Post: #1

I've been playing guitar for about eight years, and right now I own a Fender Squier Stratocaster (Affinity series). Bought it used 3 years ago, because I had sold my old one (Epiphone SG) and didn't have much money.

Now I've got some cash saved and I'm looking to buy another one (new or used).
I play mostly jazz, blues and rock/progressive. I'd like a guitar that is versatile, preferably with humbuckers and with some good sustain. Price range: up to US$600.

Out of the ones I've seen, I'm most interested in the Epiphone Casino (US$599) and the Traditional Pro Les Paul (US$499) (has anyone tried it vs. the Studio model?).

Any suggestions? Has anyone tried any of these?

*All prices are for new guitars and GuitarCenter.com

Post: #2

Well I guess the only way to find out is to go to your nearest Guitar Center and play them yourself if available.

The Casino I would say is more for blues or jazz, you can certainly use it for rock but I don't think you would quite get that extra "punch" (hard to describe) if you're playing rock.

The Les Paul would be more versatile to your needs. This one would give you that "punch" that I talk about if you ever play rock music and mellowness if you need to. I've played Les Pauls from Gibson and Epiphone...the only difference is price.

Again, my opinion and you should play it yourself when you get the chance at your Guitar Center. Compare how much you can adjust the distortion/gain/mellowness/clean settings and how they sound, compare it with different amps, compare the feel...overall, will it meet your musical needs?

Let me guess, coming from your guitar choices and screen name...Beatles fan?

Post: #3

(02-26-2012 02:26 PM)Enfant_Terrible Wrote:  Well I guess the only way to find out is to go to your nearest Guitar Center and play them yourself if available.

The Casino I would say is more for blues or jazz, you can certainly use it for rock but I don't think you would quite get that extra "punch" (hard to describe) if you're playing rock.

The Les Paul would be more versatile to your needs. This one would give you that "punch" that I talk about if you ever play rock music and mellowness if you need to. I've played Les Pauls from Gibson and Epiphone...the only difference is price.

Again, my opinion and you should play it yourself when you get the chance at your Guitar Center. Compare how much you can adjust the distortion/gain/mellowness/clean settings and how they sound, compare it with different amps, compare ...overall, will it meet your musical needs?

I'm going to buy the guitar in the U.S., but I live in Brazil and the Casino is kind of hard to find around here. Never played it. I've tried the Les Paul, however, and really liked it.
What guitar do you play?

(02-26-2012 02:26 PM)Enfant_Terrible Wrote:  Let me guess, coming from your guitar choices and screen name...Beatles fan?

Hahah, I am! Are you not?
Can't say they're my favorite band, though. I think my favorite is probably the Allman Brothers Band (especially the Duane era).

Post: #4

(02-26-2012 02:53 PM)Ringo Wrote:  

(02-26-2012 02:26 PM)Enfant_Terrible Wrote:  Well I guess the only way to find out is to go to your nearest Guitar Center and play them yourself if available.

The Casino I would say is more for blues or jazz, you can certainly use it for rock but I don't think you would quite get that extra "punch" (hard to describe) if you're playing rock.

The Les Paul would be more versatile to your needs. This one would give you that "punch" that I talk about if you ever play rock music and mellowness if you need to. I've played Les Pauls from Gibson and Epiphone...the only difference is price.

Again, my opinion and you should play it yourself when you get the chance at your Guitar Center. Compare how much you can adjust the distortion/gain/mellowness/clean settings and how they sound, compare it with different amps, compare ...overall, will it meet your musical needs?

I'm going to buy the guitar in the U.S., but I live in Brazil and the Casino is kind of hard to find around here. Never played it. I've tried the Les Paul, however, and really liked it.
What guitar do you play?

I played with an Ibanez...sold it a while back I have a Yamaha acoustic to keep me afloat musically. But I might buy an Epiphone Les Paul electric when I get extra cash.

(02-26-2012 02:26 PM)Enfant_Terrible Wrote:  Let me guess, coming from your guitar choices and screen name...Beatles fan?

Hahah, I am! Are you not?
Can't say they're my favorite band, though. I think my favorite is probably the Allman Brothers Band (especially the Duane era).

Oh I only have all Beatles albums on my iTunes

Post: #5

If your in a state that has Sam Ash, you should try visiting them as well. They always have a good guitar selections. I'm decent on the guitar but I need to practice more, I've played it on and off throughout my life.

The Les Paul sounds really good though, I've messed with it a few times.

