Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
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That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you want a truly bang-for-the-buck electric guitar with humbuckers (to give you that contrast to your strat), you can't do better than a used Hamer USA Studio.
This will blow away any and all budget axes in its range, hands down:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1981-Hamer-USA-...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item2c5298b18d
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you want a truly bang-for-the-buck electric guitar with humbuckers (to give you that contrast to your strat), you can't do better than a used Hamer USA Studio.
This will blow away any and all budget axes in its range, hands down:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1981-Hamer-USA-...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item2c5298b18d
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SabbathFan0220
New member
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
Big +1. Price to quality ratio on those is unbeatable.
Big +1. Price to quality ratio on those is unbeatable.
JohnnyGuitar
New member
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
You need to decide on what type of guitar you want. If it's a Gibson kind of thing you're going for - shorter scale, mahogany body and neck, two humbuckers or P90s - a lot of option out there:
Schecters always gave me GAS and I liked the ones I had played (although I have not had a chance to play one in a few years now).
If it has to be a Gibson - I'd go for an SG or Flying V.
If it has to be a Les Paul - Tokai or Edwards.
If it has to be a Gibson Les Paul - I'd save up, a lot, until I could at least afford a Les Paul Traditional.
You need to decide on what type of guitar you want. If it's a Gibson kind of thing you're going for - shorter scale, mahogany body and neck, two humbuckers or P90s - a lot of option out there:
Schecters always gave me GAS and I liked the ones I had played (although I have not had a chance to play one in a few years now).
If it has to be a Gibson - I'd go for an SG or Flying V.
If it has to be a Les Paul - Tokai or Edwards.
If it has to be a Gibson Les Paul - I'd save up, a lot, until I could at least afford a Les Paul Traditional.
Northwinds
New member
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
"Gibsons are kind of a rip off (cheap pots and bad wiring)?"
Who told you that? They obviously know squat
"Gibsons are kind of a rip off (cheap pots and bad wiring)?"
Who told you that? They obviously know squat
K
Kalish
Guest
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
+1 too...
I was in the same dilemma and tried all the axes you mention. I went for the PRS SE Singlecut: versatility, unbeatable price/quality ratio, excellent sustain and tone. Discarded the other choices when I tried them (my last decision was between the Singlecut and the Custom 24).
Hope this helps.
+1 too...
I was in the same dilemma and tried all the axes you mention. I went for the PRS SE Singlecut: versatility, unbeatable price/quality ratio, excellent sustain and tone. Discarded the other choices when I tried them (my last decision was between the Singlecut and the Custom 24).
Hope this helps.
cakire82
Cake Mire
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
If you are only interested in those 5 I would go with Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded (Cherry). But if you like to check out.
-- Epiphone Prophecy EX Les Paul (799)
-- Jackson Pro series Dinky (made in japan, real good craftsmanship)
Enjoy your choice.
If you are only interested in those 5 I would go with Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded (Cherry). But if you like to check out.
-- Epiphone Prophecy EX Les Paul (799)
-- Jackson Pro series Dinky (made in japan, real good craftsmanship)
Enjoy your choice.
Andrew Lamprecht
Minion of One
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I say buy a Epiphone SG G-400 or LP Plain Top, buy some new pickups for them, and then save the rest of the money for amp or instructional stuff.
I say buy a Epiphone SG G-400 or LP Plain Top, buy some new pickups for them, and then save the rest of the money for amp or instructional stuff.
Travis H
New member
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I have played some crapy epiphones in my day and I just bought one last week that was amazing it plays all most as good as my Gibson. Try every thing that you can get your hands on, who care what people like, its what you like that maters.
I have played some crapy epiphones in my day and I just bought one last week that was amazing it plays all most as good as my Gibson. Try every thing that you can get your hands on, who care what people like, its what you like that maters.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
The Epiphine Elite or whatever the Japanese ones are called are obviously good.
But we are explicitly talking a $300 Epiphone here. The PRS SE will eat it for lunch, and the fact that you don't have to deal with a metric TOM adds to it.
The Epiphine Elite or whatever the Japanese ones are called are obviously good.
But we are explicitly talking a $300 Epiphone here. The PRS SE will eat it for lunch, and the fact that you don't have to deal with a metric TOM adds to it.
