A Guitar N00b wants to ask a guitar question to you experts out there

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Ok, I've decided, I'm getting sick of the plastic guitar. I'm still getting RB Drums, but guitar - yh right. So, my Halo 3, RB and GH3 funds have all been diverted to a guitar fund. But... I have a problem of choice.

I do not want an Ibanez or other pretender brands, I want one of two brands, Gibson or Fender. The strats look incredible, and going cheap on ebay (a nice one for £380, i know its not the decent pre CBS thingys but come on, thats fantastic). I won't be writing music or anything, I just want to play some rock anthems. I've heard SG is good to learn - but this guitar is gonna last me a while and the Strat looks so impossibly cool (yhyh sound matters but the strat... i'm just in love with it).

Suggestions plz?

[trevordude_24]

i think you shood go with the strat i have one and they are great, fender in my opinion is the best brand of guitars and they are reliable and the strat is there best seller so i would reccoment the strat

[gh2masterwellalmost]

i think you shood go with the strat i have one and they are great, fender in my opinion is the best brand of guitars and they are reliable and the strat is there best seller so i would reccoment the strat

Its sorta what I want, but I needed to know. I mean, the whole motivation, why I don't want it for xmas or whatever, is that if I spend like a year's pocket money on a guitar, I'll be basically forcing myself to learn, otherwise thats a TON OF MONEY down the sewer. The only reason I persued with Guitar Hero when I hated it at times was because 1) i had paid a ton of money for it and 2) my mates were better than me at it, and I think its great motivation for me.

[ocfanman]

great idea, but you should also confirm that you want to shell out alot of cash for a hobby, make sure you carry it out

I got a cheap electric, I think I did good because I occasionaly play it, I tell myself that if I can get better Ill buy a real guitar

I like fender alot but had my eye on some epiphones lately

[Coldplayer]

I love the Gibson ES-335. But well, the Fender Strat is great too, of course.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

great idea, but you should also confirm that you want to shell out alot of cash for a hobby, make sure you carry it out

I got a cheap electric, I think I did good because I occasionaly play it, I tell myself that if I can get better Ill buy a real guitar

I like fender alot but had my eye on some epiphones lately

I think the idea is for me that the strat is the perfection. I get £30 a month, which is slow progress for a strat, got £60 atm to start with, but if i buy an EXPENSIVE guitar, it'd be like me buying a PS3 - id force myself to play it for all that cash.

[Saltines]

Ok, I've decided, I'm getting sick of the plastic guitar. I'm still getting RB Drums, but guitar - yh right. So, my Halo 3, RB and GH3 funds have all been diverted to a guitar fund. But... I have a problem of choice.

I do not want an Ibanez or other pretender brands, I want one of two brands, Gibson or Fender. The strats look incredible, and going cheap on ebay (a nice one for £380, i know its not the decent pre CBS thingys but come on, thats fantastic). I won't be writing music or anything, I just want to play some rock anthems. I've heard SG is good to learn - but this guitar is gonna last me a while and the Strat looks so impossibly cool (yhyh sound matters but the strat... i'm just in love with it).

Suggestions plz?

Wow, pretender brands eh? Lol.

Anyways, be careful where you spend your money. You don't want to buy something that cleans out your pockets and then in a few months never touch it again, some of my friends have done that.

Epiphones are good.. Made by the same guys that make Gibson. So it isn't a pretender like "Ibanez"(Still lol)
They are just cheaper, lower quality gibsons.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Wow, pretender brands eh? Lol.

Anyways, be careful where you spend your money. You don't want to buy something that cleans out your pockets and then in a few months never touch it again, some of my friends have done that.

Epiphones are good.. Made by the same guys that make Gibson. So it isn't a pretender like "Ibanez"(Still lol)
They are just cheaper, lower quality gibsons.

I know Epiphones and Squiers, and the sound quality won't make much difference for my purposes, but I NEED them expensive. Weird for a kid whos not got a lot of money to spend, but the more I spend the more I will force myself to play guitar. I mean, a Squier Strat is £105, thats just shy of 3 months pocket money, which is the equivelent of two games. Considering I'm giving up Halo 3 (in my book that is giving up a religion level haha) and Guitar Hero 3 (sadly my Freebird skills on GH2 are gonna fall down but hey a year longer and I'll be able to play it.

None of my friends have proper guitars. They have the squiers, the epiphones etc. It'd be nice to not only stand out of the crowd, but the more I save for this the more I will force myself to learn. Sorry to sound spoiled if I do, but £100 is not a lot to me cos pocket money wise I'm lucky - but when Strats are entering what I classify as "PS3 Zone" that is serious dosh, and if I spend that much (with no money from parents) I'd force myself to learn otherwise boom ive lost a ton of cash.

Anyway thx for the help, keep it coming if you can :D

[Saltines]

I know Epiphones and Squiers, and the sound quality won't make much difference for my purposes, but I NEED them expensive. Weird for a kid whos not got a lot of money to spend, but the more I spend the more I will force myself to play guitar. I mean, a Squier Strat is £105, thats just shy of 3 months pocket money, which is the equivelent of two games. Considering I'm giving up Halo 3 (in my book that is giving up a religion level haha) and Guitar Hero 3 (sadly my Freebird skills on GH2 are gonna fall down but hey a year longer and I'll be able to play it.

None of my friends have proper guitars. They have the squiers, the epiphones etc. It'd be nice to not only stand out of the crowd, but the more I save for this the more I will force myself to learn. Sorry to sound spoiled if I do, but £100 is not a lot to me cos pocket money wise I'm lucky - but when Strats are entering what I classify as "PS3 Zone" that is serious dosh, and if I spend that much (with no money from parents) I'd force myself to learn otherwise boom ive lost a ton of cash.

