Music Electric Guitar Purchase Looming

DMAC · 09-26-2014, 03:32 PM

I've been playing acoustic 6 string for about 5-6 years now and I am drooling to get an electric.

I have no idea where to begin. I do know the sound I want to achieve but am clueless how to get there. The sound is pretty close to this song:

What do I need besides an axe and amp? Humbuckers, pickups, hiccups, humpickers? Teach me, planet.

**alpha_omega** · 09-26-2014, 03:38 PM

I am sure someone will come along that knows more than me, but let's start with....

What's your budget?

DMAC · 09-26-2014, 03:53 PM

500-800 would be nice.

**Ragged Robin** · 09-26-2014, 07:08 PM

Lots and lots of avenues to go here, it's really up to you. It's always a good idea to go to a shop and try a few out so that you know what to expect, maybe ask the dudes there for some advice. IMO I suggest finding a favorite guitarist and getting a knock off version of what they play (Epiphone anyone?). I'm partial to getting something classy like a 50s telecaster remake off a medium sized clean tube amp and then stringing your effects pedals onto it, but that's just me EDIT: err yeah this would be way over your budget though. I used to have an Epiphone Dot with Seymour Duncan Jazz+Distoration + Tromolo arc/bar thing plugged into a solid state Randall half-stack. Assorted BOSS pedals vibrato, flanger, digital delay and a Proco RAT2 (I was really into Blur). Then I sold it all and bought a banjo..

RobBlake · 09-26-2014, 07:26 PM

i wouldn't get single coil pick ups *most teles come stock with them*.. i suggest humbucker pickups or you can get a humbucker pedal and keep a single coil. Prob Orange Amp + fuzz pedal + tube screamer + Blues Delay

i play indie/alt/groovy/rock *lol*

i have a simple set up. Polytune *great tuner* Boss Delay + Line6 DL4 delay + MXR Analog Delay *atmospheric* hooked into a VOX 15ac1. Classic Vibe Tele sun burst

Braincase · 09-26-2014, 08:15 PM

Neck shape matters. When I first started playing, I liked Ibanez, but after I got an Ibanez with a wizard neck, I started cramping in my left hand. Reason? My hand size. I'm 6'2", and my hands fit better on an old style Gibson "C" neck (50's style Les Paul) than the thinner necks of the newer Ibanez guitars. Find a neck shape first. Then question feel - do you like maple, rosewood or ebony on the fretboard? Then examine your fret options. Do you want speed bumps that give you incredible feel on your vibrato, or do you want a fretless wonder like an SG where you can play faster?

**Gadzooks** · 09-30-2014, 10:57 PM

The following are important when purchasing a guitar

Action - The distance between the fret and string. This is important to avoid calluses and, thus, a hatred towards your guitar
Neck thickness - It's thought that a thinner neck is designed for the faster player. This isn't always the case since Joe Satriani sports the fattest neck in the free world. finding a comfort zone is not often easy
Neck finish - Sanded necks are often easier to maneuver than their lacquered counterparts. Again, this is a matter of preference
Whammy or no Whammy?- Whammy bars are teh gheh and will ruin most guitars tuning based on any slack in the headstock. People who are teh ghey like them though.

The bottom line is that you're looking for comfort for playing. Your next question will certainly be about effects.
If you want to sound like that band, you're going to require a 2 to 3 hundred dollar effect pedal.

RobBlake · 09-30-2014, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadzooks

The following are important when purchasing a guitar

Action - The distance between the fret and string. This is important to avoid calluses and, thus, a hatred towards your guitar
Neck thickness - It's thought that a thinner neck is designed for the faster player. This isn't always the case since Joe Satriani sports the fattest neck in the free world. finding a comfort zone is not often easy
Neck finish - Sanded necks are often easier to maneuver than their lacquered counterparts. Again, this is a matter of preference
Whammy or no Whammy?- Whammy bars are teh gheh and will ruin most guitars tuning based on any slack in the headstock. People who are teh ghey like them though.

The bottom line is that you're looking for comfort for playing. Your next question will certainly be about effects.
If you want to sound like that band, you're going to require a 2 to 3 hundred dollar effect pedal.

