Beginner guitar recommendations?

[Guitar55]

My son is pestering me to upgrade from his Berhinger Strat-style starter guitar to something a little better. He's 11 years old, playing since November and doing real well. His tastes lean towards AC/DC, Green Day and Led Zep, so I don't think a Strat would suit him. He likes SGs, but I've read bad things about the Epi G-310 and SG-Special. I thought about maybe the Hamer Flatop electric, butI'm just not sure.

 

So, I thought I'd come here and ask the experts for recommendations for a decent rock guitar for under $200.

 

Thoughts?

[caprae]

Splurge a little more and get a used Godin Exit 22.

 

OR I know a guy who bought the Dean Evo for $99 and is very pleased:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Evo-XM-Electric-Guitar?sku=519795

 

There is also the Dean Baby line (ML, Z, V) for $199.

 

I just realized you're in NJ - go look at the Agile guitars at Rondo Music. An Agile AL-2000 might be the ticket. Then go to the Seymour Duncan website and do the Led Zepplin wiring mod to it.

http://www.rondomusic.net/electricguitar-ss4.html

 

My money would be on a good used Exit 22, though.

[Ricardo.]

C'mon Guitar55; you know there are tons of threads on this just waiting to be searched.

 

Anyways, make him look at guitars. If he's anxious about it, he should enjoy getting on the net and drooling over the offerings himself. And trying out different ones at Guitar Centers or music stores should help in deciding what kind to look for (but it looks like you've got a collection enough for him to try).

 

If it's an SG that you're after, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before you find a decent offering under $200; doesn't have to be from Epiphone or Best Buy. I've spent tons of time looking at worthy guitars in that price range and there are plenty of niche offerings on the internet.

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Well...he started on a strat, Thats allways a good thing ( Even if it isnt a fender ) And I myself play a modified SG special Limited edition ( ITs my GOGO Rock guitar ) IF you get the SG special, Your allready going to have to drop about 30 dollors for a new set of tuners, And if your really nice go by GFS pickups and pick up some new pickups. ( Three pickups dont make a right ) Personally im not a fan of the standerd specials finish, But the Special SG lim's are that Faded brown and come with Duncan disign Zebras ( I love those pickups ) I had to buy new tuners though. What sorta music does he play?

[JoeWalsh21]

Originally posted by Guitar55:

His tastes lean towards AC/DC, Green Day and Led Zep, so I don't think a Strat would suit him.

^

 

I personally like the Epiphone G-310 SG.

 

Im telling you man, If u can stretch it to 300, get him a schecter omen 6, it is PERFECT for what he likes, it can handle the greenday and pull off the Zep. I still play mine sometimes! And with the right amp it sounds awsome! The thing about this guitar, and schecters in general is that they are very versatile.

Don't think of the Hellraising schecters with EMG's, thats a little too rough, but with the omen 6 its got two humbuckers, a little heavy but can pull off some nice cleans which is looking good towards ur son's taste, and the thing is that if u get him the Omen 6 at 300$ i don't think he will be so quick to ask u for a new one!

 

My opinion... But I respect a budget so im gonna second the G-310, he'll like it, Good Luck!

 

Steve

[Rock Soldier]

I have a higher end Epiphone SG, the 400 but I like it just fine. Here is another option in the Gibson family for a very low price as it is on sale now.

http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=571

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Oops, Didnt see that ACDC thing. I say fat-strat with the SSH setup.

[JoeWalsh21]

yea i like the idea of fat strat

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Fat strats are awsome. You can still get nice cleans but with the hummer you can allways upgrade ( Even though you dont need to ) They are Real versitile, I like em'. In allhonesty though you can beat a good normal fender strat.

[hotshot]

Originally posted by trguitar:

I have a higher end Epiphone SG, the 400 but I like it just fine. Here is another option in the Gibson family for a very low price as it is on sale now.

http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=571

Wow, I just checked out that link, that's a hot little axe, with a graphite nut!!! for 180??? that's graphite NUTS!!! Also my suggestion to you is the Godin, Epi or the dean that were already mentioned, they are both great guitars for the price and the godin has more of a high end vibe to it in my opinion. Although those koreans are making real quality stuff anymore, you wouldn't go wrong with the others.

[Xplorer]

I'd like to second what caprae said. The Dean Evo would be a sweet pick. Maybe you could give it a custom paint job!

 

I've had the epiphone SG (bolt-on neck version). Do NOT buy this guitar, it's shite.

[AeroG33k]

Try the new Hofner Shorty, you might be having some fun with it yourself!

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Xplorer, I have the SG special as well and i love that thing. True it took new tuners but besides that its awsome! ( But i hve the SG Zebra Lim' edition. So i dont know if you have the stock or not. )

[Sauntman]

I bought an Epiphone G-310 about 10 years ago. At first, I didn't like it as it was a downgrade from my previous guitar (a Kramer I bought in 1986). About a year ago I decided to get back into playing. I bought a Les Paul Studio but, I also decided to take the Epi to a tech to get a proper set-up. I was quite amazed. What an improvement. Now, I love the Epi G-310 and it plays better than I ever imagined. The humbuckers on mine have black covers on them so it is somewhat different than the G-310's I now see out there. Still, if they are as good as the one I have and sell for under $200 they are a steal.

