What $500 guitar should I buy?

[Krank]

I'm a fairly technically accomplished player. I need something versatile, with excellent intonation (keeping in tune) and sustain. The rest is less important, though weight plays a role - I'd prefer a lighter instrument that a Gibson LP type. Also, no pointy angles or striking colours. Locking nut preferred, but not a must.

What are the best offers out there right now, including second-hand (eBay)? Your input would be much appreciated.

Oh, and I know the budget's not much. I just have to make do with what I have, and I really need a decent instrument (long story though).

Best regards.

[Benlittlejohn]

Grab a Dearmond of ebay. like this:
DeArmond guitar - eBay (item 200197973460 end time Feb-12-08 10:39:28 PST)
The goldtone pickups sound amazing!!!!!!! I got mine for $200 cause it was spelt wrong in the ebay auction.....weird i know. check em out. Probably the best prosumers guitars in our recent market. String it up with 11's plug it into my bassman.....MMMHHHHHHHHHMMM.

[octatonic]

Originally Posted by Krank

I'm a fairly technically accomplished player. I need something versatile, with excellent intonation (keeping in tune) and sustain. The rest is less important, though weight plays a role - I'd prefer a lighter instrument that a Gibson LP type. Also, no pointy angles or striking colours. Locking nut preferred, but not a must.

How about an ESP?
Their LP shape is a hell of a lot lighter than a regular Les Paul.
They use Earvana nuts on some guitars so they intonate better than usual.
They are a little pointy though.

Or one of the various tele models on the market (maybe a '72 deluxe or Thinline).

The MIM Deluxe Strat is $549 as well.

[Krank]

Thanks for your suggestions, will read up on them.

To the deleted post: it's not that simple - I live in Denmark, and at that price point I won't find a guitar in a store that I can be satisfied with; at least I haven't so far, even with more expensive models. Ordering a guitar from the US is way, way cheaper, even with shipping. Of course I won't get to play it first, but I don't mind taking that chance, as pretty much anything would be an upgrade from my current (a gift that has made me take up playing electric after a long, long hiatus). I'm just looking to get the best for what I can afford.

Right now I'm looking at Micheal Kelly guitars, esp. the Valor Limited or Custom. Anyone tried them?

[cramseur]

But you don't say what type of music you're trying to play, or what kind of sound/noise you're looking to make. Plectrum or fingerstyle.

You also don't say what guitars you played and like (or played and didn't like and why).

Especially important is:
scale (Fender or Gibson or PRS scale)
tremolo tail or stop tail
single or double cutaway
body size (small like strat or tele...big like 335)
solid body or semihollow or hollow or chambered




There are plenty of $500 guitars out there... (especially when you count used guitars). The purpose of playing the ones available to you are so you can better describe what you think you'd really like...you get better suggestions that way.

With the only description being around $500, non-pointy, and lighter than a Gibson LP, the world of remaining guitars is very big.

I did an ebay search (using $300 to $525 as your limits and see 2841 guitars listed as Buy-It-Now, plus 849 listed as auction only).

Personally I like the $800 price point better. I think there's a significant quality jump if you can get into the $800 or so (used) guitar level as opposed to $500.

Of course these are my recommendations, YMMV. Others will provide you a much less than comprehensive list of their favorites at this price point, but that doesn't mean that the other guitars are not good.

Once you've narrowed down the field you can search for clips and mp3s of people playing those guitars (google and youtube), you can read reviews at harmony central (taken with a grain of salt), and check out forums at sites dedicated specifically to those guitar brands...and remember to have fun.


Dunno about Michael Kelly. I've seen people say they're fine guitars, but I haven't seen or played one myself.

[Master Tang]

This is a GREAT playing guitar with a smokin' tone right outta the box. It comes with Seymours, and a tuning compensation feature much like the Buzz Feiten.

Buy ESP LTD EC-400VF Electric Guitar online at Musician's Friend

[FFTT]

The original PRS Soapbar Single Cut and the new Soapbar SE would fit in that budget
just fine.

