Dirt Cheap Squier Telecaster - Dirt Cheap Guitar

Have you wanted to get a Telecaster but didn't want to spend a lot of cash? Are you wanting to play guitar but don't know what to get? Playing acoustic guitar and want to get an electric? The Squier Bullet Telecaster might just be the guitar for you!
In this video, I'll give you what I like and a few things I don't like as well as a few playing examples so you can hear the tones you can expect from this guitar.
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Find me on FaceBook at: / fontanaguitar
on Instagram at: / kev_fontana
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As always,
Thanks for watching and Keep Practicing! Kev
Links: This color Tele at Guitar Center (not sponsored)
www.guitarcent...

[@caseylee12]

I've got the Surf Green one. 2019. Got it on sale for$129 USD. Changed the strings, tightened the tuners, did a setup. Haven't changed a thing on it. LOVE THIS GUITAR!

[@thadedwards2285]

I’ve got one of those. Lake Placid Blue, looks great. It’s a pretty good guitar for the money, especially since I got it on sale for 139 bucks. It gets the job done. This was a good honest review, I appreciate it. Thanks.

[@KevinFontana]

When you can get one on sale, it’s a win win.

[@ednadevil3330]

I have one of these in sunburst. I only play it in open G as I call it my Keith Richards guitar. I’ve even removed the low E string like Keith does. It never ever goes out of tune and plays like a much more expensive model. I paid £99 English pounds for it last year at GAK Brighton (B stock , ex-demo ) and I would recommend it 100%

[@KevinFontana]

Many don't realize that he tuned to G and removed the low E string for much of the Stones songs. I played this guitar at a gig recently and tuning to G and not playing the low E worked perfectly for Start Me Up. I think removing the low E gets rid of some of the muddiness on the low end in that tuning.

[@sergioflores3156]

Great job Kevin, actually picked one up after watching your video, Most reviews they use too much distortion and you played the guitar using the natural clean sounds of both pickups. I actually had a friend of mine replace the pickups with Obsidian Wire tele pickups and replaced the controls with a 920D 4 way switch, the new Tele sounds just as good or better than the high end Teles and did all of the upgrades and still kept the total price at a way cheaper price than the Player series. Thanks Enjoyed your video,

[@KevinFontana]

Thanks! I really appreciate feedback on these videos. You should do a video with the mods that you've done so we can see how it sounds. I haven't done upgrades to mine....yet. I've got a few things in mind and will probably do a video on them whenever I finally decide on what I am going to do.

[@FryingBurritoBro]

Got a couple of these, (butterscotch & surf green), after a good set-up & having the pick-ups changed out with some of higher quality...they play great!

[@philipabbott9873]

Good review. Straightforward, knowledgeable, clearly presented and no fluff. Perfect review for someone looking for a guitar, who knows little to nothing and needs a knowledgeable guide. This man should be getting more views and subscribers. Really nice. And nice low cost Tele too!

[@KevinFontana]

Thanks! I know there are many other videos out there, but I wanted to do some for people who are just starting on guitar or have only been playing for a short time. I think some videos can be a bit overwhelming for newer players. Thanks for leaving a comment, it's nice to know that these videos are helping people!

[@peteanddrake4242]

I have this guitar and loved the red sparkle and thin light body. I put a fender neck on mine and upgraded the pickups with pickups from a Chinese Fender Player Tele

[@KevinFontana]

How did it play with the new neck?

[@peteanddrake4242]

@@KevinFontana great! I also had a Player series Thinline deluxe with the same neck and loved it--so I knew it would work just the way I wanted it. Fender only makes a red flake finish in this little Squier. I'm still not sold on the pickups I put in, but very happy with this super light tele.

[@KevinFontana]

@Pete and Drake The weight is a big bonus. Great on long gigs. After a long set with a heavy guitar, switching to it can be a real back saver.

