$300 for a new electric guitar, what do you buy?

ScottyDont · #1 12-08-2003, 02:29 PM

Any thoughts on a do-it-all electric for around $300-400? I'd just kinda like to have one around the house for occasional playing and recording solos when needed.

shane · #2 12-08-2003, 02:34 PM

do you play more jazz or rock?

ScottyDont · #3 12-08-2003, 02:44 PM

Guess I should have known I'd need to be more specific. It should be solid-body, with at least one humbucker. I'm more interested in rock than jazz, but I mainly play acoustic. I just wanted to have something acceptable around if I need it.

A wide, thin neck would be nice...other than that, I just don't want to have the standard hassles that cheap guitars normally have with intonation, setup, fret finishing, etc. Something that plays well out of the box would be a plus.

Jefferson · #4 12-08-2003, 02:52 PM

since you said wide/thin neck, I might suggest a foreign-made PRS Tremonti, or one of Ibanez's many, many models in that price range...

Manzanita · #5 12-08-2003, 02:56 PM

Of course, I'm being subjective but I think my Gibson "The Paul" (click here to see) is one of the nicest playing electrics I've ever played. I bought it new in 1978 for $499. As Les Pauls go, it was Gibsons "affordable" model. Harmony Central's got some reviews.

They quit making 'em a long time ago but, if you can get one that's not too banged up at a good price you won't be sorry.

Of course, on any given day, eBay's usually got a couple.

As far as new electrics go... I haven't shopped for one in so long I'd have no idea what to look at in that price range.

flaggerphil · #6 12-08-2003, 06:50 PM

How about an Epi Les Paul, an Epi SG, a used Gibson SG Faded, a PRS Santana, or any one of a number of Ibanez models.

Though I still think one of the best deals around is one of the Ibanez Artcore hollowbody guitars.

chtaylo2 · #7 12-08-2003, 07:38 PM

How about a Fender Standard Fat Strat? It has a humbucker in the bridge position. That's probably the closest you can get to a do-everything guitar in this price range.

-Chris

frayne48 · #8 12-08-2003, 07:44 PM

Buy a used american strat, you won't regret it, honest.

ahorsewithnonam · #9 12-08-2003, 11:31 PM

Fender Standard Strat $349 everywhere or check out these www.rondomusic.com

A1rh0pper · #10 12-08-2003, 11:32 PM

Uhm...save your money for a while and buy a guitar based on its feel and tone for you rather than it's price tag.

franchelB · #11 12-09-2003, 05:46 AM

Squier Tele Custom or Squier Fat Tele.
In January, Squier Tele is gonna'be available in a Custom II (Telecaster with P90s!)

matt · #12 12-09-2003, 06:30 AM

ill second the vote for the squier custom tele...mine rocks...playes great, sounds great, and dosent feel cheap...

ScottyDont · #13 12-09-2003, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by A1rh0pper
Uhm...save your money for a while and buy a guitar based on its feel and tone for you rather than it's price tag.

Understood and agreed, it's just that I would rather spend my money on things I'll get a lot of use out of (like a new Taylor). I was really just looking for suggestions so I'd have a place to start. Obviously, I'll play the guitars before I buy anything.

Thanks!

A1rh0pper · #14 12-09-2003, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ScottyDont

Understood and agreed, it's just that I would rather spend my money on things I'll get a lot of use out of (like a new Taylor). I was really just looking for suggestions so I'd have a place to start. Obviously, I'll play the guitars before I buy anything.

Thanks!

See, you were one step ahead of me...LOL. Happy hunting.

JedimasterPaul · #15 12-09-2003, 12:58 PM

I was at Costco on Saturday and they had a cheapo electric by Fender called the Starcaster. I played around with it and thought it was all right. I retuned it to CGDGBD and played a little song that I know and it sounded OK to me.

It took to standcard tuning fine as well. I think it was between 250 and 300, and it came with a little amp.