Dipping a toe into the world of electronics

[Guest Speed Racer]

the quality really jumps at about 400 dollars or so

 

Perfect. This is what I wanted to know. Every product has its price threshold where the quality jumps, and now I know what to budget for, for an amp.

 

My budget on the guitar would be $1500, unless Willie's had something great for $2000, or $2,250, or $2,500. I budget like Matt does.

[Ghost of Electricity]

Perfect. This is what I wanted to know. Every product has its price threshold where the quality jumps, and now I know what to budget for, for an amp.

 

My budget on the guitar would be $1500, unless Willie's had something great for $2000, or $2,250, or $2,500. I budget like Matt does.

just remember if at all possible to play the guitar you want to buy with the amp you want to buy before buying one (or either) of them. The guitar of your dreams might not get along with the amp of your dreams.

[Moss]

Now that is a pretty guitar! If I could play, I'd be all over something like that.

 

Who says you can't play?

[Elixir Sue]

Okay, if I could play well.

[stagerug]

As far as the amps go, tube amps do not have headphone jacks, right? I need a headphone jack, due to the rugrat sitcheeayjun. So I may be eventually buying both types. Any brand or model direction there on the solid states?

[Moss]

If I was going with a cheap amp I would probably go with a Peavey. Great amp for the money. And a good solid state amp.

[In a little rowboat]

I thought we had moved on to gear porn, sorry, lost track of the subject matter.

 

:lol

maybe we should just open up a gear porn thread, so we can keep all the perving in one place.

OMG i read that as GAY porn thread...im tired...

:lol

[Ghost of Electricity]

As far as the amps go, tube amps do not have headphone jacks, right? I need a headphone jack, due to the rugrat sitcheeayjun. So I may be eventually buying both types. Any brand or model direction there on the solid states?

Another thing you might do is try something from the Vox Valvetronix series. The preamp uses a tube, so theres some tubey warmth, but the power amp is solid state. There is a headphone jack. Another bonus is that it is a modeling amp- use it for a while experimenting with the different amp models, find one you like which work with your guitar, so that when you are ready to upgrade, you already will have a general idea of what you're looking for.

 

I personally have the 30 watt version which saw plenty of use gigging and even recording before recently upgrading to a Vox AC15. This model has built in attenuator which is also handy when playing at home.

 

They also have a 15 watt model which doesn't have the attenuator, and according to guitar center's website it will run you 170 dollars. the 30 watt version costs 240. They also have a 50 watt and 100 watt version.

[Guest Speed Racer]

And what is an attenuator?

 

Edit: Nevermind! I know now!

 

Anybody know anything about the VOXAC4TV? It's a little 4W tube amp with an attenuator. I certainly wouldn't need anything louder than that for playing at home, and all the reviews I've read are pretty positive. For $250, it sounds just about right.

[Ghost of Electricity]

And what is an attenuator?

 

Edit: Nevermind! I know now!

 

Anybody know anything about the VOXAC4TV? It's a little 4W tube amp with an attenuator. I certainly wouldn't need anything louder than that for playing at home, and all the reviews I've read are pretty positive. For $250, it sounds just about right.

I know it sure looks purty. And based on my previus experience with voxes, i would be willing to give it a try.

 

there are several of these low wattage tube amps on the market. the only one i've really tried has been the epiphone. One problem with it was that the signal way a bit dry. a little outboard reverb helped, but again, that's more money to invest and could be put directly into a slightly better amp.

[wonderwallroads]

Find a nice 90's - 2000's Rickenbacker with Toasters and never look back...

[Guest Speed Racer]

I know it sure looks purty. And based on my previus experience with voxes, i would be willing to give it a try.

 

there are several of these low wattage tube amps on the market. the only one i've really tried has been the epiphone. One problem with it was that the signal way a bit dry. a little outboard reverb helped, but again, that's more money to invest and could be put directly into a slightly better amp.

 

All of the reviews I've read at several different sites have been pretty great, and my favorite bad review complained that the 4W amp wasn't loud enough to play big shows with, which makes me thankful at least to confirm that I'm not the dumbest person in the world.

 

I heard mixed reviews about the Epiphone, and crappy reviews about Fender's low-watt tube amp. Part of me wonders if you aren't right, and I should just scoop up the cheaper Valvetronix and wait to get a better tube amp.

 

As for guitars, I'm now leaning toward an American Tele, because they're just so darned classic.

[Ghost of Electricity]

All of the reviews I've read at several different sites have been pretty great, and my favorite bad review complained that the 4W amp wasn't loud enough to play big shows with, which makes me thankful at least to confirm that I'm not the dumbest person in the world.

