Discussion: guitar under $300
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster.
Why? It is a simple solid guitar. No vibrato to go wrong. Easy to upgrade the pickups. (If you buy the Custom II with P90s, you won't have to upgrade the pickups.)
Hamer XT Junior
Build quality. Simplicity. A "no excuses, get on with it" rock 'n' roll guitar. Slam in a Duncan P90 and you're away.
Yamaha Pacifica/RGX
Exemplary woodwork and fretting. Dogbreath pickups and electronics. I find the string spacing tight.
Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster.
Why? It is a simple solid guitar. No vibrato to go wrong. Easy to upgrade the pickups. (If you buy the Custom II with P90s, you won't have to upgrade the pickups.)
Hamer XT Junior
Build quality. Simplicity. A "no excuses, get on with it" rock 'n' roll guitar. Slam in a Duncan P90 and you're away.
Yamaha Pacifica/RGX
Exemplary woodwork and fretting. Dogbreath pickups and electronics. I find the string spacing tight.
Kramer Guy
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
For $300 bucks , I'd look through Guitar Center's website on their used gear section and see what's available as far as Epiphone Les Paul Standards are concerned . Ever since I got my Epiphone Goth LP Studio a couple of weeks ago , I'm hooked on them. I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner .
For $300 bucks , I'd look through Guitar Center's website on their used gear section and see what's available as far as Epiphone Les Paul Standards are concerned . Ever since I got my Epiphone Goth LP Studio a couple of weeks ago , I'm hooked on them. I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner .
elelpe
Well-known member
Franknfilms
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
I'll play.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/esp-ltd-h-101-flame-maple-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/esp-ltd-lmh100qmntd-quilt-maple-top-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/schecter-guitar-research-omen-solo-6-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/squier-vintage-modified-telecaster-deluxe-electric-guitar
I'll play.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/esp-ltd-h-101-flame-maple-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/esp-ltd-lmh100qmntd-quilt-maple-top-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/schecter-guitar-research-omen-solo-6-electric-guitar
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/squier-vintage-modified-telecaster-deluxe-electric-guitar
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
There is no guitar under $300 that would interest me at all.
There is no guitar under $300 that would interest me at all.
KeeperOS
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
In all honesty, there are many (Asian) guitars that are pretty decent at that price range although the magic number usually seems to be 550 (euro here).
Still, these are some guitars I wouldn't kick out of bed:
Michael Kelly Decree. Personally I have the slightly more expensive Patriot Limited and it is an amazing guitar, regardless of price point
Schecter Omen 6 (FR), the first Schecter I ever played and one that I was seriously impressed by.
And my personal favorite:
Swing EZ-10
Although they have now discontinued this particular model these used to retail for about 300€ and were extremely honest instruments for the price.
Yeah the finish was just a few coats of Tung-oil or similar, yes the hardware and pickups were subpar at best but all the things that really matter were there which is why I spent MANY times that amount to turn the one I got into this:
In all honesty, there are many (Asian) guitars that are pretty decent at that price range although the magic number usually seems to be 550 (euro here).
Still, these are some guitars I wouldn't kick out of bed:
Michael Kelly Decree. Personally I have the slightly more expensive Patriot Limited and it is an amazing guitar, regardless of price point
Schecter Omen 6 (FR), the first Schecter I ever played and one that I was seriously impressed by.
And my personal favorite:
Swing EZ-10
Although they have now discontinued this particular model these used to retail for about 300€ and were extremely honest instruments for the price.
Yeah the finish was just a few coats of Tung-oil or similar, yes the hardware and pickups were subpar at best but all the things that really matter were there which is why I spent MANY times that amount to turn the one I got into this:
S
stratman1994
Guest
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
I got my 1994 fender strat for $275 even though it was used. But if I had $300, I would buy a squire strat.
I got my 1994 fender strat for $275 even though it was used. But if I had $300, I would buy a squire strat.
darthphineas
New member
Discussion: guitar under $300
Agree on the pre-owned route.
