Hi guys,
I was wondering if some of you might be able to give me some tips on what to look for when buying a new guitar.
I want to get an American made, hollow body, semi-accoustic...something like a Gretsch or an Epiphone with the two F-holes (is that what they're called?). I have a budget of approx 1000 euros or 700 British pounds. I could feasibly stretch a little more if it was really gonna be a worthwhile investment.
I live in Barcelona but would travel to UK to buy a decent guitar if necessary. (They are insanely expensive here).
What I wanna know is: first have I got enough money to get something really high quality? I've seen Epiphone guitars for about 800 euros that look really nice but which seem too a bit cheap for a top quality American guitar. Are they made in Mexico or something? What's the difference between an Epiphone you see priced at 2000 euros & one at 800? Is the one vintage or something?
If it's really gonna make a huge difference I'll pick up a mid range guitar & then take another year to save up another 1000 euros & get a really decent, fuck off guitar...but if I can get something now...
Also how do I check out the guitar prior to purchase? Play it sure...but what things to look for? How do I know all the parts are original if I buy second hand for example? How do I know the set-up is good?
Also if I find a guitar here that I want but it's too expensive & then I find it on the Net for Mail Order do you know of reliable, trustworthy companies who ship abroad? What should I watch out for to make sure I don't get stung? I'm not prepared to risk auctions, I don't want to take any chance on losing my money.
Thanks a lot for your help.
ciao. dougeast
I was wondering if some of you might be able to give me some tips on what to look for when buying a new guitar.
I want to get an American made, hollow body, semi-accoustic...something like a Gretsch or an Epiphone with the two F-holes (is that what they're called?). I have a budget of approx 1000 euros or 700 British pounds. I could feasibly stretch a little more if it was really gonna be a worthwhile investment.
I live in Barcelona but would travel to UK to buy a decent guitar if necessary. (They are insanely expensive here).
What I wanna know is: first have I got enough money to get something really high quality? I've seen Epiphone guitars for about 800 euros that look really nice but which seem too a bit cheap for a top quality American guitar. Are they made in Mexico or something? What's the difference between an Epiphone you see priced at 2000 euros & one at 800? Is the one vintage or something?
If it's really gonna make a huge difference I'll pick up a mid range guitar & then take another year to save up another 1000 euros & get a really decent, fuck off guitar...but if I can get something now...
Also how do I check out the guitar prior to purchase? Play it sure...but what things to look for? How do I know all the parts are original if I buy second hand for example? How do I know the set-up is good?
Also if I find a guitar here that I want but it's too expensive & then I find it on the Net for Mail Order do you know of reliable, trustworthy companies who ship abroad? What should I watch out for to make sure I don't get stung? I'm not prepared to risk auctions, I don't want to take any chance on losing my money.
Thanks a lot for your help.
ciao. dougeast