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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/16/2007 8:03:07 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1938
Joined: 4/12/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
quote:
ORIGINAL: REDrockstargirl
I found an amp that looks okay. I want a deep, warm rock tone from an amp that I can use at home and possibly at church. Anyone think this one will do the trick?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-MG10CD-Combo-Amp?sku=482798
I would try one of these. They are a little more expensive then your first one.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-MG15CD-15-Watt-Combo?sku=482799
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-MG15CDR-15-Watt-Combo-Amp-with-Reverb?sku=482800
One of these should do if you do not plan on playing hard rock.
The difference between any of those is going to be pretty minimal, and they're all going to be virtually useless. Spending $100 on a cheap junk amp (with zero resale value) is throwing away $100 that could have been towards a decent used amp. For example, a fender hot rod deluxe amp (which is a fine amp) is $600 new and probably $350-$400 used. The Epiphone Valve Junior head is $130, and a speaker cabinet could be had for about the same (maybe less). The Epi isn't a fantastic amp, but for a starter amp at that price, it's pretty tough to beat.
My advice would be to go to a music store and play around with the amps and find out what you like rather than just picking something out of a catalog w/o having any idea of what it sounds like.
Being a beginner, you're at a disadvantage because you 1.) are not going to have much money to sink into this and 2.) aren't going to have a good idea of what good tone is and 3.) aren't going to have the skills to properly achieve that tone.
But you have to start somewhere. When purchased wisely, musical equipment can be a decent investment. If you give up the instrument and sell everything, you probably won't recoup what you paid, but if you do it right, you can come fairly close and you can certainly avoid taking a bath on the whole thing. Decent quality 2nd-hand equipment doesn't cost much more than brand new cheapo gear, but it performs much better and it retains its resale value much longer. This is one of many areas in life where what appears to be the cheapest option may not be.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/17/2007 7:54:54 AM
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drnick
Posts: 154
Joined: 4/12/2005
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I think if you want a "warm" sound, you'll have to start with combos with at least a 12'' speaker, or 2 x 10''.
Regardless of the amp itself, you need big speakers for tone.
I've got a small practice amp with a 6'' speaker, and once plugged the amp into a 2 x 12 marshall cab - and it sounded pretty good!
I'm a sucker for the fender amp combo tone personally, if you're not fussed about tubes. The Fender Princeton Chorus, for example, is a decent amp, with quite a warm overdrive. I've never been a huge fan of the smaller Marshall combos.
But at the end of the day, try stuff out, using your own gear.
_____________________________
Who needs new music. Everyone knows Rock attained perfection in 1974. -- Homer Simpson
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/17/2007 1:03:10 PM
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Bro_Shane
Posts: 986
Joined: 8/4/2005
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If you want tone, you are not going to get it out of a small amp. As others have stated, you need something with some size. It doesn't have to be huge, but it has to be big enough to handle the range of freq. and, usually, a small speaker will not do it.
For a beginner, this is a good amp:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-VTone-GM108-15W-Modeling-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=480698
It's 15 watts with an eight inch speaker. It's small enough to not get inthe way and it's just big enough to play along with CDs, etc. It has an EQ and distortion. Don't expect great distortion or massive tone. It's basic, cheap, and good enough to help you hone your chops until you are ready to play with other people.
For a little more you can get this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Spider-III-15-Modeling-Combo-Amplifier?sku=482276
Don't waste a lot of time and money looking for a lot of stuff right up front. Learn to play first. Learn your style as it develops, learn your tastes (everyone loves Marshall, but I have never gotten the sound I want out of them), don't get caught up in "equipment snobbery" - I have had guitars that played just as good or better than those that cost three times as much. It would stink to blow $500 to $600 on an amp that, six monts later, you really didn't like and couldn't get half in trade for what you paid for it.
Start small, learn, grow. Then you'll be able to make better choices an what you need verses what you want.
_____________________________
Prayer is not where we change God's mind, it is where He changes ours.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/17/2007 6:21:10 PM
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GuitarHero_J.C
Posts: 348
Joined: 3/9/2007
From: Tornado ally Kansas.
Status: offline
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I think bro_shane is right. And those are two nice amps he linked there. I would like to have the line 6 one myself.
Iluvatar, In my opinion Spending $100-$200 on an amp is better than Blowing $600 on one. You would be better off setting your money on fire in the back yard. A beginner does not need a $600 amp to start with. The only time any one would need a $600 amp is if they were going to play a concert in front of a small crowd.
My advice Spend somewhere around $200 on one (if you have that kind of money).My dad bought one for $250 and it plays just as good as a more expensive amp.
_____________________________
Rock and Roll ain't noise pollution.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/17/2007 8:35:45 PM
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_MavericK_
Posts: 5035
Joined: 4/4/2007
From: Texas, wild and free
Status: offline
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I appreciate all the help! 
