would be ok upgrading the electronics if I felt it warranted…I actually like the thinner look of the body …seems it would make for quick handling in the home studio…but wonder if the all-important feel and playability of the neck would make it less enjoyable and easy to write and record with. As with you, I’m 100% only into writing and recording and this would be a tool for those specific situations when I want that unique bite and twang of a tele’s tone. Great channel , btw, I subscribed.
Hi Chatter - Thanks for subscribing... much appreciated - you can also private message me (many do) if you prefer to chat about what you are up to and looking to achieve without giving too much detail on the open message forum. Anyway... to answer your question... I'm just in the middle of a job just now but will reply in a couple of hours - those are good questions but to answer them better... I may have some questions for you... be back shortly.... regards: Stu
Hi Chatter - To try and answer your questions I have done a couple of videos on entry-level telecaster type guitars - The debut model I have already done an upgrade on, which you can see here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html and another model from Gear4Music you can see here - ruclips.net/video/EWSD9s6iaA0/видео.html So to answer the question of - are these entry-level guitars (sub $150.00) purchased brand new worthwhile upgrading? I suppose the answer is both yes and no… so much depends on who the guitar is for and what environment will it be used in. While, like you… I am very much centred on writing and composition, I am still however, very much connected to feel and tone that sits well with myself and helps me produce high quality results without annoying equipment related issues. So… while the Debut Telecaster is certainly a lot of guitar for the money that has the ‘Fender’ approval badge (if that’s important - and for some, it gives confidence in the product) it’s not a guitar I would personally use for my own personal reasons. However - Yes it does give a reasonable Tele Type Twang tone… But is it worth upgrading the pick-ups etc, do watch my video on that upgrade video to get a fuller explanation and illustration of the upgraded Debut before and after. Briefly though… unless you can get quality pick-ups at a very good price… I would say it could be a false economy. Playability… that all depends on what you are use to playing? Out of the box - its pretty nice… On the upgrade model I sanded the back of the neck and that helped a lot to get a better feel. If you wanted to go further… then rolling off the edges of the fretboard is an easy job and really makes a difference - you can see a video on how I customise a neck for my Custom Build T-Style guitar here… ruclips.net/video/BFosHko3b0U/видео.html What I would point out is this… the guitar I received needed a proper set-up as there was string buzz and string choking higher up the neck. Also, the action was far too high and the strings were pretty poor. After setting it up better (still needs a tweak hear and there) with a decent set of strings it was much nicer to play. Again, it depends on what you play - if you need to play all over the neck… it will likely need a good set-up Concluding remarks… yes it’s a decent enough guitar to write and record with, and you will get the Telecaster sound. If I was starting out or on a tight budget, I would be pleased with it (As long as it had a set-up). I apologise if I have said anything you already know about. As I’m not aware of how long you have been playing and what your actual goals are, it can be difficult to answer more specifically. Hope that helps and you find the videos helpful…. Don’t hesitate to comment or ask further questions… always happy to try and help if I’m able… Regards: Stu
FYI squier is NOT a fender. Squier is a completely different company. They lease the use of fender copyrights to use their name and guitar build styles. Now that doesn't mean that squires aren't good because they are quite good for the money but they are not anywhere close to what fender makes.
Hi TTGuitar2013 - Thanks for chipping in, always appreciated. As you say, Squire was indeed an instrument company founded in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier and acquired by Fender in 1965, producing Squier guitars in 1982. I have done a few reviews on various American Fender Tele's and Strat's that we have here in the studio if that's of interest to anyone, regards: Stu
Squier is a brand owned by fender musical instruments corporation, and makes instruments in east asian countries based on their higher end fender branded instruments. They are a direct subsidiary of fender, and not a completely different company, as you suggested.
@@SMAAAASHTV Thanks for chipping oin Smaaaash... If anyone is interested in the Fender story I would certainly recommend doing an internet search as there are some great little documentaries available. It's a fascinating story of a guy who arguably made the most iconic guitars still being used and copied today, and yet... he never played guitar himself. I've got some great Fender books on my shelf but they do tend to be a bit pricey... regards: Stu
If you’ve played some of the Squiers I’ve owned, you’d change your mind! My Squier John 5 Telecaster is as good as any Telecaster and any Les Paul(2 hum buckets)!
Wish it was thinner and lighter. Who brain washed guitarist to think big fat heavy guitars are better? If this was true a 5 inch thick guitar made of granite should be stellar.
Hi bluwng - Thanks for chipping in... Definitely got a bit of weight to it but everyone to their own. If you like thin guitars you might be interested in my - Ibanez Premium S Series S1070PBZ Black Burst review ( ruclips.net/video/zDqlFOn9eiQ/видео.html ) - now that's a thin guitar for you... lovely guitar but still got a bit of weight to it... regards: Stu
I got the squier strat debut series and I think it’s really good, it is my first guitar so I’m not very good at playing it but it feels good quality and sounds nice. Got a Marshall MG10 to go with it and I’m learning fast, Great video aye 👍
Hi TylorTdog - Congratulations on your purchase, the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars (copies) were my first electric guitars back in the 1970s and they are still my most favourite today ;-) If you can put in an hour or two (or more) a day and once your finger-tips have hardened (ouch!) you will soon start to pick things up. At times you may feel like giving up - just take a step back for a day and then start again... being able to play an instrument (at whatever level) can be a really rewarding experience... all the very best... do check-out the rest of my channel as I test and review various effects pedals etc... regards: Stu
![Lethal Company Music Video 🎵 "Follow The Orders" [VERSION A]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QeooZB4Z7RA/mqdefault.jpg)
I believe I’ve just found my new favorite guitar channel. You have an absolutely perfect voice and demeanor for guitar reviews. My fellow Americans are too often a bit condescending or jaded by their own preferences to give unbiased reviews with follow-up advice for buying an instrument. Thank you for posting your review. I’m a 70 year old man trying to learn guitar and deal with physical limitations from injuries and arthritis. I’ll look further into your videos now.
Hi Michael - Thank you for the kind comments and encouragement, very much appreciated and good to read that the videos are helpful. Please do think about subscribing and commenting, and do check out the rest of my videos covering all types of gear and other music related topics. My brother-in-law at 80 years old has recently taken up guitar and is doing well but it's hard on the finger tips ;-) I also have arthritis in my fingers and this can be a challenge at times but as long as we get enjoyment from what we do that's what counts. If there is a video I can do that would help you (and others) just let me know. Some folks private message me so as to keep personal details private, please do feel free to do that. My private email is listed on my channel details... thank you again Michael and hope to hear from you again... regards: Stu
One of the best seemingly unbiased reviews I've heard. The guitar and amp combination sounded great. This guitar might be just thing for any player who doesn't have a Telecaster in their arsenal but is curious if they'd enjoy one.
