Squier Sonic Mustang MN Torino Red

This guitar is great for beginners and experienced guitarists though for different reasons.

Oddly I don’t think it’s suited for the middle ground, eg as a second guitar when you are committed for the foreseeable future.

For beginners it’s a great set of all-round features to get you started. There MIGHT be some issues with fret ends and set up that might impact playing, but these are not of great concern (both because of infrequency and because of the safety net of Thomann’s returns service). It also works as a great modding platform, when you’ve outgrown the pickups, bridge, tuners you name it.

This is consequently what makes it great for advanced guitarists. Someone of experience, who is comfortable modding it DIY, who can manage some basic setup steps to tune it to their liking. Can find a solid foundation to build upon.

As someone who is still early in their exploration of the electric guitar, who wants an instrument to love for the core years where they’ll likely develop a style, write songs and gig etc, you might not have the experience, skill or frankly interest in doing what a luthier should be paid to do - you go buy a more expensive instrument that’s ready to rock out of the box.

I have always wanted a Fender Duo Sonic. It makes my guitar player brain really spark. But it is a very long way out of my current price range. I discovered the Squier Sonic Mustang and got the same brain tingles. The fact that it looks like Azusa (From K-On!)'s guitar helps.

The first thing i did with it was plug it in to the archetype gojira x plugin and was blown away by the capabilities. It does melodic death metal and punk as well as it does pop and country.

The setup on it was not great out of the box but after a trip to my local music shop, it played wonderfully and holds its tuning and intonation better than my Ibanez RG732.

I could really not have wished for a better guitar. I've played cutom built instruments that sell for over 10 times what this does and i would chose this one every day.

Now if only Squier would make a 7 string version

I was looking for a cheaper travel guitar. Picked a few and my 2 year old picked this one. Was rather suprised by the quality of finish and set up. It played well out of the box.
After a proper set up and replacing the pots (The original ones are not the best) you have a nice playing and proper sounding guitar. The pick ups are a bit shrill but replacing the pots made the tone control usable to counter act this. Fret ends are decent. Not the best, but I have seen way worse even on more expensive guitars. I know it can be a hit or miss with these guitars, but this one I don't mind playing.
I mainly use it as a travel guitar. Also taking of the neck and putting it in a suitcase. It is pretty light and thin so ideal for these situations.