Buying first electric, need help
Buying first electric, need help
Hey guys, i'm pretty new to guitar (been playing for three months) and want to buy an electric guitar, just a basic one for something different from acoustic.
I love my acoustic (its a Hohner 220, i know its not a great one critically speaking, but we really get along well), but want an electric just because.
Anyway, i'm looking for a good electric guitar for a relative beginner (e.g. I need a pretty low action and it can be fairly simple). So i was wondering if you guys have any suggestions, I'm a college student btw, so money is pretty thin. I love the look of the hollow-bodies, but idk if they're good for blues and they're all really expensive. Anyway, thanks for any help you can give me, and i hope to soon look like this guy
I love my acoustic (its a Hohner 220, i know its not a great one critically speaking, but we really get along well), but want an electric just because.
Anyway, i'm looking for a good electric guitar for a relative beginner (e.g. I need a pretty low action and it can be fairly simple). So i was wondering if you guys have any suggestions, I'm a college student btw, so money is pretty thin. I love the look of the hollow-bodies, but idk if they're good for blues and they're all really expensive. Anyway, thanks for any help you can give me, and i hope to soon look like this guy
"Nothing shuts my piehole but pie."
- Blackhorse
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 3:32 pm
Re: Buying first electric, need help
First of all,
Hollow bodies are great for blues! Just ask BB King... but they are expensive. The Epiphone Dot is a great intermediate level hollow body guitar at a reasonable price and could be just what you're looking for http://www.thomann.de/ie/epiphone_the_dot_ch.htm
Other than that if you are looking for the best guitar you can get for very little money I'd recommend a Squier Telecaster, they are very simple guitars so a decent one can be made fairly cheaply, such as http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_squier_ ... _bb_02.htm
Or a similar strat type would be good too, you can't beat a strat for comfort imo http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_squier_ ... _mn_mr.htm
It really depends on your budget, but if I were you I'd start by trying these out. They are very different, in sound and in feel, and if you try both it will give you an idea of which suits you better.
Oh yeah, and then you need an amp...
Hollow bodies are great for blues! Just ask BB King... but they are expensive. The Epiphone Dot is a great intermediate level hollow body guitar at a reasonable price and could be just what you're looking for http://www.thomann.de/ie/epiphone_the_dot_ch.htm
Other than that if you are looking for the best guitar you can get for very little money I'd recommend a Squier Telecaster, they are very simple guitars so a decent one can be made fairly cheaply, such as http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_squier_ ... _bb_02.htm
Or a similar strat type would be good too, you can't beat a strat for comfort imo http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_squier_ ... _mn_mr.htm
It really depends on your budget, but if I were you I'd start by trying these out. They are very different, in sound and in feel, and if you try both it will give you an idea of which suits you better.
Oh yeah, and then you need an amp...
Re: Buying first electric, need help
to the forum, lp1holl... you are in the right place to get some great advice. Blackhorse is right the DOT is a great hollow body. I have an Ibanez AF95 which is in about the same price range and I dearly love her. The Guitar Center has a very good site to compare guitars in whatever price range and type you are looking for...
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Hollow-Body ... tar.gc?o=1
My suggestion is to get good advice (as you are doing from the experts on this site), do some internet research and comparison, pick out the style and type you like and then go to a shop somewhere and play around with a few. Believe me, it's sort of like finding the right woman, you will know it's the right one when you have her in your arms.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Hollow-Body ... tar.gc?o=1
My suggestion is to get good advice (as you are doing from the experts on this site), do some internet research and comparison, pick out the style and type you like and then go to a shop somewhere and play around with a few. Believe me, it's sort of like finding the right woman, you will know it's the right one when you have her in your arms.
"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."
- Henry Ford
- Henry Ford
Re: Buying first electric, need help
There's also this;
http://www.johnsongtr.com/guitars.html#jh100.html
http://www.instrumentalley.com/Johnson- ... jh-100.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsCsuECvMhg
... and my suggestion has nothing to do with the thing, that I have a similar stick. though, mine is AXL
http://www.johnsongtr.com/guitars.html#jh100.html
http://www.instrumentalley.com/Johnson- ... jh-100.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsCsuECvMhg
... and my suggestion has nothing to do with the thing, that I have a similar stick. though, mine is AXL
"The blues is a low down achein' chill" Robert Johnson
- BadBluesPlayer
- Posts: 127
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:31 pm
Re: Buying first electric, need help
I agree with the above posters. The Epiphone Dot is a great semi-hollowbody guitar for blues. Epiphone also makes Les Pauls, which are also good for blues. The Fender Squire Stratocaster and Telecaster are great choices for a first electric. The Strat is very popular blues guitar.
