Squier Strat VS. Yamaha 112

[Jonny]

Hey,

I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.

1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
as the bottom of the barrel is concerned. Now here's what i know:
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.

Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.

So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.

2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?

Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.

beuh_jonny

[Eric R]

Post by Jonny
Hey,
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.
1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.
Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.
So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.
2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?
Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.
beuh_jonny

Well I just had the same decision to make and I went for the Yamaha,
others will go for the Squier, its a personal choice when you buy a guitar as
it becomes a part of you eventually. Actually I wanted to have the humbucker,
so the alternative would have been the fat strat. You could probably get a
better practice amp and other accessories if you purchased seperately, but the
package is a convience thing, and in the future you'll be buying a bigger amp
anyway.
Eric

[Scott]

the singles on the squire are supposedly pretty weak.

Pickups can be changed inexpensively. I got a cheap strat clone at a pawn
shop for $120 and some Fender pickups off e-bay for $50. Slapped on some
new tuning machines for $30, and I got an "almost" strat for $200. Just
something to think about.

for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.

My guess is that's because you can by a Squier ANYWHERE. I think Burger
King is looking into cutting a deal with them. Yamaha electrics are much
less prevalent and therefore less popular.

Bottom line, buy the guitar you will be happy with until you can buy a better
one. Even if the Yamaha is better than the Squier, it will be a waste of
money if you get sick of it in a couple of months.

Best advice I ever got: Buy a beginner guitar that will last you until you
can buy your dream guitar. Don't buy anything else in-between. Otherwise
you'll end up buying a $150 guitar, then $300, then $500, then $700, then
finally the $1200 guitar you really want. You wasted more than $1000 dollars
because you didn't take the time to find a guitar you were happy with.

[Jonny]

Yeah, that's something i read but didn't weigh into my consideration: the
squier strat is the perfect base for a heavily modded guitar. (Something i
didn't even know people did till i did my research last night!)

The thing is that i would much rather prefer the convenience of a guitar
that plays well out of the box. Changing parts sems like it would be a
difficult and tedious process for someone will my level of expertise
(NONE!), so i decided to just stay away from the idea of modding my guitar.

In regards to what you said about keeping the first one i get until i hae
the cash for my dream guitar, do you think the yamaha is a good enough
guitar to last me all the way there?

thanks jonny

Post by Scott

the singles on the squire are supposedly pretty weak.

Pickups can be changed inexpensively. I got a cheap strat clone at a pawn
shop for $120 and some Fender pickups off e-bay for $50. Slapped on some
new tuning machines for $30, and I got an "almost" strat for $200. Just
something to think about.

for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.

My guess is that's because you can by a Squier ANYWHERE. I think Burger
King is looking into cutting a deal with them. Yamaha electrics are much
less prevalent and therefore less popular.
Bottom line, buy the guitar you will be happy with until you can buy a better
one. Even if the Yamaha is better than the Squier, it will be a waste of
money if you get sick of it in a couple of months.
Best advice I ever got: Buy a beginner guitar that will last you until you
can buy your dream guitar. Don't buy anything else in-between. Otherwise
you'll end up buying a $150 guitar, then $300, then $500, then $700, then
finally the $1200 guitar you really want. You wasted more than $1000 dollars
because you didn't take the time to find a guitar you were happy with.

[Scott]

Post by Jonny
The thing is that i would much rather prefer the convenience of a guitar
that plays well out of the box.

Everyone would, but you get what you pay for. You can't expect a Squier
to play like a Gibson.

Post by Jonny
Changing parts sems like it would be a
difficult and tedious process for someone will my level of expertise
(NONE!), so i decided to just stay away from the idea of modding my guitar.

Well, I'm not going to tell you you're wrong--I don't even know you. But
changing pickups in a guitar is easier than installing a car stereo and almost
as easy as installing a home one. Each pickup has two wires. One pickup
is different (the wiring is reversed), and that one goes in the middle.
As long as you change one pickup at a time, you shouldn't have any problems.

But hey, you may like the sound of the Squier and want to stick with it.
That's fine. I'm just saying that a cheap guitar can last you much longer
than you might initially think. The most important thing is to make sure
the neck is on straight (the action should not be too high near the body)
and that the guitar can play in tune (have the store intonate it before you
buy it and then listen to them play it). Anything else (pickups, tuning
machines, etc.) can be modified later, as needed, without too much cost or
effort.