Or a BC Rich retro Gunslinger right at the $300 mark, if you are into shred sticks.
Sent from my armored battle station using Tapatalk
Agree on the pre-owned route.
Or a BC Rich retro Gunslinger right at the $300 mark, if you are into shred sticks.
Sent from my armored battle station using Tapatalk
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
ABSOLUTELY NOT a new guitar.
Browsing 300 & under stuff at the local GC, I generally pull a USA PRS off the wall for benchmarking purposes, usually a PRS Mira or the cheapest of PRS 22s (so I don't draw angry salesman stares) for humbucker comparisons, and one of those 3-single-black-coil ones against singles.
QUITE A LOT OF IT HOLDS UP WELL, in playability and/or in sound, often enough in both (for comparison's sake - NONE of the current sub-$2k Gibsons can hold a candle to any USA PRS in either category).... though, for fairness' sake, I will admit that I never, ever touch anything non-MIA/MIJ off the used wall, unless it's an MIM/MIK with crazy expensive mods and major cool stuff installed aftermarket.
PS forget holds up quite well, the occasional used gear score UTTERLY SQUASHES the new PRS... yes, even the 300 & under crowd. though, in that case, you reaaaally need to know your makes models and brands to ID superb values that the guitar center guys missed (F serial ibanezes, hehe) or literally try everything there. and if you want well-known brand's most popular models on the cheap, prepare to hunt on Craigslist for cases of MISTAKEN IDENTITY - best used scores come from sellers who haven't a clue as to what exactly they're selling.
ABSOLUTELY NOT a new guitar.
Browsing 300 & under stuff at the local GC, I generally pull a USA PRS off the wall for benchmarking purposes, usually a PRS Mira or the cheapest of PRS 22s (so I don't draw angry salesman stares) for humbucker comparisons, and one of those 3-single-black-coil ones against singles.
QUITE A LOT OF IT HOLDS UP WELL, in playability and/or in sound, often enough in both (for comparison's sake - NONE of the current sub-$2k Gibsons can hold a candle to any USA PRS in either category).... though, for fairness' sake, I will admit that I never, ever touch anything non-MIA/MIJ off the used wall, unless it's an MIM/MIK with crazy expensive mods and major cool stuff installed aftermarket.
PS forget holds up quite well, the occasional used gear score UTTERLY SQUASHES the new PRS... yes, even the 300 & under crowd. though, in that case, you reaaaally need to know your makes models and brands to ID superb values that the guitar center guys missed (F serial ibanezes, hehe) or literally try everything there. and if you want well-known brand's most popular models on the cheap, prepare to hunt on Craigslist for cases of MISTAKEN IDENTITY - best used scores come from sellers who haven't a clue as to what exactly they're selling.
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Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
YES! Glad somebody else recognized that. I bought that thing a total whim from GC. Mine is a maple neck (only maple I have) and it's amazing for the price. Generally stays in tune and also very good acoustically given how light and thin it is. It's considered a good "beater" due to its price and tonal versatility, but that's a little unfair...maybe "premium beater". Haha.
I missed if the OP was only into "new" guitars for under $300, but if you're willing to look slightly used, you could really get into some of the MIM Fenders and higher-end Epiphones at that price.
If not, Squier really is a great option, so long as you know WHICH Squiers to look at. The Classic Vibes and Vintage Modified in the $200 to $300 price range are arguably as good as MIM Strats that say "Fender" on the headstock. Or, if you're into modding, go find a Squier SE (the one they sold in the Strat pack), which you might pay all of $70 for, and get the loaded pickguard/replacement pickups of your choice. The neck on that thing is fantastic, and you'll end up with what feels like a $500 instrument for probably around $200 total.
Case in point, my black Squier SE (bought used in disrepair for $50) became this vintage P-90 monster with Tonerider Rebel 90's:
Most people would pick it up and be fairly happy with it, but for me, it feels even better because I got to "dream" it.