Hi Lengross4126 - Thanks for chipping in and the kind comment. As you say, definitely worth a look at, particularly if someone wants to purchase a brand new guitar that is an authorised Fender instrument. Regards: Stu
I second that, both when it comes to the review, the guitar and the amp!
@@tomassamuelsson6606 Thank you.... always good to hear that a video was helpful. Regards: Stu
Stu, it was great to visit with you and spend some time in Scotland.
This truly is a great time to play guitar and this guitar review is no exception. That pickguard swap made this guitar shine for sure and it sounds nice. These are great for beginners or just someone who wants to try out a telecaster without the commitment of a Mexican or American price tag. Great review!
Hi Allen - Was a real pleasure to spend time with you both... so funny to think how our meeting came together over a 'guitar channel'. Yes, for anyone starting out there is so much choice and the second-hand market is full of great gear we could only have dreamed of years ago. It's a nice touch how easy and cost effective (pattern part pick-guards) it is to change out the pickguards on the Strat / Tele style guitars to give them a different look. Regards: Stu
It is so nice that they make good guitars for this price point. They are wonderful if you want to teach yourself how to work on and mod a guitar. I did that with a Squier Bullet Telecaster Limited-Edition back in 2020 and I still love it and play it often.
Hi Tom - Without doubt, in recent years it's been a good time for anyone looking to enter the world of guitars, and as you say some of these entry-level models are indeed great to learn how to do 'set-ups', 'modifications' and 'upgrades'. Next again Friday I will be showing the upgrades and alterations I did to this Squire Debut guitar... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I look forward to your upgrades and alterations
Thank you for this review - one of the most informative and straightforward I've seen. I've just ordered one of these in the Dakota Red because I just wanted something with Fender on it (but I think my Harley Benton TE52 will be hard to beat!!) Thank you again!
Hi Nigesilvestri6790 - Thank you for your comments, much appreciated, always good to hear that some of these videos are helpful. You may need to set-up the action a bit better but all in all, it's a nice looking guitar and sounds not bad at all for the money. I think the pearl pickguard, which along with many other styles, you can pick up cheaply (Non Fender that is) just gives this one a bit of a lift. If you get a moment, do please let me (and others here) know how you get on with it and how it compares to your TE52... regards: Stu
Will do - it's not scheduled to arrive until mid-August. Will definitely check out the other scratch plates...
@@nigesilvestri6790 Look forward to it... regards: Stu
Nice review. Amazing what you get for the price and certainly a good option for modification using a Fender authorised platform. I love the colour and will certainly consider this telecaster when back at work and the folding stuff in surplus.
Hi David- thanks for the kind comment. You might be interested in the upgrade I did to this - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - and you may possibly be interested in my own Custom Build Tele style parts-caster build, part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Whatever you do... all the best and do let me know... regards: Stu
That red color is prettier than the red of the high-end Fenders.
Hi - I was not sure how it would look from the limited photographs but when in your hand the satin finish works well with the Dakota Red colour. I will say though... having drilled hoes in it today (for a string-through-body Fender bridge plate) the finish is some kind of plastic based coating which is not as hard wearing as the usual poly coating you get on Fender guitars - care needs to be taken not to tear or in-dent the material used. If you stick around you will see the upgraded work done to this guitar in a week or two... lots of changes to 'Hot-Rod' the guitar... regards: Stu
So cool that you met a subscriber. Im thinking about buying a black one! Thanks, mate 🎸
Hi Allen - Thanks for chipping in... Yes, I actually regularly chat to a couple of subscribers in different countries via Zoom and it's great sharing stories and gear choices. Because of one of those zoom chats, one subscriber ended up doing a holiday tour round Scotland and we got a chance to spend a few days together. Regarding the Tele... do let me know (and others) if you decide to get one and how you get on with it. Regards: Stu
Thank you Stu,
My favorite guitar players,
Stuart Adamson
Nazareth's amazing guitar player,
Charlie Burchill....
And now you 😊
Great work 👍
Hi - Well thank you very much, I do remember playing a gig back in the 70s and the support band was fronted by a young lad who was the son of one of the Nazareth guys. Thanks for chipping in and do have a look around at my other videos... they might spark some more old names from days gone bye... regards: Stu
I like the pickguard choice. Pearl gives the guitar that vintage look.
Hi Tim - Thanks for chipping in. Yes, I bought a few pickguards from Kaish Music which is available on Amazon. They were around £10.00 each, so a lot cheaper than the Fender original plates. The quality is very good and it's certainly a cheaper way to give a Strat or Tele a new look without breaking the bank. I went onto fully upgrade that Squier guitar in this video - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - which was just for a bit of fun. Those upgrade parts were bought for a Telecaster style custom build I am working on, if it is of interest to you, Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Regards: Stu
Okay folks - below is the link to the Squier Debut upgrade and today I uploaded the Custom Build Project series, PART 1 - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html
and now PART 2 - ruclips.net/video/eYZ1qQFRnRU/видео.html - and PART 3 - ruclips.net/video/KCCGHDISl00/видео.html - and PART 4 - ruclips.net/video/WBnXUAw2U1c/видео.html - Part 5 coming soon... Enjoy and please do comment... regards: Stu
Great video. I’ve had a look at them a few times. Would be a great cheap option for a back up on the road that can handle the rough and tumble
Many thanks Stereo-mike - Much appreciated... this particular guitar will certainly handle getting knocked about, tuning stability on the Telecaster model is very good. I'm not sure how well the Stratocaster Debut would fair with it's tremolo unit. Regards: Stu
Just found you Stu, great review! I picked up a Squire Affinity HH model just before the pandemic. It was on a deal for just over $200 US dollars… I really wanted a Les Paul, but now I’m sold on the sound of the Tele with humbucker pickups and an easy to play neck… Quality has been great since I bought it. I’m just a casual (hack) player, but I love it. I will be watching more of your channel. All the best from the States. 😀
Hi Danny - Thank you for the kind comments. Yeh, Tele's are great guitars and while I don't have any Fender Tele's with Humbuckers in them I have been considering it in regard to a Custom Build Tele style project I working on just now. Video series to follow. I did upgrade the Debut Telecaster and that video will be uploaded at 5pm (UK time) tonight so that should prove interesting as I do a lot of changes and alterations. Thanks for chipping in and always love to hear other folks stories... greetings from Scotland... regards: Stu
I ihave one like that new. Will change the tuners with locking, change to stainless jumbo frets, change pickup and pickguard with white perloid. Let's see how will it sound after.
