The Squier Debut Series Stratocaster full chat, breakdown, specifications, mods and the REAL TRUTH

In this video I discuss the newly released Squier debut series stratocaster electric guitar in dakota red finish. As a longtime guitar tech, I discuss the ins and outs of this guitar, give all specs and discuss the guitar from top to bottom. I also debunk several myths about the guitar, and several other "theories" that have been said on youtube that just aren't true. Is it the best guitar for $120 on amazon? watch the full video to find out. This guitar was bought with my own money, and all views are my own. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. If you enjoy the video, and it was helpful to you, please like, share and subscribe!

[@philwood9760]

I've watched several reviews for this guitar. One thing I noticed was that when they were playing it, it went through a bunch of synthesizers before it made it through to my computer speakers. A newbe player is not going to own a $230 amp to go with a $120 guitar at first, nor will he/she know about all the pedals that make the pros (term used loosely) use in these videos.

[@jjcollins]

Hi Phil, thank you for watching and for the comment. You are absolutely right, most new players either don't have the knowledge, the know how or the money for that kind of equipment. That is why when I do demos I usually will use/play a clean tone with an affordable amp. That way you get the truth, and honest experience with the instrument or gear.

[@DarylT64]

Good video. Nice to see a tech review a guitar.I would love to see videos of the upgrades you do to this guitar. This may be a good mod project for me also. I was curious about this guitar and being able to see a tech upgrade this will help me learn to work on my own guitars. Hope you do the videos of the upgrades. Would love to watch and learn from you.🎸🤘🏻

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment. So far the video seems to be doing well and there has been some interest from the community so we will see what the future brings. Currently doing some research on parts and seeing which way I will be going with the project and the upgrades.

[@michaelthomas9991]

Very informative video! Thanks for posting.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for watching Michael! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@senseiruss]

Excellent info and analysis! I'd love to see a video if you will mod it! Thanks!

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comment and for taking the time to watch!

[@mojavisanz597]

Great video! Thank you for the breakdown

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Alex_Valentine]

Thanks to you, I think I found my next project guitar. I look forward to your finished product.

[@Alex_Valentine]

Oh, and subbed.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comments and for taking the time to watch! I'm glad the video was helpful. If you buy one let me know what you think.

[@bighardbooks770]

Thanks for the video. IMA buy a red one, next month, and mod it soon after, new pick ups and bridge, for sure.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment!. Let me know what you think when you get it. The pickups are not that bad if you want a vintage clean tone...the bridge definitely needs to be changed though. I will discuss more in future videos hopefully.

[@philliprowe2656]

I recently acquired the sunburst version and it is quite impressive!

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

it's not impressive you just don't know any better, not throwing shade just being honest..

[@MrBHBjr]

J.J. crazy find bro. Very informative. Well done!

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comment Bruce and for taking the time to watch. At the very least you got to see a strat in pieces and got almost every spec known to man about this thing. : )

[@rickschott1722]

I purchased the Fender Debut about a month ago. Ultimately to mod and see what i come up with for improvements. Overall very pleased for the money, My tremolo bar works fine (although a little tight). Tuners are fine. I like your idea of the bridge replacement and tuners. May just drop in a loaded pick guard with Alnico pickups. Thanks for the review.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment! I'm glad you are enjoying your guitar. I think those who buy the guitar for a modding platform will be pleased with it. I have done quite a bit to mine so far, with more planned...the more I do the better it becomes. A drop in loaded pickguard definitely would be a good upgrade, as I feel these pickups are pretty weak sounding, but do however sound pretty good clean.

