I want a new guitar

  • Thread starter Thread starter persondude
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persondude

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Last september, I bought my first guitar, an Epiphone Special II LP, in a pawnshop for a grand total of $130. I lucked out and it sounds pretty good, but at the end of the day this is still a $200 guitar, new. Where to next? Money's tight, so I'm looking for a versatile, good quality guitar in the $400-$600 range. I know there's one out there, I just need to know what to look for. My area has a load of pawnshops for some reason, so there's a possibility I can score a good deal on something in a higher price range.
 
persondude said:
Last september, I bought my first guitar, an Epiphone Special II LP, in a pawnshop for a grand total of $130. I lucked out and it sounds pretty good, but at the end of the day this is still a $200 guitar, new. Where to next? Money's tight, so I'm looking for a versatile, good quality guitar in the $400-$600 range. I know there's one out there, I just need to know what to look for. My area has a load of pawnshops for some reason, so there's a possibility I can score a good deal on something in a higher price range.
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In that price range I will give you two words that will change your life: Lawsuit Guitars. They used to be really cheap but now the secret is really getting out how fantastic they are. Buy something Japanese from the 1980s and you'll be a VERY happy camper (I personally have a Burny Firebird VII and a Greco Thunderbird IV).
 
When shopping for a new (another) guitar it always helps to have a good idea of what you are looking for, as well as how much you can afford to pay for it. Think about a few things before you go shopping. Are you interested in a certain body style? Do you want single coil or humbucking pups? Want a stopbar or tremelo tailpiece? Prefer solid body or hollow? How important is how it looks? Beyond the preferance things, a few things to look for are... check the fingerboard for pitting and fret wear, check all electronics to be sure they are working properly, check the bridge/tailpiece for wear and rust, look for any repair work, detune it then see how easily it retunes, play it hard to see how well it stays in tune, consider does it suit you (does it feel right and does the body style fit your body shape and the neck fit your hand?) the better it fits you the more you will play it.
The $400 price range can get you a pretty decent used guitar, if you shop around a little. I've seen lots of used Fenders in that range. High end Ibanez (my personal preferance) are another good bet for your money. Better Epiphones are often well below your top price. Don't count on finding many Gibsons in your price range. There are lots of other brands which are very good guitars, often well below what you can afford, don't be too surprised to find Washburns, Godins, Charvels and plenty of other decent guitars for half your money. Sometimes a name you have never heard of is the best guitar on the rack and also the cheapest.
Happy hunting, and hope you find the deal of a lifetime. Try a lot, the right guitar is hanging around gathering dust and waiting for you to take it home.
 
i swear by dean guitarseven their lower end models are great quality and the prices are hard to beat
 
$400-$600 range

Mexi Strat-used American strat(if you keep your eyes open!)
 
Did I miss where he said what kind of music he plays?
I don't see how anyone could recommend a guitar forum if you don't even know what kind of sound he is after....
 
You can still pick up Peavey Wolfgangs in that price range if you spend a little time watching out. Great geet, comfy and flexible in terms of musical styles.

My fav guitar in the bunch.
 
amra said:
Did I miss where he said what kind of music he plays?
I don't see how anyone could recommend a guitar forum if you don't even know what kind of sound he is after....
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My bad...all of em! Yeah, stupid answer, but I just want something really versatile that I can get a variety of sounds out of. It doesn't have to be extremely well at anything, but good at lots. :o :)
 
I would just go buy a good new guitar like a PRS SE or a Godin LG.
 
tdukex said:
I would just go buy a good new guitar like a PRS SE or a Godin LG.
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Yeah I'd agree with you there, a PRS would be great for a lot. Fender Tele Standards are in that range...I've seen Tele's used in all types of music...you could probably find a really nice one in that price range on ebay or used or w/e.
 
For versatility in that price range, I would look at a Mexi strat with a single/single/humbucker setup.

Pete
 
+1 to the Schecter. They play like butter, and if you are willing to spend closer to the top of your range you can get gen-u-ine Duncan pickups.
 
I just purchased one of these babies. I'm new to a whammy bar and still working on this!

You may want to check them out. Here is a link with some specs on it and a picture. I own the second guitar...the purty red one. :D

IBANEZ SAS
 
My fave in that price range is the HAMER Studio at about $350...made in korea w/ Duncans
Very playable and tone forever. These guitars will not set limits on how good you can get, as many offshore guitars do.
The USA models go for $800-$2000 depending on condition


chazba
 
id definitely consider the rondomusic stuff as mentioned before except:

youre probably not at the level or position to be buying a new guitar sight unseen. if the epiphone is pretty much all youve played, or if you havent played very long, go to the stores and play everything you can. and if you play one you like, buy that one, not the same model online. it could be verrry different.

good luck.

Adam
 
i agree with marshall.... we played several EJ strats when a friend of mine was buying one. they can be different, subtle differences add up.

play it, buy it, wear it out
 
If you go with a new Made In Korea then factor in the price of getting a new nut. A qualified dude (or dudette) will be able to lower the action and improve the tone of your axe to be with a bone nut.

Otherwise, I recommend one of those older double cut Yamaha's off ebay. They don't really look like sg's but they have the pointy horns. I'd kill for a nice one.
 
surfmaster said:
agile anyone? check out www.rondomusic.net agile's higher end guitars are in the 350-500 dollar range and sound very very good for the price.
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Couldn't agree more. I picked up an AL-300, and an aluminum flight case for 460 total (including shipping). Not only do they sound good, but they are quality built, and the available finishes can't be touched in the sub $1000 range. Of course, that's just my .02.
 
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