Hi Drixxv2435 - Thanks for chipping-in... In case you are not aware I have upgraded this Debut Telecaster, you can see the video here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - I replaced the pick-ups with Custom Shop Texas Specials, put in a Fender bridge plate (String-through-body with Fender ferrules) with Gotoh Brass compensated saddles, a Custom Shop fully loaded control plate and then sanded the neck down and fitted 10 gauge Ernie-ball strings. The thing is, I only did this as an exercise as all these parts were bought for a Custom Build Project which is still on-going - you can see the first video in the series on my channel under 'Guitar Build Project playlist' ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - you might find those videos of interest before you start your own modifications. Look forward to hearing what you get up to... Regards: Stu
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video, I too have not played guitar in a long time and I am looking for a good starter guitar to begin my journey once again. This telecaster from amazon looks like a viable option.
Hi gameratorcreator - Thanks for chipping in and welcome back to the world of guitars. Do think about subscribing to the channel which has a lot of gear reviews and backing tracks to practice along with. If I can be of any help in regard to equipment you are thinking about, please don't hesitate to ask and I will try to help where I am able... regards: Stu
Rock On! 😁
Welcome back to guitar world. After 5 decades I took my 1965 original Fender Mustang mom and dad gave me for Christmas in 1965 and had it tuned up. The calluses are coming back and working on my finger movements. My Mustang neck is 38mm or 1.5 inch at the nut. So I either need to see if I can get these old fingers to work in such a small fret space or buy another guitar. I played the Fender player Telecaster today and liked it. The player is made in Indonesia.
Hi Guy-g - Thanks for chipping in and just love the Fender Mustang story... ;-) That old Fender could be quite valuable so take care of it... ;-) Perhaps you should put the Mustang on exhibition in a glass case and get yourself a Telecaster... there's certainly a lot of choice out there compared to the "old days" ... ;-) I had quite bad arthritis in my fretting hand pinkie but after about a year of coming back to playing its sorted itself out! I have quite a few Fender Tele / Strat videos on my channel you might find interesting and at present I am building my own Tele style guitar - all the very best with the guitar playing. Do think about subscribing to the channel to get updates on my Telecaster project etc... best regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I joined and look forward to reviewing your videos.
@@guyg2005 Many thanks... trust you will find many of my journey back to guitar videos of interest. Always love to hear stories from folks so don't be shy commenting... best regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel Working on some of your Backing Tracks. Do you post the cord charts somewhere in the video? Probably we get more views. You could probably add them under each cord name.
@@guyg2005 Hi Guy-G No, I don’t have any chord charts for those tracks although I did think about doing them. I’ve had a few folks asking me about scales and bar chords and 70s style guitar phrasing, but I just figured that there is so much stuff out there I did not see the point. I have a lot more backing tracks including acoustic based themes but have been too busy to do anything with them.
One of my regular viewers recently recorded himself playing lead work over a couple of the backing tracks and sent it to me… always really interesting to hear how others approach things. Regards: Stu
Great review , I like a lot of other viewers thought the pick guard changed and improved the guitars look . I bought a Fender Tele a few years back but never gelled with it and moved it on , but do have now an inexpensive kit type Tele I bought on ebay part finished . It came with a bridge similar to the one you have there and when I strung it up the strings lifted the saddles off the bridge , some head scratching and thought ! I bought some ferruls and drilled through the body converting it to through body stringing and hey presto sorted , sounds great and as it is inexpensive I have tried lots of different pick up arrangements ,its great . I wonder how the Debut would react to a similar conversion , may improve it ? I liked and subscribed .
Hi Dave - Thanks for the comment and subscribing... much appreciated. It's interesting that you took that action with the Telecaster and yes I have done exactly the same with much more changed-out on that Debut model. You might be interested to see and hear that - video here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - As you are building a kit, you might also be interested in my Custom T-Style guitar build series which is coming to a head very soon - Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html and it's up to Part 7 so far... I am seeing if I can build a relic Telecaster type model as good as a Fender Custom Shop for a fraction of the cost... so far it's looking good if I don't say so myself.... ;-) Do let me know how your kit build works out, always great chatting with others and hearing their own stories... regards: Stu
I enjoyed this honest review. I've been building nice partscasters. For around 500 dollars you can get top notch parts and hardware. Plus it's fun and you end up with a nice T style guitar.
BTW, I just subscribed
Hi Thomas - Thank you for the kind remark and subscribing. As you say, you can certainly get a hold of all kinds of accessories these days at very reasonable prices. I have been recently building a T-Style Guitar to try and match my Fender Custom Shop Ltd Edition Relic Tele's - Part 1 is here if you are interested - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Always good to hear any tips you can pass along... Regards: Stu
Just subscribed!
Thanks for this Stu. Thinking of getting one soon! Keep the reviews coming!
Hi Zoningout... Many thanks and thank you for the encouragement. When you have time you will see I have covered a lot of gear reviews as I check stuff out for my own use in my small studio. In regard to Telecasters I've done a many reviews on various makes from budget models to Fender Custom Shop. I'm building my own T-Style guitar just now to show how close you can get to building a very high quality T-Style without the high price tag... part one begins here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - Enjoy and don't hesitate to chip-in with your own stories and comments... regards: Stu
Great review ,,I,m a home strummer and have been thinking about a Tele to mess around with ,I think now I will go aheag and grab one of these ,,Thanks
Hi Kieran - thanks for chipping in. Because these guitars come from Amazon, unless you can get them from a shop now... the general opinion about these 'Debut' series guitars is that they really could do with a set-up. So do be prepared to tinker with it. Certainly it's good to learn to do general set-ups yourself if your not familiar with doing so and this is a reasonable guitar to learn on. I have a video coming shortly as I have now taken this guitar apart and kitted it out with a range of upgraded parts and also sanding work to the neck... do make sure you hit the bell to get notification when that one comes up... regards: Stu
Thanks for the video. I've seen a lot of reviews for the debut stratocasters but not the teles.
