Purchasing a guitar

[daddy_4_eyes]

I'm gonna buy my old man an electric guitar for x-mas. He already has one, but he describes it as a kids guitar so I thought I'd spoil him and buy him a quality one.

He's an experienced guitarist, has been playing well over 30 years and currently owns 4 guitars. So it needs to be something quality that can be better than what he owns and not just another average guitar added to the collection. Can anyone give me tips on what to look for? Brands? etc? Obviously I plan on consulting the salesman, but would like to go in there with enough knowledge to know what questions to ask and how not to be conned into buying some dud that they're trying to clear.

I plan on spending +/- $1,000, though I'm very flexible on this.

 

[omit]

what kinda music does he like playing most?

 

[HugeJohnson]

$1000 isn't going to get you a top of the range guitar but that being said there are still plenty of decent guitars around that price range. What type of music does he play? If he's more of a blues type player, have a look at fender, if he plays a bit of everything, check out ESP, Gibson, Ibanez. If he likes metal, BC Rich, Ibanez or Esp will porobably be your best bet.

 

[Roos4eva]

Maton's a quality Aussie brand with plenty of overseas musicians using their guitars (Pearl Jam, Queens of the Stone Age) and you shouldn't have much trouble finding a decent quality Maton Mastersound around the 1K mark.

But yeah, will be easier when we know what type of music he plays.

 

[mr_cellotape]

This isn't the simple answer you're looking for, but thought I'd post it anyway. You're going to want to get more info about the 4 guitars he already has, and what type/s of music he likes to play. What brand is the "kid's guitar" he currently has?

Unfortunately, $1k isn't a particularly significant investment in a guitar these days, but that depends on what he's currently got.

Your choice should end up being related to the circumstances; I could just list half a dozen brands, but if you're trying to get something that he'll a) really like, and b) actually use, it's probably best to find out what he's currently using and work from there.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

I'll find out what guitars he has, but I'd wager they're nothing particularly good as he has always been reluctant to spend big $$ on himself.

But I'll find out and let you guys know tonight, so please keep an eye on this thread as I really do appreciate the help.

What does he play? A bit of everything would be about right.
Recently I heard him playing metallica (One & nothing else matters).
Doesn't really play blues, and he certainly doesn't shred (unless to show off ).
But I'll get more info on this too.

So stand by guys.
And again, thanks.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

btw, I don't know what $1,000 buys. Just an amount I was hoping to stick to. In terms of quality, diminishing returns, etc, I dunno wtf $1,000 buys. So some advice on this would be very helpful too.

Am very flexible on this buying price, I want to get him something great, though obviously within reason as money doesn't grow on trees.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Ok, he has the following guitars:
Martinez - Classic
SX - Bass
Abilene - Acoustic
Samick - Electric

He's been recording himself on his laptop lately, these are the most recent songs he's recorded to give an idea of what he plays:
Bang Bang - Nancy Sinatra
Nothing else matters - Metallica
Turn the page - Metallica
Viva forever - Spice Girls
Epitaph - King Crimson
Dark Paradise - MattRach
Paw - Dzem
Wciaz bardziej obcy - Lady Pank

You'll have to youtube the last two to know what they are.

So advise away.

 

[mr_cellotape]

Ouch; a Samick Anything you get him will be an improvement on that.

Judging by that playlist, he'd need something versatile. Brands like:
Paul Reed Smith (generally expensive, but they make some lower-end models that are still quality, like their SE Custom)
Epiphone (I'd say Gibson here instead but they're all over a couple grand .. a standard Les Paul Custom is still a solid guitar)
Ibanez (to a lesser extent, but they're still better than alot of what's going around)

I personally dislike Fenders, possibly irrationally so, so I'm not really up on what'd be good from them at your price range (possibly a standard Telecaster?)

Probably avoid brands like ESP (more for metal music), and cheap-n-nasties like Yamaha.

Just my 2c.

 

[strauchy]

to be honest mate, the amplifier will probably make a bigger difference. even some effect pedals aswel.
but if you're looking at a guitar you could try a Gibson SG.
ive been using that and it goes well. i play metallica aswell..along with a bit of blues here n there. the pedal gives different effects so he can chose any kind of sound he wants.
but if your after a guitar go for it.