Had a giftcard and decided to pick up a Silo 3. Plays really well considering the price! And I love the look. A fun beater guitar.
YES! Glad somebody else recognized that. I bought that thing a total whim from GC. Mine is a maple neck (only maple I have) and it's amazing for the price. Generally stays in tune and also very good acoustically given how light and thin it is. It's considered a good "beater" due to its price and tonal versatility, but that's a little unfair...maybe "premium beater". Haha.
I missed if the OP was only into "new" guitars for under $300, but if you're willing to look slightly used, you could really get into some of the MIM Fenders and higher-end Epiphones at that price.
If not, Squier really is a great option, so long as you know WHICH Squiers to look at. The Classic Vibes and Vintage Modified in the $200 to $300 price range are arguably as good as MIM Strats that say "Fender" on the headstock. Or, if you're into modding, go find a Squier SE (the one they sold in the Strat pack), which you might pay all of $70 for, and get the loaded pickguard/replacement pickups of your choice. The neck on that thing is fantastic, and you'll end up with what feels like a $500 instrument for probably around $200 total.
Case in point, my black Squier SE (bought used in disrepair for $50) became this vintage P-90 monster with Tonerider Rebel 90's:
Most people would pick it up and be fairly happy with it, but for me, it feels even better because I got to "dream" it.
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JaySwear
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
Must be nice!
Being able to pull a PRS off the wall. When I bought my McCarty I had to get somebody to unlock the display case for me.
Oh, and I sat down to play the Silo again last night. Great Straty tones! Love it. And it does stay in tune very well thinking about blocking the trem and trying some aftermarket pickups sometime soon. It's a great platform for modding.
Must be nice!
Being able to pull a PRS off the wall. When I bought my McCarty I had to get somebody to unlock the display case for me.Oh, and I sat down to play the Silo again last night. Great Straty tones! Love it. And it does stay in tune very well thinking about blocking the trem and trying some aftermarket pickups sometime soon. It's a great platform for modding.
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Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
Well, YEAH, they let me at their regular-ish PRS USAs (no need to ask) and ESP Standards (gotta get the lil guy with the big ladder, by request only), but...
Dude, I'm a long-haired 27yo unemployed guy, looking all of 22 tops and frequently getting carded for cigs after a good clean shave... In other words, it's certainly not for reasons of presentability and looking like I can afford the crap... although, perhaps, these guys are figuring I'm old enough to qualify for their credit card, could be talked into getting that, and maxx it out immediately if I get hooked in?? Maybe it's a case of "he doesn't look like he can pay, but maybe it can be somebody else's problem" lol
Although, really, it's a matter of knowing the salespeople. They know I don't push the envelope, overstep bounds, or mess stuff up, I'm friendly and never rude to em, and they've seen me buy loads of little crap (pickguards, strings, the works) and the occasional used wall guitar so they know I'm not a total timewaster... maybe that's why. The second GC in our vicinity treats me totally different, starts getting to be a pain and hovering over my shoulder if I touch $400-500 pieces, gives me crap like "don't you dare set a guitar down on the carpet", and once actually gave me $hit for turning a 30-watter up all the way to NOT-QUITE-MASTER-"1" at 50% gain. 90 seconds into trying a guitar, while playing a clean arpeggio on the neck pup. Seriously?? Then again, our bestbuy (which unfortunately has crap for selection) actually tried to convince me to CRANK a 6505 to over 50% of maximum volume with a "duuuude, check it out, it'll get cooler this way"... I disagreed and migrated to a 15 watt solid state, lol. Cause I do hate 6505's, just wanted to test one of those super-low-end Gibsons on an amp that sounded halfway cablike, and did not at all wish to hear that thing screech and squeal at my poor eardrums. Though I might dislike 6505s, the Gibby certainly wasn't helping it any. Lol.