Post: #6

Player here. Stopped playing electric to start playing acoustic + singing, just to experience some variety.

I wanna get back to electric trying new genres, but I'm saving up for a good new guitar.

Post: #7

Is the choice down to one of these two models? I'd recommend saving a few hundred dollars more and saving for a new Gibson, or even trying to find a used Gibson at your current price range.

Post: #8

I have a Les Paul Custom with active EMGs. Fucker weighs like 30 pounds but sounds amazing. Ibanez guitars look and play nice but sound like total ass. I have 2 of them ...a seven string and an old s540ltd(old school metal guitar)

Post: #9

http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultnylonsap.htm

My next axe, god willing. I'm a nylon purist and play mostly MPB and Brazilian jazz/bossa, so that one is ideal for me. They have other models too, but they might be out of your price range.

Post: #10

The electric guitar market is totally BS. As far as sound goes on the guitar itself, the only thing that matters is the pick-up you are using and your technique. The rest is just players comfort- neck size, body shape, etc. The type of wood only makes a difference on an acoustic, and even then, it's marginal in comparison to the general construction of the guitar.

Post: #11

(02-26-2012 05:18 PM)Andy_B Wrote:  Is the choice down to one of these two models? I'd recommend saving a few hundred dollars more and saving for a new Gibson, or even trying to find a used Gibson at your current price range.

Really? What would you say the Gibson has that the Epi can't offer?

(02-26-2012 07:58 PM)soup Wrote:  The electric guitar market is totally BS. As far as sound goes on the guitar itself, the only thing that matters is the pick-up you are using and your technique. The rest is just players comfort- neck size, body shape, etc. The type of wood only makes a difference on an acoustic, and even then, it's marginal in comparison to the general construction of the guitar.

I think I see what you mean, and I partly agree with you. But would you care to elaborate? I'd love to hear your arguments.

What do you play? You got custom pickup installed in your guitars?

(02-26-2012 06:58 PM)violão Wrote:  My next axe, god willing. I'm a nylon purist and play mostly MPB and Brazilian jazz/bossa, so that one is ideal for me. They have other models too, but they might be out of your price range.

That's awesome!

It's funny, I intended to ask this, but I think most guys (specially in America) learn to play with metal string acoustic guitars. Am I wrong?

I started with classical nylon myself, and then eletric guitar 2 years later. I still have mine, a crappy 35 year old Giannini. Love playing Noel Rosa and Tom Jobim with it.

Post: #12

Don't buy anything with a bolt on neck unless money is an issue or you're just starting out. Fender strats are the only exception.

Pretty much any Gibson guitar is good. Stay away from Epiphones.

I have a few guitars with tremolos. They're cool to mess around with but their tone compared to guitars with a standard bridge is shit. You'll need an amp with tons of gain to compensate for the loss of sustain.

For acoustic I recommend Ovation. Best bang for the buck. They play nice, look nice and sound good plugged in.

Post: #13

I've been playing 20 plus years, and like the op, am in to blues, bluesy/jazz, and rock. I own an American Std strat and a Carvin solidbody. I do not own either of these guitars, and have never played one, but the Ibanez AS 103 and AM 93 both receive great reviews on Musciansfriend.com, and are right in your price range. Plus, you can return both if bought from Musician's Friend. Alternatively, check out Carvin's website. I love my Carvin, plus you can customize any guitar purchased from them to fit your needs. If you haven't already, check out premiereguitar.com, and search their gear review section. Likewise, do the same for vintageguitar.com and guitarworld.com.

Best of luck with the search.

Post: #14

I'm a bassist who dabbles in guitar, but I'm gonna join in anyway. I have a (mexican) Fender Jazz bass. I run it through an EHX Little Big Muff into a Hartke HA4000. I'm recording with my band atm so I'll post them when their finished.

(02-26-2012 08:51 PM)Parlay44 Wrote:  Don't buy anything with a bolt on neck unless money is an issue or you're just starting out. Fender strats are the only exception.

Pretty much any Gibson guitar is good. Stay away from Epiphones.

I have a few guitars with tremolos. They're cool to mess around with but their tone compared to guitars with a standard bridge is shit. You'll need an amp with tons of gain to compensate for the loss of sustain.

For acoustic I recommend Ovation. Best bang for the buck. They play nice, look nice and sound good plugged in.

My guitarist has a custom strat with a tremolo, and the sustain is brilliant. The problem isn't tremolos as a whole, it's just that good tremolos are hard to come by.