Anyway thx for the help, keep it coming if you can :D
Well, make sure you do your research first. Don't buy a guitar on ebay. Go to a local guitar shop, try some out, actually try alot out. Then pick one you like the most, the feel, how it looks and plays. Some guitars are hard to play sitting down, take that into consideration.. You don't want something as minuscule as having problems with sitting with a guitar slow your learning.. What type of music do you want to play? Now fenders are pretty good for anything.. But just think about the music you want to play. I probably wouldnt buy a Jackson and play some blues.

[Akaymay]

I have a Gibson SG. Cost well over 1 grand, but TOTALLY worth it. It plays beautifully. I've had it well over 3 years, and it still looks like I JUST got it yesterday! It plays like it's a day old too! I have NEVER had a problem with them AT ALL. I seriously can't stop playing it, ever. I love it! Not that this is a reason to buy it, but it's durable. Me and the band were playing a gig, and in between songs, the leather on the strap broke, and it crashed to the floor. Not a scratch on it.

Also, it's thin, so you can get the PERFECT pick positions. The fretboard is smaller, so you can play even faster! It's seriously the most perfect guitar on the planet. I have customized mine with the Angus Young signature humbuckers, and I forced myself to buy a JCM 800 amp to perfect it. I LOVE IT!

[battle_axe_of_doom]

get a ****ty guitar first cuz u might suck and never get better so instead of havign this expensive ass guitar mainly for decoration u'll have a ****ty one that didn't cost u as much

[Saltines]

get a ****ty guitar first cuz u might suck and never get better so instead of havign this expensive ass guitar mainly for decoration u'll have a ****ty one that didn't cost u as much

Yeah get a ****ty guitar, why not go ahead and grab a ****ty amp so it sounds really bad and you don't even want to play it..

Don't listen to this guy..

[battle_axe_of_doom]

stfu why tell him to waste money on a $500 guitar when he might not even use it 2 yrs from now?? just get one at a pawn shop or something, use it to learn the basics and if u really enjoy it and actually make progress then upgrade. its pretty ****ing stupid to go out and get a high priced guitar off the bat, unless ur ****ing rich or something

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Well, make sure you do your research first. Don't buy a guitar on ebay. Go to a local guitar shop, try some out, actually try alot out. Then pick one you like the most, the feel, how it looks and plays. Some guitars are hard to play sitting down, take that into consideration.. You don't want something as minuscule as having problems with sitting with a guitar slow your learning.. What type of music do you want to play? Now fenders are pretty good for anything.. But just think about the music you want to play. I probably wouldnt buy a Jackson and play some blues.

Oh yh, eBay noway, I'd have to get my Dad to play the songs I like to see if its a good guitar. I'm playing Rock, I mean to give you the songs I want to learn, the first that come to mind are some Guns N Roses, Freebird, some emo, Muse, Radiohead, so alt rock to metal.

The thing for me, which was when my friends were just sitting there with their mini marshall pocket amps, just taking rock requests and playing. Thats what I want.


I have a Gibson SG. Cost well over 1 grand, but TOTALLY worth it. It plays beautifully. I've had it well over 3 years, and it still looks like I JUST got it yesterday! It plays like it's a day old too! I have NEVER had a problem with them AT ALL. I seriously can't stop playing it, ever. I love it! Not that this is a reason to buy it, but it's durable. Me and the band were playing a gig, and in between songs, the leather on the strap broke, and it crashed to the floor. Not a scratch on it.

Also, it's thin, so you can get the PERFECT pick positions. The fretboard is smaller, so you can play even faster! It's seriously the most perfect guitar on the planet. I have customized mine with the Angus Young signature humbuckers, and I forced myself to buy a JCM 800 amp to perfect it. I LOVE IT!

An SG is a possibility, but we're talking, going by internet (not eBay) prices £200 ($400) more, which is a lot. £300 for a strat is big, but I mean, I could get an epiphone SG, but will it beat the SG for the songs I want to play and easibility to learn (no I don't want a cruddy guitar to start with remember - i want a guitar which I, even after winning 20 grammys (maybe :P haha j/k), or more realistically in 40 years when I'm a proper good guitarist, I will still come back to and love.

[Julio-Claudius]

Yeah get a ****ty guitar, why not go ahead and grab a ****ty amp so it sounds really bad and you don't even want to play it..

Don't listen to this guy..

Speaking of amps, how much would a Marshall go these days?

Also, I am learning on a cinammon colored Penco Les Paul immatation with a creme pick guard. Should I stick with it or get a different one?

[Saltines]

Speaking of amps, how much would a Marshall go these days?

Also, I am learning on a cinammon colored Penco Les Paul immatation with a creme pick guard. Should I stick with it or get a different one?

Depends on size, wattage, and features. I plan on getting a small marshall soon.. Probably around 150-300 bucks.

About the guitar, does it sound good? I wouldn't upgrade until you think that you should. I'm not upgrading yet, going on almost a year of playing.. It's a squier strat but.. it plays great it really does.

And battle axe..I never told him to get an expensive guitar, but why go to a pawn shop for some half assed guitar that is probably damaged, not set up right at all, and will sound like ****?

When you do buy your guitar gh2master, make sure you go to a guitar shop, and get it set up.. Most it will cost is 15 bucks, make sure everything is set perfectly for the best quality you can get from your purchase.. When I got my guitar the neck was bowed and it was hard to play, so I took it up to a shop, got strings replaced, bridge fixed, and the neck straightened and it played almost like a brand new guitar.

