New RG1550 - 2003 for $475 ?

[csjoco]

Hi All!

First let me introduce myself, I am Joe and I am hungarian, but now I am working in China ...
My very old dream to play guitar and now it seem I have a chance to starting
I found some guitar shop here and I evaluate the selection and evaluate the prices and read forums and ... so I found a new RG1550BK for $475.
I think it is a good price, but I am a beginner and I have some question.

- Is it good for the beginner or first you suggest me a cheaper one( Squier bullet fot $100) ? ( I read, for the beginning enough good but I like the cool stuff )

- What can I check on the guitar?

- Which kind of accasories needed at the beinning?

- Which kind of amplifier do you advice me which is fit for this guitar?

Thanks in advance

BTW , I also find a RG470 for $750 and RG GXWB-WM for $500

Peace
Joe

[sindlei]

1550 is a very fine instrument, when beginning, always get the best possible equipment, this will increase the chance you'll stick with it, and the stuff will retain a bit of value, where as a squier bullet may discourage you from playing, and a horrible amp as well...and these hold 0 value. the 470 is a good instrument, many people don't like it because of the TRSII tremolo, but a 1550 is ALOT better imo than a 470, first of all it's got a really nice tremolo system, and a prestige neck. as for an amplifier, the more bucks you put into this area, usually the better off you are, if you're in almost 500 on the guitar already, depending on your budget, you might want to hold back money on the amp, a small 1x8,10 or 12" is plenty for bedroom playing and self practice. personally, the peavey rage 158 did it's job fine for me as a practice amp, the distortion on it is nothing to rave about, but it's not complete crap. maybe look into a line6 spiderII, they're good as well, i use the head version for practice/gigs, sounds good to me. make sure to get a guitar with a floating tremolo, like most RG models, a setup when you buy it. as for accessories, you'd need a guitar cable to connect your guitar to your amp, maybe a couple sets of strings( i'd recommend 9-42 or 10-46 guage ), an electronic tuner is a good investment as well, and not expensive at all, a strap if you'd like to stand to play.

[bammbamm]

You found a good deal on the 1550 if in fact that is what they have.
Comparing the Ibanez RG-1550 to the Fender Bullet is much like comparing a Porsche to a Saturn. The money they want for the 470 seems high in comparison to the 1550.
As far as accesories mainly you'll need a cord to go between your guitar and amplifier, some sort of either tuner or pitch pipe for reference, and some picks.
Depending on how much time you spend, you may want to get a basic cleaner to wipe the strings down after practicing.
Amplifiers...
I would recommend something that suits your budget and needs, since you're probably only going to be in your bedroom or home studio, A headphone amp or small 1x10 combo should handle the duties at a low expense to your wallet.

I have a Korg Pandora for headphone use and I like it a lot.
There are many practice amps you can find for a good price, Crate, Peavey, Gorilla, all will do the job. You can spend more money if you wish, but if you're new to guitar, you may want to make sure you are going to stick with it 1st and not spend too much cash.

By the way, welcome to the forum !

Bammbamm

[drewgie66]

I bought one last month, the limited edition 2003 white one. Absolutely love it, the Trem is great and always stays in tune. Well considering I used to play an Epiphone Les Paul, the neck plays like a dream. If you can get it for that price, i strongly suggest you do

[csjoco]

Thanks for the very quick answer!

drewgie66 : sorry, I missed the price the RG 1550 GXWB-WM $750 - and the RG470 $500

So $300 difference for the white color ...

Amp : I saw some SQUIER and Gentrys? and Fender Frontman 15R

[Bluestreak]

With a good setup, you'll never be disappointed with any of the RG's and I agree - good equipment encourages you to stay on track and stick with your playing. Don't be discouraged by the Lo-TRS II tremolo; it can be very well setup (I have an S470 that is as stable if not more so than my other two guitars with Lo-Pro edge systems).

Bottom line? Spend a few more dollars now, get a good setup, practice plenty, and I think you're on the road to fulfilling that dream and then some.

Good luck.

-Roger

[csjoco]

So another questions :

What I have to get if I buy a brand new RG1550? (Ibanez bag, keys, strings, manual ... etc. )

I will practice only with headphone and CD player, because I live in a hotel, so no need speaker (when I will study they have)... Do you know any solution for this?

[csjoco]

And one more IMPORTANT

What have to check before I pay?

In details please, because I am beginner ( I read some article, but more advice better than less )

[napee]

since you sound like a total beginner, i would advise you to read all the tech articles on this site: http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/index.htm

especially related to the floating trem. so that if you're having trouble with it (you will at one point or another) you know what to do. it helped me a great deal when i planned to buy a floyd equipped guitar although i have been playing a fixed bridge for more than 5 years prior to that.

oh that electronic tuner, its a must! unless you wanna ask somebody else change the strings for you. without that, its almost impossible to tune floyd and ensuring the trem is level at the same time.

the price for the 1550 sounds fair too, although the RG470 seems overpriced.

[Rotti]

For a headphone amp you should look at the Behringer X-Vamp. It sounds really good with headphones. It has enough sounds that you won't get bored with it. And it's cheap.

[drewgie66]

Mine cost me $1000 here which is about $600 US i think, but i bought it in almost mint condition second hand from someone who had upgraded the pick-ups to Evo's.
It costs $600 US here though in the shop, so if you can get it for cheaper i say go for it, you won't regret

[csjoco]

What do you think?
It is a good if I start to learn with electrical guitar instead of acustic?

My friend suggsted me to start with a cheap acustic and after change to electric guitar.