Guest Posted March 13, 2001 Share Posted March 13, 2001 I searched around and didn't find a similar topic, so here it is. I'm a hobbist keyboard player with a decent setup at home. (A couple of synths, effects, computer running CW PA and Soundforge, amp, monitors) and I'm interested in picking up a guitar and learn. What do you recommend? There's a lot more models for guitar than with synths so I know this may be tough, but I'm looking for pointers. My budget is $300-$400. What should I look for? I've played in bands before so I have some basic knowledge of chord positions, strumming, etc. so I'll be able to try one out and see if I like the feel. My brother has an Ibanez that I really like, but he's been away from music for a while and lives too far. BTW I live in the SF bay area so if anybody can recommend a store with a knowledgeable staff I'd appreciate it. Guitar Center down in SJ is a zoo, I try to avoid that store like the plague. As far as amplification, I would be intersested in getting a di box with effects, the ones that I've heard of are the line 6 pod (overkill for me) so I can go record it direct without having to mic an amp. What else is out there? I really don't want to invest in an amp, and I want to eventually record my playing and I figured the di box would be a decent compromise. One of keyboards actually allows a guitar to be connected to an input and run thru the effects, I might just try that for the time being. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any input, Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted March 13, 2001 Share Posted March 13, 2001 The good news is you've got lots of choices. That's also the bad news. There are a number of decent guitars available for under $400. I think your choice should come down to how well the sound fits the style of music you want to play and the feel of the guitar. For example, I have a Fender Jimmy Vaughn signature model. It was under $400, plays and sounds great, and is well made in Mexico. Other makers include: Carvin, Yamaha, Jackson, Washburn and others. These are reasonable strat like substitutes in your price range. Danelectro's are also great sounding single coil guitars that are inexpensive. On the humbucker side, some people like Epiphone Les Pauls... others change humbuckers and more... You should also try Carvin, Hamer, Ibanez, Jackson, and others and see what you like. Don't forget about used guitars. There are often some great deals on equipment that is out of vogue. If you find a Charvel from the mid-90's you'll probably have a great rock guitar for a couple of hundred. BTW, I saw a recent review about a new Korean made PRS. I haven't heard when they're going to be released, or at what price, but if you could add a hundred or two more to get one, it might be worth waiting and saving for. I think if PRS does this right, they could do very well in this price point. It's all in the QC. Ideally, even at these prices, if you can play and know what sound you're going for, one guitar should "speak to you". If it does... buy it. Regarding your no amp question. I'm a POD user, and can attest that one would work well in a situation where no amp can be used or is available. Since you said cost is an issue, I would suggest getting one of the Sans AMP products... either the classic or newer version. They sound pretty good and they're about 1/2 the price of a POD. guitplayer http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/cwm/eek4.gifhttp://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/cwm/spiny.gifhttp://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/cwm/thinkerg.gif I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratman_dup1 Posted March 13, 2001 Share Posted March 13, 2001 Be sure to listen to a sans amp before you get one if you can, I use one and they are NOISY when you kick in the distortion settings. Might be ok if the mix is busy but during a quiet section that noise is gonna show up bigtime. Atleast that's the problem I've been having, maybe I got a bad one but I doubt it. I've heard this from others as well. AS far as guitars go, as said above, depends on what your going to be doing. Sounds like you know enough about guitars to know which will fit into certain genres, it's just up to you to go out and put your hands on a couple and see what speaks to ya. I knew the moment I picked my Strat up that I was going to buy it, it just felt right in my hands, like it had finally found where it belongs. You pick up a guitar and that happens, BUY IT. rsaboiasilva@hotmail.com- On the flip side, I could use your advice. I'm gettin into piano and need a good 88 key weighted controller/digital piano, I got a 61 key synth and it's not bad, but not exactly good for learning piano if ya know what I mean. Got any suggestions?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fet Posted March 14, 2001 Share Posted March 14, 2001 Bear in mind that single-coil pickups such as those on most low-to-mid-priced Strats and Teles will buzz, hum, and make bad noise when using high gain, in locations with dubious AC power, or where fluorescent or neon lights are present. I won't use normal single-coils for this reason alone. There are substitutes, but that's another topic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted March 14, 2001 Share Posted March 14, 2001 So far , all good suggestions. I would also like to add if you have a friend who you think knows alot about guitars, see if you can get him to help you pick out a good one. I am also a big fan of the POD. If you are going to be recording with it, you will really come to appreciate the variety of sounds you can get. Just my $0.03 (canadian) KHAN http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/cwm/eek5.gifhttp://www.mp3.com/SurBigger So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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