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[Red Blaster]

So I'm in the market for a slick new axe. I've been playing on a borrowed Yamaha C-40 acoustic for far too long now and need to enter the big leagues. I've never actually owned a standard electric guitar so this is some exciting shit. In terms of budget, I'd prefer not to go over a $1000, but I'm not totally against it. I mostly stick in alternative and classic rock, sometimes venturing into funk, so something that's good for fast and punchy chords is appealing. I don't play metal or anything that's ridiculously heavy. I'm interested in getting a Fender with a humbucker pickup, been eyeing a few models in particular:

Fender 72 Telecaster Deluxe
Pretty much a Les Paul inside of a Telecaster, spent some time at Guitar Center with one of these and liked how it felt, however I'm not sure how much sonic versatility I'd get out of two humbuckers. Plus the lack of the trademark Telecaster sound is a bit of a downer, as well as the fact it's MIM.

Fender 72 Telecaster Custom
Almost the same as the Deluxe except it has the trademark Telecaster bridge pickup. Seems like what I'm looking for, but I haven't played it myself so I don't know if it feels like the Deluxe. Unfortunately it's also MIM, however one of the reviews at Musician's Friend says that it's got American parts or some shit like that.

Fender Jaguar HH
Tried one of these at Guitar Center as well and thought it handled nicely. However I've read that the build quality is a suspect on some models, in spite of the fact it's MIJ. The Dragster humbuckers didn't seem as good as the Wide Range hums on the Deluxe either. Looks badass though.

Also interested in the Mustang as well as the pricier 62 Jaguar, American Telecaster HS, and American Stratocaster HSS. I don't have much experience with Gibson or other brands, so I'm open to suggestions regarding those and whatnot.

 

[Lionheart1827]

Initial post

Well if its your first electric I wouldnt go over 800, you might not like electric guitar. I'm not sure, but just be careful you dont waste money.

Anyways, http://www.rondomusic.net have the best prices/quality ratio. All big guitar companies have that overprice scheme, especially gibson and fender. The Agiles that are sold on rondomusic are worth every penny. Plus they cover lots of styles of guitars as youll see.

I'm not sure what kind of music you want to get into. I'm guessing standard rock and blues so you might want to get a strat or some kind of Les Paul, but if you want to go heavier into hard rock and metal, look at ESP/LTD, Jackson, Ibanez, and Schecter.

Let us know what kind of styles you want to get into as well as what kinds of music you want to play.

 

[notsol337]

Oh, dude.

If you're going to limit yourself to a fender, that's the way to go!

It's around $550, and you can get a pretty decent variety of sounds out of it.

Otherwise, the Telecaster Custom is the way to go. I've been playing a Telecaster for about 3 years now, but I'm into metal. I started on classic rock and the blues, but my taste changed... so unless you're wanting to buy more than one guitar, get something versatile.

 

[iapetus]

Don't commit to Fender this early. Find a shop with a large range of brands and try a few out. Then find another shop with a large range of brands and try a few out. You may be surprised to discover what exactly you do and don't like when it comes to actually playing it yourself - I was stunned to discover just how much I loathe the Gibson SG, for example.

 

[birdman]

Well if its your first electric I wouldnt go over 800, you might not like electric guitar. I'm not sure, but just be careful you dont waste money.

Anyways, http://www.rondomusic.net have the best prices/quality ratio. All big guitar companies have that overprice scheme, especially gibson and fender. The Agiles that are sold on rondomusic are worth every penny. Plus they cover lots of styles of guitars as youll see.

I'm not sure what kind of music you want to get into. I'm guessing standard rock and blues so you might want to get a strat or some kind of Les Paul, but if you want to go heavier into hard rock and metal, look at ESP/LTD, Jackson, Ibanez, and Schecter.

Let us know what kind of styles you want to get into as well as what kinds of music you want to play.

I wouldn't go over 400 on a first guitar myself. Also, Fender does better on price than Gibson. They are definitely overpriced. Your amp is gonna matter a lot too.

 

[notsol337]

Come to think of it, you can get a squier telecaster. It's pretty much the same.

 

[birdman]

Squire's aren't built with the same quality as their Fender brethren though. Granted there are cases where a Squire sounds better than a Fender, but it's a higher chance the Squire won't sound good. Better to try out the guitars you like.

 

[Lionheart1827]

I wouldn't go over 400 on a first guitar myself. Also, Fender does better on price than Gibson. They are definitely overpriced. Your amp is gonna matter a lot too.

Yeah true stuff.

One of the most important things is actually going around to shops and trying MANY guitars on MANY amps. It may look like a cool guitar and it may have great reviews, but it may feel and sound like crap to you.

Make sure you get a nice balance between spending money on a guitar and an amp. Electric guitar is no fun without an amp man.

