The right guitar for me?

Tauriq

As a beginner guitarist I really have no idea as to how to choose the right guitar. I probably have a budget of about +- R4000.

Anyways I was wandering if you would recommend the Squire OBEY Graphic Telecaster® HS. ITs selling on Muz for R4495.

AlanRatcliffe

Hi Tauriq

I hope you don't mind, but I split this off into a topic of it's own - it's a damn good question. After all, when you start playing there's a huge range of different guitars to choose from.

There are some things which are a Very Bad Idea(TM) for any beginner. Double locking trem systems (Floyd Roses) are a damn good example - they can make a guitar very difficult to tune and can stop you from learning how to do basic tasks like changing strings. Even if you're into heavier music it's usually a good idea to wait until your second guitar before you look at something with a double-locking trem. So you should be looking at either fixed bridges (like Telecaster or Les Paul bridges) or some of the more stable trems (like the Strats).

The first I'm going to ask you is what styles of music are you interested in? While there are no hard and fast rules about which guitar suits what style of music, there are some general things that can make the choice easier. If you want to learn to play heavy music, a Tele probably won't cut it (unless it's a John5 Tele!), but rather go for something with humbuckers. If country is your bag, a Tele is king, but also do alt and indie pretty well. Strats do almost anything, but if you want to go really heavy too, you might want to look at a "Fat" Strat with a humbucker at the bridge. Jazz, the hollowbodied humbucker equipped guitars are usually first choice. etc., etc., etc..

Also, who are the players you would most like to emulate? Take a look at the guitars they are using as a general guideline. In the long run you will make up your own mind based on what you want to achieve, but it's a damn good shortcut to go for something at least similar to what your heroes play.

As you can see, there are too many options to narrow it down exactly without knowing what you want to do, but if you can give us some kind of idea of that I'm sure we can help guide you.

NorioDS

My first electric guitar was a Starfire and only because it was all my girlfriend (now wife ?) could afford at the time. It's a horrible guitar but I'm mentioning because it wasn't my first choice.

My first choice was what my teacher suggested, an Ibanez RG470.

Why? Ibanez make very versatile guitars. You can get a huge range of sounds from them and they are often top quality, especially those made in Japan.

That's not unique to Ibanez. Cort and Yamaha guitars with similar features also offer a huge range of sound. You can do anything from blues (humbucker neck) and country (single coil) to screaming metal (humbucker bridge) convincingly enough to be enjoyable for a beginner.

In other words, if blues is your thing, the guitar isn't going to sound like Clapton's blackie but it'll still sound good.

And something Alan always punts and I love him for punting -- get a guitar that sounds like that YOU want to sound like. I got an acoustic as my first guitar ever. Followed by a classical. All based on other people's opinions. I only really started PLAYING when I got an electric coz that's why I wanted all along!

And my disclaimer, as always, is that what works for me might not work for you. Enjoy the ride and the things you learn along the way. It's not about being right, it's about experiencing new things, learning and growing ?

Have a blast!

AlanRatcliffe

Norio wrote My first electric guitar was a Starfire and only because it was all my girlfriend (now wife ?) could afford at the time. It's a horrible guitar but I'm mentioning because it wasn't my first choice.

Well, the guitar may not have been a keeper, but it sounds like the g/f was!

My first choice was what my teacher suggested, an Ibanez RG470.

A great beginners' guitar too, although a little more expensive than similar models from Cort. The entry level Yamaha Pacifica is also a good choice (I think it's the 112?). The only thing I don't like about the Ibanez is personal - I don't usually like a humbucker in the neck. I love the Hendrixy/SRV clean neck pickup tone, which you don't get, even if you split the neck humbucker. The 24 fret neck also ends up pushing the pickups closer together, which limits the tones quite a bit, IMO.

I realised I didn't answer Tauriq's question about the Squier Obey Telecaster. I'm not a big fan of these guitars, as you're paying more for the graphics, and I would rather spend the extra money (or less) on a better guitar. I have to restate my case for the Cort G260 here: well made, with a solid ash body, Wilkinson trem, Graph Tech Trem Nut, and a surprisingly good sounding set of Mighty Mite pickups (1 X humbucker and 2 X single-coils).

Tauriq

I'm into alternative and metal music. Not really a country fan. So I take it you wouldn't recommend the tele or is this specific model any good for me?

What would be a good guitar in the same price range that could give me that metal sound?

NorioDS

Alan Ratcliffe wrote
My first choice was what my teacher suggested, an Ibanez RG470.
A great beginners' guitar too, although a little more expensive than similar models from Cort. The entry level Yamaha Pacifica is also a good choice (I think it's the 112?). The only thing I don't like about the Ibanez is personal - I don't usually like a humbucker in the neck. I love the Hendrixy/SRV clean neck pickup tone, which you don't get, even if you split the neck humbucker. The 24 fret neck also ends up pushing the pickups closer together, which limits the tones quite a bit, IMO.

I bought it 2nd-hand, so the price was right ?

I must admit, I couldn't care less for all 24 frets. I only ever pay right at the top when I'm showing off or trying to "push the limits". Musically, I don't find too much value up there. I find I get all the tone I want from the 1st to around 17th fret.

Which is pretty cool coz the JS series just has 22 frets. Oh and Marshall stock white JS1200s. Man I nearly wet myself when I heard that. Can't wait to get me one!!!! (Ahem, got a bit sidetracked there ?)

You make a great point about the 24 fret necks pushing the pups closer together. I would never have thought of that. I wonder if that's why Satch prefers the 22 frets?