Also check out the guitars from St. Blues.
******//www.saintblues.com/
The Mississippi Bluesmaster is very cool with P-90's

I see lots of Epiphone Casinos in your price range, but you may need to do some tweaking.

A really great guitar for the money is the Ibanez AF105NT Hollowbody for around $700.00

Overall, I agree with saving more and playing LOTS of different guitars.

[Dean7]

I think the G&L Tribute series are amazing budget guitars. A LOT of bang for your buck. Something like this:

G&L S-500 Tribute Series Electric Guitar - eBay (item 150213957950 end time Feb-14-08 10:52:34 PST)

Or this:

G&l S-500 Tribute,ever slightly used with nice gig bag - eBay (item 280198294791 end time Feb-11-08 14:41:10 PST)

[chrispick]

How about a Reverend? Many of them go for $500 US new via dealer. Great, all-purpose guitars.

Reverend Guitars

[Pastor Obviedo]

Originally Posted by Krank

I'm a fairly technically accomplished player. I need something versatile, with excellent intonation (keeping in tune) and sustain. The rest is less important, though weight plays a role - I'd prefer a lighter instrument that a Gibson LP type. Also, no pointy angles or striking colours. Locking nut preferred, but not a must.

What are the best offers out there right now, including second-hand (eBay)? Your input would be much appreciated.

Oh, and I know the budget's not much. I just have to make do with what I have, and I really need a decent instrument (long story though).

Best regards.

I know you want Gibson "kind of" guitars, but believe me, Mexican Teles and Strats sound just great and they are cheap.

P

[Krank]

Everyone, thanks a lot for helping out. I'm in full swing researching.

Originally Posted by cramseur

But you don't say what type of music you're trying to play, or what kind of sound/noise you're looking to make. Plectrum or fingerstyle.

You also don't say what guitars you played and like (or played and didn't like and why).

Especially important is:
scale (Fender or Gibson or PRS scale)
tremolo tail or stop tail
single or double cutaway
body size (small like strat or tele...big like 335)
solid body or semihollow or hollow or chambered

I don't play any particular style, but the guitar has to be able to handle heavy rhythm crunch and shred-style leads. Not that this is my preferred style, I just find that it's a limiting parameter when considering different models. Ie., humbucker(s) and a moderately fast neck. I've owned an Ibanez R540 and a Valley Arts back when I first played electric; I doubt I can afford quite the same quality now. I will definately consider the higher price point later, for now I just need a decent instrument to practise with. Solid body, light weight preferred, but not at the expense of tone and sustain. I'm kind of torn on trem type or no trem at all, right now I think I'd rather do without.

[Krank]

Originally Posted by FFTT

Saint Blues Guitar Workshop
The Mississippi Bluesmaster is very cool with P-90's

Originally Posted by chrispick

How about a Reverend? Many of them go for $500 US new via dealer. Great, all-purpose guitars.

Reverend Guitars

I like the aesthetics of these.

[allencollins]

schecter

[Krank]

Originally Posted by allencollins

schecter

Doesn't do it for me. I think it's the neo-metal brand image.

[chrispick]

Originally Posted by Krank

Doesn't do it for me. I think it's the neo-metal brand image.

Many older US Schecters (pre nu-metal vibe) are great. Pete Townshend and Prince used them, for example. Don't know the cost -- they seem very scarce -- but just wanted to let you know that the brand used to be top shelf.

[Krank]

Originally Posted by chrispick

Many older US Schecters (pre nu-metal vibe) are great. Pete Townshend and Prince used them, for example. Don't know the cost -- they seem very scarce -- but just wanted to let you know that the brand used to be top shelf.

Yes, I know - they're typically over $1000 used now.

What do you guys think about Hagstrom guitars? They are relatively cheap and sound great to my ears.

[peeder]

The cheap guitar I really dig is the Mexi '72 tele reissue.

