Cheap, versatile guitar recommendations

Berserker · 08-20-2011, 02:42 PM

Hey guys,

So I’m looking to get a new guitar and I’m after some advice. I’ve always had really cheap guitars and never a decent brand so I want to try to get a better one this time. I need a pretty versatile guitar to play rock and blues mainly, but I’d like good clean tones too. The main requirement is good build quality and playability. The catch is I only have about £500 ($800ish) to spend

I really like the look of the PRS SE’s or the good old Fender HSS strat . Any opinions on whether either of these would suit my needs (I’ve never played either) would be greatly appreciated. Also any other suggestions would be great

Grand Moff Tim · 08-20-2011, 02:43 PM

I'd say the good old Fender HSS strat is a great place to start.

PyramidSmasher · 08-20-2011, 03:13 PM

used RGA121. Mine was 500, and it coil taps.

Andromalia · 08-20-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand Moff Tim

I'd say the good old Fender HSS strat is a great place to start.

This. Look for a MIJ/MIM strat, they're good and you will eb able to upgrade parts as you go since they are good and worth upgrading.
Maybe a USA strat if you're lucky on the used market.

BucketheadRules · 08-20-2011, 03:27 PM

You're only in High Wycombe! Not far from me... get thee over to BBZ Guitars and have a look at what they've got. There's always some cool stuff in there.

I would also advise you to have a look for Ibanez... RGs, RGAs and S series are good. For rock anyway...

Also, as the others have said, take a look for Fender Strats... a secondhand American one might come into your budget.

Bigfan · 08-20-2011, 03:27 PM

Any MIJ Ibanez really.

Berserker · 08-20-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucketheadRules

You're only in High Wycombe! Not far from me... get thee over to BBZ Guitars and have a look at what they've got. There's always some cool stuff in there.

I would also advise you to have a look for Ibanez... RGs, RGAs and S series are good. For rock anyway...

Also, as the others have said, take a look for Fender Strats... a secondhand American one might come into your budget.

I've never heard of BBZ before... it's 5mins from my house!! I didn't think we had any guitar stores here any more. Thanks for the tip mate... where you from anyway?

engage757 · 08-20-2011, 04:12 PM

look into G&L's tribute series man!

Kabstract · 08-20-2011, 05:33 PM

Try and find a Yamaha Pacifica 612v or 812. Trust me, they are amazing in every way.

Berserker · 08-21-2011, 12:58 AM

Thanks for the suggestions guys, there are some that I never would have thought of. Anyone got any experience or opinions regarding the PRS SE (either custom 22/24 or singlecut)... I've always wanted a proper PRS but these look pretty damn good.

-42- · 08-21-2011, 01:20 AM

Well, with a HSS Strat you have zero genre limitations and can modify the guitar any which way, but if you're interested in the PRS SE line that works too. I've played several and all have been very nice.

mgh · 08-21-2011, 02:19 AM

a quick check on ebay gets you a used Richie Sambora Signature Strat (HSS, Floyd), a nice Ibanez AR50, a Tokai Les Paul, nice Epipon Casino, plus lots of Fender Strats, Ibanez, Jackson etc etc

if you want new, you're looking at Squier strat, or something like a Godin Session, Yamaha AX, PRS SE Custom, Epiphone,Tanglewood/Vintage etc LP, Ibanez ART320

AcousticMinja · 08-21-2011, 02:27 AM

The PRS SE customs are on my GAS list. They're stupidly awesome for the money and I love them to pieces. The pickups aren't bad either, I love how they play!

signalgrey · 08-21-2011, 03:33 AM

strat with a humbucker.

BucketheadRules · 08-21-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berserker

I've never heard of BBZ before... it's 5mins from my house!! I didn't think we had any guitar stores here any more. Thanks for the tip mate... where you from anyway?

I'm from Amersham, so not that far away.

There is a pretty severe shortage of decent guitar shops around here, but BBZ is pretty good.

Berserker · 08-21-2011, 10:48 AM

I grew up in Chesham so I know Amersham quite well. I'll check out BBZ... I think I'm leaning toward a strat at the moment.

AkiraSpectrum · 08-21-2011, 11:35 AM

Godin Freeway Classic or Godin Redline HB as a potential option?

