Starter Electric and Amp
 

Hey ya'll,

I've been playing acoustic for several years, and my wife wants an electric guitar. I've bought her several instruments over the years (a Martin D-15, a nice Yamaha keyboard, and other stuff) and she hasn't learned how to play any of them yet.

I'm thinking about not putting a lot of dough into this, but I don't want dreadful crap that she won't want to touch.

I went to Guitar Center and I like the Epiphone Les Paul II ($169 on MF). http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=518334

My question is this: can I buy a distortion pedal and run that through an acoustic amp? I have a little Ibanez TA-35.

Anyway, I just want to get her something that she can try out and see if she likes it, and I'll play it if she doesn't.

I wouldn't recommend using a distortion pedal with an acoustic amp. Overdriven electric guitar signals will sound very bad through the tweeter. A better option is to use an amp modeling pedal. I have been using a Digitech RP100 and RP250 through a keyboard amp since I started playing electric 5 years ago. You should get similar results through an acoustic amp. I think amp modeling pedals actually sound better through a hifi amp like an acoustic amp, keyboard amp, or PA than they do through an electric guitar amp.

Interesting. I may have one of these.:)

Or you could just look into a little roland microcube or something. They can be found super cheap (sub 100 dollar) and can do some cool stuff. Makes a nice practice amp too from what I hear.

I would look into an epiphone les paul studio or dot studio. Then get an epiphone 5 watt tube amp and your all good.

I love the upper end Epiphone LPs, I own/play the Epi LP Deluxe. It is a great guitar. But the lower end LPs are pretty bad. I have played several. In that price range I feel the Squire (Fender) line is a better deal. I have the Squire Tele Custom and place it right there with my Fender Strat in sound quality and playability.

For amps, I recommend any one of the dozen $100 amps out there. Marshall, Randall, Vox, Hartke, Rocktron, Fender, Crate, you name it have decent amps in this price range:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...Ns=P_Price%7c1

Jack

I don't recommend the low end LP's either. Generally disappointing to play and they are very heavy. Look at the Fender Squires. Nicely made, easily adjusted, play pretty well.

Pickup a Vox DA-5 or something similar an your all set.

I played on the lower end Epiphone LP and I really liked the sound. I was playing on a $199 VOX or Roland Amp.

I'd go for the Squire, too, but the wife doesn't like the way they look.

Blasphemy!!

I purchased a $99 Dean EVO for parts and found it played and sounded great for the price. It has a 1-5/8" wide nut, so it is a bit narrow for large hands like mine, but for someone with smaller hands...

Jack

I have a Roland Micro Cube that I bought new and it was pretty cheap. I think they have great sound for such a small amp and they have a lot of nice options, such as cand be used with batteries.

Well, I happened to be in my local GC with a nifty $20 off coupon in my pocket.

Saw a used Epiphone LP special II for $89 - paid $69 and tax for it.

I am a happy camper. I'll pick up an amp soon if my acoustic amp doesn't work...

ha man thats a sweet lil deal