DECENT Guitars On A Budget

[Mr. Boston]

Okay- this thread is designed to be a place we can post reviews, pics, and info about GOOD guitars you can get for little money. I've noticed there are LOTS of threads in "Tools" that go something like "Noob with $___ what to buy?" and things like that. I feel like SO many new guitarists wind up with Squier or Ibanez "packs" and stuff like that- which is FINE for getting started- but there ARE great deals on other guitars available. The WHOLE industry seems to be concentrating on wooing novice guitarists to develop life-time brand loyalty right now, there's a JUNGLE of products out there, which is GREAT, but it's hard to know where to start.

SO maybe if everyone posts reviews for guitars you either OWN or have PLAYED up to say $400 MAX this might become a good resource thread. I'm postin' a link to my other thread about the Gretsch Junior Jet cause I played on last week and I thought it was a STEAL at $250- and I don't feel like typing out everything again, LOL.

So post reviews of guitars $400 and under- include pics and links to sites with more info if possible.

Here's my first one:

Gretsch Junior Jet (http://guitar.zentao.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51694)

[reissue]

My absolute first choice would be the De Armond M-75 or M-77. Sadly it's not in production any longer. Fender put the skids on these after they bought out Guild because it was competition against their own line, back then they made a crappy line of set neck Squier's. But these can be found on ebay all the time for less than $400, usually less than $300 if it doesn't have the trem. I bought and sold a few and regret not keeping one. I am not exagerating at all when I say the M-75 I had was better, looked better, played better, felt better, than my USA Gibson Les Paul. The build quality was amazing and I paid $220 for it These also have USA made pups and do not need mods or upgrades.

Here's an example.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/02/i/08/79/4c/79_1.JPG

[ViOLATiON]

I'm just going to throw this in... if you're in the market for a guitar, check used before going new. Better bang for your buck!

[Sonofarich]

If looking for new, my advice would be to go to the local music store and play everything in your price range. When you find a model you like, play every one they have. They may not all be equal in that price range.

My personal advice would be a MIM Strat, good bang for the buck.

Used can definitely be a better deal, if you know what to look for. If you are a noob, bring someone with you that knows their stuff.

[BoostAddict]

I recently got a 40th anniversary (that's what the sticker says on the headstock) Squier Strat used with gig bag and strap off of craigslist for $65! After a new set of strings, little lemon oil to fretboard and some cleaning later, it plays almost as good as my MIM strat. Action is low, sustain is there, neck is really fast and stays in tune. Whoever rags on squier is crazy, great, great guitar.

[phingerboard]

It's no secret that I'm Ravin' for Raven. Nice styles, good quality, good playability, good price. PLUS the pickups are good too! Can't even say the same for most American-made guitars at twice the price.

One other cheap guitar that I was pretty impressed with is the OLP Wolfgang copy. Solid as a rock and plays real nice.

[Semi-Hollowbody]

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and an Epiphone G400 (SG copy)
Both great guitars for $400...

(I have an Epiphone dot also but that was $500)

excelent playability and beautiful finishes.
The Les Paul needed some pick-up switch and jack up grades and needs better pick-ups...the G400 was and is great with no mods needed as of yet.

Epiphones are definitly great affordable guitars...better then any beginner packs...and once you have played for a while and start getting really picky about your tone, a few upgrades will make them even better.

[LesPaulCustom]

*Squier Tele Custom II - $229...this is a raw steal
*Epiphone Les Paul Special II - $99....this is a raw steal for the price for a beginner....I would heavily suggest this guitar for an "entry" les paul/humbucking sound.
*Epiphone Les Paul Standards- $300ish....the new revised epiphone STDS w/ grover tuners are becoming a GREAT deal for anyone starting up to the pro.
*Agiles can prove a great alternative..lots of bang for the buck...though Epiphone is actually closing in price-wise.
*Any Ibanez that is under $400 that isn't chinese usually cares about thier quality...and knows how a decent instrument is made.

I still, would have to disagree that MIM strats going for over $400 is a good buy. You can just find much better guitars for the money. Now, a slightly used MIM strat going for about $230 is what "I" personally think they are worth.

I do give props to Fender about redesigning them this year. No one listened to me around here about a year ago when I was slamming them for some of these revisions. Now...all of a sudden, they revise them...ego boost! They really needed help in my book, because they were just overpriced. Now, maybe they sound closer alittle closer...but $430 for a base-line mexican strat that needs better tuners, tremolo system, etc just sounds like a rip to me. USED USED USED USED.

"Always checked used before new"...couldn't have said it better myself!

[LesPaulCustom]

Del

[Mr. Boston]

Another Review: Ibanez Artcore FWD-60. I bought one a few months back and NOW I'm totally in love with it. Got mine for just a little over $200 used, traded in some gear I wasn't using any more. I think they go somewhere in the vicinity of $300 new.

