Buying a new guitar

[TheFerret]

So I'm thinking of buying a new guitar soon. I want to have a guitar that's good for Rock 'n' Roll (Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers), but can also do some metal (Black Sabbath, Metallica, perhaps some Dream Theater). I am mostly open to anything, except Les Pauls.

My price range is about $300-400. Right now I'm leaning to a fat strat. I have a Line 6 Spider III, if that helps anyone.

[Android]

Get an Explorer. Since you won't be able to afford the Gibson model, I'd recommend getting the Epiphone.

[ilovebrownies]

I'd get the startocaster. Fender guitars tend to have better build quality than Epiphones.

[Android]

For 3-400 bucks it's doubtful he'll be getting a Fender strat. More likely he will get a Squier.

[TheFerret]

For 3-400 bucks it's doubtful he'll be getting a Fender strat. More likely he will get a Squier.

I actually saw a fat strat for $450, and i would be willing to negotiate if it was really everything I dream it will be.

[ilovebrownies]

For 3-400 bucks it's doubtful he'll be getting a Fender strat. More likely he will get a Squier.

Depends where you look:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Standard-HSS-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=516039

[Hickabod]

Epiphone Les Paul or SG will suit your desire nicely. However I find that my Vintage Strat was far easier to play when I was just starting out.

[TheFerret]

Depends where you look:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Standard-HSS-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=516039

That looks like something I'd be interested in. I really like it in white. I'll probably have to take a look at Explorers as well.

[TheFerret]

The thing with Les Pauls is that, I have a shittier version of a Les Paul right now, and I want to take a break from any type of Les Paul. I've thought about SGs, and SGs are not out of the running, but they are a bit low on the list of potential guitars.

[InTransit]

For the kinda songs you wanna play I'd go the SG or the Explorer. Maybe even look at an Ibanez? Strats as lead guitars are generally pretty bright and they don't have a heavy sound to them unless you have some serious modifications going or a couple of good overdrive/distortion pedals.

[TheFerret]

For the kinda songs you wanna play I'd go the SG or the Explorer. Maybe even look at an Ibanez? Strats as lead guitars are generally pretty bright and they don't have a heavy sound to them unless you have some serious modifications going or a couple of good overdrive/distortion pedals.

I've thought about Ibanez. They are kind of uncomfortable to me though. The explorer is getting more interesting every post. I am torn, because i do like that bright sound, but it contradicts the musical styles i want to learn/play.

[InTransit]

Generally with guitars you'll end up playing the same type of music that everyone else with one of those styles of guitars plays. Just becaue the guitars are generally built for that kinda sound if you know what I mean. And from your price range, you're not going to find a fender that has the hardwire to sound anything like what you want. If you do eventually want a fender though I'd suggest saving for a Fender Deluxe Tele with dual humbuckers. You're going to be able to get a lot fatter sound out of that than any strat.

[Commodity]

I'd really recommend an SG, it seems to fit well with your tastes. Maybe look for a used Epiphone G-400 (link (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-G400-SG-Electric-Guitar?sku=518291)) and replace the bridge pickup with something better. I'd recommend a Dimarzio Evolution (link (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DiMarzio-DP159-Evolution-Bridge-Pickup?sku=302960))
A lot of people say that the Evos are only for metal, but I actually find them pretty versatile, especially with the right effects. You should be able to get the guitar used for $300 used (don't be afraid to try craigslist) and the pickup new for $85.

[Dr. Mumbo]

All the Iron Maiden dudes play strats so they can produce some rather good metal if run through the right amp. I know you're not very interested in Les Paul's but I have two Epiphone LP's and they both handle metal extremely well as well as brighter sounding tones. The only problem I find with them is the sustain when dropped in tuning, but that's to be expected. I would seriously recommend that you give them another go.

[TheFerret]

Perhaps one day I will, but frankly I don't want two extremely similar models.

[ilovebrownies]

All the Iron Maiden dudes play strats so they can produce some rather good metal if run through the right amp. I know you're not very interested in Les Paul's but I have two Epiphone LP's and they both handle metal extremely well as well as brighter sounding tones. The only problem I find with them is the sustain when dropped in tuning, but that's to be expected. I would seriously recommend that you give them another go.

There are lots of really heavy players who play Strats. The stereotype that all Strats have a skinny tone isn't necessarily true. Malmsteen for example even looks like he's using single coils (they're single coil stacked humbuckers), so I say if you like the look of a Stratocaster then go for it.

[Thrashed]

I say, Get an Ibanez GRG 270 DX
It isn't the best for 80s tone, but with a POD it sounds amazing.
You should be alble to get both for about $400

[Bosskid]

I am buying a new guitar as well, which of the two is better suited for metal playing?

http://www.rondomusic.com/product848.html

http://www.rondomusic.com/septor6bluefl.html


I know the Septor probably better suited, but would it make a huge difference in metal playing with the TC-630?

[drunkchuck]

Get a MIM Strat.

[PineappleHead]

I honestly don't play metal, or even electric, but I've heard form a lot of people that Ibanez is a great brand for a metal sound. And that's also right there in your price range, my advice, just go to your local guitar center/shop and play with a few. Everyoens got different taste.

[Alcoholic]

I am buying a new guitar as well, which of the two is better suited for metal playing?

http://www.rondomusic.com/product848.html

http://www.rondomusic.com/septor6bluefl.html


I know the Septor probably better suited, but would it make a huge difference in metal playing with the TC-630?

I would definitely go with the Septor for that. The pickup setup alone would suit better. You can play metal with a telecaster, but not without new pickup installation and/or some seriously thick, natural-tone nullifying, stand-alone effects, which is more to pay for. Single-coils just generally don't get the tone or overall vibe you want - not in the telecaster positioning.

[javaD]

It depends, the genres you are trying to play vary a lot in sound, for example gibson models would be good for Led Zepellin and AC/DC but for the red hot chilli peppers I would recommend Fender models, you should pick a guitar that fits you. Check for humbuckers and how they sound in different amplifiers.

[Bosskid]

Thank you so much guys! Alcoholic your info was great.

I just love the checkerboard design so much! I have a checkerboard strap and everything already hehe. But, looks arn't everything. Septor it is!

I honestly don't play metal, or even electric, but I've heard form a lot of people that Ibanez is a great brand for a metal sound. And that's also right there in your price range, my advice, just go to your local guitar center/shop and play with a few.

I'm going to stick with Agile. They make Les paul guitars that are worth thousands for maybe 200-300 dollars. You can trust me on this, my guitar teacher owns both an Agile and a Les Paul, and they play exactly the same!