You think Guitar center is a good place to get my guitar intonated.. i've played guitar a long time but just NOW interested in really being serious about maintaining an axe that fits me instead of settling.

also wanna note.. string gauge plays a role

**Gadzooks** · 10-01-2014, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobBlake

You think Guitar center is a good place to get my guitar intonated.. i've played guitar a long time but just NOW interested in really being serious about maintaining an axe that fits me instead of settling.

also wanna note.. string gauge plays a role

Adjusting a guitar's intonation can easily be learned on line. No need to pay 20 bucks for something you can do for free.

You're right about the string gauge. A lighter gauge allows for easier bending, while a heavier gauge tends to provide a ballsier sound.

There are Hybrid versions as well. I'd start with a light gauge (9).

**Gadzooks** · 10-01-2014, 12:57 AM

I probably shouldn't be making suggestions since I've been playing since I was 12, (25+ years), and my guitar is more "tricked out" than a Chiefs fan's Camaro.

salame · 10-01-2014, 01:06 AM

I googled Oceansize
they use SGs and Les Pauls

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/gibson-sg

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/les-paul

High end Epiphones have always treated me right

Earthling · 10-01-2014, 02:07 AM

Checked out the pawn shops, or Craigs list? You might find a really nice guitar there from someone needing cash. I sold my Gibson Les Paul Jr and Ibanez Custom when I switched to Bass guitar (G & L). Still have my acoustics though...Martin and Laprinzi. Good luck on your hunt.

Dayze · 10-01-2014, 07:07 AM

depending on what your'e looking for, I have some extra guitars laying around.

I have a Kramer with a Floyd Rose that I never play (if you're into that sort of tremelo/playing). it's mint.

hit me up if you're interested and I can get a pic; and I'd let it go for a CPer for a good discount (>$250)/ to a good home.

TambaBerry · 10-01-2014, 07:22 AM

I have a Gibson les Paul smartwood series guitar that I've been looking to sell.

**Easy 6** · 10-01-2014, 08:42 AM

As previously mentioned, Epiphone makes an excellent beginners electric, my Ep SG is one of my all time favorites, its so easy to play and sounds great right out of the box.

For most rocks sounds, stick with humbuckers.

If you just have to have a whammy bar, make damn sure its a Floyd Rose style with locking nuts, or you'll only spend all of your time retuning... but to get started with electric, skip it altogether IMO.

As mentioned, Randall makes an excellent amp, I also had a half stack that I loved... but if you dont wanna spend that much, Crate makes a slew of smaller practice amps that are perfect for distorted rock styles. They have the best off the shelf distortion out there IMO and even the smallest ones are very loud, and as stated, can give you a wide variety of distorted tones without the need for aftermarket effects.

To get started with effects for not much dough, stick with the BOSS pedals... delay, compressor and overdrive were my three favorites.

09-26-2014, 03:32 PM
DMAC MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $10008735	Electric Guitar Purchase Looming I've been playing acoustic 6 string for about 5-6 years now and I am drooling to get an electric. I have no idea where to begin. I do know the sound I want to achieve but am clueless how to get there. The sound is pretty close to this song: What do I need besides an axe and amp? Humbuckers, pickups, hiccups, humpickers? Teach me, planet.
Posts: 11,651

09-26-2014, 03:38 PM	#2
alpha_omega Supporter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Liberty Casino cash: $1511251	I am sure someone will come along that knows more than me, but let's start with.... What's your budget?
Posts: 16,750

09-26-2014, 03:53 PM	#3
DMAC MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $10008735	500-800 would be nice.
Posts: 11,651

09-26-2014, 07:26 PM	#5
RobBlake Banned Join Date: Aug 2013 Casino cash: $10011127	i wouldn't get single coil pick ups most teles come stock with them.. i suggest humbucker pickups or you can get a humbucker pedal and keep a single coil. Prob Orange Amp + fuzz pedal + tube screamer + Blues Delay i play indie/alt/groovy/rock lol i have a simple set up. Polytune great tuner Boss Delay + Line6 DL4 delay + MXR Analog Delay atmospheric hooked into a VOX 15ac1. Classic Vibe Tele sun burst
Posts: 7,127