Just be careful.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

stfu why tell him to waste money on a $500 guitar when he might not even use it 2 yrs from now?? just get one at a pawn shop or something, use it to learn the basics and if u really enjoy it and actually make progress then upgrade. its pretty ****ing stupid to go out and get a high priced guitar off the bat, unless ur ****ing rich or something

The whole idea (I'm not rich believe me - my Dad wish he could go and buy a Les Paul, but he can't, but I'm saving for ages for a Strat. You might wonder why (see earlier for more detail). I worked it out my pyschology and I want to use it to greater effect. Take a 360 game I wasted my money on (Guitar Hero), at first I didn't enjoy it as much as £70 should have been. But, because I persevered, beat my mates (who had it since GH1 and I only bought GH2 360) at it, felt great, and its all been worth it.

If I spend not a lot on what my friends call, as a diss basically to people who play cruddy guitars, the "Argos Strats" (argos is a British sells everything shop, not brilliant for guitars), I wouldn't persevere. I play a TON of money on a guitar, I will not only have it as my only guitar forever (the history of it :D) I will persevere more.


Yeah get a ****ty guitar, why not go ahead and grab a ****ty amp so it sounds really bad and you don't even want to play it..

Don't listen to this guy..

Thx pal. Now... just the choice to make... I think I have it down to Epiphone SG and Fender Strat (not squier) but if you have better suggestions guitar experts I'm there.

[Julio-Claudius]

About the guitar, does it sound good? I wouldn't upgrade until you think that you should. I'm not upgrading yet, going on almost a year of playing.. It's a squier strat but.. it plays great it really does.

I wouldn't know! I don't know if it's out of tune and what-not, I know almost squat about guitars, that's why I'm learning. (and to pick up chicks)

[Saltines]

The whole idea (I'm rich believe me - my Dad wish he could go and buy a Les Paul, but he can't, but I'm saving for ages for a Strat. You might wonder why (see earlier for more detail). I worked it out my pyschology and I want to use it to greater effect. Take a 360 game I wasted my money on (Guitar Hero), at first I didn't enjoy it as much as £70 should have been. But, because I persevered, beat my mates (who had it since GH1 and I only bought GH2 360) at it, felt great, and its all been worth it.

If I spend not a lot on what my friends call, as a diss basically to people who play cruddy guitars, the "Argos Strats" (argos is a British sells everything shop, not brilliant for guitars), I wouldn't persevere. I play a TON of money on a guitar, I will not only have it as my only guitar forever (the history of it :D) I will persevere more.



Thx pal. Now... just the choice to make... I think I have it down to Epiphone SG and Fender Strat (not squier) but if you have better suggestions guitar experts I'm there.

I wouldn't jump out and pay a lot for your first guitar, take it slow.. Squiers aren't as bad as people say.. but I would have preferred an epi. The most I would have payed for my starting guitar would have been about 200.. But I got a started pack for 289 and it came with an amp, cable, picks, extra strings, some tooldfor adjusting the neck and bridge, and instructional videos. Not a bad deal, amp isn't very stellar but it was worth the price tag.

Most times if you buy a guitar the strings aren't very good.. So you may want to think about strings also, but it's not a huge deal.. I need new strings because right now I'm missing my high E string.. I'm going to get some D'Addario Nickel Plated Light strings for 18 bucks.. not a bad deal.. D'addario are awesome. Same with Ernie Ball. Are you going to grab an amp with your guitar?

[Saltines]

I wouldn't know! I don't know if it's out of tune and what-not, I know almost squat about guitars, that's why I'm learning. (and to pick up chicks)

Get a tuner from someplace. You can get some Korg's for around 15 bucks and they work pretty well. I also suggest you go to some guitar shops and play some decent guitars, have someone working there help you out, have them help you set up an amp to try out, alot of people that go to guitar shops and try out guitars there mess with the amps.. Some people know what they are doing and others don't completely messing with the sound of the amp.
Hell, even bring in your guitar and see if they can give you some pointers..

[tf5_bassist]

Here's what I'd do:

Stay away from cheapie Strats. They're a dime a dozen, and VERY frustrating. If you KNOW you want to be serious about playing, then get a good middle-of-the-road instrument. Like, a lower-end Fender, higher end Squire (but I don't like squires, i'd be inclined to stay away from them, too many poor experiences).

I'd rather go with a Gibson or an Epiphone. Akaymay's dead on with the SG, they're very fun instruments, and easy to play. Personally, myself, I'd rather go with a Les Paul. LPs have a much more broad tonal range--in my experience, the SGs are nearly imposible to get a nice, soft clear clean tone out of at decent volumes. Amazing crunch and raunch, but no clean perfection. I know that might not be what you're going for, but I really value having versatility - which the LP has in spades. Rock, blues, jazz, metal, you name it, the LP can do it, more than any other single guitar.

If you do end up with something like an SG, which mind you still is a great guitar to go with, you can always swap out the pickups at a later time if you want more crunch, more clean, more versatility, etc etc.

Either way, you're on the right track with not going for a bottom-of-the-barrel guitar. Cheap guitars=poor tuning and mechanics=frustrating to play=you're not going to play anymore.

Now, the worst part of this whole post... Ibanez being a "pretender"... omgomgomgomg. No offense, but... Get a clue man, there are a LOT of other great brands out there! Would you call Gretch or Rickenbacker a pretender brand, just because you've not heard of them much? I'd take a Gretch or a Ricky over 99% of all Fender guitars any day.

Ibanez (I play an Ibanez Iceman bass as my main instrument, it is DEFINITELY not a pretender), Schecter (one of my favorite "newer" brands), Ernie Ball, Peavey (especially the older ones), Carvin Custom, Brian Moore, Godin, etc etc etc... All very very quality instruments, just not with the same history that the big two have, being Fender and Gibson. And most of the time, you'll get a better instrument for the same cost, if not less (unless you're looking at boutique brands, like older PRS, high-end Brian Moore, Breedlove, Carl Thompson basses, Conklin guitars and basses).

Be careful what you say when it comes to instruments, you're bound to offend SOMEONE lol... We're a pretty particular bunch, musicians.