Welcome to the forum and good luck with your guitar purchase.
Welcome to the forum and good luck with your guitar purchase.
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Nowadays it is much harder to buy an inferior electric. most are good value for money. If I was starting again I'd go for a Squier telecaster or a Yamaha Pacifica at the cheap end. If you know what you are doing, buy a better model 'used'. There are so many choices nowadays, it will need lots of try-outs to find what is right for you at the right price.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
"Big Bill Broonzy, a white boy's inspiration" (1963), and the Blues ever since.
- HalfBlindLefty
- Admin
- Posts: 2015
- Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2010 1:23 pm
Re: Buying first electric, need help
If you want relatively cheap and a good guitar, go for the epiphone Dot.
I have one and it sounds awesome, plays like a dream
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6391749
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7109857
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7470571
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default ... dID=132613
I have one and it sounds awesome, plays like a dream
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6391749
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7109857
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7470571
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default ... dID=132613
A long time ago, in the old forum : Registered: Mon, 27 Nov 2006. Wonder were the other old members all went....
- Strummer07
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 3:59 pm
Re: Buying first electric, need help
A lot of good recommendations on here already
So I would support ( and it so much depends on your own personal preferences and eye.........what turns you on visually and aurally ???)
Fender Classic ( Mexican made but vg ) Strat or Tele
Squier Strat or Tele
You have to play a Yamaha Pacifica ............they get pretty faulless reviews over here .and in terms of bang for your buck .almost unbeatable in terms of sound and build quality
Epiphone ... SG/ Les Paul or ES335 ... it will depend on tast and preference .I know a lot of folk swear by Epi's ......just listen to HBL!!! .....but you do have to be careful in the shop ... their build quality can be a bit random
Get a good 'un .and it';ll be unbeatable
Get a poor build version .and you'll be forever trying to get it to sound right.
Whatever make and version you go for, when you narrow it down to a short list .........Ask to play more than one of each type of guitar ... .they'll have several in the store room ...................and choose one that makes you heart sing !!
Even in identical guitars you'll find big differences
Good Luck ......................and let us know what you choose !
So I would support ( and it so much depends on your own personal preferences and eye.........what turns you on visually and aurally ???)
Fender Classic ( Mexican made but vg ) Strat or Tele
Squier Strat or Tele
You have to play a Yamaha Pacifica ............they get pretty faulless reviews over here .and in terms of bang for your buck .almost unbeatable in terms of sound and build quality
Epiphone ... SG/ Les Paul or ES335 ... it will depend on tast and preference .I know a lot of folk swear by Epi's ......just listen to HBL!!! .....but you do have to be careful in the shop ... their build quality can be a bit random
Get a good 'un .and it';ll be unbeatable
Get a poor build version .and you'll be forever trying to get it to sound right.
Whatever make and version you go for, when you narrow it down to a short list .........Ask to play more than one of each type of guitar ... .they'll have several in the store room ...................and choose one that makes you heart sing !!
Even in identical guitars you'll find big differences
Good Luck ......................and let us know what you choose !
"Death is just a heartbeat away"
lyric from "Out in The Fields"
Gary Moore 1952-2011
lyric from "Out in The Fields"
Gary Moore 1952-2011
Re: Buying first electric, need help
It's all said - you need to choose the type first...
But even if you decide between Strat, Tele, ES or Paula - in a few years you may want a second guitar...
But even if you decide between Strat, Tele, ES or Paula - in a few years you may want a second guitar...
- oneeyedslide
- Posts: 156
- Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 8:19 pm
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Then a third..., Then a .....12bar wrote:It's all said - you need to chosse the type first...
But even if you decide between Strat, Tele, ES or Paula - in a few years you may want a second guitar...
Re: Buying first electric, need help
I definately agree with all the recommendations above. But I wanted to throw another one in here that hasn't been mentioned. Five years ago for my 48th birthday my boys (then 9 and 13 years old) bought me this (the red one on the left) .
It's a ESP LTD H-250. Now...ESP is a guitar brand known to be used by metal players but it is (and has been since I received it) my favorite guitar to play blues. Some other notable ESP players include Ron Wood, Carmine Rojas (Bonamassa) and Greg Rzab (Mayall) among others.
I don't know what they paid for it but for using their own money, probably not a lot.
So it might be a good "first" gutar for you lp1holl. I play mine through a Fender Blues Junior and love it...
It's a ESP LTD H-250. Now...ESP is a guitar brand known to be used by metal players but it is (and has been since I received it) my favorite guitar to play blues. Some other notable ESP players include Ron Wood, Carmine Rojas (Bonamassa) and Greg Rzab (Mayall) among others.