Again, decisions will have to be made by factoring in what you are looking to play. Also depending on if you are looking to play in a band or just for home recording. Many factors can come into play

Myself, I have 4 guitars, and I just sold my Marshall 2X12 since the only thing I ever do is play in front of my computer and record with a Line 6 PodXT. I have no intentions to play live or in a band anymore so this suits me pretty well.

 

[Undeux]

Jaguars (and Jazzmasters) are so awesome. I want one.

But I'd really recommend buying a used electric for cheap before spending that much. I was thinking about paying a crazy amount of money for a Jaguar a long time ago and instead went for a no-name $250 used electric that I ended up liking a lot more than the Fender I was looking at, not to mention the risk involved in paying that much for your first electric.

 

[monchi-kun]

how about trying some semi-hollow guitars?

 

[kozmo7]

how about trying some semi-hollow guitars?

I've been looking at quite a few Gretsch, PRS and Epiphone/Gibson models myself lately but it doesn't seem like the kind of thing the OP is looking for.

 

[Red Blaster]

Thanks for the responses thus far.

I'm not new to guitar, it's just that I've never owned a standard electric myself (have a baritone, tho). I know what I'm looking for, so I don't mind spending a lot. And I specified that I don't play metal or anything that's super heavy and requires a lot of gain or distortion. Mostly stick to alternative and classic rock. I've also tried many makes and models at Guitar Center and the the aforementioned guitars are the ones that piqued my interest the most. I'm mainly looking for feedback and suggestions regarding the guitars in the OP. Already have an amp too, a Frontman 212R. Got it on the cheap but it sounds pretty good when I run my (shitty) Gretsch baritone through it.

Aren't semi-hollowbodies mad expensive?

 

[theBishop]

I love the way Tele's sound (lipstick tubes, plz), but I don't find them very comfortable to play.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

If it's your first guitar, get a Mexican Stratocaster (ie, standard strat).

 

[klausbert]

Don't get a Fender, get yourself a G&L. That's the company Leo Fender worked in until he died. They offer low budget guitars too, which have US hardware and they are manufactured by Cort in Korea. I have a G&L Tribute(that's the low budget line) Legacy strat myself and it seriously sounds better than most American Fenders i have played and heard. If you play funk, that beauty would be for you. You can get other great tones out of it, if you ever decide to play Blues, Rock, Metal or anything :lol. I got mine new for 350€ last year, you could spend the rest of the money to get yourself a decent sounding amp.

 

[birdman]

If it's your first guitar, get a Mexican Stratocaster (ie, standard strat).

That's the last guitar I bought, and the only one I'll ever need. Besides, there's no big difference between a Standard and an American Strat, only that the American is assembled in America.

 

[Dahellisdat]

Fender 72 Telecaster Custom

Out of those 3...this one.

 

[methane47]

Come to think of it, you can get a squier telecaster. It's pretty much the same.

This guitar is so hideous its almost impressive

 

[j-wood]

That's the last guitar I bought, and the only one I'll ever need. Besides, there's no big difference between a Standard and an American Strat, only that the American is assembled in America.

Wrong.

OP, try looking at some Les Pauls man. I started out with a peavy raptor, just a cheap little guitar, maybe 100 bucks I think.

I went to a guitar center and bought an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Shop, 15 watt Line 6 spider III amp, and a hardshell body case for 600 bucks.

My playing improved so much going to this guitar, and it feels/sounds amazing.

Pics:
Guitar

Amp

 

[ghst]

I love the way Tele's sound (lipstick tubes, plz), but I don't find them very comfortable to play.

Yeah, my flatemates got one with a Seymour Duncan rail put in, sweet, sweet sound. I like the bridge end of things, and the narrow neck - but playing standing up is such a bitch. There's no way you can comfortably angle these fuckers, so unless you're playing like George Formby, you're hosed.

 

[birdman]

Wrong.

Okay then, please educate me.

 

[ghst]

P.S, anyone know of a decent flat-top Gibson LP equivilent, with a narrower neck?

I love my LP to death but sometimes when i'm playing faster stuff i feel like it's carved top (i prefer having my arm flat when i'm doing a billion down strokes a minute) and solid ass neck (sweet as it is for tone) is slowing me down a little, and kinda want something to compliment.

 

[Dahellisdat]

Okay then, please educate me.

I don't know if the same goes for guitars as for basses, but I just recently bought an american fender p-bass and it sounds 100x better than my old mexican one.

Edit: Why it sounds better: Stays in tune, richer tone, better action, much prettier, much more solid of an instrument.

 

[j-wood]

Okay then, please educate me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the standard strat is a junk guitar. If you enjoy playing it and it suits your needs, then by all means. But to say that there is no difference between it and an American strat is crazy.