That being said, good luck with your IRL guitar endeavors, it'll be a sh*t-ton of frustration, but also a sh*t-ton of fun. :)

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I wouldn't jump out and pay a lot for your first guitar, take it slow.. Squiers aren't as bad as people say.. but I would have preferred an epi. The most I would have payed for my starting guitar would have been about 200.. But I got a started pack for 289 and it came with an amp, cable, picks, extra strings, some tooldfor adjusting the neck and bridge, and instructional videos. Not a bad deal, amp isn't very stellar but it was worth the price tag.

Most times if you buy a guitar the strings aren't very good.. So you may want to think about strings also, but it's not a huge deal.. I need new strings because right now I'm missing my high E string.. I'm going to get some D'Addario Nickel Plated Light strings for 18 bucks.. not a bad deal.. D'addario are awesome. Same with Ernie Ball. Are you going to grab an amp with your guitar?

I see where you're coming from. This is the sort of thing I'd like: http://www.guitar.co.uk/fender/1566-fender_classic_player_60s_stratocaster_electric_gu itar

Look, I know you're all thinking go cheap, but stringing, tuning (although I can tell by ear when my dads tuning his acoustics) my Dad's teaching me, he refuses to teach me on the grounds that he was self taught, he sat there with his guitar listening to music, SLOWLY trying to play note by note (there was no internet for him to go and get tabs from back then haha).

Amp wise, I have my Dad's to use (my dads 100 watt bass amp will do nicely haha) but my own one will just be a mini marshall pocket one, just so i can play at night, when I'll be practising.

Look, the more expensive the btetter for me. Sounds weird but more of my money = more commitment from me. And if I learn on a Strat, my guitar for life it will be, its a great point and NONE of my mates have a proper strat. I know my Dads jealous - Ill be learning on a guitar which hes only played in shops and mates houses haha :P

But, look, I'm going full on here. So I put forward the question: for my music I'll be playing (guns n roses, emo, radiohead, muse, so from alt to metal rock basically) which is better a proper strat, or an epiphone SG (the £600 SGs, unless they get cheaper at jan sales when i'll probs be buying my guitar, is a nono). Unless you have a better Epiphone suggestion (e.g. Les Paul) or a better Fender (e.g. tele)

[Saltines]

I see where you're coming from. This is the sort of thing I'd like: http://www.guitar.co.uk/fender/1566-fender_classic_player_60s_stratocaster_electric_gu itar

Look, I know you're all thinking go cheap, but stringing, tuning (although I can tell by ear when my dads tuning his acoustics) my Dad's teaching me, he refuses to teach me on the grounds that he was self taught, he sat there with his guitar listening to music, SLOWLY trying to play note by note (there was no internet for him to go and get tabs from back then haha).

Amp wise, I have my Dad's to use (my dads 100 watt bass amp will do nicely haha) but my own one will just be a mini marshall pocket one, just so i can play at night, when I'll be practising.

Look, the more expensive the btetter for me. Sounds weird but more of my money = more commitment from me. And if I learn on a Strat, my guitar for life it will be, its a great point and NONE of my mates have a proper strat. I know my Dads jealous - Ill be learning on a guitar which hes only played in shops and mates houses haha :P

But, look, I'm going full on here. So I put forward the question: for my music I'll be playing (guns n roses, emo, radiohead, muse, so from alt to metal rock basically) which is better a proper strat, or an epiphone SG (the £600 SGs, unless they get cheaper at jan sales when i'll probs be buying my guitar, is a nono). Unless you have a better Epiphone suggestion (e.g. Les Paul) or a better Fender (e.g. tele)


I don't know exactly how a bass amp will do you.. Marshall pocket amps aren't too bad, definatly good for practice.. You might want a good cable, and since you'll
have a pocket amp you wont really need a long cable.. I say go for a monster cable, top of the line and vary in size.. I got a 12ft for 25 bucks and it cuts down on fuzz. Plus, monster cables have a lifetime warranty.
If you need help with any product info, go to www.guitarcenter.com and look around. If you need help hit "Help" on the top right corner of the page and go to the chat now link.. You can chat with really people working 24/7 a day.. Great service.. I use it quite often.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I don't know exactly how a bass amp will do you.. Marshall pocket amps aren't too bad, definatly good for practice.. You might want a good cable, and since you'll
have a pocket amp you wont really need a long cable.. I say go for a monster cable, top of the line and vary in size.. I got a 12ft for 25 bucks and it cuts down on fuzz. Plus, monster cables have a lifetime warranty.
If you need help with any product info, go to www.guitarcenter.com and look around. If you need help hit "Help" on the top right corner of the page and go to the chat now link.. You can chat with really people working 24/7 a day.. Great service.. I use it quite often.

Dude, much love to all the help I'm getting. I have a, how shall I say, rocky relationship with the majority of people on the forums but for all this help its great.

Again, just need my question answered, if you can. For Alt, Emo and Metal Rock what am I best for: Epiphone SG, Epiphone Les Paul, Fender Strat, Fender Tele (not sure bout that one but i saw Thom Yorke plays one so i thought id throw it in) or MAYBE IF ITS CHEAP IN JANUARY SALES Gibson SG (Les Paul, even with sales, is out of my price range). Oh and looks DO MATTER haha I love the looks of the strat, and it sounds so good.. but I'm a guitar n00b just need your opinion

[Saltines]

Dude, much love to all the help I'm getting. I have a, how shall I say, rocky relationship with the majority of people on the forums but for all this help its great.

