UB:35 Amazon - Fender Telecaster Debut Series $129.00 - Easy Make-Over! But is it Really Worth it?

Amazon - Fender Telecaster Squier Debut Series at $129.00 as of 2024 - Dakota Red
The Fender Squier Debut Telecaster in a Dakota Red satin finish, manufactured in China and sold through Amazon for $129.00 as of 2024 - How does it hold up? In previous videos - I’ve done reviews on a number of Fender Telecaster guitars - from the USA Professional Series to the beautifully crafted Custom shop 1950s and 60s models - In this video I unbox yet another Fender…. Sold by Amazon!
The Fender Squier Debut Series at the time of this recording has two guitar types and 3 colours to choose from, that being the Telecaster and Stratocaster in either Dakota Red, 2 Tone Sunburst and Black. This latest authorised fender guitar manufactured in China is clearly part of the way forward, where traditional guitar giants the likes of Fender and Gibson need to address the never ending influx of budget guitars based on their iconic designs, and of course a never ending problem of fake guitars flooding the market place.
While the guitar is ready to play straight from its box, most reviews on these guitars speak of needing a set-up and I found that to be the case with this Telecaster. While intonation was very good, the action was high, so... along with some quick and easy alterations I tested the guitar through a Blackstar Studio 10 6L6 combo amplifier.
This review takes a good look into what the guitar is made of, what’s under the hood, simple alterations that make for a better playing experience and how to quickly and easily give it a traditional vintage Tele look… Enjoy!
My other 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
In UB 36 Video (Unboxing Video 36) In this video I take a look at a guitar that cost £65.00 delivered to my door. Can such a guitar really be worth buying, particularly for someone starting out - • UB:36 Glarry Stratocas...
If you benefit from what you see and hear, do think about subscribing, hit the bell for notifications and give a thumbs up, it all helps the channels algorithms. Much appreciated.
*Brought to you by Stu’s Guitar Channel - Enjoy Playing Guitar.
Backing tracks for Guitar. Free to download but copyright protected.*

[@michaelthomas9991]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@guillermotafolla4516]

Thank you Stu, My favorite guitar players, Stuart Adamson Nazareth's amazing guitar player, Charlie Burchill.... And now you 😊 Great work 👍

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@lengross4126]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@sirshenduseal]

This is my new favourite KZbin channel ❤️ great videos Sir really love them ✨

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@bravo0105]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@zacharykim295]

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.

[@allenmahan9393]

So cool that you met a subscriber. Im thinking about buying a black one! Thanks, mate 🎸

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@Allen-gj3qd]

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!

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@howdytoyer]

I wish they sold the tele version of the Squier Debut in the United States.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@nigesilvestri6790]

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!

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@nigesilvestri6790]

Will do - it's not scheduled to arrive until mid-August. Will definitely check out the other scratch plates...

[@StuGuitarChannel]

@@nigesilvestri6790 Look forward to it... regards: Stu

[@Stereo_mike]

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

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@gameratorcreator]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@guillermotafolla4516]

Rock On! 😁

[@robertclarkguitar]

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.

[@robertclarkguitar]

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.

[@robertclarkguitar]

I did like the bullet had string thru though. Thats important to me. But I know it's not too hard to drill.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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]

@StuGuitarChannel no problem. Thank you. I was just clocking out watching my grandbaby 10 hours. Hahaha I was talkative. Lol. Sleep well 😴

[@StuGuitarChannel]

@@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

[@kingmodestfirst4487]

Great review!

[@StuGuitarChannel]

Many thanks Kingmodestfirst - much appreciated... if your into Telecasters you might enjoy my other reviews on the channel... regards: Stu

[@christopheraaron8299]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend stu also Canada day is Monday where I live ❤😊

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@robertcalvin2643]

Hello mate - nice price and not too much relicing. Wish all Fenders were this price.Cheers

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@7171jay]

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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@7171jay]

​@@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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

@@7171jay Hi - Yes, I was somewhat surprised myself as I did expect it to be lighter. Regards: Stu

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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.

[@user-vs6wg3ck4l]

where is the link to buy???

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@birdman316]

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!

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@birdman316]

@@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...

[@TylorTdog]

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 👍

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@klopfer_im_baellebad]

I love this satin red...would prefer body through strings...but yeah for the price :D

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@christopheraaron8299]

I don't think they're selling the Debut Tele here in the States. We can only get the Strat here.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@christopheraaron8299]

@@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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

@@christopheraaron8299 mmm! I wonder if I could get a discount from Amazon if I put in for a bulk order ;-) regards: Stu

[@dcamnc1]

It may not be something you want, but they do sell the debut p-bass in the states now.

[@jamesthompson6726]

Wish I could get that in the states.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

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

[@jamesthompson6726]

@@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.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

@@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. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2O1aWOeqJKCrNU). 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

[@douglepong]

Answers yes. Get it. It’s 129 dollars lol.

[@StuGuitarChannel]

If on a budget and looking for a brand new fender approved Telecaster... this is hard to beat. Regards: Stu