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jetsrock1081
New member
I want to start playing guitar and I have about 350 dollars and listen to rock, alternative rock, and just a little bit of emo. I what to know what kind of guitar you reccomend for a starter like me.
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Rufer
New member
Pretty broad question. If you're looking for an electric, I'll throw out a vote for a Fender Strat---Made in Mexico. Chances are you could play it forever and quite versatile.
But that's just a guess. You'd need an amp too.
But that's just a guess. You'd need an amp too.
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BJW
New member
You couldn't really go wrong with a fender std. telecaster or strat - the mexican made models (the standard models) run about $350 new.
B
BJW
New member
I see Rufer and I think alike - and at about the same time, too.
hixmix
Halibut, North Dakota
You're in luck. These days there are many well made starter guitars available for $350. Hell, you might even be able to get two or three for that price.
I've been reading some good things on the net about Essex. They make knockoffs of just about every style of electric. Here six pages of pics and prices, almost all within your budget: http://www.rondomusic.net/electricguitar.html
You can browse reviews of the individual models here: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Essex/
I've been reading some good things on the net about Essex. They make knockoffs of just about every style of electric. Here six pages of pics and prices, almost all within your budget: http://www.rondomusic.net/electricguitar.html
You can browse reviews of the individual models here: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Essex/
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toddyjoe
New member
Does your $350 budget include buying an amp (and instrument cord) as well? If you only have $350 total, and you do not have a guitar amp and/or instrument cord, you may want to rethink going the electric route. Even though an electric guitar would be more suited to the music you listen to, $350 will get you a lot farther in buying a good acoustic guitar if you do not have more money above $350 for an amp.
If you have extra money above $350 for a good amplifier, then I would agree with the recommendations for a Fender or even Squier Stratocaster-style guitar. They are a very comfortable design to learn on and very versatile in terms of tonal options and technique compared to some other designs.
Good luck!
If you have extra money above $350 for a good amplifier, then I would agree with the recommendations for a Fender or even Squier Stratocaster-style guitar. They are a very comfortable design to learn on and very versatile in terms of tonal options and technique compared to some other designs.
Good luck!
X
XLR
______
[scene: pendant swinging hypnotically back and forth... Soothing breathy woman's voice whispering...]
Classical guitar...Nylon strings...soft and sweet gets the girls...Classical guitar...Nylon strings...soft and sweet gets the girls...Classical guitar...Nylon strings... [fades to black, then a finger snap brings back consciousness]
Sorry, the dark side took over for a moment.
Tim
Classical guitar...Nylon strings...soft and sweet gets the girls...Classical guitar...Nylon strings...soft and sweet gets the girls...Classical guitar...Nylon strings... [fades to black, then a finger snap brings back consciousness]
Sorry, the dark side took over for a moment.
Tim
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Unsprung
New member
toddyjoe said:
My new Squier Bullet Special (Strat body with a single humbucker at the bridge, and only has a volume knob) just arrived today. Current Musician's Friend price is $99.59, and as soon as I get the chance, I'm going to order a Seymour Duncan Invader for it (it won't sound exactly like a Fender Tom DeLonge Blink 182 Strat, but it'll be as close as I can get it). The rest of my collection = Squier Affinity P-bass, Squier Fat Telecaster, Ibanez AG75, Johnson JG-622-E acoustic/electric bass.
I think I've mentioned it, in another thread, but I've noticed that for all the bad mouthing about how bad Squier guitars are, even Danelectro guitars, I seem to see a lot of pros using them.
Matt
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gibsonguy09
New member
Your ampless right? Go for a mexican strat like pretty much everyone said. If you are like me adn don't want a normal guitar like a strat get adn ESP M-50
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Imaduck
New member
Ibanez Artcore.
Great rock sound. They may look like blues guitars, but trust me, the fullness and beauty of their tone is unbelievable. The BEST guitar in that price range IMO, and I know pleanty on the board agree.
Other than that, I'd say go with a strat or a carvin. Or maybe even a tele if you're into that sorta thing. Also, Ibanez makes some good SG copies that are worth looking into.
Great rock sound. They may look like blues guitars, but trust me, the fullness and beauty of their tone is unbelievable. The BEST guitar in that price range IMO, and I know pleanty on the board agree.
Other than that, I'd say go with a strat or a carvin. Or maybe even a tele if you're into that sorta thing. Also, Ibanez makes some good SG copies that are worth looking into.
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Dani Pace
New member
If you plan to go for electric, definately check into Ibanez and Washburn, both of them make some pretty deacent guitars in your price range. Also you might want to consider a used instrument, for $250 you might pick up a good guitar and a practice amp as well. One more thing, don't let looks fool you, some really cool looking guitars play and sound awful, comfort is an important issue for a beginner.
apl
Stand Up Comity
The Carvin Bolt Kit is the best $350 guitar in the world.
