Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I'm looking to spend like $500-700 on the guitar and $300-400 on an amp. Maybe some accessories too, any suggestions?

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Pay an extra 100 or so and pick up a fender strat(american made, could find one used too for cheap), and a fender blues junior. really nice simple setup, great tone. Thats if youre into a very clean sound. If youre into metal [censored], doesnt matter what you get, just grab a distortion pedal, cheap amp, cheap guitar. the shittier it is, the better it is for metal.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
Pay an extra 100 or so and pick up a fender strat(american made, could find one used too for cheap), and a fender blues junior. really nice simple setup, great tone. Thats if youre into a very clean sound. If youre into metal [censored], doesnt matter what you get, just grab a distortion pedal, cheap amp, cheap guitar. the shittier it is, the better it is for metal.

[/ QUOTE ]

what he said...
blues junior is a great value for a bedroom amp, also get an ibanez tube screamer pedal if you have extra cash

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Ya go for the american strat...or as a side option and as a matter of taste you could get an epiphone. In that price range you could get a nice les paul, or for a tad more you could get a sweet hollow body E-series

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I just get a friend of mine who knows his [censored] inside and out to look on ebay and tell me when something is a good deal

I've bought 3 guitars in the last 6 months like this

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I recently bought a Schecter Electric/Accoustic guitar with a custom fit hard case and an amp. Then I realized that I have absolutely no music talent at all. So if anyone is looking for a guitar I paid $600 for all of it and the amp is still in original package. Anyways its beautiful I just don't have the time for it that I thought and well.... I suck. Holla

Chicago

Any offers? I'm in Chicago burbs as well

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm looking to spend like $500-700 on the guitar and $300-400 on an amp. Maybe some accessories too, any suggestions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Anyone who gives you an answer without asking what kind of music you want to play is an idiot. Guitars for blues are different than guitars for rock are different than guitars for country.

Sooooo... what kind of music are you trying to play.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

rock mainly. I'd prefer something with a hard, driving sound similar to Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains for example.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
rock mainly. I'd prefer something with a hard, driving sound similar to Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains for example.

[/ QUOTE ]

Jerry used G&L guitars and Marshall amps on the first album. Both might be a little out of your price range.

Personally, I would buy a higher-level Ibanez or Schecter that is in your price range (make sure they have a humbucker pickup in the bridge position). Any good Gibson would be well beyond it. Do NOT buy a Strat for your musical style.

For an amp, I would find a used 5150 amp. You can probably find one in that range, and they have a surprisingly good tone. Otherwise, I would get the largest Line 6 combo amp you can afford. They have decent amp-modeling capabilities and decent speakers. Then you won't need any other effects or pedals.

Good luck. If you have specific questions, you can PM me.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

omg please dont get an american strat - terrible adivce....do you guys even play guitar?

OP - how long have you been playing? are you a serous player? what styles do you play, and remember to consider what styles you may start to play in the future?....this is what you should consider.

Given that you don't really know what guitar you want, I will assume. you are a relative beginner. my advice, after years of buying guitars and playing in tons of different styles/bands is:

- spend less on a guitar, and more on an amp.(in your situation maybe just swap the price ranges). low budget guitar through good amp will offer way more versatility and sound TONS better than vice-versa....

- the most important thing I have found when buying a guitar is versatility.

..the basic way I would put it is "single coil guitars like strats are great for blues/clean rock, but you will not get a good tone of hard rock/metal. Whereas, an Ibanez RG for example, will play all rock/metal tones fine, and will play clean/blues tones far better than a strat can play rock/metal"

..thats why I think all players who are pretty new should get something like an Ibanez or an ESP, because they are really versatile, and you dont know what styles you will be playing a few years down the line....but these types of guitars are adequate for pretty much any style.

...bit of an essay but ive wasted loads of money in the past. for example buyinga telecaster, when Id been playing about a year...then a few years later I got into heavier music and had to but another guitar..!

anyway, its up to you obv - BUT if you're just a beginner 700 dollars on a guitar is insane - you can get perfectly good ones for 200-300!

