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Apodexak
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:58 pm
Posts: 5
Location: United States
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 12:10 am 
 

Hello! (this is my first time posting here, actually.)

I want to start playing electric guitar, but am still somewhat unsure as to what equipment I will need to start playing. I know I need an amp, strap(with locks), tuner, picks, a cable (apparently, 10 ft is the best), maybe an set of extra strings, a pedal, and a guitar of course. My budget is $300 bucks (yeah, I know really crappy, but it's all I can get).

I was looking at this amp: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002J ... 1CHCB2RN4K
Tuner: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HP ... PDKIKX0DER
(figured that the picks and strap are more personal preference.)
And since I couldn't decide on an amp, I figured I should wait to find a decent cable.
Then, I was looking at these guitars.
http://www.amazon.com/ESP-V-50-Electric ... 7P6KZTTCEJ
http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-C-7-7-st ... 89XIN7ETF6
http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-C-1-SGR- ... X3ZKUGHE1J
http://www.amazon.com/Dean-Electric-Gui ... PRZ4VWZMFW
http://www.amazon.com/Dean-Bolt-Classic ... NFTVGJLXZH
http://www.amazon.com/B-C-Rich-Warbeast ... 91FQW8K2WR
http://www.amazon.com/Dean-VX-Electric- ... RZQ9M7HBJ6
I might be able to get away with using an extra $50 which is why some guitars are 250.

So yeah, if you could please help me find a decent guitar (or tell me the ones I am looking at aren't complete ripoffs) and some equipment, I would be very thankful.

:evil: This "smile" is very badass, by the way, haha.

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Grave_Wyrm
Metal Sloth

Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Posts: 3928
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 12:30 am 
 

I can't help you find a guitar, but I can offer some personal advice. Ignore aesthetics at first. The metal beast and the flying v styles are pretty pointless for a beginner, in my opinion. Unless that's where you get your inspiration from, forget it. Look on craigslist for guitar/amp combos that someone's offloading while they're moving or something. Get new strings and a lesson book (I recommend Mel Bay, but that's just me) and a digital tuner and call it a day. Earn some more money and THEN buy pedals, because in the meantime you should probably just be learning the basics and in general, half way decent amps will have some rudimentary effects on them already. and then .. PRACTICE. How bad ass the body looks only costs you money. Buy a decent Ibanez or Fender or whatever to start and worry about the shredding/shit kicking later on.
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Goran
Metal newbie

Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2003 8:32 pm
Posts: 147
Location: Belgium
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 6:06 am 
 

What the guy above me said: look for second-hand gear.

If it doesn't save you money, at least it will get you better gear for the same bucks.

Also, for learning a basic guitar and amp will indeed suffice. Once you've advanced and taken it to the next level, you can always upgrade.

Grave_Wyrm wrote:
The metal beast and the flying v styles are pretty pointless

Pun intended bro? :)
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Porman
Sweek Souvlaki Muncher

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:00 pm
Posts: 1703
Location: Sweden
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 7:36 am 
 

Get a guitar that feels comfortable when you are sitting down. Epiphone makes good enough guitars to start out with.
If you go for a new guitar and they have a couple of the same guitar, try them all. One will probably feel a little bit better, even though it's the same model.

As for an amp, you can get away with a 10w amp. That's enough volume to annoy the hell out of your parents and/or neighbours.

If your amp doesn't have any or enough distortion, then a cheap Behringer will probably do the trick.
You don't really need strap locks, it's not like you're going to play gigs and throw around the guitar.

Picks, try out different sizes and shapes.
Strings, not much to say really. It's a matter of personal taste.

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FearTheNome
Metal newbie

Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 8:41 am
Posts: 201
Location: United States
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 11:05 am 
 

Like everyone else said, craigslist. You should be able to pick up something like an ibanez gio for $100 and a peavey bandit or roland cube for $200. That fits in your budget, sounds pretty decent, and it's adequate for band practices/small shows, so you shouldn't need to upgrade for years.

10W practice amps are a bad deal, you'll want something better really soon.

