Another Guitar Thread

[O-Ville_CAT_FAN]

Alright guys, I think I'm ready to make the jump and start putting together my first real rig. Right now I only have a Squire Telecaster and a Line 6 Spider II that I've had for around 10 years. I really only got serious about playing 3 or 4 years ago. Here's what I'm leaning on so far but I'm open to suggestions. Looking to spend around $1000.

Guitar: Epiphone Dot- $420 (Or maybe a Sheraton, I'll have to try them out.)

Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 40w 1x12 Tube-$730

Let's say you could put together any guitar and amp combo for around $1000 what would you go with?

 

[Crushgroove]

While I love the Fender Hot Rod amps, 40 tube watts is incredibly loud. Way too loud for the casual home player. In order to get those tubes properly hot and sounding right, gonna have to buy an attenuation device for it, which will drive up cost. Keeping it turned down will only cause it to sound off and will destroy the tubes prematurely.

Vox made a line of tube amps (1 x 12AX7 tube) with a built-in attenuator that allowed for 1w, 1/2w or .1 w power. Loud as you'd want it to go and sounds great if you like the Vox sound. Blackstar also makes a 1x8 1watt tube amp that sounds amazing. It'll blow you away how loud a 1watt tube amp is. Tubes make a different level of power than SS amps.

FWIW, the only Epiphone I'd buy would be a LP Tribute Pro. They are full of real Gibson parts, including the pickups and pots. Better wood, neck, finish and they are hard-wired where the wires are soldered directly to the pots and p/u's and not terminated with plastic plug-in connectors. Just my 2-cents.

 

[420grover]

Used Les Paul Studio, anything with tubes, TS808 reissue.

 

[420grover]

And George L's cables

 

[rgbowlds]

Save the money, get a small tube amp.

 

[Crushgroove]

Used Les Paul Studio, anything with tubes, TS808 reissue.

Yes. Or even an SG. You can get either in that special faded brown finish for $500 used all day long and they'll be a much better investment than any Epi.

 

[domino79]

Got a Sheraton just over a month ago. For a Gibson knockoff it's great. Took it out to an open jam and had some seasoned vets give me their unvarnished opinion, the consensus being they liked it.

 

[rabidcatfan]

If I really wanted to start gigging, but I only had a budget of $1000, then I would invest in an Epiphone Les Paul Standard (a new one can be had for around $450) or a MIM (made in Mexico) Fender Strat (again a good one can be had for around $450 or so). They look and sound great for the money. Of course, if you can find a used Gibson Les Paul Studio or SG for $500, then snatch that up because I've never seen one at that price point. That would leave you around $500 to $550 for a nice amp. If it were me, I would even possibly look into investing in a good multi-effects processor pedal with amp modeling capabilities and a good PA system. You can get an amazing sound out of something like a Digitech RP-1000 or a Boss GT-100 and since they have amp modeling you can play them directly through a PA system for a pretty damn nice sound. You can even find something like a Vox Tonelab SE or LE second-hand for around $100 to $150 and they both will produce a sound that is pretty damn close to a professional setup. For the money, the tone and effects you get can't be matched. Of course, I wouldn't recommend this is you had a much higher budget, but for $1K, it is the only way to go in my opinion to achieve a nice, professional sound on a budget.

 

[P19978]

What kind of music do you play?

If you like a "heavier" sound, go with a used LP studio and a Marshall DSL.

I have a DSL1C and its perfect for home and church use (get a DSL15 if you plan on gigging).

The Blackstar stuff is pretty good also.

As mentioned above, get an amp with tubes. All the digital stuff is built to emulate tube amps, why not just get the real thing?

Epi's have terrible resale value. Maybe look at the PRS SE line?

Check out the Guitar Emporium and the Amp Emporium on The Gear Page for loads of ideas: http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php

 

[Bill@ModernThirst]

Dots are fun guitars, and feel nice to play, but as mentioned above, don't think you'll ever get anything out of it if you resell it. You can upgrade the wiring and pickups to get a better sound, but they're all maple, as opposed to mahogany on the Gibson versions, so they will never sound identical. Also, after buying a Dot plus two Gibson PAF pickups and wiring, you can pretty much get a better guitar.

The Les Paul is a great choice...the studio can be had for a pretty decent price and has some resell potential. Plus, it's pretty versatile.

 

[Crushgroove]

OP, here's my hollow body toy. It's a late 90's model Ibanez AM73 Artcore. Got it used for around $350 5 years ago, complete with real Bigsby, Schaller roller bridge, coil tapped humbuckers and CTS push-pull pots already installed. When I was looking for a hollow body, I kept coming back to this one over the Epiphones. It had goodies already on it and it plays and feels so much better. Something to think about.

