Help me again... is this getting annoying?

Ignorance · #1 09-06-2002, 12:02 PM

I'm an amateur guitarist with a very limited budget. I have only played guitar for 1 year and a bit, so I cant really do any cool stuff yet.

So at this point does it matter more to get a new guitar, a bigger amplifier( maybe with effects), a effects box or a pedal( like a wah-wah).

My guítar and amp both stink at the moment and I have no effects or pedals.

Thanks

//Me

Reachwind · #2 09-06-2002, 12:32 PM

Are you learning from a teacher or are you trying to learn by yourself? If you are trying to learn by yourself you should get a teacher. If you already have a teacher but just want to "sound" more like what you hear your favorite guitar player playing think about getting a cheap overdrive or a cheap delay.

Tone won't make up for lack of skill.

**jono** · #3 09-06-2002, 12:53 PM

In truth this is far too open a question and the answer is of course "Well it depends what you want to do."

I usually think that to start with, getting the best guitar you can is the best idea, then when you can play that guitar, then it's time to think about letting other people hear it and that's when you want a new amplifier and some effects.

If you feel you're ready to play your first gig or join/form a band, "everything in moderation" is the key. Get an OK guitar and an OK amp and maybe an OK distortion box sort of thing. So that it's loud enough to be heard in the practice room, usually a 50W 1x12 combo is loud enough for practice and small gigs.

As a general rule, an poor guitar through a great amp will sound better than a great guitar through an poor amp.

Lonely Raven · #4 09-06-2002, 12:58 PM

I am living proof that tone won't make up for skill..heh.

I've always had KILLER gear, but I've never had a teacher. I'm currently
looking for a really good one in the Chicago area...about 10 years too late
but hey...I'm trying.

If the instrument you have has the features you need to *learn* the
music you want to learn, then you should be fine.

Granted, new gear is always *very* inspirational, just don't get caught
up in the GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) like many of us. You will find
many a frustration with gear, and it shouldn't take up your time from
learning how to play.

mike777 · #5 09-06-2002, 02:45 PM

Your investments should be carefully thought out. I recommend that beginners playing less than 2 years invest in a well-built instrument that by professional and/or experienced recommendations will somewhat closely satisfy your expectations. A decent instrument will make a great second (backup) guitar if you upgrade and/or begin performing in the future and will also carry you a bit further if you cannot afford to upgrade as you would like as your playing progresses. If you decide to sell the guitar, a decently-built and well-kept guitar will have a much better resell value than some other cheaper beginner's models.

If I'm considering making a purchase of product A and product B is only 25-33% more in cost and has more features that I will actually find useful and it's of equal or better quality, I'll either wait a little while for product B if I can get by for the time being or just outright buy it. That's my basic thought about upgrading.

I'd use the money for lessons if you aren't taking them.

Mike 777 Haug

MidnightFlamed · #6 09-06-2002, 03:30 PM

In addition to what everyone's said, I'll chime in with "it's always good to pay your dues." If it wasn't for all the crappy equipment I've had, I wouldn't appreciate the good stuff I've got now. Nuances of tone come with time, and hearing a lot of stuff.

But I'm sure not recommending sticking with crap if you can help upgrading. Good equipment rocks, and in my opinion, can go a long way in making you want to pick up the guitar and practice. If you've got a sexy guitar, you'll want to play it. But if you're gonna drop some real cash, I'd suggest getting a good guitar first. That's what your hands touch, afterall. And I'd suggest researching the hell out of guitars, and picking one that's really gonna make you happy. For me, that's always something just out of my initial price range. But in the end, you forget the money and remember how awesome it plays.

And realize that GAS is inevitable. Fear it.

Gresh · #7 09-06-2002, 03:54 PM

Generally speaking, a nicer guitar will be more enjoyable to play, and therefore will get played more often, thereby transforming you from beginner schmuck to god-like rock-star.

But....an awesome guitar through a crap amp will sound no better than a crap guitar through the same amp.

