Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

[cb1435]

So which guitar would be best for music along the lines of 70s-90s rock and metal- (ZZ Top, Motley Crue, GnR, Metallica, Boston etc.)
PRS Se Bernie Marsden (Used/b-stock with a pickup upgrade, preferably Duncans or Dimarzios)


LTD EC-1000T/CTM DMZ (With the 36th anniversary Dimarzio PAFs, preferably used)


Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro (New with premium wiring kit from stewmac, along with replaced bridge/tailpiece/pickups)

Very different guitars (sort of), but I am looking for the best "bang for your buck" guitar. Money is not a huge obstacle, but I would prefer to spend anywhere under $800

Ideas?

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

I'm personally not a fan of the LTD, but I do really like the new Epis. You may not need to upgrade the electronics (an expensive upgrade with very little benefit). Even the pups aren't bad on the new Epi Pro models. I would definitely try it before planning on replacing the pups.

Why would you want to replace the tailpiece? I can understand replacing the bridge...I'm not a fan of the ABR TOM bridges. I hate the wire retainer. I do like the extra range of the Nashville bridge.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

Can't go wrong w/a LP.

.02

If you're not in the US,mebbe check Tokais,Burnies,MIJ Epi,(edit:Edwards),etc...

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

I've used an ec1000 for close to ten years in various punk and hardcore bands. I've become more of a true les paul fan over the years (wider / thicker necks and all) but I cannot recommend the ltds enough. Great guitars, solid construction, great features (no need to upgrade anything) and great tones. If I didn't have the money for a gibson they would still be my first choice hands down (especially on the used market). I know few will agree with me but this is what experience taught me.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

see this is the problem with forums, I had a ec1000 and i hated it. Its pretty much go try them yourself or you take a gamble. I traded mine for that sabre i have and never looked back. the guy i traded with still has the ec and he thinks its great. We are both like hehe sucker.

 

[elelpe]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

I'd choose SE over Ltd and Epi. And SE Bernie with its vintage specs is my favorite SE.

 

[9unslin9er]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

see this is the problem with forums, I had a ec1000 and i hated it. Its pretty much go try them yourself or you take a gamble. I traded mine for that sabre i have and never looked back. the guy i traded with still has the ec and he thinks its great. We are both like hehe sucker.

I'm with you man. I don't know if they fixed the body size on recent models, but I've owned a couple ESP Eclipses back in the day, I think it was the Eclipse 2 model, and the neck dive was atrocious. The body is way too thin for that style of guitar. Also, again I'm not sure if they've changed but they do this weird thing to their ebony boards. It feels lacquered, tacky, and it looks dyed.

I'd go with the PRS. Their import line is tremendous and the pickups are awesome out of the box.
Is there any reason you're going with a Bernie Marsden model as opposed to a 245?

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Singlecut for rock/metal/punk

Can I throw out a Gibson Les Paul Studio? I got a Worn Black one for $550 w/Hardshell Case and a Worn Brown for $650 w/Hardshell Case...both were incredible guitars IMO.

I would say between the 3 mentioned I'd go PRS first before the Epi or LTD although I've played an Eclispe that was amazing.