Hi MG - You are very welcome... I will be doing an upgrade to this guitar in a week or two with a lot parts replaced and a couple of amendments here and there... which should turn this into a mean machine... regards: Stu
Is this available in the U.S.?
Hi Patrick - I do believe it is now... you might be interested in the upgrade I did with this which you can see here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - regards: Stu
Sounds like a proper Telecaster for me. Nice review sir
Hi - Thanks for chipping in... just out of interest, I will be upgrading this Telecaster Debut guitar in the coming weeks to see if it's actually worth upgrading ot a false economy... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel thank you Sir. Really waiting for the upgrade. How's the pickup? Compare to sonic or bullet? To be honest i prefer Pickups in Sonic Telecaster than my Fender Player series 😅
@@Blumencomusic You are very welcome... ;-) Perhaps someone else can answer your Squire questions as I have never played those guitars. I can tell you that I am just awaiting a Telecaster type guitar (same price as Debut model) to be re-delivered (first one was damaged and non working), and it's a very nice looking and feeling guitar. Depending how it sounds this could be a really good deal. Regards: Stu
Excellent buy and a perfect platform
Hi Clarence - Thanks for chipping in. I have another Telecaster arriving that just might rival this if not 'better' the Squire and for the same price. Regards: Stu
This is my new favourite RUclips channel ❤️
great videos Sir really love them ✨
Hi sirshenduseal - Thanks for your kind comments, much appreciated. You may find my guitar / music gear journey interesting so do have a look through the channel playlists. Are you based in India? I have quite a few friends there and they keep asking my wife and I to go and visit. My other passion is 'Curry' and when I'm not writing / recording I'm trying out new ways to mix spices... ;-) Best regards: Stu
Hello mate - nice price and not too much relicing. Wish all Fenders were this price.Cheers
Hi Rob - I've not tried out their Stratocaster series, but this Telecaster offering is really pretty good for the money... with a decent set of second-hand pick-ups and a bit more attention on the set-up, possibly sand the neck / fingerboard sides a little and this would be a very decent little guitar... regards: Stu
Just found your channel. Wow. It's crazy but I haven't played drums from 2004 til 2024. I was gifted a little 4 piece kit from my daughter. It needs lots of upgrades and cymbals. Kick pedal. But I am hoping to get back to it. I played from 8 til I was 34. I was quite good at one point. I can still play I guess but man about 60 percent is gone. My fills mainly and endurance. My technical side took a back seat but I plan on getting back on. In 2018 end year I decided to try my hand at electric guitar. I've been sharing parts of that journey over that time. Lots of fun. Now im hoping to one day play it all since I have a few years off and on with keys too. Great video subbed.
I had a bullet 2019 Indonesian limited in their seafoam green which looked more surf to me but I loved it. Had the wider width neck and man the neck pos was brilliant. 119.00 then they went up to 199.00. Lol.
I did like the bullet had string thru though. Thats important to me. But I know it's not too hard to drill.
Hi Robert - Thank you for all the comments on a number of videos and for chipping in with what you are up to, much appreciated. When I get a moment I will hop onto your channel. It's late hear just now in Scotland and just closing my system down but look forward to finding out more regarding your guitar journey... best regards: Stu
@StuGuitarChannel no problem. Thank you. I was just clocking out watching my grandbaby 10 hours. Hahaha I was talkative. Lol. Sleep well 😴
@@robertclarkguitar Congratulations on the grandchild... just wait till they are old enough to spot your guitar collection and make a bee-line for the most expensive ones when you least expect it... My Fender Tele 61 is still in recovery... ;-) regards: Stu
That tele sounded fine to me. I am a gretsch player but have been wondering about a tele for rockabilly play, this model when it finally comes to Canada may be the ticket. BTW - those amps are sweet!
Hi Weasel6535 - I mentioned in my last message to you (sticky neck video) I will be sanding the neck down and changing out various parts on this guitar to see how easy it is to up scale an entry level Tele. This will eventually be raffled off. I am awaiting another Tele (same price) which may just be a better buy - unfortunately, the one I was just sent was a dud (dead electrics) but what a lovely looking and feeling guitar - hope to review this soon. Yes, those little Blackstar Amps are quite versatile, I do like this Studio 10 6L6 model, I understand Blackstar have a new one out now. Regards: Stu
Jet and harley benton are smashing the budget market
Hi - Thanks for chipping in with those... I have not tried any of these myself but know some fellow guitar lovers that have quite a few of these models. I have another budget brand coming to the studio today (same price £129.00) and it looks very nice indeed for the money. I will compare this to the Debut model. When it comes to the reason why some folks will go for the Squire or Epiphone brands, I imagine its because they want that connection to Fender or Gibson. But without doubt there is so much choice today that opens the door to guitar playing for most folks. regards: Stu
I appreciate Fender taking Squier in the opposite direction of what Gibson is doing with Epiphone as I'm not spending Gibson SG prices on an Epiphone.
Hi Bravo - Thanks for the comment. Yes, I think Fender has made a clever business move here, I wonder if they will soon extend the range to more colours or even introduce more guitar models - Jazzmaster etc. As you say, I'm not sure what Gibson is thinking with the Epiphone brand, it does appear to be a step in the wrong direction. Regards: Stu
Technically Squiers ARE getting more expensive - higher end Squiers are now what Fender Player used to be. Squier Affinity is taking the place of Classic Vibe, Sonic the place of Bullet, etc.
Thank you for watching! If you benefit from what you see and hear, please give a ‘Thumbs Up’, ‘Subscribe’ & ‘Hit the Bell for Notifications’ it all helps the channel algorithms. Much appreciated! Do check-out my channel playlists…
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I'm kinda surprised they went with individual saddles like a Strat. That would be the first thing I'd replace. Hell, the entire bridge would have to go. A tele has to have an ashtray.
Also, after listening to it, it doesn't even sound like a telecaster, it's lacking that tele twang. It sounds a lot like my Sonic Mustang SS.
