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Guitar Discussions -> Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar
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Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar -
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Okay, I'm in the market for a new guitar...
I've played for about 15 years, and so far I've never owned a new
guitar, and not necessarily looking for a new one. In my previous
band, I played a Fender Squire (which I beat the crap out of being not
so careful when we were loading unloading for practice, gigs, etc.).
It actually played pretty well. I have retired it for now. I bought
and then sold a US Strat, which played very well. I also own a broken
LP Studio model, which I cracked the headstock (thanks to a drunk girl
trying to help us pack up after a show). I hate it, for the most part.
Could NEVER get the intonation right, even after taking it to a local
shop and having them give it a try. Up around the 12th fret, I was
noticeably out of tune with the rest of the band (and my ears aren't
even that good!).
So.... that said, I have a few questions.
1) I found a Mexi Strat in a local pawn shop that has a rosewood
fingerboard with a wide and flat neck (I prefer this kind). It plays
ok, the action is a little high due to -I think- the tremolo unit
having too light of springs in it. The back of the bridge is up in the
air, which I think is making the action high in the upper frets. I
think I can fix this with proper setup. It's at a good price and is
really near mint condition. $210. I'm tempted.
2) I also like the gibson LP sound for some things I play and switched
back and forth when we were gigging. I've read that MANY LPs have
intonation problems. Are there any knock-offs that don't (no, I'm not
buying anything as expensive as a PRS)? I heard that the Epiphones may
not have this problem as much. I like them as well. And, don't stone
me, but I picked up a Silvertone LP knock-off that played better than
my Studio.
Criteria? Playability. I could care less about a name brand or buying
a US Strat if I can set this Mexi strat up to play well. I like the
Gibson Les Pauls, but have picked up a few copies that have had
incredible actions and necks and felt really comfortable. Anything I
should look out for? Any suggestions?
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Steven Johnson - 21:04 16-11-05
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Look into Cort guitars. I currently have 1 (Had 2 but had to sell one)...a
Matt "Guitar" Murphy signature model. They play decent right out of the
box, and with a proper setup play even better. Also Ibanez makes a decent
electric guitar. If you're looking for a "bang for the buck" deal, those
are 2 to start with.
Happy hunting, Steve
--
"The road less traveled has 22 frets."
-Ted Nugent
<jo_jo_jail@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1132190032.431123.149920@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Okay, I'm in the market for a new guitar...
>
> I've played for about 15 years, and so far I've never owned a new
> guitar, and not necessarily looking for a new one. In my previous
> band, I played a Fender Squire (which I beat the crap out of being not
> so careful when we were loading unloading for practice, gigs, etc.).
> It actually played pretty well. I have retired it for now. I bought
> and then sold a US Strat, which played very well. I also own a broken
> LP Studio model, which I cracked the headstock (thanks to a drunk girl
> trying to help us pack up after a show). I hate it, for the most part.
> Could NEVER get the intonation right, even after taking it to a local
> shop and having them give it a try. Up around the 12th fret, I was
> noticeably out of tune with the rest of the band (and my ears aren't
> even that good!).
>
> So.... that said, I have a few questions.
>
> 1) I found a Mexi Strat in a local pawn shop that has a rosewood
> fingerboard with a wide and flat neck (I prefer this kind). It plays
> ok, the action is a little high due to -I think- the tremolo unit
> having too light of springs in it. The back of the bridge is up in the
> air, which I think is making the action high in the upper frets. I
> think I can fix this with proper setup. It's at a good price and is
> really near mint condition. $210. I'm tempted.
>
> 2) I also like the gibson LP sound for some things I play and switched
> back and forth when we were gigging. I've read that MANY LPs have
> intonation problems. Are there any knock-offs that don't (no, I'm not
> buying anything as expensive as a PRS)? I heard that the Epiphones may
> not have this problem as much. I like them as well. And, don't stone
> me, but I picked up a Silvertone LP knock-off that played better than
> my Studio.
>
> Criteria? Playability. I could care less about a name brand or buying
> a US Strat if I can set this Mexi strat up to play well. I like the
> Gibson Les Pauls, but have picked up a few copies that have had
> incredible actions and necks and felt really comfortable. Anything I
> should look out for? Any suggestions?
>
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Lewis - 21:16 16-11-05
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Make sure you take a look at the new Shecters. Great quality
instruments and they come in a tremendous variety of body styles and
pick up congiurations. Also, if you can find a brave soul who carries
them, the nw Deans are right nice.
Lewis
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/2/lewisraycammarata.htm
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Hank L - 21:39 16-11-05
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Dude, an MiM Strat used should go for about $100 max in like new condition.
Don't buy from a pawn shop, they are hip to guitar freaks nowadays. Once in
a blue moon you find a deal but rarely.
Having said that, I bought a Mexican Strat that was passed off to me as an
American standard. Back then I did not know how to read serial numbers. But
when I found out, I could not lie and say it was suddenly a piece of crap
because to be honest it played and sounded better than any Strat I ever
played except for a NOS '57 that a buddy owned (not that I was a Strat
connoisseur and had played them all but I'd had my share.)
Look at MusiciansFriend and Music123, etc. Right now MF has "Blem" Fat
Strats for $314.00. For about $100 more you can get a brand new guitar with
maybe a scratch or ding in the paint. And you get to pick your color. Plus
if you are near a Guitar Center you can get quality Strats on a good day for
less than what the pawn shop wants. I live about 200 miles from Hollywood
Ca. and have been down there when they do "Truck Load" sales and they
practically give stuff like MiM's away. I was there one time maybe a year
ago and they had a blow out sale, selling them for $169.00 with a gig bag.
If this guitar float's your boat, then $210.00 is not unreasonable, but
look around.
Hank L.
