Dilemma

[Channr1]

I'm new here, and wasn't sure where to post my question. So, here goes. I've always wanted to play guitar. I've owned a couple, but never learned more than parts of songs. I've recently decided to follow through and learn, but need an instrument. I have it narrowed down to 2: an Ibanez SZ520QM, and an LTD EC200QM. I'm more of a rock and metal guy. I'm wondering which guitar would be better suited to a beginner.


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[NegativeEase]

Re: Dilemma

It's easy -which ever you look at and get more stoked on. and it has to be comfortable to your hand of course.

For a beginner, you want a guitar that demands your attention when you come home, a guitar that says, "hey Channr1, forget birddogging chicks tonight or looking at porn by your lonesome -get a sixpack, stay in and play me until your fingers bleed dude"

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Dilemma

If you're a beginner you probably won't be able to differentiate the finer aspects of the guitars from each other. That takes time, but for now I'd recommend buying whatever guitar makes you want to play more.

Between these two, I'd say go for the LTD just on account of the Ibanez not having fret markers outside of the 12th. Other than that the only major difference between the two guitars is the body shape and neck profiles, which you would have to find out for yourself through playing the particular guitars which one you prefer.

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Thank you.

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[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

Yea the neck profile is gonna be a personal preference
You gotta find one you like

For me , back in the day, it was a Kendricks super strat
Super skinny neck with a flat fretboard

 

[Adieu]

Re: Dilemma

Neither, unless you can get em for $120ish

Buy a used Made in Japan (this part is key!) Charvel or Jackson, preferably with HSS pickup configuration but HH also ok, for $150-250

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Thank you again. I'm never going to go on stage, or likely to record for more than my own use. Probably just jamming with the guys and playing with family (wife and daughters learning piano, violin and uke). I just want the best guitar for the money in my meager price range. They're both at $250 range in mt area.

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[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Update. LTD had seymour jb/jazz pops. The ibby is an '03 with stocks.

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[Ayrton]

Re: Dilemma

First and foremost you want the guitar that is most comfortable in your hand. Being a beginner, you really haven’t formed an opinion on sound or developed a style yet, so how the guitar feels in your hands is most important. You will never be motivated to learn on something that doesn’t inspire you.

I assume both are used, so condition is a consideration. The Ibanez is a solid choice that would be my personal preference if it is in nice shape.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

Update. LTD had seymour jb/jazz pops. The ibby is an '03 with stocks.

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my fav pickups
I bought a set ten years ago to go in my Ibanez
then I bought several more sets for guitars i did not own yet

currently have that combination in two guitars and have two more sets ready to install in two others

again
its about the neck shape and how it feels for you right now

i would try to hold each one see how you think it sits in your hand
in your lap
slung over your shoulder
it needs to be comfortable

 

[greekdude]

Re: Dilemma

IMO the most important factor is the bridge. I learned with a strat when I was in my early teens, mostly metal and early thrash. Now I am 50 and still cannot play comfortably anything which does not have a flat bridge, close to the body. So play with both types (strat vs LP) and see what fits best.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

Ok that's fair
I played acoustic and strat and I had no problems going to an LP
But that was my experience
So I did not think that the bridge would be an issue

 

[Aceman]

Re: Dilemma

First comment - flip a coin. Both are great budget axes.

IMO - the Ibanez is more axe for the money. It's a midline Ibanez with a set neck, whereas the EC200 is a lower end EC.
Also - An EC200 does NOT have Duncan pickups.

Worry more about getting a good amp!
*Great guitar + crappy amp = crap
*Functional guitar + great amp = Pretty darn good!

But really - either of those is good. Get whatever you like the looks of best.

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Thank you all. I know different necks have different scale lengths, fret sizes, action, thickness,..... I didn't know if one might be more conducive to learning over the other. I'm picking up that that's not the case.
Aceman, the EC ad claims the owner swapped the pups. That being said, my amp is junk. It's from a Silvertone jumpstart pack I bought in high school (I'm now 36). Still works though, no amp in the budget I'm afraid. Maybe after the first of the year. But that's a different forum. [emoji4]

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[greekdude]

Re: Dilemma

Ok that's fair
I played acoustic and strat and I had no problems going to an LP
But that was my experience
So I did not think that the bridge would be an issue

no problems here either till I try to play some early metallica (e.g. fight fire with fire or Battery), then the bridge matters. In fast, complex palm muting the bridge has to be exactly like it fits you.

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: Dilemma

I jammed with my friend playing Metallica's Master of Puppets at his basement in 1993, swiiching between my Charvel CX strat copy and his goldtop LP. No problem.

So, flat bridge required for palm muting is as mythical as fairy dust. Besides, I believe Mr. Hammett played a Gibson Flying V in Master, which was equipped with a stop tail bridge, no?

That said, I would love to know more the reasoning behind that theory, really.

 

[greekdude]

Re: Dilemma

^^ Tell this to Ibanez. In the meantime read this : https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?39246-Palm-muting-Fender-vs-Gibson , and (try to) stay calm.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Dilemma

Stop arguing about irrelevant stuff the OP didn't ask about.

Both of those are good choices for a beginner assuming they're in good condition. Get whichever you prefer the feel of.

My opinion is it doesn't matter too much what you start out with provided: it's not a hassle (stays in tune reasonably well, doesn't require tons of setup); and it inspires you to play more (looks cool, feels good, whatever). Avoid anything with a floating trem (e.g. most Ibanez RGs) but neither of the models you're looking at have one, so you're good.

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[Mr. B]

Re: Dilemma

I'd go for the ESP in your case, even though I usually like Ibanez guitars better. I like being able to control the string's break angle over the bridge by raising a tailpiece. I'd also rather have dots on the fretboard if I was just trying to learn to play.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

I have never set an ESP I didn't like
The ESP should have a tummy cut and a skinny neck
I do like Ibanez though
But as the OP said, the ESP has the SD pickups I like

So I really gotta go with the ESP

But I agree with Ace
A better amp should be next on the list
A great amp will make a much bigger difference in tone

With that said you can make do for now just to be able to hear it
Make sure you are fretting the notes properly
Practice changing chords on time
Get smooth on the changes

You wont need a big tube amp for the house
A small cheap modeling amp would give you access to a ton of amps and effects
Till you decide what your sound will be