Electric Guitar and Amp Advice

[CApRicORnUs]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to get an electric guitar and amp for around $460au. Not much, I know, but I'm only going to be practicing in my bedroom, so here is what I am currently thinking of.

Fender Stratocaster guitar
Marshall MG10CD amp

I thought about getting the Roland Cube 15w amp but it’s a little to expensive, and would not allow a whole lot left over for the guitar.
I’m not, obviously, expecting anything brilliant, just something to practice at home with. I have been playing acoustic guitar now for years and wanted my first electric.

If anyone could give me any feedback or better suggestions for my price range that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

CApRicORnUs

[SeanF]

I bought one of these (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301605006) about a year ago for just over $200 (American). That includes the amp...well, you can see from the website what all it includes.

I was (am?) a complete novice - had never owned or played any kind of guitar before - so I can't really tell you how it compares to anything else, but I've been happy with it.

All that said, I have no idea if that particular guitar or package is available down there, but it's my 2 cents, anyway. :)

[Cougar]

I’m looking to get an electric guitar and amp for around $460au.... here is what I am currently thinking of.

Fender Stratocaster guitar
Marshall MG10CD amp

I don't know electric guitars, and I don't know if the Squier is any good, but apparently you can get a Fender Squier Stratocaster for around $80-100us. So you ought to be able to get a little bigger amp, which I would recommend. Maybe 40-60 W. Turn it up to 2.

[Cougar]

Oh, hi, Sean. ;)

I bought one of these (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301605006) about a year ago for just over $200 (American). That includes the amp...

Gee, that looks like a good deal for 200 bucks. I guess that little 15W might be enough for home-sized rooms. So they haven't asked you to play at the Bowl yet? :confused:


I was (am?) a complete novice - had never owned or played any kind of guitar before - so I can't really tell you how it compares to anything else, but I've been happy with it.

It's weird - there are other stratocasters on ebay for $800 and $3,000 and... the price is all over the place. I guess they don't make 'em like they used to.

[Fazor]

Yeah, the Fender Strat's I've seen aren't cheap, but they're nice. I've got two Washburn's (Acoustic and an Electric), and I love my Epiphone Studio Dot (hollowbody electric). As for amp, I can't even tell you which one I have. Just got a little $90 practice amp when I got my first guitar. It sucks, and the speaker sounds like it's starting to go, but I've had it for a few years, and it was definately more than adequate to learn to play on.

[CApRicORnUs]

I recently found a cheap Roland 15w amp (around $220au all up) and was just wondering it would be possible to get a respectable guitar for $240au:think:?

[GeorgeLeRoyTirebiter]

Unless you, or someone you know, has a garage full of tools, I can't really recommend starting out the way I did. I assembled a Strat knock-off from a kit, and then made a tube practice amp from scratch (it's like an old tweed Champ, but with a tone knob).

If I could afford another guitar right now, I'd love to build an electric one from scratch, or try making my first acoustic from one of these kits (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Kits/Acoustic_Guitar_Kits/Dreadnought_Guitar_Kit.html).

[raptorthang]

I'd go with a new Mexican Strat....they are about $350 (US) in Canada. One reason for a Strat is that there are so many Youtube videos, and bands, etc, that feature Strats. They are a bit like having MS Windows as your computer OS... maybe not 'the best' at everything but if you are a newbie then easy to get info, help and accessories on.

I'd agree with Fazor and would look for a used practice amp for around $100. These non-tube amps are durable and less finicky than a pricy amp. It will be fine for a year or more and give you a chance to discover the sound you want...then invest in a quality amp 'if' you want to.

Just starting to play. I'm biased but get an accoustic to go along with the electric if at all possible. Put the pick down half the time and play the accoustic with your fingers. You'll reach a level of play far beyond just using the electric with a pick. You'll be able to do so much more when you play the electric if you can finger pick the accoustic. Also, being proficient on an acoustic will give you many more opportunities to jam with friends, perform solo, take your guitar to the beach, etc.

[Metricyard]

Just a suggestion, check out your local pawn shop.
Always tons of guitars and equipment to be had.

[mugaliens]

For newbies, there's always that "first amp," which needn't be the one you bring the house down with later on.

Try these (http://www.bryansmusic.com/inex.amp.htm).

[Fendercaster]

As raptorthang said, a MIM (Made in Mexico) Strat (or Tele) would be a good way to go. There are many very well made guitars these days for $2-300 American (not sure what the exchange rate is.). Epiphone (owned by Gibson) makes some very nice low priced guitars. What kind of music will you be playing? This may well determine what style guitar would be best for you, hollowbody vs. solidbody, single coil vs. humbuckers or P90s, etc. If at all possible, go to a music store and try out all the guitars in your price range. You'll know the right one for you when you play it. Also, don't discount the importance of the amp. A lot of players recommend buying a better amp than guitar. Here again, it all depends on what features you want: modeling, effects etc. A two channel amp would generally be most desirable, one clean and one dirty (distorted or crunchy) channel. An inexpensive solid state amp makes a good starter, better bang for the buck compared to tube amps.
If you can't get to a music store to try the guitars out, there are a lot of good deals on Ebay and Craigslist for used instruments. You can usually get better instruments in your price range; the only drawback is that you can't try them out before you buy.
Good luck and have fun in your search!