[@ScottKisten]

I got the bullet tele for my first guitar and just had a setup done on it and it made big difference in playing it. Excited to get better at playing

[@Peaceful_Days]

I've got one and tuners on mine are actually ok. They really tight, it's a bit hard to turn them, but they have no leeway and stay perfectly in tune. The only issue I've had is sharp fret edges.

[@geraldroland5079]

I just got this exact guitar. For $119.00. Plus tax and shipping. I bought this used from Guitar center. Had them ship it to my local store. From their store in Texas. If I bought it new from them. It was going to be $219.99. Plus tax. I love the finish sparkle red. I'm going to change the tuners out. For graphtech ratio locking tuners. And I'm swapping out the pickups. With Seymour Duncan's quarter pounder telly set. And a graphtech tusk nut on the neck.

[@raphaelsmith4134]

I also have FSR Squier tele but in surf green, Your red is lovely too

[@michaellubrecht7224]

Very nice review and analysis! I just bought one from Musician's Friend on one of their Stupid Deals of the Day. Price was $120, and with rewards points I'd accumulated, it was only $66! After adjusting the action height, it's been a lot of fun. I may change out the tuners, but that may be about it for now. It fits nicely into my lineup of other Fender and Gibson clones from Harley Benton.

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

Have this red sparkle coming in tomorrow I hope. Binging videos. So excited!

[@KevinFontana]

Awesome! I think you’ll really like it. I know I have.

[@brwhyon]

Ha Ha, mine is supposed to be delivered today, thanks for doing a spot on job with the audio of the video, so refreshing, thank you for a very thorough review. I use my other Teles for ambient tracks, very versatile guitars and I prefer the neck radius over a Gibson.

[@KevinFontana]

Congratulations! And thanks for the encouragement!

[@Frank-in-NY]

The guitar sounds good, like a Tele Should! Nice review, shows you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent playing guitar.

[@pmd7914]

I've got a couple of Squier Bullet Mustangs, a review of one of these would be good for your series.

[@KevinFontana]

Sounds like a good idea. I’ve played an original 60’s Mustang, but it was years ago. I’ll see if I can get one to review. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@heraldgreenbanger5488]

I thought I had the same exact guitar as yours, squier bullet in red sparkle. But yours is a string through and mine isn’t. Mine was made aug 2022. Either way I got it used on Facebook marketplace for 80 bucks with not a scratch on it. I love the little thing I did my own setup and haven’t upgraded a thing. I wanted a cheapy to bring out camping on my mini Marshall this summer and this one works

[@KevinFontana]

Is it the Bullet series or the Affinity? I know there are a few difference between the Squier models. Could be an earlier release as well. The one I have was a special edition for Guitar Center and Squier may have done others before with some slight differences. Either way, it should be a decent guitar for you. Congratulations!

[@heraldgreenbanger5488]

@@KevinFontana it said bullet when I searched up the s/n. And said it was produced august 2022. It’s an Indonesian made. Thanks man I’ve had a lot of fun with it already and have a lot of plans with it for the summer time. I think I’m gonna get my buddy to paint the pickguard however he wants

[@9tothe9th]

The newer bullets are bridge top loader and not string thru. I bought a red sparkle last year and a surf green one a few months ago, both LE Guitar Center versions. Both fantastic sounding.

[@michaelbugler9452]

You can tighten those little screws on the tuner s to keep them tighter works well on some squires

[@KevinFontana]

Yeah, some allow you to tighten the knobs on the tuners. It helps a bit but it may still have some play in the action of the tuner. Good tip!

[@jsenear]

Great review. I got one just like you for Christmas. 2022.

[@KevinFontana]

Mine is still playing great! Congratulations!

[@manonbassguitar]

These got down to $129 on sale at GC ( which I then bought one). Put some brown Kiwi shoe polish on the Indian Laurel fretboard & it looks just like rosewood. Polish out the scratchy frets, Replace the tuners & the nut at a minimum & it’s good to go🤘🏼

[@keithmadison8754]

Good review, I have the very ( red sparkle)same guitar and am really enjoying it, playing it more than my American. On the other hand I bought a bullet Strat after reading the article by the "Genesis " guitarist using one. I love the light weight ( 6.5) but intonation is off and won't stay in tune. But...some comfortable to play with the thinner neck, light weight.