I'm not a total beginner. I've been playing almost a year (yeah, still beginner, I know, but not like totally ignorant) and I've definitely developed a hard rock/borderline metal style. 
My electric guitar is a Behringer, so I know they have quality products. I like the way the Behringer amp sounded. One reviewer recommended it for hard rock. The question is, should I ever get the Schecter guitar I crave -- in some other lucky life  -- would I fry the amp with that kind of power? Bah... I just need affirmative on the amp.
_____________________________
Suddenly, I don't like Ike quite as much as I have in the past.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/18/2007 2:15:45 PM
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fluffmonkey
Posts: 1670
Joined: 2/17/2007
From: some where over the rainbow
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Does anyone use guitar Pro5?
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/18/2007 5:19:25 PM
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gtrdave
Posts: 252
Joined: 10/25/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: REDrockstargirl
I appreciate all the help!
I'm not a total beginner. I've been playing almost a year (yeah, still beginner, I know, but not like totally ignorant) and I've definitely developed a hard rock/borderline metal style.
My electric guitar is a Behringer, so I know they have quality products. I like the way the Behringer amp sounded. One reviewer recommended it for hard rock. The question is, should I ever get the Schecter guitar I crave -- in some other lucky life -- would I fry the amp with that kind of power? Bah... I just need affirmative on the amp.
Behringer is not a name that is synonymous with "quality".
Cheap? yes. Affordable? yes. Disposable? yes. Beginner level? yes.
The Schecter would be a step up for sure but, honestly, don't get caught up in getting better gear right now but instead focus on learning how to play your instrument and on learning a bit of music theory in general. That will pay off in spades in the future and you'll eventually want to step up the quality of your gear as your skills improve.
As far as the amp, anything in the price range and size you're looking at will be a compromise compared to a larger/louder/more expensive amp. That said, you could probably hold your nose, close your eyes and pick any of the amps mentioned and not go wrong with it as a beginner.
Again, as your listening and playing skills improve you'll want to move your gear up a level or three but concentrate on learning, learning, learning right now.
_____________________________
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!
http://www.myspace.com/byfaithmusic
http://www.myspace.com/daveplaystheguitar
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/18/2007 9:17:39 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1938
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
Iluvatar, In my opinion Spending $100-$200 on an amp is better than Blowing $600 on one. You would be better off setting your money on fire in the back yard. A beginner does not need a $600 amp to start with. The only time any one would need a $600 amp is if they were going to play a concert in front of a small crowd.
I'm not saying that somebody has to spend $x amount of money; I'm trying to say that whatever money is spent should be spent wisely. I'm all for good bargains - like I said, I think that Epi Valve Jr is a great starter amp - you still need a cab for it, but for the total package you can easily come in under $300. I agree that $600 is a bit much for a beginner, but I don't really see the economy in spending $100 on something that will be shortly replaced (at a big loss) if the beginner does continue playing or sold for nothing if the beginner gives up.
I'm of the "buy once, cry once" school of thought. Take that $100 and put it towards something that will serve you longer than just the beginner stage and something that will retain some value if and when you want to unload it. If you can find that amp for $100, great. That's tough to do, but it's not tough to do in the $200-$300 range.
My first electric was one of these $200 starter package deals with the amp, cord, strap, etc. The bridge on the guitar was messed up so I kept breaking strings and the knob fell off one of the tuning pegs. I'm not a tone-fiend for my bedroom playing, but I quickly grew tired of the cheap nasally tone of the little practice amp. I sold the whole lot for $60 to a pawn shop.
OTOH, my current rig is on the high-average side of the price range (Mesa Triaxis, Mesa 20/20, Marshall 4x12); I was able to afford it because I found some good deals along the way and traded up for other good deals. If I were to unload it right now, I'd probably make close to $1000 profit over what I initially laid out for my first real amp.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/18/2007 9:57:45 PM
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GuitarHero_J.C
Posts: 348
Joined: 3/9/2007
From: Tornado ally Kansas.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: iluvatar
quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
Iluvatar, In my opinion Spending $100-$200 on an amp is better than Blowing $600 on one. You would be better off setting your money on fire in the back yard. A beginner does not need a $600 amp to start with. The only time any one would need a $600 amp is if they were going to play a concert in front of a small crowd.
I'm not saying that somebody has to spend $x amount of money; I'm trying to say that whatever money is spent should be spent wisely. I'm all for good bargains - like I said, I think that Epi Valve Jr is a great starter amp - you still need a cab for it, but for the total package you can easily come in under $300. I agree that $600 is a bit much for a beginner, but I don't really see the economy in spending $100 on something that will be shortly replaced (at a big loss) if the beginner does continue playing or sold for nothing if the beginner gives up.