[Guitar55]

We did some shopping and ,of course, I spent more than I wanted to, He got an Epiphone G-400. It seems very nice and he is thrilled beyond belief. On Monday it goes to the tech for a proper setup.

 

http://jobonanno.com/stuff/epi.jpg

[Tone Taster]

Awesome, G55 !! You're the coolest Dad.

[Guitar95]

thats me im david and i love the guitar i cant wait to have it set thanks again dad!

[JoeWalsh21]

Cool buy dude, Enjoy!

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Hell yeah man. Hard to beat a good epiphone ( Or gibson for that matter ) and the SG is never an exception!

[mdrs]

Great choice, man!! When my youngest boy was 11, he worked for the summer and I went half's on a Gibson Faded SG. He too was overjoyed, and still loves the guitar three years later. He eventually saved some money up, and bought an Angus Young humbucker, and I helped him put it in the bridge position. That guitar really rips. He does complain that the bridge seems to break strings too often. Otherwise, he's still in love with it!

 

It's not easy being a rock and roll Dad, eh guitar '55?? Someday I'll tell you about the second drum set I've helped my 17 y.o. buy.......But for now I've gotta go back to the office to get some work done.......gotta pay the bills!

[mdrs]

another great deal for all you parents out there looking for a good electric to buy for your kid.....look for a mexican strat on eBay. Great guitars, and usually some great deals available. They are cheap enough to allow you to consider playing around with replacement pickups, pick guards, knobs, etc.. Really excellent guitars for the price, and a great learning experience if you choose to "work" on them

 

Don

[Rock Soldier]

That is great! And that guitar looks good on him to. I can appreciate what you did, just ask my spoiled son ........ and he's 19 so he has a lot of guitars and amps thanks to his contagious GAS. My Epi 400 is 10 years old. It has green key tuners and I have replaced the pickups with open face humbuckers, the bridge wired series and the neck paralel. I love the feel of the neck. It plays very nicely.

[Ol Boy Rivers]

Hey MDRS, This is a little bit out of topic but you mentioned your sons strings breaking on the Sharp of the tune-o-matics? This helped me ALOT on my strat because i play the higher gauges, Put Wire insolation on the strings ( Youll have to go to the hardware store to match the wire to the string size ) But not only will that help them from breaking, I personally think it keeps them in tune a little bit better. ( Ive heard a rumer that they kill sustain, Honestly i dont think they do. )

[Rock Soldier]

Originally posted by JoeWalsh21:

Originally posted by Guitar55:

His tastes lean towards AC/DC, Green Day and Led Zep, so I don't think a Strat would suit him.

^

 

I personally like the Epiphone G-310 SG.

 

Im telling you man, If u can stretch it to 300, get him a schecter omen 6, it is PERFECT for what he likes, it can handle the greenday and pull off the Zep. I still play mine sometimes! And with the right amp it sounds awsome! The thing about this guitar, and schecters in general is that they are very versatile.

Don't think of the Hellraising schecters with EMG's, thats a little too rough, but with the omen 6 its got two humbuckers, a little heavy but can pull off some nice cleans which is looking good towards ur son's taste, and the thing is that if u get him the Omen 6 at 300$ i don't think he will be so quick to ask u for a new one!

 

My opinion... But I respect a budget so im gonna second the G-310, he'll like it, Good Luck!

 

Steve

I have a Schecter Omen 6 and I also like mine very much. Matter of fact it's sitting on the guitar stand right now. (Well one of my guitar stands) Was just playing it the other day.

[Guitarzan]

Guitar55 you are a cool dad.

i am at a similar point. my oldest wants a guitar and he has told me (smart lad) he wants an SG.

 

guess what? so do i.

i have several options (when the cash is available).

for him i would go for a Epi G400.

for me i am looking at several options at differing price points.

SG standard ebony

SG special faded

ESP (ltd) Viper 400

Epi G400 vintage

Epi elitist SG

i will find it hard to justify the full blown Gibby but the others i have listed are very well built and priced nice.

i am waiting for my local store to get some vipers in (they now are an ESP dealer) for me to try.

[Hardtail]

That's a nice guitar you got your kid. He's very lucky.

[Guitar55]

Originally posted by Guitarzan:

Guitar55 you are a cool dad.

i am at a similar point. my oldest wants a guitar and he has told me (smart lad) he wants an SG.

 

guess what? so do i.

i have several options (when the cash is available).

for him i would go for a Epi G400.

for me i am looking at several options at differing price points.

SG standard ebony

SG special faded

ESP (ltd) Viper 400

Epi G400 vintage

Epi elitist SG

i will find it hard to justify the full blown Gibby but the others i have listed are very well built and priced nice.

i am waiting for my local store to get some vipers in (they now are an ESP dealer) for me to try.

Musician's Friend has the Epi G-400 with a faded finish for $299. I fyou like the look , it's probably the best deal you can get.

[Guitarzan]

but they don't ship to Canada. if i had a go between i could probably get around that.

[Hardtail]

Yes, they do ship to Canada.

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-G400-SG-Electric-Guitar?sku=518291

[caprae]

Time for a rewire job to make it even more fun:

Jimmy Page Setup