Money to spend - suggestions....?

[dangarfield]

Hi guys, you all seem like you know your stuff in here so I'm just going to be straight. I've got to the point where I'm getting pretty bored of my sound and I want a bit of a change, here is what I have and what I want.

Current equipment:

Marshall JCM2000 TSL100 Head
Marshall 1960a 4x12 cab
TC Electronic G-Major
Behringer FCB 1010
Jackson Warrior MG w/stock EMG-HZ's (6 year old model)

Basic Shopping List (other rack equipment will come as and when:

Mesa Boogie Triaxis
Mesa Booge 2:90/2:100
Decent Ibanez

Possible Ibanez's:

Jem7V or EBMM BFR- Ideal
RG 2570 - Looks like a decent prestige model (with edge-zero)
RG 2550 - Again good, can get one secondhand for about £350, is it worth it? (2006 model)
RG 1820x - with the piezo.

Basically, I'm not sure what to upgrade first, amp or guitar. The rack setup will take a little longer to get everything and I'm just concerned that my guitar sucks to be honest.

When I bought the Jackson I was all metalled up but my tastes have expanded since then, its not that great at all. I was (at some point) going to upgrade it to EMG 81/85's, but haven't done this yet, at some point this will end up being my second guitar with the new EMGs. I'll pretty much be changing the pickups on the RG's if I get them. So the choices are:

a) Upgrade to 81/85's on the Jackson, just get the Mesa gear quickly.
b) Buy the secondhand RG2550 for cheap and upgrade pups before getting the mesa gear.
c) Get either a new/decent condition version of the RG2570 or the RG1820x, then the mesa gear comes later.
d) Save for the Jem/BFR for the time being before getting the Mesa stuff.

So, suggestions please!

Also, have any of you guys made your own cables? I'm just thinking of ways to cut costs and I think I'm going to use some good materials to make my own, has anyone any experience with making their own?

Cheers!
Dan

[Eggy]

Hiya mate and welcome to Jemsite !

The following is ALL personal opinion.....

If your looking to change your sound I'd suggestest that swapping from EMG hz's to 81/85's isn't gonna get you much of a difference when coupled with the rest of your gear. The G-major and the Behringer are the main of your sound when coupled with EMG's . If you realy want to have a change then I'd advise having a go with a PAF or PAF pro equiped guitar that goes into your amp with just a tube screamer, delay and wah on the floor. It sounds drastic I know but you can achieve everything from metal to blues with that set up.

Hope this helps a bit, look out guitar shops cos here you come.

Ben

[Wild_Child]

This really depends on how long it's going to take. That is some serious kit you have wishlisted.

If there's nothing wrong with the amp you have, then I would say go with the guitar. The JCM2000 is versatile enough to do most things and won't really be out of place for any style of music.

The same can't really be said for the warrior. I mean, you can change the pickups, but the guitar is still going to be screaming 'METAL, THAT'S ALL I WANT YOU TO PLAY ON ME'. Besides, what's the point in spending money on pickups for a guitar you don't like when you're going to be changing it somewhere down the line anyway? The rest is really up to you, and your wallet. If it were me, I would go with the RG1820x, but I don't really have any desire for a Jem. Just go out there and try them.

You have a solid amp. That stuff can be sorted out once you have the right guitar in your hands.

[ColinMmmmm]

Looking at your gear I'd say a new axe is in order. An RG2550, with stock pickups will sound very different than your MG. Try it out, and then decide if you want to swap 'em (you might decide to keep 'em and save some $$).

Just my opinion . . .

[xklusivly4u]

^^^ thats right. New axe first since you have a decent rig. Whether RG or JEM is your choice.

[chris101]

Yeah a TSL100 and G-Major is pretty high end and versatile kit, why bother changing it, concentrate on getting a more versatile guitar, RG1820 would be a good move.

[Of Angels]

Well... do you like the way your guitar feels? If you're agitated or unhappy with any aspect of the feel of the guitar, then get a new guitar. Any Prestige should feel amazing and that may put new life into your rig. It'll at least hold you over until you can afford a new amp.

[JoshuaLogan]

ditch the amp and cab first....

[JoshuaLogan]

Originally Posted by chris101

Yeah a TSL100 and G-Major is pretty high end and versatile kit, why bother changing it, concentrate on getting a more versatile guitar, RG1820 would be a good move.

no...... it's not....

[shotgunlew]

Originally Posted by JoshuaLogan

no...... it's not....

For some people it may be high end brother, no need to dog gear out. Me for example, ive been playing for 9 years and was a pretty good player till i broke my hand in a fist fight ( had to re learn everything cus bones are fubar) and my gears medeoker at best. Granted his amp isnt a diezel or engl but its still a nice amp. I would change guitar first if you dont like how you current axe feels.