bengreen49 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 (edited) I have a budget of around £450-500 (including bass as part exchange) to treat myself to a half decent guitar. I mostly play rock though I am starting to try different styles so I'm looking for something that's quite versatile. I've been looking at (on the web) various types of Les Paul, Ibenez RG's, Jackson's and the Squier VM Telecasters but the choice is so vast that I've lost track. Any pointers would be appreciated. Edited May 9, 2014 by bengreen49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Mariner Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Most guitars can be used for most styles, so it's more a question of what feels, sounds and looks good to you. If you like to play at the top end of the fretboard then a Les Paul might be frustrating, and if you wanted a thick, hard rock tone then a strat might not be girthy enough without a pickup swap. Guitars are generally very well made these days, esp in the price range you're looking at, so it's more about ergonomics, aesthetics and finding something that can provide the tones you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 I spent a long time looking a couple of years back and found Schecter guitars to be good value and of consistently good quality. All of the ones I played played well and the better ones have features like Seymour Duncan pickups (not Duncan Designed as they are made under licence) and ebony fret boards and are very well put together. You get a high end specced guitar and a big bang for your buck. You can pick them up reasonably 2nd hand too so you will definitely get a nice one in your price range. Note: If your wanting to play in different styles I would avoid those with active pups as, unlike basses they are too aggressive for some styles in my opinion. On the other hand the passive Duncans handle almost everything your average player would want. Guitar Guitar seem to have a special relationship with the company as they normally have great deals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengreen49 Posted May 9, 2014 Author Share Posted May 9, 2014 Good info, I feel like I'm getting a bit more focused. Am I the only one who feels overwhelmed with choice nowadays? I do like the look of Shecter guitars and Guitarguitar is my nearest favoured shop... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 That's ideal, go in and try them They may send you stuff to try from other stores if you see something you like. I spent a lot of time trying guitars and was worried by the inconsistency of some other makes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 These days you can pick up a second hand USA Gibson Les Paul Studio for £500. great value rock guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengreen49 Posted May 11, 2014 Author Share Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) Well I went in and buggered about for an hour or so but didn't buy anything in the end. Quite liked the Les Paul and SG shaped things though. Edited May 11, 2014 by bengreen49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) Looks like you're closing in then, nice one. Always good to play as many as you can and then feel like you know you've chosen one that stands out. Good luck on the search Edited May 11, 2014 by Chiliwailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 I personally have a lot of love for the Tokai ALS48 (Les Paul) our guitarist prefers mine to his proper Gibson LP, pop a set of SD59's in place of the standard pickups and it will sound as good as it looks and plays. An ALS48 with upgraded pickups should still come in within your budget Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 I picked up one of these last year - G&L Tribute ASAT Deluxe - just a shade under £400 from Thomann. If it's versatility you're after, this has certainly got it. The pickups are coil tapped so you can get a full range of humbucker and single coil sounds. I find it a real pleasure to play. And it's really pretty [url="http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/panamonte/media/GLTS-ASTDCT-TRNSBLK-12001.jpg.html"][/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 [quote name='Panamonte' timestamp='1399896727' post='2448699'] I picked up one of these last year - G&L Tribute ASAT Deluxe - just a shade under £400 from Thomann. If it's versatility you're after, this has certainly got it. The pickups are coil tapped so you can get a full range of humbucker and single coil sounds. I find it a real pleasure to play. And it's really pretty [url="http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/panamonte/media/GLTS-ASTDCT-TRNSBLK-12001.jpg.html"][/url] [/quote] Now that looks like a lot of guitar for the money! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 [quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1399911411' post='2448875'] Now that looks like a lot of guitar for the money! [/quote] It certainly is. I already have a Tribute L2000 so I was confident about the build quality and the hardware and I wasn't disappointed. The carved top is just the icing on the cake! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengreen49 Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 That G&L is a gorgeous. I ended up getting one of these: [url="http://s88.photobucket.com/user/bengreen49/media/1853_Squier_Vintage_Modified_Tele_Custom_506_zpsd297661e.jpg.html"][/url] Got it second hand off of Gumtree after deciding to keep the bass and buy something a bit more sensible. It sounds really nice after a string change and a quick set up. Thanks for the suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panamonte Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Good score. AND you get to keep your bass as well. Result! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndThenSome1 Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Should've checked the forums here! I've been selling a Mexican Tele that's basically the same looking as the one you went for just a step up, for a bargain price! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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