Again, just need my question answered, if you can. For Alt, Emo and Metal Rock what am I best for: Epiphone SG, Epiphone Les Paul, Fender Strat, Fender Tele (not sure bout that one but i saw Thom Yorke plays one so i thought id throw it in) or MAYBE IF ITS CHEAP IN JANUARY SALES Gibson SG (Les Paul, even with sales, is out of my price range). Oh and looks DO MATTER haha I love the looks of the strat, and it sounds so good.. but I'm a guitar n00b just need your opinion

You can pretty much get any sound out of a strat.. Be it emo, metal, rock, jazz, blues, country.. the list goes on.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

You can pretty much get any sound out of a strat.. Be it emo, metal, rock, jazz, blues, country.. the list goes on.

Thx man. Though jazz and blue and country I'm sticking way away from (just my opinion, its not really why i decided to learn), the vertasility of a strat sounds so cool, and the looks (the perfect looking guitar) sold me from day one. Sure, it may be harder to learn on than say an SG, but that really is stretching my money, and £400 is still A LOT.

Btw, I gotta ask, with the strats I've seen, they have the 2006 models at £299 and then the 60s model (obviously not the vintage ones but its the 60s model, looks the same, without tremelo bar though) at £100 ($200) extra. Worth it? Why etc.

[Saltines]

Thx man. Though jazz and blue and country I'm sticking way away from (just my opinion, its not really why i decided to learn), the vertasility of a strat sounds so cool, and the looks (the perfect looking guitar) sold me from day one. Sure, it may be harder to learn on than say an SG, but that really is stretching my money, and £400 is still A LOT.

Btw, I gotta ask, with the strats I've seen, they have the 2006 models at £299 and then the 60s model (obviously not the vintage ones but its the 60s model, looks the same, without tremelo bar though) at £100 ($200) extra. Worth it? Why etc.

I don't know much about pricing. So this ones a stretch for me. Guitars are usually priced on quality. Quality goes from how it sound, to the type of material is used on the knobs. Features play a good part in pricing.. If you can, play them both at a shop.. Do you plan on using the tremelo bar? It's fun to mess around with(alot of people say the tremelo on squiers is ****ty because it throws the guitar way out of tune, not with mine) but it can get in the way of learning.

I like my strat, I play mostly rock and metal with it but sometimes I like to play some blues, it's fun. Blues is reaaally fun to play. Most musicians will tell you that you should be competent in a good number of playing styles. Alot of those famous guitar legends are good at playing blues, or classical.. It's a stepping stone to being a great player..

My favorite guitarist Randy Rhoads played classical guitar and blended it in with his riffs and I think it is purely genius. I even plan on grabbing a Jackson Randy Rhoads(RR3) electric guitar, it's an awesome guitar. About 664$. Floyd Rose tremelo, Seymour Duncan pickups.. it plays great.

But now I'm just rambling..

[tf5_bassist]

Strats are definitely versatile instruments, but I still feel that the Les Paul is a much more well-rounded instrument. It's easier to get a more full tone out of humbuckers than single coil pickups in a strat.

So my versatility vote goes to the LP. which is available in a ton of badass finishes. :)

[Saltines]

Strats are definitely versatile instruments, but I still feel that the Les Paul is a much more well-rounded instrument. It's easier to get a more full tone out of humbuckers than single coil pickups in a strat.

So my versatility vote goes to the LP. which is available in a ton of badass finishes. :)

I like LP's, very heavy instruments. I want this.. Beautiful guitar..

Gibson Les Paul 1968Custom (http://item.express.ebay.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Custom-Cream-white-1968-68-Randy-Rhoads_W0QQitemZ320153535310QQihZ011QQcmdZExpressI tem)

Same Les Paul Randy Rhoads used.. But.. a bit pricey. I've played one just like it, weighed a ton but played so well.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I don't know much about pricing. So this ones a stretch for me. Guitars are usually priced on quality. Quality goes from how it sound, to the type of material is used on the knobs. Features play a good part in pricing.. If you can, play them both at a shop.. Do you plan on using the tremelo bar? It's fun to mess around with(alot of people say the tremelo on squiers is ****ty because it throws the guitar way out of tune, not with mine) but it can get in the way of learning.

I like my strat, I play mostly rock and metal with it but sometimes I like to play some blues, it's fun. Blues is reaaally fun to play. Most musicians will tell you that you should be competent in a good number of playing styles. Alot of those famous guitar legends are good at playing blues, or classical.. It's a stepping stone to being a great player..

My favorite guitarist Randy Rhoads played classical guitar and blended it in with his riffs and I think it is purely genius. I even plan on grabbing a Jackson Randy Rhoads(RR3) electric guitar, it's an awesome guitar. About 664$. Floyd Rose tremelo, Seymour Duncan pickups.. it plays great.

But now I'm just rambling..

Could you compare them for me, I don't get the stats (bare in mind which will help more for learning)

Vintage 60s, more expensive



Body: Alder
Neck Maple, "C" Shape, (Gloss Polyurethane Finish)
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 12" Radius (305 mm)
No. of Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo Frets
Pickups: 3 Custom ?69 Single-Coil Strat® Pickups with Grey Bobbins
Controls Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
Pickup Switching 5-Position Blade:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup
Position 3. Middle Pickup
Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup
Position 5. Neck Pickup
Bridge: Vintage Style 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stamped Steel Saddles
Machine Heads: Fender®/Ping® Vintage Style Tuning Machines
Hardware: Chrome
Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
Scale Length 25.5" (648 mm)
Width at Nut 1.650" (42 mm)
Unique Features: Aged Knobs and Switch Tip,
Vintage Style Tuning Machines,
Custom ?69 Single-Coil Strat® Pickups,
21 Medium Jumbo Frets,
"Custom Shop Designed" Neck Plate,
Vintage Style 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo,
12" Radius
Strings: Fender Super 250R, Nickel Plated Steel,
Gauges: (.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046)
Deluxe Gig Bag included


The Standard, Cheaper One



Standard Series
Alder body
Maple, modern "C" Shape neck
Maple fingerboard
21 medium Jumbo frets
3 Standard single coil Strat Pickups (Ceramic Magnets)
Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)
Pickup switching is a 5-Position Blade:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup
Position 3. Middle Pickup
Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup
Position 5. Neck Pickup
Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo bridge
Fender/Ping® Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
Chrome hardware
3-Ply White pickguard
25.5? (648 mm) scale length neck
Vintage Styling
Standard Gig Bag included

[Hade01]

Here's what I plan on doing. To start out, I'm getting a Standard Strat with a humbucker in the bridge (about $400 USD). After I get good enough (and weatlhy enough), I plan to get an American Strat with single-coil layout and a Gibson Les Paul for the best of both worlds.

