lady_overkill
Hey guys I need some advice please...
I'm all set to go buy my new guitar this weekend, but i'm kinda torn as to which one i should go for.
My options are a Cort EVL Z4 or an ESP LTD Viper 50, both for exactly the same price. I've read good reviews on both and have no idea which would be the better buy. The Viper appeals to me because I love the SG shape and LTD have an awesome reputation for heavier, darker music but its only the entry model. The Cort looks good too and has those EMG pick ups which are apparently better than the humbuckers. I'm gonna be using the guitar for practice, gigging and hopefully recording in the not-too-distant future so any feedback which will help me make the right decision will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance ?
doc-phil
I think you can't go wrong with either of those two models. On the one hand I'd go for the ESP LTD just cos its a more metal brand 8) but on the other hand the Cort has EMG pickups; one being an active pickup and the other passive which should make the guitar more versatile. Personally I like the les paul kinda shape of the Cort, but that's just me. Plus it has cool fret inlays ?
ezietsman
Which model SG do you have? The G-400 is a great guitar once you've put in good pickups and had it set up. If you want a heavier sound it'll be a LOT cheaper to install EMG 81/85 pickups or something similar, if thats what your fav guitar heroes use, than getting a new guitar which will also have mediocre pickups.
I assume you use effects pedals with your amplifier? Which ones?
I'm not convinced those two ESP and Cort guitars are any better than the one you have. They're the entry level models and those are in general (not always) cheap for a reason.
So the decision is up to you.
Do you want more than one guitar?
Or do you want a good guitar? Do you want to change your sound?
Pickup change is easy and cheap. An amplifier more suited to your style will have the biggest effect and also the biggest budget.
These questions, I think, are key.
my 0.02 ZAR
inflames
I would go for the Cort, It has a comfortable shape and the EMG's is a plus. Especially the active EMG.
Play both first and then make the decision!
Let us know which one you take home, and then some pics!
Tauriq
I own the Cort EVL Z4 and though I haven't played many guitars in my short time my Cort has virtually wiped the floor when it comes to playability. Guy from this one band (Who had an Ibanez Prestige) said he wanted one after playing it! ?
AFAIK its two EMG-HZ's in both the bridge and neck positions. Both are passive.
lady_overkill
Thanks for the input guys ?
Guess I still have some head-scratching to do. I can get either guitar for under 4 grand which is basically the absolute ceiling on my budget right now, super deal on the Cort which I've only seen going for about 6K plus minus, which makes me lean in the Corts direction even if purely because I'd be getting a hell of a deal. Still loving the Vipers look though, think Cort should definitely look at bringing out an EVL SG model ?
My Epi SG is a great guitar, my first ever , picked it up in PMB for R1200 + amp, has alot of sentimental value though I gotta say its aging and because i love it so much i really wanna keep it as a "stay at home" guitar to save it from any accidents. I have a Zoom 7 pedal that I've had for a couple of years now, definitely will be upgrading at some stage in the future. As for amps, i use my Epi 25W or Beringer modding amp for practice. Will also look at upgrading once my student budget allows.
InFlamesWeTrust
I dont know about the cort hey, I played the EVL Z6, the model above it with active EMG's and it just felt cheap to me. I didn't like the neck at all and the tone wasnt appealing even with the actives, maybe I just had a bad experience because that bothners doesn't seem to setup their guitars but I played a charvel and an ibanez in the same price range that day and they were worlds apart. But I do like my ibanez necks so I may just be bias. OK i know I didnt actually play the Z4 but im assuming that if the Z6 wasn't great then the Z4 cant be better. Have you tried any of the guitars that you're looking at? I had my heart set on buying the cort until I went in and actually tried it. Take a trip down to the local store and have a bash, even if you dont plan on buying the guitar at that specific store just go so that you can test. Ask them if they have any recommendations they may suprise you with something you werent thinking of in the same price range. Also those fret markings may seem cool at first but I can see that over time they may become a bit cheesy ?, seems like its trying too hard to be metal.
singemonkey
The Viper looks bitchin'. Get the Viper.
lady_overkill
todays plan of action is to drive down to JHB and go hit my favourite music shop, test out as many guitars in my price range as they'll let me and then give myself a week or so to make a decision ? will post later with some news as to how it went.
lady_overkill
Spent a looong saturday missioning around JHB with my drummer and her mate, visiting every guitar shop we could find and playing every guitar I liked the look of. No one had the Cort in stock but checked out a Viper 50, and considered myself pretty much sold on it, slim neck, quite light etc, especially when I was told they were on special at R2500.00 a pop. I didnt want the white one they had in store, so i got a card and said I'd call next week about ordering in a black one.
after that we headed to my drummers friends house, to speak to his dad who repairs guitars for some JHB stores and also sells guitars out of his home. After a 5 minute chat with him he vanished into his store room and reappeared with an absolutely pristine Epi G400 Gothic Special SG he'd picked up from an Epi agent who was overstocked back when they came out, plastic still on the scratch guard and pick ups, plugged me into an amp and left me alone with it for half an hour. Amazing play, the setup was perfect, action just right. He offered it to me at R2,200 and threw in a Warwick Rockbag. Sold! ? will put up some pics when i go collect it tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice regarding my dilemma everyone ?
DonovanB
Nice, now we want pics ?
DonovanB
done...
DonovanB
right click on the photo and select " copy image location/url"
then there is a button in the post editor that says "insert image"
or insert it between [img..] codes... [/img..] (remove the dots)
lady_overkill
Thanks Donovan 8) i owe you one
JohnnyReggae
lady_overkill wrote:
... an absolutely pristine Epi G400 Gothic Special SG ... He offered it to me at R2,200 and threw in a Warwick Rockbag. Sold!
Awesome guitar !!! Well done on getting it as such a great price. I'm quite jealous ?
arjunmenon
Very nice guitar. All you need now is the Tony Iommi inlays and maybe another 2 frets ?