Hi Christopher - Thanks for chipping in - I agree that it would have been nice to see the standard barrel set-up and ashtray plate but I presume, costings aside - this may have encroached too far into their other models. I would say, that the individual saddles did help improve action and tweak intonation without too much trouble. For sure, a consideration for a newcomer. As for the tone... I could have made it more twangy, but at the end of the day - the pick-ups are what they are. If you like 'Traditional' Tele's do check-out my reviews on various model types on the channel... regards: Stu
Great demonstration and informative video, well explained…
Have subscribed I love guitar reviews and build videos…
✌️😎👍🇳🇿
Hi Mr Fat Bob Rider - Thanks for the kind comment... While I have never owned a Harley I have ridden one, being Scottish, I use to design and build custom motorcycles using Triumph and BSA engines... long time ago... ;-)
If you like guitar builds and conversions I recently Hot-Rodded that Squire Debut guitar which you can see here - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). At 5pm (UK time) Part 1 of my Custom Build T-Style guitar begins... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel hey cool bit of history there, I used to own a …
MKIIA 850 Norton Commando , awesome bike, regretful sale cost me 5.5K and now you could remove the decimal point from that figure, at least I still have a photo of it and a son named Norton
@@mrfatbobrider1969 That was a nice looking machine, had a few friends with different model types. I’ve see some of the new British bikes but not quite the same as the old stuff where you needed to carry a tool kit in your pockets and usually got covered in oil… ;-)
@@StuGuitarChannel yeah it was a 73 Canadian Import to New Zealand
@@mrfatbobrider1969 Nice... ah.! New Zealand... my wife and I nearly moved there back in the early 90s, we have quite a few friends there... by the way just in case you did not get notified (because the RUclips notification thing does not work for many folks) I uploaded part 1 of the custom T-Style guitar build - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html regards: Stu
Just a heads up - Another Telecaster (same price) just arrived today and it’s quite the looker! So I will do a side by side comparison. However - The Debut Telecaster is about to get a transformation upgrade - many new parts… and some alterations… hit the notification bell to be notified when I upload them… regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel cool another video on the way 👍
Great review!
Many thanks Kingmodestfirst - much appreciated... if your into Telecasters you might enjoy my other reviews on the channel... regards: Stu
Thank you for very good review! Brazilian watching
Hi Felipe - Thank you for the kind comment, you might be interested in the upgrade I have just completed to this particular Fender Squier Debut Telecaster guitar which you can see here - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). Greetings from Scotland... regards: Stu
What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend stu also Canada day is Monday where I live ❤😊
As always Amin - many thanks, I thought you might like the Dakota Red Telecaster... ;-) Have a great Canada Day!!! and take care of yourself... best regards: Stu
I love this satin red...would prefer body through strings...but yeah for the price :D
Hi Klopfer - Thanks for chipping in and subscribing, much appreciated. Yes I also prefer the ashtray string-through set-up. If you like Telecasters you can see quite a few reviews I have done on various Fender Tele's - they are great guitars. That Dakota Red in the satin finish is really quite smart looking and with the aged-pearl white pick-guard replacement, I think it finishes it of a bit better. Regards: Stu
I'm curious what used Tele you think beginners can get for "a little bit more" than the $119 that this one costs. Have you tried buying a used Squier Telecaster in the past 10 years? Note that the used guitars do not come with a 2 year warranty like these do.
Hi - Thanks for your comment, always appreciate folks who take time to chip-in.
To answer your first question as best as I can... I did a general search here in the UK and there are quite a few 'used' Squire guitars available at a range of prices and in various configurations. As you will be aware, guitars are sold in a variety of market places and deals are not difficult to make with a keen seller. In regard to equipment in general, I make deals with both private individuals and regularly with music stores. However, the buyer does need to have an understanding in regard to what they are buying and may need advice from someone more knowledgeable.
Second question: I have not purchased any Squire guitar other than the one you see in the video. I did try out a Squire Strat when they first came out around 1982. If you were to look at my channel, It is about my journey back to playing and recording and reviews on 'budget' or entry-level gear is not my focus - I was simply helping out some folks who chat and message me.
Warranty - Yes I think I mentioned that, along with the free lessons, all great stuff for the beginner.
I also made another couple of videos after that looking to see if this particular guitar was worth upgrading... ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) all just a bit of fun. I looked at another £129.00 Tele Style Guitar -
( ruclips.net/video/EWSD9s6iaA0/видео.html ) that has a beautiful finish and great value for money. I looked at Glarry, £65.00 for a Strat Style guitar - what a great little guitar for the money - ( ruclips.net/video/m6WzQQ76bKE/видео.html )
And now I am looking for good homes these can go to.... regards: Stu
Great review. It’s amazing how cheap they some of the squire entry level guitars are. Has anyone compared it to the Harley Benton T series? Similar price point so would be interested in hearing people preference.
Hi 1981gwm - Thanks for the kind remark, much appreciated. Hopefully others will chip in on your question. You might be interested in a couple of videos coming up. I have another Telecaster (same price) arriving (very nice indeed) which sadly is a replacement due to the one I received last week was damaged and non-working. I am also preparing to rebuild the Debut Telecaster using High-end Fender parts which includes a string-through-body bridge. Regards: Stu
Great review cheers - been enjoying a few Squier Tele's lately 😎
Hi Pedalscapes - Many thanks, much appreciated - I've just recently had delivered another Tele from a different manufacturer that is really very nice for the same money. Unfortunately there was a fault with it and I'm awaiting a replacement - Hope to review that soon... . I'm also in the process of building a Tele on a budget to try and rival my custom shop 61 - regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel Cheers Stu - look forward to watching more Tele related stuff - Matt 😎
@@pedalscapes Thanks Matt - I know they are a bit more expensive but I've done quite a few reviews on Telecasters and putting them along side other types of guitar to get a comparison, for example - Firebird V Telecaster ( ruclips.net/video/x9Izh6qzeYY/видео.html ) or Telecaster Shoot-out! 50s, 60s & Professional ( ruclips.net/video/FfDAtvUXT0o/видео.html ) and various others - regards: Stu
Sounds great!
Hi - Thanks for the comment... if you have time, check-out how this guitar was stripped down and completely re-fitted just to see what difference it would make - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html You might also be interested in the Custom Guitar Build project - Part 1 starts here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html - thanks for watching... regards: Stu
Me suscribo. Me gusta como explica todo.
Si rifas esa guitarra me gustaría tenerla en México.
Saludos y felicidades por tu canal.
Hola AL-xg4jo - Gracias por suscribirte al canal. Muy pronto actualizaré esa Telecaster con muchas partes nuevas en un video. Sí, esta guitarra será sorteada próximamente. Adioso - saludos: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel espero ganarme la guitarra y que se venga a México. Éxito en tu canal. Lo recomiendo
@@AL-xg4jo gracias... saludos: Stu
Okay Folks... For those who were interested, I have uploaded the Squier Debut Telecaster Upgrade video ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ). In this I show a quick breakdown of the guitar and the parts that will be getting replaced along with various modifications. I have sought to do this with basic tools and DIY skills and do a side by side comparison (before and after). You can decide if it was worth doing and something you might be thinking about. Once the guitar is put back to its original 'form' I will be doing a competition to give this away... Regards: Stu
I enjoyed your video. Many others have mentioned this but this telecaster is still not available in the US, otherwise I would really consider it. I've also been waiting for RJ Guitars (from the Philippines) to get their Skycasters on Amazon. Anyway, good luck with your channel! I have subbed and hope to watch more of your videos.