[CApRicORnUs]

I’ve been playing acoustic now for about four years, so wanted to get an electric practice guitar.
I'm going to have to get a guitar and amp that are in Australia, as converting US products into au dollars is an almost double and a half price increase.


@Fendercaster - I would like to get at least a few effects with the amp, thats why I was after a Roland Cube 15w. It has some built in effects ad seems like a pretty good amp for the price. As for styles, I would preffer something probably not as thick sounding as humbuckers seem to produce but more towards a slightly lighter sound, but I cant really afford to be too picky:)

[captain swoop]

Has to be a Marshall or a Vox AC30 (WHat I use at the moment)

Not a fan of the Strat, I like a Les Paul or Yamaha YSG, If you put a 'coil tap' onto the pickups you can get the strat sound)

[CApRicORnUs]

Thanks for the advice everyone,

Ive actually been looking into the SG Special Epiphone guitars and from reviews they seem quite good.

[LotusExcelle]

The best advice I can give you is not to read reviews about guitars but to go to a shop and play ones in your price range. You might find a cheap Squire plays well enough that you can spend some more cash on a really nice amp that you can grow into a bit. And keep in mind also that most people buy an amp that is about twice the size they really *need*. Its a bit like televisions.

[captain swoop]

Listen to Lotus, you need to play the guitar and listen to the amp. What suits one may not suit another. Plus you can pick up tow nomilany 'identical' guitars and they will be like chalk and cheese.
I have gone through about 20 guitars over the years, the one I have now is the best sounding but not the most expensive one I have owned. I have had the action set up the frets stoned and polished and the pickups changed, it's spot on now.

[Fazor]

I have had the action set up the frets stoned and polished and the pickups changed, it's spot on now.
One day when I have some extra money laying around, I want to have my Jag knock-off professionally set up and it needs the pickups and jack replaced.

[captain swoop]

I am lucky that I was working in the music industry for years, I have friends who are guitar techs for some famous guitarists :)

[CApRicORnUs]

Once again thanks for the advice everyone.

I've pretty much decided to go for a Roland Cube 15w amp and a SG Special Epiphone, but I'll be going to a second hand music shop to see if they have any other guitars that I can try out.

Thanks again

[captain swoop]

Epiphone are decent guitars for the price. They are part of Gibson now, like Squire are part of Fender.

[Fazor]

Epiphone are decent guitars for the price. They are part of Gibson now, like Squire are part of Fender.

It's one of those things; if you get an Epi SG, it won't be as nice as a Gibson SG, but can you realistically expect a $400 guitar to be as good as a $1,300+ one? But for $400 you're still getting a helluva instrument. (I can't speak specifically for the Epi SG personally; never played one. The reviews I've heard from those who have have all been great.)

My bro has a hollowbody Ibanez that sounds absolutely beautiful, and he just ordered an Ibanez something-or-other that's modeled after a Les Paul. Hasn't come in yet, so we'll see how that sounds in a few weeks.

[captain swoop]

Epiphone are good quality woodwor, nice neck and fretboard. Where you can make a big improvement later is in the pickups and bridge, you can get them replaced, that will improve it no end. Also get it set up properly, the action will be quite high and you can make a big difference to the playability by getting the neck set back and the frets stoned, that will let you get the strings closer to the frets.

I am not a big fan of the Gibson SG, the Les Paul is a better guitar. If I was going for anything 'SG' like I would shell out for a Yamaha 'YSG' Unfortunatley you are shelling out a lot of money if you do that. The YSG models are built like the Les Paul and have a steel 'spine' that gives amazing sustain, it was designed with the help fo Carlos Santana many years ago. I used to own one, a '2000' with the Abalone fret markers and banding around the body.

[Fazor]

I need a nice Amp, but I think my next purchase will be a decent PA. Need something for vocals. Not that I should really amplify mine, but still when we're jamming it'd be nice to have.

[captain swoop]

If I was in the market for a guitar atthe moment I wouldn't hesitate in buying one of These (http://www.brianmayguitars.co.uk/the-guitars).

About £450.

[Fazor]

If I was in the market for a guitar atthe moment I wouldn't hesitate in buying one of These (http://www.brianmayguitars.co.uk/the-guitars).

About £450.

Purdy. I'm not a huge fan of that shape (I like a little thinner in the "butt", though my Epi is fat-bottomed ;)). I love the white with red (tortise? forget what they call that) pick-guards; those are the colors I wanted on the Jag that I never ended up getting.