K
Kalish
Guest
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
The wood and playability on the epis is very good. The hardware, pickups and electronics, is too shabby, and needs to be replaced.
The wood and playability on the epis is very good. The hardware, pickups and electronics, is too shabby, and needs to be replaced.
karpathion
New member
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
look into the esp/ltd as well they have some nice offerings in that price range.
look into the esp/ltd as well they have some nice offerings in that price range.
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
IMHO...Firstly, and most important- Try out EVERY guitar in your price range-it does not matter what the brand is- what matters is that it sounds good to your ears/feels good in your hands...Try 'em all thru your model amp, and bring your pedals/pedalboard in with ya.
I did this when I was lkg for an acoustic- i spent over an hour trying all the Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Ovations, all of 'em- I ended up buying a Taylor for about $1,200.
As far as recommendations, don't rule out Schecters! The last great guitar I bought was a C1 Classic- for $650.00, quality is fantastic for the price, looks beautiful, professionally made- and i have it on stage next to my Fenders and Gibsons with no doubts about it.
Then again you could always make your own...
It never ends.
IMHO...Firstly, and most important- Try out EVERY guitar in your price range-it does not matter what the brand is- what matters is that it sounds good to your ears/feels good in your hands...Try 'em all thru your model amp, and bring your pedals/pedalboard in with ya.
I did this when I was lkg for an acoustic- i spent over an hour trying all the Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Ovations, all of 'em- I ended up buying a Taylor for about $1,200.
As far as recommendations, don't rule out Schecters! The last great guitar I bought was a C1 Classic- for $650.00, quality is fantastic for the price, looks beautiful, professionally made- and i have it on stage next to my Fenders and Gibsons with no doubts about it.
Then again you could always make your own...
It never ends.
ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
What's the big deal?
I put a Wilkinson brass roller bridge on my Dot for $25.
So, what's the bid deal about Metric TOMs? Could you elaborate your distaste for their presence on Epiphone guitars?
What's the big deal?
I put a Wilkinson brass roller bridge on my Dot for $25.
So, what's the bid deal about Metric TOMs? Could you elaborate your distaste for their presence on Epiphone guitars?
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L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I haven't read the thread. Maybe someone has already suggested a used Hamer USA. But that's what I'd be looking at if I were you. A used Hamer. Here's a few:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Hamer-Arti...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a56aad70d
http://cgi.ebay.com/1996-Hamer-USA-...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a56aaddfe
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hamer-Californi...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item45f05f3c25
http://cgi.ebay.com/1995-Hamer-Stud...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item4a9db21749
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Hamer-Newpr...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3efbeb73f8
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Hamer-Artis...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3efbf2a807
THIS ONE looks especially nice! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
I haven't read the thread. Maybe someone has already suggested a used Hamer USA. But that's what I'd be looking at if I were you. A used Hamer. Here's a few:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Hamer-Arti...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a56aad70d
http://cgi.ebay.com/1996-Hamer-USA-...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a56aaddfe
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hamer-Californi...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item45f05f3c25
http://cgi.ebay.com/1995-Hamer-Stud...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item4a9db21749
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Hamer-Newpr...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3efbeb73f8
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Hamer-Artis...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3efbf2a807
THIS ONE looks especially nice! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
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uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I haven't tested the roller bridge you mentioned, but the only regular replacement available for trashy cheap TOMs, if they are metric, are the Gotohs. Although much better than the originals, I am dissatisfied with the metric Gotohs, the saddles are just too loose. Buying a Tonepros doesn't solve this either because it is just the $20 Gotoh with two holes and a $100 price tag.
If you have a US TOM, then you either have a non-metric Nashville or an ABR-1. I like the ABR-1 with it's posts that go into the wood instead of metal anchor's in the guitar's top.
But even if you have a Nashville, then you have lots of options. You can use conversion posts to mount the bridge part (not the posts part) of an ABR-1, which many say sounds better even with the Nashville anchors.
You can have replacement saddles (e.g. Brass or graphite) for the U.S. space Nashvilles, and ABR-1s. You can have U.S. spaced TOMs that are machined steel, or zinc or whatever you like. Even Callaham now has a TOM (an ABR-1 that you can put on U.S. Nashville anchors or replace a Gibson ABR-1 with but will never go on a metric hardware spaced guitar).