BucketheadRules · 08-21-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berserker

I grew up in Chesham so I know Amersham quite well. I'll check out BBZ... I think I'm leaning toward a strat at the moment.

Nice one!

BBZ don't do Fenders as far as I know (but there's a lot of other cool stuff there, some lesser-known brands that you don't see as much), the closest place that always has a lot of them in stock is Wembley Guitar Centre. It's not exactly local but it's not too far away (very close to Wembley Stadium), I don't think it's too much of a pain to get to and IT IS SO WORTH IT.

They have A Sizeable Amount of stuff... Gibsons, Fenders, Ibanezeseses, Schecters and so on. It's a really good shop, the staff are all great guys who are happy to help with anything, they really know their shit as well.

troyguitar · 08-21-2011, 04:27 PM

I like these guys:

Floppystrings · 08-21-2011, 08:25 PM

I think versatility is mostly electronics and pickups.

You might want a nice wood like Alder, not too dark.

Maybe a LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-500 with pickup change.

Berserker · 08-22-2011, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyguitar

I like these guys:

You’re the 2nd person to suggest this one and I really like the look of it! I’ve found a brand new ex-demo one with a maple fretboard for £450 and I’m seriously tempted! Have any of you guys played these before? The reviews seem very good but I’ve never really heard of them before.

BucketheadRules · 08-22-2011, 04:37 AM

Godin are fairly well known, they're a Canadian company and their stuff is normally quite high-end.

Ironbird · 08-22-2011, 04:50 AM

Godin is quality and versatility all rolled into one, but that headstock drives me nuts!

troyguitar · 08-22-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berserker

You’re the 2nd person to suggest this one and I really like the look of it! I’ve found a brand new ex-demo one with a maple fretboard for £450 and I’m seriously tempted! Have any of you guys played these before? The reviews seem very good but I’ve never really heard of them before.

I have a pearl black one and it's a very solid guitar. The pickups leave something to be desired, much like damn near everything else in that price range. Other than that it's very comfortable and well-built.

Berserker · 08-22-2011, 01:27 PM

Thanks for all the help guys, I couldn't resist any lomger and bought the Godin Freeway Classic... Haven't heard a bad word about them. I'll let you know how I get on!

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08-20-2011, 02:42 PM	#1
Berserker SS.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: High Wycombe - UK Posts: 503 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Cheap, versatile guitar recommendations Hey guys, So I’m looking to get a new guitar and I’m after some advice. I’ve always had really cheap guitars and never a decent brand so I want to try to get a better one this time. I need a pretty versatile guitar to play rock and blues mainly, but I’d like good clean tones too. The main requirement is good build quality and playability. The catch is I only have about £500 ($800ish) to spend I really like the look of the PRS SE’s or the good old Fender HSS strat . Any opinions on whether either of these would suit my needs (I’ve never played either) would be greatly appreciated. Also any other suggestions would be great

08-20-2011, 03:13 PM	#3
PyramidSmasher Dog Sized Bird Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,099 Thanked: 43 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	used RGA121. Mine was 500, and it coil taps. Bigfan likes this. Shredinja

08-20-2011, 03:27 PM	#5
BucketheadRules Annoying idiot Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Posts: 3,379 Thanked: 105 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You're only in High Wycombe! Not far from me... get thee over to BBZ Guitars and have a look at what they've got. There's always some cool stuff in there. I would also advise you to have a look for Ibanez... RGs, RGAs and S series are good. For rock anyway... Also, as the others have said, take a look for Fender Strats... a secondhand American one might come into your budget. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out my YouTubings by making clicks upon this most generously provided link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFGuitar?feature=mhee You can thank me later. Or throw stones, it's your call. It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious...

08-20-2011, 04:12 PM	#8
engage757 Caparison Whore Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St. Augustine Beach, Florida Posts: 3,651 Thanked: 152 Feedback Score: 26 reviews	look into G&L's tribute series man! jordanky likes this. *Some favorites: Caparison Angelus HGS/Customs, Mayones Regius', Dingwall ABZ, Blackmachine B6/B2 and a Carvin CT6. My own little favorite slice of heaven.* Staff writer/Gear reviewer- Ignition Music Magazine/ Wax Music Magazine. Check out my Facebook G.A.S. - inspiring pages and show us your gear/G.A.S.! http://on.fb.me/ZjgcKg Then Check out our affiliate pages: Bass- http://on.fb.me/10dpigi Studio- http://on.fb.me/10tqZjP

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08-20-2011, 02:43 PM	#2
Grand Moff Tim Some call me... Tim Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cheongju, SK Posts: 3,590 Thanked: 63 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'd say the good old Fender HSS strat is a great place to start.

