Guitar Advice for newbie

[alchy]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to start by saying great site. It got me started in learning to play. On that note, I have been learning on an old ratty squier that is pretty much on its last legs. I have up to 400$ to spend on a new guitar but there are so many that I have no idea where to start. Anyone out there have any advice on some models i should be looking at?

Thanks!

[pwfirst]

Hi alchy; What king of music do you like to play?

[gasman]

Welcome! You can get so many different good guitars for $400. Depending on the type of music you play, you could look at the Epiphone line or the Squier Classic Vibe line. One of our new members just got an Epiphone SG that is in the $400 range. You can check it out here: mojocaster.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guitdiscussions&action=display&thread=246&page=3

The Squier Classic Vibe Strats and Teles go for a little less than $400. If you don't mind used, you could probably get a MIM Fender for around that price also. If you're into Les Paul style guitars, you could find a used Epiphone on Craigslist for that price also. I bought a used Epi Les Paul Custom last year for $350 through Craigslist (great guitar). You can also get a NEW Ibanez LP style guitar (ART 100) for $400, or if you want something a little more funky, you can get a new Ibanez Jet King for under $400. I have a Jet King, and it's a great guitar for the price (Mahogany body, great sustain, rings like a bell). Since you've already been playing, I assume you already have an amp. If not, or if you want an new one, you have to leave money for that also. Happy hunting and good luck!

[colchar]

Apr 1, 2010 13:06:46 GMT -5 gasman said:

Welcome! You can get so many different good guitars for $400. Depending on the type of music you play, you could look at the Epiphone line or the Squier Classic Vibe line.

The necks on the Classic Vibe series feel great!

One of our new members just got an Epiphone SG that is in the $400 range. You can check it out here: mojocaster.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guitdiscussions&action=display&thread=246&page=3

They sell for $400 up here in Canada but the exact same SG as mine (for the original poster - it is an Epiphone G-400 SG which is a remake of the classic '62 SG but they also make an almost identical one which is a remake of the classic '66 SG) sells for $349 in the US (Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, etc.). I highly recommend the SG (as you will quickly learn if you read the thread that Gasman linked to ) and would be more than happy to answer any questions you have about it.

[gasman]

I forgot to mention the Agile line of guitars. Agile has many guitars in your price range. The only thing is that you can only get them on-line, so you can't 'try before you buy'. Another Epiphone you might consider is the semi-hollow ES-335 Dot. Just think of Chuck Berry playing Johnny B. Goode. Those sell for $400 also. I have one and it's one of my favorites! You should check out the "Guitars Pics" section on here to see the various guitars of the various members. That way, you can see what's out there and maybe even contact some of the owners with any specific questions you may have.