Ibanez IJX30 vs Squier® SE Special Electric

Hi. I'm just starting out and am trying to decide between some of the guitar/amp starter kits. I'm looking in the $199 or lower price range. I mostly enjoy Metal/Hard Rock like Metallica, Queensryche, Van Halen, etc. I came across the Ibanez IJX30 as a 'metal' starter kit and it seems to meet my needs based on reviews I've read.

At $199 from most sites, I'm wondering if it would be noticeably better than the Squier SE guitar kit for $149. From what I've read many mention that the Ibanez stays in tune pretty well, while the Squier has many complaints for not staying in tune well at all. Thanks ahead of time for any assistance!

Hi dudeman135, welcome here.
Personally I have no experience with either kits, but I heard the same you have been hearing about it. Just wanted to let you know

Hi dudeman35,
I'm a newbie myself and bought the Ibanez IJX30 at Guitar Center over the holidays. I really like it so far. Stays in tune very well so far. The amp seems solid, but you'll want to get a decent instrument cable as I've heard that the one that comes with it tends to stop working rather quickly. Good luck with your decision.

I bought the Squier kit a year ago... it was alright... I wouldn't suggest it necesarrily for metal however.

To be honest, the guitar itself isn't bad, what you gotta worry about is the amplifier. That thing reeks of shoddy sound. The distortion isn't very good at all.

I wish I could compare it to the Ibanez kit amp, but I haven't heard it. I would say try it out over the Squier. Although the Squier is a great deal, as the guitar is a great beginner guitar. Really good for beginners! I hence moved on to a Gibson SG Standard, which is miles ahead of either XD

Hey dudeman35,

You should get the Ibanez IJX30 Jumpstart Electric Guitar Metalpak. It's a really Great starter package! The reason I got this package is because of the price and it said "Metalpak", and because it's more suited to playing metal than the Squier kit. The sound of the guitar is pretty sweet. It goes from nice to that Metal tone which I like and it stays in tone too. So far I haven't had any problems with it. And has held up pretty good. I highly recommend you buy this pack.

ya go with the ibanez I've had a squire for the last six years and their nice but they're more for blues and not metal, try and get something with humbuckers.