Any musicians out there?

[AEF251]

What would be cheap alternative instruments to use in place of what the Beatles used?

I know Hofner has a cheap vioin bass, as does Jay Turser.
I am guessing an Epiphone ES-335 could stand in for a Casino.
And Squier has cheap Stratocasters (just not in sonic blue).
Any other suggestions?

[gamegyro56]

Well if you want to learn to play, it really doesn't matter if you use the same brands or not (unless you are starting a cover band). I'd suggest Squier or another Fender type, or Yamaha, or Ibanez. There are plenty of violin basses that are cheap that you can get.

[CheeseLord]

I got mine here.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ss-?sku=511788
They always have sales, so if you save coupons and wait for literally any event (Back to school, Labor Day, Martin Luther KIng Jr Day, I think Veteren's day is coming up) you can get a great deal. Hope that helped.

[CaptainHarlock]

You might want to pick up a book called The Beatles Gear. It has very detailed information about the instruments and equipment they used from the early days right up until the end. Then you can start poking around to see what's available as stand ins.

The other thing you want to keep in mind is that most of the guitars they used you might have never seen on stage. I've seen pictures of George playing a Stratocaster from what appears to be 1965. Paul played in Epiphone Casino on "Taxman". So you don't have to be locked into the Rickenbackers or the Gretsches.

[Zerobox94]

Well if you want to learn to play, it really doesn't matter if you use the same brands or not (unless you are starting a cover band). I'd suggest Squier or another Fender type, or Yamaha, or Ibanez. There are plenty of violin basses that are cheap that you can get.

Im pretty sure (not totally) that there isnt an Epiphone ES335. If there is, they're pretty hard to come by, but check sites like Ebay and Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. And there shouldn't be too much of a price difference between the 335 and the Casino. I have a Casino and I love it!

EDIT: Well what do you know, the Epiphone Dot is the Epiphone 335! Never mind the "hard to come by" part lol

[gamegyro56]

Well if you want to learn to play, it really doesn't matter if you use the same brands or not (unless you are starting a cover band). I'd suggest Squier or another Fender type, or Yamaha, or Ibanez. There are plenty of violin basses that are cheap that you can get.

Im pretty sure (not totally) that there isnt an Epiphone ES335. If there is, they're pretty hard to come by, but check sites like Ebay and Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. And there shouldn't be too much of a price difference between the 335 and the Casino. I have a Casino and I love it!

EDIT: Well what do you know, the Epiphone Dot is the Epiphone 335! Never mind the "hard to come by" part lol

What does that have to do with my quote lol?

[AEF251]

My son has a Squier Strat. In his hands, well he's just learning, in the hands of mis teacher it sounds pretty darn good.
The Epi Dot ES-335 sounds pretty good and the violin basses are pretty good too.

I guess what I was asking is what would work as stand ins for Lennon's Rick or for Harrison's Country Gent. Even for McCartney's Rickenbacker bass.

My sons simply have become Beatle music fanatics and since they are learning I figured I might look into instruments that would help them with the sound they love.

Of course, knowing kids they will probably find a new sound I can't stand in about 5 years time.

[CaptainHarlock]

I stumbled upon this;

Dillon "Rockinbetter"

Apparently it's a Rick 325 knockoff from Korea. I have no idea as to the quality or price of it, so use some caution when buying. Gretsch does make an import version of the Country Gentlemen.

[Tego1in]

Agile and Douglas makes some Rickenbacker copies
Rondo Music is the dealer:
http://www.rondomusic.com/electricguitar-ss13.html

I saw a Rick Bass look-a-like by Schecter: http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-Starg.../dp/B0002GO0VC


For a nice Hofner copy check out the Rouge VB-100. I have it, it sounds great. 200$: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ss-?sku=512224

The Epiphone 335 copy is better known as the Dot 400$: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=518250

To have a nice Casino look a like for 200 dollars less get a white pickguard for the Dot 5$: http://www.terrapinisland.com/chitze...products_id=25

[sozozoso]

My advice is to forget about trying to by a copy or look a like just for the sake of something that resembles what your fav. musician plays. Buy something that is well made and comfortable and fits your playing style. You wont get any huge and horrible surprises if you stick w/ well known name brands. I've gone though countless basses and guitars over the years, I have a collection of 14 now and everyone is a name that most non-musicians would recognize. I have them because they meet the standard and quality I need in an instrument.

I have dealt with many popular online stores, the very best and the only place I have been shopping at for over 4 years now is www.sweetwater.com . They are a pro audio store but do carry many lower priced instruments and will beat any price.