Rock/Metal Guitars for £300 or less

[Jonny1984]

Hi All,

The wife is getting me a Guitar and lessons for Christmas, but we are still baffled by the choice. It seems like no matter how many reviews I read, I still don't really know what I'm looking for.

I've seen a few ( various Ibanez, Les Paul Epiphone Standard, DBZ Barchetta) but could do with some feedback from people with experience. I just don't want to get something too cheap that might put me off.

Cheers.

[celticpilgrim]

I think you are about to get a shedload of replies which involve phrases like 'try loads of guitars and see which one you like best', which is probably true. This message is brought to you from someone who bought a yam electric from Thomann.de but that doesn't monatter since I can't play for sh*te!!!

RGX 121 HSH config - if only I could play the damn thing!!!!

[Jonny1984]

The thing is, I have no idea what I like because I don't know how to play yet. I'm guessing whatever I buy, as long as I like the look and it's OK to play (quality etc) then I'll get along with it.

If it makes a difference I have big hands

[Tom_C76]

I too have big hands, and as a result find chunky necks (Les Paul's and some Strats) much easier to play than a full on rock guitar like an Ibanez. But you may find starting on a thinner neck is easier if setting off as an adult, I kind of grew into bigger necks having had an Aria cheaper version of a superstrat with skinny neck when I was 15.

[BorkFactor]

I would go for a super strat of some description - I started off with a Squier Srandard Series dual humbucker strat which was great.

Rock / metal - you generally want humbuckers.

Have a look at some of Squier's offerings as they can seriously punch above their weight. LTD (cheaper ESP guitars) are nice too. Ibanez are worth a look, but I really don't get on with them hence why people will tell you to try a bunch and see which you like best - it is a very personal thing.

[Alfanatic]

My first was a Squier Strat (three single coils) and my second an Epiphone Les Paul Studio. The Les Paul has a harder sound more suitable for rock, the Strat has a nicer, richer clean tone and also has a nice smooth bluesy tone on overdrive. Both are easy enough to play but I have small hands. The thicker neck of the Les Paul doesn't put me off but it does have a shorter neck. I find that makes the Les Paul less of a stretch when playing up and down the scales and it's a bit easier on bends too, but I don't hear people with big hands saying it is too cramped.

Easiest cheap guitar I have ever played was an Ibanez something or other but the Les Paul is comfy for me too. Stick with the known brands, Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha at that price and you will get a well build decent sounding instrument to learn on and personally I would recommend, picking whichever guitar with a well known brand looks nicest to you.

Once you can play comfortably you will start to figure out what nuances matter to you.

Edited by Alfanatic on Thursday 31st October 08:14

[Don1]

When I started playing, I had a Squire strat (humbucker rear), and I just didn't get on with it.

Fast forward a few years, and I've started playing again. I've been buying second hand guitars for not a large amount of cash - an Ibanez JS was first (love it), a Washburn N2 (because I always wanted it), and now Father Xmas is bringing a Gibson SG Melody maker. All together they are under £700...

Honestly? Go along to a friendly guitar shop, and explain to them. Ask to handle some as you'd like to know how they feel, so you can make an informed decision before buying.

[KemP]

To echo what others have said. Go to a music shop and try different guitars and see what feels good on you. Personally I would be buying second hand.

[lockhart flawse]

There is far too much fuss made about this. Just go to a guitar shop and get something off the 2nd hand rack. It will be fine to learn on. No need to buy new.

The benefits that the more expensive guitars bring are almost all beyond the reach of a beginner. My first guitar was an Avon SG copy and it cost £45. It was fine and I gigged with it. All I would say is that to learn you will get more feel from a rosewood (dark wood) fingerboard and a wider neck will make more room for your fat fingers! Usually that means a Gibson style guitar.

But, if it was me, I would buy a used Hamer on Ebay. They are good guitars and cheap as chips.

[Bullett]

I disagree. Better guitars are easier to play, so spend the most you can afford. Obviously there is a law of diminishing returns for beginners but something in the several hundred range is likely to have a better action and be better set up out of the box than a real cheapy. An easier to play instrument will keep you at it longer.

Of course a good guitar shop or dealer should set up any instrument well and I suspect the general quality of low end stuff has improved somewhat in the near 30 years since I started.

Go to a shop and just hold one. See how it feels in your hands, weight, balance do your hands go to the right places to strum and finger. Some will feel more comfortable/natural than others.

[Fantuzzi]

Bullett said:

I disagree. Better guitars are easier to play, so spend the most you can afford. Obviously there is a law of diminishing returns for beginners but something in the several hundred range is likely to have a better action and be better set up out of the box than a real cheapy. An easier to play instrument will keep you at it longer.

Of course a good guitar shop or dealer should set up any instrument well and I suspect the general quality of low end stuff has improved somewhat in the near 30 years since I started.

Go to a shop and just hold one. See how it feels in your hands, weight, balance do your hands go to the right places to strum and finger. Some will feel more comfortable/natural than others.

I'd be carefull not to suggest, more expensive = better instrument, as that is not the case. There are some insanely good guitars for 200quid and some really crap ones for 10k.


I'd say go out and learn your first few months worth of lesson on a cheap classical for a little money.

