#16
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With two grand, there's no reason in the world not to go with a tube amp and an American-made electric (that said, I agree with Randall; there are some GREAT Japanese, and even Korean, guitars out there right now).
I recently got two Hamer Artists, and they're outstanding. They ain't cheap, but they're sweet. A used one would probably be in the $800.00-$1,000.00 range. They compliment my Strats rather well, being that the one of the Hamers has P-90's, the other has humbuckers. For an amp, check out some of the Marshall combos. The DSL 401 or 601 could be a nice way to go. A buddy of mine in Texas has the 401, and he swears by it. I'd recommend a Bluesbreaker (also by Marshall), but they just jacked the list price to well over two grand, so it likely wouldn't fit the amp+guitar budget. Mesa Boogie makes some nice stuff, too. Their Lone Star is sweet. One thing to remember about Boogie, though, is that they have "pro-net" pricing. Essentially, the list price is what you pay; Boogie's position is that their products are discounted from the factory. Boogie isn't discounted at the retail end, nor are their authorized dealers permitted to ship their products. For me, an amplifier has to have a great clean sound as its' base. Overdrive and distortion can be added with any one of a bajillion quality stomp boxes out there. A good, true clean sound, though, is something that just can't be replicated with a stomp box. It's like when my Aunt Gloria used to make lasagna. "Steven", she'd say, "You gotta' start with the right sauce." If I could make only one recommendation, it would be to play as many combinations of amps and guitars as you can get your hands on... Steve |
#17
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Just a couple things to consider:
Have you ever played an SG for any period of time? They are great looking guitars and sound fantastic, but are very neck heavy. I would definitely try one standing up for a while before you decide. I have one and love it, but that "neck thing" is a pain! If you are not suffering from "headstock envy" you might take a look at the Epiphone Elitist Series. They are made in Japan from the same hardware and materials that the USA Gibsons are made from. They are significantly less expensive, however. For example, if you shop around, you can get a new Elitist Les Paul Custom in the $800 range. A Gibson LP Custom will run you almost $3000!!! Again, ... same materials! Regarding tube amps: Some people are not all that familiar with tube amps. They respond entirely different from solid state for different volume situations. You really need to match the power to the venue. To get creamy, usable overdrive, you need to be able to crank them up. If you have never played through a 15 or 20 watt tube amp, I think you will be amazed at the output. For example, I have a 40 watt Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and unless you are in a pretty large room, it does not sound very good. To get "that sound" from a 100 watt Marshall setup will require cranking it. Marshall makes a device call a Power Brake Inductive Speaker Attenuator, which loads the amp so you can "crank it" at low volume outputs. There as several amps on the market that allow you to vary the output wattage. Vox comes to mind. Best of luck with your choice! Respectfully yours, Heliman P.S. I did not read Steve's post before I responded. He has some great advice, particularly the part about having a good, clean sound available, first and foremost!
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My "string gang": http://pic2.picturetrail.com/VOL36/8...2/66418887.jpg http://www.picturetrail.com/heliman Last edited by Heliman; 05-30-2004 at 11:43 AM. |
#18
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#19
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Steve |
#20
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Are those TGF pics still up somewhere???
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Joe "What's so funny 'bout peace, love & understanding?" |
#21
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#22
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If you're going with a Pod, why not look into a Parker Fly (or if you don't mind the weight, the cheaper Nitefly)? You will have a very easy-playing guitar that will sound like your choice of dozens of electrics with the tap of a toe and the flip of a switch--even acoustic for those "power ballad" intros.
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Sandy http://www.sandyandina.com ------------------------- Gramann Rapahannock, 7 Taylors, 4 Martins, 2 Gibsons, 2 V-A, Larrivee Parlour, Gretsch Way Out West, Fender P-J Bass & Mustang, Danelectro U2, Peavey fretless bass, 8 dulcimers, 2 autoharps, 2 banjos, 2 mandolins, 3 ukes I cried because I had no shoes.....but then I realized I won’t get blisters. |
#23
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If you want a Gibson-type guitar without the Gibson price, look at Heritage. The company was started by Gibson employees who wanted to stay in Kalamazoo, rather than move to Nashville.
Epiphones can be good, but quality control can be spotty. More than a few people buy an Epi and upgrade the pickups, pots and pickup selector switches to get a near-Gibson for much less than a Gibson. Gibson also makes electric guitars that aren't Les Pauls or SG's. Look at the semi-hollow models, such as the ES330 and ES335 (and their Epiphone equivalents, the Casino and the Riviera). The Epiphone Sheraton II also deserves a look. |
#24
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Now if you are talking about the made in China version Epiphones, that's a WHOLE different animal!!! Respectfully yours, Heliman
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My "string gang": http://pic2.picturetrail.com/VOL36/8...2/66418887.jpg http://www.picturetrail.com/heliman |
#25
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Thanks, chopperguy.
The Epi's from the Samick factory are the only ones I've seen. Wonder if the Elitist lines make the Joe Pass model; wouldn't mind having a jazzbox. |
#26
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Epiphone Elitist
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Joe "What's so funny 'bout peace, love & understanding?" |
#27
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Thanks, Joe.
No Joe Pass model, but they do list the Broadway and the Byrdland. Have to doubt the claim of 24K gold (even if it is plating) on the hardware. Pure gold is too darn soft and will probably wear away all too quickly. |
#28
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#29
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No, both the Dumble and the Speedster are hand-built; hand-wired, yadayadayada, and you can only do so much hand-wiring on an amp before it's completely handwired. The variable then becomes the proficiency of the person doing the wiring, and the components they use. Is a Dumble worth it? Well, they were worth it for Stevie Ray, but he had a bit more of a robust checking account than I do... Steve |