08-20-2011, 03:27 PM	#6
Bigfan sixstringer Join Date: May 2010 Location: Karmøy, Norway Posts: 2,406 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Any MIJ Ibanez really.

08-20-2011, 05:33 PM	#9
Kabstract Flamenco is cool Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 179 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Try and find a Yamaha Pacifica 612v or 812. Trust me, they are amazing in every way. And I said, "HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA"

08-21-2011, 12:58 AM	#10
Berserker SS.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: High Wycombe - UK Posts: 503 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for the suggestions guys, there are some that I never would have thought of. Anyone got any experience or opinions regarding the PRS SE (either custom 22/24 or singlecut)... I've always wanted a proper PRS but these look pretty damn good.

08-21-2011, 01:20 AM	#11
-42- Nothing to see here Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cental Coast, CA Posts: 2,274 Thanked: 36 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well, with a HSS Strat you have zero genre limitations and can modify the guitar any which way, but if you're interested in the PRS SE line that works too. I've played several and all have been very nice.

08-21-2011, 02:19 AM	#12
mgh SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: London Posts: 456 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	a quick check on ebay gets you a used Richie Sambora Signature Strat (HSS, Floyd), a nice Ibanez AR50, a Tokai Les Paul, nice Epipon Casino, plus lots of Fender Strats, Ibanez, Jackson etc etc if you want new, you're looking at Squier strat, or something like a Godin Session, Yamaha AX, PRS SE Custom, Epiphone,Tanglewood/Vintage etc LP, Ibanez ART320 http://www.myspace.com/memorareuk https://soundcloud.com/memorare

08-21-2011, 02:27 AM	#13
AcousticMinja String Theorist Join Date: May 2010 Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA Posts: 959 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The PRS SE customs are on my GAS list. They're stupidly awesome for the money and I love them to pieces. The pickups aren't bad either, I love how they play!

08-21-2011, 03:33 AM	#14
signalgrey Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea Posts: 3,535 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	strat with a humbucker. Bigfan likes this. http://www.purevolume.com/citizenlusca http://www.citizenlusca.com

08-21-2011, 10:48 AM	#16
Berserker SS.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: High Wycombe - UK Posts: 503 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I grew up in Chesham so I know Amersham quite well. I'll check out BBZ... I think I'm leaning toward a strat at the moment.

08-21-2011, 04:27 PM	#19
troyguitar SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bloomsburg, PA Posts: 7,388 Thanked: 63 $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 10 reviews	I like these guys: Berserker, AkiraSpectrum and Kabstract like this. American Metal with real singing!

08-21-2011, 11:35 AM	#17
AkiraSpectrum SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 962 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Godin Freeway Classic or Godin Redline HB as a potential option? Berserker and Kabstract like this.

08-21-2011, 08:25 PM	#20
Floppystrings No like the floppy Join Date: May 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 1,708 Thanked: 10 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I think versatility is mostly electronics and pickups. You might want a nice wood like Alder, not too dark. Maybe a LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-500 with pickup change.

08-22-2011, 04:37 AM	#22
BucketheadRules Annoying idiot Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Posts: 3,379 Thanked: 105 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Godin are fairly well known, they're a Canadian company and their stuff is normally quite high-end. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out my YouTubings by making clicks upon this most generously provided link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ConnorFGuitar?feature=mhee You can thank me later. Or throw stones, it's your call. It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious...

08-22-2011, 04:50 AM	#23
Ironbird B.C. Rich Maniac Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: KL, Malaysia Posts: 1,369 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Godin is quality and versatility all rolled into one, but that headstock drives me nuts! Leave no stone unturned until I'm done.

08-22-2011, 01:27 PM	#25
Berserker SS.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: High Wycombe - UK Posts: 503 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for all the help guys, I couldn't resist any lomger and bought the Godin Freeway Classic... Haven't heard a bad word about them. I'll let you know how I get on!

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