[@KevinFontana]

There are a few things you can do to help with the tuning. I think I talk about it a bit in this video or the video on the Epiphone. Basically, you tune up from below the note to remove the ‘slack’ in the tuner. Also use a bit of lubricant in the nut. There are a few formulas out there or you could make your own with some graphite from a #2 pencil and some 3 in 1 oil. I’ll have to do a video on setting the intonation, it’s not too hard once you try it a couple time. Thanks for the feedback!

[@keithmadison8754]

@@KevinFontana thanks for the tips

[@tomterry2662]

I got one in like a mint green . Its a bullet . Nice sound. I polished the frets smoothed light sanded back of neck. Its a dandy now.

[@KevinFontana]

Yes, it is quite good for the low price.

[@tomterry2662]

@@KevinFontana your right about the tunning keys . The poles move. Im thinking replace with fender usa keys and maybe fender USA pickups. Idk though it sounds good..

[@KevinFontana]

@@tomterry2662 Yes, there is some play in the gears of the tuners. It happens with many of the lower end models as they cheaper hardware to keep the cost low. It's an easy upgrade, but if you know the tricks you can make them work ok. I've used it live a few times but not for an entire show.

[@TravelinBoneSC]

Found your video while searching for my incoming guitar, same model but in Lake Placid Blue, a Musicians Friend deal of the day, $140 shipped. The telly should be here tomorrow. Now to search for any modifications that you have made to your beautiful sparkly red guitar! 🎸

[@KevinFontana]

I haven’t made any changes…yet. I think the first thing I may do is upgrade the tuners. So far it was done well though. I’ve used it live for a couple of Rolling Stones songs that I needed an open tuning for slide etc.

[@markpell8979]

Just got a butterscotch blonde 2019 model Affinity Squier Tele w/ maple fretboard, used in great condition with very good fit and finish, at my local pawn for an absolute steal at $130. Cleaned it up, set up the relief, action and intonation. Frets are good and there's not a bad note on the entire neck. It's all I've been playing this week and I can't wait to pick it up again. I'd absolutely gig with it. Pickups, pots, switch all work perfect. Could better pickups improve the sound? Yes probably, but the stock pickups are still just fine and I'm sure I'll learn ways to use my amp to get the most from them. The hardware is functional and no problem. Don't plan to upgrade anything except I might put a Graph Tech Tusq nut on it someday, but for now the plastic nut is not an issue and tuning is very stable. I own a number of guitars, some pretty nice, but this one has really grabbed me. If something looks good, sounds good and everything works I leave it that way until something needs fixing. The Squier Teles are not much of a gamble. Also have a Squier Bullet Mustang HH and I can basically say all the same things for it.

[@phillipholt6005]

I had the same color that I bought from musicians friend for 129 dollars and the first one was defective and I exchanged for the same but low and below it got stolen. I checked out the Monoprice Indio Tele style guitar and I paid 99 dollars for it with the Rosewood fretboard and it came set-up and it's close to the 1962 FENDER that I used to play. I chose the butterscotch blonde with the black pickguard. The 3 way switch on the SQUIRE was bad and the fret edges are horrible but I sanded down. I had at one time the SQUIRE BULLET STRAT HSS HT and the BULLET MUSTANG and the BULLET Tele. I replaced the STRAT HSS HT and with the Indian Laurel fret board and Sweetwater set it up for me and I also had to send it back because the saddles were defective. I wish I had known about Monoprice sooner because I would've bought their Strat with the same features.

[@KevinFontana]

It’s good to hear the Monoprice has decent quality control. The benefit of getting the Squier in the store is being able to play several and ‘weed out’ any that may have slipped though quality checks. For beginners it helps to try several guitars. If they get one that sucks or is hard to play, it’s going to really discourage them from playing. Sorry to hear you had so many issues but glad the Monoprice worked out for you. Thanks for the comments!