I've said it before and I will continue to say it....investing in a Line 6 POD is a smart thing to do, especially as a beginner. It will give you access to a wide variety of tones and effects and will inspire you to practice more. Plus it familiarizes you with the tones of 36 different amps so when it comes time to buy that high dollar tube amp, you know what you are looking for tone-wise.

I'd budget to get a better guitar that does not hinder your ability to advance technically. And I would budget $250 or so to dump on a POD. But try everything out for yourself before taking other people's word as gospel. Many folks hate Line 6 stuff, and many more swear by it. In the end, it's your cash...spend it wisely.

Ignorance · #8 09-07-2002, 02:53 PM

I actually do have a guitar teacher but hes on tour right now and the topic just poped into mind right now.... So I cant really get hold of him yet and I also wanted to hear your opinions on the subject.

The guitar would be a average Rg instead of the crap strat(not fender or squire) I play with now.

The Amp will be a 65W instead of the 10W I have now.

The Amp is actually one third the price of the guitar... but I really want a new cool guitar.. so I am wondering is it smart to get one...

//Me

P.S. Thanks for all the help guys.

OME · #9 09-07-2002, 03:07 PM

IMO it doesn't matter what kind of gear you start on. The notes are all the same whan you start playing, spend the money on your knowledge just
don't let a good deal pass you by on a guitar tho. There will alwayz be some gear out there to buy so don't throw your money away too fast

Get a guitar that best fits you instead of the most popular. Most likely it would be an Ibanez tho.

Lonely Raven · #10 09-07-2002, 04:00 PM

If your torn between a new amp or a new guitar, and your not that happy
with your guitar...I would ALWAYS take a good guitar over an amp.

A good amp doesn't make it easier for you to learn how to play, it just
makes all that time you take learning more rewarding.

Whereas a good guitar could make things easier, and help you learn
more quickly.

RGs are very respectable guitars!!

Ignorance · #11 09-07-2002, 06:28 PM

Thanks... I want the guitar too :P.

//Me

Two hands31 · #12 09-07-2002, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gresh

Many folks hate Line 6 stuff, and many more swear by it.

I swear by it, and at it.

Stupid headphone jack...

texshred777 · #13 09-09-2002, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidnightFlamed

In addition to what everyone's said, I'll chime in with "it's always good to pay your dues." If it wasn't for all the crappy equipment I've had, I wouldn't appreciate the good stuff I've got now. Nuances of tone come with time, and hearing a lot of stuff.

Amen to that. I've always been a killer player..but never had anything. I've just now got pretty good gear. I'd say get a guitar with good features but maybe just ok pups. An rg 570 is a great investment I think...its got an edgebridge, a wizard neck...and it feels ok. If you want better pups later...get a tone zone, paf pro, emg 8x or WHATEVER. At least in the mean time you'll have a good playing instrument that'll stay in tune for awhile...though learning the nuances of a double locking trem may be a bit much for you now...that's relative. I say get something like that...then get lessons...I never took them, and never have needed them, Im one of the lucky few. Anyway, get a decent guitar and lessons...the amp can wait for a little bit. (dont fool yourself into thinking you need a half stack or anything..a 212 combo's perfectly ok for awhile. I just wanted to get one so i wouldnt need to buy bigger later...that's just my opinion.
I am living proof that not having great gear won't make people think you're not a great guitar player.

jem7vwh · #14 09-09-2002, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texshred777

Amen to that. I've always been a killer player..but never had anything.

and he's humble too!

PerpetualBurn · #15 09-14-2002, 06:26 PM

hehe

I started with a squier strat, and then when i could actually play, i got myself a gibson explorer, (i was into metallica at the time) It made such a HUGE difference, everything i played sounded 100 times better, i found it easier to play, i found it more rewarding, and i enjoyed it more. starting off with sh*t and then getting good gear really drives you to play, cause you appreciate it much more. just my two cents

Rob