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Electric Guitar Recomendations


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Old 19-08-2003, 23:50
FB_Rogers
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I asked for advice before on here, when I was picking up my accoustic, but basically just went out and bought the cheapest one I could find from Sound Control near me. Was 60 quid and no complaints with it, but now I wanna get an electric and so I need a lil more help.
I have a budget of about 200 quid, and will need to pick up an Amp, some strings, and obviously an electric guitar, so any suggestions as to what kinda wattage I would need, plus, I would liek to know how much I should be spending on a Mic and Mic stand, although those would be later on of course.
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Old 20-08-2003, 03:06
Peej Kerton
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Save some more cash (another £300 - £400) and buy something that you like the look of from Fender or Epiphone.... Its best to research the sites (fender.com or gibson.com)

Don't buy something cheap like an Encore or a Squier, you'll regret it later on...

Its best to look at what bands you like and see what they like to play...

and shop around. Sound Control Birmingham used to do brilliant deals when it was Musical Exchanges, now you can't rip em off as much...

My mate got a Fender Telecaster 52' Reissue for almost half price. (The guitar Graham Coxon from Blur uses on their self titled album and 13)

So personally
Guitar
Fender Telecaster
Fender Stratocaster
Epiphone Les Paul

Amp
Just a practice amp for now.. Something small cheap and cheerful... You can get a bigger amp when your ready to start working with a band

Mike stands and mike
You shouldn't need to purchase these for some time, as anywhere you might gig should supply the basics... But your looking at £15 on a mike stand and at LEAST £100 on a microphone for decent equipment...

Theres no point buying half baked stuff now, when you can buy good equipment that'll last you for life (literally)

and strings are all down to how you play, what you play and personal feel... Tho my mate swears by Ernie Ball Super Slinkies
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Old 20-08-2003, 08:08
Dan27
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FB, I totally agree with Peej on this one. See if you can save up to around £400-£500 and buy quality. For £200 you could possibly get a Squire Strat package, with a cheap amp and the accessories, but you will be far better off going for a genuine Fender or Les Paul.

I bought a Mexico standard Fender Strat and a 15w Marshall practise amp for around £450. It was totally worth it. Do yourself a favour and try and increase your budget because if you dont you wont do yourself justice. The overall build quality of the genuine Fender and the sound far gives benefits that far outweigh the cons of having to splash out more cash.

Go to www.fender.co.uk and look at their list of dealers. Most have online shops where you can get a good idea on how much the equipment is these days and if theyve got any good deals...they usually do.
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Old 20-08-2003, 12:19
3Faze
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Try before you buy.
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Old 20-08-2003, 12:44
kingdavera
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Definately Try before you buy.

The people in any good music shop will show you genuinely good kit. Have a play, see how if feels, see how it sounds. If you don't like it, don't buy it. People do seem to think "I want a guitar, therefore I MUST buy a Strat". Not so. I'm not overly keen on strats. The sound is good, but not what I want. I don't really like the design all that much either.

Don't buy guitars based totally on a recommendation. Recommendations and reviews will weed out the rubbish for you, but playing and listening will make the final choice.
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Old 20-08-2003, 13:00
GuitarMan
 
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some things to check when buying a guitar.

1) Make sure the fretboard isnt warped, look down it from one end to check.
2) Make sure the open string note is exactly one octave below the 12th fret. (on all strings). you can adjust this though on guitars that have an moveable bridge.
3) 'action' the strings should be as close to the fretboard as possible without actually affecting the sounds adversly. especially the top end, you cant do those lovely fast flowing guitar licks if the strings are to high. (Unless you are Mark Knopfler ). again, most guitars you can adjust this. BUT see point 1).
4) Check the harmonics to make sure the middle fret is correctly spaced. (Lightly touch the string over the fret divider of the 7th fret, then strike the string with a pick and remove the finger over the fret at the same time, takes a bit of practise) you should hear a high pitched harmonic.
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Old 20-08-2003, 21:34
Dan27
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They dont call him GuitarMan for nothing!!

One major thing to remember, music shops are so used to people trying out their guitars, so dont be afraid to ask to try one out, or to ask advise. Thats what they are there for.
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Old 13-02-2009, 11:39
jmeager
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Definitely try before you buy. Mayeb try out some models then have a look online for the real cheapest deal? Maybe ring up some places and negotitate a bit ?
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Old 13-02-2009, 13:59
badnono
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Definitely try before you buy. Mayeb try out some models then have a look online for the real cheapest deal? Maybe ring up some places and negotitate a bit ?
...given that this thread dates back to 2003, I think its safe to assume that FB_Rogers has already made his decision and bought his guitar.
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Old 13-02-2009, 14:36
The Spoon
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some things to check when buying a guitar.

1) Make sure the fretboard isnt warped, look down it from one end to check.
2) Make sure the open string note is exactly one octave below the 12th fret. (on all strings). you can adjust this though on guitars that have an moveable bridge.
3) 'action' the strings should be as close to the fretboard as possible without actually affecting the sounds adversly. especially the top end, you cant do those lovely fast flowing guitar licks if the strings are to high. (Unless you are Mark Knopfler ). again, most guitars you can adjust this. BUT see point 1).
4) Check the harmonics to make sure the middle fret is correctly spaced. (Lightly touch the string over the fret divider of the 7th fret, then strike the string with a pick and remove the finger over the fret at the same time, takes a bit of practise) you should hear a high pitched harmonic.

completely agree - checking out the guitar itself is a better idea than just simply going for a brand - yes Fender and Gibson have made a lot of guitars and some of them are masterpieces BUT there are lots of other manufacturers with much smaller advertising budgets, who can make as good, if not better guitars.

years ago, I bought a Kawai Aquarius of which only 6 were imported into the UK at the time - the shop had got a couple from a trade fair. it has triple dual pickups and a neat slim neck. stays in tune well and the action was always good.

best guitar I've played was a Martin - circa 1981 - priced at £1,200 second-hand in a music shop in Bath. unless it has to be solid-body electric, miking one of those you'd have an exquisite sound - rich tonality, perfect action. I'm drooling just remembering it.

most stupid guitar-buy decision? turning down a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top at £100, around the same time. just look at the sustain...
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Old 13-02-2009, 15:48
Toby Latimer
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...given that this thread dates back to 2003, I think its safe to assume that FB_Rogers has already made his decision and bought his guitar.
Highly likely , altho' I recently replied to someone in the Computer forums who wanted advice on buying a laptop , but had actually started the thread 12 months previously and was still asking questions !
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