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mjareo
New member
Starter set
While they may not be the most respected thing in the world, there are also always starter packs for around $250 (if you don't know, they typically include your guitar, a small practice amp, a gig bag, and assorted straps and picks). Musician's Friend will have starter packs with everything from a Squier strat set like above to a Epiphone LP II Special or SG Special.
Not a bad way to go when you are starting out, as far as I understand. While I have never personally bought one of these, I had a friend that bought an LP pack (or maybe an LP junior), and seemed to really like it.
All that from an acoustic player.
While they may not be the most respected thing in the world, there are also always starter packs for around $250 (if you don't know, they typically include your guitar, a small practice amp, a gig bag, and assorted straps and picks). Musician's Friend will have starter packs with everything from a Squier strat set like above to a Epiphone LP II Special or SG Special.
Not a bad way to go when you are starting out, as far as I understand. While I have never personally bought one of these, I had a friend that bought an LP pack (or maybe an LP junior), and seemed to really like it.
All that from an acoustic player.
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mjareo
New member
Another thought for a guitar.
I am, myself, just starting to play electric. I found I really like the Ibanez JTK1 for a pretty good all-around guitar. It has the coil taps that open up your tonal opportunities, though you will run into problems with volume differences when using them. This is one of the only drawbacks, though, and probably not as big a deal for a beginner (like we seem to be). I also seriously dig the vintage styling to the guitar and the oldschool "spaghetti string" Ibanez logo on the headstock.
They list for $399, but any guitar shop I've been to doesn't ask more than $299 for it, sometimes less if on sale. They are also on ebay, which is where I bought mine for $199 plus 29.99 shipping. Still have some budget left over there for a practice amp if you still desire.
Of course, you may hate the way the guitar looks, in which case....never mind.
I am, myself, just starting to play electric. I found I really like the Ibanez JTK1 for a pretty good all-around guitar. It has the coil taps that open up your tonal opportunities, though you will run into problems with volume differences when using them. This is one of the only drawbacks, though, and probably not as big a deal for a beginner (like we seem to be). I also seriously dig the vintage styling to the guitar and the oldschool "spaghetti string" Ibanez logo on the headstock.
They list for $399, but any guitar shop I've been to doesn't ask more than $299 for it, sometimes less if on sale. They are also on ebay, which is where I bought mine for $199 plus 29.99 shipping. Still have some budget left over there for a practice amp if you still desire.
Of course, you may hate the way the guitar looks, in which case....never mind.
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jetsrock1081
New member
thanks everyone who answered my question
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thevirgin
New member
versitility
I think there have been many good choices mentioned. Many of the guitars sold under the Fender, Squier, Ibanez and Washburn names would be a good choice and I have owned all but Ibanez (though I have played Ibanez guitars over the years and lusted after a few).
Since you are just starting out I do have a few suggestions.
1. If possible, get a guitar with humbucking pickups that also has coil splitter switches. This will give you access to the greatest range of sounds from a single instrument. You should be able to cover most rock type styles (classic, grundge, some metal if you eventually get pedals, power pop...) along with the possibility of playing jazz and other styles.
2. Get a decent tuner. Try to negotiate with the store (if you buy in person - I probably would for a first guitar) to throw in an electronic tuner for free or at a reduced price. You need to keep your instrument in tune to sound good and to help train your ear.
3. Think twice before getting an instrument with a tremelo/vibrato type bridge unless you really think you are going to use it. Some tend to make it a hassle to keep the guitar in tune. If you think you want one, please make sure that you get someone to tell you about the different types and the tradeoffs involved with each type.
4. Get the instrument set up properly. The store you are buying from probably should throw in a basic setup. A guitar with poor action, string buzzes and bad intonation can be really discouraging. I had a lot of trouble learining guitar back in the 60s because most cheap guitars came poorly set up and didn't even have the potential to be set up properly without a huge amount of work. I was so frustrated that I quit playing for many years. I thought it was me, which was only partially true - it was also the shitty guitars I had. Fortunately many inexpensive guitars today play very well.
anyway just a few thing that crossed my mind.
Peace
I think there have been many good choices mentioned. Many of the guitars sold under the Fender, Squier, Ibanez and Washburn names would be a good choice and I have owned all but Ibanez (though I have played Ibanez guitars over the years and lusted after a few).
Since you are just starting out I do have a few suggestions.
