TE-20 BK Standard Series : Tele twang on a budget

If you're looking for a decent starter guitar that won't put you off playing for life, or a cheapo back-up, this is ideal

It's a classic, no frills design and HB have kept the iconic features, including the lipstick pick-up. As with all the HB guitars I've used, this is built well - hardware is solid and functional. The frets are nicely dressed and you certainly won't cut fingers to ribbons on any sharp edges. My only negative criticism is that the white, one ply scratch plate was poorly finished, with some little plastic "hairs" coming off the edges. Two minutes with a bit of fine sandpaper and that was rectified.

It's got a nice clangy twang when you plug it in...no one's going to be fooled into thinking it's a "real" Fender, but for a shade over £50, you really can't go wrong. I would imagine it could sound even better if you swapped out the pick-ups, but it doesn't sound too shabby as it is. Action was nice and low, with just a little buzz on the top 'E'. I raised the saddle a fraction and it was gone.

The great advantage of a guitar like this is that you haven't got to fight against a cheapo tremelo system to get it into tune - it's the ultimate, basic "beater" guitar. Sounds good, easy to play with a nice, skinny neck and decent construction.