[captain swoop]

Well, it's a 'gibson' style shape. more importantly Brian May himself plays them, his original 'home made' guitar is too precious for every day use.

[CApRicORnUs]

Thanks again.

Yeah, I wouldn’t be expecting the Epi SG to be as nice as a Gibson but I think it is going to be good for just practicing in my bedroom.

Personally my favourite style of guitar would have to be a Stratocaster, but unfortunately the Fender Stratocaster American or Standards are a little to pricy for my budget. Also I’ve decided to go with humbucker pickups and the Stratocasters don’t have them.

[captain swoop]

Twin Coils are good, you can add a 'coil tap' switch to let you play around with putting them in and out of phase or just using one of the coils to get a 'strat' type sound. I have a Roland guitar processor box. You just tell it what type of guitar sound or Amp set up you want and off you go, it lets you set up a series of 'presets' that you can step through with the foot pedal. It does away with having 3 or 4 pedals on the floor as it has reverb, compression, phae, distortion etc all in one box

[George]

If I was in the market for a guitar atthe moment I wouldn't hesitate in buying one of These (http://www.brianmayguitars.co.uk/the-guitars). Those loke nice, but I'm leary of having a wah-wah bar as constantly retuning can be a problem, or is this not still a problem? [I did just buy his new astronomy book (co-authored with Chris Lintott), so how rare is that to have a PhDer pro guitarist? :)]

I bought a used Gibson Les Paul originally, then bought a new Fender Strat. Both have a nice sound, but I tend to play the Les Paul more often. Unfortunately, my Gibson has a quirk with the intonation on the g string. I have to tune it a little flat every time to get the chords to be right. It seems this is not uncommon for this guitar. I don't have this problem with the Fender.

Capricornus, the Les Paul, however, is a heavy guitar, so if you get into a band, which is the best way to get motivated to learn, this could be minor problem for some.

Be sure to make sure the fret board is not warped or something. Others might be able to give you good tips on what to check out before you shell out the bucks. If the strings are close to the fret board and you find that they do not rattle against any fret bars as you play each string up and down the board, you shoudl be ok. [Better quality strings can make a difference here, I have discovered.] But, if the strings are high off the board, you may, or may not, have a potential problem. Also, it is hard to play any guitar when the strings are high.

[captain swoop]

Tremelo bridges can be stable if they are good quality. I use a Khaler 'Locking' trm, there is a bar across the strings just behind the Topnut that clamps the strings once the yare in tune. Fine adjustemnts are made on the bridge itself to keep things from drifting out of tune.
If you have a string with bad intonation try adjusting the saddle on the bridge. Fret the string at the 12th fret it should still show in tune. If it's sharp or flat adjust the saddle in or out until the string is in tune open and fretted both.

If you think a LesPaul is heavy play a Telecaster. My Brother in Law has one it's a neck breaker.

[George]

Tremelo bridges can be stable if they are good quality. I use a Khaler 'Locking' trm, there is a bar across the strings just behind the Topnut that clamps the strings once the yare in tune. Fine adjustemnts are made on the bridge itself to keep things from drifting out of tune. Ah, someone had told me they had gotten better.

If you have a string with bad intonation try adjusting the saddle on the bridge. I tried that. My fret board is quite worn, so maybe that will help. I've had others tell me that g string is not an uncommon problem for this guitar.

If you think a LesPaul is heavy play a Telecaster. My Brother in Law has one it's a neck breaker. Thanks for the warning. :) I bought a nice broad strap and it helped greatly.

[captain swoop]

With a 'modern' trem (they have been around since the 80s)
You can bomb the strings till the are almost flapping loose and when you bring it back up they stay dead on tuning (assuming they aren't new and still stretching.

I forget it's name but there is an 'active' bridge that has dynamic tuning and keeps the strings dead on with little servo motors, you can pre program different tunings into it as well. It's about £1000, Jimmy Page uses one.

[CApRicORnUs]

Just got my amp, a Roland Cube 15w :D . It was really cheap, so theres quite a bit left to get my guitar, which I have now 100% decided will be an Epiphone. The 310 seems a little better than the Special, so Ill look into it.
To bad I have to wait until Christmas to get my hands on it all:cry:

Thanks for the help everyone:)

[captain swoop]

Visit guitar shops and play loads of guitars in your price range and also higher up the range, get a feel for them. Different models ahave different playing styles, Narrow 'triangular' necks are 'faster' than wider round section necks (but you can do more 'bending' on a wider neck. You need to decide what style suits you best. For example a Strat and a Telecaster have a very different feel as do a LesPaul and an SG. Try them all.

[A.DIM]

Fun thread, I love hearing about others' gear!