It's all about building a rapport with the employees, man. Well, that and avoiding the crappy ones like that manager trying to force me from 5% of 30 watts down to 3% at GC El Toro... screw him. What an arse. Maybe his nasty behaviour is the reason why his store is so chock-full of better priced gear than the Fountain Valley one, but he still never gets that volume of customers. Even managed to score a used $25 japanese tubescreamer at El Toro before that subconscious "oh this place? nah somehow don't feel like going" started keeping me away from the store - those employees are just seriously THAT much worse and less pleasant. Occasionally visiting to compare selections feels like a *chore*.
P.S. ***HINT***: if salespeople are being reaaaaally unaccomodating, start out by buying a set of strings at the counter. Browse through a nice thick stack of twenties and up hunting for a fiver nice and slow, in full view, should cure em of the distrust instantaneously. If they see a grand or two cash, they not only stop worrying you'll break stuff - in fact, they'll start WISHING that you broke something, so that they can be that much surer that you'll leave some of that dough with them.
Must be nice!
Oh, and I sat down to play the Silo again last night. Great Straty tones! Love it. And it does stay in tune very well thinking about blocking the trem and trying some aftermarket pickups sometime soon. It's a great platform for modding.
Well, YEAH, they let me at their regular-ish PRS USAs (no need to ask) and ESP Standards (gotta get the lil guy with the big ladder, by request only), but...
Dude, I'm a long-haired 27yo unemployed guy, looking all of 22 tops and frequently getting carded for cigs after a good clean shave... In other words, it's certainly not for reasons of presentability and looking like I can afford the crap... although, perhaps, these guys are figuring I'm old enough to qualify for their credit card, could be talked into getting that, and maxx it out immediately if I get hooked in?? Maybe it's a case of "he doesn't look like he can pay, but maybe it can be somebody else's problem"
lolAlthough, really, it's a matter of knowing the salespeople. They know I don't push the envelope, overstep bounds, or mess stuff up, I'm friendly and never rude to em, and they've seen me buy loads of little crap (pickguards, strings, the works) and the occasional used wall guitar so they know I'm not a total timewaster... maybe that's why. The second GC in our vicinity treats me totally different, starts getting to be a pain and hovering over my shoulder if I touch $400-500 pieces, gives me crap like "don't you dare set a guitar down on the carpet", and once actually gave me $hit for turning a 30-watter up all the way to NOT-QUITE-MASTER-"1" at 50% gain. 90 seconds into trying a guitar, while playing a clean arpeggio on the neck pup. Seriously?? Then again, our bestbuy (which unfortunately has crap for selection) actually tried to convince me to CRANK a 6505 to over 50% of maximum volume with a "duuuude, check it out, it'll get cooler this way"... I disagreed and migrated to a 15 watt solid state, lol. Cause I do hate 6505's, just wanted to test one of those super-low-end Gibsons on an amp that sounded halfway cablike, and did not at all wish to hear that thing screech and squeal at my poor eardrums. Though I might dislike 6505s, the Gibby certainly wasn't helping it any. Lol.
It's all about building a rapport with the employees, man. Well, that and avoiding the crappy ones like that manager trying to force me from 5% of 30 watts down to 3% at GC El Toro... screw him. What an arse. Maybe his nasty behaviour is the reason why his store is so chock-full of better priced gear than the Fountain Valley one, but he still never gets that volume of customers. Even managed to score a used $25 japanese tubescreamer at El Toro before that subconscious "oh this place? nah somehow don't feel like going" started keeping me away from the store - those employees are just seriously THAT much worse and less pleasant. Occasionally visiting to compare selections feels like a *chore*.
P.S. ***HINT***: if salespeople are being reaaaaally unaccomodating, start out by buying a set of strings at the counter. Browse through a nice thick stack of twenties and up hunting for a fiver nice and slow, in full view, should cure em of the distrust instantaneously. If they see a grand or two cash, they not only stop worrying you'll break stuff - in fact, they'll start WISHING that you broke something, so that they can be that much surer that you'll leave some of that dough with them.
