Budget guitars.

[theboatcandream]

Re: Budget guitars.

I cannot recomend the Godin LG guitars enough. The P90 model doesn't sound like a true P90 guitar, but it's very versitile and can recreate both Gibson and Fender tones with the right amp. The pickups are too bright for P90s, but have wonderful cleans otherwise.

The humbucker model would probably be more up your alley. It comes with the Jazz/Custom 5 combo, which by itself is very versitile. The Jazz is great for clean tones, and the Custom 5 feels like a vintage humbucker which can also do metal. It just depends on how much gain you dial in. Plus, positions 2 and 4 on the toggle switch are the pickups split so they become single coils.

Both guitars are made in Canada/USA, and are all mahogany construction.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

I cannot recomend the Godin LG guitars enough. The P90 model doesn't sound like a true P90 guitar, but it's very versitile and can recreate both Gibson and Fender tones with the right amp. The pickups are too bright for P90s, but have wonderful cleans otherwise.

The humbucker model would probably be more up your alley. It comes with the Jazz/Custom 5 combo, which by itself is very versitile. The Jazz is great for clean tones, and the Custom 5 feels like a vintage humbucker which can also do metal. It just depends on how much gain you dial in. Plus, positions 2 and 4 on the toggle switch are the pickups split so they become single coils.

Both guitars are made in Canada/USA, and are all mahogany construction.

Wow, sounds great.

And these guitars cost about how much?


EDIT: Nevermind, I found them. Sorry, my internet was being a pain. It wouldn't let me onto Musician's Friend to look.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: Budget guitars.

I would agree with the folks on a GOOD used guitar. If I were on a budget I would look for a Japanese made Fender Strat. I bought one cheap 16 years ago & it' still sounds & plays great. Tokai also makes a good Strat that you might find for a decent price. ..................Joe :burnout:

 

[frankencat]

Re: Budget guitars.

Check out Agile at www.rondomusic.net. Great low-budget guitars.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

Check out Agile at www.rondomusic.net. Great low-budget guitars.

Thanks a bunch. These guitars look great. I found one for under $200 with a set neck. Crazy.

 

[AniML]

Re: Budget guitars.

Check out Agile at www.rondomusic.net. Great low-budget guitars.

I just got my son an Agile AL-3000. Its a bit more than your budget ($369) but it is sweeeet. IMO, hands down the best LP copy for the money. The lower end models such as what you referred are also nice, but if you can come up with the extra $100 or so, the add ons are worth it. I work 1/2 hour from Rondo and can tell you first hand their service & policies are A++. Check out their site, they have a features matrix to compare models.

If you are looking for a strat-style guitar, look no further than a G&L Tribute. They are readily available on eBay brand new or as new in your price range. I have one and paid $275 for a brand spankin new premium model (ie Alnico V PUPs, swamp ash body, rosewood neck). IMO, better value as well as tonal and build quality than a MIM Fender.

Also, I have no personal experience with them, but many on this forum speak highly of Yamaha Pacificas.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Budget guitars.

animl beat me to it ... g&l for a strat-like and agile for the LP like ... tokai makes very nice instruments too, but hard to find used and new are a touch more than your budget ... enjoy

and if you have access to used shops / pawn shops, dont be afraid to go see if you can find a little local treasure ... and dont forget to haggle with these guys on price .. they have room to move the price a bit ... use the money you save for upgrades to pickups / hardware / etc as needed

and welcome to the forum
cheers
t4d

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Budget guitars.

No offense to Seymour, but his humbuckers don't particularly have a good vintage sound. The closest I've heard is his Livewire humbucker. Other than that, the Pearly Gates is the best, that I've found anyway.

I'm big on vintage tone, but I also know that humbuckers aren't exactly the best for that, though.

Man, I've seriously go to disagree with you here. Of course if you are calling anything before 1955 vintage then you are right humbuckers aren't. The 57 classic is less "vintage sounding" than any of Seymours PAFs, to my ears. It's more grainy like a dimarzio, to my ears. Look into a Seth Lover for the be all in end of new vintage. Antiquity for aged vintage. Some guys here can give you some clips to compare. Besides you can't beat the original Gibson PAF winding machine, the Winding Leesona!

