Lets look at our guitars thread
Discussion
singlecoil said:
You make some good points.
I think we can all agree that the factors that can affect the sound of any guitar are many and complex.
You point about the harmonics is completely correct, as I am sure you know.
I'm sure we can agree that some factors will be more important than others. My position is that a different wood (with absolutely no other differences whatsoever), unless the weight is substantially different, will make so little difference that it can safely be ignored as far as any audible difference in tone is concerned.
Where wood makes a difference is in how the player feels about the guitar, and that IS going to have an effect. Musicians are artists and like all artists what they do is affected by their emotional relationship with their instrument and other equipment.
Indeed. I'd suggest that unless a significant part of a solid body electric is made of a different wood then you probably won't notice the difference sound-wise (e.g. a maple vs rosewood fingerboard on a Strat will feel different but not really sound different) a mahogany body or neck on a start might well sound different to the normal Ash/Maple combo).I think we can all agree that the factors that can affect the sound of any guitar are many and complex.
You point about the harmonics is completely correct, as I am sure you know.
I'm sure we can agree that some factors will be more important than others. My position is that a different wood (with absolutely no other differences whatsoever), unless the weight is substantially different, will make so little difference that it can safely be ignored as far as any audible difference in tone is concerned.
Where wood makes a difference is in how the player feels about the guitar, and that IS going to have an effect. Musicians are artists and like all artists what they do is affected by their emotional relationship with their instrument and other equipment.
In the "what guitar for under £1500" thread you also talk about diminishing returns and I kind of agree with you there once you get over a certain price point. That said I've got a Lakewood and a Lowden acoustic the former is very nice to play and sounds great, I've had it for ages and it's well played in. The latter is probably a little harder to play (wide neck) but the sound is incredible. I didn't think you could get much better until I had a go on a Bown OM and a Sobell - handmade in the UK and between 5 and 10 times the cost of my guitars and absolutely stunning. You'd expect a difference for the cost but I wasn't prepared for just how much better they were both in terms of playability and sound. Yes diminishing returns comes into play but you'd be surprised at the differences even at the top of the returns curve.
Edited by Lotus 50 on Wednesday 5th November 17:11
Lotus 50 said:
singlecoil said:
You make some good points.
I think we can all agree that the factors that can affect the sound of any guitar are many and complex.
You point about the harmonics is completely correct, as I am sure you know.
I'm sure we can agree that some factors will be more important than others. My position is that a different wood (with absolutely no other differences whatsoever), unless the weight is substantially different, will make so little difference that it can safely be ignored as far as any audible difference in tone is concerned.
Where wood makes a difference is in how the player feels about the guitar, and that IS going to have an effect. Musicians are artists and like all artists what they do is affected by their emotional relationship with their instrument and other equipment.
Indeed. I'd suggest that unless a significant part of a solid body electric is made of a different wood then you probably won't notice the difference sound-wise (e.g. a maple vs rosewood fingerboard on a Strat will feel different but not really sound different) a mahogany body or neck on a start might well sound different to the normal Ash/Maple combo).I think we can all agree that the factors that can affect the sound of any guitar are many and complex.
You point about the harmonics is completely correct, as I am sure you know.
I'm sure we can agree that some factors will be more important than others. My position is that a different wood (with absolutely no other differences whatsoever), unless the weight is substantially different, will make so little difference that it can safely be ignored as far as any audible difference in tone is concerned.
Where wood makes a difference is in how the player feels about the guitar, and that IS going to have an effect. Musicians are artists and like all artists what they do is affected by their emotional relationship with their instrument and other equipment.
In the "what guitar for under £1500" thread you also talk about diminishing returns and I kind of agree with you there once you get over a certain price point. That said I've got a Lakewood and a Lowden acoustic the former is very nice to play and sounds great, I've had it for ages and it's well played in. The latter is probably a little harder to play (wide neck) but the sound is incredible. I didn't think you could get much better until I had a go on a Bown OM and a Sobell - handmade in the UK and between 5 and 10 times the cost of my guitars and absolutely stunning. You'd expect a difference for the cost but I wasn't prepared for just how much better they were both in terms of playability and sound. Yes diminishing returns comes into play but you'd be surprised at the differences even at the top of the returns curve.