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Bludave
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-les-paul-100-electric-guitar Epi Les Paul 100 Pretty cool for $250.00
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/schecter-guitar-research-sgr-c-1-electric-guitar Schecter for $179.00 leaves plenty in the budget for upgrades
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-les-paul-100-electric-guitar Epi Les Paul 100 Pretty cool for $250.00
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/schecter-guitar-research-sgr-c-1-electric-guitar Schecter for $179.00 leaves plenty in the budget for upgrades
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
An Epi 100? The SQUIER BULLET OF LES PAULS?!?!
Are you for reals? And are you really from the same United States of America that also includes California, this same country as me, with its same prices.... or is this a different Long Island, in a different NY - much like "the other Georgia" or something?? Or in a Customs Fascism State, surrounded by sea, with form-bearing VAT & excise tax-charging officials rummaging through your every parcel and shafting you even harder than local overpriced stores (think Ireland)??
Cuz for America? That's the worst deal of the year. Epi LP 100 is just one pickup above the $79 LP Junior that gets bundled with Rocksmith. Even as a video game controller, it's utterly inadequate and needs retuning every 4 minutes.
Furthermore, dunno about 250 at a store, but our GC had a minty genuine vintage Aria LP Custom for 299, which is barely more. With case. MIJ. Early 1970s, which is vintagey enough that even snobs who normally detest anything non-new will buy the stuff. Fully functional. With that very fearsome neck profile for which the ESP Standard Eclipse is so loved... Honestly, and I'm not trying to offend you or be sarcastic or anything, but I would laugh at a guy who'd trade an the TUNERS ALONE off that 70's jap for the entire Epi LP 100. It's a typical $50 pawnshop guitar if I ever saw one. 250? What a joke.
Btw, just mentioning the expensive $299 Aria because you're talking Les Pauls here. In superstrats, they even have upgraded MIA stuff with all the goodies - bladed pickups, Kahler trems, etc., in that price range. Or killer shredders under 200 that'd not only make you go Schecter what Schecter, but actually more like upgrades we don't need no stinking upgrades we've already got the works...
And that's 299 at a STORE... local craigslist has given my collection multiple $95-200 pro level japs. Including the forerunners to some of the most popular artist signatures on the market, the exact guitars those artists played and fell for before personalizing them for the endorsed model (SR-885 bass, $100 >> Korn K5 signature; Radius Pro Saber Custom, $200 w/case >> Satriani JS Series), rebadged Grecos, etc. STADIUM-CLASS STUFF, NOT THEORETICALLY, BUT *ACTUALLY PLAYED ON STADIUMS*. BY THE ABOVE MULTI-PLATINUM ARTISTS.
This is stuff where each part alone sells for more than that ridiculous Epi is worth. Seriously, here are typical ebay prices:
Super 70s set of 2 - up to 350, set of 3 DiMarzio IBZ/USA's $200-ish, LoPro Edge $200 easy 300-ish clean, Ibanez edge trem's *Bar alone* $99 hehe, Gotoh "star tuners" $189 even in crap condition, Gotoh stopbar & tunamatic $60ish each, Ibanez MIJ wizard neck $300 ish, etc etc.
With $250 to burn, even a monkey with access solely to yahoo japan and ebay america, and a handicap like being forced to talk reluctant sellers to ship to the other edge of the world, could do better than a freakin Epi Les Paul 100... And in America, $250 nets you something that MSRP'd at 700 (super popular brand) -1000+ (less known expensive stuff), every single time. Gawds.
An Epi 100? The SQUIER BULLET OF LES PAULS?!?!
Are you for reals? And are you really from the same United States of America that also includes California, this same country as me, with its same prices.... or is this a different Long Island, in a different NY - much like "the other Georgia" or something?? Or in a Customs Fascism State, surrounded by sea, with form-bearing VAT & excise tax-charging officials rummaging through your every parcel and shafting you even harder than local overpriced stores (think Ireland)??