I'm of the "buy once, cry once" school of thought. Take that $100 and put it towards something that will serve you longer than just the beginner stage and something that will retain some value if and when you want to unload it. If you can find that amp for $100, great. That's tough to do, but it's not tough to do in the $200-$300 range.
My first electric was one of these $200 starter package deals with the amp, cord, strap, etc. The bridge on the guitar was messed up so I kept breaking strings and the knob fell off one of the tuning pegs. I'm not a tone-fiend for my bedroom playing, but I quickly grew tired of the cheap nasally tone of the little practice amp. I sold the whole lot for $60 to a pawn shop.
OTOH, my current rig is on the high-average side of the price range (Mesa Triaxis, Mesa 20/20, Marshall 4x12); I was able to afford it because I found some good deals along the way and traded up for other good deals. If I were to unload it right now, I'd probably make close to $1000 profit over what I initially laid out for my first real amp.
-Dan.
All Right.
I am still a beginner myself and I am looking for my first good guitar. Do you think one of these would do.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-SGSpecial-Electric-Guitar?sku=517239
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WI14-Electric-Guitar?sku=515390
_____________________________
Rock and Roll ain't noise pollution.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/18/2007 11:34:55 PM
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gtrdave
Posts: 252
Joined: 10/25/2006
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The definition of "good" varies depending on perspective, situation and whom you ask.
As a first guitar, either of those might suffice for a while. My first electric guitar was a $180 Made in Korea Memphis Les Paul copy. For what it was (cheaply made from cheap parts) it did the job for me for almost two years and it was "good" to me but I had no idea just how bad it was until I got a genuine Gibson Les Paul.
There was no comparison other than the two looking somewhat similar in a photo.
Expect any guitar at that price to have some compromises in quality but also expect not to notice them until your skills improve but ANY guitar can be made to play better than new by having a quality set-up job done to it. A set-up is where a qualified tech/luthire will adjust the bridge/tailpiece/saddles, adjust the truss rod, possibly file the nut slots, possibly clean up the fret work, maybe adjust the pickups and generally go over the entire guitar to make it play as nice as it's able to and/or to suit the player's needs.
A $150 guitar that gets a thorough $50 to $75 set-up will play like a much more expensive axe and can inspire it's owner to keep their hands on it for longer periods of time.
_____________________________
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!
http://www.myspace.com/byfaithmusic
http://www.myspace.com/daveplaystheguitar
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/19/2007 2:23:32 AM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1938
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
I am still a beginner myself and I am looking for my first good guitar. Do you think one of these would do.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-SGSpecial-Electric-Guitar?sku=517239
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WI14-Electric-Guitar?sku=515390
I have not played either of those guitars, so I don't know if they're good or not. In general, I would not expect much out of a guitar that goes for $150 new. These particular models could be exceptions, but you can't know that w/o playing them. If I had $150-$200 to spend on a guitar, I would be scouring the used market not buying mail-order.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/19/2007 2:41:50 PM
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Stratplayer
Posts: 158
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Northern VA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1_SK_FaN
First Baptist Church
Cool, I go to Christ Chapel. I don't have lots of free time (that's what happens when you have three kids), but I'll be willing to share some pointers and give a few lessons for free. Send me a PM if interested.
_____________________________
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 3:57:25 PM
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Bro_Shane
Posts: 986
Joined: 8/4/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
quote:
ORIGINAL: iluvatar
quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
I am still a beginner myself and I am looking for my first good guitar. Do you think one of these would do.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-SGSpecial-Electric-Guitar?sku=517239
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WI14-Electric-Guitar?sku=515390
I have not played either of those guitars.
-Dan.
Well then do you have any suggestions on a good beginners guitar. Remember I can not afford over $200.
I will agree with what Dan said above about used guitars. If you look hard enough you can find good used guitars in your price range.
One mistake beginners make is not matching the guitar to the music they want to play, pickups being the cheif offender. If you play heavy stuff (Disciple/Pantera style) you do not want a single coil in the bridge. I have a Boss MT-2 and I can get my Strat to sound very heavy, but it just will not go that far with a single coil. Unless you play primarily blues, blues based rock, or classic rock, then go with humbuckers. They are a good all-around rock pickup.
If you are looking at a used guitar the first thing to do is make sure it is tuned to standard 440A tuning. Many places will tune down a guitar a half step or more to make it more friendly and to hide problems with the neck. Tune it and play it all over the neck - not just single note stuff, play chords. If there is a problem it will show up, most likely. Look at the frets. If you can't afford more than $200 then you can't afford it have it sent off to have new frets. If they are worn or buzz (this could be the neck or they just need to be adjusted for height), leave it alone.