American strat has better pickups, tuners, frets, better wood, paint job, bridge, electronics, and a better assembly (standard has a bolt on neck, American neck is built into the guitar).

It's like my saying there is no difference between my epiphone and a gibson, no contest.

 

[btrboyev]

why limit yourself to fender? Gibson makes some great les pauls just over $1000...a little over your budget. If your willing to do some major looking, I'd try looking for a real ESP guitar. They don't make ESP's anymore, but you can get some custom imported out of japan..but I'd look for an older out of print model.

 

[birdman]

American strat has better pickups, tuners, frets, better wood, paint job, bridge, electronics, and a better assembly (standard has a bolt on neck, American neck is built into the guitar).

I'll give you that under normal circumstances, an American should outclass a Standard, but no two guitars are ever equal. You can find Standards that will be better overall than an American you try out.

Also, are you positive on set necks for American Strats? Last time I checked, all Strats had bolt-on.

It's like my saying there is no difference between my epiphone and a gibson, no contest.

Woah woah woah! That's comparing apples to oranges right there. The Fender equivalent of that is Squier to Fender, not Standard to American. Not by a long shot.

 

[Red Blaster]

Once more, thanks for responding guys. I'll definitely look into the G&L guitars the Steven Segal dude mentioned.

why limit yourself to fender? Gibson makes some great les pauls just over $1000...a little over your budget.

I've mostly played Fenders in the past so I'm used to how they feel. However the Les Paul Studio is very attractive.

Also the whole Mexico vs. America thing is what's making me apprehensive about the models in the OP. I was kind of leaning towards the Tele Custom a bit from the comments in the thread, but I still can't get over the fact it's MIM. It also appears that Fender discontinued the American Telecaster HS like fucking today or something. Is there any consensus on the Fender Mustang?

 

[birdman]

I've mostly played Fenders in the past so I'm used to how they feel. However the Les Paul Studio is very attractive.

If you haven't, play one first. The neck on a Les Paul is completely different than a Strat or Tele's and might be a deal breaker. I know it is for me.

 

[adamsappel]

I just upgraded my MIM Telecaster with Bill Lawrence Keystone pickups, and it sounds amazing (I took a bunch of pics and I'll post a thread soon). I'm thinking of getting my sister's old Squire Strat and upgrading that as well. I love the Tele feel and sound. I also have a Gibson Les Paul, but honestly it's kind of a pain to play; I always feel like I'm fighting the guitar. I was in Guitar Center last week and they had many styles of Telecasters for ~$400. Don't buy a Squire, you're sacrificing quality for not much savings.

Hey, I just noticed the Squire has the "flipped" control plate, which is how I modded mine.

 

[j-wood]

I'll give you that under normal circumstances, an American should outclass a Standard, but no two guitars are ever equal. You can find Standards that will be better overall than an American you try out.

Also, are you positive on set necks for American Strats? Last time I checked, all Strats had bolt-on.




Woah woah woah! That's comparing apples to oranges right there. The Fender equivalent of that is Squier to Fender, not Standard to American. Not by a long shot.

Yeah my bad, I went a little overboard there lol.

And it looks like I was mistaken, the American's do have some bolt on necks as well.

Regardless, yeah, under normal circumstances, and American should be better than a standard.

 

[birdman]

Regardless, yeah, under normal circumstances, and American should be better than a standard.

Unfortunately these days, build quality from both Fender and Gibson can be hit and miss. Comes with being the largest guitar makers I guess.

 

[putney]

Wow, they're selling the Jaguar HH in the US now? Used to just be the baritone model. My vote would be for that then, but I'm biased since I own a MIJ Jazzmaster and a Jaguar Baritone Custom (the modified Bass VI that is now out of circulation). They're great for a good guitar that can get noisy if you so choose. There's a reason they're the choice of folks like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine Plus, I'm just not a fan of the Telecaster look, never have been and doubt I'll ever be.

 

[Grifter]

Woah woah woah! That's comparing apples to oranges right there. The Fender equivalent of that is Squier to Fender, not Standard to American. Not by a long shot.

Your standard Epiphone LP costs more than an MIM Strat, tho Epi products range from near-Squire level cheap to pricier than a Fender American Standard.

 

[birdman]

Your standard Epiphone LP costs more than an MIM Strat, tho Epi products range from near-Squire level cheap to pricier than a Fender American Standard.

That has nothing to do with quality and all to do with Gibson's pricing, which I think is nothing short of gouging.

 

[Grifter]

No doubt it's a gouge, but you're saying that a $600 retail Epi is no better than a $150 retail Squire.

 

[Fusebox]

OP ignore anyone who says "GET PRODUCT A" because what sounds and feels good to one person may not feel or sound good to you. Suggestions are nice, but you really have to get down to the shops and demo demo demo.