Edited by Lotus 50 on Wednesday 5th November 17:11
B17NNS said:
What's a sexy guitar for a girl just wanting to start out? I'd ask, but then it wouldn't be a surprise.
Late 20's festival goer type, varied taste in music. Nothing metal.
Thoughts?
A Fender Telecaster does pretty much anything you want it to, can be had cheap, and comes in lots of pretty colours if that is her thing? Late 20's festival goer type, varied taste in music. Nothing metal.
Thoughts?
BorkFactor said:
A Fender Telecaster does pretty much anything you want it to, can be had cheap, and comes in lots of pretty colours if that is her thing?
Yeah, I was thinking Tele. I'm just trying to think of female artists and what they look good/comfortable with. I'm not after anything too expensive because she might not get into it and if she does then when she buys a decent one it's a very personal thing.I've seen a lovely Epiphone SG in Pelham blue
http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/epiphone-1966-g400-pro-...
Animal said:
Give us a budget!
Up to £250-£300.singlecoil said:
A Strat might be more comfortable, then she could wear it quite high and rest the right one in the upper concave curve, in the Tal Wilkenfield style
Budget Strats/Teles, I suppose Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe is the way to go?
BorkFactor said:
These Classic Vibe Telecasters are meant to be outstanding for the money
Just read/watched a few reviews, seem highly regarded. Think that's the way to go. Just need to choose Strat or Tele, then finish.Don't google images of girls with guitars with the safe search off
The important thing for a learner is to get a guitar that's easy to play and isn't frustrating to operate, rather than one that looks pretty. As you say, if she gets on with playing she'll buy a nice one for herself anyway, and that should be the one that looks good.
Yamaha Pacificas are probably the best at the price point. You might be able to score a MIM strat or tele if you shop around or get a lightly used one. Colours might seem a good idea, but I'm told that black goes with everything.
I'd not go for the SG - even though my "good" guitar is one. The body is small, which is probably good, but having a full scale neck hanging off of it and with the strap hung right at the neck joint means that the ergonomics are pretty challenging - you need a wide strap to give extra friction, and you do need to hold the neck pretty much all the time.
Yamaha Pacificas are probably the best at the price point. You might be able to score a MIM strat or tele if you shop around or get a lightly used one. Colours might seem a good idea, but I'm told that black goes with everything.
I'd not go for the SG - even though my "good" guitar is one. The body is small, which is probably good, but having a full scale neck hanging off of it and with the strap hung right at the neck joint means that the ergonomics are pretty challenging - you need a wide strap to give extra friction, and you do need to hold the neck pretty much all the time.
davepoth said:
Lots of good points
Yup, you're spot on. I think on that basis a Strat body is the way to go.Like you say, used Mexican Strats are in budget and presumably will hold a good chunk of value when resale/upgrade time arrives.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/fender-stratocaster-Mexi...
Problem with Strats is they can be a real pain in the arse depending on your playing style.
I frequently hit the pickup switch by accident if it is on anything other than bridge, occasionally hit the volume control and turn it down by accident, and hammer my nails on the middle pickup. That's not to mention the trem system not only being in the way but detuning the other strings when you hold a bend.
I have played strats since day one and my most played and battered guitar is my USA Strat, I really love them, but I think a Tele is a better option or at least one seriously considering.
I frequently hit the pickup switch by accident if it is on anything other than bridge, occasionally hit the volume control and turn it down by accident, and hammer my nails on the middle pickup. That's not to mention the trem system not only being in the way but detuning the other strings when you hold a bend.
I have played strats since day one and my most played and battered guitar is my USA Strat, I really love them, but I think a Tele is a better option or at least one seriously considering.
I love Strats but I'd say a Tele is better for a beginner. Only 2 pickups to worry about, single tone and volume control, knobs and switch where you're not likely to hit them by accident and a conventional bridge instead of the complexity of a trem.
And you can still get them in pretty colours such as Candy Apple Red if that's important to you!
And you can still get them in pretty colours such as Candy Apple Red if that's important to you!
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