Although it took a while Fender have totally addressed the low cost market. The Mexican made guitars are great value. And even the Fender Squier range are incredible value. I would readily suggest a $160 ( or even less ) Fender Squier to a beginner guitar player ... and I myself could play a live gig using a cheap Fender Squier without a problem knowing no-one would even guess I was using a budget priced guitar. They are built great and play great ... I have a couple of friends that have bought Squiers and done nothing more than upgrade the electronics to get an awesome pro level guitar for very low cost. Fender have really nailed that budget market now.