 

I heard mixed reviews about the Epiphone, and crappy reviews about Fender's low-watt tube amp. Part of me wonders if you aren't right, and I should just scoop up the cheaper Valvetronix and wait to get a better tube amp.

 

As for guitars, I'm now leaning toward an American Tele, because they're just so darned classic.

The one guitar my valvetronix didn't like was my tele. Course my tele is just a squire. The AC15 loves it, though

 

Just go to guitar center, for chrissake, and start acting like a kid in a playground. When you find something(s) you like, go to Willie's and have him order it. By the way, I think I've actually been in that place.

[Guest Speed Racer]

Just go to guitar center, for chrissake, and start acting like a kid in a playground. When you find something(s) you like, go to Willie's and have him order it. By the way, I think I've actually been in that place.

 

Wilco gets a fair amount of gear at Willies, and Jeff talks about it briefly in the commentary on IATTBYH. I check their inventory daily, and I've seen more than a few nice guitars clear their website after Wilco has gone through town (including one of Jeff's sexxxxy pre-war Martins.

 

As for Guitar Center, I have never, EVER had a good experience there. I am the last person in the world to say that anyone would ever treat me differently on account of being female, but at Guitar Center, I'm either invisible or touchingsomethingwaytooexpensiveomgyouneedhelpyoungladybecausesurelyyou'relostoryouwouldn'tbetouchingthatguitar!!!! Seriously, I've picked up American Teles there and a GC guy will come over with a MIM or a Squire and say, "So you're learning guitar?" I do, however, get a lot of pleasure out of trying out gear there and saying to the staff, "Can't wait to head to _____ to pick this up!" after they've been assholes to me.

[Ghost of Electricity]

Yes, guitar store snobs are annoying as hell. Just ask to see the most expensive thing in the shop, then pretend like you can't play at all, and ask them to show you a g chord. and then, what's a G7, can you show me that? Followed by a Gmin7, followed by a diminished chord or whatever. Keep getting more difficult until you stump him, then ask to see the guitar and say "Well why don't you let me show you?." Do you homework first, though.

 

(Disclaimer: I have never actually done this, just thought up some nonsense off the top of my head.)

[Guest Speed Racer]

It's funny, isn't it? I have no idea whether they are paid on commission or not, but it seems flat out dumb to discourage anyone from NOT buying something at a store, simply because you question their ability to use it the way you would.

 

That being said, I'll probably head to a Guitar Center some time in the next few weeks and try stuff out; unless there's some sort of monster sale or monster deal on something I'm fixing to buy, I'm probably going to get the guitar and amp in June.

[Moss]

It's funny, isn't it? I have no idea whether they are paid on commission or not, but it seems flat out dumb to discourage anyone from NOT buying something at a store, simply because you question their ability to use it the way you would.

 

That being said, I'll probably head to a Guitar Center some time in the next few weeks and try stuff out; unless there's some sort of monster sale or monster deal on something I'm fixing to buy, I'm probably going to get the guitar and amp in June.

 

 

Imagine working in a place where you have to hear the riff to "Enter Sandman" played badly 25 times a day.

 

I would highly recommend playing a new standard Tele and the 52 reissue tele side by side. I was actually amazed at the difference. Not that one is so much better but depending on what you are looking for it was no contest for me. The 52 just had that "twang" or whatever it's called, that classic tele sound. Of course if you don't want to spend the money then it would not be a good idea to test drive it. You may love it.

[Ghost of Electricity]

Of course if you don't want to spend the money then it would not be a good idea to test drive it. You may love it.

Always good advice. I freakin' can't stand hearing it, though, and usually ignore it.

[Guest Speed Racer]

Imagine working in a place where you have to hear the riff to "Enter Sandman" played badly 25 times a day.

 

Really, really fun you should say that. My first time trying out a Tele, the GC guy came up to me to "see how I was doing," actually took the guitar out of my hand, cranked up the amp and played that riff. People aren't kidding when they say Teles aren't good for metal.

 

I've got a price range of about $1,500 for the total excursion, but I'll likely try out a few guitars that exceed that range. And likely end up buying one of them.

[In a little rowboat]

It's funny, isn't it? I have no idea whether they are paid on commission or not, but it seems flat out dumb to discourage anyone from NOT buying something at a store, simply because you question their ability to use it the way you would.

 

That being said, I'll probably head to a Guitar Center some time in the next few weeks and try stuff out; unless there's some sort of monster sale or monster deal on something I'm fixing to buy, I'm probably going to get the guitar and amp in June.