[@stevedeshotel2417]

Very informative and well thought out. Could you provide links for the upgrade items and where can I get a plug in tuner like yours. Please show the finished modded instrument when completed. S

[@jjcollins]

Hi Steve, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I will see what I can do with videos for the future. The guitar has already had some changes, and some filming has been done so far. I'm still not 100% sure what the final outcome will be but most likely everything will be changed on it. The tuner that I usually use in my videos is an older korg tuner. DT-4 is the model number. I have had it for well over ten years, and I'm not sure that they make it anymore. However if you can find one online somewhere I highly recommend it. Its a digital strobe tuner and is very accurate. Another good option is the Korg TM60, not a strobe tuner but still very accurate. The bridge that I show in the video is a Wilkinson WOV01, and is currently installed in the strat. So far it is performing well and will probably stay in the guitar, unless I decide to go with a brass block. See what the future brings...

[@stevedeshotel2417]

Thanks, I found a used one for $33. Can’t wait to see your Squier after your mods are completed. S

[@McB41n69]

I'd be interested to see how the mods turn out and I'm sure others would. (ie, how good can I make this thing for a minimal cost). I wrote this guitar off because of a video that mentions the thickness (although I did consider just cutting a trem block down to size). It's very difficult to get an honest review instead of watching a commercial. Liked and subbed.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comment and for watching! Considering that the video seems to be somewhat popular, and has had some interest in the community here, we will see what the future brings. If you are good with metal working, you probably could cut down a standard size block and make it fit, but personally I wouldn't go through all the hassle of that. There are many replacement blocks available in this size, as well as full bridge assembly's available for affordable prices. pretty much in any hardware color and in steel and/or brass blocks. just gotta know where to look and make sure you buy the right size.

[@nearmyth]

@@jjcollins 36mm Trem block is all you need. Amazon has some good copper blocks for around $21.

[@jjcollins]

@@nearmyth yup absolutely correct. Many options available. I was thinking about putting in a brass block, but at this time 'im sticking with the wilkinson tremolo that I have, and have shown in the video. that could change down the road though.

[@nearmyth]

Nice vid. I also have acquired a red Debut. I have a question, open to all, and that is - I want to upgrade the bridge and tremolo block. Doesn’t anyone have any recommendations and is there a bridge with modern saddles that will work on it? I’m going to be upgrading the bridge, the nut, the tuners and I’m making a Prewired ssh pick guard to drop in while I have it apart. I’m using two Wilkinson alnico blues in r and m and a bill Lawrence in the bridge position.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking time to watch and comment! I greatly appreciate it! Sounds like your guitar will be amazing when it is done. I'm not going to go into too many details at the moment, especially since I will probably be doing a video series with mine as I go along,... but everything will be replaced on mine as well. Bridge and tuners are already done. Currently doing research on other parts and some other items for the upgrade are on their way. As for your question about the bridge, I'm sure there is something that will work for you, just depends on what you want to spend etc. Many options available on amazon. You could also keep the one you have on the guitar and upgrade the block, springs and saddles to your liking as well.

[@nearmyth]

@@jjcollins I was too impatient and just did the Wilkinson wvo1 (I think that’s the designation, or something close lol). Now I’m trying to decide on the pickup config and which tuners. I might even see if I can get an overly confident luthier to route out the tail,for a kahler or Floyd rose. I’m prolly gonna do that on my black 1970s Squier. lol damn me and my adhd

[@nearmyth]

@@jjcollins I wrapped up the first round of mods, shielded w copper tape, replaced bridge and Trem block, replaced all of the wiring, pots, and pickups but decided to leave it in the sss config, I was originally going for an hss setup. I also replaced the tuners and gave it a sweet setup. It plays like a fender pro on butter. NOW I’m not thrilled with the pickups that are in it now, they’re Wilkinson alnicos but for some reason there’s just no beef in the tone at all. So I might try a new array. Either way I am donating it to a guitar school in NY.

[@jamescreswell9037]

Sonic series is a 'new exciting colours' rebadge of the former Bullet series, and Debut series appears an even cheaper basic no frills nor config options rebadge or that in three basic colour choices? Is that a fair summary?

[@jjcollins]

100% spot on from what I have seen and experienced.