Hi Mark - Thanks for subbing to the channel, much appreciated. Good to see that this particular video has been helpful or entertaining. I don't know much about RJ Guitars but there website certainly shows some very interesting models. I have just finished upgrading this 'Debut' Telecaster with a lot of changes and alterations so do keep an eye out for that coming shortly. Or if you have considered building your own guitar, I will be starting a short series on how I am building a high-end T-Style guitar for a lot less than a Fender Custom Shop. If you have time, do take a look around the channel playlists and do chip-in with comment and what you are working on, always nice to hear what others are up to... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I am looking forward to both the guitar build and modding video. It will be interesting to see what parts you use for the thinner body on the debut!
@@MarkNealJr Hi Mark - Just finished the Squier Debut upgrade and yes I was a little concerned about the thinner body (although its not really that much thinner) because of the things I did to it... ;-) That video will be uploaded next Friday as I am uploading a different piece of gear altogether tomorrow. The last parts of the Custom Build project came today and I'm really looking forward to doing this... Regards: Stu
Great video, and playing. It does sound seriously nice. Unfortunately, to acquire one on them Tele's here in the US, requires an order from Amazon Europe with a shipping charge almost the same price as the guitar itself. Still worth it? In my opinion... Absolutely. But I already own 28 guitars, 8 of them being high end Tele's. So, unfortunately, I'm gonna have to wait it out, till they make these available to us Yanks. Great video. Great playing. Thanks for posting
Hi - Thank you for the kind comments - you might be interested in the upgrade I did with this last week - ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) and today's video upload which is part one of my Custom Built Tele style guitar where I hope to challenge my Fender Custom Shop guitars but at a much lower price. As we are both high-end Tele user/owners you might find this of interest in regard to my reason for doing this along with choices I made. Thanks for watching... please do chip-in with your own experiences... regards: Stu
Thanks so much for this and it would have been a dream for me too when I was a teenager instead of practicing my licks on an acoustic whilst listening to the record... I'll bet most folk won't knew what I'm talking about 😂 in fact, tbh, it was usually a cassette tape with a recording off the radio.
Memories... and my friend who was the drummer... errrr, I can't remember what she used, but we thought that if we got our sound tight enough, we'd become a famous female band to be reckoned with.
(It's called delusion!)
Anybody else out there learned Stairway to Heaven one note at a time on a Spanish acoustic, stopping and starting a cassette tape??? 🎉
Ah well... even if my folks had bought me this guitar, I'd need the amp etc.
It was just a pipe dream at that age but I did eventually do what I wanted as I got older and enjoy writing my own stuff.
Deferred gratification is one thing, but seriously, kids don't know they're born today.
And now I sound like my 92 year old dad! 😮
PS I love your style of presentation. The best I've heard yet - and this thing is a wee beauty to look at.
PPS I'm fascinated watching your guitar build.
Thanks for your great videos too. They must take loads of time to edit.
Hi HoneyBee-Dee - Thanks for the kind comments, while some of the videos do take a bit of time to edit together (despite being a professional editor... ), it's a bit of fun doing them and good to hear that some are helpful to folks. I've been helped by many others here in RUclips land and it's good to be able to share back.
Stick in with the guitar playing and writing your own material... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel That's really kind of you to reply.
Thanks for the encouragement. 🙏
@@HoneyBee-Dee You are very welcome...
It would be interesting if you mentioned the weight of the guitar. Poplar is supposed to be a light wood but many budget poplar guitars seem to be rather heavy.
Hi 7171jay - Thanks for chipping in and you are right, I should have mentioned the weight. So... I have just weighed it and it's approximately 3.4kg (7.49 pounds) - so a fair bit of weight to it. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannelThanks for the info! I'm surprised with the thinner body that it is still coming in that high.
I like light weight guitars, I could sort of deal with 7.5 pounds for a Tele style but I really prefer guitars to about 7 pounds max. Kind of disappointing that this one doesn't come in as a true lightweight or I might be tempted by the super low price and want to use it as a mod platform.
@@7171jay Hi - Yes, I was somewhat surprised myself as I did expect it to be lighter. Regards: Stu
hekk yaa brother!
might need to bag one in sunburst to match my debut strat lol!
sweet one there mate!
wonder if another mate of mine in south end of sea(hope i got that area correct)would be able to bag one of these teles?
he reviews and compares loads of various guitars....bet hed love to feature this one as well!
Hi Birdman - Thanks for chipping in. Yes, Southend-on-Sea is in Essex (England). I'm not sure how much it would be to send a guitar from the UK to the USA but it might be cost prohibitive. I'm still not sure why you can't order these Tele's from the States, perhaps that will change in due time. I see you are/were into RC products... I used to design and build large RC aircraft and mount stills and video cameras in them for commercial work we did for construction companies and forestry departments. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel koool!
im in the US so i can get these all day long lol!
colin is over there in the UK and was hoping he could get one if he decides to once he gets wind of such...
I just did a review of these cause we can’t get them in the states. Mine was a dud, sending it back hoping a new one will be better. So many problems with it, wonder if it was from shipping
Hi Searchingfortone - That's always a disappointment when that happens, hopefully the replacement will be better. Just having a guitar returned today... same problem, dead electrics and troublesome string binding. Had hoped to review it but we will have to see what the replacement will be like. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannelI completely understand, especially when it takes a while to get. Also, I had to initially pay for shipping back because they can’t send free international shipping labels. Now it will take 2 weeks to get back to Germany. Then I can submit my postage which will take 30 days to review and then 2 weeks to issue reimbursement. If the 2nd is beat up I am not sending it back.
@@SearchingForTone Yep... I have the same scenario with the outfit that supplied me with this latest guitar. Considering that this particular guitar clearly never went through any form of QC, I would have expected a quicker response. I have written the company a friendly letter but clearly outlining the terrible disappointment someone starting out (budget guitar) would feel, only to be told it could take some weeks to resolve the problem. Very poor... I await their reply... regards: Stu
Lucky, there are no debut telecasters in the U.S . Only strats! Well, from what I see on Amazon at least.
