The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Electric Guitars

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 01-28-2020, 02:03 PM
Dirk Hofman Dirk Hofman is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NOR * CAL
Posts: 7,510
Default Beginner Electric with Amp? What do you recommend?

Hi, I have a friend just starting up and he wants to learn on electric. Anything to watch out for? Looks like it's really cheap to get up and running with a Strat and a cheap amp.

Not looking for an acoustic. Strat seems like a good place to start but open to recommendations. Amps? Thanks so much!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-28-2020, 03:27 PM
roylor4 roylor4 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: McLeansville, NC
Posts: 7,449
Default

Avoid Squier Bullet series. affinity series is solid, but pickups are less than brilliant. The Classic Vibe series are good, period, but $399.

For the money, The Yamaha Pacifica 112v is a fantastic buy. Good hardware, durable and Alnico pickups. If I were starting over, I would get one of these two or a Classic Vibe Tele.

Amps? Big bag 'o worms here. I would recommend a small tube amp.

Bugera V5
Blackstar HT1R
Supro Bluies King 8

I can also highly recomend the Orange Micro Terror paired with a 10' or 12" inch cab.

If they buy a decent guitar, but cheap out on the amp, they will regret it and vice versa.

For $600-700 you can get a great sounding, high quality rig.

For 3 bills + they can go with a Fender Champion 20 and an Affinity Strat or Tele. Several steps below, but still good, solid gear to learn on.
__________________
Roy


Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin
G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2),
Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft

Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-28-2020, 03:29 PM
RickRS RickRS is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 205
Default

I would suggest a Fender Champion 40 for the amp. It's a solid state amp, 12 inch speaker 40 watts. Have a small amount of built in effects , and 2 channel with channel switching via an optional footswitch. So I think it will satisfy a new guitarist for awhile. New they are $200, might see a used one at $125-$150.It's

You could drop down to a Fender Champion 20 and pay less. 8 inch speaker single channel, but effects are the same between the two.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-28-2020, 03:30 PM
Paleolith54 Paleolith54 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Desert Hills, AZ
Posts: 1,373
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirk Hofman View Post
Hi, I have a friend just starting up and he wants to learn on electric. Anything to watch out for? Looks like it's really cheap to get up and running with a Strat and a cheap amp.

Not looking for an acoustic. Strat seems like a good place to start but open to recommendations. Amps? Thanks so much!
And check local Craigslist for used stuff: you can save plenty, and get much more bang for your buck. Especially at the lower end.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-28-2020, 03:44 PM
FrankHudson FrankHudson is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 4,888
Default

Of course we have no real budget or stylistic parameters in this question yet. You mentioned Strats are cheap, and that can be so depending on one's appreciation of inexpensive.

A few very general observations:

Inexpensive electric guitars are often pretty good these days. In constant dollars they are extraordinarily cheap. I think the classic Fender designs clone best at the lowest price ranges compared to the classic Gibson or some other popular designs. They also are also easier to setup, mod, and maintain (electronics easy to get to, bolt on necks). Whatever the person gets should be setup if you want the best experience.

I like the sound of the Strat "Tremelo" myself, but when that setup is done, if the player isn't interested in the up-bend capability, have it setup "decked". This is easily reversed with another setup if they change their mind and still allows down-pitch vibrato. If they have no interest in vibrato via the bridge, have it blocked ala the "Eric Clapton" setup. This makes the Strat a fixed bridge guitar, and is also reversible.

Amps are even more controversial and more tied to stylistic preferences. There are two ways to go when learning, and I think both are valid. I believe it depends on the person which is the "right choice."

One is the keep it simple and uncolored so that the person is learning how to operate the electric guitar in a straightforward context. There should be posts soon on inexpensive tube amps (and lots of other threads here on that subject).

The other route is an inexpensive modeling amp which is more suited for the player whose interest is in the expansive timbral capabilities of electric guitar playing. Modern examples allow one emulate various kinds of amps if one doesn't yet have a favorite amp sound, include a good basic set of effects that would cost way more than the amp itself to buy and start to explore, and can produce various "loud guitar" like textures and lower volumes (or even over headphones).