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar -
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Thanks guys! Still looking around. Man, is there EVER a ton of guitar
makers making LP copies. Tons to sort through!!! I've been going back
and forth between manufacturers' sites, e-bay, and google groups so
much I think my computer is pissed!
The Deans do look nice. I'll have to find a dealer and try one out. I
have yet to go to the Schlecter site, but I'm still making my rounds!!!
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - kitekrazy - 22:13 16-11-05
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Hank L wrote:
> Dude, an MiM Strat used should go for about $100 max in like new condition.<
Well it's rare if a MIM Fender anything would go for a $100.
The best solution is to go play some guitars and trust yourself.
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Hank L - 22:19 16-11-05
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You know what. Those of us who "were there when" and have been fortunate
to enough to have "lived to see the day" are very fortunate indeed.
In 1991 a new music store opened in a nearby town. It was a meager start
up shot. The owner turned out to be a gem and we became good friends. But in
the beginning it was just what he could scrounge up to hang on the wall. He
rented a house that was zoned commercial. The owner needed something
commercial to exist. My buddy said, '"Hey, a music store would be cool". The
rest is history, he is doing very well.
Anyway, one of the only guitar's he had was a Mexican Tele. I was appalled
at the true shit this guitar was. A gap in the neck joint of at least 1/16th
on both side, the frets were like metal files, the electronics sounded like
a Rap scratcher, the paint was orange peel deluxe etc. etc. I wrote off
Mexico as an inferior copy of Japan of the 50's. Well, lo and behold, as I
mentioned in my previous post (owning a MiM Strat) MiM is not a bad word
anymore at least with Fender guitars. As I understand Fender put a boat load
of capitol into the...I forgot where the factory is, but anyway they make
very good guitars. You might want to upgrade the electronics, but what you
save in your initial purchase you get a pretty decent axe. And besides, how
many of us put custom elec. in an American guitar??? Hmmmmm lol.
I'm not the champion of Mexican guitar's, just adding my own little story.
Hank L.
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar -
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Again, thanks for the reply and the story! I think I will pick up the
MIM strat for $210 if I can't find another deal any better. I can't
play the guitars that are online, so I won't buy one online (even if it
was a US Strat or a Gibson).
The one in the pawn shop just feels right... But I'm going to Austin
Saturday and will hit every music and pawn shop in between on the way
before I buy the one here. In any case, I sort of have a collection
going, so for $210 or so, it is nice looking enough to have hanging
around. After all, before I had my US Strat, I played a Squire on
stage! I sanded all of the crappy paint off, lowered the action and
put some heavy strings on it and it did ok. Maple neck was ok, but I
didn't like the shape (fat and round). I took a job in waco (for a pay
cut) a few years ago and had to sell the US Strat. Now I'm making more
than I was in Dallas and working less hours, will probably find another
band to play with. So if I could make a Squire work, I think I can
make this one work!
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Dave - 07:57 17-11-05
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"Steven Johnson" <steve9199@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:aBRef.9458$Cw4.5449@fe03.lga...
> Look into Cort guitars. I currently have 1 (Had 2 but had to sell
one)...a
> Matt "Guitar" Murphy signature model. They play decent right out of the
> box, and with a proper setup play even better. Also Ibanez makes a decent
> electric guitar. If you're looking for a "bang for the buck" deal, those
> are 2 to start with.
>
> Happy hunting, Steve
>
> I think my cheap Ibanez RG370DX was made by Cort,according to the serial
number.
>It's pretty good quality but i'm still a bit undecided because there are
things i don't like on it.
>The tremelo arm aint great and the new inf pickups don't sound as good as
my LP Copy.
>The construction is great though,and the neck is very nice!
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Re: Ramblings about guitar shopping - looking for a new guitar - Dr. Zontar - 08:30 17-11-05
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jo_jo_jail@yahoo.com wrote:
> 1) I found a Mexi Strat in a local pawn shop that has a rosewood
> fingerboard with a wide and flat neck (I prefer this kind). It plays
> ok, the action is a little high due to -I think- the tremolo unit
> having too light of springs in it. The back of the bridge is up in the
> air, which I think is making the action high in the upper frets. I
> think I can fix this with proper setup. It's at a good price and is
> really near mint condition. $210. I'm tempted.
This can fixed easily. Like you said, you can use heavier (or more)
springs. Or you can tighten the screws on the top front of the trem.
You won't be able to dive-bomb, but it will lower the bridge. Plus,
each saddle has allen screws to adjust height.
I have a '99 Mexican Strat, and I love it. I got it for $300 new. It
sounds and plays better than my friend's $700 Strat Plus (but then
again, that guitar has Lace Sensor pickups, which can make anything
sound bad).
> 2) I also like the gibson LP sound for some things I play and switched
> back and forth when we were gigging. I've read that MANY LPs have
> intonation problems. Are there any knock-offs that don't (no, I'm not
> buying anything as expensive as a PRS)? I heard that the Epiphones may
> not have this problem as much. I like them as well. And, don't stone
> me, but I picked up a Silvertone LP knock-off that played better than
> my Studio.
I have an Epiphone SG that plays great. I had to replace the pickups,
but otherwise it's great. I've played several Epi LPs in stores, and
like them a lot. The Silvertone you tried was probably built in the
same factory where Epiphones are made. I've also heard some great
things about Agile LP copies (www.Rondomusic.com).
> Criteria? Playability. I could care less about a name brand or buying
> a US Strat if I can set this Mexi strat up to play well. I like the
> Gibson Les Pauls, but have picked up a few copies that have had
> incredible actions and necks and felt really comfortable. Anything I
> should look out for? Any suggestions?
We're living in the Golden Age of Cheap Guitars. I haven't really seen
any really BAD ones come out in a while. But if you're buying used,
there's still a lot of old crap out there.
- Rich
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