My First Decent Guitar - Help?

aero90 · #1 06-11-2005, 01:08 PM

My budget is $600-$700, and I'm thinking about an Ibanez SZ320MH, an ESP EC- or H-1000 (w/Duncans), or a Carvin (not sure which model). I like the idea of the Ibanez because with the money I save I could easily upgrade pickups. I would like to get a set of Bill Lawrence L-500's in there. What do you think? Anything else I should look at?

Rotti · #2 06-11-2005, 02:41 PM

For $600 - $700 US you have a lot of good guitars to look at. Especialy if you look at used ones as well. I would prolly get a used Strat but that doesn't sound like what your looking for. I own an SZ320MH and I like it.

the.godfather · #3 06-11-2005, 02:58 PM

I would go with a used RG5xx series 100%. That would only set you back about $350. Then you could change the pickups to DiMarzios, or the Bill Lawrences as you said (which are my favourite pickup by the way). Then you would have yourself a very good, professional, reliable guitar. You cannot go wrong with an RG550 or RG570, especially for those awesome secondhand prices.

fettouhi · #4 06-11-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the.godfather

I would go with a used RG5xx series 100%. That would only set you back about $350. Then you could change the pickups to DiMarzios, or the Bill Lawrences as you said (which are my favourite pickup by the way). Then you would have yourself a very good, professional, reliable guitar. You cannot go wrong with an RG550 or RG570, especially for those awesome secondhand prices.

I second that

.

Regards

André

moro · #5 06-11-2005, 03:10 PM

Guys, if you look at the models the OP listed, it's clear they're looking for something with a Tune-o-matic. An RG5xx isn't going to be what they want.

I do agree with getting something used, though. There are any number of decent TOM guitars you can get for under $400 (including the SZ). Then you have plenty of money leftover to upgrade the pickups.

You might also look at Epiphone. And another neat option is picking up a nice Japanese Les Paul copy on That Auction Site.

dragsternj · #6 06-11-2005, 03:32 PM

Also would have a look at the Schecters. They are very well made and nice.

moro · #7 06-11-2005, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragsternj

Also would have a look at the Schecters. They are very well made and nice.

Oh, right. The SZs are basically Schecter copies anyway, right?

This thing is beautiful:

http://www.schecterguitars.com/spec.asp?id=4

Street price seems to be around $700 and it comes with good pickups (Duncan JB and Jazz) so you wouldn't have to replace them. This has jumbo frets too. (Personal preference, obviously, but I found the frets on the SZs to be too small.)

nightfiend14 · #8 06-11-2005, 04:16 PM

damn right they are copies of the S

aero90 · #9 06-11-2005, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the replies. The fret size on the SZ was the only reservation I had about going that way. I think I'll take a look at the RG's & Schecter's, too. I looked at the Agile LP copies, but the neck seemed a little narrow towards the nut.

gunkungfu · #10 06-11-2005, 06:53 PM

I would go with a rgt42 they offer it in a asortment of colors and styles you can get a hard tail or a edge along with sharktooth inlays prices from 499-600 at american musical supply. schecters are nice but they are hard to sell if it doesnt agree with you

red5 · #11 06-13-2005, 02:47 PM

There are some damn nice RGs in that range. I mean I could argue spending $600-700 for a good RG as opposed to a guitar twice the price, because they really are a good buy. RG1570 or a 2570 or a RG42FM (or whatever it is) if you want a nice neck-thru model, only problem with those is the Edge Pro II.

Do yourself a favor and find a used one in good condition.

carlos grijalva · #12 06-13-2005, 10:39 PM

get Epiphone Zakk Wylde Signature Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar its 800 dollars but i think its worth it.

dragsternj · #13 06-13-2005, 10:47 PM

I also had the pleasure ( and i mean that) to try out the Michael Kelly Patriot Phoenix, which i will surely purchase within the coming months or weeks myself.

http://www.michaelkellyguitars.com/a...atriotphoenix/

Strat Man Dwight · #14 06-14-2005, 01:05 PM

I have a few "decent" guitars already, but like to check out what's on the market.

Schecter has so much for the money, and I don't even own one. Except for now, I'd recommend a good Schecter model to anyone. They're really nice in my opinion. I don't know how they do it for the price? Strat Man Dwight

ivan · #15 06-14-2005, 01:46 PM

If you like Bill Lawrence L-500, why not a Washburn Nuno Models?
The N2 is on your range (but replace the neck pickup with a Seymour Duncan '59).
I own one (I bought it 11 years ago) and I can tell you it's a very good guitar for this price.