Cuz for America? That's the worst deal of the year. Epi LP 100 is just one pickup above the $79 LP Junior that gets bundled with Rocksmith. Even as a video game controller, it's utterly inadequate and needs retuning every 4 minutes.
Furthermore, dunno about 250 at a store, but our GC had a minty genuine vintage Aria LP Custom for 299, which is barely more. With case. MIJ. Early 1970s, which is vintagey enough that even snobs who normally detest anything non-new will buy the stuff. Fully functional. With that very fearsome neck profile for which the ESP Standard Eclipse is so loved... Honestly, and I'm not trying to offend you or be sarcastic or anything, but I would laugh at a guy who'd trade an the TUNERS ALONE off that 70's jap for the entire Epi LP 100. It's a typical $50 pawnshop guitar if I ever saw one. 250? What a joke.
Btw, just mentioning the expensive $299 Aria because you're talking Les Pauls here. In superstrats, they even have upgraded MIA stuff with all the goodies - bladed pickups, Kahler trems, etc., in that price range. Or killer shredders under 200 that'd not only make you go Schecter what Schecter, but actually more like upgrades we don't need no stinking upgrades we've already got the works...
And that's 299 at a STORE... local craigslist has given my collection multiple $95-200 pro level japs. Including the forerunners to some of the most popular artist signatures on the market, the exact guitars those artists played and fell for before personalizing them for the endorsed model (SR-885 bass, $100 >> Korn K5 signature; Radius Pro Saber Custom, $200 w/case >> Satriani JS Series), rebadged Grecos, etc. STADIUM-CLASS STUFF, NOT THEORETICALLY, BUT *ACTUALLY PLAYED ON STADIUMS*. BY THE ABOVE MULTI-PLATINUM ARTISTS.
This is stuff where each part alone sells for more than that ridiculous Epi is worth. Seriously, here are typical ebay prices:
Super 70s set of 2 - up to 350, set of 3 DiMarzio IBZ/USA's $200-ish, LoPro Edge $200 easy 300-ish clean, Ibanez edge trem's *Bar alone* $99 hehe, Gotoh "star tuners" $189 even in crap condition, Gotoh stopbar & tunamatic $60ish each, Ibanez MIJ wizard neck $300 ish, etc etc.
With $250 to burn, even a monkey with access solely to yahoo japan and ebay america, and a handicap like being forced to talk reluctant sellers to ship to the other edge of the world, could do better than a freakin Epi Les Paul 100... And in America, $250 nets you something that MSRP'd at 700 (super popular brand) -1000+ (less known expensive stuff), every single time. Gawds.
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Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
Actually, forget all that, chances are that made no sense to you... try this:
same store had a $250 GIBSON melody maker SG, *upgraded* - Shaller tuners, new bridge, Seymour Duncan, custom pickguard... even if you don't know vintage or old brands, that should make sense to you right?
Now try this on: the SG, too, was a sucky deal in my book. DESPITE being a Gibson & having over the asking price sunk into very sensible upgrades alone.
Actually, forget all that, chances are that made no sense to you... try this:
same store had a $250 GIBSON melody maker SG, *upgraded* - Shaller tuners, new bridge, Seymour Duncan, custom pickguard... even if you don't know vintage or old brands, that should make sense to you right?
Now try this on: the SG, too, was a sucky deal in my book. DESPITE being a Gibson & having over the asking price sunk into very sensible upgrades alone.
OttoMatick
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
I would get a used MIM Fender something or a used Epi something before I would get something new for 300. But if NEW were the most important requirement, then something from the Squire classic vibe series.
I would get a used MIM Fender something or a used Epi something before I would get something new for 300. But if NEW were the most important requirement, then something from the Squire classic vibe series.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Discussion: guitar under $300
My sentiments too...but probably Vintage Modified instead of Classic Vibe.
My sentiments too...but probably Vintage Modified instead of Classic Vibe.
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