Post by Jonny
do you think the yamaha is a good enough
guitar to last me all the way there?

I don't know. Remember what I said about Yamaha electrics not being as widely
available? I haven't seen a store near me that carries them (but I haven't
looked too hard). So I don't know anything about it. I would suggest having
someone at the store play both guitars while you listen. That way you'll
know how the guitar CAN sound. Pick the one you like best.

As for me, I went one up from the bottom of the line. I took a $300 Ibanez,
which I love. Of course, you can only buy what you can afford, but don't
buy something just because it's all you can afford. If you don't like what
you're getting, you'll get tired of it and stop playing (or spend more money).
In that case it would be better to wait until you can afford something better.
But if you're happy with either one of the guitars you've mentioned, go
for it.

[BarkBarkWoof]

the squier strat is the perfect base for a heavily modded guitar.
(Something i didn't even know people did till i did my research last
night!)
The thing is that i would much rather prefer the convenience of a
guitar that plays well out of the box. Changing parts sems like it
would be a difficult and tedious process for someone will my level of
expertise (NONE!), so i decided to just stay away from the idea of
modding my guitar.
In regards to what you said about keeping the first one i get until i
hae the cash for my dream guitar, do you think the yamaha is a good
enough guitar to last me all the way there?
thanks jonny

Post by Scott

the singles on the squire are supposedly pretty weak.

Pickups can be changed inexpensively. I got a cheap strat clone at a
pawn shop for $120 and some Fender pickups off e-bay for $50.
Slapped on some new tuning machines for $30, and I got an "almost"
strat for $200. Just something to think about.

for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.

My guess is that's because you can by a Squier ANYWHERE. I think
Burger King is looking into cutting a deal with them. Yamaha
electrics are much less prevalent and therefore less popular.
Bottom line, buy the guitar you will be happy with until you can buy
a

better

Post by Scott
one. Even if the Yamaha is better than the Squier, it will be a
waste of money if you get sick of it in a couple of months.
Best advice I ever got: Buy a beginner guitar that will last you
until you can buy your dream guitar. Don't buy anything else
in-between. Otherwise you'll end up buying a $150 guitar, then $300,
then $500, then $700, then finally the $1200 guitar you really want.
You wasted more than $1000

dollars

Post by Scott
because you didn't take the time to find a guitar you were happy with.

I bought the 112 set on a whim to see if I wanted to play. When I was
getting serious I found the neck on the Yamaha was so thin it hurt my big
hands. I ended up with a Les Paul based on several factors one of which
was I planned to keep it. I thought a 300 or 500 guitar was a waste as
the next step. It may NOT be a bad first step. Go to a Sam Ash or
Guitar Center and feel the guitars in your hands. Let someone play them
for you and make sure they are in tune.

A made in Mexico Strat or Tele is not that much more money and a practice
amp is about 70 or cheaper with guitar purchase. You can also try used
guitars and other brands.

You can get the beginner sets for $180 all in but you would have to think
of it as disposable. Either you will move on to bigger and better or not
play and you wasted less money. Yamaha is probably the Standard in
Student instruments.

[jtees4]

Post by Jonny
Hey,
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.
1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.
Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.
So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.
2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?
Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.
beuh_jonny

Some folks HAVE to have either the Fender (Squire) name on their
guitar...even if it not "really" a Fender. I feel that is why the
popularity of these brands. Yamaha's are generally better made guitars
in my opinion, and they can be had for much less used because they are
not as popular. If you have any intention of ever selling the
guitar-then forget Yamaha, unless you pay very little for a used one
(which is very possible) if you are patient. I do own a 112 (make sure
you get a Pacifica 112, not a 112C or any other number) and I have
been playing for 35 years, so I know what is good. I own three other
Yamaha's and they are all great. Nothing against Squires...but I pick
Yamaha for sure. Not to confuse things, but have you looked at the Jay
Turser's?

