Opinions on popular electrics

Jefferson · #1 03-20-2003, 11:32 AM

I am still looking for the most versatile quality American-made electric.
My novice research has narrowed it down to 2
Gibson Les Paul Studio
Fender American Deluxe Fat Strat

Are these good choices for versatility? Is one more well suited than another? Should I consider different options?

I appreciate your opinions.

Jeff

frayne48 · #2 03-20-2003, 12:59 PM

Both good instruments but don't rule out PRS guitars. I would have to say the american strat is in my opinion kind of like the journeyman of electrics.

jam · #3 03-20-2003, 01:27 PM

Ditto.

You've picked two of the diehard industry workhorses. You won't go wrong with either. Let me also throw G&L into the mix if you're leaning towards the Strat.

I've always been a Les Paul guy, but if I were looking for a new electric, I believe it would end up being a PRS. I think you get everything you like in the Strat and the Les Paul and more. I've always liked the neck, sustain, and crunch of the Les Paul. But I like the bluesy sound and overall feel of the Strat. You get it all with the PRS.

That's my opinion, anyway. Good luck!

--jam

scegla · #4 03-20-2003, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frayne48
Both good instruments... I would have to say the american strat is in my opinion kind of like the journeyman of electrics.

I personally think that a Strat is the most versatile electric out there.

Jim · #5 03-20-2003, 03:53 PM

I would recommend you substitute the Les Paul Standard for the Les Paul Studio. The Standard is literally the standard if you want a Les Paul sound. The difference between the Les Paul and Strat is the Les Paul have a bit more growl to it and is better for music like punk and metal while the strat will have a bit more quack and shine best in music like rock and blues. If you want a more twangy sound for music like country the tele is the usual choice.

If you can afford a higher end guitar than a strat, LP or tele my vote would go to the PRS Custom 22 though. It is the most versatile of the lot IMHO.

mgrasse · #6 03-20-2003, 04:05 PM

I have an American Deluxe Telecaster with a Fishman Power bridge. A neck and bridge pickup with a three-position switch (each or both) allow for a mellow jazzy sound to a twangy sound that cuts through anything. In addition, the Fishman bridge allows for an acoustic type sound that can be mixed with the other two pickups. The only thing missing is a single-coil strat-type sound. I'm really happy with it. Great build quality too.

Plexiprs · #7 03-20-2003, 07:07 PM

PRS Custom 22. Best of Les and Leo.................

samchar · #8 03-20-2003, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mgrasse
I have an American Deluxe Telecaster with a Fishman Power bridge. A neck and bridge pickup with a three-position switch (each or both) allow for a mellow jazzy sound to a twangy sound that cuts through anything. In addition, the Fishman bridge allows for an acoustic type sound that can be mixed with the other two pickups. The only thing missing is a single-coil strat-type sound. I'm really happy with it. Great build quality too.

OK....I just found my ultimate electric. You just said it. Right there. That's my guitar. Where's my wallet? Is that custom or can you buy that off the rack?

trpullen · #9 03-20-2003, 09:37 PM

Off the top of my head, I would say that Heritage beats Gibson hands down. G&L makes a killer guitar too. I have a PRS and an Anderson that are both world class guitars. All that and I still love my Fender Roadhouse. It is my "go to" guitar.

utah · #10 03-20-2003, 10:51 PM

Let me chime in as well, on G&L guitars. If you like the Strat, you would probably want to check out some of the G&L Legacys.

Having played both Les Pauls and Strats over the years, what is surprising is that you have narrowed it these two. They are, quite different. Both....proven workhorses as someone mentioned, but different.

Anyways...take the G&L brand for a spin. You might like them.

dave hiwatt · #11 03-21-2003, 03:08 AM

ditto utah and trpullen.

Bob Womack · #12 03-21-2003, 06:39 AM

If you like a full sound and work more in distorted tones, the Les Paul may be for you. By the way, the studio has a polyurethane finish and the Standard has nitrocellulose finish. Poly finishes don't interact as much with people's body chemistry as nitro finishes do. Try them out on a humid day and see if you stick to the neck of the Standard.

If you tend to play cleaner sounds and/or like a brighter sound, you may want to go with the Strat family. Take the above advice about G&L Legacy (Strat), Legacy Special (Strat with stacked humbuckers) and S-500 (Strat with hotter, cleaner, single-coil pickups) seriously. I did. They are an incredible value, if you can get over the lack of a big roll or "volute" on the headstock.

Bob

mgrasse · #13 03-21-2003, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samchar

OK....I just found my ultimate electric. You just said it. Right there. That's my guitar. Where's my wallet? Is that custom or can you buy that off the rack?

Cool. Off the rack. Make sure you are looking at an American Deluxe POWER Tele. Let me know how it goes.

Jefferson · #14 03-21-2003, 02:13 PM

What if I throw other choices into the mix:

Does anyone have experience with the following companies?
Carvin
Parker (American)
Brian Moore (American)

Carvin seems like a great instrument at a great price -- plus you get exactly what you want!

Anyone agree or disagree?

Jim · #15 03-21-2003, 03:58 PM

Your intial question asked about good quality electrics. Now you are asking about budget priced electrics. They are apples and oranges. What exactly would you like to know?