u/AlgaeMental2202

Hi all,

Complete beginner here, I've literally never touched an electric guitar before. I'm about to buy my first one and I'm stuck between two options:

1. **Squier Sonic Strat HSS** — €196
2. **Harley Benton ST-20HSS** — €110

I'll be pairing it with a Mooer Hornet Modeling/BT Combo (€89).

A few questions for you all:

- Is the ~€85 price jump from the HB to the Sonic worth it for someone at my level?

- Anyone owned/played both? What did you wish you knew before buying?

- I'm planning to pay for a setup (~€30 at Thomann) regardless of which guitar I pick. Does that change the calculation?

Not looking to spend more than this, Affinity tier is out of budget. Open to any wisdom or 'I wish I'd known X' advice. Thanks!