Hi cheeseboy - Well, this Telecaster will be up on a competition soon so if the winner is in the States - it might just end up being the first ;-) Next Friday I will be uploading the upgraded make-over where I have changed out lots of parts, altered and changed things.... regards: Stu
Nice chops. Sounds good. Are you going to replace the pickups?
Hi Drew - Thanks for chipping in and the kind remarks, much appreciated. Very shortly, I will be upgrading this Debut Squier guitar with a lot of different parts to see what can be done with this. As I am building my own Custom Shop T-Style guitar over the coming weeks I am going to fit out the Debut with some high end accessories while I await a custom neck being made for the Custom Project. If you subscribe and hit notifications you will get notice as I load this video series... should be a lot of fun and encourage others to perhaps have a try. Regards: Stu
I don't think they're selling the Debut Tele here in the States. We can only get the Strat here.
Hi Christopher... I just checked Amazon USA and your right - it states they will not deliver the Telecaster model there. I wonder why that could be? Anyone know?... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel An enterprising European might be able to make a little extra scratch exporting some to envious Americans. Not me, I'm a Strat guy, but I bet some would pay a small ransom to have an item that would be quite rare here in the States. It makes me feel naughty to possess something that wasn't meant for me.
@@christopheraaron8299 mmm! I wonder if I could get a discount from Amazon if I put in for a bulk order ;-) regards: Stu
It may not be something you want, but they do sell the debut p-bass in the states now.
Can you post the link on Amazon in which you purchased this guitar? I can't find it.
Hi Midifalcon4965 - If you are in the States, I don't think you can get this. Some folks think its called by another name in the USA but I'm not sure - if your in the UK - Just put a search in - "Amazon - fender squire debut telecaster" at present they have 5 Red ones left. I copied the link but it is huge. Let me know how you get on... regards: Stu
I wish they sold the tele version of the Squier Debut in the United States.
Hi howdytoyer - Thanks for chipping in... some folks tell me that the 'Sonic' is the American version of the 'Debut' but others disagree - so I'm not sure what's actually the case. If anyone has any official statement from Fender, that would be helpful - Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I wonder if there's a video of someone taking apart one of each and comparing. 'Twould be very interesting to see the differences.
@@howdytoyer In an upcoming video I take the Debut Tele apart and replace lots of parts and do a couple of amendments which should turn this into a mean machine... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I'll be watching for that!
where can i buy the same pickguard
Hi - Not sure where you are based? - You can get Fender style pick-guards from 'Kaish Music' (available via Amazon) but you will need to make sure you get the correct guard. If it's a Telecaster it will either have 8 holes or 5 (vintage) and it will either have holes for the neck pick-up or it won't (vintage) They come in a whole range of styles and cost around £10.00 for a Tele style. Hope that helps - Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel thanks for the quick reply! ill be getting one for myself thanks!
@@ricecrisis3927 You are very welcome - you might also be interested in the upgrade video on this guitar (my next Friday video upload) where I pulled it apart and rebuild using higher-end accessories to see if it's worth 'Hot-Rodding' and entry level guitar. After that I look at building a guitar from parts to see how close I can get to a Fender Custom Shop guitar at a much lower price... regards: Stu
where is the link to buy???
Hi - If you are in the UK you can get it on Amazon but if you are in the States - Sorry it appears not to be available at this moment in time - Regards: Stu
Wish I could get that in the states.
Hi James - Thanks for chipping in and subscribing, much appreciated. You will find I have done a lot of gear testing over the last year as I come back to guitar playing. I have still not found out why this Telecaster is not available in the USA particularly when you can get the Strat version, and the P-Bass. I would expect this will change as the market place continues to flood with budget Chinese guitars. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel I do have the Stat and I like it alot. The pickups need to be upgraded. But everything is fine. I am thinking about getting the pb bass next.
@@jamesthompson6726 Hi James, are you on the search for another set of pick-ups, if so, did you have a favourite type? I understand these are expensive but I did a review on Fat 50s, 60s, Texas Specials & V Mod 1s if that interests you. (ruclips.net/video/i2R80hs-Ovs/видео.html). If you do change them it would be good to hear how that goes. The P Bass looks good, out of the Fender gear I always felt the P Bass was the easiest for 6 string guitar folks to get to grips with. Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel
I was still thinking about what I could do with strat. Under the the pick guard, it's bored out to where I could put 2 humbuckers in this thing. But I'm not going to do that.
@@jamesthompson6726 Hi James - Perhaps putting a distortion humbucker at the bridge would give the Strat a lift. That's quite a common alteration and I did a review on my USA Fender Strat here - ( ruclips.net/video/vAA-wh6yHNI/видео.html ) and also here when I first bought it ( ruclips.net/video/J29vybfJVbU/видео.html ). That's a Tim Shaw (Shawbucker) design and it really helps thicken the tone and add crunch. Will be interesting to hear what you decide. You can now hear the Texas Specials I put in the upgrade of this 'Debut' Tele in my recent video upload ( ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html ) - regards Stu
Nice 👍
from Philippines!
Hi Ordanarylife... Thanks for the comment - you might like the video where I upgraded this Debut Telecaster with many new parts - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - regards: Stu
I can’t find these in the u.s
Hi - I recently heard from someone who said that they are now being sold in the USA or at least, are about to be. I'm not sure if that will be actual music stores or just Amazon. Do let us know if you hear anything... regards: Stu
A month later and there is no sign of the debut telecaster on Amazon. I see the Strat and the P bass, but no Tele.
