Buying a Guitar [Archive] - General Nonsense Forums

DanishDevil

06-30-2009, 04:57 PM

I'm thinking of buying a guitar this weekend, and just wanted to see if any of you had any suggestions. I also have the opportunity to trade my Xbox 360 for one, which would be nice, but I think I need to spend a little less.

I'll be playing stuff from my favorite bands most likely: In Flames, All That Remains, Killswitch Engage, etc. I want to keep everything (axe, amp, cords, gig bag, picks, etc) under $300-400, so I'm betting a "value pack" in a store like Guitar Center is my best bet, but for playing metal, what's my best choice?

mlee49

06-30-2009, 05:51 PM

First off, when you buy a guitar you should never buy one around the type of music you play, rather how well experienced you are.

How long have you been playing? 1-2 years? less? more? That is more important than price, music type, and where to buy.

I must say that I've always been impressed with www.musiciansfriend.com and there extensive collection on everything from guitars to amps to effects.

I would say that a beginner/intermediate guitar player should probably pay no more than $200 for the axe and $200 for the amp. Drop $50 for a good effects pedal(even one FS on TPU) and you'll sound as bad assed as you want.

I'll check some prices online, but if I were you I would go used all the way and find a local guitar shop you can play the guitar well before you buy it.

mlee49

06-30-2009, 06:00 PM

This is my guitar, a BC Rich Warlock. Looks killer, good pickups and decent fret board:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/B.C.-Rich-Bronze-Series-Warlock-Electric-Guitar?sku=510780

It's $200 shipped from Muscian's Friend and you can use it for reference.

Here's the exact amp I've had for years:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Randall-G3-Plus-Series-RG75DG3PLUS-75W-1x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481687#new

Start small though, a 75W amp packs a good punch. Here's a great little starter amp:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-FM-25-DSP-Frontman-Combo-Amp?sku=481136#new

From_Nowhere

06-30-2009, 07:48 PM

You recommend him a low end BC Rich? :eek:

If you are starting out I recommend:

Ibanez RG120. I started out playing an older/similar model of this guitar. The Trem is solid, but it's no Floyd or Edge Pro but it will stay in tune unless you are going CRAZY with the bar. The humbuckers are versatile as well, and you can swap them out later on if you want to.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RG120-Electric-Guitar?sku=519426#new

Peavey ValveKing Royal 8. Sounds like crap for metal with built-in distortion, but that's why I'm recommending a pedal. Apart from that ValveKing's have some of the best tone, and clean I've heard for a budget amp.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-ValveKing-Royal-8-Tube-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481661#new

This is the same pedal I use, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone. Doesn't sound like crap like the Metal Muff, and has more control than some higher end Boss and Digitech pedals.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-MT2-Metal-Zone-Effects-Pedal?sku=151328#new

It's a few $$$ over budget, but you won't be disappointed. Or you could get yourself one of those starter packs and a distortion pedal.

DanishDevil

07-01-2009, 07:05 PM

I haven't played before at all.

I think to make it easier on me, I'm gonna get a starter kit. I'm looking at these two:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-IJX121-Metal-Guitar-Jumpstart-Package-518877-i1425077.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Laguna-Ultimate-Rock-Electric-Guitar-Pack-with-Line-6-Spider-III-15W-Amp-515247-i1375180.gc

I can price match them both down about $40-50. I went to Guitar Center last night and played the Laguna and liked the feel of it, but they didn't have that model Ibanez on the floor.

What do you guys think of these?

From_Nowhere

07-02-2009, 12:23 AM

That Ibanez starter pack is the better deal. Better guitar than the Laguna, but it has a slightly worse amp (both of them suck, I won't lie).

And if you are playing metal get yourself a distortion pedal with it.

3991v

07-02-2009, 03:23 AM

You recommend him a low end BC Rich? :eek:

I'd recommend a low end BC Rich over any Ibanez.