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm looking to spend like $500-700 on the guitar and $300-400 on an amp. Maybe some accessories too, any suggestions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Anyone who gives you an answer without asking what kind of music you want to play is an idiot. Guitars for blues are different than guitars for rock are different than guitars for country.

Sooooo... what kind of music are you trying to play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't be silly, you can play any kind of music on most any kind of (electric) guitar. I assumed he wanted electric as he stated he was interested in also purchasing an amp.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

As far as places to buy, don't go to Guitar Center - their employees suck and have attempted to rip me off on numerous occasions, aside from pushing on me crap I don't want/they are trying to move. You'd be much better off going to a smaller shop, more knowledgable/helpful staff that will find you what you want.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm looking to spend like $500-700 on the guitar and $300-400 on an amp. Maybe some accessories too, any suggestions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Anyone who gives you an answer without asking what kind of music you want to play is an idiot. Guitars for blues are different than guitars for rock are different than guitars for country.

Sooooo... what kind of music are you trying to play.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't be silly, you can play any kind of music on most any kind of (electric) guitar. I assumed he wanted electric as he stated he was interested in also purchasing an amp.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are a moron. We all assumed he wanted an electric. The fact is that different guitars have different tones that are more applicable to different styles of music. The fact that you think we are discussing whether to buy electric or not shows how very little you know about the subject.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

For accessories, I'd go with the Big Muff distortion pedal. It's some of the sweetest distortion sound out there. You can get a full-on fuzz, or you can adjust the tone and get a nice straight-ahead rock distortion. Also, a wah pedal can be fun. I also like the DOD Icebox chorus pedal for an additional sound. I'd also recommend getting something a multi-effect pedal that lets you program and create, just to mess around with. They're fun and good to start off with.

Don't go too much on an amp. A good 50-75 watt amp will be plenty. Tube amps are a more pure sound. They're more expensive, but worth it. Plug in an Ibanez tube screamer and you're gonna get some great distortion. Just don't try to assemble a wall of speakers like you'd see in concerts - most of those are just there for show. Look at a setup some time, there's just a couple of the speakers mic'd, the rest aren't even plugged in I bet. Go for a controllable, good sound, and if you need more power, mic it up.

I have an older, cheap Ibanez that I like, but just go to a store, play some and see what you like. Find one you like in the price range, and then go play some others, and come back another day and check it out again.

I've got a Fender solid state amp, 80-watts. I forget the model. My friend's had it for a while. It's a nice amp that puts out a good, clean sound. I have the muff pedal, and a second Boss distortion pedal for distortion.

Just go try out different amps and guitars and see what you like.

Fenders = good clean sound
Marshalls = good distortion sound
5150's a nice sound too. Van Halen used one.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

http://store.guitarfetish.com/xaviereguitars.html

You will be better with a 300-400 guitar and a 500-700 amp [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

DJ -

Super weird. I was just thinking of doing the same thing.

All,

Is there a newegg.com for guitars?(good prices...reliable..fast shipping...big selection..etc)

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

MusiciansFriend

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

If you want a hard rock guitar with a whammy, look for an old Hamer Centaura, Chaparral ("Chap"), or Diablo. If you don't want a whammy, look for a Hamer Studio or humbucker-equipped Special. With all Hamers, make sure it says "USA" on the headstock next to the logo (you don't want the imported models). Hamer is one of the few affordable brands that I'm comfortable buying without trying. For any other brand in your price range, I highly recommend you try the actual guitar in person before you buy.

For a total beginner, the Line 6 amps are a good way to get educated about the various flavors of amps out there. The Tech 21 Trademark 60 is also a surprisingly good amp. Tube amps like the Fender Blues Jr. and the Peavey Classic 30 are fine, but for the kind of music you're looking to play you'll need to buy pedals to get the kind of distortion you need. For your situation I think a Line 6 would be the most sensible route.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

i just bought a late 80's zion radicaster for 200 bucks. i am so stoked. it looks like hell but it plays awesome.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

This is true, it really does depend on what style of music you want to play. The reason I mentioned american strat is because they definately hold their value better than guitars like schecters or ibanez. I have really been impressed with schecters lately. I really thought the blackjack series was pretty well built. Ibanez has always been pretty meh with me. I have played some I enjoyed, and some I really did not care for.