I don't know what they paid for it but for using their own money, probably not a lot.
So it might be a good "first" gutar for you lp1holl. I play mine through a Fender Blues Junior and love it...
The blues won't get you to heaven but it'll drop you at the front door.
Re: Buying first electric, need help
?????????????? As long as we are talking guitars here... what do you folks think about Schecter's? I know that they are considered "Rock" guitars but every time I go into a shop the style always catches my eye and they seem very smooth to play (smaller neck and low action). Anyone ever tried one with the blues sound? Not that I am going to run out and buy one... just curious.
"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."
- Henry Ford
- Henry Ford
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Where in NM are you?
If you like archtops, Ibanez Artcore line is a good buy. Pretty good guitar for the money. I paid $200 for mine and it has been a great guitar for bluesy, jazzy stuff. Got it at Music Go Round in Albuquerque.
If you like archtops, Ibanez Artcore line is a good buy. Pretty good guitar for the money. I paid $200 for mine and it has been a great guitar for bluesy, jazzy stuff. Got it at Music Go Round in Albuquerque.
"Throw yo' big leg over me Mama, I might not feel this good again!"
Re: Buying first electric, need help
I'm in LC. The actual purchase will probly occur in Dallas though, cuz there're no great music shops here and i go to college there
"Nothing shuts my piehole but pie."
Re: Buying first electric, need help
to the site lp1holl.
Saw your post on the other thread and thought I would welcome you as another person in Texas. I'm in Round Rock (just north of Austin). We also have at least one other person on the forum from central Texas but he hasn't been posting much lately.
It looked like your home state might be New Mexico. Blind Boy posted a welcome to you and he's in northern New Mexico. We are all just part of this cool international stew of blues players on this forum.
Your age may pull down the average on this site but when it comes to years (or months) of experience we seem to fall into two camps. We have many long time, excellent players here but we also have lots of us who are either just learning blues guitar or are returning to it after years away.
If you browse the topics you will see lots of questions (and excellent answers) asked by those of us trying to develop our skills. You won't be able to tell age based on the questions. In fact, I'll bet you'll think everyone is young based on the passion and enthusiasm shown. I may be the oldest at 67 but I've only been playing a year and my questions are as basic as they come.
The experienced players are always very helpful so join in the fun. Again, welcome to the site.
Saw your post on the other thread and thought I would welcome you as another person in Texas. I'm in Round Rock (just north of Austin). We also have at least one other person on the forum from central Texas but he hasn't been posting much lately.
It looked like your home state might be New Mexico. Blind Boy posted a welcome to you and he's in northern New Mexico. We are all just part of this cool international stew of blues players on this forum.
Your age may pull down the average on this site but when it comes to years (or months) of experience we seem to fall into two camps. We have many long time, excellent players here but we also have lots of us who are either just learning blues guitar or are returning to it after years away.
If you browse the topics you will see lots of questions (and excellent answers) asked by those of us trying to develop our skills. You won't be able to tell age based on the questions. In fact, I'll bet you'll think everyone is young based on the passion and enthusiasm shown. I may be the oldest at 67 but I've only been playing a year and my questions are as basic as they come.
The experienced players are always very helpful so join in the fun. Again, welcome to the site.
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Yea, my home state is NM but I'm in college in Dallas. I hope to learn from the ones who have been playing for a long time and the ones who just started, as I'm sure I'm near the worst of the bunch, but happy to improve and put in the hours necessary to do so
"Nothing shuts my piehole but pie."
Re: Buying first electric, need help
lp1holl...if you are going to buy your guitar in Dallas try Charley's Guitar Shop on Royal. Just a small shop but freindly people with a pretty good selection of guitars and a great selection of amps.
The blues won't get you to heaven but it'll drop you at the front door.
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Ibanez is a great choice too; very good quality/price rate. I'm really in love with my Ibanez :P
Re: Buying first electric, need help
For semihollows... Epi Dot and Ibanez Artcore models are a good choice.
(For Fendery guitars, I'd suggest SquierClassic Vibe series. I have a Vibe custom tele, and it's great! )
(For Fendery guitars, I'd suggest SquierClassic Vibe series. I have a Vibe custom tele, and it's great! )
Re: Buying first electric, need help
Well right now guitar center is having a sale on just about everything so i would go out and visit that. My grandpa (golfxzq) and I went out to Guitar center and i got a MXR Classic Overdrive Pedal for only 30 BUCKS. This pedal can give u a wide range of tone. From EC to SRV to even AC/DC. So go check Guitar Center.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR-CL1-Cla ... 1524102.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR-CL1-Cla ... 1524102.gc