If you are just starting out and you really want a Strat, but don't have much change in your pocket, go for a Standard, methinks. It'll hold you over until you get better and make some pounds.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Here's what I plan on doing. To start out, I'm getting a Standard Strat with a humbucker in the bridge (about $400 USD). After I get good enough (and weatlhy enough), I plan to get an American Strat with single-coil layout and a Gibson Les Paul for the best of both worlds.

If you are just starting out and you really want a Strat, but don't have much change in your pocket, go for a Standard, methinks. It'll hold you over until you get better and make some pounds.

Well, I want to come back to it in 20 years time, for it to still play sweetly.

[Saltines]

Could you compare them for me, I don't get the stats (bare in mind which will help more for learning)

Vintage 60s, more expensive



The Standard, Cheaper One

Can you give me the exact names of the two guitars? Or find them on guitarcenter.com and link them? Makes it easier for me.

Now if you want you guitar to still play like its brand new 20 years afetr purcasing it, you need some stuff to keep that baby top of the line.. Look for polishing tools, kits to clean your guitar.. ect ect. That is really something you may need to talk to an expert about.

One thing i recommend is GHS Fast Fret cleaner. Keeps the fretboard smooth and clean, and the strings will feel thousands better after they have been used for awhile and you use this stuff. It really prolongs the life of strings and your fretboard.

[Hade01]

Well, I want to come back to it in 20 years time, for it to still play sweetly.

I understand. I think that if I had the cash, I would go for an American Stratocaster right away. :D If you really, really, really, really want an American Strat for a beginning guitar, go right ahead. I wouldn't do that myself, but it is your choice.

Haha, I just contradicted myself. Okay, I wouldn't buy one right away. There.

[tf5_bassist]

I like LP's, very heavy instruments. I want this.. Beautiful guitar..

Gibson Les Paul 1968Custom (http://item.express.ebay.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Custom-Cream-white-1968-68-Randy-Rhoads_W0QQitemZ320153535310QQihZ011QQcmdZExpressI tem)

Same Les Paul Randy Rhoads used.. But.. a bit pricey. I've played one just like it, weighed a ton but played so well.

oh man that's hot. hehe...

the weight of the LP is part of why I like it. :D

overall, a great instrument.

since i don't have a GH controller for my 360, I'm probably going to get the GH3 LP controller... oh yeah. :D

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Can you give me the exact names of the two guitars? Or find them on guitarcenter.com and link them? Makes it easier for me.

Now if you want you guitar to still play like its brand new 20 years afetr purcasing it, you need some stuff to keep that baby top of the line.. Look for polishing tools, kits to clean your guitar.. ect ect. That is really something you may need to talk to an expert about.

One thing i recommend is GHS Fast Fret cleaner. Keeps the fretboard smooth and clean, and the strings will feel thousands better after they have been used for awhile and you use this stuff. It really prolongs the life of strings and your fretboard.

Here we go.

The standard: http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_fender_standard_stratocaster_electric_guitar?f ull_sku=103575189

The classic one http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/Fender-Classic-Player-60s-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?full_sku=103862330

but this should also include the 50s and 70s classics, which are available from:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/navigation?q=Fender+Classic&x=0&y=0

[Saltines]

oh man that's hot. hehe...

the weight of the LP is part of why I like it. :D

overall, a great instrument.

since i don't have a GH controller for my 360, I'm probably going to get the GH3 LP controller... oh yeah. :D

The weight just shows how solid of an instrument it is.

[Saltines]

I would probably go ahead and grab the Standard, much cheaper.. and I don't see a huge quality increase between the two..

[Phrank-E]

Here's what I plan on doing. To start out, I'm getting a Standard Strat with a humbucker in the bridge (about $400 USD). After I get good enough (and weatlhy enough), I plan to get an American Strat with single-coil layout and a Gibson Les Paul for the best of both worlds.

If you are just starting out and you really want a Strat, but don't have much change in your pocket, go for a Standard, methinks. It'll hold you over until you get better and make some pounds.

Not that I have one yet... But sonically speaking a Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 or 24 will give you the sound of both a Les Paul and a Strat. Most guitar gurus will tell you that it is the most versatile guitar built. And unbelieveably beautiful as well. I'll definately get one when my skills warrant it.

Here is Paul demoing one himself. Note that he is not switching effects. Just him the guitar and an amp. The guitar is doing all the tones.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDBVZ3fQKc

[Seattle_Sound]

Hey I posted on the forum for help about beginning guitar and I'm having a blast playing now. However I disagree about how a crappy guitar will discourage you from playing. Kurt Cobains first gutiar was a twenty dollar piece of crap but he turned out ok didnt he? The guitar I have right now is a TWENTY FIVE (lol) dollar piece of acoustic crap, but man I love it. I still get that great feeling when I learn a new song. Yeah when my friends come over they say "wow your guitar sucks", I just say "yeah it does but guess what? It didnt set me back 700 dollars". The only motivation I need is laying on my bed, cranking up a Smashing Pumpkins record and imagining myself onstage shredding. But good luck finding something that you like.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Thx for all your help again, it looks like I'm going for a standard Strat. Next problem: colour haha not that it matters tho :D

But, an encore for this thread. On argos (anything but the best place to buy your guitar, a bit like buying it from toys r us) I see a "Gibson GBME SG" for £199.99 so I'm like "WTF!".

