Back in June 2024, we reported that Fender quietly rolled out its own challenger to the wave of cheap Amazon import guitars: the Squier Debut Series. The talking point then was its astonishingly low price tag, but we’ve just spotted that two models have been reduced by 20% for Amazon’s Big Deal Days.
Both the guitar and bass feature a poplar body, a comfortable C-shaped maple neck, ideal for burgeoning players, a laurel fretboard, and ceramic pickups.
Yes, some import brand rivals offer slightly better specs for the price, but this is a licensed Stratocaster or P-bass – not a copy – and, while it is made in China, it comes with the reassurance of Fender’s backing and a two-year warranty.
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What’s more, you also get the considerable benefit of a free subscription to Fender Play – the firm’s acclaimed online guitar lesson platform – bundled into the deal.
There will, of course, be some trade-offs on a budget Strat or P-bass, even when they are made under the Fender umbrella. For instance, those ceramic pickups will get you started, but they’ll be worth swapping out down the line. However, this is a surprising amount of guitar for what was already a very low price, and is now even more competitive – you’ll even have enough left over to bag a tuner, strings, or even an amp.
Looking for more deals? Check out our Big Deal Days guitar deals hub for the best bargains from Amazon and beyond.
