Lknowles17 Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 My names Lauren, I have about 10 years of musical experience in general. I've been playing on an Acoustic/Electric Ibanez Talman and have been teaching myself since about mid March 2008. I spend about 3 hours practicing each day and I'm going to start lessons in the next few weeks to correct any bad habits that may prevent me from advancing. I'm beginning to learn some lead guitar, riffs and more advanced solos. I'm on an approximate $400 budget and don't have much experience with guitar shopping. Any recomendations for an affordable electric guitar?
Sauce Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 First of all, welcome aboard, enjoy the forum! Now, as far as your your question, first of all what kind of music do you like to play? What styles/bands/artists are you going for. There aren't exactly any "rules" but take a look at what your heroes play, chances are there are going to be cheaper versions of whatever style guitar it is to be had. Here's a post from the Theory Thread sticky at the top of the forum to give you a few ideas of things to look into. Millo stated in another thread: "Personally, I'd like to have a go-to list of electric guitar models for when students ask what to buy." This is a great idea. I thought that if we had a list of the best guitars you can buy, at each price point, it would really help potential buyers. So, what are the best guitars at each range? It's ok if there are a few in each catagory (gives more choices), just as long as they have been tried and tested and found to be good. Let's get a list together that can be added to the Tutorial section. If you have a guitar that you would recommend to someone, then post the brand and price and I will add it to the list. $200-$300 Fender Strat Pack (Comes with guitar, amp, cables, strap etc. great for beginners) Lower Agile line Ibanez RG321 ($272) $300-$400 Epiphone Les Paul standard Most Ibanez Artcore models Upper Agile line Gibson Melody Makers Surprisingly not on the list a lot of the Fender MIM's can be had more or less in your price range as well if I'm not mistaken (if that's what you're looking for). Also give Craig's List a gander for any guitars you can find in your price range. There are a lot of bargains out there and if you search around long enough you'll find something really worth it. Good luck and enjoy! Then you'll never hear surf music again...
Bluesape Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 I still think Godin is unbeatable for value in bolt-ons in that range, Hagstrom for set necks. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
picker Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Are you looking for an amplified acoustic better than what you have, or a solid/semi-hollow/hollow body electric? In either case, Rondo Music has a lot of stuff that really gives you a bang for the buck. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.
splitting hare Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Welcome to the forum Lauren! Yes, as Sauce asked, tell us what kind of music you are into and we can give you better advice. Everything listed so far is a great value for the $. Sounds like you are really into the guitar and working hard at it if you are practicing 3 hours a day! And very smart to begin lessons soon! Reverbnation stuff More Reverbnation stuff I feel happy! I feel happy!
caprae Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Craig's List. Always search here first unless you are bent on getting new. And take someone who really knows guitars so you don't get taken. You should be able to save at least 40% off of new. Reminder: don't be taken by the statement "Lists for...". That is only the recommended selling price and I don't know of ANY shop that sells new guitars at list price. Many will use this to jack up the price of their used equipment. I've seen used selling for more than I can order an item for on line because they used the lists for price. (And I usually point it out to them to.) Raise your children and spoil your grandchildren. Spoil your children and raise your grandchildren.
Lknowles17 Posted August 16, 2008 Author Posted August 16, 2008 I love some of the new British rock, particularly The Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Enemy, The Kooks, The Days, etc.. also anything with a blues/rock feel to it The Black Keys for example. Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys plays on a Fender Stratocaster, and the cheaper version of that is the Squire Stratocaster, which I've heard doesn't have such a great sound and feel. I also enjoy a lot of classic rock, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Hendrix, The Eagles, Heart, America and so on. I also enjoy music from the begining of the punk rock genre, The Clash, etc.. I also plan to explore other genres, particularly jazz, blues, country, funk, and maybe a little bit of heavy metal. I want an instrument that responds well to all genres, so I'm not exactly sure which guitar to invest in.
Bluesape Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Are you looking for an amplified acoustic better than what you have, or a solid/semi-hollow/hollow body electric? In either case, Rondo Music has a lot of stuff that really gives you a bang for the buck. True enough, but not every model from Rondo is stage quality. The Godins and set-neck Hags are, without exception. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
Mortal Engines Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 If you get on musiciansfriend.com's mailing list they often have blowout sales on the TexMex strats which are a little above the Squires....The Epiphones are all good as well.
Lknowles17 Posted August 17, 2008 Author Posted August 17, 2008 I settled on an Ephiphone Les Paul 100, really great, picked it up yesterday. Thanks guys.
Sauce Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Cool. Congrats, enjoy the new axe! Then you'll never hear surf music again...
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