help with purchasing new guitar

by James
(Illinois)

I want to purchase my first electric guitar. I've done some research and read many reviews. I would like to play mostly alternative, but have the option to play softer or even some heavy metal. I'm currently looking into a peavy raptor, fender bullet strat, and ibanez gax70. Any of those you prefer over the other? Any info would definitely help, thanks for taking the time.

ANSWER

Hi, James--

The choice of guitar is so personal. I see that you are keeping within the $200. range.

Of your choices:

The Peavey would be OK, but Peavey is no longer
considered one of the most desirable electrics.

The Fender--is basically a Squire and (IMHO) would not be worth the price if the price were $2.00. Sorry to sound harsh, but I have seen countless Squires come through my students and they are definitely NOT something that I would recommend.

The Ibanez--would probably be OK. I have seen some nice Ibanez guitars but they were a lot more high priced.

What would I recommend? Well, basically I am a Gibson person and I know that the Epiphone guitars that have come through here are WAY better in quality for a less expensive guitar.

In your price range, I would recommend the
Epiphone G-310 SG Electric Guitar Ebony.

Of course, if you are willing to save up for a little longer, you could get my FAV--
Epiphone SG Prophecy Custom EX Electric Guitar with EMG 81/85 Pickups Midnight Ebony--I promise that you will be amazed!

Best Wishes,
Lynne

Give us five minutes of your time and we'll have you playing killer guitar! Guitar Superstars









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Feb 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		purchased
by: James

I have a black sg 310 in hand! Can't wait to start jammin. Thanks so so much for sharing your knowledge and guiding me down the right path...

I'll keep you posted.

---

Hey, James--

Congrats! Check out our Absolutely Free Guitar Lessons and remember that I am always available if you have any questions.

Best Wishes,
Lynne
(ps) Black is the best color for the 310--really pretty!
Feb 03, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		you sold me
by: james

Great! I was hoping you would say that. I'll let you know when I've got it in hand. Looks like I'm going for the black one.

----

COOL!
Feb 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		little more detailed
by: James

Lynne,

From what i've been finding, the sg 310 is a little more on the heavier side? Is this correct? Let's say I wanted to jam some pearl jam, creed, seven mary three, or even kings of leon. I'm not saying I know how to play them, but that's the type of electric I'm looking for. Will the sg 310 do that? Or do I need to look into something different. I love this guitar you've turned me onto, but want to make sure it's the right one for me. Once again, I appreciate all of your knowledge.

ANSWER

Hi, James--

I think that the SG would be perfect for that music. You can control the tone to make it lighter but you also have the option of getting that fat Gibson sound if you want it.

On the other hand with a Fender, for example, you are stuck with that tinny fender sound and there's nothing you can do about it.

I wouldn't worry about the 310 being too heavy. It does not have active Pickups like the SG Prophecy.

Lynne
Feb 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		got me thinking
by: James

Your help has been outstanding! I am currently looking into 3 used black sg 310's and 2 new. I usually take my time with purchasing things, especially my first electric guitar. I'll keep you posted and thanks again!

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