Fender AUS-0371812038-COMBO-STD Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Electric Guitar Fender AUS-0371812038-COMBO-STD is from Squier, the value brand of iconic American guitar maker Fender. Known for producing affordable versions of classic Fender designs, Squier has been supplying beginner and intermediate guitarists with quality instruments since 1982. This particular model aims to replicate the iconic Fender Stratocaster in a smaller, more affordable package while retaining familiar Fender tone and playability. With Squier's Stratocaster lineage and Fender craftsmanship behind it, this short-scale model is an excellent choice for new players seeking that timeless Fender sound and style. Its shorter 24-inch scale length reduces string tension, making the fretboard easier to navigate for smaller hands while still delivering full, rich tone.

Overview

The Squier by Fender Short Scale Stratocaster electric guitar features a short scale design with a 24 inch scale length, making it a great choice for beginner guitarists, younger players, or those with smaller hands who may find a full scale electric guitar difficult to play. The shorter 24 inch scale length reduces the tension on the strings, making bends easier while still retaining good intonation. This makes the Short Scale Strat an easy and comfortable guitar to learn on.

With its iconic double cutaway Stratocaster body shape, the Short Scale Strat echoes Fender's classic designs but in a smaller, more accessible package. It's crafted with a poplar body and comes in several eye-catching finish options. The short scale maple neck has a smooth satin finish and a C-shaped profile that fits nicely in the hand. This beginner-friendly guitar also comes equipped with three single coil pickups for classic Fender tones. Overall, the Squier Short Scale Strat offers an excellent way for new players to get started on electric guitar with a high-quality instrument built to Fender's standards.

Another great short scale electric guitar option for beginners is the Ortega Guitars RST5. With its compact 30.3 inch scale length, the RST5 is designed specifically for smaller players or those with smaller hands. It features a lightweight basswood body and fixed bridge for maximum playability and comfort. The maple neck has a soft C profile that is easy to grip. It comes loaded with two humbucking pickups that provide a warm, full-bodied tone perfect for a wide range of musical genres. An adjustable truss rod allows you to customize the neck relief, while die-cast tuners keep the guitar in tune. Available in attractive finishes like black, red, and sunburst, the Ortega RST5 pairs great looks with easy playability. For beginners seeking an affordable short scale model, the Ortega RST5 is an excellent choice to consider alongside the Squier Short Scale Strat.

When shopping for a beginner electric guitar, deciding between a short scale or full scale instrument is an important consideration. Short scale models like the Squier Short Scale Strat and Ortega RST5 reduce string tension and allow for easier fretting and bending, making them ideal for younger or smaller players. Their compact size and lightweight build are also great for smaller hands. However, full scale guitars offer longer sustain and generally better intonation across the fretboard. So while short scale guitars may be easier to play at first, many beginners will eventually want to move up to a full scale instrument. Trying out different scale lengths in person is the best way to determine what feels most natural and comfortable. Both the Squier Short Scale Strat and Ortega RST5 provide quality options to get started on electric guitar, with the Squier offering the iconic Fender design and the Ortega providing an affordable short scale model.

Sound & Tone

The Squier Stratocaster produces a bright, punchy tone that works well for a variety of musical genres. The alnico single-coil pickups provide a classic bell-like Strat tone, with crisp highs and tight low end. There's a nice sparkle and chime to the sound, especially when playing clean. The bridge pickup has plenty of bite for rock and blues playing, while the neck pickup delivers a smooth, mellow jazz tone.

The versatile tonal palette makes this a great choice as a first electric guitar. It can cover the sonic ground needed for rock, blues, country, pop, and more. The 5-way selector switch allows accessing the bridge pickup alone, neck pickup alone, both pickups in parallel, and more combinations. Overall, the Squier Strat offers a well-balanced tone profile suitable for beginning guitarists.

Another great option for a beginner electric guitar is the Valencia VC204H. This guitar features a double-cutaway mahogany body and maple neck for balanced tone across the frequency range. It has two humbucker pickups that can deliver everything from warm, rounded tones to aggressive growl and crunch. The mahogany body contributes some midrange punch, while the maple neck adds crispness and tightness.

The Valencia VC204H is versatile for classic rock, hard rock, metal, blues, jazz, and more. The dual humbuckers allow for thick, saturated distortion tones when you want to play heavy rock or metal. But switching to the neck pickup and turning down the gain also produces smooth, mellow jazz tones. This flexibility makes it great for new guitarists who want to explore different genres.

In terms of playability, the Valencia VC204H features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile that accommodates both chording and soloing. The rosewood fingerboard has a smooth feel. And the dual cutaway body style provides easy access to even the highest frets. Overall, this is a well-made and great sounding electric guitar for beginners looking for tonal variety.

When comparing the Squier Stratocaster and Valencia VC204H, the Strat offers that classic bell-like single coil tone, while the Valencia provides thicker humbucker tones. The Strat can cover a wide range of genres well, though the Valencia may be better suited for higher gain rock/metal playing. Either guitar would make a solid choice for a beginner's first electric. Trying both out in person is recommended to determine which tone profile you prefer.

In summary, the Squier Stratocaster produces versatile single-coil tones, while the Valencia VC204H offers flexible humbucker voices. Both are quality starter electric guitars. Playing them side-by-side will help new guitarists decide which sound suits their style best. With practice and experimentation, a beginner can craft great music on either guitar.

Playability

The Squier by Fender Short Scale Stratocaster is an excellent choice for beginning guitarists or players with smaller hands thanks to its short 24” scale length. The shorter neck and fretboard make chording and soloing easy, allowing new players to build strength and dexterity without straining to reach.