If you're on a budget, get yourself a Boss DS-1 Distortion Peddle. It's pretty good IMO. I play on a Peavey Renown 212 160watt Solid state amp, and it sounds pretty good with the BC Rich (my dad has one)

DanishDevil

07-02-2009, 05:09 AM

I also have the option of this unknown modeled Charvel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/pp_mguire/Charvell-1.jpg

3991v

07-02-2009, 06:26 AM

That would be cool. A Charvel like that is definitely a vintage (Pre-Jackson I would assume)

Wile E

07-02-2009, 07:33 AM

3991v

07-02-2009, 08:22 AM

Charvels are actually good guitars, for the most part.

Personally, I'd go with an Epiphone SG or Les Paul for a few dollars more.

You could also look on the used market. You would probably find the best deal that way.

Nothin like a used guitar! They're like wine - get better with age! I got a 30+ year old V, and its awesome:D

DanishDevil

07-02-2009, 08:24 AM

The Charvel is used, and I would be trading my Xbox 360 Elite for it (just the console, HDD, and cables, not any controllers or games) so like a $300ish value.

I found somebody with the Laguna starter kit locally for $250, and I'm pushing for $200. She won the guitar in a contest at a hockey game fan appreciation deal a few months back and she's had it listed since the 9th of June. I'm hoping she'll bite for $200 cash.

DanishDevil

07-02-2009, 09:46 PM

From_Nowhere

07-03-2009, 06:11 AM

Not a bad piece of advice, but get a decent amp not a crap one.

Guitars to consider:

Epiphone EM-2: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-EM-2-Prophecy-Custom-FX-Electric-Guitar-with-Floyd-Rose-Tremolo-515613-i1398415.gc

Jackson DXMG: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-DXMG-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-520315-i1447275.gc

Ibanez S320: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-S320-S-Series-Electric-Guitar-512503-i1173395.gc

Wile E

07-03-2009, 07:08 AM

I talked to my step dad's teacher, and he suggested that I spend the vast majority of my money on a good guitar, and then buy a crap amp so I can upgrade that later.

This is what I'm taking a very close look at right now:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-RG3EXFM1-Electric-Guitar-104831474-i1400085.gc

Perfect advice. It doesn't matter how crappy the amp is when you are just learning. You just need to be able to hear yourself.

And I don't know about you, but my personal preference is to NOT have a tremolo (whammy bar) bridge. They kill tone and sustain, and go out of tune much easier. Stick with a standard bridge, imo.

3991v

07-03-2009, 01:31 PM

And I don't know about you, but my personal preference is to NOT have a tremolo (whammy bar) bridge. They kill tone and sustain, and go out of tune much easier. Stick with a standard bridge, imo.
Couldn't agree more.

DanishDevil

07-05-2009, 04:09 PM

Well thanks for the help guys. I went ahead and pulled the plug on the following stuff:

Ibanez RG3EXFM1 (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-RG3EXFM1-Electric-Guitar-104831474-i1400085.gc)

Peavey Vypyr 15 15W 1x8 Guitar Combo Amp (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-Vypyr-15-15W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104922851-i1413605.gc)

mlee49

07-05-2009, 04:15 PM

Damn! Dropped a dime on the Ibanez! Nice guitar though. Footpedal?

Frederik S

07-05-2009, 07:55 PM

Nothin like a used guitar! They're like wine - get better with age! I got a 30+ year old V, and its awesome:D

Haha that is only true for the minority of guitars. Of course an old Gibson Flying V is well erhm heavenly :)

The Ibanez are quite good for the price. They are quite well made and their sound is more versatile than some of the cheaper squire strats and teles.

Later on you are probably going to want something that fits the stuff you play and the sound you want better. By then you will have enough experience to know what you are going for.

Have fun playing!

ManDown

07-06-2009, 03:47 PM

You need to go to guitar center and try out guitars and find one that feels the best, Don't buy without trying out first. Get something that feels comfortable. I like Ibanez, their stock pick-ups are damn good. Wish I still had my old ones. I Also like slim bodies, feels easier to play fast.