It's important to point out that high quality Japanese instruments have U.S. sized TOMs. The really cool stuff even has ABR-1s.
The PRS SEs have a fixed bridge that doesn't have any of these problems, or a trem (which might or might not have higher quality blocks available).
That leads me to recommend to either buy something like a SE, or else upgrade to high quality MIJ or a cheap Gibson.
I haven't tested the roller bridge you mentioned, but the only regular replacement available for trashy cheap TOMs, if they are metric, are the Gotohs. Although much better than the originals, I am dissatisfied with the metric Gotohs, the saddles are just too loose. Buying a Tonepros doesn't solve this either because it is just the $20 Gotoh with two holes and a $100 price tag.
If you have a US TOM, then you either have a non-metric Nashville or an ABR-1. I like the ABR-1 with it's posts that go into the wood instead of metal anchor's in the guitar's top.
But even if you have a Nashville, then you have lots of options. You can use conversion posts to mount the bridge part (not the posts part) of an ABR-1, which many say sounds better even with the Nashville anchors.
You can have replacement saddles (e.g. Brass or graphite) for the U.S. space Nashvilles, and ABR-1s. You can have U.S. spaced TOMs that are machined steel, or zinc or whatever you like. Even Callaham now has a TOM (an ABR-1 that you can put on U.S. Nashville anchors or replace a Gibson ABR-1 with but will never go on a metric hardware spaced guitar).
It's important to point out that high quality Japanese instruments have U.S. sized TOMs. The really cool stuff even has ABR-1s.
The PRS SEs have a fixed bridge that doesn't have any of these problems, or a trem (which might or might not have higher quality blocks available).
That leads me to recommend to either buy something like a SE, or else upgrade to high quality MIJ or a cheap Gibson.
ibanezrocks
HardtailPisser
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
$500-1000 is a pretty big price range considering that the upper end of it is twice the lower end. Fenders seem a little out of place in comparing the other 3 brands so I'll exclude those and assume you're mostly looking for a set neck solidbody dual-humbucker guitar.
On the lower end I agree that the PRS SE models blow the Epiphones away. Unless you're looking at semi-hollows or are very passionate about Gibson style guitars I'd look at PRS SE models.
Towards $1000 you could easily find a used Gibson SG Standard which IMO is in a different league entirely than most of the stuff under $1000 new, as are most higher end guitars that could be found used for under a grand - the $1000 mark is really a threshold in many ways. Buying new in that range though I'd look at the faded Gibsons, SG Specials, LP Studios, and the new Raw Power (both LP and SG). I'd never buy a low-end Gibson (like those mentioned) without trying it first because they are somewhat inconsistent, but the same can be said for almost all guitars in that price range, certainly the Epiphones. I certainly wouldn't consider Epiphones if I could afford to get the same basic model made with some toneful wood and with decent hardware from Gibson. There are good Epiphones that are better than the bad examples of the low-end Gibsons as both are inconsistent but there are just as many good low-end Gibsons that shouldn't even be compared to the Epiphones. You get what you pay for.
As long as you don't mind the feel of the finish on the faded Gibsons and you're not looking to save any of the $1000 towards something else (like an amp) I'd say get a faded Gibson if you're buying new. Buying used will get you a far better value though.
$500-1000 is a pretty big price range considering that the upper end of it is twice the lower end. Fenders seem a little out of place in comparing the other 3 brands so I'll exclude those and assume you're mostly looking for a set neck solidbody dual-humbucker guitar.
On the lower end I agree that the PRS SE models blow the Epiphones away. Unless you're looking at semi-hollows or are very passionate about Gibson style guitars I'd look at PRS SE models.
Towards $1000 you could easily find a used Gibson SG Standard which IMO is in a different league entirely than most of the stuff under $1000 new, as are most higher end guitars that could be found used for under a grand - the $1000 mark is really a threshold in many ways. Buying new in that range though I'd look at the faded Gibsons, SG Specials, LP Studios, and the new Raw Power (both LP and SG). I'd never buy a low-end Gibson (like those mentioned) without trying it first because they are somewhat inconsistent, but the same can be said for almost all guitars in that price range, certainly the Epiphones. I certainly wouldn't consider Epiphones if I could afford to get the same basic model made with some toneful wood and with decent hardware from Gibson. There are good Epiphones that are better than the bad examples of the low-end Gibsons as both are inconsistent but there are just as many good low-end Gibsons that shouldn't even be compared to the Epiphones. You get what you pay for.