09-26-2014, 08:15 PM	#6
Braincase Banned Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pond> Me <Barn Casino cash: $11298284	Neck shape matters. When I first started playing, I liked Ibanez, but after I got an Ibanez with a wizard neck, I started cramping in my left hand. Reason? My hand size. I'm 6'2", and my hands fit better on an old style Gibson "C" neck (50's style Les Paul) than the thinner necks of the newer Ibanez guitars. Find a neck shape first. Then question feel - do you like maple, rosewood or ebony on the fretboard? Then examine your fret options. Do you want speed bumps that give you incredible feel on your vibrato, or do you want a fretless wonder like an SG where you can play faster? __________________ BrainCase
Posts: 15,429

09-30-2014, 10:57 PM	#7
Gadzooks MFIC Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tromsø, Norway Casino cash: $3829219	The following are important when purchasing a guitar Action - The distance between the fret and string. This is important to avoid calluses and, thus, a hatred towards your guitar Neck thickness - It's thought that a thinner neck is designed for the faster player. This isn't always the case since Joe Satriani sports the fattest neck in the free world. finding a comfort zone is not often easy Neck finish - Sanded necks are often easier to maneuver than their lacquered counterparts. Again, this is a matter of preference Whammy or no Whammy?- Whammy bars are teh gheh and will ruin most guitars tuning based on any slack in the headstock. People who are teh ghey like them though. The bottom line is that you're looking for comfort for playing. Your next question will certainly be about effects. If you want to sound like that band, you're going to require a 2 to 3 *hundred* dollar effect pedal.
Posts: 7,771

10-01-2014, 12:57 AM	#10
Gadzooks MFIC Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tromsø, Norway Casino cash: $3829219	I probably shouldn't be making suggestions since I've been playing since I was 12, (25+ years), and my guitar is more "tricked out" than a Chiefs fan's Camaro.
Posts: 7,771	1 0

10-01-2014, 01:06 AM	#11
salame Under the Sofa Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10010607	I googled Oceansize they use SGs and Les Pauls http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/gibson-sg http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/les-paul High end Epiphones have always treated me right
Posts: 4,907

10-01-2014, 02:07 AM	#12
Earthling MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Casino cash: $10008447	Checked out the pawn shops, or Craigs list? You might find a really nice guitar there from someone needing cash. I sold my Gibson Les Paul Jr and Ibanez Custom when I switched to Bass guitar (G & L). Still have my acoustics though...Martin and Laprinzi. Good luck on your hunt. __________________ AND SOMETIMES IT'S NOT SO EASY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR ONLY FRIEND TALKS SEES LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE YOU AND YOU DO JUST THE SAME AS HIM -Jiimi Hendrix
Posts: 5,995

10-01-2014, 07:07 AM	#13
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $5059358	depending on what your'e looking for, I have some extra guitars laying around. I have a Kramer with a Floyd Rose that I never play (if you're into that sort of tremelo/playing). it's mint. hit me up if you're interested and I can get a pic; and I'd let it go for a CPer for a good discount (>$250)/ to a good home. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy Last edited by Dayze; 10-01-2014 at 07:30 AM..
Posts: 37,371

10-01-2014, 07:22 AM	#14
TambaBerry MVP Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $1545541	I have a Gibson les Paul smartwood series guitar that I've been looking to sell.
Posts: 10,615

10-01-2014, 08:42 AM	#15
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3587775	As previously mentioned, Epiphone makes an excellent beginners electric, my Ep SG is one of my all time favorites, its so easy to play and sounds great right out of the box. For most rocks sounds, stick with humbuckers. If you just have to have a whammy bar, make damn sure its a Floyd Rose style with locking nuts, or you'll only spend all of your time retuning... but to get started with electric, skip it altogether IMO. As mentioned, Randall makes an excellent amp, I also had a half stack that I loved... but if you dont wanna spend that much, Crate makes a slew of smaller practice amps that are perfect for distorted rock styles. They have the best off the shelf distortion out there IMO and even the smallest ones are very loud, and as stated, can give you a wide variety of distorted tones without the need for aftermarket effects. To get started with effects for not much dough, stick with the BOSS pedals... delay, compressor and overdrive were my three favorites.
Posts: 91,813