Cyber Monday guitar deals for 2017

For those not in the know, "Cyber Monday" is an actual real thing. It's the Monday after Black Friday where you can get the best deals specifically buying stuff online. The Amazon home page, for example, still lists a ton of stuff at deep-discounted prices.

But this is about guitar deals, so let's get to that.

Squier by Fender Stratocaster Pack

This Strat pack is a "comes with everything" that includes an instructional DVD. Still a great price and still one of the best ways to gift a guitar to a beginner because everything needed is literally in the box.

If you want just the guitar, that's listed below.

Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package

This is the same price as the Strat pack above but in a Les Paul flavor. While it does not come with a DVD, it does come with everything else. If you'd rather just get the guitar alone, it's specifically the Epiphone Les Paul Special II model.

Safstar Electric Bass Guitar Full Size

Glad to see a beginner bass package this year. It is a full size 34" scale bass (meaning not kid size,) comes with the gig bag, and yes it comes with an amp. Photo doesn't show one but it is provided.

If you want just a bass guitar without the extra stuff, I recommend the Ibanez GSR200. Good colors, solid build, good sound, good features, nice price.

Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster

One of the best (if not the best) bang-for-the-buck Teles, this one looks right, plays right, and sounds right. The redo of the Squier logo on the headstock also gives this guitar a classy look. Lefty version available.

Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster

Good to see Squier offering a Strat in Surf Green this year, which is definitely one of the coolest Strat looks that has ever existed. If you're going to go for a low-cost Strat, this is a decent option and priced right. Lefty version available in Sunburst.

What is the guitar shown at top?

That's the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster in Fiesta Red.

The specific combo of Fiesta Red with the one-piece maple neck is arguably the most recognizable Stratocaster look of all time. Since it is a Classic Series model, it's built to '50s specifications where the hardware matches the look. And since it's a Mexico build, it's well under $1,000 to buy.

For those that want a Strat that totally and absolutely captures the classic style and sound, the one shown at top is what to get. And believe me, it's a good one as it does have a 5-star Amazon rating. Doesn't get any better than that.

Published 2017 Nov 27