Is this just "in the style of", what does the GBME mean, or is this for real? Its certainly not an epiphone, but I thought epiphone were the only ones other than Gibson who were allowed to use the TM "SG" name, but this appears to be a proper Gibson at a ridiculously small price.

Help plz: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0660880.htm

[Saltines]

Whats that in $?

and guitarcenter is better than argos :)

I know you can buy a Faded Gibson SG for 579 bucks or so from guitar center, r a faded flying v for same price.

[Saltines]

And one thing weird about that guitar is the headstock, it doesnt say Gibson OR Epiphone.

[SoraRikuVGM]

Whats that in $?

and guitarcenter is better than argos :)

I know you can buy a Faded Gibson SG for 579 bucks or so from guitar center, r a faded flying v for same price.

199.00 E = 271.093 USD

I think GBME means GIBSON-BALDWIN MUSIC EDUCATION, but I'm not sure. That's what Google said, xD.

EDIT: Also found this:

ABOUT GIBSON/BALDWIN MUSIC EDUCATION

For over 100 years Gibson guitar and Baldwin Piano have made an unmatched commitment to musical excellence. This commitment has not only been to produce the world?s finest musical instruments, but also to support and promote music education. Under the sponsorship of the parent company, Gibson Guitar Corp., has made significant contributions and will continue to donate to various charities whose mission promotes music and music education. In furthering its commitment to music and music education, Gibson Baldwin Music Education is proud to introduce a collection of introductory musical instruments. GBME is a collaborative effort with the Gibson family, designed to provide beginners of all ages with a quality musical instrument. We hope your GBME instrument will provide you with a wonderful step in your musical journey.

[Phrank-E]

They sell those at Circuit City and Target and the like.. Owned by Gibson but not really a Gibson.. or even an Epiphone. They are only like 99 usd here. Crap guitars for sure.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

199.00 E = 271.093 USD

I think GBME means GIBSON-BALDWIN MUSIC EDUCATION, but I'm not sure. That's what Google said, xD.

EDIT: Also found this:

ABOUT GIBSON/BALDWIN MUSIC EDUCATION

For over 100 years Gibson guitar and Baldwin Piano have made an unmatched commitment to musical excellence. This commitment has not only been to produce the world?s finest musical instruments, but also to support and promote music education. Under the sponsorship of the parent company, Gibson Guitar Corp., has made significant contributions and will continue to donate to various charities whose mission promotes music and music education. In furthering its commitment to music and music education, Gibson Baldwin Music Education is proud to introduce a collection of introductory musical instruments. GBME is a collaborative effort with the Gibson family, designed to provide beginners of all ages with a quality musical instrument. We hope your GBME instrument will provide you with a wonderful step in your musical journey.

Ok so thats a no...

Me being in UK en all, I think guitar.co.uk's standard strat at £299 (i've looked in shops they're £100 more expensive), its all pre tuned, not been touched by guitar players "trying it out", and buy a £20 marshall mini amp and there's my guitar sorted. I mean, the Strat is the vertasile one, it means I can skip from Airbag to Sweet Child o' Mine to Freebird to some jazz etc. whenever I want, and is £200 less than an SG...

Thx for your help people, keep giving it if I'm wrong with teh strat decision In your humble opinion (I have til January to decide... just saving atm and xmas money will do it for me)

[gh2masterwellalmost]

Sorry to bump this thread if you all thought it was dead, just a little update.

My mind keeps rolling over the costs... I worked out for a strat, my mini amp, a cable and some picks... £310 (call it $600... we do pay more over here in the UK, but that sounds bout right everywhere I look). I look at the Squier "Frontman" Pack - Squier Strat, 15 Watt Amp, Cable, Bag, Strap etc. at £150...

Just, how much difference sound wise does a Squier Strat make to a Fender Standard Strat... Am I really just paying for the brand... but surely I'm not going to stand out from the crowd if I've got an epiphone or fender... *sigh*, decisions to decisions. I have £70 right now, so in November I could be playing on a commonplace strat, and have xmas money to spend, or in January I could use my current money and xmas money on the real strat and the stuff I need. Or, if I'm now considering Squiers, why not Epiphones, why not a lighter Les Paul edition (dunno if the official name) or Epi SG?

Back to square one for me... Opinions plz, again, if you don't mind all repeating yourselves practically but in a briefer manner haha i'm a pain, but you already knew that :p ;) :D

[Saltines]

Sorry to bump this thread if you all thought it was dead, just a little update.

My mind keeps rolling over the costs... I worked out for a strat, my mini amp, a cable and some picks... £310 (call it $600... we do pay more over here in the UK, but that sounds bout right everywhere I look). I look at the Squier "Frontman" Pack - Squier Strat, 15 Watt Amp, Cable, Bag, Strap etc. at £150...

Just, how much difference sound wise does a Squier Strat make to a Fender Standard Strat... Am I really just paying for the brand... but surely I'm not going to stand out from the crowd if I've got an epiphone or fender... *sigh*, decisions to decisions. I have £70 right now, so in November I could be playing on a commonplace strat, and have xmas money to spend, or in January I could use my current money and xmas money on the real strat and the stuff I need. Or, if I'm now considering Squiers, why not Epiphones, why not a lighter Les Paul edition (dunno if the official name) or Epi SG?