Guitar I play Ibanez RG440 Roadstar II through a Fender Deluxe 85 combo (red knobs, special edition 12"). These were the Japanese guitars dubbed "superstrats" and let me tell you, I'd not trade it for strat. The neck is butter! Microdot inlays, Floyd Rose trem (locked down), HBs in neck and bridge, single OBL between ...vintage.

Bass I play Peavey Millennium 5 string through Peavey TNT100.

Keyboard is Yamaha PSR175 through the TNT (mostly though, I use the drum sims).

I record on a Fostex MR8 digital with built in mic (though I recommend other micrphones for good recording) and battery powered option (excellent for sitting in the woods ...).

Boss RV4 reverb, Original Crybabay Wah, a cool VestaFire flanger/chorus, maraccas, blues harp, triangle, whistles etc.... :D


Anyway, to the OP, and as others have said, the best approach is to play firsthand the equipment you're considering. I'd never have thought I was about to hit the jackpot upon checking out a friend's unused Ibanez.

[Fazor]

Visit guitar shops and play loads of guitars in your price range and also higher up the range, get a feel for them. Different models ahave different playing styles, Narrow 'triangular' necks are 'faster' than wider round section necks (but you can do more 'bending' on a wider neck. You need to decide what style suits you best. For example a Strat and a Telecaster have a very different feel as do a LesPaul and an SG. Try them all.

I'll tell you; when I play my bro's acoustic (Takamine, however that's spelled) it's like a whole different instrument. It's a slightly shorter scale than my acoustic, but that slight difference makes it hard for me to play since I never get to practice on it. He seems to have no problem pick'n up mine though.

My fat-necked Stagg is short-scale (like a Jag) but it feels more natural to me since it's also electric.

[captain swoop]

I replaced all my pedals with a Processor years ago, it cuts out all those patch leads which means less noise and less to break. Plus it can do moer. When I am playing into a desk or PA it still sounds like an amp sometimes I use a Marshall 'Tube' pedal into a desk as well.

[mugaliens]

If you really want to crank, buy a high-quality (low-noise / distortion) stereo amp and feed it into a voltage follower (current amplifier), feeding the output of that into a parallel speaker array.

Cheap, yet absolutely stellar (and very loud) sound.

I did this a lot in college, so I'm speaking from experience.

[captain swoop]

If you want to improve the sound of a low cost or small amp buy one of these Marshall Pedals (http://www.marshallamps.com/product_range.asp?productRangeId=18)

I like the Guv'nor or the Bluesbreaker. They give you the sound of a genuile big Marshall.

[mugaliens]

If you want to improve the sound of a low cost or small amp buy one of these Marshall Pedals (http://www.marshallamps.com/product_range.asp?productRangeId=18)

I like the Guv'nor or the Bluesbreaker. They give you the sound of a genuile big Marshall.

Not the same thing.

The problem I encountered while working as a sound "engineer" (technician) was that people were working towards a particularly distorted sound, but doing so by means of the distortion inherent in common guitar amps. When they got into higher quality gear, that sound was gone, and they wanted it back.

Cue in various distortion foot pedals.

Once they electronically introduced the various and desired distortions, however, people wanted the ability to ramp that to an arena-rocking level at minimum cost.

At the time, such options were prohibitively expensive, costing more than a thousand dollars. Meanwhile, my DJ-ing brother had amassed a number of speakers that he was finding difficult to drive with his supposedly high end gear and his (then) employer's house system.

They were to be hosting The Bangels in a couple of months, and after listening to their setup, I thought, "This Sucks."

I coordinated with a EE prof with whom I was friends who helped me design a simple, but highly effective current amplifier (now called voltage followers) that would be able to drive a serious parallell array of just about any impedance. A couple of weeks and a few trips to the major city electronics store later, I'd built a very capable stereo current amplifier.

Since it's distortion and noise were all but non-existence, the key was to feed it a high-quality voltage-amplified signal from a common household amp and feed the result into a parallel array (very low at 0.25 ohm impedance).

The result was an incredibly clean, amp-pumping sonic experience.

I built similar systems for a year, until I moved on to other things.

[captain swoop]

That's nice but to get a good guitar distortion you need a valve in there somewhere that can be overdriven. Common Guitar Amps are the best way of producing an overdriven guitar amp sound. Equipment like Marshall and Vox are very high quality built for overdriving. If you are in a situation where you can't overdrive a valve amp the next best thing is a good quality processor that will give the effect of an overdriven amp. Marshall make good ones as they are tailored to the sound of their amps, I can think of a few others a couple of which have an actual valve stage in them to give an actual valve overdrive sound.
Brian May uses 3 Vox AC30s, not to et extra volume as the increase over one would be marginal in a stadium but to give a more solid and rounded sound. I used to use Two Marshall heads and 4x cabs back in my loud band days but most of the volume at a gig any bigger than a pub would come from the PA.