Hi Jude - I've still never heard why you can't get this Telecaster model in the States (I presume you are in the USA?). I have just completed a full upgrade on this one with many new parts and alterations... and that video will be uploaded next week. After that, I will return it back to it's original specs (except for the alterations) and I will be doing some kind of competition... and someone else can enjoy it... more on that to come... Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel yea I should have mentioned my location. Maybe it is along the lines of released elsewhere to see the demand. I will be purchasing the Stratocaster in the next few weeks. Hopefully they will have the Telecaster available soon. Cheers and awesome review
@@judemisura4323 All the best with the Strat when you get it, it will likely be similar in construction to the Tele. If you get time, keep an eye out for the upgrade video I will upload next week as much the same will apply to the Strat. Regards: Stu
Why don’t I see these on Amazon
Hi Zack - As far as I have recently heard, these Debut series Telecasters are supposed to be available in the USA around about now. I don't know what the issue has been since the Debut Stratocaster model has been in the States at the same time as the UK. Do keep us posted should you hear something... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel ugh can’t wait lol these look awesome
@@zackeverson3666 If it is of any interest to you I did an upgrade video on this guitar - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html - and if that wets your appetite for more - I decided to build my own Telecaster style guitar - Part 1 here - ruclips.net/video/DK1PVW35pTU/видео.html regards: Stu
Would you say this would be a good purchase if you were looking for a tele strictly to record with specifically for situations where you want that very unique telecaster tone , particularly from the bridge pickup? And also noting I would be ok upgrading the electronics if I felt it warranted…I actually like the thinner look of the body …seems it would make for quick handling in the home studio…but wonder if the all-important feel and playability of the neck would make it less enjoyable and easy to write and record with. As with you, I’m 100% only into writing and recording and this would be a tool for those specific situations when I want that unique bite and twang of a tele’s tone. Great channel , btw, I subscribed.
Hi Chatter - Thanks for subscribing... much appreciated - you can also private message me (many do) if you prefer to chat about what you are up to and looking to achieve without giving too much detail on the open message forum. Anyway... to answer your question... I'm just in the middle of a job just now but will reply in a couple of hours - those are good questions but to answer them better... I may have some questions for you... be back shortly.... regards: Stu
Hi Chatter - To try and answer your questions I have done a couple of videos on entry-level telecaster type guitars - The debut model I have already done an upgrade on, which you can see here - ruclips.net/video/x0cxLtTouJs/видео.html and another model from Gear4Music you can see here - ruclips.net/video/EWSD9s6iaA0/видео.html
So to answer the question of - are these entry-level guitars (sub $150.00) purchased brand new worthwhile upgrading? I suppose the answer is both yes and no… so much depends on who the guitar is for and what environment will it be used in.
While, like you… I am very much centred on writing and composition, I am still however, very much connected to feel and tone that sits well with myself and helps me produce high quality results without annoying equipment related issues. So… while the Debut Telecaster is certainly a lot of guitar for the money that has the ‘Fender’ approval badge (if that’s important - and for some, it gives confidence in the product) it’s not a guitar I would personally use for my own personal reasons.
However - Yes it does give a reasonable Tele Type Twang tone… But is it worth upgrading the pick-ups etc, do watch my video on that upgrade video to get a fuller explanation and illustration of the upgraded Debut before and after. Briefly though… unless you can get quality pick-ups at a very good price… I would say it could be a false economy.
Playability… that all depends on what you are use to playing? Out of the box - its pretty nice… On the upgrade model I sanded the back of the neck and that helped a lot to get a better feel. If you wanted to go further… then rolling off the edges of the fretboard is an easy job and really makes a difference - you can see a video on how I customise a neck for my Custom Build T-Style guitar here… ruclips.net/video/BFosHko3b0U/видео.html
What I would point out is this… the guitar I received needed a proper set-up as there was string buzz and string choking higher up the neck. Also, the action was far too high and the strings were pretty poor. After setting it up better (still needs a tweak hear and there) with a decent set of strings it was much nicer to play. Again, it depends on what you play - if you need to play all over the neck… it will likely need a good set-up
Concluding remarks… yes it’s a decent enough guitar to write and record with, and you will get the Telecaster sound. If I was starting out or on a tight budget, I would be pleased with it (As long as it had a set-up).
I apologise if I have said anything you already know about. As I’m not aware of how long you have been playing and what your actual goals are, it can be difficult to answer more specifically. Hope that helps and you find the videos helpful…. Don’t hesitate to comment or ask further questions… always happy to try and help if I’m able… Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel great info to consider, thanks!
@@chatter7653 You are very welcome - Regards: Stu
FYI squier is NOT a fender. Squier is a completely different company. They lease the use of fender copyrights to use their name and guitar build styles. Now that doesn't mean that squires aren't good because they are quite good for the money but they are not anywhere close to what fender makes.
Hi TTGuitar2013 - Thanks for chipping in, always appreciated. As you say, Squire was indeed an instrument company founded in 1890 by Victor Carroll Squier and acquired by Fender in 1965, producing Squier guitars in 1982. I have done a few reviews on various American Fender Tele's and Strat's that we have here in the studio if that's of interest to anyone, regards: Stu
Squier is a brand owned by fender musical instruments corporation, and makes instruments in east asian countries based on their higher end fender branded instruments. They are a direct subsidiary of fender, and not a completely different company, as you suggested.
@@SMAAAASHTV Thanks for chipping oin Smaaaash... If anyone is interested in the Fender story I would certainly recommend doing an internet search as there are some great little documentaries available. It's a fascinating story of a guy who arguably made the most iconic guitars still being used and copied today, and yet... he never played guitar himself. I've got some great Fender books on my shelf but they do tend to be a bit pricey... regards: Stu
I digress. I’ve got a John 5 Squier Tele that’s every bit as good as a Fender!!
If you’ve played some of the Squiers I’ve owned, you’d change your mind! My Squier John 5 Telecaster is as good as any Telecaster and any Les Paul(2 hum buckets)!
Answers yes. Get it. It’s 129 dollars lol.
If on a budget and looking for a brand new fender approved Telecaster... this is hard to beat. Regards: Stu
Wish it was thinner and lighter. Who brain washed guitarist to think big fat heavy guitars are better? If this was true a 5 inch thick guitar made of granite should be stellar.
Hi bluwng - Thanks for chipping in... Definitely got a bit of weight to it but everyone to their own. If you like thin guitars you might be interested in my - Ibanez Premium S Series S1070PBZ Black Burst review ( ruclips.net/video/zDqlFOn9eiQ/видео.html ) - now that's a thin guitar for you... lovely guitar but still got a bit of weight to it... regards: Stu
I got the squier strat debut series and I think it’s really good, it is my first guitar so I’m not very good at playing it but it feels good quality and sounds nice. Got a Marshall MG10 to go with it and I’m learning fast, Great video aye 👍
Hi TylorTdog - Congratulations on your purchase, the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars (copies) were my first electric guitars back in the 1970s and they are still my most favourite today ;-) If you can put in an hour or two (or more) a day and once your finger-tips have hardened (ouch!) you will soon start to pick things up. At times you may feel like giving up - just take a step back for a day and then start again... being able to play an instrument (at whatever level) can be a really rewarding experience... all the very best... do check-out the rest of my channel as I test and review various effects pedals etc... regards: Stu