Squier Strat Question

A friend wants a beginner guitar for his son, and was looking at used Squier strat, since they are so plentiful. Am trying to help him get a decent one, and one that is worth upgrading.

So, Standard>Affinity>Bullet seems to be the relative quality build. But where to the Starcasters and the ones just labelled "Strat" fit in?

Which have full-size bodies? Which would you recommend?

I have played a few. Was surprised at the neck on the Starcaster. Thick but I found it quite comfortable.

Thanks!

I got one of these recently

http://www.rondomusic.com/peragro2ts.html

Mines 'antique white ' and the color is pretty convincing. It looks great.

These are full body size strats with conversion 24" scale necks. Bending should be easier with the shorter scale. Thicker neck than my MIM strat - comfortable. Almost no finish on the neck yet smooth. Nice grain. The pickups sound actually pretty good. I'm just going to lower them.

It needs some work -- nut, saddles --but so would the cheapest squiers. Its tough because you don't want to spend alot on a kids first guitar but you need to have it well set up or he will struggle with it and give up. So no matter what you go with pay close attention to that.

I wouldn't touch a starcaster with a 10 ft. Pole. This might be hypocritical considering I play the above, but I wouldnt want a guitar from the shelves of k mart.

How old is he?

I think that could be an SE model. Full size, but thinner body.

He is 11, I think.

Is he a big 11 or a small 11? If he is big enough, with long enough fingers to handle a "full size" guitar, then there are plenty out there. I've even seen an eight year old handle a full scale guitar with no problems. I've found Bullets are a good starter guitar and good enough to be a good "continuer" guitar. The current made in china ones are very good value and can be upgraded easily a a later date. There are even some "china" brands that are VG quality, if you shop around. The chinese seem to be doing what the Japanese did in the 70's and 80's, making their own brand guitars in the same factories that they make the big brand guitars, but using slightly lesser quality components and selling them cheaper. Easy to get a dud though if you go that way so someone who knows what they are doing should check them out first. I advise my students to go with a Squier model of whatever price that they can afford.

I have had and worked on a number of Squiers and my favorites are the SE, Standard and CV's. Personally I am not a fan of the affinity because of the slim neck but it works for many. I have a bullet for one of my daughters right now the plays fantastic the neck just needed a minor set up and I replace the pots, cap and pickups. I have a black SE I got at a pawn shop for $50 I did the same to and I have taken it to a few guitar/amp shows and it always surprises people how good it plays and sounds. I like the larger neck it has but I started playing acoustic first so I was use to a larger neck.
Go out and play some and find one that you are happy with the neck.

+1 for an Affinity. I think it's worth going with a CV if there's any chance the child will end up serious about guitar playing. You can't ask for much more in a starter instrument, and usually you don't have to spend anything on upgrades or setups or anything. Plus you can sell one used without taking much of a hit.