 

 

My drummer works in a GC here in town...somehow he has not yet been reduced to douche status. And, boy do I get the inside scoop.

 

They do in fact work on commission, as well as earning a paltry hourly wage for cleaning the bathrooms (generally) and vaccuuming and such. They are assigned sale quotas which are generally unachievable but a sense of desperation and competition exists regardless. I am told that the manager at this particular store actually gives 'gold stars' for fast closes and detention (cleaning the ciggy bowl) for being slightly late.

Most of the folks who started there were put in whatever dept had an opening, regardless of experience, and the only real rewarding feature of the job for most appears to be the assumption of 'social status' achieved by the employees by working in a music store. i am always entertained when I shop/visit...most of the sales folks are cutthroat as hell. I really feel sorry for them.

 

I would never consider a trade in deal there, and be VERY careful when considering used gear. Make sure you read the fine print on any sales or promotions, as they are geared to get folks in the door, for the bait and switch (often times anyhow).

 

They are a big company, like any other...with cogs and minions like any other. But a great place to demo gear to purchase someplace where you might get a deal.

 

In comparison (sort of) , Best buy folks are not on commission, and generally have the skills and patience to help you make a decent purchase...plus their clearance deals are awesome when they appear...

[In a little rowboat]

When my cats moved in they automatically gravitated to my Epiphone Cortez - it's like they have a radar for expensive breakables.

 

I'm actually starting to budget for an electric and a small amp as well. What kind of a good, small amp for home-playing would one of you get for $200-$300ish? If I were less-prudent, I'd run out and get this now, but I'll wait until I have save up the cash for this and just get something else in stock then.

 

 

my admittedly basic math skills lead me to believe that if you were planning on saving up that much for the guitar, then putting an extra 2 or 3 hundred into it, that you would have a total budget of 17-18 hundred dollars. If this is true i would urge you to consider spending a little more on the amp side of things, as the quality really jumps at about 400 dollars or so (this refers to prices on new gear). In any event, look for something which is all tube and has at least a 12 inch speaker.

 

 

Perfect. This is what I wanted to know. Every product has its price threshold where the quality jumps, and now I know what to budget for, for an amp.

 

My budget on the guitar would be $1500, unless Willie's had something great for $2000, or $2,250, or $2,500. I budget like Matt does.

Ghost is right about the amp...almost more important that the guitar in a lot of respects...guess it depends on the kind of music you play...

 

As I mentioned earlier...Fender Deluxe Reverb...really hard to beat. Find a used one, retube it, even better. Around $400, the Blues Jr is a great home/small gig amp...Vox ac15, peavey classic 30 other good options...Im a tube guy all the way, and while one tends to pay a bit more for it, its usually worth it...also, if you dig reverb, tube reverb tends sound a lot better than digital...

 

What have you looked at?

[Guest Speed Racer]

I'm going to head to a few stores in the next few days if I can fit it in, but right now I'm considering an American Tele, the '52 Tele everyone is strong-arming me into ( ), and I have to admit I am also intrigued by the '65 Mustang reissue and the Japanese Tele with Bigsby reissue. I'm a sucker for Bigbys, but if I'm going to get a Tele I really want the maple fretboard.

 

So I'm a mess of decisions, still open to all of your excellent advice ('specially about the Mustang and the Tele/Bigsby), and I'm pretty damned excited about this.

[ginandcigarettes]

I'm going to head to a few stores in the next few days if I can fit it in, but right now I'm considering an American Tele, the '52 Tele everyone is strong-arming me into ( ), and I have to admit I am also intrigued by the '65 Mustang reissue and the Japanese Tele with Bigsby reissue. I'm a sucker for Bigbys, but if I'm going to get a Tele I really want the maple fretboard.

 

So I'm a mess of decisions, still open to all of your excellent advice ('specially about the Mustang and the Tele/Bigsby), and I'm pretty damned excited about this.

 

Now there's something I know something about. I have a CIJ Tele Custom with Bigsby and it's my number 1. After a good setup it plays like butter. A couple of thoughts on it (and Japanese reissues and Bigsbys in general):

 

(1) The electronics are absolute crap. You can wring some bite from the bridge pup, but the neck has really no personality. I replaced them with Seymour Duncan Antiquities. I also had the pots, caps, wire, and switch replaced and now it has some pretty good tone.

