You have $535 to buy a new guitar - what do you get?

2-feign-reluctance · June 2015

and why?

mccreadyisgod · June 2015

Epiphone ES-339. Because I've been wanting an ES-339 since Gibson released them about seven or eight years ago, and the Epiphone version has been pretty well reviewed. And considering the Gibson version is now exceeding $2,000... the Epi version seems like a steal at $470. Or you can pick up the natural-finish P-90 version for $350 (the P-90 version ranges up to $430 depending on finish). If I got the Epi version, I might lean toward getting the P-90 version and upgrading to Fralin pickups. If you get the cheapest 339 at $350, and the Fralin pups are $180 a set, you get away with a killer guitar for $530, skating right under the limit.

Then again, these are my own, VERY personal tastes and preferences.

There are a lot of killer guitars to be had in the $500 range, so it's not easy to pick one. Then again, I probably wouldn't spend $535 on a guitar right now; I'd probably save up and get the Gibson like I've been planning on getting for years. I have a few guitars already, so I'm not in any hurry to pick something up. Do you have a reason to get a guitar RIGHT NOW for the specific amount you have to spend? Or are you just GASing with money to burn?

2-feign-reluctance · June 2015

Definitely don't have money to burn. Definitely don't have to have one now. That dollar amount is what I've saved up here and there over the years and isn't ear marked for anything in particular. Just getting some ideas from you all. I love my Epiphone Les Paul - its 13 years old and plays so well. I am searching for a different style, and something a bit lighter than the Les Paul. I have been looking at the ES-339 and the Epi P90 Riviera with the Bigsby for a few years now. I have played the Riviera but it seems a bit big to me. Have you played either?

mccreadyisgod · June 2015

I've played the Gibson and Epiphone ES-339s, but not the P-90 versions. I haven't played a Riviera in ages, so I can't even try to compare. The Riviera is obviously going to be much larger, since the 339 is one of the smallest hollowbody guitars that Gib/Epi makes. They do make semihollow Les Pauls, too.

Besides weight, what sort of difference do you want from your Les Paul? Tone? Neck? Sound? Feel? It would be pretty easy to tell you to get a Strat or Tele, or maybe an SG, since all of those are pretty different (and some are even lighter than an LP). But without knowing what direction you want to go, it's hard to make a recommendation.

A 339 with P-90s would definitely be different from your LP, but be close enough that you wouldn't be re-inventing your playing style or amp settings. Then again, maybe that's what you're looking for.

ehbacon · July 2015

classic epiphone lp standard, I love mine

but since I already have one I would keep saving for a tele or a strat

BHealy · July 2015

Great question! I would probably find an acoustic or resonator with a cutaway for around that price (not sure which). I would like to find one to bring with me on river/camping trips to play with other people, and not worry about banging it up a little bit. If I were to buy another electric- I would go with the 339! Semi-hollow body may be my next purchase. I've got a Les Paul and a Strat already.

pulling69 · July 2015

Does it have to be "new"? You can get some serious sound if you take that cash and find the right used guitar. Hell my used 98 MIM strat and 97 Epi Sheraton 2 with 57 Classic pick ups totaled out to about $600.

ehbacon · July 2015

BHealy said:
Great question! I would probably find an acoustic or resonator with a cutaway for around that price (not sure which). I would like to find one to bring with me on river/camping trips to play with other people, and not worry about banging it up a little bit. If I were to buy another electric- I would go with the 339! Semi-hollow body may be my next purchase. I've got a Les Paul and a Strat already.

I didn't think about acoustic! If you want an acoustic-electric: Yamaha FGX-730SC is the best that money will buy. I was told the same thing on a different forum and it could not have been more true, that guitar is the possession I hold most dear. For just acoustic, I would probably choose from the Yamaha line still, they're such beautiful guitars.

Stickman12 · July 2015

PRS SE Angelus. Don't own one but have played around with one and it's a lot of guitar for the money.

Bud Colder · July 2015

Dude I play guitar I have prs but the best in my book are American fender starts mike loves them to you can't go wrong the neck on a strat they have a better feel than any others I have played I tried Gibson lp they just don't feel right in my hand I know they are great guitars but not for me give me an American strat with maple neck and look the fuck out

Bud Colder · July 2015

Btw stone likes starts to I guess it come down to the way a guitar feels to you . And if you buy one buy American strat not no Mexico made Strat or Squire Strat

xtremehardy388 · July 2015

LOVE this question!

Bud Colder said:
Dude I play guitar I have prs but the best in my book are American fender starts mike loves them to you can't go wrong the neck on a strat they have a better feel than any others I have played I tried Gibson lp they just don't feel right in my hand I know they are great guitars but not for me give me an American strat with maple neck and look the fuck out

...Imma let you finish....but that's the longest run-on sentence of all time!

2-feign-reluctance · July 2015

Going to keep saving. Would like an American Telecaster down the road. Something lighter to play, looking for a Keith Richards style blues/sound.

mccreadyisgod · July 2015

That's a good choice, don't blow your load now when you can let it build to something bigger.

Speaking of, check out this beauty: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-vintage-hot-rod-52-telecaster-electric-guitar

You'd have to find one used now, or build one yourself, but that's a damn fine instrument for a Keith Richards thing.

All Those Yesterdays · July 2015

mccreadyisgod said:
That's a good choice, don't blow your load now when you can let it build to something bigger.

Speaking of, check out this beauty: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-vintage-hot-rod-52-telecaster-electric-guitar

You'd have to find one used now, or build one yourself, but that's a damn fine instrument for a Keith Richards thing.

Nice piece, except my baby hands can't handle the U shaped neck if its the one I'm thinking it is.

keeponrockin · July 2015

I'd look for a used Tele. Found a US one for $600 CDN. American made. Become my favourite toy.

BHealy · August 2015

My wife just surprised me with a used 2007 Gibson SG Standard she bought from a friend of ours! I think she paid close to that amount. I love it.

Stickman12 · August 2015

2-feign-reluctance said:
Going to keep saving. Would like an American Telecaster down the road. Something lighter to play, looking for a Keith Richards style blues/sound.

Ever make a purchase??

PSUS2H · August 2015

Check out some of the newer PRS SE guitars, they are build well and play nicely. I was lucky enough to receive a comp'd PRS SE Tremonti signature guitar. I love how it plays, but I rarely play it as I have many other higher end guitars that I prefer.

2-feign-reluctance · August 2015

Stickman12 said:

2-feign-reluctance said:
Going to keep saving. Would like an American Telecaster down the road. Something lighter to play, looking for a Keith Richards style blues/sound.
Ever make a purchase??

Nope. That money has been tucked back into savings.

mccreadyisgod · August 2015

Guy in my area just posted a used Epiphone ES-339 for under $300. I think I'm having a GAS attack. Can't breathe.

You have $535 to buy a new guitar - what do you get?

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