Gift Guitars for less than $200

Despite the fact that my eye has been firmly locked on a thing that costs as much as a used car (well, a shitty used car), it may seem strange that I'm so focused on cheap guitars.

Here's the thing...

Cheap guitars are fun. And cheap.
So cheap in fact that every single guitar on this list could be purchased for LESS THAN that PRS I want so badly.

Squier Cyclone $150


There is a cartoon on the headstock. Do you need another reason at this price?

The bridge is probably crap, the tuners questionable, and the frets only just serviceable. It doesn't matter.

There is a cartoon cyclone on the headstock.

I repeat: A cartoon on the headstock.

Yamaha Pacifica $140

I'm a huge fan of the Pacifica, because every time I pick mine up, I'm surprised at the quality of the critical construction elements: the neck, the body, the neck joint..

Not sure if this example will be as good as mine, and I'm certain that a new bridge block would be in order, but I bet you could talk this sell down to $120, maybe even $100.

The only other item I'd recommend is an additional string tree - there is only one on these, and the D and G strings really benefit from having another.

Squier MIK Jazz Bass - $190

Yes, a bass.

This bass, at this price, might be the most interesting thing on this list. A Korean Squier from the mid nineties, I think there is actually a ton of value to be had here, and interestingly enough, it is the same seller as the Pacifica mentioned above.

There's probably a deal to be struck if someone was looking to buy both.


Squier Telecaster Standard w/EMG - $350

I've often said that you should never try and sell a guitar with upgrades, because you'd be much better off piecing out the upgrades and selling the guitar stock.

A brand new Squier Telecaster sells for $350.

Unless you are standing in a shop about to buy a red Squier Telecaster as well as a set of EMG pickups, you're not interested in this at this price.

At $200 it would be interesting.  Anything more is a hard pass.





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