Need a Guitar Recommendation

[UncleSam527]

I've been playing on a crap, child-size acoustic for about five months now. I want to ask for a [hopefully electric] guitar for Christmas (so I don't have to buy it). However, I don't really want my family to have to buy something outrageously expensive.

What sort of model/brand would you recommend that I ask for? Same goes for amps- don't need a big one but atleast a decent quality one.

[sebakoole]

Need more info...

What's the max you're willing to spend on guitar? On amp?

What kind of music do you want to play on it?

[Metro]

If you are still at the beginner stage of your musical career, try a Fender Squier guitar and amp package. The guitar is an entry level, Stratocaster-copy electric and the amps are usually 10-15 watts with a 4 or 6 inch speaker. I think they cost around $200. Maybe hit 'em up for a distortion box while you are at it. You can get one for about $30.

[bmurphyfl]

I'd recommend buying a used Mexican-made Fender Strat. The American ones are expensive and the Japanese/Korean made ones are low quality but the Mexican-made guitars are a nice balance of cost and quality.

As for amps, a nice low-end tube amp with a warm sound is the Fender Pro Jr. Once again, see if you can find a used one in good condition. You'll save a lot of money that way.

Murf

[Mad_Bishop]

I second either suggestion. The Squire will be at least a $100 cheaper, and if you're begining, you won't notice. However, that $100-$150 is well invested in a Strat if you get better and then need a better guitar.

AFA amps go, I'd suggest a Fender Princeton Chorus. ABout $200-$250 and a solid transistor amp, that's good for a beginer

[milbrett]

I got an American Fender Strat I'm looking to sell at a pretty decent price! :)

[Real Ray]

http://www.americanmusical.com/images/B/p662B.jpg

If you know what type of guitar sound you want or don't feel comfortable with a Strat shaped quitar, try this guitar-an Epiphone Les Paul Special II. You can get one under $250.00 (this is what they usually list at). They also sell a similar kit as the Squire, w/amp, strap, tuner, and carry bag.

[UncleSam527]

I am looking for a sort of rock sound. I would prefer to not have to spend more than $200 for the guitar itself. Also, getting a used amp sounds like a good plan.

[Metro]

Originally posted by UncleSam527
I am looking for a sort of rock sound. I would prefer to not have to spend more than $200 for the guitar itself. Also, getting a used amp sounds like a good plan.

Then I suggest the Epiphone Les Paul. You might find one used for $100. Go to musiciansfriend.com or guitarcenter.com to see what the going new prices are. Or look on Ebay.

Maybe down the line, look at a Marshall Valvestate Combo. Those run about $200-250 used. I used to be in a band with a guy who ran his Gibson Les Paul Studio through a 30 watt Valvestate combo during shows. That little thing is a monster!

You can probably get a used Marshall practice amp about 15 watts for $75.

Alot of the old school rock groups use the Les Paul/Marshall guitar/amp combination.

[joshdcu]

Sorry if this is a bit long, but I love guitars...

Buying a guitar is all about figuring out your personal preferences, so check out what sort of guitars your favorite bands play, and you'll probably like the way those guitars sound best.

Also, just go out to some music stores and try some guitars out. Find a place that has a good selection of used (as well as new) instruments, and go when it's less crowded if you can. Explain that you're a beginner and what you think you might want, and don't be intimidated by the jerks that often work in such places.

If you're looking for something in more of a Gibson style (warmer tones, can get more of a beefier "rock" sound...), Epiphones are good.

If you're more into the Fender style (a bit of a dirtier, thinner, and more straight-forward sound...) some of the Mexican-made Fender Stratocasters are alright, as are Squiers (which are alright if you're going a bit lower-end, but you'll probably want to upgrade before too long...), and Yamaha makes some pretty good Strat-knockoffs with a variety of pickup configurations.

As for amps, it sounds like you might like more of a Marshall sound. Look at Yamahas also.

As for a distortion/overdrive pedal, I highly recommend the Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer.

I've had a Mexican Strat which I liked because it was easy to play, though it had cheesy tuning pegs and went out of tune a lot (that was a while ago, and I think they've gotten better about that...). I also had a Squier, which I beat the hell out of and was good in live situations because I wasn't worried about it.

Currently, I have a G&L Legacy, which is in a Strat style. It plays really well and sounds great. G&L is the company that was started by Leo Fender after he left/sold Fender, and they make really nice guitars. If you get a lower-end Strat-style product to start with and like it, I suggest looking at a G&L (along with Fenders) when you're ready to upgrade.

[Real Ray]

Originally posted by UncleSam527
I am looking for a sort of rock sound. I would prefer to not have to spend more than $200 for the guitar itself. Also, getting a used amp sounds like a good plan.

http://www.samash.com/catalog/search.asp?Method=3&CategoryID=681&BrandID=&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&Word1=&departmentkeeper=1&SortMethod=6&pagesize=

I don't know if you are near a Sam Ash music store, but take a look at their web site. You'll see on the first two pages guitars in the price range you are looking for.