Dilemma

[Diego]

Re: Dilemma

I'd say go for the SZ, because I've had two and they'll survive anything. They're a solid midrange guitar that can be had for peanuts in the used market. That LTD looks like a low-end model to me.

As Aceman suggested, make sure your amp doesn't suck. Any idea on what amp you'll get?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

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.

Every time I stray away from Strats, it never lasts long, and I wind up back with one. My second guitar, and the one I spent the most time with, was a Yamaha strat-copy, and agree those early ones make a huge impression.

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

As far as the guitar goes, I'm leaning to the ltd (fret markers should be helpful). But, if it's gone when I get paid, I have no qualms with the sz (I'm sure I can find a system of temporary markers). In terms of an amp? Absolutely no clue. That's my next point of research. Any ideas?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

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.

Sent from my BlackBerry using Tapatalk

I was just messing around (as usual)...lol. Yeah I know, it's just dumb ass mentioning how LP and Strat make a difference in certain technique, as it is totally unrelated to the topic the OP brought up.

The OP has narrowed down his choices to those two, so what's the point of bringing strat to the discussion? Besides, both guitars have stop tail bridge, so arguing about how different styles of bridges makes a difference is totally irrelevant.

Anyway, I would go for the SZ as long as it's in mint condition. Aren't they from 10 years ago or something?

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

As for amps
One of the digitech RP series pedals would serve you well in the beginning
It has the amp models and effects as well a some drum loops to work on your timing
The smallest and cheapest one RP50
Can be had used for about 30 bucks on Guitar Center's used site

Timing on chord changes will be critical
Also a chance to try out different amp and effect flavors will help deciding which one you want to spend real money on

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Dilemma

Everybody who mentioned the Ibanez's lack of fretboard inlays, do you really play hunched over looking at the board? Seems like you're probably looking at the side of the neck, where there will be markers.

Seems like it'd be more important for the person you're trying to learn from having markers.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

And you can run it straight into
The front of you chitty amp
If it has an effects loop I would put it in the return jack of that

But just put the amps eq on noon and run the pedal in front

 

[Drunken Bowling]

Re: Dilemma

The SZ's were nice guitars. Depending on it's condition, I'd buy that one. I played a few in GC when I went shopping for a Marshall AVT20. The quality back then for guitars in that price range was somewhat better, IMHO.

Another similar guitar that might be up your alley is a Schecter C1 Classic. They may be a pinch more than what you might want to spend, but they sound great (come with stock Duncans) and they're everything you could want in terms of comfort. There's a few on Reverb for about $400.00 used. My only issue is the fingerboard inlay. It seems confusing at times to tell which fret you're playing on.

Ace is correct though, worry more about getting a good amp. There's nothing fun about playing guitar and not liking the tone.

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Unfortunately the sz is no longer available, and the truck needs brakes, so guitar will have to wait. I found Reverb yesterday. Still poking around on that site.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Alright. Since I'm looking at after the first of the year, what should I look at for a starter rock/metal guitar? I'm told to buy the best I can buy for my budget, something that begs to be picked up. Stay away from tremelos. So, I'm looking at something used, flamed or quilted make top. Mahogany body, my research finds that basswood will do well also. Ibanez, LTD, Schecter, and Epiphone seem to be the aim of my search. There's a lot to look at under $250. Is the anything else I should be looking for? Any suggestions? I'm looking for an axe I can start on, that will last my needs for years. Thanks again.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

Harley Benton single cut from Thomann USA
Take a look at them
The TOM bridge is simple and works

I swap most of mine for a roller version
So they dont bind over the saddles when bending g

The HB SC series are Les Paul style
With tummy cut and better shaped heel

You'll like them just remember they have a 30 dollar shipping fee

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Wow. Those are some good looking guitars. Reviews are a bit mixed, but good overall. If they do the quality checks I read they do, they make a damn good guitar for the money.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Dilemma

Wow. Those are some good looking guitars. Reviews are a bit mixed, but good overall. If they do the quality checks I read they do, they make a damn good guitar for the money.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

they do take a while to ship and some of them are CITEs restricted

I ordered a speaker cab this Saturday will be two weeks ago
I think its still in Germany

It posted Sunday to the Export office in Frankfurt and I haven't gotten any word on it since

may be a boat involved

but if you order two guitars
you only pay the 35 dollar shipping once
you may have some fees when it gets to your house in the US
but i dont know
I will let you know

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

Interesting[emoji848]. You have further muddied the waters for this inexperienced guitarist, but I'm enjoying digging through the information I'm getting. Thank you.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Dilemma

The best advice I can give is if you can, find somewhere where you can try both of them out. Then, which ever one lights your fire, buy it. As a beginner, it's important to have motivation to play. And there is no better motivation than loving the guitar you have and it feeling comfortable to you.

The thing is that playing guitar is not a natural type feeling for the hands, so as a beginner, holding and playing guitar is an awkward endeavor. That's why I consider it so important to put your hands on any guitar you intend to buy at first. Your hands and eyes will tell you right away if it's for you or not. Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Dilemma

Wow. Those are some good looking guitars. Reviews are a bit mixed, but good overall. If they do the quality checks I read they do, they make a damn good guitar for the money.

I would not recommend these guitars for an outright beginner. You don't quite know what you get quality control wise, and someone who doesn't have any experience with guitars may find they get a product that is not only not easy to play, but they may end up spending on getting it set up well, fret job, etc.

There are some reviews of the HB online that say that as well. It is more for someone who can discern what could be wrong with it if it needs adjusting.

 

[Channr1]

Re: Dilemma

*****************UPDATE*******************
By the time the money was the (truck needed brakes), I stumbled across a Schecter Omen Extreme-6. Thank you for all the information. I learned a lot.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Cobra1957]

Re: Dilemma

I don’t own one but from what I can gather they are great guitars. A professional setup can go a long way on how comfortable that guitar will play and if it is comfortable you will play it more and enjoy it more.

 

[Diego]

Re: Dilemma

A friend of mine has one of those. Absolutely nothing wrong with it for a beginner. Congratulations!

You've bought an excellent guitar to begin with and if you ever decide to treat yourself to something different, you should keep it as a backup, or set it for a different tuning or string gauge. It's not a throwaway guitar by any means.

EDIT: And as suggested above, have it setup by a luthier. Chances are it might have a too high nut, the neck tension isn't quite right, plus other things that, if set right, will make for a smooth playing guitar with consistent response and feel all over the neck.

 

[Francois]

Re: Dilemma

More than additional equipment, for now the most important would be to play regularly (something like every day even if it is not long) and then try to play whole songs...