DanishDevil

07-09-2009, 07:19 PM

Wile E

07-10-2009, 04:20 AM

Yeah I played it quite a bit there. I asked the guys that worked there to play it for me as well :)

No foot pedal at the moment. I already dropped over half a grand on all this stuff, and I really don't want to spend a whole lot more right now.

What do you guys think of the Peavey for a starter amp? I don't like it, but maybe that's because I need to read the manual :p

Who cares about the amp right now? All you need to do is be able to hear yourself right now.

When you get to a point where you are actually able to play a little, and start settling in on a preferred personal style, then you worry about an amp that fits your needs.

DanishDevil

07-11-2009, 06:18 AM

Sounds good to me. Thank you all for your help!

3991v

07-11-2009, 02:54 PM

Haha that is only true for the minority of guitars. Of course an old Gibson Flying V is well erhm heavenly :)

The Ibanez are quite good for the price. They are quite well made and their sound is more versatile than some of the cheaper squire strats and teles.
Not a gibson ;)

And I'm not much of an Ibanez guy, but that one you picked up DD looks decent.

Rock on!

Frederik S

07-13-2009, 01:00 PM

Not a gibson ;)

And I'm not much of an Ibanez guy, but that one you picked up DD looks decent.

Rock on!

Ok :)
Some guitars age like fine wine others like milk ;)

FreedomEclipse

07-26-2009, 09:13 PM

Get something from the PRS SE series. they might cost a little more but honestly, they are worth so much more then what you pay for it.

& even if you decide you want more from your playing - keep the guitar, just upgrade the pickups.

I bought my Santana SE for around £599 when the SE series was literally brand new & it has some of the best tones ever despite having stock pickups. - it does sound a little muddy at times but it fits in with the 'vintage' tone plus with some tweaking you can come out with some really really nice modern tones. Ive played many guitars in my time but when i picked up the Santana SE & heard the vintage growl my heart fell in love instantly.

Im aware that you can get a Santana SE for around £450'ish now.

dont overlook prs just because it costs a little more & looks different then your regular budget ibanez, strat or ESP.

they are also VERY versatile. & Every PRS SE series guitar ive ever had the chance of playing is amazing & very versatile.

its your choice at the end of the day, but just because you can use it for blues doesnt make it any less metal.

T3hPwn3r3r

07-27-2009, 05:57 PM

I'd recommend a low end BC Rich over any Ibanez.

If you're on a budget, get yourself a Boss DS-1 Distortion Peddle. It's pretty good IMO. I play on a Peavey Renown 212 160watt Solid state amp, and it sounds pretty good with the BC Rich (my dad has one)

Because you play on a solid state amp ;)

DanishDevil

07-27-2009, 07:41 PM

Read above. I already bought :p

FreedomEclipse

07-27-2009, 09:07 PM

Read above. I already bought :p

what did you get?? an Ibanez?

DanishDevil

07-28-2009, 03:15 AM

3991v

07-28-2009, 04:03 AM

Peavey amps are incredible! Did you get it yet?

How do they play for ya?

:)

Wile E

07-28-2009, 05:09 AM

Peavey amps are incredible! Did you get it yet?

How do they play for ya?

:)
Ummmm, no. lol.

3991v

07-28-2009, 05:42 AM

Ummmm, no. lol.

I'd take a Peavey over a Marshall any day

Wile E

07-28-2009, 05:56 AM

I'd take a Peavey over a Marshall any day

Then your definition of incredible leaves a bit to be desired. lol. Obviously a top of the line Peavey would be better than a bottom of the line Marshal, but if you grab one of each in the same market segment, the Marshals shame Peaveys in quality and power output. I also happen to think the Marshals sound a hell of lot better.

3991v

07-28-2009, 06:11 AM

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. No point in arguing about it :)

Wile E

07-28-2009, 06:13 AM

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. No point in arguing about it :)

We don't have to argue about tone, that's a preference. As far as my other points, there's no arguing anyway, they're facts. Marshals are put together better, and louder.