Hope any of this helps. I see that you have a lot of posts, so I ask for forgiveness if these are things that you already know. If that's the case, consider this a FAQ for others that might read the thread.
__________________
-----------------------------------
Creator of The Parlando Project

Guitars: 20th Century Seagull S6-12, S6 Folk, Seagull M6; '00 Guild JF30-12, '01 Martin 00-15, '16 Martin 000-17, '07 Parkwood PW510, Epiphone Biscuit resonator, Merlin Dulcimer, and various electric guitars, basses....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-28-2020, 03:55 PM
roylor4 roylor4 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: McLeansville, NC
Posts: 7,449
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankHudson View Post
Of course we have no real budget or stylistic parameters in this question yet. You mentioned Strats are cheap, and that can be so depending on one's appreciation of inexpensive.

A few very general observations:

Inexpensive electric guitars are often pretty good these days. In constant dollars they are extraordinarily cheap. I think the classic Fender designs clone best at the lowest price ranges compared to the classic Gibson or some other popular designs. They also are also easier to setup, mod, and maintain (electronics easy to get to, bolt on necks). Whatever the person gets should be setup if you want the best experience.

I like the sound of the Strat "Tremelo" myself, but when that setup is done, if the player isn't interested in the up-bend capability, have it setup "decked". This is easily reversed with another setup if they change their mind and still allows down-pitch vibrato. If they have no interest in vibrato via the bridge, have it blocked ala the "Eric Clapton" setup. This makes the Strat a fixed bridge guitar, and is also reversible.

Amps are even more controversial and more tied to stylistic preferences. There are two ways to go when learning, and I think both are valid. I believe it depends on the person which is the "right choice."

One is the keep it simple and uncolored so that the person is learning how to operate the electric guitar in a straightforward context. There should be posts soon on inexpensive tube amps (and lots of other threads here on that subject).

The other route is an inexpensive modeling amp which is more suited for the player whose interest is in the expansive timbral capabilities of electric guitar playing. Modern examples allow one emulate various kinds of amps if one doesn't yet have a favorite amp sound, include a good basic set of effects that would cost way more than the amp itself to buy and start to explore, and can produce various "loud guitar" like textures and lower volumes (or even over headphones).



Hope any of this helps. I see that you have a lot of posts, so I ask for forgiveness if these are things that you already know. If that's the case, consider this a FAQ for others that might read the thread.
Everything Frank says is valid.

As to SS modelers vs tube or tube hybrid amps here are my thoughts.

A modeling amp will expose the player to a variety of sounds, but many players get extremely distracted and wrapped up in tinkering when they should spend that time learning guitar skills.

A good (especially 2 channel) tube amp will give a newbie more than enough to explore without being a distraction - hence my tube amp recommendations. My .02 FWIW
__________________
Roy


Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin
G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2),
Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft

Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-28-2020, 04:28 PM
619TF 619TF is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,317
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by roylor4 View Post
Avoid Squier Bullet series. affinity series is solid, but pickups are less than brilliant. The Classic Vibe series are good, period, but $399.
IIRC the "Strat Pack" from Fender comes with guitar and amp and it's the Affinity series Squier in there along with a cable, strap and picks. All for about $250 - $300.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-28-2020, 05:24 PM
Steel and wood Steel and wood is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,752
Default

I sit firmly on the side of a solid state modelling amp like a Roland Cube or better still Fender Mustang for home players starting out. (Cheaper and more versatile than a tube amp and will allow you to experiment to find your sound preferences if/when you decide to purchase a tube amp and a whole bunch of pedals).

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-28-2020, 11:33 PM
3notes 3notes is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: West of the Mississippi
Posts: 1,288
Default

I would recommend a Yamaha Pacifica 112v with alnico pickups and a Fender Champion 20 amp. $300 for the guitar and $130 for the amp.