[Jonny]

I'd never even heard of Jay Turser till you mentioned it.

which one would you recommend in the same price range? i'll go read some
reviews...

thanks.

jonny

Post by jtees4

Post by Jonny
Hey,
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.
1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.
Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.
So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.
2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?
Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.
beuh_jonny

Some folks HAVE to have either the Fender (Squire) name on their
guitar...even if it not "really" a Fender. I feel that is why the
popularity of these brands. Yamaha's are generally better made guitars
in my opinion, and they can be had for much less used because they are
not as popular. If you have any intention of ever selling the
guitar-then forget Yamaha, unless you pay very little for a used one
(which is very possible) if you are patient. I do own a 112 (make sure
you get a Pacifica 112, not a 112C or any other number) and I have
been playing for 35 years, so I know what is good. I own three other
Yamaha's and they are all great. Nothing against Squires...but I pick
Yamaha for sure. Not to confuse things, but have you looked at the Jay
Turser's?

[Dave Moak]

Post by jtees4
Some folks HAVE to have either the Fender (Squire) name on their
guitar...even if it not "really" a Fender. I feel that is why the
popularity of these brands. Yamaha's are generally better made guitars
in my opinion, and they can be had for much less used because they are
not as popular. If you have any intention of ever selling the
guitar-then forget Yamaha, unless you pay very little for a used one
(which is very possible) if you are patient. I do own a 112 (make sure
you get a Pacifica 112, not a 112C or any other number) and I have
been playing for 35 years, so I know what is good. I own three other
Yamaha's and they are all great. Nothing against Squires...but I pick
Yamaha for sure. Not to confuse things, but have you looked at the Jay
Turser's?

How is the Pacifica different from thw 112C (or other 112 model)? Is it
better?

[jtees4]

Post by Dave Moak

Post by jtees4
Some folks HAVE to have either the Fender (Squire) name on their
guitar...even if it not "really" a Fender. I feel that is why the
popularity of these brands. Yamaha's are generally better made guitars
in my opinion, and they can be had for much less used because they are
not as popular. If you have any intention of ever selling the
guitar-then forget Yamaha, unless you pay very little for a used one
(which is very possible) if you are patient. I do own a 112 (make sure
you get a Pacifica 112, not a 112C or any other number) and I have
been playing for 35 years, so I know what is good. I own three other
Yamaha's and they are all great. Nothing against Squires...but I pick
Yamaha for sure. Not to confuse things, but have you looked at the Jay
Turser's?

How is the Pacifica different from thw 112C (or other 112 model)? Is it
better?

I confused things a little. I think they are all pacifica's just with
slightly different numbers. Yamaha has SO many model numbers that I'm
not sure which ones are even current anymore. I know that I saw a
Pac112C at BJ's wholesale club in a package deal with an amp. I
believe the 112C is made of agathis (a type of pine?) where the
regular Pac112 is alder, and has slightly better pickups also (or so I
am told) There is also other cheaper 112's, I think they are called
112EG or something like that. All I'm saying is that there are sooo
many different models just make sure you are getting a real 112 which
should say it right on the headstock (back or front depending on
model). My personal favorite guitars are the PAC311MS which is one of
their Tele style guitars and I currently have two which I got cheap. I
also have a tele 120SD which I will be selling soon. I probably will
also be selling my 112 soon too. I like them both a lot but I have to
finance my third 311MS which I am close to buying.

[Steve]

My opinion:

I've been learning with my son since Christmas. He has a Pacifica 112, I
have a Squier Strat.
He doesn't play my Strat, but I've played his Yamaha many times.

I prefer my Strat by miles, but I don't know why. I know his guitar is
better built, more flexible, and generally regarded as the pick of the two,
but it just isn't as good to play.

Get the Strat. Easy :-)

[Simon LeFunqe]

Post by Jonny
Hey,
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.
1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.
Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.
So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.
2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?
Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.
beuh_jonny

It sounds like you're leaning towards the Yamaha and quite frankly either
one would probably be fine for you. Get the one you want and don't get too
hung up on what others think. You're going to sound pretty crappy for a
while so any beginners amp should work just fine as well. You should
realize that once you start to improve enough to where you're sounding
like a guitar player you're going to want something better regardless of
what you start with. In fact I doubt that ever stops from what I
understand. I bought some middle of the road equipment, ($750 for guitar
and amp) and while at 4 months I still sound pretty bad I'm always
thinking about better equipment, even though I know the sound I'm getting
is me and not due so much to my gear :)

Whichever way you decide just be certain to have the guitar setup properly
and I would recommend a tuner for sure, as well as a cheap little
metronome. A properly setup guitar will be much easier to play and will be
less frustrating for you. I just had mine setup and it was worth twice
what I paid to get it done. They lowered the action for me and barre
chords are much much easier now. I should have had it done months ago.