Also an Active pup and a passive pup cannot share the same controls. The passive pups use different resistance pots than the actives.

Hope that helps.

Luke

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: Budget guitars.

Also, I have no personal experience with them, but many on this forum speak highly of Yamaha Pacificas.

Yep!

It's never going to be have the sound of a $2000 guitar, nothing in that price range will. But it will do the job and it IS value for money!

 

[pac112]

Re: Budget guitars.

hey Bee, you never miss a chance to show off that axe dun you?

Rainmaker is right. i have a low end pacifica. get the action correct and maybe some little upgrades and its a real player. look at Rainmaker's pacifica, the pickups are upgraded, it does make a good difference. i have a SD JB in the brige.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

Man, I've seriously go to disagree with you here. Of course if you are calling anything before 1955 vintage then you are right humbuckers aren't. The 57 classic is less "vintage sounding" than any of Seymours PAFs, to my ears. It's more grainy like a dimarzio, to my ears. Look into a Seth Lover for the be all in end of new vintage. Antiquity for aged vintage. Some guys here can give you some clips to compare. Besides you can't beat the original Gibson PAF winding machine, the Winding Leesona!

Also an Active pup and a passive pup cannot share the same controls. The passive pups use different resistance pots than the actives.

Hope that helps.

Luke

I guess to each his own. I happen to like the '57 because it has the humbucker crunch, but also has that crisp tone from the Alnico II magnet. I like Seymour's single coils (strat and tele) and his single coil sized humbuckers (strat and tele, again), and i do happen to like some of his replacement pickups (particularly, the "Vintage" models) for other instruments such as the Jaguar and Jazzmaster, and the Vintage Mini Humbucker.

I've listened to all of his pickups on the site, and I guess I just can't find any humbuckers with vintage tone that I like, but I do like a lot of his pickups, and plan on getting a while mess of 'em in the future, whenever I can afford 'em.


EDIT: Actually, I just went back and listened to the ones you suggested, and I guess I must not've been paying close attention or something, because they sound great. I don't know, I guess I must've just missed something. =/

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Budget guitars.

For a new guitar, I like the Godins. They are extremely easy to play. For a used one, I'd look for a Peavey Predator. I picked one up that needed some work for $50, and I found another in the same place for $100 and you wouldn't have to do anything to it. They usually need new tuners and you'll probably want new pickups, but that's something that you could do gradually as you get the money.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Budget guitars.

I guess to each his own. I happen to like the '57 because it has the humbucker crunch, but also has that crisp tone from the Alnico II magnet. I like Seymour's single coils (strat and tele) and his single coil sized humbuckers (strat and tele, again), and i do happen to like some of his replacement pickups (particularly, the "Vintage" models) for other instruments such as the Jaguar and Jazzmaster, and the Vintage Mini Humbucker.

I've listened to all of his pickups on the site, and I guess I just can't find any humbuckers with vintage tone that I like, but I do like a lot of his pickups, and plan on getting a while mess of 'em in the future, whenever I can afford 'em.


EDIT: Actually, I just went back and listened to the ones you suggested, and I guess I must not've been paying close attention or something, because they sound great. I don't know, I guess I must've just missed something. =/

Yeah man, to each his own! In my Heritage 150 (LP) I have a Jazz in the neck (not quite vintage, but not quite modern) and a Alnico 2 pro in the bridge. It's like a thicker Seth. More mids smoother highs, not quite as plucky sounding. A more modern take on vintage design. Let me grab you my pup write up it might help you look for things in the sound clips.

Luke

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Budget guitars.

This is only the PAF part of my write up. Maybe this can help you know what you like, or don't in each particular model.

