Quote:
Originally Posted by The Last Baron
Hey thanks for the replies. I'm not 100% set on the actives just want something that can scream!
I looked at the Duncan's they seem like a good route if I bought something and wanted to update the pickups.
As for any specific models in that price range anyone have any that stand out?
Cheers!
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What I would recommend is that you do some research into what you want. Buying an instrument is a very personal thing.
Here's what I would do if I were you. Since you're just starting out, look at your favorite bands and see what gear they use - guitars, amps, effects, etc. It might take you a while to figure it out, but it shouldn't be too difficult. You could also ask on the forums here and some of us might be able to tell you who uses what. This isn't a bad thing, because let's face it - when you're learning, you want to be able to sound somewhat close to the bands you like. It's rewarding when you can sit there and play along to a song and fit right in. Just don't forget to develop your own sound and style once you start getting better.
Once you see what your favorite bands use, look up the models on the manufacturers websites. Let's deal with ESP/LTD for now because it's easy to do.
Let's say your favorite guitar player uses an ESP Eclipse II for their guitar - you know that's out of your price range, but damn you like that guitar. Copy the specs from the guitar down and start looking at the LTD line and compare differences.
ESP Eclipse II - Approx. $1,500..........LTD EC-1000 - Approx $850
# Set-Neck.............................................. # Set-Neck
# 24.75” Scale.......................................# 24.75” Scale
# Mahogany Body.................................# Mahogany Body
# Mahogany Neck................................# Mahogany Neck
# Ebony Fingerboard..........................# Ebony Fingerboard
# 42mm Bone Nut...............................# 42mm Earvana Compensated Nut
# Thin U Neck Contour.......................# Thin U Neck Contour
# 22 XJ Frets........................................# 24 XJ Frets
# Gold Hardware................................# Gold Hardware
# Gotoh Magnum Lock Tuners........# ESP Locking Tuners
# Gotoh TOM Bridge & Tail...............# Tonepros Locking TOM & Tail
# EMG 81 (B) / 60 (N) Active p.u.......# EMG 81 (B) / 60 (N) Active p.u.
So the only difference there is the nut, # of frets, the tuners, and the bridge. You won't notice any difference between a bone nut versus a compensated nut. The number of frets really doesn't matter unless you're pulling some mad solos, which as a beginner, I really doubt.
The stock locking tuners are fine, there's no real reason to worry there. And Tonepros makes some outstanding bridges. All in all, no real sacrifice here and you're saving a lot of money.
Take that same principle and use it to whatever guitar manufacturer you're looking at. Don't worry too much about things like set-neck, neck thru, or bolt on necks for now. In your price range, it's very likely going to be a bolt on. Also don't worry too much about what woods are used. You won't notice a huge difference until your ear gets "tuned" to hearing these differences.
Now that you have a few models in mind, go to your local guitar stores and
try them all. I will recommend going to your local stores before Guitar Center/Sam Ash as you will get better customer service, and usually a lot better pricing. Also keep in mind, that the smaller shops care more about their stock than GC/SA, so the floor models are likely to be in tune and not dinged up from kids picking them up and not paying attention to what they're doing.
When you're playing, pay attention to how comfortable the neck feels to you. When you run your hand up and down the neck, are the frets smooth, or do they feel like they are going to cut into your skin? Is the guitar comfortable to play sitting down? (Stay away from extreme shapes/flying v's if you want to sit down!) Does your picking hand rest at a natural angle? When you play, do the frets buzz at all? These are things you need to think about when you're trying out guitars.
Let's say you find a guitar that is comfortable to play, but the frets feel like they're going to cut your skin. If you buy at a small shop, odds are, they have a tech on staff who can file them down for you. It takes about 2 minutes and they will do that for free when you buy the guitar. They will also set the guitar up for you and adjust things like the string height, intonation, truss rods, and fret buzz. Your local guitar shop will also likely offer lessons and have classes on guitar maintenance (stringing, tuning, adjustments, etc).
The last thing I would advise you do is invest in a set of strap locks!!!! For $10, you will be able to play knowing that the strap will not fall off, causing your guitar to fall from your body and hit the ground! (After a close call with my Araya bass, I went out and got some - now they are on EVERY guitar/bass I own.)
The nice thing about getting a lower end guitar, is that it gives you a great opportunity to customize it. You can replace just about anything on a low end guitar to make it sound better or play better. Shop around, get prices, see who does price matching or beating. Check prices on
www.music123.com and bring those with when you're ready to buy. A lot of stores
hate M123 because they have such low pricing.
I'll also agree with Roeseph - if you want Seymours and you want screaming pickups, the Invader is by far, the way to go.
Feel free to PM me if you want more help or need ideas.
Help Buying a new guitar -
11-02-2009, 07:07 PM
As usual, he's not accounting for amps, pedals or playing style. If you like ESP, go with ESP. I've got several ESP's that I've customized and they sound great. Love ya bro, you know I just gotta disagree with you on this. 