[@billmerrell2797]

Wouldn't you be able to make a warranty claim for a defective bridge because the tremolo bar not seating and the tuner that doesn't function? Looks like manufacturer defects here.

[@jjcollins]

Hi Bill, yes in theory you are absolutely correct. The issue with that is fenders warranty claim service is both a joke and a nightmare to deal with, and I say this both as a consumer as well as a former dealer as I worked in guitar and music retail for 10 years previously. As a consumer you will have to take the guitar to an authorized service center and have it repaired. In my experience this can be a guitar shop such as guitar center or even an electronics repair shop that fixes tvs and stereos etc. it can be a nightmare. My suggestion to anyone who buys this and has major issues like I did is to return it to Amazon and get a replacement. The headache from fender won't be worth the $120.. thank you for the comment and for taking the time to watch!

[@HR-uz3vj]

Would you recommend this to mod into a Tom Delonge style strat?

[@jjcollins]

Hi. Thank you for watching and for the question. Depends on who does the work needed to be done. I mean it could be possible to do if you wanted a cheap alternative to the real deal. If you buy one, and you like the way it plays then sure, go for it! It's going to need a good setup for sure, a bunch of parts changed and the electronics changed but it could be done. Only major difference is the bridge is not a hard tail bridge, but you could block it and get pretty much the same result. If you decide to do it let me know how it goes. I have done this mod for customers in the past on bullet models, classic vibe models and Mexican fenders. Usually turns out pretty cool.

[@guidry2462]

Good video JJ. 👍

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch Mr. Guidry. I hope it was informative and you enjoyed it.

[@guidry2462]

Yes sir 👍

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

I wonder if those ceramic pickups are the same as on the Bullets and Sonics? The ones on my Bullet actually sound pretty sweet when dialed in.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comment and for watching. It's very possible, although the sonic guitars are supposed to be "upgraded" electronics. Could be bs though. Only way to know is to look at them visually and measure them/take a reading like I did in this video. If they are around 5k resistance they are probably the same. With some adjustments these will probably sound pretty good as well.

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

@@jjcollins Right! Thanks! I'll keep looking for tear downs! I scored an American Fender pickguard (rare here in Bermuda) yesterday, gotta figure out which guitar to put it in!

[@jjcollins]

Very Cool! That should be a nice upgrade for one of your instruments!

[@bluwng]

Good video and good timing. The YnTube is evil just keep being good and you will know what to do.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for the comment and for taking the time to watch the video. I greatly appreciate it and I hope you enjoyed it.

[@thomasmaehnicke2506]

I have a 40year old squire Tele and a Affinity series Strat l be Satisfied ❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@thebipolarbear1]

As far as squier goes a love the affinity series what amazing instruments for the money. Someone looking for a beginner strat or fender in general check them out too

[@jjcollins]

Definitely a lot of good options out there for the money. Classic vibe series is also amazing!

[@onefatstratcat]

You would have to admit for the price it's not a bad guitar by any means

[@jjcollins]

It;s ok for the price. If mine didn't have all the issues out of the box, that would be a different story. I can say with the upgrades I have done so far (video(s) to come in the future) the guitar is really starting to come alive and will definitely be an excellent guitar by the time I am done with it. Thank you for watching and for the comment!

[@thetownspeople6486]

So sorry for coming up a bit short of a Fender. Sorry

[@jjcollins]

with some work it can be just as good. I just want people to know what they are buying before they buy it. Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@jamescreswell9037]

Re the trem arm. Did you try some lube on the arm and applying light pressure (taking care not to crossthread)? Appreciate that it could be a couple of things, most likely the thread in the actual bridge hole wasn't cut cleanly. After inspecting its thread too to see it was cut cleanly, lightly forcing the trem arm into the thread might cut it clean or force any debris out. Nothing to lose. OTOH you may have just gotten a dud as they would only ever random batch QC. I couldn't really see a thread dimensional mismatch occurring... but then again anything is possible. Absolutely cheapest tuners, just unlucky. But I agree, not what one wants for absolute beginners who are the model's target demographic.

