This was my very first rig, and I was overjoyed to have it. But in retrospect, it's just a beginner guitar, or a kick-around guitar, or a budget guitar. It's just above bottom rung as far as stratocasters go. Don't get me wrong, I was able to learn a lot and have a lot of fun, but it just pales in comparison to other guitars.

I still use the amp, but only because I can't afford a better one. It's actually very good for a practice amp, but it still is what it is.

All in all, you should get this if you are a wet-behind-the-ears beginner. If you're not, then you should invest in more quality.

I recieved this package for Christmas a few years ago. It was a pretty good dealfor a beginner, and worked well for me to learn on in my bedroom, but thats about all that should be expected.

The guitar: The construction of the guitar is, well, worth a package this inexpensive. It doesn't stay in tune well, and the pickups are low quality. Really low quality. The tone just isn't satisfying, especially when I'm playing with my friend and his Epiphone. The body seems to be some kind of particle board, and the screws on the pickgaurd, input jack, and strap button don't want to stay in. Also, it weighs much less than a standard Strat, so you can feel the low quality just in holding it.

The amp: Not much to write home anout here either. Its an inexpensive amp that is ok at low sound levels. If playing on this amp, don't expect to change effects, as it is not compatible with a channel-changing switch. I will say, in it's favor, that it includes a drive channel, so you can get a grungy as well as clean sound.

The extras: The included cable has held up very well. The leather ends on the strap where it connects to the guitar stretched out, so I had to buy a new one. The tuner gets it in tune, but is Fender's most inexpensive model (as is everything else in the kit). This package is indended for beginning guitar players, and only suits a beginner. I wouldn't recommend it for someone with more advanced skills, and if you buy this and stick with playing, you will definately want to upgrade. I have upgraded to a bigger and better amp, and now I am really wanting a new guitar. This will not be the last money you spend if you are trying to get into playing guitar.

I ordered this Guitar back in December. Fairly new at playing I was scared about ordering online. Didn't know much about it. But when i recieved my guitar i was able to tune and play. No adjustments were needed, and it played great. Several of my buddies that have played for a while now couldn't believe the quality of this guitar for the price. I think the amp could be a little better, but for the price its great. If your looking for a beginner guitar, this is the one for you. I still play mine quite often, and ordering from this site was also good. Will be ordering a 12 string in the near future.

Please please please do not buy this!!! It is not worth wasting your money on. Any guitar player can tell you that you can get something much better for the same amount of money. The amp is loud but hisses and has no real tone. The guitar is low quality and from Taiwan. It doesnt stay in tune and has terrible fret buzz. The pickups have no tone. The cable shorted within 2 weeks. The dvd is just a demo trying to get you to buy the full version. The tuner doesnt even show what your pitch is, just sharp, flat, or in tune. I would never recommend this to ANYBODY.

If you're an adult and have a few more dollars to spend there are many better choices to make buying separate components rather than a kit. I either plan to or have replaced or modified most of the pieces.

Most importantly the guitar: Newer kits are of Indonesian make. The fretboard and string spacing is non standard. Out of the box you'll get frets buzzing all over. It won't stay in tune for more than a few minutes. You could replace most of the components including the neck to make it better but it's not really worth it. A Mexican Strat isn't terribly expensive and is probably a better value in the long run for beginners.

Issue 2: 15G amp. Not bad for what it is. But but it's not upgradable to a foot pedal to switch from clean to drive channels. No reverb. It's loud enough to make family and neighbors hate you but it's not full featured to take out.

The DVD lesson is decent, but it's a teaser to get you to buy the $20 full version.

Go visit a guitar shop before plunking down cash on one of these starter paks.