Affordable 12-string electrics

Burns Double Six £599

Back in the sixties the Burns Double Six was one of the most popular 12-string electrics and this reissue combines retro character with improved components for increased stability. The wide neck might initially prove a little daunting, but it’s actually more finger-friendly than most. It's sizeable body could deter some, but this classy guitar sounds as big as it looks and demonstrates the performance benefits of a purpose-built design.

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Affordable Soapbar-loaded electrics with P-90-style pickups

Squier VM Tele Custom II £279

The Tele Custom II is the epitome of value with a great Fender feel, beefed-up Tele tones and that classic Keef look. The chunky neck feels great in the palm and really adds to the overall tone and resonance of the instrument.

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Cheap and cheerful starter kits

Squier 'Stop Dreaming, Start Playing' Pack £319

Squier’s 1982 launch sparked the entry-level revolution, and the original budget range still leads the pack with the ‘Stop Dreaming, Start Playing’ bundle. The combination of an Affinity Strat HSS and a feature-rich Fender G-DEC Junior makes it clear this pack isn’t just about scraping by, it’s about twiddling knobs and having fun.

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