Can This $169 Guitar Pack Actually Rock? STRICH SST-S10 Final Setup & Review

Welcome back to Ted Talks Guitars and Life! Today, we have the new STRICH SST-S10—back on the workbench for its final setup, tone samples, and my concluding thoughts on whether this budget guitar pack is worth your $169. STRICH Electric Guitar Beginner Kit (Now on Sale for $149) https://amzn.to/4qTSrLq *Amazon Affiliate Link We are turning this budget-friendly Strat-style guitar into a true rock and roller. In this episode, I walk you through my full TRAIN setup process to ensure peak playability. We also dive into the three major improvements STRICH has made to this second-generation starter pack based on reviewer feedback. In this video: The Final Setup: Using the TRAIN method (Tune, Relief, Action, Intonation, Nut) to get this guitar playing its best. Under the Hood: Verifying the 15:1 ratio tuners and discussing the Techwood (HPL) fingerboard. Tone Samples: Hearing the articulate ceramic single-coil pickups in action. The Real Truth: Discussing the spring noise, shielding needs, and who this $169 pack is actually for. The "TRAIN" Setup Breakdown: Tune: Tuning between every step to maintain string tension. Relief: Checking neck straightness with a .006" gauge. Action: Setting string height at the 12th fret (1.25mm treble / 1.75mm bass). Intonation: Ensuring the pitch is perfect at the 12th fret. Nut: Checking nut height and applying "nut sauce" for smooth tuning. Special Shout Outs: Sparky’s Guitars: For the "Half Blind Rabbit" screw lube recommendation. @sparkyguitars971 Smoke Eater Guitars: For the custom neck rest. @SmokeEaterGuitars If you’ve missed any part of the journey with the STRICH guitar, check out the playlist here on the channel! Rock on with your best selves! Timestamps 0:33 Safety first: Clipping the strings 1:27 Recommended Gear: Sparky's Screw Lube 2:47 The TRAIN Setup: Starting with Tune & Relief 4:52 Using the Music Nomad Pick Capo 5:53 Setting Action (The Quarter Trick) 7:05 Checking Intonation 7:38 Nut Height: Science vs. Eyeballing 9:10 Applying Nut Lube for stability 10:46 Thoughts on the Techwood board 12:20 Tone Samples: Clean and Dirty 23:00 Final Review: Playability and Tuner Ratios 26:44 The Spring Noise Issue & Shielding 31:16 The Verdict: Is it worth $169? ____ Checkout our playlist page for more series and journeys https://www.youtube.com/@TedTalksGuitars/playlists Special Thanks to our channel members "The Jacks" Want to support the channel? Feel free to explore Channel membership options: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr6kaWeOvldTHvntB3tnMg/join Ted Talks Guitars & Life Merch Store: https://tedtalksguitars-shop.fourthwall.com/ Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3W3PZox *If you click on this link to shop at Amazon the channel will receive a modest financial commission from your purchases. Guyker Referral Link: https://www.guyker.com/?ref=tedtalksguitars If you use the link you will save 15% at Guyker Use the coupon code: TEDSMITH #StrichGuitar #StrichSSTS10 #GuitarReview #BeginnerGuitar #GuitarSetup #TedTalksGuitars #BudgetGuitar #GuitarStarterPack #MusicNomad #ErnieBall