[@jjcollins]

Hi James, thank you for watching and for the comment. Truthfully that was the first thing I thought of....maybe it just needs some oil and needs to be worked a bit. Unfortunately it is just a defect. It will take more time for me to diagnose it and fix it then it will to just replace it. And the replacement part will be night and day better anyway. It looks like it was drilled out wrong, like at the wrong angle. I'm not stressing it. Tuners are also a 5 minute replacement job, so not a worry. Currently researching what parts im going to use etc...

[@Alpha_WK]

I think you got a lemon. Mine came in perfect condition.

[@jjcollins]

Definitely possible. All I can do is share my experience, but if yours is a good one, I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@bluwng]

Are you a real person?

[@Alpha_WK]

@@bluwng me?

[@bluwng]

@@Alpha_WK yes

[@Alpha_WK]

@@bluwng no. I exist only in the kingdom of 1s and 0s

[@clintwilson6380]

Whats the point of buying an ultra cheap guitar and spending on components more than you paid for the guitar? Is it just to practice putting stuff on & off the guitar?

[@BADAXE-ij3pj]

I bought one of these for exactly the same reason and found quite a few problems that a beginner wouldnt be able to sort out . Ive decided not to mod it as i dont feel the neck is that great on mine . I bought the Jet js300 and out of the box everything was so much better than this . The neck feels amazing and so i have upgraded that . This Squire Debut like you say isnt as good as the hype and there are other cheap guitars of other brands out there that kick its ass . I felt a bit disappointed with fender to be honest who could have made a better entry level guitar . I made a video about the squire debut after i had the guitar for a week and like you i wasnt singing their praises unfortunately

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and comment! I greatly appreciate it! I went to your page, watched your review and left you a comment there. The Jet brand may be something that I look at in the future, I have seen good things about them lately. I agree 100% as this guitar should have been a lot better than it ended up being, especially when so many other brands are doing much better for the money, or even at a lesser cost. I'm keeping mine and the upgrades have already started...but lets just say it will now be a several hundred dollar guitar and not $119 any more. : )

[@BADAXE-ij3pj]

@@jjcollins Thank you for the reply .With the Jet i love the neck and play-ability so i thought changing the pickups and the tuners were worth it .I now have a really nice guitar but with this squire im not in love with the neck on the one i received so im not upgrading it . I still haven't decided whether im keeping it or selling it yet . I have far to many guitars as it is but dont we all 🤣

[@jamesbwell7118]

Definitely a lemon. Brought two, (one to mod,one to practice my playing and to beat on) both came in perfect condition. Sorry your experience wasn’t the same.

[@jjcollins]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment. My experience has been unfortunate, but it is nothing I can't fix. I'm glad yours are the way they should be. What mods are you thinking of doing?

[@jamesbwell7118]

@@jjcollins Musiclily Pro 6 inline Guitar Locking Tuners and Musiclily Pro 52.5mm Vintage 6-Screw Tremolo Bridge 36mm Solid Brass Block. I’m thinking of leaving the electronics the same unless something breaks. Sounds fine to me for a beginner.

[@jjcollins]

Those should be good choices for overall improvements in tuning stability and tremolo feel as well. You will probably get better sustain out of the guitar as well.

[@christopheraaron8299]

It's not the re-branding of the Bullet. It's a lower tier instrument than the Bullet. The paint job is bare bones and the body is thinner and made of poplar instead of basswood. The electronics are the same cheap ceramic pickups and dime size pots you get in most budget Strats. They're also made in China, where manufacturing costs are extremely low. This is Fender's answer to the Chinese budget guitar market, you know like Harley Benton, Glarry and others. Why pay $100 for an imitation when you can pay $20 more for a real Strat?