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somefella
Veteran

Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:57 pm
Posts: 3134
Location: Singapore
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 12:19 pm 
 

Fuck gear, when you're a beginner, if it has 6 strings it will do. Getting good should be the first priority, and playing on a fucked-up instrument can have it's benefits when you're starting out.
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Syntek
Metalhead

Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2010 1:14 pm
Posts: 655
Location: United Kingdom
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 12:51 pm 
 

If metal is your preferred choice, then the Line6 Spider IV is an excellent amp to start with:

http://www.amazon.com/Line-Spider-IV-15 ... +spider+iv

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ahr888
Metal newbie

Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2008 4:14 am
Posts: 317
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:45 pm 
 

Amp: Fender Mustang I. Same price range than a Line 6 Spider IV, but offers much more for the money, and it has a built-in tuner.

Guitar: BC Rich- pick one you like. Even at their most affordable, they are excellent guitars, well put together and don't feel cheap.

Cable: Planet Waves American Stage, made in the US.

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Apteronotus
Metalhead

Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:07 am
Posts: 1004
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 3:32 pm 
 

somefella wrote:
Fuck gear, when you're a beginner, if it has 6 strings it will do. Getting good should be the first priority, and playing on a fucked-up instrument can have it's benefits when you're starting out.


This is true, like others have said too it is fine to start with the basics and best to start off working on your playing. I'd like to add that when you are picking a guitar out bring someone along with you who knows how to play all ready. I don't mean just anyone either, bring someone who is knowledgeable enough to make sure you don't get an instrument with awful intonation, warped neck, and problems staying in tune. Most guitars shouldn't have massive problems in this department, but they are the kinds of things that can be extremely frustrating for a beginner. On that note, go for a guitar with a fixed bridge rather than a floating bridge because they will be easier for you to deal with at first, and it looks like you may know that all ready given the guitars you were looking at.

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Grave_Wyrm
Metal Sloth

Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Posts: 3928
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 6:10 pm 
 

Goran wrote:
Grave_Wyrm wrote:
The metal beast and the flying v styles are pretty pointless

Pun intended bro? :)

pff no.. haha .. For how pointy they are, I generally find them pretty dull. ;)
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ghostxyz3
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:08 pm
Posts: 13
Location: United States
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 6:49 pm 
 

My first guitar and amp was an ESP LTD AX-50 ($250) and a Peavey Vypyr 15 ($100). I sold the amp but I still play that guitar, it's solid for it's price. Cables aren't that big of a deal if you're just playing in your room so just don't get something super cheap and you're good.

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Porman
Sweek Souvlaki Muncher

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:00 pm
Posts: 1703
Location: Sweden
PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:33 pm 
 

somefella wrote:
Fuck gear, when you're a beginner, if it has 6 strings it will do. Getting good should be the first priority, and playing on a fucked-up instrument can have it's benefits when you're starting out.


That can be counter-productive and throw you off, because if it feels and sounds wrong, then you're pretty much going to get bored.

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Hayisforhorses
Metalhead

Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:47 am
Posts: 797
Location: United Kingdom
PostPosted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:33 am 
 

Best advice I could give get to a music shop and try out as many guitars as possible and try out some brands you may not have considered before spending out.

The width and depth of the neck as well as the finish and size/feel of the body vary from one maker to the next (even on similar guitars) and you may find that some simply don't feel comfortable to you. Worst thing to do is make do with an instrument that doesn't feel right because down the line it may put you off, stifle progress or cause actual pain.
Good luck.

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Apodexak
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:58 pm
Posts: 5
Location: United States
PostPosted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:55 pm 
 

Everyone tells me to bring someone to a music store that already knows how to plays guitar, but I don't have any friends who play guitar. I came here so that you guys can be that "guy you know who plays guitar," haha.

Yeah, I do think I am gonna go with the Line 6 Spider amp. It comes with a tuner, and even if it's not that great, I can just buy a $20 one. Also gonna start looking for guitars that aren't cosmetically cool, so thanks for that guys. Going to look at Ibanez, Epiphone, and B.C Rich.