 

[Bill@ModernThirst]

. Of course, if you can find a used Gibson Les Paul Studio or SG for $500, then snatch that up because I've never seen one at that price point.

The ones with the worn finish from a few years ago can be had for $475-550, and have burstbucker pros in them.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Gibson/LES-PAUL-WORN-CHERRY-WC-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar.gc


Wouldn't be a bad option... slightly darker sound than the standard Studio model since it's all mahogany.

 

[gamecockcat]

I, too, really like the Epi LP Tribute - Gibson '57 pickups, Gibson capacitors, etc. Played on a couple at a GC and they sound very sweet. Pick up a used one for about $450. Marshall DSL amps are damn good. Tubes, 40W has a pentode/triode switch so you can plan at lower volumes. Depending on what you play and the makeup of your band, you'll need every bit of the 20-40W to be heard (has there ever been a drummer who didn't just beat the **** out of their kit?). I've heard the DSLs take pedals pretty easily and they have a richer, darker clean than a Fender. If you're playing country, Fender's are hard to beat. Other than that, I'd go with the Marshall. Used, they go for about $500. The PRS SE models, as someone else mentioned all sound pretty good, too, but their necks are just too wide and fat for my hands. Never really felt good in my hands - different strokes.

 

[P19978]

I play in a band with another guitar player who uses a Marshall DSL 15; its loud as snot. We mike everything so stage volume is all we need.

The 15 watt DSL is wide open which sounds great; a DSL 40 would be too much for our band. We would not be able to open up a 40 watt Marshall.

As you said, depends on the drummer.

 

[domino79]

It's hard to argue with a Fender Telecaster, too.

Just go to a shop, plug in and play, choose which you like best.

Just do me a favor, OP. Turn it up loud.

 

[grantbob]

Buy used. Your $ will go farther.

If you like heavier stuff, the Gibson Faded LP or SG as suggested are great.
Another good upgraded Epi LP would be the Joe Bonamassa Siganture.

If you like the Tele (and I'm a Tele guy) the Squire Classic Vibe Tele is around $400 new and is a great guitar. Also check the G&L Tribute series.

If you are looking for Fender sounding amps, the Blues Jr would be a better option. Cheaper and plenty loud.

Another bargain amp I like is the Traynor YCV models. Very versatile, similar or better quality than the Fenders and cheaper - especially used.

For $1000 you should be able to put together a very capable rig.

What are the tones/players you want to sound like?

 

[O-Ville_CAT_FAN]

Thanks for all the replies guys! You've given me a ton to think about.

I'm going for an alt-country with a little bit of punk sound. Think Drive By Truckers meets Social Distortion. I'm really looking for an amp with no built in effect bells and whistles and will take pedals well. 2-3 pedals at most. Just a little bit of distortion and some delay. I would also love to have a great clean sound with nice reverb. I have my mind made up it must be tube with the option of playing at home but loud enough to gig with if I so choose. I am definitely going to check out the Marshall DSL's.

As for the guitar I think I'll just go to GC one day and play around with a bunch of different ones to get a better idea.

 

[55wildcat]

Op I have the exact dot you have pictured. Mine is 4 yrs old and only played 5 times. Also have hardcase. Guitar is in mint condition and looking to sell. I am in louisville. [email protected] if interested. Also have usa fender strat and performer amp. All in mint cond

 

[TransyCat09]

Baja Mexican Tele

Vox AC10C1

Puts you right at $1100 new, but you could easily pick up used versions for 80% of that cost. The AC15, while having more tonal control, would probably be too much amp for what you are going to use it for. I'm preferential towards Fender and Vox, but I think they would actually give you the tone you are looking for while also being more versatile than some of the other setups.

 

[grantbob]

For that kind of sound I would also look at a Vox AC15 amp. Personally, I would still go with a Tele or an SG.

You definitely have the right idea on the amp. Get something with a great clean tone and you can always add pedals later. And if it comes down to it, and you have to choose, put more money into the amp than the guitar. A great amp makes even a marginal guitar sound good. A crappy amp makes a $5000 Les Paul sound bad.

 

[domino79]

Another thing, this Sheraton has a mahogany centerblock, so it's a semi-hollowbody. I love mine. Quality construction. Looks and sounds great.

John Lee Hooker played a Sheraton.

 

[bluelifer]

Step 1: Sell the spider immediately. Don't even save it for a backup, lest you be tempted to actually play it again.

Otherwise, I'd echo what a lot of the others have said. Buying used will definitely stretch your $ into a pretty decent rig (plus, you'll have that extra $12 from selling the Line 6!)

I got a lot of good use out of this rig over the years

72 reissue Tele

The single coil at the bridge and the humbucker at the neck made it a pretty versatile guitar. About $800 new, and I've seen them ~$500 used.