AlanRatcliffe

Tauriq wrote I'm into alternative and metal music. Not really a country fan. So I take it you wouldn't recommend the tele or is this specific model any good for me?

A two humbucker Tele would be OK, but the traditional neck pickup in the Obey isn't going to float your boat. Teles are also more demanding instruments to play - your technique needs to be good. This can be a good thing in making you learn properly, but can be a little frustrating. Their uncontoured bodies are also less comfortable than most other guitars.

What would be a good guitar in the same price range that could give me that metal sound?

I'll be honest and say I'm not as clued up as I could be on the guitars for heavier music, but from what I've seen, both Schecter and ESP have some good models. The Cort KX-1Q is great for under four grand.

Norio wrote You make a great point about the 24 fret necks pushing the pups closer together. I would never have thought of that. I wonder if that's why Satch prefers the 22 frets?

It is. The preferred point for putting a neck pickup is right under where the 24th fret would be.

NorioDS

Groovy, thanks Alan ?

By the way, I'm a huge fan of Metal and the Schecter Lady Luck (or some such) is an AWESOME axe. Fixed bridge, thru-neck, beautiful guitar, sustain that lasts days and very affordable.

I would SERIOUSLY buy one. Wouldn't think twice about it. But, beware, she's a heavy bitch! Your back will hurt eventually ?

AlanRatcliffe

Norio wrote By the way, I'm a huge fan of Metal and the Schecter Lady Luck (or some such) is an AWESOME axe. Fixed bridge, thru-neck, beautiful guitar, sustain that lasts days and very affordable.

I just looked and it's through-body stringing, but not through-neck ☹
They also have this, which I found quite attractive: http://www.schecterguitars.com/spec.asp?id=245

Weight is no problem for me - I played a big heavy doubleneck exclusively for years and now, even the heaviest guitars feel like nothing. My main 'bucker guitar is fairly heavy (and a 24 fret through-neck) - helps keep the tone more focussed, which is better for higher gain and the MIDIguitar stuff.

NorioDS

Hmmm, what's the difference between neck-thru and set-neck, as spec'ed on the site?

The axe I played was definitely not bolt-on but I may have my terminology totally wrong! Would appreciate some enlightening ?

glug

Hey Tauriq what area are you in? ESP are great for metal..James hatfield(metallica) uses one. then the more heavier death metal is Children Of Bodom, nightmare, soulfly and hundreds of other metal,death bands. Don't know what models. I also heard about the Jacksons are pretty decent. Never played one though.

AlanRatcliffe

Norio wrote Hmmm, what's the difference between neck-thru and set-neck, as spec'ed on the site?

The axe I played was definitely not bolt-on but I may have my terminology totally wrong! Would appreciate some enlightening ?

Your three main neck joins are:

Bolt-on
Pioneered by Fender in the 1950's, the bolt-on neck is fixed to the body by means of four screws.
Pros: Cheaper, easy to replace
Cons: access to upper frets more difficult
Tone: Less bass
Sustain: Shorter sustain
Examples: Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster

Glue-in (or set-neck)
The end of the neck is shaped to exactly fit a slot in the body and the joint is glued in permanently
Pros: Can make access to upper frets easier
Cons: More difficult to repair, more expensive to manufacture
Tone: Better bass response
Sustain: More sustain
Examples: Gibson Les Paul,

Through-neck
The neck continues all the way to the end of the body. The concept is that both ends of the string are connected to the same piece of wood.
Pros: Excellent access to upper frets, very comfortable
Cons: Very difficult to make and repair, very expensive, quite rare
Tone: Very good bass and treble response, excellent harmonics
Sustain: Excellent sustain
Examples: BC Rich, Jackson, various Japanese guitars

Tauriq

I'm in Cape Town. I've heard ESP is quite good but all the guitars by them I've seen have beren quite expensive.

I've looked at some reviews of the Tele and decided against it.

Though now the Cort EVL Z4 is looking quite nice. Or is the Z6 alot better.

Anyone know the price for a Z6 as I haven't seen any in stock at the stores.

NorioDS

Aaah, brilliant, thanks Alan ? I'm sure I've seen that exact description and pics in your book ? Silly me should re-read it!

MiKeZilLA

You should be able to get a decent discount on that price at most non online music stores though

http://www.muz.co.za/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=2e5b1da30e4b35fb891f54ce05da21da&keyword=z6

glug

What about an epiphone. Don't know much about them but they are good guitars. Maybe Alan can give more info on the epi

AlanRatcliffe

Tauriq wrote Though now the Cort EVL Z4 is looking quite nice. Or is the Z6 alot better.

The Z4 is fine - right up your alley and in your price range. The Z6 is more expensive. Also look at the Cort M600 - which is a bit more traditional looking, but is a slightly better guitar for the same money.

Mr-M

+1 on the M600. Played them before - Nice guitar, good build quality, versatile tones (from mellow to metal) and looks good too IMO. http://www.muz.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=815 Get it from a local store like Bothners or Marshall Music (my favourite CT store) and I'm sure they'll give you a good discount and include a case in the deal.

AlanRatcliffe

Dammit! They are pretty aren't they?

Hmmm. Tempting...
...but fortunately they have a Gibson scale length, which I've never been able to come to terms with.

Tauriq

Ubfortunatey not familiar with Marshall's Music what area? Address?

Thanks will give the M600 a look.

Was looking into getting an epiphone but can't find it anywhere and don't want to avoid buying my first guitar online.