help me choose electric guitar

[executor]

Hey guys,

I have an acoustic but I want an electric and have narrowed it down to a few models based on Tim's advice.

Is the Fender Stratocaster MIM a better buy then the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus? What price should I pay for these guitars used?

and is this a good deal: Epiphone Les Paul Standard plus guitar, 40 watt Traynor practice amp, Korg tuner and stand for sale. Guitar is great condition in a beautiful sunburst finish, Solid neck (not bolt on) with Grover tuners chrome humbuckers and a Gibson strap. Asking: $425.00 ?

If there are any other guitars you think I should be considering please mention them as well as beginner amps that are quality but won't break the bank, thanks for all the replies!

and Tim what are you talking about in video lesson 5 choosing an electric guitar...i can't find a new fender strat MIM for $350 anywhere or a used one for the low 200s. do you have a link or two where these guitars can be obtained for such a price?

[Blewbyou]

In the videos he's talking USD not Canadian

[executor]

i know its usd not cnd currency. your dollar doesn't translate into that big of a difference, only about 15 cents on the dollar or less. 225-250 usd for a used fender should only translate into around 300 if that cnd. same goes for new should be under 500 but those aren't the prices i see. show me a link with a brand new mim fender strat for 350usd and i'll drive over into detroit and pick one up.

[dewd]

[quote=executor;3448show me a link with a brand new mim fender strat for 350usd and i'll drive over into detroit and pick one up.[/quote]

How about $399? I was looking at these yesterday in my local Guitar Center.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_fender_standard_stratocaster_electric_guitar?f ull_sku=103575189

[nella]

If you have a craigslist in your area look there. This is from my local craigslist (not my guitar) http://raleigh.craigslist.org/msg/277097074.html I have seen MIM Strats in the $225 range on this board. Ones with upgrades run up to $300 or a little more sometimes.

[darylb]

I cant really speak to what is a good deal or not without doing some research but a Strat and Les Paul are completely different animals and you shouldnt choose base on what deal you can get. They are both fine instruments but it really depends on your taste.

If you are new to electric, it is difficult to know what you really want. I say this because I went through the same thing. My advice is play a couple of each style in a store if you can. Try to get an idea of what feels better to you. You may not even know why but something will just feel better. Then you know what style to get. Then find the best deal you can get.

I know it is somewhat of a generic answer but for me, my choice of electric guitars really came down to feel and it took me a year to figure it out.

[Whiskey]

Some guitar shops rent equipment. If you are lucky enough to be near one of these you could consider taking one home for a few days to get a feel for what you like. Its a little extra money but could potentially save you getting stuck with something you hate.

[Tom T]

My first electric was a Fender strat american picked it up used for 600 in mint condition and love it, I first rented it from the store and then bought. it my second was an Epiphone les paul custom cherry honey busrt (I think is the name) that was new and it was 700 another winner that I like. Now all I have to do is learn to play:) I figure when I feel that I can play then I am going to sell the epiphone and buy a Gibson. Thats my goal for now

TOm

[Orphan John]

I agree with what everyone else has already said. I think it is also important to go a test drive a few different brands first. That way you can make a more informed decision when it comes to weight, feel and tone. When you settle for a brand that you like then try a few different ones of that one.

Let's say out of them all you settled for a Fender Strat because you like the shape and everything else, now try out different Strats in the store. I know some people might reckon it's a load of old rubbish but i really do believe that each guitar has a different feel, a different vibe. A certain something you can't put your finger on.

Then walk away and come back the next day just to make sure the one you wanted is really THE one, if it is then great stuff - buy it, take it home and have many years of fun with it.

The reason i say about the different feel that guitars have is because even though i might have the exact same guitar as a friend i know when i have accidently picked his up instead of my own, because it just feels different. This has happened a few times.

Also you don't have to go for the most popular models because everyone else has them. I have a Tanglewood Outlaw, and have had it for years. I did a 'Google' for it today and i can't find it anywhere so maybe they were unpopular and they have stopped making them, who knows. Go for what makes you feel good and it will show in your playing.

[executor]

thanks for all the helpful comments guys/gals. i have done a little more reading and i think for what i need (an easy to learn and play guitar for an absolute noob) that the fender strat is more of what i should be looking for. they have some ugly ones on sale here in windsor for 499 cnd and ones with some colour for 549 cnd, i can only assume these are mim or some other foreign country. i will ask to rent one to see if i like the feel. now that guitar choice is settled, the amp is going to be the next hurdle. no clue where to start on this one but that is what google is for :)

...but if u want to drop a few reasonably priced quality models feel free to do so, thanks.

[Bently]

...but if u want to drop a few reasonably priced quality models feel free to do so, thanks.


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-Micro-Cube-Battery-Powered-Amp-with-COSM-and-Effects?sku=480196

Look at the Roland Cube. If you want it a little bigger, it also comes in 15, 20 and 30 Watts I believe.

[guymenton]

Perfect! I was looking for a portable, battery-powered amp and the user reviews are outstanding. Thanks for the great suggestion! I'm starting out small, but I can already see this new guitar hobby of mine turning into a financial blackhole. :rolleyes:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-Micro-Cube-Battery-Powered-Amp-with-COSM-and-Effects?sku=480196

Look at the Roland Cube. If you want it a little bigger, it also comes in 15, 20 and 30 Watts I believe.