Even with its short scale design, the Stratocaster still delivers the comfortable neck profile that Fender is known for. The thin C-shaped maple neck and Indian laurel fingerboard are smooth and inviting. A satin finish on the back of the neck enhances playability by allowing fast movement up and down the fretboard.

The guitar's small body size also contributes to comfort and ease of playing. Weighing in at just 7 lbs, the Short Scale Strat can be played standing or sitting without fatigue. Overall, the guitar's size and dimensions give it a very playable, non-intimidating feel.

While designed with beginners in mind, the Strat's excellent playability makes it a great choice for guitarists of any experience level looking for a comfortable, easy-playing guitar for gigs or practice sessions. The Short Scale Strat's slim neck and effortless playability help inspire creativity and allow guitarists to concentrate on making music.

Hardware & Electronics

The Squier Short Scale Stratocaster features quality hardware and electronics that deliver classic Fender tone and playability.

Bridge

It has a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge which provides great tuning stability and allows for expressive tremolo effects. The saddles are made of steel which enhances sustain and resonance.

Tuners

The guitar comes equipped with 6 vintage-style tuning machines. They provide precise and smooth tuning as well as a classic look.

Pickups

There are three single-coil Stratocaster pickups that generate the signature bell-like Strat tones from sparkling cleans to growling overdrive. The bridge pickup delivers bite and twang, the middle pickup a quacky honk, and the neck pickup warm, round tones perfect for blues and jazz.

Controls

It has a 5-way pickup selector switch, master volume and two tone controls. This versatile electronics configuration allows accessing the full range of Fender Stratocaster tones. The pickup selector provides bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, and neck pickup combinations.

Finish Options

The Squier Short Scale Stratocaster comes in several classic Fender electric guitar finishes that look great while being durable enough for heavy use.

Some of the finishes available include:

• Metallic Black - This glossy black finish gives the guitar a dark, sleek look. The metallic flecks add visual interest.

• Brown Sunburst - Featuring a brown center that fades into black around the edges, this iconic Fender finish oozes vintage appeal.

• Candy Apple Red - For guitarists who want something eye-catching, the glossy Candy Apple Red finish delivers bright, vibrant color.

• Lake Placid Blue - The satin Lake Placid Blue finish has a smooth, matte look. The light blue hue gives a cool, understated vibe.

• Surf Green - Reminiscent of Fender's famous green guitars of the 1960s, Surf Green has a vintage, retro feel that looks great on stage.

No matter your aesthetic preferences, the variety of finishes offered on the Squier Short Scale Stratocaster means you'll be able to find a great-looking guitar that inspires you to play.

Pros

The Squier by Fender Short Scale Stratocaster electric guitar has several advantages that make it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for an affordable, easy to play electric.

• Affordable Price - At around $180, this Squier Stratocaster is very reasonably priced compared to most Strat-style guitars, making it a great entry-level model. The quality is quite good for the low cost.

• Short Scale Playability - With its 24" scale length, the strings are less taut than a full-scale guitar, making bends easier and reducing hand fatigue. The short scale is ideal for smaller hands or younger players.

• Bright, Versatile Tone - The Squier Stratocaster produces classic bright, chimey Strat tones that range from sparkling cleans to crunchy overdrive. The three single coil pickups offer tonal versatility for playing a variety of musical styles.

Cons

The Squier Strat Mini has a few drawbacks to consider. As an inexpensive, short-scale model aimed at beginners and younger players, it may lack some features more advanced guitarists want.

• May lack low end for some genres: With its smaller 22.75" scale length, the Mini Strat can lack some deep low end compared to full-size Strats, especially when using higher gauge strings. The tone may be a bit thinner for genres like metal and rock. The single coil pickups also aren't as hot and thick sounding as humbuckers.

• Cheaper hardware/electronics: To meet the lower price point, Squier uses cheaper hardware and electronics than what you'd find on a standard Fender Strat. The tuners, bridge, pickups, pots, and switches are decent but basic. Serious players may eventually want to upgrade some components.

Who It's For

The Squier by Fender Short Scale Stratocaster electric guitar is a great choice for beginner guitarists, musicians with smaller hands, and players looking for versatility across musical genres.

The short 24" scale length makes the strings easier to press down and allows for comfortable fretting, especially for younger students and guitarists with smaller hands. Many find the short scale length helps build finger dexterity and strength before moving up to a full size electric guitar.

The classic Stratocaster design and SSS pickup configuration provides a wide range of tones that work for rock, blues, jazz, funk, pop, and more. Beginners will appreciate having a guitar that can produce diverse sounds as they explore different styles during the early stages of learning guitar.

Overall, the Squier Short Scale Stratocaster's playability, classic look and feel, and tonal flexibility make it a top choice as a first guitar or travel guitar for guitarists of all ages and skill levels.

Verdict

The Fender Squier Bullet Short Scale Stratocaster is a great affordable short scale guitar that's ideal for beginners and those with smaller hands. Though it's made with cheaper materials, it provides a very playable experience right out of the box. The short 24" scale is comfortable for smaller hands, yet the slim neck still allows easy access to upper frets.

The dual single coil pickups offer that classic Strat tone, making it versatile for a variety of genres. While experienced players may want higher end electronics and hardware, this guitar provides everything a beginner needs to start their guitar journey. The streamlined controls and comfortable neck allow new players to concentrate on technique and learning songs.

More advanced guitarists may appreciate this short scale model for portability and compact size. It can make a great travel guitar or nice addition to a collection for unique tones. For those seeking their first guitar or wanting a budget-friendly backup option, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster is an excellent choice that won't break the bank.