Back to square one for me... Opinions plz, again, if you don't mind all repeating yourselves practically but in a briefer manner haha i'm a pain, but you already knew that :p ;) :D

I went through the same **** you are.
If you look at packs.. or if you want to get a epi or squier.. I'd say go for the Epi, they are cheaper in a pack and have better quality.. Don't know about the amp though, you may need to try one at a shop. I'm sure youve tired of hearing me say that, but alot of this is just personal preference. I certainly would have wanted the Epi over the squier now that ive played both.. but now i have the squier and cant turn back. Cant sell the squier, they don't have much retail value which is something you may want to look into.
Also look at picks too.. thin, medium, thick.. I like medium picks, but you might like thin.
And plus.. that amp in the pack you looked at..I have it.. quite frankly it sucks. It probably wont matter so much when you begin playing but.. try out the epi pack if you can at some local guitar place.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I went through the same **** you are.
If you look at packs.. or if you want to get a epi or squier.. I'd say go for the Epi, they are cheaper in a pack and have better quality.. Don't know about the amp though, you may need to try one at a shop. I'm sure youve tired of hearing me say that, but alot of this is just personal preference. I certainly would have wanted the Epi over the squier now that ive played both.. but now i have the squier and cant turn back. Cant sell the squier, they don't have much retail value which is something you may want to look into.
Also look at picks too.. thin, medium, thick.. I like medium picks, but you might like thin.
And plus.. that amp in the pack you looked at..I have it.. quite frankly it sucks. It probably wont matter so much when you begin playing but.. try out the epi pack if you can at some local guitar place.

Ok thx man... I mean, I REALLY ADORE the strat, but £310... thats in PS3 Style Price Range.

So, I've narrowed it down to Epi SG (they range from £120 to £180) and Strat (£280)... thats a big difference... I know SG is thinner and easier to play, but strats better for me.. haha decisions decisions.

[Saltines]

Ok thx man... I mean, I REALLY ADORE the strat, but £310... thats in PS3 Style Price Range.

So, I've narrowed it down to Epi SG (they range from £120 to £180) and Strat (£280)... thats a big difference... I know SG is thinner and easier to play, but strats better for me.. haha decisions decisions.

My friend has an Epi SG and it's not nearly a thin as the Gibson.. I don't like them very much, the strat is just way more comfy.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

My friend has an Epi SG and it's not nearly a thin as the Gibson.. I don't like them very much, the strat is just way more comfy.

Yh, chrz, I was just looking for an excuse not to spend so much lol, so its back to Freebird on GH2 until January... :D Thx for you help man, and all the others.

[karlkaza]

I wanted one as well, just to strum every now and then.
I saw aton on ebay that were like 60$$$$$!!!!!!
Thats with shipping!
You get a nice fender strat,carrying bag,amp cord,wammy bar um........well here's a link to one of them
LINK:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BC-BLACK-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-W-ACCESSORIES-ON-SALE_W0QQitemZ250161269938QQihZ015QQcategoryZ2384Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Sorry for the EXTREMLY LONG LINK!:o

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I wanted one as well, just to strum every now and then.
I saw aton on ebay that were like 60$$$$$!!!!!!
Thats with shipping!
You get a nice fender strat,carrying bag,amp cord,wammy bar um........well here's a link to one of them
LINK:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BC-BLACK-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-W-ACCESSORIES-ON-SALE_W0QQitemZ250161269938QQihZ015QQcategoryZ2384Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Sorry for the EXTREMLY LONG LINK!:o

I may be a guitar noob, but you have to be pretty damn stupid to think thats a Fender Strat or that you'd get one for $60. You've got a "BC" there, its another pretender brand which does them in the style of so the guitar noobs can fool their mates - I mean, its not even a squier, and if you're not going Fender you might as well get a Yamaha pacifica.

Thx for your help en all, but thats pure rubbish. You won't find a PROPER Fender Strat in the UK under £280, and on American websites $400.

[gh2masterwellalmost]

I'm annoyed now... I mean, I see the Epiphone SG Player Pack (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/15237) at £200 with EVERYTHING I need... or another £110 for everything I need and a real strat...

I mean, for some Indie - Metal Rock which is better, which is easier to learn, etc. I know I know I'm repeating myself but I've brought it down to only 2 now... which ain't bad.

So Epiphone is better than squier... so thats no. And if I'm going for a Strat, I want the REAL THING. But, I just don't know... £110 ($200) more for a real Strat and everything I need or £110 less for an Epiphone SG pack... what do you think?

[Saltines]

I'm annoyed now... I mean, I see the Epiphone SG Player Pack (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/15237) at £200 with EVERYTHING I need... or another £110 for everything I need and a real strat...

I mean, for some Indie - Metal Rock which is better, which is easier to learn, etc. I know I know I'm repeating myself but I've brought it down to only 2 now... which ain't bad.

So Epiphone is better than squier... so thats no. And if I'm going for a Strat, I want the REAL THING. But, I just don't know... £110 ($200) more for a real Strat and everything I need or £110 less for an Epiphone SG pack... what do you think?
There isnt much else I can help you with.. your down to pretty much personal preference here.
I myself would rather the Epi Les Paul Special II pack over the SG.

But thats just my taste.. off to halpin music to get some new strings..

[Saltines]

I found this just a minute ago.. It's $499.99.

Epi LP Standard/AmpPack (http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-and-Amp-Pack?full_sku=513157)

Beautiful guitar. LP's have always caught my interest.. I want one, but when I get one it's gonna be the real deal.

Also includes Epiphone Studio 15R amplifier, quartz digital tuner, 20' cable, and headphones. The amp has an 8" speaker, 15W power, reverb, 2 channels, FX loop, headphone jack, and a sharp black and chrome look.
Features

Epiphone Les Paul Standard and Amp Pack Features:

* Mahogany/alder body
* Carved maple top
* Set mahogany neck
* Rosewood fingerboard
* Chrome-covered humbuckers
* Cream body and fretboard binding
* Chrome hardware

Studio 15R Amp:
* 8" speaker
* 15 watts
* Reverb
* 2 channels
* FX loop
* Headphone jack

Quartz digital tuner
* 20' premium cable
* Headphones

And a lifetime warranty.