Play it clean first. Play it clean mostly.
I once picked up a used Charvel for $150 because I had the money and it was there. The pickups were h-o-t. It turned out to be a great guitar. When I used to play for a living, I would use this when we played a gig in which we played Metallica or Pantera.
_____________________________
Prayer is not where we change God's mind, it is where He changes ours.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 4:57:48 PM
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Stratplayer
Posts: 158
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Northern VA
Status: offline
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quote:
If you are looking at a used guitar the first thing to do is make sure it is tuned to standard 440A tuning. Many places will tune down a guitar a half step or more to make it more friendly and to hide problems with the neck.
You can tune your guitar pretty much any way you want and still have A=440hz (I tune to Eb @ A=440; my tuner also lets me select other frequncies for A such as 441 or 438 but 440 is the "standard" refernce for must musicians). But I would agree that the best way to demo a guitar is at concert pitch.
< Message edited by Stratplayer -- 5/20/2007 5:00:30 PM >
_____________________________
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 6:11:08 PM
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_MavericK_
Posts: 5035
Joined: 4/4/2007
From: Texas, wild and free
Status: offline
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Sooooo... your strings will buzz on electric guitars if there's a problem with the neck??? I thought I just had to cut my nails again. Or that my playing was off. Guess I should've known when I never EVER buzz on acoustic...
_____________________________
Suddenly, I don't like Ike quite as much as I have in the past.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 8:45:54 PM
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Stratplayer
Posts: 158
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Northern VA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: REDrockstargirl
Sooooo... your strings will buzz on electric guitars if there's a problem with the neck??? I thought I just had to cut my nails again. Or that my playing was off. Guess I should've known when I never EVER buzz on acoustic...
String buzz on both acoustic and electric guitars can be due to a number of factors. It could be that the action at the bridge (string height) is too low or that the neck needs some adjsutment (relief), or maybe the nut is not properly cut. Unless the neck just happens to be deffective, you can solve pretty much all of these problems. Also, if you chang your string gauge (eg. switching from 9's to 11's) or adjust your trem from floating to flush, you will almost certainly need to adjsut your set up.
_____________________________
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 9:01:26 PM
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GuitarHero_J.C
Posts: 348
Joined: 3/9/2007
From: Tornado ally Kansas.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Bro_Shane
quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
I will agree with what Dan said above about used guitars. If you look hard enough you can find good used guitars in your price range.
One mistake beginners make is not matching the guitar to the music they want to play, pickups being the cheif offender. If you play heavy stuff (Disciple/Pantera style) you do not want a single coil in the bridge. I have a Boss MT-2 and I can get my Strat to sound very heavy, but it just will not go that far with a single coil. Unless you play primarily blues, blues based rock, or classic rock, then go with humbuckers. They are a good all-around rock pickup.
If you are looking at a used guitar the first thing to do is make sure it is tuned to standard 440A tuning. Many places will tune down a guitar a half step or more to make it more friendly and to hide problems with the neck. Tune it and play it all over the neck - not just single note stuff, play chords. If there is a problem it will show up, most likely. Look at the frets. If you can't afford more than $200 then you can't afford it have it sent off to have new frets. If they are worn or buzz (this could be the neck or they just need to be adjusted for height), leave it alone.
Play it clean first. Play it clean mostly.
I once picked up a used Charvel for $150 because I had the money and it was there. The pickups were h-o-t. It turned out to be a great guitar. When I used to play for a living, I would use this when we played a gig in which we played Metallica or Pantera.
Thanks for the tips.
_____________________________
Rock and Roll ain't noise pollution.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/20/2007 10:00:00 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1938
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
quote:
ORIGINAL: iluvatar
quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
I am still a beginner myself and I am looking for my first good guitar. Do you think one of these would do.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-SGSpecial-Electric-Guitar?sku=517239
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WI14-Electric-Guitar?sku=515390
I have not played either of those guitars.
-Dan.
Well then do you have any suggestions on a good beginners guitar. Remember I can not afford over $300.
Look for used guitars. There are so many models made in the last 20 years that it's kind of pointless to name models. $300 isn't a bad starting point and should make available many quality instruments. My main electric is an Ibanez 540R that I got used for $400 about 8 years ago. Check the various used instrument listings and music stores. Find one that's comfortable, sounds good, and is in good shape.
Shane's advice is pretty much spot-on. Don't be in a hurry to spend your money, either. Take your time and find something that's worth your money and will last.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Guitarists' Corner - 5/21/2007 12:08:43 AM
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iluvatar
Posts: 1938
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Guitargeek
Have you played this one.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AX120-Electric-Guitar?sku=519421
Nope. Why don't you head on down to Guitar Center and try it out?
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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