1. If possible, get a guitar with humbucking pickups that also has coil splitter switches. This will give you access to the greatest range of sounds from a single instrument. You should be able to cover most rock type styles (classic, grundge, some metal if you eventually get pedals, power pop...) along with the possibility of playing jazz and other styles.
2. Get a decent tuner. Try to negotiate with the store (if you buy in person - I probably would for a first guitar) to throw in an electronic tuner for free or at a reduced price. You need to keep your instrument in tune to sound good and to help train your ear.
3. Think twice before getting an instrument with a tremelo/vibrato type bridge unless you really think you are going to use it. Some tend to make it a hassle to keep the guitar in tune. If you think you want one, please make sure that you get someone to tell you about the different types and the tradeoffs involved with each type.
4. Get the instrument set up properly. The store you are buying from probably should throw in a basic setup. A guitar with poor action, string buzzes and bad intonation can be really discouraging. I had a lot of trouble learining guitar back in the 60s because most cheap guitars came poorly set up and didn't even have the potential to be set up properly without a huge amount of work. I was so frustrated that I quit playing for many years. I thought it was me, which was only partially true - it was also the shitty guitars I had. Fortunately many inexpensive guitars today play very well.
anyway just a few thing that crossed my mind.
Peace
ibanezrocks
New member
It is true that the quality of cheap guitars is improving a lot. I still think that you won't find a better affordable guitar than an Ibanez.
The artcores, the artist200, the ax series, jetking, some of the cheaper rg (though those have a floyd rose except for the new rga, which is still very cheap), and the sa series are all great playing instruments that will sound better than other guitars in that price range. I would recommend the Artist 200, or the axs32 based on my experience.
I have played all the Ibanez guitars with exception of the pat methany, george benson, andy timmons, and korn guitars. I have played most mexican fenders, almost all epiphones. I can say with confidence that the artist 200 and the axs32 are the best quality for the price.
The artcores, the artist200, the ax series, jetking, some of the cheaper rg (though those have a floyd rose except for the new rga, which is still very cheap), and the sa series are all great playing instruments that will sound better than other guitars in that price range. I would recommend the Artist 200, or the axs32 based on my experience.
I have played all the Ibanez guitars with exception of the pat methany, george benson, andy timmons, and korn guitars. I have played most mexican fenders, almost all epiphones. I can say with confidence that the artist 200 and the axs32 are the best quality for the price.
Fab4ever
Getting better
Hey Ibanez rocks, how do you rate the SZ series if a fella is interested in a lower-priced PRS type guitar?
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Unsprung
New member
While I truly love my Ibanez AG75, I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking to get into a guitar for $350.00. When I bought mine it was $365.00, and of course we're assuming that jetsrock would also want an amp. With that, and since I've yet to see it mentioned I'll take the hit...
You might consider some of the player packs that are out there. I know that Squier has them 'cause that's how I got my first P-bass and a 15W bass combo. For $299.00, I got a Squier Affinity P-bass, Squier BP-15 bass combo amp, gig bag, strap, cable and an instructional video. Epiphone has several starter packages, as does Ibanez, I think Jackson has starter packages, so with $350.00 to go on, you should be able to get into a pretty decent guitar and amp, and have money left over for picks and strings.
Matt
You might consider some of the player packs that are out there. I know that Squier has them 'cause that's how I got my first P-bass and a 15W bass combo. For $299.00, I got a Squier Affinity P-bass, Squier BP-15 bass combo amp, gig bag, strap, cable and an instructional video. Epiphone has several starter packages, as does Ibanez, I think Jackson has starter packages, so with $350.00 to go on, you should be able to get into a pretty decent guitar and amp, and have money left over for picks and strings.
Matt
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Gregggor
New member
I'm window shopping for Peavey HP EX?? yay? nay?
I'm window shopping for Peavey HP EX, which is about the same amount of $$ guitar axe budget... (Sans the amp, of course.)
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--PEVHPSIGEX/view--Black
What are people's view of this one? It seems like the reviews are pretty decent,... i'm going to a not so local Guitar Center to check one out, since they aren't available in my area.
In addition, the amp will probally be line6 spider II 30w... http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LINSPII112
This would be for home rec use,... not live in the near future.
Any critique or other ideas would be appreciated!
I'm window shopping for Peavey HP EX, which is about the same amount of $$ guitar axe budget... (Sans the amp, of course.)
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--PEVHPSIGEX/view--Black
What are people's view of this one? It seems like the reviews are pretty decent,... i'm going to a not so local Guitar Center to check one out, since they aren't available in my area.
In addition, the amp will probally be line6 spider II 30w... http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LINSPII112
This would be for home rec use,... not live in the near future.
Any critique or other ideas would be appreciated!