[Keldog]

Call me weird but I picked up a cheap Roque strat for $75, put some $60 Sperzel locking tuners and snagged a Carvin pre-assembled (all pickups, switches etc) pickguard for $130 and it sounds great! Plays easy, thin fast neck and great crunch outta the humbucker I had Carvin put at the bridge. All said, I'm in it a little under $300.

Food for thought man.........

Kel

[dewey decibel]

Originally Posted by Krank

I'm a fairly technically accomplished player. I need something versatile, with excellent intonation (keeping in tune) and sustain. The rest is less important, though weight plays a role - I'd prefer a lighter instrument that a Gibson LP type. Also, no pointy angles or striking colours. Locking nut preferred, but not a must.

Thing is, intonation, tuning and sustain have largely to do with proper set up than it does with the guitar's design. So anytime you're looking at a budget guitar and buying sight unseen (or any guitar for that matter) chances are you're going to need to put a bit of work into it to get it where you want it, especially in concern to teh nut and fret work.

Originally Posted by Krank

Thanks for your suggestions, will read up on them.

To the deleted post: it's not that simple - I live in Denmark, and at that price point I won't find a guitar in a store that I can be satisfied with; at least I haven't so far, even with more expensive models. Ordering a guitar from the US is way, way cheaper, even with shipping. Of course I won't get to play it first, but I don't mind taking that chance, as pretty much anything would be an upgrade from my current (a gift that has made me take up playing electric after a long, long hiatus). I'm just looking to get the best for what I can afford.

Right now I'm looking at Micheal Kelly guitars, esp. the Valor Limited or Custom. Anyone tried them?

Originally Posted by Krank

I don't play any particular style, but the guitar has to be able to handle heavy rhythm crunch and shred-style leads. Not that this is my preferred style, I just find that it's a limiting parameter when considering different models. Ie., humbucker(s) and a moderately fast neck. I've owned an Ibanez R540 and a Valley Arts back when I first played electric; I doubt I can afford quite the same quality now. I will definately consider the higher price point later, for now I just need a decent instrument to practise with. Solid body, light weight preferred, but not at the expense of tone and sustain. I'm kind of torn on trem type or no trem at all, right now I think I'd rather do without.

In that case, how about ordering a guitar from Japan? I don't know about conversion rates and shipping to Denmark (what about VAT?), but there are some nice guitars made in Japan for around $500-600 US. Check out the Edwards line, which is made by ESP. Here's a link:

******//www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/index.html

The site's in Japanese but it's easy to see what they have, just scroll the menus on the left. Check out the "lacquer taste" series, I think an SG would be good for you. And I know you said you want something light, but Edwards LPs are fairly light, in the 8-9lb range, which is more like what the '50s LPs were. I have an Edwards LP Special (LS-90LT) and it comes in under 7lbs. IMO, you don't want a guitar much lighter than that.

[saltydog]

Originally Posted by Krank

Doesn't do it for me. I think it's the neo-metal brand image.

You should still look into the Schecter Tempest. Very similar to a Les Paul in construction and built extremely well for the money.

[Keldog]

damn...I'm getting G.A.S.

[Krank]

Originally Posted by dewey decibel

In that case, how about ordering a guitar from Japan? I don't know about conversion rates and shipping to Denmark (what about VAT?), but there are some nice guitars made in Japan for around $500-600 US. Check out the Edwards line, which is made by ESP. Here's a link:

EDWARDS Series

The site's in Japanese but it's easy to see what they have, just scroll the menus on the left. Check out the "lacquer taste" series, I think an SG would be good for you. And I know you said you want something light, but Edwards LPs are fairly light, in the 8-9lb range, which is more like what the '50s LPs were. I have an Edwards LP Special (LS-90LT) and it comes in under 7lbs. IMO, you don't want a guitar much lighter than that.

Thanks a lot for your help. I've come across the Edwards brand recently, they have some very desirable guitars. With shipping and VAT they'd go some way above $1000, which unfortunately puts them out of my range for now.

