Guitarists: Suggestions for a quality and versatile <$200 Electric Guitar? Amps, Too!

ElBajista · #1 07-12-2006, 06:54 PM

First off, this isn't for me.

My older brother asked me what I know about electric guitars, hoping that I could give him some advice on what to choose for a good first electric. I don't know much about our little 6-string "sisters"(

), so I thought that I should ask here.

His Info:

-He does play classical guitar, if that matters, so he's not a complete beginner to guitar but doesn't know anything about electrics.

-He doesn't know what kind of electric tone he likes, so he needs something versatile enough to help him find "his" sound and tide him over until he knows what he really wants.

-He doesn't need anything like a shortscale, and said that he prefers a more traditional body style and color.

-He said that he hopes to spend $200 or less, as he just wants something to get him started. Because of the extensive reviews on SX basses and my own good experience with them, I figured that maybe an SX or Agile guitar would be a good idea, so I'd prefer that we get something from Rondomusic.net.

My question is: What model or type of guitar would be good for a beginner? Keep in mind that it must be of fairly good quality, versatile, and around or less than $200.

Also, What kind of small amp would be good for him? He doesn't play out, and probably won't be, but needs something of fairly low price that sounds good. He probably would like it if it had effects built in, even if they sound cheap.

Suggestions?

steve21 · #2 07-12-2006, 07:03 PM

Anything Rondo... I'd prefer Agile in the guitar-realm, but SX is good too

ElBajista · #3 07-12-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

Anything Rondo... I'd prefer Agile in the guitar-realm, but SX is good too

I mentioned that we'll probably buy from Rondo, but I'm looking for some help in choosing a reasonably versatile style and pickup selection for a beginner. This way he'll be able to play around with different tones until he find what he likes, then he can buy his later guitars accordingly.

bassist15 · #4 07-12-2006, 07:40 PM

GEt a squier. I knwo everbody here hates there basses, but there guitars are really nice.the guitarist in my band started out on one and it was really nice and lasted him awhile. Thats my two cents

tplyons · #5 07-12-2006, 07:49 PM

I would recommend a Strat type with a humbucker in the bridge.

ElBajista · #6 07-12-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

I would recommend a Strat type with a humbucker in the bridge.

Thanks for the suggestion. What about when it comes to neck/middle pickups?

steve21 · #7 07-12-2006, 08:04 PM

Usually strats w/ buckers in the bridge have singles in the neck and mid.

And the H/S/S pickup style is honestly one of the most versatile styles there is.

If I were your brother I'd opt not to go for a tremolo, because in that price range you won't get anything too great and you'll be knocked outta tune faster than you can say howdy.

Personally I'd go for http://www.rondomusic.net/al2000hc.html

The neck pup will give decent enough cleans, and won't hum as much as neck singles (especially ona low end instrument).

ElBajista · #8 07-12-2006, 08:10 PM

I don't think he'd be interested in a tremelo, he mainly wants to play amplified classical-style guitar and the simple chord-only modern music he listens to.

I'll keep the H/S/S thing in mind, as well as that guitar you linked. Thanks!

ElBajista · #9 07-12-2006, 09:34 PM

About the amps: I found this little guy on the Rondo site.

Does anyone have any experience with this little amp? I know it's probably not the best, but it looks like it would serve my brother well, with the CD input, earphone out, and onboard effects.

tplyons · #10 07-12-2006, 09:41 PM

That's a decent amp.

I really recommend a Strat type, if you're worried about the tremolo, you can crank it down. Basically blocked. Just tighten the screws on the spring claw until the tremolo is solid against the body. Then set it up from there.

ElBajista · #11 07-13-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

That's a decent amp.

I really recommend a Strat type, if you're worried about the tremolo, you can crank it down. Basically blocked. Just tighten the screws on the spring claw until the tremolo is solid against the body. Then set it up from there.

Decent is all he needs.

You mean you think a Strat-type would be better than this one posted above?

Unless I missed it, it looks like Rondo doesn't have any strat-types with humbucker in the bridge, only 3 SC pickups.

Philbiker · #12 07-13-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

I mentioned that we'll probably buy from Rondo, but I'm looking for some help in choosing a reasonably versatile style and pickup selection for a beginner. This way he'll be able to play around with different tones until he find what he likes, then he can buy his later guitars accordingly.

Strat. I think they have a PRS copy also, I wonder if it has the zany multiswitch that PRS has.

Philbiker · #13 07-13-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

Unless I missed it, it looks like Rondo doesn't have any strat-types with humbucker in the bridge, only 3 SC pickups.

You missed it.

http://www.rondomusic.net/wf130tbk.html

Kind of expensive, but this would give a lot of options:

http://www.rondomusic.net/ps900chrome.html

ElBajista · #14 07-13-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

You missed it.

http://www.rondomusic.net/wf130tbk.html

Kind of expensive, but this would give a lot of options:

http://www.rondomusic.net/ps900chrome.html

Oops! Thanks for pointing that out.

How good is the consistency of quality on Douglas Guitars? I can definitely see him opting for that one, because of the price.

vindy500 · #15 07-13-2006, 12:34 PM

i vote a s s s strat. theres just something about the solo bringe single coil that speaks to me

steve21 · #16 07-13-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

You missed it.

http://www.rondomusic.net/wf130tbk.html

Kind of expensive, but this would give a lot of options:

http://www.rondomusic.net/ps900chrome.html

If i get into any kind of steady money (that I don't blow on effects) I'm considering a PS900

ElBajista · #17 07-14-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindy500

i vote a s s s strat. theres just something about the solo bringe single coil that speaks to me

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

TheSuzie · #18 07-14-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

-He does play classical guitar, if that matters, so he's not a complete beginner to guitar but doesn't know anything about electrics.

This makes a huge difference and is a major reason why he should visit a music store and try electrics. Why? Because a classical guitar tends to have a certain (wider) string spacing and a relatively flat fingerboard radius. Some electrics are going feel much more friendly to someone who uses classical fingerstyle and classical seating position than others. IMO he should try enough electruics to know what he is shooting for even if he does order online.

Peace,
S

BassGod · #19 07-15-2006, 11:08 AM

Here's a few choices you might consider. I'd argue that they're probably of higher quality than something from Rondo:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...age?sku=519712

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=516676

Graeme

ElBajista · #20 07-15-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

This makes a huge difference and is a major reason why he should visit a music store and try electrics. Why? Because a classical guitar tends to have a certain (wider) string spacing and a relatively flat fingerboard radius. Some electrics are going feel much more friendly to someone who uses classical fingerstyle and classical seating position than others. IMO he should try enough electruics to know what he is shooting for even if he does order online.

Peace,
S

I noticed this about Classical guitars, and I was wondering if that could pose a problem. I'm sure he could conform to the different feel, though.

The only problem is the closest music store to him is ScamCash, so that'll have to do. I have no idea what kind of selection that SamAsh has in the way of guitars, though.

I'll relay the info. Thanks!