As far as an amp goes, if youre a tune freak like some of us, I would recommend tube amps. They have a much warmer, real tone than solid state amps. If you dont mind too much, line six makes a very nice modeling amp that can give you tons of different cool sounds and you wont need a pedal. My only pet peave with the line six is the clean channel blows pretty hard [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. Otherwise its decent.

Fwiw, if you crank up a blues junior or peavey classic 30 and get those tubes nice and hot, and use the correct pickup comb on a strat (I think its the 2 back single coils combined) you can get a very nice rock tone. You have to realize, most bands that you think use distortion actually dont. They just overdrive the [censored] out of their amps.

I just had a thought, the Fender Hot Rod deluxe is a SICK amp for rock. Really nice clean channel, and like 3 overdrive channels iirc. Sounded amazing with my cousins am. deluxe strat.

Epiphones can be pretty nice, and are not terribly expensive. They are just Gibsons sub-company. I had an epi les paul for my first guitar and it is still to this day my fav guitar. Granted I replaced the pickups, put new tuners on, etc. Its a unique guitar, but awesome.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I think the best guitars are made by Ernie Ball/Music Man. The one I have, The Silhouette Special, I think was said by Keith Richards to be the best guitar out there or something to that effect.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

im pining for a new guitar now :-\. Gotta decide between a strat or telecaster, maybe a Gibson melody maker...asdf

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I would look into the Epiphone Les Paul standard, I have one and its a great all around guitar. I currently have an ibanez classical acoustic/electric, american fender strat, and les paul. Running them through a marshall half stack. You can't go wrong with the marshall sound when it comes to amplifiers

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

marshalls are nice, but not for me. If anyone can assist here, I am looking for an amp now.

I want something clean, but that has a nice smooth overdrive when cranked. I would prefer reverb. I will most likely be running a delay pedal through it, and a few others.

I guess the biggest sound I am going for is the Edge's clean melodic tone he has in songs such as "where the streets have no name", "city of blinding lights", etc.

I know he plays through a Vox AC30, but thats just too much for me wattage wise. Its going to be 90% a bedroom amp, and I wont be able to crank it too loud.

I was considering a blues junior(in tweed), thoughts?

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
marshalls are nice, but not for me. If anyone can assist here, I am looking for an amp now.

I want something clean, but that has a nice smooth overdrive when cranked. I would prefer reverb. I will most likely be running a delay pedal through it, and a few others.

I guess the biggest sound I am going for is the Edge's clean melodic tone he has in songs such as "where the streets have no name", "city of blinding lights", etc.

I know he plays through a Vox AC30, but thats just too much for me wattage wise. Its going to be 90% a bedroom amp, and I wont be able to crank it too loud.

I was considering a blues junior(in tweed), thoughts?


[/ QUOTE ]

I believe The Edge used Vox amps more than Fender tweeds, but both should do the trick. Personally, I would go with the Vox because they have a little more interesting and unique tone. Just my two cents.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Get a Vox Valvetronix modeling amp, or at least give one a test drive in your local store. I should've mentioned those to the OP as well. They actually model certain amps (like the AC30) better than the Line 6 amps.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Godin. Trust me.


-BrooklynMark

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

I've played and collected all types of guitars, and my favorites have always been telecasters, strats and gibson es-335's. There are tons of good amps out there, so just try out ones in your price range and see which ones suit you best. Fender, peavy, vox, marshall all have great affordable amps.

I'm also in the camp of buying a used guitar, since they tend to hold their value if you buy them right. This gives you the opportunity to trade up down the road.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

if it's your first guitar, i would suggest spending a little less and picking up an epiphone les paul. they are in the 400-500 range, and are quality guitars. then if you decide you hate playing guitar you will have saved some money.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

There's some really hideous (looking) guitar recommendations in this thread so be careful. Go to a Guitar Center and try one out.