I'm about to buy my first electric in about 10 years, I've owned and sold more axes than I can remember when I was in my teens but I haven't played or owned an electric since I was about 20. I've pretty much settled on the white Ibanez RG350: http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/eg...39&color=CL01&year=2008&cat_id=1&series_id=51 reason being my old RG750 was one of the best guitars I've ever played. The pickups will probably need upgrading but thats easy enough.

Alternatively, get the Hello Kitty Fender!!

http://www.fenderhellokitty.com/

 

[Red Blaster]

Took another trip to Geetar Center and tried out some other guitars, including a few suggested by folks here. However, I just said fuck it and pulled the trigger on this sucker:

$1250, but I knew it was the one after playing it.

 

[HugBasket]

wtf, are tele's the new trend?

no offense, good sound, feel, but everyone i know is saying "Dude, I want a tele."

 

[j-wood]

wtf, are tele's the new trend?

no offense, good sound, feel, but everyone i know is saying "Dude, I want a tele."

I'm still a Les Paul man

 

[Red Blaster]

wtf, are tele's the new trend?

no offense, good sound, feel, but everyone i know is saying "Dude, I want a tele."

It's them indie bands.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

Alternatively, get the Hello Kitty Fender!!

http://www.fenderhellokitty.com/

Please tell me Slash is holding that guitar as a joke and not part of an endorsement.

 

[DarkJediKnight]

I play a Les Paul for the thick tone. This is something I can't achieve with any other gutiar. I prefer the shape of the Fenders and do like them when I want to use the neck single coil for clean stuff.

 

[birdman]

No doubt it's a gouge, but you're saying that a $600 retail Epi is no better than a $150 retail Squire.

No, I'm saying a $170 Epi is no better than a $150 Squire.

 

[SaggyMonkey]

Get whatever feels/sounds good in your price range. That's kinda all there is to it.

I have a few guitars, but the one I use most is my Line 6 Variax 700. I really like tinkering with the tone for recording, and being able to set custom virtual tunings.

 

[Dartastic]

Took another trip to Geetar Center and tried out some other guitars, including a few suggested by folks here. However, I just said fuck it and pulled the trigger on this sucker:

$1250, but I knew it was the one after playing it.

Good job. Strats are so versatile, it's not even funny. If I was going to get any other kind of guitar besides a Strat it'd be a Telecaster. The most important thing is that you know that it was the one once you played it. It shouldn't be any other way.

 

[HAL_Laboratory]

I've played a lot of guitars over the years, mostly Fender. I just bought an Epiphone Sheraton II, and I have to say it's the greatest sounding, most balanced guitar I've ever owned.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--EPISHER

 

[Sharp]

I own an Eric Johnson Stratocaster, and though it's pricey it's definitely worth it. It's basically a Custom Shop model for a production model price. The tone is just sick (as you'd expected from Eric Johnson), and the quality is superb. I highly recommend it, no matter what style of music you play (well maybe not death metal but pretty much anything else).

Edit: If you're looking for a reasonably priced semi-hollow body, look no further than the Ibanez Artcore. It's a really, really nice instrument for the price.

 

[Manaka]

I've played a lot of guitars over the years, mostly Fender. I just bought an Epiphone Sheraton II, and I have to say it's the greatest sounding, most balanced guitar I've ever owned.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--EPISHER

Just when I was about to write "Be a man, buy an Epiphone Sheraton II" I see it mentioned in this topic ^^

The "be a man"-joke aside, I absolutely love this guitar- of course the size and weight is not something everyone likes (though it's not that heavy, really), but after getting used to this every other guitar looks like some kids-version to me :lol

The only disappointment I had, was because there's only one left-handed version (vintage-sunburst) which, in my opinion, doesn't look as good as black or natural.

 

[Lifeonmars?]

How are the Epiphone Les Paul Customs and Epiphone's version of the Black Beauty?

 

[SpoonyBard]

Took another trip to Geetar Center and tried out some other guitars, including a few suggested by folks here. However, I just said fuck it and pulled the trigger on this sucker:

$1250, but I knew it was the one after playing it.

Deluxe Stratocaster? Nice, I have one of those also, but with 3 sincle coil pick ups. It's not as good as my Costom Shop '65 Relic, but it was quite a bit cheaper. And it stays in tune better.


As far as quality for Stratocasters and Telecasters goes, it's someting like this:
Squier (India, China or Indonesia) < Lite Ash (Korean, Cort?) < Mexico Standard < American HW1 < Made in Japan < Mexico Classic Player < American Series/Standard < Deluxe American < American Vintage, or Artist models < Custom Shop normal < Custom Shop Relic/NOS/Closet Classic

Of course if you are lucky you can find a very good standard Mexican guitar, or an used Made in Japan Squier, but you are more likely to find them with more expensive models.