I am a newbie guitar player and just purchased a new electric. I really wanted the Fender Standard Tele. I wanted that classic country sound and still be able to rock it out when I wanted too. I think the price is fair since your no longer in the Squires at this price range. Being made in Mexico really didnt bother me at this point. My playing level isnt at the point things like that bother me to much. I ended up not buying it only because I could not convince the wife I needed to buy a $600 guitar. I ended up buying a Peavey signature for quite a bit less. Obviously not the same caliber of guitar but good enough for a new guy learning. i cant get that same twangy sound that the tele is famous for out of the peavey but i will say the overall value of the peavey i am happy with. i think the fender standard tele would have made a great guitar too learn off and you would still want to keep it for years to come. man i wish i had bought it.