 

[The Kipster]

buy him a Brian Setzer signature model Gretch and he will be suitably impressed...on sale for about 6 kilo but well worth the coin

 

[J_Moore]

Maton's go well.

There's an Australian brand called Monterey whose guitars, I feel, offer a great sound for the price.

If you're after big international brands, people have already mentioned Ibanez and Epiphone. Epiphones were originally Gibson's budget -line guitars, but they're decent guitars in their own right nowadays.

For a bit over a grand, you could probably also take a look at Mexican-made Fenders. These are great guitars, mostly made from the same materials as their American-made models. Just made in Mexico. If he's after a nice versatile, classic guitar, it's difficult to go past a Stratocaster.

Or, even better, a Telecaster with a humbucker pickup - you get a great range of sound from one of these.

 

[Roos4eva]

Maton's go well.

There's an Australian brand called Monterey whose guitars, I feel, offer a great sound for the price.

If you're after big international brands, people have already mentioned Ibanez and Epiphone. Epiphones were originally Gibson's budget -line guitars, but they're decent guitars in their own right nowadays.

For a bit over a grand, you could probably also take a look at Mexican-made Fenders. These are great guitars, mostly made from the same materials as their American-made models. Just made in Mexico. If he's after a nice versatile, classic guitar, it's difficult to go past a Stratocaster.

Or, even better, a Telecaster with a humbucker pickup - you get a great range of sound from one of these.

Yep, and I managed to get a Mexican Strat that was reduced down to $750 from $1k all because they didn't stock that colour (green) anymore.

 

[bunsen burner]

1. Maton is still well priced and it is highly regarded
2. If you can get one of those Mex Fender strats it'd be a huge step up from a Sammick. He is right - Sammick is a kids guitar. It's a bottom of the range strat copy learner guitar for about $180 new. Pretty sure I've still got a little Sammick amp.
3. If you want to spoil him go a Gibson Flying V or a Gibson SG (the one Angus Young usually plays), Does he play standing up or sitting down? if he sits most of the time you can rule out the Flying V.

 

[hamG]

I have a Gibson V and you can play them sitting down, just sit the wedge around your thigh

For ~1k I would be looking at a Jackson DK2, Schecter C1, ESP LTD series M/MH, Epiphone Les Paul Custom.

But I have to say guitars are something very personal for me, if someone bought me an expensive guitar that I didn't want (ie a Fender) I just wouldn't like it. Maybe you need to gauge what he might want, or maybe he would be super happy just to have something electric that isn't a Samick

 

[bunsen burner]

I have a Gibson V and you can play them sitting down, just sit the wedge around your thigh

For ~1k I would be looking at a Jackson DK2, Schecter C1, ESP LTD series M/MH, Epiphone Les Paul Custom.

But I have to say guitars are something very personal for me, if someone bought me an expensive guitar that I didn't want (ie a Fender) I just wouldn't like it. Maybe you need to gauge what he might want, or maybe he would be super happy just to have something electric that isn't a Samick

At least Sammick is better than Nuffick.

</Mick Jagger accent>

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Thanks guys.
Seems like its gonna be a tough choice as so many brands were named.

BB, my old man plays sitting down. I honestly have never seen him play standing up, so the Gibson Flying V isn't an option I spose. Will have a talk to salesman, might up my budget depending on what they say.

 

[citizen-erased]

im only guessing cos your an eagles supporter that you're in WA, but if thats the case, http://www.therockinn.com/ check that place out.
have some axes for decent prices. tokai gear is very nice for about a grand.

 

[strung_out7]

japanese fender or burny sg or les paul are good value for 800ish off ebay.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-SCHHELLC1FR.html

Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR

The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR featuring EMG Active pickups & Floyd Rose Tremolo. The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR is the first Schecter guitar to feature the EMG active humbuckers. Other great features include TonePros Tune-o-matics with Floyd Rose Tremolo, set-in 3-piece mahogany neck with 24 fret rosewood fingerboard and Grover tuners. The 25 1/2" Hellraiser C-1 features an arched 'classic' mahogany body. The Gloss Black version is outfitted with Black Pearl binding and Black hardware. The Black Cherry version adds a Quilted Maple top, Abalone binding and Black Chrome hardware. Both are armed with the EMG Active 81TW/89 pickup combination.

Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR Specifications:

* CONSTRUCTION/SCALE: Set-Neck w/ Ultra Access /25.5"
* BODY: Mahogany w/ Quilted Maple Top
* NECK/FINGERBOARD: 3-pc. Mahogany/Rosewood
* FRETS: 24 X-Jumbo
* INLAYS: Gothic Cross
* PICKUPS: EMG active 81TW/89
* ELECTRONICS: Vol(tap)/Vol(tap)/Tone/3-way switch
* BRIDGE: Original Floyd Rose Tremolo
* BINDING: Abalone
* TUNERS: Grover
* HARDWARE: Black Chrome
* COLORS AVAILABLE: Black Cherry (BCH), Gloss Black (BK)White (WHT)



I've read glowing reviews of it on the net.
With shipping costs it comes to $1,341.29.

Thoughts?

 

[DJ Dupree]

http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-SCHHELLC1FR.html

Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR

The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR featuring EMG Active pickups & Floyd Rose Tremolo. The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR is the first Schecter guitar to feature the EMG active humbuckers. Other great features include TonePros Tune-o-matics with Floyd Rose Tremolo, set-in 3-piece mahogany neck with 24 fret rosewood fingerboard and Grover tuners. The 25 1/2" Hellraiser C-1 features an arched 'classic' mahogany body. The Gloss Black version is outfitted with Black Pearl binding and Black hardware. The Black Cherry version adds a Quilted Maple top, Abalone binding and Black Chrome hardware. Both are armed with the EMG Active 81TW/89 pickup combination.

Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR Specifications:

* CONSTRUCTION/SCALE: Set-Neck w/ Ultra Access /25.5"
* BODY: Mahogany w/ Quilted Maple Top
* NECK/FINGERBOARD: 3-pc. Mahogany/Rosewood
* FRETS: 24 X-Jumbo
* INLAYS: Gothic Cross
* PICKUPS: EMG active 81TW/89
* ELECTRONICS: Vol(tap)/Vol(tap)/Tone/3-way switch
* BRIDGE: Original Floyd Rose Tremolo
* BINDING: Abalone
* TUNERS: Grover
* HARDWARE: Black Chrome
* COLORS AVAILABLE: Black Cherry (BCH), Gloss Black (BK)White (WHT)



I've read glowing reviews of it on the net.
With shipping costs it comes to $1,341.29.

Thoughts?

I have a Schecter C+1, bought it about 6 years ago for $1,600 and have found it to be a very good all-round guitar, suitable for most types of music. Beautiful tone and easy to play.

Also around that price range, I have a Epiphone Les Paul - decent tone, suitable for most types of music as well, but I've always found that it doesn't hold it's tune very well and is not the easiest to play. On the tuning: I find that if a chord sounds tuneful one way (for example, an open D), it will sound disgusting another way (eg bar D chord 10th fret). Something to do with the neck perhaps? I haven't had that problem with anything else other than the real cheapies.

Fender strats, or even the Squire versions are very enjoyable to play and seem to suit most 'dad' bands

But anything Schecter, you're on to a winner. Hell, even if one day he goes through a nu-metal phase (god help him if he does), he can put .52 strings on and tune down and it sounds as good as most low range 7 strings I've come across.

 

[bubblegoose]

Looking at your requirements mate, I'd be leaning towards a Fender strat. I'd also suggest a nice little distortion pedal to bring the guitar to life

 

[Tex_21]

Epiphone (I'd say Gibson here instead but they're all over a couple grand .. a standard Les Paul Custom is still a solid guitar)

Epiphone Les Paul Custom.

I'm with these guys. FOr around the $1k mark, Epiphone make some decent guitars. 1959 Les Paul Replica, in Sunburst Orange. Hell Yeah. THough, maybe biased because of my irrational man-love for Slash.