Guitarists, help please.

[walsh]

OK, Man maths has dictated a requirement for a new toy.

I have some capital bonds coming from a sales incentive, which I have selfishly decided will be going towards a new guitar, rather than something useful.

With that in mind, I need some suggestions/pointers.

Background info - Currently own

Jackson DK1 - Floyd rose, EMG active pickups. Green
Squire strat - - sunburst
Brunswick, yamaha, honer, ovation acoustics's in various size's,
Ukulele, bridge in the likeness of a dolphin. Naturally

Previous -

Ibanez Rg series, Black and pointy, Seymour duncans. Floyd rose.
low end yamaha pacifica (telecaster shape). <-- didn't like this much.

As you can probably see, I went through a "Metal" phase, so most of my gear was/is specced for that. Including the 150w solid state line 6 I sold recently. Lots of noise, sod everything else. If possible, something left over from the new guitar budget so I can invest in in amp goodness would be nice, but as I mostly play at home, 15w Marshall will be fine for the moment.

New one, Specifics...

£1k max (ish)..

Its a keeper, so it needs to be "classic". Strat, les paul, etc. Something that isn't going to look stupid in 5 years.

Not too bright (no telecasters. I haven't played one I got on with yet. I may be mistaken)

Usable for the occasional pub gig, with the verity of music which would be played.

Sustain, please, so no bloody floyd rose. No "dumping the bar" harmonics and hair swinging required these days..

A little different to my previous guitars would be a plus too.

[lockhart flawse]

Gordon Smith

[Fantuzzi]

lockhart flawse said:

Gordon Smith

This, really rather good from everything I've read.

LP or SG I'd say.

If your thinking strat, perhaps too metal in appearance, as it only comes in black, but the Vigier Excalibur Kaos is meant to be rather good, proper trem not a Floyd rose, Amber pickups that are rather awesome.

Or a Rasmus, made by Suhr, but cheaper, although I have no idea where their website has gone, but they did a more modern style and a more modern strat style one.

Both under a thousand pounds.

I'm tempted to get a riffmaster general of an SG myself next time from Gordon Smith, as I already have my one and only Jackson Dinky - so I think that might be your way to go, get something different.

Amp wise unless your gigging get one of the smaller amps that are really popular atm, tiny terror,ht5,night train - something tube and tiny with sweet tone that's crankable!

[kev b]

How about a used PRS?

[walsh]

kev b said:

How about a used PRS?

Never played one. Any particular version I should try?

[B17NNS]

Sounds like you need an LP in your life.

[davepoth]

Amp wise I think a Fender Blues Jr. would do the job. It's a 15w unit (IIRC) but it goes plenty loud enough for pub gigs and still sounds OK at bedroom volumes. For a guitar, Gordon Smith looks good but I'd look at Gibsons too, maybe an LP Special?

[walsh]

The Lp studio is the logical choice, and if i'm honest, What I really hanker after.

Problem is, I've always fancied a standard, Which are quite pricey.

And, I need something special. Heart says LP, But if i'm honest, Strat is where I feel comfortable.

PRS was a good shout, Aesthetically slightly off IMO, but I have never played one, i'll look into that.

Speaking of aesthetics... this is perfect to me.

http://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-les-paul-standard...

[B17NNS]

walsh said:

Problem is, I've always fancied a standard, Which are quite pricey.

If it makes any difference I've been lucky enough to own quite a few LP Standards in my time.

Every single one I've sold for more than I paid.

Man maths = free guitars.

ETA It's taking all the willpower in my body not to buy this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151189566674?ssPageName=...

[gazza285]

How about something different, I've got two ES135s, one with P90s, the other with humbuckers, great sound and great to look at.

Another to consider is a Gretsch, I've got a 6118, lovely thing.

These tend to get played through a Fender Hot Rod Deville, or a Yamaha TA60 vintage amp.

[Justin Cyder]

You're describing a Les Paul really, if you can put up with the neck, it'll fit the bill nicely.

[Turn7]

Id also add a vote for the LP Studio...or the LPJ if you dont want to spend a grand.

[B17NNS]

B17NNS said:

ETA It's taking all the willpower in my body not to buy this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151189566674?ssPageName=...

Willpower failure.

Bought.

[Turn7]

B17NNS said:

B17NNS said:

ETA It's taking all the willpower in my body not to buy this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151189566674?ssPageName=...

Willpower failure.

Bought.

That looks great! I love Zebra coils...

[BorkFactor]

Is it possible to stretch the budget a little and get one of these?

www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_guitars_detail.asp...

I love mine

[bga]

lockhart flawse said:

Gordon Smith

My first thought too

[RikST]

I was in the same dilemma, so I brought a top end Epiphone Les Paul standard and a Fender Jazz Bass as I fancied a new challenge! 2 guitars in one go is always better than one!

[walsh]

BorkFactor said:

Is it possible to stretch the budget a little and get one of these?

www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_guitars_detail.asp...

I love mine

I could, potentially, push it up a tad. That is a very smart looking thing.

[walsh]

RikST said:

I was in the same dilemma, so I brought a top end Epiphone Les Paul standard and a Fender Jazz Bass as I fancied a new challenge! 2 guitars in one go is always better than one!

You know, I have played an Epi, a ticket price was 400 quid or so, so i imagine that's around the top end?

It was, really, really good IMO. Are the gibsons that much better in reality, or are you paying for 5% and the name?

[Justin Cyder]

IME Gibsons & Epi's are night & day.