Thinking of buying a new guitar: Any I should try out? | Forums

[SeattleSauve]

I bought a PRS Allender SE and a EPS LTD Viper 330... I like them, but I always seem to go back to my Strat and Tele... I don't know why (actually, I do - it's the XJ frets and the 24 fret scale on the two "Metal" guitars).

I haven't put much time on a 24 fret guitar, is the scale that much different that it makes you not want to play it? I only spent a few mins on the Schector, but the scale didn't seem to be a big problem for me, I'm wondering if it will be after I spend serious time with one...

[SeattleSauve]

What Epi LP do you have? If it's say a standard or LE, then maybe it's time to branch to another maker, such as Fender.
As far as playing anything you can get your hands on, this may be a double edged sword. IDK about stores elsewhere, but the GC here doesn't setup anything they have on their walls. Which IMO means that it'll be hit or miss on play-ability. Just food for thought.

It's actually a weird model I'm having a hard time finding online. It was called a 'studio standard', but it is the same weight as the heavier standard, but has a bolt-on neck like the studio did. So it's some hybrid between the studio and the standard model. I know it's kinda lame to have a bolt-on neck on a LP, but it sounds good

[HoboBobulus]

I don't know, my father had a strat growing up, but when I moved to the Les Paul I started really loving the thick, gritty tone of the humbuckers. I like a sound with a ton of punch, and depth. Honestly I haven't played a strat in over 10 years, I just remember feeling very naked when I played the strat without the depth helping to fill in my sound.

Fair enough. I like my strat, but I've been putting a lot of time and a little bit of money into getting it the way I want it. It's like a hobby in and of itself.

[SeattleSauve]

Haven't heard from our resident moderator who owns like 50 guitars... Do I have to report this thread to get RCole to weigh in?

[rcole_sooner]

I thought everyone was doing good.

I'm sure the OP has a guitar type in mind.

But like everyone has said, just go play as many as you can find.

My only advice, would be if none of 'em feel right, then don't push it. Eventually something will rise to the top of your want list, then you can fork out the $$$.

[SeattleSauve]

I thought everyone was doing good.
I'm sure the OP has a guitar type in mind.
But like everyone has said, just go play as many as you can find.
My only advice, would be if none of 'em feel right, then don't push it. Eventually something will rise to the top of your want list, then you can fork out the $$$.

Yeah, man I wish I had more time to spend trying out guitars.

Right now I'm trending towards the Schector Hellraiser if I can find one that actually works right, here is why:
1) It comes with a fixed bridge version so tuning won't be an issue
2) It has great access to the upper frets
3) Although it isn't 'light' it is lighter than my LP, so I'm more likely to play RS standing up with it
4) It 'should' have a really deep crunchy tone with those active EMGs that will sound mean, and punchy
5) Will probably be able to get a really low action on it for more shreddy-type stuff
6) Price is actually really reasonable
7) Relatively versatile since you can swap between single and double coil easy

That said, I'm not sure how I'll feel about the scale difference between that and the Les Paul. I didn't notice it as an issue when I was in the shop, but it might be different when I spend a lot of time with it.

So, I'm going to try out some of the ideas posted here next time I get to go to the shop too and do some playback comparisons. I feel like I have a great blues and hard rock guitar in the Les Paul that I have (unless I want to upgrade that to a gibson), but it doesn't feel right for the Satch/Megadeth/Metallica-ish songs.

[rchiav]

I'm no gearhead either (bigtime) but if and when I buy another guitar I'll be looking closely at Carvin. I suspect the bangforbuck is very good even if its not such a a prestige name (for those who value these things highly)
Iit looks like minimum $1000+ though for a 24 fret

I'd love to order a Carvin, but I really don't want to buy before I try.Seattle, if you ever get down to San Diego, you can visit them there and try them out.

[breenon]

Definately try the PRS SE range. The only problem I've had with mine is anything I play that is "better" costs far too much to be an option. I guess they would be considered high end budget guitars? Don't be tricked into thinking higher price = better guitar either. Heck even the Chinese Squier CV series of guitars can be bloody nice to play. Music stores are manned by musicians, they know what it's like and when you go in and say "I want to play everything please" they won't think you're some joy riding time waster and will be happy to show you a range of different guitars. Also don't be afraid to play at the store even if you're not a very good player. Everyone who is any good has started off being terrible, you might even pick up some helpful advice along the way.

The worst part is when you find 2 very different guitars that both tickle your fancy and you can't have both =/.

[rchiav]

I'd also reconsider the active pickups if you're also looking to use it for blues and lower gain old school rock. They may not be the best fit.

[SeattleSauve]

I'd also reconsider the active pickups if you're also looking to use it for blues and lower gain old school rock. They may not be the best fit.

Well, I'm not getting rid of my les paul, so that's my bluesy guitar.