[@danreid6712]

I use 10's for strings. You MUST do the Intonation firstly. Then adjust the neck for best position. Then the string height @ the saddle. Then the pickup height/angle. Then play some Muddy Waters blues...lol

[@KevinFontana]

Absolutely! Anytime you change string gauges you must do a setup to account for the change in string tension on the neck.

[@MRizzolli]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@Zeal808]

Dammit that color is so cool haha

[@KevinFontana]

Yeah, the red flake is pretty cool!

[@Dude_Guyman]

Fender lists the Bullet Tele as Poplar body wood currently. I think the Bullets are actually better guitars than the Affinity, oddly. 42 vs 40mm nut, string through vs top load. That said, I bought a Monoprice Indio Retro Classic "Tele" and as far as I can tell it is every bit as good if not better than a Squier Bullet/Affinity for ~half the price. $99.99, currently (commonly) on sale for $79.99. Buy two for the price of a Bullet and take the best parts of the two for a superior guitar + a spare or a Craigs List special to reduce the cost even more or fund upgrades. Mine came in all setup (fairly well) and ready to go. Also has full thickness body. Mine had zero issues that any other cheap guitar wouldn't have like a bit of fret sprout (normal on any guitar shipped to a new climate) after a week passed. I upgraded all electronics and pickups ($32 Wilkinson WOVTA Alnico 5), tuners, and string trees and still spent less than a Squier and it's a darned fine little guitar. Edit: It also came with an actually good, nicely padded gig bag. I think Monoprice knocked it out of the park with their little budget guitars. Squier quality+ at a Glarry/LyxPro/noname Chinese price.

[@KevinFontana]

I’ve used other things from Monoprice but not their guitars. I’ll definitely have to check those out. I also want to check out the Harley Benton brand as well. The reason I reviewed the Squier is that a beginner can find one in a store and try them out first. Ordering online is great, but it might be a bit much for a young beginner. Those of us that can do basic mods and setups have a real advantage as we can make any changes to get the best guitar possible. That being said, I appreciate the input as I hadn’t thought about the Monoprice guitars. You have definitely given me a few ideas! Thanks for the comments and feedback!

[@Dude_Guyman]

@@KevinFontana Yeah, buying any guitar online runs the risk/likelyhood of having to do some of your own setup work, but I don't mind that. To avoid that, I'd definitely go to a store and pick out a good Squier. I have a Harley Benton as well. It was also quite good for the price. The only problem with them, is I am in the USA and shipping is ~$85 and they (Thomann) wasn't particularly fast either. The risk of having to do a return overseas is not something I'm really interested in, but if there was a U.S. Harley Benton dealer, I'd be all over it.

[@trwsandford]

I'm a big fan of the Squier series, for exactly the reasons outlined. You do need to be picky on which one you buy. If you are new to guitar, take a good player with you when you go buy one. Have that player check the entire fretboard for buzzing frets, and general set-up. If you get a good one, you are going to enjoy it for decades. I have a Squier Strat, that plays like a much higher end guitar. It didn't when I bought it. Did a full neck & fret job, and alignment on it instead of getting rid of it. That was 20 years ago. edit: and changed out the nut, from the original plastic one to bone.

[@KevinFontana]

Yeah, the quality control is an area where they save money. So they are more likely to have guitars that aren't great end up in the stores. Having someone with you that knows what to look for will help make sure you are getting a good one.

[@trwsandford]

@@KevinFontana I'm thinking about changing out the tuners to a nice set of Grovers too. That would be very nice. The original ones work just fine, but they are pitting a little. So its mainly an appearance thing.

