Originally Posted by: BSC
Can you tell me what to look for as far as getting a problem guitar?

It's a long list! :p IMO You'd be safest to go for a new starter pack. That way everything should be ok, and if it's not, it'll be under warranty.

Unless you have someone experienced to go with you, you should definitely stick to that route.

Anyway, there's nothing at all wrong with the Squires & the Epi Specials until [u]you[/u] are ready to drop more serious coin. Don't let any brand snobs tell you different.

Also there are the counterfeits to watch out for if buying off Craigslist or other used sources.

[Edit] If you Google the topic Buying an Electric Guitar, you should get some points of interest. Here are a couple

What to look for:
http://www.guitar-resource-center.com/beginners_electric_guitar.html

Top 5 Beginner Guitars:
http://guitar.about.com/od/helpbuyingguitarsgear/tp/electricguitars.htm

How to buy:
http://guitar.about.com/od/commonbeginnerquestions/a/to_buy_guitar.htm