Also Gibson's are nice but I find them so uncomfortable to play.

Post: #15

(02-26-2012 08:51 PM)Parlay44 Wrote:  Don't buy anything with a bolt on neck unless money is an issue or you're just starting out. Fender strats are the only exception.

Pretty much any Gibson guitar is good. Stay away from Epiphones.

I have a few guitars with tremolos. They're cool to mess around with but their tone compared to guitars with a standard bridge is shit. You'll need an amp with tons of gain to compensate for the loss of sustain.

For acoustic I recommend Ovation. Best bang for the buck. They play nice, look nice and sound good plugged in.

I used to own a Gibson Es-335 Beale Street Blue lefty. WAYYYY to much guitar for me. I heard that Epiphones hold their weight by changing out the pickups. I'll buy one when I return to the states.

On a side note: Do you guys ever travel with a guitar? Any suggestions on logistics? I quit playing due to constantly being on the road and not having access to a lefty.

Post: #16

Ali - traveling with a guitar is not something I've done much of, but if you buy a good hardshell case, lock it down tight, and detune the strings before jumping on a plane, you should be ok. Alternatively, there are manufacturers of "travel guitars." I know Martin makes an acoustic travel guitar, which is small in size. Also, a company by the name of Rainsong (i believe) makes a graphite guitar that should hold up better to traveling. Again, check that out on your own (about the Rainsong) b/c I may be dead wrong.

I've heard the same thing about the Epi 335's, change out the pick-ups and maybe put in some new tuners, and you've got a much better guitar for a fraction of the cost of a Gibson 335.

Post: #17

(02-29-2012 12:39 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  On a side note: Do you guys ever travel with a guitar? Any suggestions on logistics? I quit playing due to constantly being on the road and not having access to a lefty.

Ali,
I haven't traveled a lot with mine either, but I've had a Gator case very much like this one for about 6 years. It's really resistent, and I believe it can take some serious hits without damaging the guitar. Also, it fits many models. My Strat kinda damaged the inside of the case because it's 2cm bigger than it should be. Still, it fits.

Don't forget to make sure the guitar is not loose inside the case. If you're not sure, put a few t-shirts over the guitar. This will help it from moving inside the case and it will buff any impacts.

Post: #18

(02-29-2012 12:39 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  

(02-26-2012 08:51 PM)Parlay44 Wrote:  Don't buy anything with a bolt on neck unless money is an issue or you're just starting out. Fender strats are the only exception.

Pretty much any Gibson guitar is good. Stay away from Epiphones.

I have a few guitars with tremolos. They're cool to mess around with but their tone compared to guitars with a standard bridge is shit. You'll need an amp with tons of gain to compensate for the loss of sustain.

For acoustic I recommend Ovation. Best bang for the buck. They play nice, look nice and sound good plugged in.

I used to own a Gibson Es-335 Beale Street Blue lefty. WAYYYY to much guitar for me. I heard that Epiphones hold their weight by changing out the pickups. I'll buy one when I return to the states.

On a side note: Do you guys ever travel with a guitar? Any suggestions on logistics? I quit playing due to constantly being on the road and not having access to a lefty.

Do you want to travel with an electric or an acoustic?

I would get one of those guitar cases that are used on touring shows, get the one that 1 person can carry.

For portable amplification, use my favorite...

The Pig Nose:


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/p...rtable-amp

You can connect to an (optional) external power source or with batteries.

Marshall makes one too and there are several other brands.

Post: #19

Proper use of the pignose.

Post: #20

For travel amp I'd go with the pignose or Roland microcube.

http://line6.com/pocketpod/

This is a product a friend recommended. There was one other small electronic device I'm missing. It may have been to record what you played.

I'll think of it later.

Post: #21

You mean the KORG Pandora?

Post: #22

Yeah, I think. So with the Korg, and a travel amp, you can make a 1 man show, right? I had all this shit figured out 3 years ago, but forgot it.

To solve the guitar problem, I've considered buying a guitar wherever I go and sell it upon leaving. In Central America, for instance, a good classic can be had for around $50. There are decent guitar in factories in Cebu. I wonder if you can pick up a 6 string in EE for cheap? Has anyone priced them out there or in Europe? Ah yes. We need a price check on isle Brazil also please.

I always check 2 bags on long trips, and it's not cost effective to pay up for bringing a guitar.

Thanks for the input so far. It's been a big help.

Post: #23

What about bass players?? Any out there?

Post: #24

Real guitar, fellas.

Post: #25

How cool is this?