3991v

07-28-2009, 06:16 AM

We don't have to argue about tone, that's a preference. As far as my other points, there's no arguing anyway, they're facts. Marshals are put together better, and louder.

Thats what I was talking about.. tone. The facts are right, but I still love Peavey. Who knows, I might end up getting a Marshall.

Wile E

07-28-2009, 06:41 AM

Thats what I was talking about.. tone. The facts are right, but I still love Peavey. Who knows, I might end up getting a Marshall.

Well, tone is always a preference thing.

Personally, I abhor the sound of both solid state Peavey amps, and Boss Distortion pedals. lol. I think they sound absolutely terrible.

If it doesn't have tubes, it's not worth listening to. lol

3991v

07-28-2009, 06:57 AM

Well, tone is always a preference thing.

Personally, I abhor the sound of both solid state Peavey amps, and Boss Distortion pedals. lol. I think they sound absolutely terrible.

If it doesn't have tubes, it's not worth listening to. lol

lol. I play on both a solid state Peavey and a Boss DS-1 Pedal. I personally like it, but then again, you definitely wouldn't. lol.

DanishDevil

07-28-2009, 09:34 PM

I've gotten them, but have had less than an hour to play since I've been busy with summer school, work, and my girl.

CortezTheKiller

07-30-2009, 09:12 PM

Then your definition of incredible leaves a bit to be desired. lol. Obviously a top of the line Peavey would be better than a bottom of the line Marshal, but if you grab one of each in the same market segment, the Marshals shame Peaveys in quality and power output. I also happen to think the Marshals sound a hell of lot better.

Doubtful, lower-end Marshalls are utter trash, the entire MG series is just overpriced crap.

Just because something says Marshall on it, it doesn't automatically make it a JTM45 or whatever.

Wile E

07-31-2009, 03:59 AM

Doubtful, lower-end Marshalls are utter trash, the entire MG series is just overpriced crap.

Just because something says Marshall on it, it doesn't automatically make it a JTM45 or whatever.

And lower-end Peaveys are even worse still.

CortezTheKiller

07-31-2009, 07:28 AM

And lower-end Peaveys are even worse still.

Hellll no, you can't get much worse than the MG's. The Peavey Royal 8, Vyper's, & valvekings own any marshalls at the same price.

Peavey makes great lower-end amps (especially their tube amps). Marhalls don't really shine until >$600.

Wile E

07-31-2009, 08:11 AM

Hellll no, you can't get much worse than the MG's. The Peavey Royal 8, Vyper's, & valvekings own any marshalls at the same price.

Peavey makes great lower-end amps (especially their tube amps). Marhalls don't really shine until >$600.

Well, admittedly, it's been years since I checked either lineup out, so Peavey may have the tone advantage in the mid-range now, judging by the fact that Marshall doesn't even offer valves in the preamps of the mid-range anymore, but I seriously doubt Peavey's have the build quality.

I do agree that the Marshalls seem way overpriced these days. Meh, give me Fender valve amps for midrange anyway (I really miss my '69 Princeton 1x10), or a Mesa Road King for all out. :D

DanishDevil

07-31-2009, 08:52 AM

I think you guys need a Guitar Amp thread to play in :p

I have no idea if mine's even a tube amp. I think it is.

FreedomEclipse

08-05-2009, 04:35 AM

Back when I use to play in my band - I use to jam out on a Fender Hotrod Deluxe that was around in the basement where we rehersed. we recorded 2 albums on it, it sounded great. then the previous guitarist (who i replaced) came to take the amp back. I was gonna buy it off him as i totally fell in love with the amp. - spent 2 weeks trying to get in touch with him most of the time his phone was off or he didnt pick up. & the one time I managed to get through. he'd said hed call me back but he never returned my call so I didnt bother after that & got myself a Peavy ValveKing 112 which steve our bassplayer totally loved & favoured it more then the Fender Hotrod Deluxe.

its a great amp