Good luck. Have fun with it and let us know what you decide.

[Peter Constantine]

Post by Jonny
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.

I used to own a Squier Strat and a friend of mine has just bought a Yamaha
RGX121 (a kind of 'heavy metal' Pacifica). Compared to the Squier the
Yamaha seems to be an instrument of far higher quality... the fit and
finish are excellent and it is really nice to play.

Personally, I'd say get the guitar that really makes you want to pick it up
and play it... for some this may be a case of just making sure it's the
right colour!


x

[Simon Dixon]

The Yamaha pacifica is generally regarded to be the better guitar, yes, but
there are much greater variations in quality with the squiers, viz. almost
all pacificas are finished to the same relatively high standard ( i know
professional guitarists that still play them as their main guitar) whereas
squiers vary. eg, year of manufacture ( i believe if the serial number stars
with E, you should be getting a better quality one on average) location of
manufacture, i own a japanese sq. Strat and it sounds gorgeous.finish and
fit, action and intonation are were set up well (i did it myself, because it
wasnt perfect for me, but before that it was good) and the japanese onese
are generally considered a hell of a lot better (worth up to twice as
much):::
in conclusion, a complete amateur would probably have to err on the safe
side, and i would recomend the yamaha. however if you have a mate who knows
anything about guitars, take him to see a few. i wouldnt get one from a
catalogue, thats just asking for trouble for a beginner. Simon

Post by Peter Constantine

Post by Jonny
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.

I used to own a Squier Strat and a friend of mine has just bought a Yamaha
RGX121 (a kind of 'heavy metal' Pacifica). Compared to the Squier the
Yamaha seems to be an instrument of far higher quality... the fit and
finish are excellent and it is really nice to play.
Personally, I'd say get the guitar that really makes you want to pick it up
and play it... for some this may be a case of just making sure it's the
right colour!
x

[jtees4]

Post by Jonny
Hey,
I've been learning on a borrowed Classic Acoustic for the last couple of
weeks, and I've decided I enjoy it enough to go out and get my own guitar.
However I want an electric guitar and I don't have much money to spend on
the whole thing so i want to try and squeeze the biggest bang for my buck
into this purchase.
1) I've been reading all about beginner electrics for about the last 7
hours. I know that i've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the
Squier Strat or the Yamaha 112. These are obviously the two best buys as far
-I'm probably going to playing more rock and alternative than jazz so
the Humbucker on the Yamaha is good. Also the singles on the squire are
supposedly pretty weak.
-I read that Yamahas are more sturdily constructed. (Which considering
my clutziness is not a bad thing.) and that they last longer.
-I read that Yamahas have a better sound, and can even be played by
intermediate players, whereas the low sound quality of the squire is only
suited for beginners. The yamaha supposedly has a wider range of tones, and
can play more styles.
-All in all it seems to me like the yamaha sounds like a better buy, but
for some reason the squier strat is still way more popular.
Now here is where i realize that for every 1 yamaha review there are about
30 squier reviews, so there's alot more room for negative criticism for the
squier whereas most of the comments on the 112 are positive.
So, any help along the lines of choosing between these two guitars would be
a huge help. It's really got me confused.
2) Both these guitars are available as "Starter Packs", is it a good idea to
go for this deal? Are the included amps worth the money or are they total
garbage? (let alone all the other goodies such as the strap, the extra
strings, picks, and the tuner. these are all things a total beginner like me
might need.) If the deals aren't worthwile because the amps are no good,
could you suggest an inexpesive beginners amp that would sound good with the
suggested guitar?
Thank you so much for your help. I'm eagerly awaiting a response.
beuh_jonny

I just want to give you one more Yamaha tidbit. They are generally NOT
SET UP VERY WELL from the factory. If you were to play a Squire and a
Yamaha right out of the box the Squire would probably feel much
better. All the Yamahas I bought needed some serious set up, then they
were outstanding. The people who sold them to me probably thought they
were ripping me off because they were horrible until I worked on them.
Also, I'm not trying to talk you out of Squires, I don't have any
Squire experience since the 1960's. I just love Yamahas.