As long as you don't mind the feel of the finish on the faded Gibsons and you're not looking to save any of the $1000 towards something else (like an amp) I'd say get a faded Gibson if you're buying new. Buying used will get you a far better value though.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I just sold a SG std with ABR-1 and WCR Darkbursts for $950, and a nice one I think. Run of the mill SG stds can be had for $700 without pickups, if they are black.
The problem here is that a SG just has a unique sound that isn't what everybody wants, and it's also one of those guitars that hang on the strap in a position that is offset from where Strats and LPs hang.
If SG sound is your thing then a Gibson is very attractive.
I just sold a SG std with ABR-1 and WCR Darkbursts for $950, and a nice one I think. Run of the mill SG stds can be had for $700 without pickups, if they are black.
The problem here is that a SG just has a unique sound that isn't what everybody wants, and it's also one of those guitars that hang on the strap in a position that is offset from where Strats and LPs hang.
If SG sound is your thing then a Gibson is very attractive.
ibanezrocks
HardtailPisser
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
Absolutely. I was more using it as an example of getting a guitar used that would otherwise be out of the specified price-range. Between the various LP models from the past and present there are also several that would fall in that price range used so one doesn't need to restrict themselves to the SG, Explorer or V when looking at Gibsons, although those models are all typically quite a bit cheaper than a LP of similar quality (ex. ~1400 CAD for an SG Standard compared to ~2500 CAD for a LP Standard).
All that said it's hard to answer a question that provides little information as to what qualities one is looking for, compounded with the fact that the price range is so wide relative to the minimum.
Absolutely. I was more using it as an example of getting a guitar used that would otherwise be out of the specified price-range. Between the various LP models from the past and present there are also several that would fall in that price range used so one doesn't need to restrict themselves to the SG, Explorer or V when looking at Gibsons, although those models are all typically quite a bit cheaper than a LP of similar quality (ex. ~1400 CAD for an SG Standard compared to ~2500 CAD for a LP Standard).
All that said it's hard to answer a question that provides little information as to what qualities one is looking for, compounded with the fact that the price range is so wide relative to the minimum.
Re: Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, or PRS??? Which is the best value at $500-$1000?
I agree with Guitar Doc in that Epi's get a bad rap. There's good an bad in all manufacturers whether made here or abroad. The Epi Elitist series from my experience is a fine guitar rivaling its more expensive brother. Does the name bother you? If yes, then get the Gibson. Recently, I tested a MIA PRS against the import. From affair they looked about the same but the made in Maryland version played significantly better. My usual method for testing includes playing unplugged first before ever running it through and amp. Unless you bring you amp and effect along for the test drive, the only true comparison is the resonance and tone without juice. If the electronics are different the guitars, it's not a fair test when amplified. On the other hand, if it sound good and plays well unplugged, I can always modify the electric components. For example, my Am Std Strat played great and resonated well unplugged but I was not impressed when I played it through an amp. Fortunately something told me that with a little work (replace the pups) it would be a beast. It may look strange but put your ear on the body as you play unplugged to listen for the resonance and how the string vibrate through the body.
I agree with Guitar Doc in that Epi's get a bad rap. There's good an bad in all manufacturers whether made here or abroad. The Epi Elitist series from my experience is a fine guitar rivaling its more expensive brother. Does the name bother you? If yes, then get the Gibson. Recently, I tested a MIA PRS against the import. From affair they looked about the same but the made in Maryland version played significantly better. My usual method for testing includes playing unplugged first before ever running it through and amp. Unless you bring you amp and effect along for the test drive, the only true comparison is the resonance and tone without juice. If the electronics are different the guitars, it's not a fair test when amplified. On the other hand, if it sound good and plays well unplugged, I can always modify the electric components. For example, my Am Std Strat played great and resonated well unplugged but I was not impressed when I played it through an amp. Fortunately something told me that with a little work (replace the pups) it would be a beast. It may look strange but put your ear on the body as you play unplugged to listen for the resonance and how the string vibrate through the body.
