For guitar enthusiasts who have been playing for decades, like myself since the early sixties, the evolution of affordable guitars is nothing short of remarkable. Back in 1965, my first guitar, a “Prestige” acoustic from Japan, was a visual copy of a Gibson J-50, but its playability and durability were severely lacking despite costing a not-insignificant $65. However, times have changed dramatically. Today, it’s entirely possible to acquire a quality electric guitar for under $400 that can last a lifetime, provided it’s well-maintained. Squier Classic Vibes are a prime example of this. This brings me to an in-depth look at the Rogue Rocketeer Electric Guitar, a model that truly embodies this shift in the market.
The Rogue Rocketeer boasts a range of features that belie its incredibly affordable price point, making it an attractive option for beginners and experienced players alike who are seeking a budget-friendly instrument. Let’s delve into the specifics:
Key Features and Specifications of the Rogue Rocketeer:
- Paulownia Body: The guitar features a Paulownia body, known for being lightweight and resonant. The dual cutaway design is reminiscent of the iconic Stratocaster, but slightly smaller and notably lighter, enhancing player comfort, especially for extended playing sessions.
- Maple Neck and Rosewood Fretboard: The Rocketeer is equipped with a maple neck, a standard tonewood for electric guitars, paired with a rosewood fretboard. This combination offers a comfortable playing experience and contributes to a balanced tonal output.
- Frets: The frets are on the smaller side, which might require some players to adjust their playing style. While some might find them needing a filing for ultimate smoothness, they are comparable to many guitars in this price range and perfectly functional.
- Finish: The review model came in a striking dark royal blue finish, although a classic black option is also available. The paint finish is generally well-applied. Minor imperfections like slight ripples might be visible under close inspection in direct light, but these are purely cosmetic and do not affect playability or sound.
- Tremolo System: The Rogue Rocketeer includes a chrome-covered, Strat-like tremolo system. It’s configured with three springs and set flat against the body. Adjusting the tremolo for a floating setup, as preferred by some for subtle vibrato effects, is easily achievable by removing a spring and adjusting the spring claw. This allows for a light palm press while maintaining tuning stability when not in use.
- Pickups: This model features a versatile pickup configuration: two single-coil pickups and one humbucker. Impressively, these unbranded pickups are exceptionally quiet, arguably more so than some found in higher-priced Fender guitars. This low noise floor ensures a cleaner signal and less interference, particularly beneficial for recording or playing at higher volumes.
- Switching and Controls: A 5-position switch provides access to a variety of tonal combinations from the pickups. All switch positions operate quietly, without unwanted pops or signal dropouts. Engaging the humbucker significantly boosts the output volume, offering a noticeable increase in gain and thickness for heavier styles of music. The simple control layout includes a single volume and a single tone knob, a configuration preferred by many for its straightforward and intuitive operation.
- Tuners: The guitar is equipped with sealed, Schaller-style tuners arranged in a 6-in-line configuration. These tuners function effectively and maintain tuning stability adequately for typical playing demands. While they might not be high-end, their performance is perfectly acceptable, negating the immediate need for an upgrade.
- Body Design: The body design forgoes a traditional pickguard. Instead, the pickups, knobs, and switch are mounted directly into the body, contributing to a streamlined aesthetic. A back panel provides access to the electronics for easy maintenance and modification. The body contours are present, similar to a Stratocaster, but with somewhat flatter sides, offering a slightly different feel but retaining ergonomic comfort.
- Input Jack and Hardware: The input jack is side-mounted and provides a solid, secure connection for the guitar cable. Strap holders are of a good size and include felt bottoms, a thoughtful detail to protect the guitar’s finish.
- Neck Joint: The neck plate is a standard chrome design with a plastic/rubber underside, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit against the body. The neck joint is notably tight, exhibiting no visible gaps, which indicates good build quality and contributes to sustain and resonance.
- Knobs: The volume and tone knobs are round-top, Telecaster-style knobs. Their appearance complements the royal blue body, adding a touch of classic visual appeal.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Rogue Rocketeer electric guitar body in dark royal blue finish, highlighting the humbucker and single coil pickups mounted directly into the paulownia wood, showcasing the simple control layout with volume and tone knobs.
Playability and Overall Impression:
Straight out of the box, the Rogue Rocketeer is surprisingly playable. While a professional setup and a fresh set of strings are always recommended to optimize any new guitar, particularly at this price point, the initial playability is commendable. The guitar is lightweight and comfortable to hold, making it ideal for beginners who are still developing their playing posture and stamina.
Conclusion: Exceptional Value for Money
In conclusion, the Rogue Rocketeer electric guitar is an exceptionally functional instrument, perfectly suitable for both beginners starting their musical journey and experienced players seeking an affordable and reliable guitar. For a delivered price of just $64.99, it represents unbelievable value. While expectations should be set accordingly for a guitar in this price range, the Rogue Rocketeer surpasses them, offering a solid foundation for learning and playing electric guitar without breaking the bank. Just be prepared to perform a basic setup and string change to personalize it to your preferences and playing style, and you’ll have a great instrument in your hands.
