Well, for a starter guitar, it's far and away better than the First Act and Squier axes out there. (That explains why the pawn shop is flush with them, but no silvertones.) Get this one, as a starter, and you'll find it lasts a long time before you want to trade up.

Sound
Fat and meaty. It's a good guitar to start out with (I did). Much Much better than others in the price range.

Features
Well, I'd like it to come with superstrat style pickups, but twin humbuckers ain't too bad. The pickups have no covers, but that's easily fixed. The tremelo ain't much. Like any of this style, it will go out of tune quick. I don't use the whammybar but stringbending doesn't seem to faze it. The back could be carved, (it's square, not too comfy) but the front is fantastic.

Ease of Use
Nice.

Quality
I got a floor model. It was beat up pretty bad, but after I tightend up all the nuts and such, I've got no real complaints. The stem broke off the three-way switch before I got it, but the stub is enough to operate it by.

Value
Well, I got mine for $35. The shop had had the floor demo model for flat ever, had stopped carrying the model for a while, and kept marking down the price 'till I came along. I'd say that it's one of the best buys I've ever made.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to call, the guitar… read more is fine without their help.

The Wow Factor
Well, It IS an entry level guitar. And anyone who plays guitar knows it is. But anyone else is sure to get blown away by the deep rich blue quilting and the pale neck. I have read that other folks complain about stray paint, but mine doesn't have that problem. Add the swoopy quilted look to the meaty sound, chuck on some chrome pickup covers and maybe cover the name on the headstock with some tape and you have an axe that will tour with ease. It's not a telecaster, but everyone has a telecaster, it seems.

Musical Background:
Hobbyist

Musical Style:
Rock and folk read less