Hot Rod DeVille 410

Again, about $800 new and can be found used for $500. I will say, that I wish I had the 212 instead of the 410. And like others have mentioned, it'll have more punch than a lot of folks will ever use.

And, if you find you have a little extra money to burn, check out one of these

 

[O-Ville_CAT_FAN]

Step 1: Sell the spider immediately. Don't even save it for a backup, lest you be tempted to actually play it again.

Otherwise, I'd echo what a lot of the others have said. Buying used will definitely stretch your $ into a pretty decent rig (plus, you'll have that extra $12 from selling the Line 6!)

I got a lot of good use out of this rig over the years

72 reissue Tele

The single coil at the bridge and the humbucker at the neck made it a pretty versatile guitar. About $800 new, and I've seen them ~$500 used.

Hot Rod DeVille 410

Again, about $800 new and can be found used for $500. I will say, that I wish I had the 212 instead of the 410. And like others have mentioned, it'll have more punch than a lot of folks will ever use.

And, if you find you have a little extra money to burn, check out one of these

I absolutely would love to get rid of the Spider had it not been a gift from family when I was young. Besides, like you said, I'd get about 12 bucks out of it lol.

I really love the looks of those 72' Tele's. Just like the one you posted and the red with black pickguard (They call it walnut something or other). I'm just going to have to play a lot in person and let the guitar choose me I guess.

 

[TransyCat09]

If you're willing to get a cheaper guitar then I'd say get this awesome LTD T-type guitar and then save up and switch out the pickups, and buy the AC15.

The humbucker at the neck and the rosewood board are two big pluses in my book. Again, the pickups won't be world class, but for $200 (Pearly Gates Humbucker and Texas Special single coil) you can swap them out for some really awesome and customized to your sound coils

 

[O-Ville_CAT_FAN]

If you're willing to get a cheaper guitar then I'd say get this awesome LTD T-type guitar and then save up and switch out the pickups, and buy the AC15.

The humbucker at the neck and the rosewood board are two big pluses in my book. Again, the pickups won't be world class, but for $200 (Pearly Gates Humbucker and Texas Special single coil) you can swap them out for some really awesome and customized to your sound coils

Just a guess here but did you happen to watch the Anderton's Custom Guitar Challenge on youtube? One of the dudes customized one of these exact guitars and turned it into a beast.

 

[TransyCat09]

I did indeed (and I watch most of their videos). I would never do what Chapman did to his guitar personally, but for him it was quite the guitar. Lee's was more my style. I've also played a similar guitar to that one (pre-mod) and they are actually good.

Speaking of, you can get chapman guitars in the $500-600 range if that strikes your fancy

 

[rabidcatfan]

I play an Epiphone LP Standard w/ custom blue and glitter finish that I've had for 20 years. I put in Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz humbucker combo. Installed Grover tuners and new pots and the thing sounds EXACTLY like every Gibson LP standard I've ever played. So I was able to basically turn a $400 guitar into a damn nice clone of the $3K+ Gibson LP's for roughly $200 in parts and labor. In fact, I've had hardcore Gibson guys offer to buy her from me several times in the past just because they can't believe the sound I can get out of it. So, when people say that Epiphone LP's have no resale value or are not worth the money, they are sorely mistaken, because this thing has sounded amazing for two decades.

 

[rabidcatfan]

I play an Epiphone LP Standard w/ custom blue and glitter finish that I've had for 20 years. I put in Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz humbucker combo. Installed Grover tuners and new pots and the thing sounds EXACTLY like every Gibson LP standard I've ever played. So I was able to basically turn a $400 guitar into a damn nice clone of the $3K+ Gibson LP's for roughly $200 in parts and labor. In fact, I've had hardcore Gibson guys offer to buy her from me several times in the past just because they can't believe the sound I can get out of it. So, when people say that Epiphone LP's have no resale value or are not worth the money, they are sorely mistaken, because this thing has sounded amazing for two decades.

 

[grantbob]

Rabid-

I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing to an Epi LP. I just have to finish soldering in the new p'ups.

I also installed a Graphtec nut and a gotoh bridge (more saddle travel) and gotoh aluminum stop bar/tailpiece. Pretty cheap upgrade ($60 for all three) that really improved the sustain.

 

[Crushgroove]

Rabid-

I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing to an Epi LP. I just have to finish soldering in the new p'ups.

I also installed a Graphtec nut and a gotoh bridge (more saddle travel) and gotoh aluminum stop bar/tailpiece. Pretty cheap upgrade ($60 for all three) that really improved the sustain.