Antiquity---A pup that is hand made by Seymour or MJ that has been artificially aged. The magnet has been degaussed and the cover has been distresses along with the screws so as to appear vintage. Everything is done to make these pups as close to an original that you would buy from a collector that was out of a guitar that was played everyday and gigged with. They have complex mids and are smooth. They are available in A2 or A5 magnet varieties. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The 59---The 59 is the quintessential A5 PAF (patent applied for) pup. Imagine getting in a time machine and going back to 1959 and swiping a brand new A5 pup from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo and bringing it forward to today. They have found most homes in many neck slots. It has symetrical coils and lots of quack. It has thumping bass, a scooped mid, and cutting highs. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The Seth Lover---This pup is as true to the original as can be. This pup is unpotted and comes standard with a gold, or nickel pup cover. It has an A2 magnet and has good quack and fair mids. For this pup imagine going back in time to 1955 and grabbing one of the very first PAF's before they debuted in the LP's. This pup is warm and creamy, but can also get bright with the tone knob on 10. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The Alnico 2 Pro---The warmest of the Duncan PAF line. It has symetrical coils and is a modern take on the A2 PAFs. It has round bass and smooth treble, it also has lots of mids to make the guitar really sing. It will warm up the coldest or shrillest of guitars. The most well known Alnico 2 Pro user is Slash of Velvet Revolver and GNR. Standard 4 Conductor Wire

Pearly Gates---The PG is the hottest of the Duncan PAF line. It has asymetrical (mismatched) coils and an A2 magnet. The mismatched coils give this particular pup its rude personality. It has a frequency push in the Presence/Cut knob frequency band. This is the "Sizzle" PG owner talk about. It has the most mids of the Ducan PAF line and is also the hottest. Its patron is Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Standard 4 conductor Wire

The Jazz---The jazz is the pup that bridges the gap between Vintage and Modern pups. Its output is at or around the vintage level. Don't let the name fool you this pup is very versatile and smooth. It has an A5 magnet and is very widely used in the neck slot. It is articulate regardless of the tuning as well. This pup negociates cleans or overdrive very well. Standard 4 Conductor Wire

Luke

BTW I love my Godin, I highly recommend them. Also the Dean budget axes are great for the money, the Vendetta comes to mind. JacksonMIA's peavey has an ultra sweet neck as well.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

Yeah man, to each his own! In my Heritage 150 (LP) I have a Jazz in the neck (not quite vintage, but not quite modern) and a Alnico 2 pro in the bridge. It's like a thicker Seth. More mids smoother highs, not quite as plucky sounding. A more modern take on vintage design. Let me grab you my pup write up it might help you look for things in the sound clips.

Luke

Sweet. I actually went back and listened to the clips on the site. I like the pickups a lot, actually. I just got a whole new computer about a week ago and I've got a better sound card in this one, so that helps a lot when listening to things like that where the subtle things in the sounds matter.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Budget guitars.

Sweet. I actually went back and listened to the clips on the site. I like the pickups a lot, actually. I just got a whole new computer about a week ago and I've got a better sound card in this one, so that helps a lot when listening to things like that where the subtle things in the sounds matter.

Either way I don't want you to feel like I'm bashing your tastes. I was just stating I had trod that path, and found the Duncans more fulfilling. I was talking to a guitar player in a local bar a month or two ago and he loved burstbuckers even though I was trying to convince him to give the antiquities a try because they were soooo smooth. Different strokes for different folks!

Luke

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

This is only the PAF part of my write up. Maybe this can help you know what you like, or don't in each particular model.