Anyway I had hollow-body GAS REAL bad for a long time, and I tried out a BUNCH of Epi's and Jay Tursers and then saw this one hangin' there. SWEET guitar. Feels and plays nice and easy with JUST enough of that hollow-body sound. The strings really pop- very funky. But it handles nice full, bright chord work too. I LOVE it. The neck is kinda WIDE which makes chords and bends a JOY, but it's on the skinny side too, in true Ibanez fashion, so if you wanna play FAST go for it. I've had it a few months and I've become REALLY comfortable with it. I'm playing it more than my $1100 American Deluxe Strat right now. I don't PREFER it by any means, but I don't know I'm just hot for this axe right now it seems. Sounds impeccable clean- a LITTLE on the ugly side for distortion, but you'd want a solidbody for ripping distorted leads anyway.

I would say anyone looking for a blues/jazz axe on a budget- don't count Ibanez out, the whole Artcore Series is phenomenal. This is just the one I liked the best.

Anyway here's a pic and a link to Ibanez's site.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b383/bostontim123/IMG_0233.jpg

http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=FWD60

Oh yeah- one more thing about this axe- the neck and frets were REAL clean and smoothe. Worth the sticker price for the neck alone- VERY comfy frets. And that BRIDGE is a BREEZE to change strings and ROCK SOLID. This thing holds tune VERY WELL.

[Mr. Boston]

I recently got a 40th anniversary (that's what the sticker says on the headstock) Squier Strat used with gig bag and strap off of craigslist for $65! After a new set of strings, little lemon oil to fretboard and some cleaning later, it plays almost as good as my MIM strat. Action is low, sustain is there, neck is really fast and stays in tune. Whoever rags on squier is crazy, great, great guitar.


Agreed- my Squier Affinity Strat is the bomb. I love the cheap (but still STRAIGHT) neck, it's raw without the heavy finish some of the Americans come with. I could do without the 6-screw bridge. But all the hardware is FUNCTIONAL and does the job, I can't knock it.

[Mr. Boston]

Oh one piece of general advice- avoid Behringer equipment like the plague. They seem alluring with their ridiculously low cost- but they will break and then you'll have nothing and need to buy something else anyway.

No offense to anyone here using that gear, and best of luck to you, you might have found a gem in the garbage- but the only way a Behringer guitar (or amp for that matter) would find a useful purpose in MY house would be as firewood. Any guitar where the frets literally CUT your hand- no good, lol.

[Prez]

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/brand,zzounds/RG370DXBK-2e7fcee804552320d14923df6e368177.jpg


Ibanex RG370DX. For the budding shredder, this guitar is fantastic imo. Very vesatile as well. Around $360. ($420 for a leftie, which is what I have.)

What I like the most are the look (looks damn sexy), the tremolo (edge 2, I think) which keeps this sucker in tune forever, and the pickups, which sound great considering they are stock pups.

[Stray Dog]

I'd like to mention a guitar company called Shine (or Saein).
They have some really interesting guitars, of particular interest are the New Orleans series and the Falcon series.
www.saein.co.kr
They seem to be really good guitars for the price.
They do seem to have a big difference between the top and bottom of the range though... Im talking about their top-of-the-range guitars, im not sure if their cheaper ones are that good.
I have played a hollowbody with humbuckers and it was INCREDIBLY, really smooth and easy to play and an incredible hollow sound. All I can say is if the rest of their guitars are like the one I played, they are FANTASTIC guitars, and unbeatable for a beginner (except maybe by Agile).
They go for good prices on ebay. I'll just post some links to some very appealing looking ones.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/shine-SHM-906-hollow-body_W0QQitemZ170035326065QQihZ007QQcategoryZ10645 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shine-335-Style-Thinline-guitar-New-Orleans-series-Semi_W0QQitemZ130034230138QQihZ003QQcategoryZ10645 6QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shine-SIL-510-Semi-Acoustic-Electric-PRS-Thinline-335_W0QQitemZ130034232667QQihZ003QQcategoryZ106456 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BEST-BUY-JAZZ-STYLE-SEMI-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-SINGLE-CUTAWAY_W0QQitemZ270036933910QQihZ017QQcategoryZ10 6456QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Mr. Boston]

^Those look fantastic Stray

[Semi-Hollowbody]

I recently got a 40th anniversary (that's what the sticker says on the headstock) Squier Strat used with gig bag and strap off of craigslist for $65! After a new set of strings, little lemon oil to fretboard and some cleaning later, it plays almost as good as my MIM strat. Action is low, sustain is there, neck is really fast and stays in tune. Whoever rags on squier is crazy, great, great guitar.


I agree...my squier is scheduled for a new pre-wired pickguard...after that it will definitly be a good instrument.