I like Teles.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Buy the cheapest POS guitar you can find and learn to play it. THEN figure out what kind of guitar/amp best suits you and how you play.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Seem like some knowledgable guitar folks in here, so I'm curious what y'all know about Gretsch electric guitars. I inherited one from my grandfather when he passed away, since I'm the only one in my family that has expressed any interest in music. Any suggestions on how to take care of it, where to get a custom case. I don't even know how much it's worth, but it's off the charts on sentimental value.

Thanks,
Apoc

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
Pay an extra 100 or so and pick up a fender strat(american made, could find one used too for cheap),

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't have to be american made. He could get a knock off(mexican version) and it'd sound decent enough to use. I have the mexican version and it works just fine.

A strat would give him lots of versatility soundwise. It's also very versatile as you can use it in many styles of music. So if he ever wants to branch out, it's easier to try new things on it.

Iirc, american mades tend to hold their value. Used ones weren't that much cheaper than the new ones. At least not when I was looking for one.

b

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

look at what the pros play...you simply wont see a shecter, stick with fender or gibson. you get what you pay for man

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

do not buy a new guitar unless you know that you want a certain one specifically (which will only be the case when you are an experienced guitarist).
buy a used "standard" one (i.e. on ebay): fender stratocaster or telecaster, gibson les paul or es335.
you will have a good guitar and can always sell it for the price you bought it.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Try out a G&L Tribute series for around 300 to 400, or even better look for an american model used. I have a G&L ASAT deluxe semi-hollow and it is easily the best guitar I have ever touched after 20 yrs of playing. Although my model is out of your price range I've seen some nice american models go for 600-700 on ebay.

For rock music look for something with at least a bridge pickup humbucker, this will give you the best distorted tone for Alice in Chains type stuff.

Get a small single speaker Marshall or Fender amp with built in distortion and effects to start. I would avoid the stomp box route for now, save that for when you know exactly what you want. Do not get a large amp for you bedroom. Large amps are designed to be cranked and sound pretty crappy at low volumes / not for studio practice sessions. Sizing your amp to your venue is critical.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

Old Gretch guitars can be worth a ton of cash. Get it in a case immediately. Is it a hollow body? If it is get a small case humidifier.

Your best bet would be to take it to a reputable music shop, get it a "set-up", and ask the tech/luthier what he thinks. Set-up should cost around $50. They can order the right size case for around $100.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
Old Gretch guitars can be worth a ton of cash. Get it in a case immediately. Is it a hollow body? If it is get a small case humidifier.

Your best bet would be to take it to a reputable music shop, get it a "set-up", and ask the tech/luthier what he thinks. Set-up should cost around $50. They can order the right size case for around $100.

[/ QUOTE ]

this is good advice. a standard "set-up" won't cost much and it will make the guitar sound and play a lot better. guitars warp over time and need to be adjusted so that they stay in tune.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
look at what the pros play...you simply wont see a shecter

[/ QUOTE ]

Avenged Sevenfold uses Shecter. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/S...amp;src=3WFRWXX

But you should also realize that some artists use their guitar of choice simply because they are paid to do so.

Also depends on the type of music. Fender and Gibson are a lot less common in the metal world than in the rock world.

Re: Buying a guitar (electric)
 

[ QUOTE ]
Old Gretch guitars can be worth a ton of cash. Get it in a case immediately. Is it a hollow body? If it is get a small case humidifier.

Your best bet would be to take it to a reputable music shop, get it a "set-up", and ask the tech/luthier what he thinks. Set-up should cost around $50. They can order the right size case for around $100.

[/ QUOTE ]

If he offers you ANY money for it that day, DO NOT SELL IT to him. No matter how much he offers. This should be obvious, but you never know. If he says its valuable, PM me and I will help you figure out more info about it. If its a white falcon, ill [censored] a brick [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]