I'm seriously considering getting a vintage Ibanez, like a Musician or Studio. But they've appreciated a lot.

Originally Posted by dewey decibel

Thing is, intonation, tuning and sustain have largely to do with proper set up than it does with the guitar's design. So anytime you're looking at a budget guitar and buying sight unseen (or any guitar for that matter) chances are you're going to need to put a bit of work into it to get it where you want it, especially in concern to teh nut and fret work.

I'm not quite sure I agree - if the hardware's no good (or worn out in the case of second-hand), surely no amount of effort will provide a well-playing instrument short of replacing it? With the current crop of mid-priced Korean-made models it's not so much that I don't trust the hardware, they just overall don't feel quite right to me. Though this is only from my short experience in shops with some Schecter, Epiphone, Washburn and Ibanez models.

[Krank]

Originally Posted by Keldog

damn...I'm getting G.A.S.

Ha, yeah, it's terrible. I'm in financially very hard times and only have a super-cheap chinese electric to play; I've even started thinking about selling my Martin acoustic.

[Musiclab]

Originally Posted by Master Tang

This is a GREAT playing guitar with a smokin' tone right outta the box. It comes with Seymours, and a tuning compensation feature much like the Buzz Feiten.

Buy ESP LTD EC-400VF Electric Guitar online at Musician's Friend

That seem like it would be a real nice guitar. You can also check out Agiles, they are VERY well made and stupidly cheap, like in the 300 dollar range, you will need to upgrade the pickups tho

[dewey decibel]

Originally Posted by Krank

I'm not quite sure I agree - if the hardware's no good (or worn out in the case of second-hand), surely no amount of effort will provide a well-playing instrument short of replacing it? With the current crop of mid-priced Korean-made models it's not so much that I don't trust the hardware, they just overall don't feel quite right to me. Though this is only from my short experience in shops with some Schecter, Epiphone, Washburn and Ibanez models.

By hardware do you mean stuff like bridges and tuners? Back in the day crappy hardware would cause problems, but these days the stuff on even the cheapest guitars is pretty sturdy. It may not be the best sounding stuff (when it comes to bridges or things that have an influence on the sound) but as far as causing tuning problems it's pretty solid. The usual source for tuning problems is the setup and nut, especially on guitars with a tilt back headstock.

As for the feel thing, I hear you. I was at a shop yesterday and tried out a korean Epi Casino and Emperor, and they both felt and played terrible. But there's a reason they cost only $500, you know? At the same time I remember trying a Fender Tele Squire II -one of these:

******//www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ups?sku=519584

...and it played and sounded great. I've also played a recent Gibson Melody Maker that played really well. IMO, with cheap guitars it's not about the model or specs, you have to just play a bunch and find a good one. And when you try them you have to imagine them with a good setup because most of them haven't been setup at all. If you can't play them first, I really think with most you can get them to where they'll be decent instruments, it just may take some extra time and money.

[grevan]

Might I respectfully suggest the Korean made Parker single cut? I love mine and it only set me back $400.00. Very well built, plays and sounds great. I think the model is a PR20 or something...

[djbrough]

What style music do you play?

If I were buying in that range, it would be a PRS or Reverend. I think you owe it to yourself to try a Gibson VM as well. You may be able to find a used one at that price range.

[corworld]

Originally Posted by chrispick

How about a Reverend? Many of them go for $500 US new via dealer. Great, all-purpose guitars.

Reverend Guitars

thumbsup +1

[Krank]

Originally Posted by djbrough

What style music do you play?

If I were buying in that range, it would be a PRS or Reverend. I think you owe it to yourself to try a Gibson VM as well. You may be able to find a used one at that price range.

I (want to) play everything, from jazz to high-gain metal sludge.

I've just bought two old MIJs - an Aria LP copy and a Burny ditto. They'll probably take months to show up (from Japan and Canada, respectively) since I'm on the cheap irt. shipping.