[Sonofarich]

I still, would have to disagree that MIM strats going for over $400 is a good buy. You can just find much better guitars for the money.

Dang...are they that much now??!! I got my MIM Strat back in '96 for dirt cheap and it plays quite nicely. Not sure what they have upgraded on them since then to account for the price difference.

Anyone know the differences between a standard '96 MIM Strat and a new one?? I assume electronics upgrades...

[paul_jam]

Yamaha Pacifica 112

Not only a beginngers guitar, I've seen these things up on stage with some bands too.

Strat style guitar
22 frets
Jumbo frets
usually rosewood finger board
Humbucker-single-single pick up configuration
5 way selector switch
master volume, master tone knobs
Vintage style bridge

Price when I bought it was 179 GBP (not sure what they are in the US)

Its an amazing guitar. It stay in tune very well, even when im abusing it with the trem a bit. The humbucker in the bridge position can give some nice bite with over drive, though they arent amazing pick ups. But they arent awful either. the single coil sounds very nice on a clean setting, and i love the neck and middle blended together. Its quite an all around guitar, has a solid alder body, and though i wouldnt say its my favourite guitar, its the one i always seem to be picking up all the time. Definately worth a try, because its a guitar that will last someone a long long time.

[AMusicalViking]

Here's a couple for you.

ESP LTD Viper-50:
I own one of these and love it to death. For 200 bucks, this is one nice guitar. Plays nicely, sounds ok with the stock pups, tuners could use some upgrades, but for a beginner it'll be alright. Probably best for people playing hard rock or metal. SG style, 24 frets.

Schecter Omen-6:
As with most Schecters, INCREDIBLY great for the price you pay. (300 new). Very versatile, good for anything from blues to punk to metal. Strat style, 24 frets.

[LesPaulCustom]

Fender Strats are $399, unless you want a sunburst which is $434! And they are only this cheap in MusiciansFriend.

They Sheilded the body cavity, changed the "Vintage frets" to medium jumbos, and added a thicker bridge block for more sustain.

Gig bag now comes standard, and they added new colors.

Complete face-lift...but still....I think they would be better priced at $299 new.

Maybe they play REALLY good now?

[phingerboard]

Oops wrong thread. This is what happens when we do not sleep enough ;)

[mctriple]

My axe of choice cost me $305, including a case and shipping costs. It's just over the $400 budget after putting in 2 dimarzio pups, but it was still pretty rocking with the stock pups for a "budget axe"!

My recommendation: A used Ibanez RG570. The 1570/550/520/etc are all other nearly identical options as far as price and quality as well.

I strongly recommend getting a used guitar if you're on a budget. You can find a number of very lightly used guitars that are in great shape and cost a fraction of the new price. My rg570 was in mint condition, not a scratch anywhere, including the frets, which were completely dull like the guitar had sat around for 3 years before being sold. Look at any guitar with a case and possible shipping if ordered online. If the total is $305 and it's new, the quality won't come close to comparing to deals on used ones.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/mctriple/rg570.jpg

[mctriple]

Ibanex RG370DX. For the budding shredder, this guitar is fantastic imo. Very vesatile as well. Around $360. ($420 for a leftie, which is what I have.)
The RG370DX is a nice axe for the price. I used to have one.

I would highly recommend staying away from floyd rose guitars if you're going to buy new for under $400, though. That said, the bridge on the 370DX is the best floyd I've seen for that range. The best by far, really.

[bobbyswamp]

So I may get laughed at with this post, but I swear I like this axe. A Daisy 12-String. My buddy bought one at GC for $199. He's the drummer in my band, but he wants to learn guitar. He loves the sound of 12-strings, and what he wants, a Ric, is way out of reality due to the $$$. Gurlz guitars? I dunno. This daisy (http://www.daisyrock.com/products/stardust/retroH_12string.htm) is playable, the tone is cool, and I used it in the studio to lay down some filler 12-string riffs. Not a bad budget guitar...I may buy my daughter one someday, but I'll bet she'll say, "Dad, I want a blond '72 Tele with a maple neck..." er, huh?

[76Strat]

id go with a 350DX same guitar as the 370DX but it looks nice with white finish black hardware IMO

[DaisyRocker]

So I may get laughed at with this post, but I swear I like this axe. A Daisy 12-String. My buddy bought one at GC for $199. He's the drummer in my band, but he wants to learn guitar. He loves the sound of 12-strings, and what he wants, a Ric, is way out of reality due to the $$$. Gurlz guitars? I dunno. This daisy (http://www.daisyrock.com/products/stardust/retroH_12string.htm) is playable, the tone is cool, and I used it in the studio to lay down some filler 12-string riffs. Not a bad budget guitar...I may buy my daughter one someday, but I'll bet she'll say, "Dad, I want a blond '72 Tele with a maple neck..." er, huh?