I'm totally happy with that set-up. Often amazed at the amp and the playability of the Yamaha solid body electric. I desire a nice tube amp but there certainly is no need for it.
__________________
Play it Pretty
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-29-2020, 09:46 AM
Dirk Hofman Dirk Hofman is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NOR * CAL
Posts: 7,510
Default

Thanks so much for all the replies! To the budget question I’m just guessing, but he’s in his 40s and fairly well off. But assume he’d not want to spend a lot as a beginner. Sub $500 would be a guess.

Stylistically no idea, as he’s a total beginner. My advice to him was not to spend too much as he’ll figure out what he likes as he progresses. He doesn’t know what he wants to play yet, but mentioned some Indian lyric versions of western songs.

Appreciate the answers.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-29-2020, 10:06 AM
roylor4 roylor4 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: McLeansville, NC
Posts: 7,449
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirk Hofman View Post
Thanks so much for all the replies! To the budget question I’m just guessing, but he’s in his 40s and fairly well off. But assume he’d not want to spend a lot as a beginner. Sub $500 would be a guess.

Stylistically no idea, as he’s a total beginner. My advice to him was not to spend too much as he’ll figure out what he likes as he progresses. He doesn’t know what he wants to play yet, but mentioned some Indian lyric versions of western songs.

Appreciate the answers.
Hard to stay under 5 bills, this is my suggested shopping list:

Yamaha Pacifica 112v - $300
Fender Champion 20 - $130
Clip-on tuner - $20
Decent Gig bag - $40
Cable - $15
Picks - $5
Strap - $10
Cheap stand - $15
3 pack strings - $15

Total - $550 + tax

Good luck to your friend!!
__________________
Roy


Ibanez, Recording King, Gretsch, Martin
G&L, Squier, Orange (x 2),
Bugera, JBL, Soundcraft

Our duo website - UPDATED 7/26/19
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-29-2020, 11:46 AM
guitararmy guitararmy is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The Mountain State
Posts: 4,202
Default

My local music store has just the thing in their used section.
If used is an option, there are usually strats galore from people trading up.
A used Roland Cube or Peavey Vyper amp is a good starter.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-29-2020, 12:58 PM
harpspitfire harpspitfire is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: pittsburgh area USA
Posts: 691
Default

buy used, everything i have was used and saved a bundle
__________________
Fender GDC 200 S
Telecaster-(build)
Squier 51
Fender Strat Partscaster
Ibanez SR400 EQM bass
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:14 PM
Steve DeRosa Steve DeRosa is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Staten Island, NY - for now
Posts: 14,985
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirk Hofman View Post
...he’s in his 40s and fairly well off...
When I was teaching the standard advice to my students (and their parents) was always "buy the best you can afford"; while I'm not suggesting a $2K USA Strat and $2500 hand-wired '64 Deluxe Reverb reissue the Mexi-Fenders offer an excellent combination of tone and quality per dollar spent - and IME would be a better investment than any of the recent Squiers I've handled...

I'm also firmly on the side of a simple WYSIWYG low-/mid-power analog amp - tube or solid-state - as a first purchase: since he's just getting his feet wet it's an easy introduction to the building blocks of electric-guitar tone/technique, if he stays with it he'll always have a use for an amp of this type (home practice, small gigs, etc.), and he won't have a cornucopia of bells and whistles driving him into sensory overload...

Unless you're going with him to personally vet his choices, he'd be better off buying new rather than used - IME that factory warranty can be worth its weight in gold (even with far more expensive gear than what he's considering)...

Here's a setup that can be had for well under $1K, that'll provide a combination of playability, quality, and tone that won't either have him looking to upgrade in three months or drive him away in frustration:

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...lectric-guitar
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acce...ic-guitar-case (FYI the black version will cost about as much as a decent gig bag with the current 25% off sale)
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...itar-combo-amp
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool"
- Sicilian proverb (paraphrased)

Last edited by Steve DeRosa; 01-29-2020 at 01:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-29-2020, 01:19 PM
frankmcr frankmcr is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 5,341
Default

Keep it simple, keep it good.

Fender Player Telecaster. Your friend will change amps over the course of time but this is a lifetime guitar.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...caster&index=1

One of these Orange amps will be just fine to start with.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Orange-...14265089390.gc
__________________
stai scherzando?
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Electric Guitars

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=