Recommendations for my first Electric Guitar

[Billy Bunter]

Having strummed an acoustic for many years, I think it's about time I started strumming an electric. I mostly write my own pop/country kind of stuff and I would like to buy a guitar that's most appropriate for that kind of music.

What I really would like (mainly because I like the look of it) is an arch top like this but I'm wondering if this is the right kind of guitar for ths stuff I play.

The alternative is a Les Paul style guitar like this which I guess is a better guitar. I don't like the look of Strats - just not interested in them. Also, which would be better pickups - humbucker or single coil?

Anyhoo, I guess I'm just looking for some advice. Any recommendations greatly appreciated. I'm not a guitarist, just a strummer, so I don't need anything too high-class. Many thanks.

--BB

 

[dirtythermos]

Have you considered a Telecaster? I used to always shun them as "country guitars" until I heard Michael Houser. I play one now, and I love it.

 

[Billy Bunter]

Thanks for the reply, DT. I'll give them a look

 

[satchmo]

I'd look for something inexpensive. Either a copy, or one of the lower ends from the big names (Epiphone, Squire, etc.) Just in case you decide the electric really isn't your style then you won't have sunk a lot of money into it.

Choose whatever style you enjoy playing. I think that this guitar suits the music stuff is bunk. I've seen guys on schwacked Ibanezes playing killer jazz licks, and guys on E-335s shredding with the best of them. Get the guitar that suits you, feels comfortable, and has a good sound.

Also, don't skimp on the amp. While the guitar will form the sound, the amp is what you really hear and a crappy amp will lead to crappy sound. Personally I favour a good tube amp, but many of the new non-tube ones are just as good.

Satch

 

[MadMinute]

Go to the music store and try out as many guitars as they have. See if any fit your hands, as in, see how comfortable they are to you. The most important part of buying a guitar is liking how it feels. You may come to the conclusion that strats are what you like. Have an open mind.

Plug them all in if you can. Try different amps while you're at it. Mess with all the controls and see what sounds you get. Some you'll like, some you won't.

Feel is everything. What a guitar looks like is secondary.

Good luck. I hope you find one!

 

[onlyfingers]

Go for it

My first electric (and only one, so far) was an archtop. Go for it! I shopped for a long time--plan on spending a few months going to stores. Look at new and used. Be sure to play a few that are out of your price range, to make sure you understand what you are not getting by buying at the bottom end. Epiphone archtops are about twice what the Agile is, and Gretsch and Gibson are in the thousands. The Epiphone Joe Pass and Epiphone Zephyr are close to the one you linked to. Also, I saw a Samick that looked a lot like the Agile. (at around $900, I think.) The thickness (height) of the body should give you a nice mellow sound when you want it--but be sure to go to the store and learn the difference in sound between thin (BB King Lucile) and wide.

You will have an uncommon sound because jazz-box archtops are kind of uncommon.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Billy, there are a couple of things I think you should consider. You are looking at cheap guitars. It is easier to build a plank with a neck on it than an arched top body, and in that price range, a solid body is likely to be the better buy. Good hollowbodies, like good acoustics, tend to be pricey. If you play it and you instantly love it, ignore my statement. The guitar must speak to your soul when you play it, and when you hear it, not when you look at it.
If you have an interest, I'm selling a rather nice one. It's a black Epiphone SG Special which I have dropped a pair of classic 57 humbuckers into. So it's a used (not at all abused, normal pick wear) $179 guitar, with a damn near perfect neck, into which I have put $200 worth of good pickups. With hard case, $250 + actual shipping. (I just realized I don't know if you are in the U.S. England would probably be right out).
Remember that with cheap guitars, quality control is always an issue. I went through about 15 of those SG's before I found one without a buzz or intonation problem. Play a lot of cheap guitars until you find one thats right. I would start by playing Yamaha Pacifica, it's a fair cheap strat copy.-Richie

 

[Outlaws]

My vote is for a Telecaster (or copy) into a Fender Pro Jr. amp.

 

[Middleman]

3rd vote for a telecaster, maybe the Nashville style with the strat pickup in the middle. I can't think of a more versatile range of sounds for a country songwriter.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I also have to say a Telecaster is one of my favorites. I use a Highway One Tele frequently. If you can find MIM Tele with a good neck, it's not a bad choice.-Richie

 

[bbop73]

I agree w/ the tele, but be careful to try out each one in the various price ranges. I had an american standard tele for about 10 years and a friend had the mexican countertop. There's no comparison! I could bang the hell outa mine and it would almost always stay in tune. But his, forgetta bout it!

 

[MK-Ultra]

If money is an issue, I'd go for a Mexican Tele, although I'd try a bunch of them just to be sure. Some of the Mexican Fenders I've played have been virtually identical to their American counterparts in terms of sound and playability.

YMMV