Actually, these are awesome for the money - and with the right finish, they don't actually look girly at all. To be honest, I really, really wanted one for a while - then I got my Ignitor and well, to be honest, I'm scared it'd attack me pointily in my sleep if I even THOUGHT about other guitars :o. It's a mean *******, you see... But yeah, D.R. 12 string = awesomeness for what it is, although obviously limited in what you can play on it.

[bobbyswamp]

Actually, these are awesome for the money - and with the right finish, they don't actually look girly at all. To be honest, I really, really wanted one for a while - then I got my Ignitor and well, to be honest, I'm scared it'd attack me pointily in my sleep if I even THOUGHT about other guitars :o. It's a mean *******, you see... But yeah, D.R. 12 string = awesomeness for what it is, although obviously limited in what you can play on it.

DaisyRocker, you rock! Yeah, DR's are very nice guitars. Also, I just google-imaged the Ignitor. Now that's a guitar with, er, attitude...?!

[Mr. Boston]

So I may get laughed at with this post, but I swear I like this axe. A Daisy 12-String. My buddy bought one at GC for $199. He's the drummer in my band, but he wants to learn guitar. He loves the sound of 12-strings, and what he wants, a Ric, is way out of reality due to the $$$. Gurlz guitars? I dunno. This daisy (http://www.daisyrock.com/products/stardust/retroH_12string.htm) is playable, the tone is cool, and I used it in the studio to lay down some filler 12-string riffs. Not a bad budget guitar...I may buy my daughter one someday, but I'll bet she'll say, "Dad, I want a blond '72 Tele with a maple neck..." er, huh?


Actually that Daisy looks pretty bad-***. In white it's not too effeminate either. My only thing is I find 12-strings hard to play anyway. Daisies typically have narrower fretboards right? I'd be worried about finger-crowding. But I've played a few Daisies in store just for the hell of it. I'll tell you I played $500 Daisy that blew the britches off a $1300 Gibson Les Paul Goddess I tried.

[bobbyswamp]

Actually that Daisy looks pretty bad-***. In white it's not too effeminate either. My only thing is I find 12-strings hard to play anyway. Daisies typically have narrower fretboards right? I'd be worried about finger-crowding. But I've played a few Daisies in store just for the hell of it. I'll tell you I played $500 Daisy that blew the britches off a $1300 Gibson Les Paul Goddess I tried.

Dude, I had the same thing happen when I compared the Daisy with a Fender Strat 12-string. For the diff in cost, I thought the Daisy did a great job. But yes, the narrow neck is a real issue with me. But my buddy, just learning guitar, says it suits him fine. And in the studio, the Daisy was killer for us...

[Mr. Boston]

^Yeah those Les Paul Goddess guitars ought to be scrapped. Might look nice as a wall-hanger- other than that, utterly useless.

[Luke Duke]

Without a question, Godin is the answer. Made in US/Canada, fast necks, decent to great electronics, quality woods.

Luke

[Mr. Boston]

Without a question, Godin is the answer. Made in US/Canada, fast necks, decent to great electronics, quality woods.

Luke


I tried out one of the "Montreal" models. REAL nice. Beyond the price specified for this thread I think, but really sweet.

[Luke Duke]

I tried out one of the "Montreal" models. REAL nice. Beyond the price specified for this thread I think, but really sweet.

Which is the Montreal?

Were you talking like sub 200?

[Mr. Boston]

Which is the Montreal?

Were you talking like sub 200?


The Montreal is a top of the line model a hollowbody jazz-box. Musician's Friend has it at 1500 but I vaguely remember the one I tried in a store being less than that.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Godin-Montreal-Electric-Guitar?sku=511882

For the purposes of this thread I was tryin' to keep it at or around $400. Does Godin have a model in that range?

[Scorpaeon]

Bump.

This is a great thread. I submitted it for Trade Secrets, and was approved, but trying to drum up more inputs before it goes in. So keep those reviews coming.

What do guys think about the Les Paul Special II. I was thinking about getting one with the possibility of upgrading the pups and volume and tone controls (with push pull knobs) later on. If I could do that for less than $400 would it be worth it? Or would I be better off with one of the other suggestions in this thread?

[tdu]

My pick is JUST over the $400 mark ($469), but my Reverend Charger 290 is a fantastic guitar. In fact, out of all my guitars it seems to be the only one I play lately. The whole Stage King line I believe are under $500. And they offer some really unique features that other guitars in the price range don't offer.

http://66.49.206.203/rev_02.jpg

I can also second Godin. Incredibly well made guitar by ANY standard.

Ibanez models including used Artcores are great too.

Nice to see reissue's suesstion of the Dearmond. It's too bad they aren't in production anymore. On the bright side you do see them around fairly frequently.