[@KevinFontana]

@@trwsandford The only issue is that I think the holes for the tuners are 8mm and most modern tuners are 10mm. I haven’t gotten around to swapping mine, but when I do I’ll do a video. If they are 8mm, I may ream the holes to 10mm🧐🫣

[@GranulatedStuff]

I got that one and have since wondered if they put 'better than usual' pickups into the limited versions ? Mine are so good

[@KevinFontana]

I’m not sure. Next time I change the strings on it, I’ll pull one to check it. I used it live a couple of weeks ago and it sounded great!

[@erickrohn2970]

No the Limited edition just means the Paint colors. The limited edition colors are Surf Green,Lake Placed Blue and Red Sparkle. The colors are vintage 50s colors. I wonder what made them limited editions I asked at my local Guitar Center. So only difference is the paint colors. Electrictronics are the same as any bullet telecasters

[@phillipholt6005]

It's fretboard edges were very sharp

[@KevinFontana]

That’s one thing with buying inexpensive guitars. Often the quality varies from one to the next. Anytime you buy online you are taking a risk. The reputable sellers will often let you return it if you aren’t happy with it.

[@christineayres7199]

I bought an Affinity Tele instead as i needed a Maple Fretboard , I cant get on with Laurel or Rosewood fretboards not smooth enough for me.

[@KevinFontana]

My USA Strat has a maple neck. The maple necks are smoother for bends etc. You might be ok with rosewood with taller frets? To me the maple is a bit brighter and ‘snappier’.

[@christineayres7199]

@@KevinFontana That's awesome 😎🆒🎸 I used to have a 2007 USA standard strat really great guitar but had to sell it when the 2008 crash happened 🙈 hopefully one day il get it back again 🙏

[@hustlinc3540]

what kind of bridge would be a good replacement?

[@KevinFontana]

That's hard to say. You could go for something more original to the Tele that has the 3 brass saddles that are shared by strings or something modern that has the six individual saddles. I haven't though about replacing mine. To me the tuners should be the first thing upgraded.. and maybe a better nut.

[@Ilya-hl8jx]

I have squier tele. Tuners are so bad, they cracked by itself in one year. Neck pickup sounds so crapy. But bridge pickup is descent

[@KevinFontana]

There’s always room for improvement on these models. I can make the tuners work ok and it has done fine live but they would probably be the first thing I’d upgrade.

[@davescupper5789]

Whats this video supposed to be about?

[@KevinFontana]

Just a review of an inexpensive guitar.

[@johnpike5836]

THE PLICK; in many cases, when u thought the note (especially in a cord configuration) Was Fretted by that particular finger properly (as in Right Up to and on that fret) wasn't you get The Plick?? The note fails to Ring Out. (you see that a couple times in this presentation) (no judgement) The Real American Fender Telecaster has substantially taller and wider fatter frets. (Most notes Will Ring Out even if or when the actual fretting isn't all that precise (forgiving). (unless u are purposely muting that note) So given the undeniable importance of the play ability, comfort fluency, I'd say Get a Jumbo frat job install (Don't order an American Tele Neck because all the hardware (Tuning Post Hole, are Different = cha ching) You'll need a new nut. BUT the play ability will astonish. 3 to $4 hundred. YES It is a lot of dough, but that said, it would be MY 1st change. I have a brand new Squire and I can't keep my hands off it. They are by far the best E Guitar and I've had em all. SETTING THE ACTION; for example; set the action low with a slight buzz with a set of 9's and then put a set of 10's on her. (u can save the 9's for future set ups). or 8's swap to 9's. I've have had; Real 50th ann. and 60th ann. Strats, 2 MIM Tele's, 2 Les Paul (real) standards, 1 Custom B Beauty and a Supreme. I set the clearances on them all the same way. #3; make sure the 1st fret note on all 6 is IN TUNE, often times at the 1st fret she gonna pull sharp. (if it pulls flat / scrap the nut) Then do the 12th fret. (if she not in tune at the 1st fret she never gonna be acceptably in tune down the neck (make sense?) For example all open string she IN TUNE, Hit a C cord and yuk. Remember the neck and frets are where all the playing fun begins and ends. Thx. great video.