Antiquity---A pup that is hand made by Seymour or MJ that has been artificially aged. The magnet has been degaussed and the cover has been distresses along with the screws so as to appear vintage. Everything is done to make these pups as close to an original that you would buy from a collector that was out of a guitar that was played everyday and gigged with. They have complex mids and are smooth. They are available in A2 or A5 magnet varieties. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The 59---The 59 is the quintessential A5 PAF (patent applied for) pup. Imagine getting in a time machine and going back to 1959 and swiping a brand new A5 pup from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo and bringing it forward to today. They have found most homes in many neck slots. It has symetrical coils and lots of quack. It has thumping bass, a scooped mid, and cutting highs. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The Seth Lover---This pup is as true to the original as can be. This pup is unpotted and comes standard with a gold, or nickel pup cover. It has an A2 magnet and has good quack and fair mids. For this pup imagine going back in time to 1955 and grabbing one of the very first PAF's before they debuted in the LP's. This pup is warm and creamy, but can also get bright with the tone knob on 10. Vintage 2 Conductor Wire

The Alnico 2 Pro---The warmest of the Duncan PAF line. It has symetrical coils and is a modern take on the A2 PAFs. It has round bass and smooth treble, it also has lots of mids to make the guitar really sing. It will warm up the coldest or shrillest of guitars. The most well known Alnico 2 Pro user is Slash of Velvet Revolver and GNR. Standard 4 Conductor Wire

Pearly Gates---The PG is the hottest of the Duncan PAF line. It has asymetrical (mismatched) coils and an A2 magnet. The mismatched coils give this particular pup its rude personality. It has a frequency push in the Presence/Cut knob frequency band. This is the "Sizzle" PG owner talk about. It has the most mids of the Ducan PAF line and is also the hottest. Its patron is Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Standard 4 conductor Wire

The Jazz---The jazz is the pup that bridges the gap between Vintage and Modern pups. Its output is at or around the vintage level. Don't let the name fool you this pup is very versatile and smooth. It has an A5 magnet and is very widely used in the neck slot. It is articulate regardless of the tuning as well. This pup negociates cleans or overdrive very well. Standard 4 Conductor Wire

Luke

BTW I love my Godin, I highly recommend them. Also the Dean budget axes are great for the money, the Vendetta comes to mind. JacksonMIA's peavey has an ultra sweet neck as well.

That's great. I went back and listened to all the humbucker sound clips on the site. I loved all those pickups, and I also liked the Stag Mag and George Lynch Screamin' Demon pickups. I love most alnico magnet pickups, and some ceramic pickups, too.

I guess it's a good thing that I decided to give 'em a second listen. I missed a lot upon hearing them the first time. I think this new, higher grade computer really helped with that, too.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Budget guitars.

Either way I don't want you to feel like I'm bashing your tastes. I was just stating I had trod that path, and found the Duncans more fulfilling. I was talking to a guitar player in a local bar a month or two ago and he loved burstbuckers even though I was trying to convince him to give the antiquities a try because they were soooo smooth. Different strokes for different folks!

Luke

I actually don't like the burstbuckers. I really only like the Classic '57, Modern Classics, and Gibson's Mini Humbucker.

And, I understand that you're not bashing my tastes, and I am glad that you insisted that I give 'em another listen. I actually found a lot that I liked in those pickups that I somehow missed before, whether it be my lack of attention to the detail in the sound or my mess of a computer. Either way, I'm glad I gave them another listen, and I will one day purchase them and add 'em to my guitars.

One more thing, just out of curiosity. Have you ever heard Kramer's QuadRod and DualRod pickups? I've heard them online, but I've only found one particular clip where they're played with only slight overdrive. In the clip, they sound pretty clean, but the clip is very short and I can't really make a decision on them based on less than 20 seconds of sound. There are a lot of clips there they're played with distortion and sound pretty nice. They have a nice classic rock-esque sound when distorted, but I'm looking for good clean tone as well.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Budget guitars.

You might want to check the trading post for pups, AND pups. Lots of stuff goes through there, vintage soundingand not.

For the most part I'm like you I like the Alnico sound generally but for my custom shop pup I wound on UGD I wanted something completely different that's how I ended up with my Holy Sh!t bucker. :laugh2: I'm still going to keep a Jazz in the neck though. I really like the midrange and smoothness of A2 in bridge especially.

Luke

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Budget guitars.

JacksonMIA's peavey has an ultra sweet neck as well.

Ah-ha! I've seen the way you've been eyeballing my guitar. You can't have her. She's mine.