Then walk into every guitar shop in a 40mile radius and try the electrics out, then you'll be able to strum a few chords play a few riffs and you will be able to sense what guitars 'feel' better and what sounds you prefer from them. In other words you will be able to test to guitars out properly.

Learn basics firsts, then shop around, otherwise you might end up with something you don't really love, or that you don't go with.

But if you are set on buying before you can play anything

Cort X2 180quid.

Infact most of Corts stuff is pretty awesome, really cheap, really good.

[davepoth]

Bullett said:

I disagree. Better guitars are easier to play, so spend the most you can afford. Obviously there is a law of diminishing returns for beginners but something in the several hundred range is likely to have a better action and be better set up out of the box than a real cheapy. An easier to play instrument will keep you at it longer.

Of course a good guitar shop or dealer should set up any instrument well and I suspect the general quality of low end stuff has improved somewhat in the near 30 years since I started.

Go to a shop and just hold one. See how it feels in your hands, weight, balance do your hands go to the right places to strum and finger. Some will feel more comfortable/natural than others.

This. Even if you can't play, you should find that certain guitars "speak" to you. Start off by looking at your favourite players, and see what sort of guitars they're using. That will get you into the right direction if you want to get a sound something like they have.

As Bullett says, things are a lot better than they used to be and even the worst guitars available are capable of being played, but it's best to go up to your budget as much as you can. Don't forget you'll also need the kit to go with it. Off the top of my head you'll want a strap, a guitar tuner, some plectrums (plectra?), a case, and a lead to plug the guitar into whatever you're going to use to amplify it. Figure around £50-60 for that stuff; the shop might throw at least some of that in with the guitar if you ask really nicely - haggling is quite common in music shops IME.

[bennyboysvuk]

Bullett said:

I disagree. Better guitars are easier to play, so spend the most you can afford. Obviously there is a law of diminishing returns for beginners but something in the several hundred range is likely to have a better action and be better set up out of the box than a real cheapy. An easier to play instrument will keep you at it longer.

Of course a good guitar shop or dealer should set up any instrument well and I suspect the general quality of low end stuff has improved somewhat in the near 30 years since I started.

Go to a shop and just hold one. See how it feels in your hands, weight, balance do your hands go to the right places to strum and finger. Some will feel more comfortable/natural than others.

Although that said, the number of £1000 Gibsons that are set up terribly from the factory is quite high in my experience. Like you say though, it's all about the setup.

My money would go on an eBay twin humbuckered Yamaha or something, then if I found that I didn't go very far with guitar, I've not lost very much.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-RGX121Z-Electric-...

I recently bought a sacrificial Stratocaster copy from eBay for £26 for my son to learn on when he's ready and it plays pretty well for the price I paid. It's only issues are low quality pickups and electronics, which you are unlikely to have issues with on a Yam.

[Jonny1984]

This may sound really stupid, but I was in Dawsons in Manchester last Tuesday having a look. I was kinda scared to touch any though

I'll have a ride out to a few shops I think. Other half has been ringing round a few local music shops and all they seem to do is recommend their own brand (probably cheap copies) before we've even been to look.

[Bullett]

bennyboysvuk said:

Like you say though, it's all about the setup.

Yup. My dad is a Luthier mostly Classical but he's built me a few things, so that was pretty handy when I was still living at home. All my instruments were set up right.

[Cheeky Jim]

bennyboysvuk said:

Although that said, the number of £1000 Gibsons that are set up terribly from the factory is quite high in my experience. Like you say though, it's all about the setup.

This... is absolutely true.... brand spankers Reverse Thunderbird bass... shocking setup...electrics blew on the first gig due to mis-specced pots... and it was a £1100 import that had a 5 month waiting list from taking the cash.

That said... the best cheap guitar I've seen/owned and highly recommend is an Epiphone Les Paul Junior... brand new less than £120 and the quality is good, 1 x Humbucker, volume and tone... easy to play, stays in tune and will do you plenty of years....

LP Jr

[IainT]

See if you can find somewhere that lets you have a fairly extensive bash before shelling out your hard-earned.

Also, don't be shy of second hand gear, you can pick up stuff that would normally be out of your budget fairly easily.

[Nom de ploom]

have you budgeted for or got an amp?

your sound will not only depend on the guitar.

for a "budget" guitar and depending on the style or sound you might be looking for, copy Gibsons (SG's etc), low end Ibanez, Strats, Yamahas are pretty solid.

I had a Dean model strat shape, twin humbuckers cost me about £120 10 years ago was fantastic for the money.

£300 will buy you quite a bit of guitar, though pre xmas you might not find a bargain....

[Jonny1984]

I think shes budgeted extra for an amp. One of her ex colleagues is an avid guitar player, so she took some advice from him too. I'm always on the lookout for a hobby and this has been on my list for a while.

I did briefly have one of the Epiphone Special 2 starter packs with the amp etc, but didn't really have the spare money for lessons, so it got sold on quickly. Tried to learn a bit on my own, but felt overwhelmed and always thought "am I doing this right"

[bennyboysvuk]

Amp-wise, I'd be really tempted to go for something like a Blackstar HT1R (again from eBay). I've not actually played through one, but really fancy one as a home practice amp. They're a low power valve amp so you get some lovely warmth and drive from it at low/ish volumes. The OD channel sounds pretty chunky too, from what I can tell.

Andertons video review here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enaYgJesWeM