(2) The Bigsby bridge is essentially a Jaguar bridge and as such it sucks. It seems that someone was thinking about the best way to have the high e string slip off when you're playing and then designed the Jaguar bridge to most efficiently accomplish this. I replaced it with a Mastery bridge (thanks VCers for the heads up!) and I couldn't be happier (well, I could, but not about the guitar).

 

Anyhoo, I love this guitar, but it's not perfect out of the box -- you'll need to drop some cash on it to get it up to fighting speed, but it's quite a fighter once you do.

 

I'm generally annoyed with American Standard Teles as I tend to think that they are just hard-tail strats and have lost a bit of that tele charm. I'd check out the Mexican Tele, Nocaster if you've got the change, the Road-Worn tele, and the Hot-Rod 52 Tele.

[In a little rowboat]

Now there's something I know something about. I have a CIJ Tele Custom with Bigsby and it's my number 1. After a good setup it plays like butter. A couple of thoughts on it (and Japanese reissues and Bigsbys in general):

 

(1) The electronics are absolute crap. You can wring some bite from the bridge pup, but the neck has really no personality. I replaced them with Seymour Duncan Antiquities. I also had the pots, caps, wire, and switch replaced and now it has some pretty good tone.

(2) The Bigsby bridge is essentially a Jaguar bridge and as such it sucks. It seems that someone was thinking about the best way to have the high e string slip off when you're playing and then designed the Jaguar bridge to most efficiently accomplish this. I replaced it with a Mastery bridge (thanks VCers for the heads up!) and I couldn't be happier (well, I could, but not about the guitar).

 

Anyhoo, I love this guitar, but it's not perfect out of the box -- you'll need to drop some cash on it to get it up to fighting speed, but it's quite a fighter once you do.

 

I'm generally annoyed with American Standard Teles as I tend to think that they are just hard-tail strats and have lost a bit of that tele charm. I'd check out the Mexican Tele, Nocaster if you've got the change, the Road-Worn tele, and the Hot-Rod 52 Tele.

 

sounds like a great guitar, man...and you are totally correct on the electronics, but i love CIJ/MIJ fenders as they are usually great players...

 

 

A mastery is an awesome upgrade, but not cheap...folks use mustang bridges on teles with bigsbys and jazzmasters as well...rollers work well too...as well as the standard T bridges like in this thread: tele forum

 

Teles are exceptionally easy to install bigsbys on to, so once you get a deal on the tele, then consider adding one on...

 

Speed racer: make sure you get a fair amount of playing time on a Mustang before committing...a lot of folks i know never get use to the shorter scale, and there are some things like string bends that can be tougher on the short neck...but I sure like your taste regardless! Come to think about it, ive never seen a mustang with a maple fret board either...teles, however...!!

 

Also, I know you are in a holding pattern, but I always recommend getting a new fender (or gibson) just before the feb retail yearly reordering period. This is when many retailers offer the best deals to clear he prior year's inventory (and there is a rumor of another fender price increase for 2010)

[stagerug]

I'm going to head to a few stores in the next few days if I can fit it in, but right now I'm considering an American Tele, the '52 Tele everyone is strong-arming me into ( ), and I have to admit I am also intrigued by the '65 Mustang reissue and the Japanese Tele with Bigsby reissue. I'm a sucker for Bigbys, but if I'm going to get a Tele I really want the maple fretboard.

 

So I'm a mess of decisions, still open to all of your excellent advice ('specially about the Mustang and the Tele/Bigsby), and I'm pretty damned excited about this.

 

 

Hey! What about me???

 

No, really, just kidding. This thing is on cruise. In my search I am also leaning toward the American Tele line or reissue with the maple fretboard (that is a must for any fender for me)... coincidence?

 

Anyway, I was at my local GC, and they are flush out of American Teles of any kind. Not one. Must be due to the reordering period that was mentioned. So I didn't get to try them; However, and I am a little ashamed to admit this, but they have had this Gretsch... cough... Brian Setzer model with the TV Jones pickups in there for probably 3 years, and they have slashed the price on it to somewhere near reasonable. I gave it a try. I know nothing about electric guitars as I have mentioned before, but that thing was a beast! Great sound, and seems versatile. I'd have to change the knobs, but a nice looking guitar too. Are any of you familiar? I would love your honest feedback.

 

Here is my short list thus far for guitars (Some from playing them, some from shallow looks) In no particular order:

 

1. Gretsch Brian Setzer priced at $2000 b4 haggling

 

2. American Tele Deluze in 3-tone sunburst with a maple neck

 

3. Creston custom with go knows what on it.

 

4. Rickenbacker 360 Maple or Sunglo

 

5. Gretsch Black Penguin (too expensive)