There is a noticable step up in quality when compared to the Squier's Bullet range: the neck does not feel like bare wood, the frets are much smoother, and the bridge is well centered. Unfortunately, the first example had too many crooked screws for my liking, two of its control knobs were smeared with some kind of glue, and a few of its tuning machines were scratched up. Thankfully, the second example seemed to have been made with a little more care. Of course, the string ferrules on both of them were different distances apart from each other, but, sadly, that is more often the case on cheap Telecasters than not. Furthermore, the knobs on both examples turned with audible friction, but no crackling could be heard through the amplifier. The nut was cut adequately on both instruments, and none of them suffered from “fret sprout”. The only thing I would change right away would be the string retainer, for it is flat rather than curved upwards (as on Fenders), so the two high strings are resting against its relatively sharp edge, the effects of friction against which can be heard while tuning the guitar. Left as it is, it might cause tuning instability issues as well as string breakage.
The tone of the humbuckers is a little on the “brighter” side. Definitely not “muddy”. But, as I say, while it is easy to turn down the tone knob, it is impossible to add non-existent treble.
Based on my experience with the examples of this model, it should be a safe choice for beginners because both instruments were made well enough to not require any adjustments or repairs. Both could be played right out of the box. The defects were purely cosmetic.