I did nearly the exact same thing with a standard plus top I picked up off CL for $100. It was rusted and had some scratches in it, plastic was discolored but the neck was straight. After refinishing it and funneling about $450 more to StewMac for all new hardware, bridge, tailpiece, nut, all new plastic, Golden Age P/U's, 500k pots, caps, switch, jack, wiring kit, 86'd the witch hat knobs... complete rebuild. I still ended up selling it b/c it still couldn't touch my brother's Gibson for tone. I won't ever do that again and that guitar was what soured me on Epiphones; off-center holes (see 3rd pic crooked tuners), holes misaligned, crooked p/u cavities (see 2nd pic 6th string bridge p/u), things not fitting exactly right, pot cavity had to be re-worked (deepened) to make room for decent pots and caps... just little stuff that all adds up to big headaches, ya know? Of course, your mileage may vary.

 

[larry the cable guy]

I know these are cheap guitars but they seem to get good reviews for what they are...cheap guitars. I have to admit I like the looks of the Surf green in the 72 thin line telecaster style.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-845-...d-Foil-Pickups-maple-Fingerboard_p_18043.html

 

[Bill@ModernThirst]

I know these are cheap guitars but they seem to get good reviews for what they are...cheap guitars. I have to admit I like the looks of the Surf green in the 72 thin line telecaster style.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-845-...d-Foil-Pickups-maple-Fingerboard_p_18043.html

GFS Pickups are a great alterative for someone looking to upgrade a lower cost guitar without pumping too much money into them. I put their FAT PATS into a guitar some years back ,and one of their Vintage 59s and a Dream 90 into another, and they were great upgrades to the stock garbage the guitars came with (both epiphones) and good bargains. They were both project guitars I was playing around with...still have one of them. really nice, hot, fat sound from the Fat Pats.

 

[rabidcatfan]

Rabid-

I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing to an Epi LP. I just have to finish soldering in the new p'ups.

I also installed a Graphtec nut and a gotoh bridge (more saddle travel) and gotoh aluminum stop bar/tailpiece. Pretty cheap upgrade ($60 for all three) that really improved the sustain.

Sounds great! Personally, mine sounds just fine, so I'm not going to do anything more to it now. I'm superstitious and messing with something that already sounds good worries me, lol, but had I thought to replace the nut and saddle way back then I probably would have.

 

[rabidcatfan]

I did nearly the exact same thing with a standard plus top I picked up off CL for $100. It was rusted and had some scratches in it, plastic was discolored but the neck was straight. After refinishing it and funneling about $450 more to StewMac for all new hardware, bridge, tailpiece, nut, all new plastic, Golden Age P/U's, 500k pots, caps, switch, jack, wiring kit, 86'd the witch hat knobs... complete rebuild. I still ended up selling it b/c it still couldn't touch my brother's Gibson for tone. I won't ever do that again and that guitar was what soured me on Epiphones; off-center holes (see 3rd pic crooked tuners), holes misaligned, crooked p/u cavities (see 2nd pic 6th string bridge p/u), things not fitting exactly right, pot cavity had to be re-worked (deepened) to make room for decent pots and caps... just little stuff that all adds up to big headaches, ya know? Of course, your mileage may vary.

I guess it really depends on the individual guitar. I'm sure that because of the uneven manufacturing process of the Epi's, not every one of them can be turned into a keeper, but my Epi LP sounds amazing and I didn't have to change out the nut or saddle or anything. Just changed out the pups, tuners and the pots and it sounds like a $3k guitar. I've even done some recording with it in the past and I can get a pro tone out of it. I've been a Les Paul guy since I first watched Slash shred on Appetite and have played M-A-N-Y of them. I'm a huge EVH and SRV fan too, and neither have swayed me from the LP. I know what a good LP sounds like and I promise that an Epi LP can sound like a Gibson LP. I did it with only slight modifications, and anyone else can do it too.

 

[WalkersGoggles_rivals310859]

I play a Gibson 335. Unfortunately it has dots and not the big block inlays.

 

[rabidcatfan]

For a comparison, check this awesome video out. It may have been a fluke, but the Epiphone Les Paul out-sustains the two Gibsons put up against it by an embarrasing margin (go to the 11:31 mark of the video for the sustain test).

 

[JIMFKFT]

Alright guys, I think I'm ready to make the jump and start putting together my first real rig. Right now I only have a Squire Telecaster and a Line 6 Spider II that I've had for around 10 years. I really only got serious about playing 3 or 4 years ago. Here's what I'm leaning on so far but I'm open to suggestions. Looking to spend around $1000.

Guitar: Epiphone Dot- $420 (Or maybe a Sheraton, I'll have to try them out.)

Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 40w 1x12 Tube-$730

Let's say you could put together any guitar and amp combo for around $1000 what would you go with?

 

[JIMFKFT]

If I were going for a clean sound in an archtop, I think I'd go for an Epi Casino, instead of a Sheraton. I think I'd prefer a P-90 guitar to a humbucker guitar for country. Of course, a Tele is the default country guitar. Plenty of choices there, not only from Fender, but also G&L and others.