Scratching G.A.S ? at Anderton's. I went with Anderton's because I watch too many Anderton's "Not busting the Bank" video's and always thought the budget of 1500 GBP busted the bank!
I was amusing myself recently by seeing what I'd do with 500 pounds there (+/- 8.6k Rands @ 1:18). We're buying new, because...it's not something I'd really do usually.
Alas, no tokai's on the site - booo! But they do have G&L's...yay!
Guitar + amp (for occasional jam days)
For me, there's only one choice, Boss Katana 50 @ 190 GBP
But if you neeeed valves a Laney Cub12R combo is 266 GBP
Squire Classic Vibe Strat @ 329 GBP. Slightly over budget, but I'd spend the 20 extra for this.
Gretsch Electromatic Jet CLub @ 269 GBP. Love me some filtertron's.
Epiphone G400 PRO @ 309 GBP. Pro spec SG in Alpine White, what's not too like?
If I needed a shredder, a Jackson JS32 is the only real choice in the price range - though you can have it in any body style. Alas, decent Ibby's > 350 GBP.
No pedals, the Katana will scratch most FX itches.
Guitar only.
All 500 squids - Fan frett'ed 7 strings, EVH's, Chapman's, ESP's, Ibby's, G&L's, Gretsch's.
Option1. Buy two. Because 2 > 1.
Squire Classic Vibe Strat @ 329 GBP. I like strats...it's one amongst my many, many faults.
and
Squire Telecaster @ 139 GBP. Because a strat is not enough punishment, you need a cheap tele too. And maybe enough left over to buy a Danish Pete shirt.
OR
Ibanez RGRT @ 389 GBP Possibly the sleeper for me - I like RG series necks and the spec on this is a lot for the price.
and
Squire Telecaster @ 139 GBP. Because you need some fun after RG'ing all day. Break's the bank slightly (30 GBP), but at least it's not butterscotch.
Option 2 - One guitar to rule em all!
G&L Legacy Tribute in natural @ 479 GBP. It's a strat, it's pretty and I only hear good things about G & L. They got loads of options < 500 GBP - makes it difficult to buy a MIM Fender stating at 520 pounds...
Gretsch Double cut in Casino Gold Because gold, bigsby and a set of filtertrons. All win...
EVH Wolfgang STD @ 459 GBP. I really really want to try one out.
For the shred-ier side - there be heaps of Chapmans, Ibby's, Jackson's and even a Charvel.
Charvel San Dimas 2 - Goijira Sig @ 469 GBP.
Jem JR @ 459 GBP - Actually I wouldn't, there are far better guitars to choose from!
Chapman Ghost Fret STD @ 449 GBP. Explorer shape is really comfy and I do like the sharp edges on it.
Ibanez RGRT @ 389 GBP There are plenty Ibby's to choose from, I just like RG series necks and it's a neck through in a natural finish.
My choice? I wouldn't know until I've played em all. I'd have to love the G&L to want it over a secondhand MIJ strat. The EVH is tempting. The Gretsch is a artwork!
I could honestly live happily with any of the options, the one that got me was the option of Ibby RGRT + Tele Squire, I could reallly get into that combo!
Bass+Amp (Jam day rig)
B-Stock G&L Tribute J bass @ 269 GBP (Normally 349 GBP) - it's technically B Stock @ 269 GBP, but if I can get this and stretch the bank to one of the amps, I'm happy!
Ibanez SR300 @ 229 GBP. So cheap. So good. This + Fender rumble = a good day!
SIRE Marcus Miller V3 @ 261 GBP Only hearing good things about these, if I needed a modern sounding Jazz Bass...
The Fender Rumble 100 is pricey at 274 GBP on this budget. But good.
OR
TC Electronics BG250 combo @ 249 GBP - The fx are surprisingly useful and it's loud.
OR
Zoom B1X @ 69 GBP and just abuse whatever P.A I find (my default choice!)
Could go head + cab., but cabs are pricey when the combo's start at 249 GBP.
Bass Only - a few more options.
Spector Legend 4 Classic @ 499 GBP "Legend" you say? I'd have to try it...!
G&L Tribute P Bass @ 449 GBP. Traditional as anything you can think of - I'm really digging it!
SIRE V2 P7 @ 488 GBP A modern take on a P bass - too many knobs for me though.
Chowny Dave504 bass @ 479 GBP. There's many fans who want a musicman copy!
Jackson Dave Ellefson Concert Bass IV @ 429 GBP. One word. Megadeth.
Option "two basses is better than one"
In this case...maayyybeee not. But there are no cheap Squires and no SX's either. The cheapest P Bass is 199 GBP for a Squire Affinity, which I'm not sure is worth it.
My choice? I'd have to really love the Spector or G&L P-Bass - otherwise, it's a easy one for me. G&L Jazz bass, Zoom B1 and either spend whatever's left on spare strings or save up for some kinda amp.