[@jjcollins]

And you know this how? You work for fender? Have you played a bullet? This guitar is 90% of the same specs of the last series of the bullet...which were also made in Indonesia and China. I also did discuss the Chinese guitar situation with eBay and Amazon. You didn't watch more than 5 minutes of the video "Mr. Know it all"...glad you enjoyed it.

[@DarylT64]

I too would be curious about the upgrades. Hope you do the videos on the upgrades. I for one would love to see them. This may be worth getting for a mod project. Can't wait to see what you do to it. Great to see an actual tech do a review on an affordable guitar and explain the specifics . I get to learn from you and that will help me to work on my own guitars Really good video and review.🎸🤘🏻

[@jamescreswell9037]

Pretty much is a rebadged Bullet, just in its former most basic form as marketed internationally. Sonic is also the Bullet renamed, but with a new vibrant colour range, PUP config options plus variable body and fretboard wood priority. Debut is much like the former Bullet, but restricted to three basic colours & a single config option. Basswood vs Poplar? Regardless what is says in the specs, who'd truly know? Could be either. Both are very soft woods, with Basswood the softest (least dense) IMPE. Lightest, but dents easiest. I'll take Poplar every time between those two. I have guitar bodies from both. Being dismissive of place of manufacture being China is just silly today. IMPRE Made in China is superior BQ & QC to Made in Indonesia in 2024 IMPE comparing two Bullet Teles emanating from both sources along with a myriad of others at all price points. I bought a MIC Bullet Tele Dec 2022 on a 'curiosity couldn't not' New Year's SALE, allegedly with a Basswood body, and was blown away by how good it was for so little money. My Made in China Gretsch Electromatics are truly outstanding BQ. Source doesn't matter. Contract spec and price paid by the contractee to the contractor is what does.

[@thebipolarbear1]

Yes sir new bullet indeed. I hope squire makes the tom delonge starcaster version for us broke musician's

[@jjcollins]

As I read more of the comments here, many people are agreeing to my assessment, which I'm glad to hear. I'm not a blink fan, but that starcaster looks amazing! An affordable version will sell through the roof I'm sure! Definitely looks like a cool guitar for many styles of music. Thank you for the comment and for taking the time to watch. I greatly appreciate it!

[@philliprowe2656]

Mine didn't have those problems,you must have gotten a bad one!

[@jjcollins]

It's definitely possible. A few people have mentioned that they have received a good one, which I am glad to hear. Unfortunately I can only share my experience. I'm glad to hear that yours was the way it should be! Enjoy it, and thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment.

[@philliprowe2656]

Yes don't know why that tuning machine locked up and the tremolo arm could not be installed correctly!

[@sharkey9]

Too many guitars is not a thing. It's too small of a place.

[@ibberman]

Frets seem low. to me at least.

[@jjcollins]

they are standard fender vintage style frets. they seem / feel normal to me...they actually did a good job with those / installed nicely.

[@ibberman]

@@jjcollins Thank you, appreciate the info 👍

[@jjcollins]

@@ibberman you're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to watch and for the comment / question.

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

in my opinion this stupid thing is on the low lower end of the Squier series . in my opinion there's no need for Fender to pander to the cheapo low budget guitar segment of the population. I've watched tons of other shill channels that are promoting this guitar & getting paid to shill for the company telling us how great it is. in my opinion it's not that great for the price point.. & this idea of modding it with better hardware is so dumb.. just spend a little more money for a better Squire that already has the better pick ups & what not.. & besides in my opinion there are a lot of fake fender pick ups & fake fender parts & fake named brand hardware so we don't really know what we are getting when placing orders on line.. we just better off investing a little more money into a better product & buy from a reputable store

[@bluwng]

Not a fan of skunk stripes from a design and manufacturing standpoint it makes zero sense for any neck with a seperate fretboard.

[@jjcollins]

I can agree and relate to that. Like I mentioned in the video, for me it's just a feel thing that I am accustomed to when playing a strat. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and I hope you enjoyed the video.