I appreciate guys, thanks.

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Awblaster
Metalhead

Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 6:07 pm
Posts: 617
Location: United Kingdom
PostPosted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:59 pm 
 

Try and find a good local guitar shop. If you can find one where the staff actually know their shit, then that will be invaluable - they can help you with finding the right guitar, a decent amp, and usually if you're making a pretty big purchase you can blag some free strings or a strap or something. And if you then get a good relationship with a local shop, you can end up getting better deals later on when you want to upgrade.
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Apodexak
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:58 pm
Posts: 5
Location: United States
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:31 am 
 

http://www.guitarcenter.com/ESP-LTD-F-5 ... 2745258.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-GRG1 ... 2521943.gc
http://www.amazon.com/B-C-Rich-E1AO-Ele ... OTPKUCDS5I

Found 3 guitars that I think might work. Also am gonna go check out the local guitar center in a couple days. (Might go to the local pawn shop, it's in walking distance.)

Again, thanks guys. Would have never knew this stuff if I didn't post here. Really appreciated, you have no idea.

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RabbitOfDoom
Metal newbie

Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:36 pm
Posts: 58
Location: Chicago, Illinois
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 1:10 am 
 

Practice amps will always be useful, especially if you end up having a practice space that's separate from where you live. Nothing wrong with a Cube/Line6 or something similar for that purpose (you'll hopefully get something louder/better when you're ready to play live). You can even run vocals through them in a pinch.

However, I would caution you against buying a guitar around the 250 price range. My first guitar was an ESP F-50, and I definitely regret it. A couple of years ago, I got a used Gibson V from Guitar Center for 400. My primary guitar is a Hagström Super Swede, which cost me closer to 350 used. Both are excellent instruments that suit my tastes. If you want to save up a bit and get a guitar that you'll still want in a few years, that's a good idea. If you want to get started soon, I'd buy a dirt cheap Epiphone Les Paul (they start around 50 bucks used). Nothing sucks like buying a 250 dollar guitar only to realize that it's held onto its value worse than a Yugo.
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somefella
Veteran

Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:57 pm
Posts: 3134
Location: Singapore
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 1:49 am 
 

Porman wrote:
somefella wrote:
Fuck gear, when you're a beginner, if it has 6 strings it will do. Getting good should be the first priority, and playing on a fucked-up instrument can have it's benefits when you're starting out.


That can be counter-productive and throw you off, because if it feels and sounds wrong, then you're pretty much going to get bored.


Not if you like playing guitar in general enough. My first guitar was a piece of shit, but I still liked being able to play my favourite songs enough to continue. If you have weak pickups you will intentionally chug harder to get a nicer sound, and that will be a big help for your foundation, IMO.
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Grave_Wyrm
Metal Sloth

Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Posts: 3928
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 1:41 pm 
 

I think you're both right, honestly (somefella and Porman). Getting a guitar that fits you and sounds half way decent is the best way to not get infuriated and have an awful time, but don't spend a lot of money getting one that works well enough. And it can't look like TOTAL shit because then you'll never want to play it.
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Apodexak
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:58 pm
Posts: 5
Location: United States
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 5:04 pm 
 

Alright, guys. I was actually encouraged to buy used, so I went to eBay. I found several guitars of brands that you all recommended.
2 of them are b-stock, but they only are cosmetic damages, and don't affect how it sounds and plays.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ibanez-GRG121DX ... 4d0a917b97
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Les-Pa ... 43ba11aac7
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ibanez-GRG121DX ... 35c5a3d655
http://www.ebay.com/itm/B-C-Rich-JR-V-S ... 2a28789175
http://www.ebay.com/itm/B-C-Rich-ASM-As ... 0937454638?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Les-Pa ... 4ac2d5751c

I really like that B.C Rich Assassin. The JR V might be somewhat "cosmetically pleasing" but it was so cool, I just couldn't pass it up.
Some of them are a little bit over $200, and even close to $300 but that's because my dad said I could go somewhat over $200 for the guitar.

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RabbitOfDoom
Metal newbie

Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:36 pm
Posts: 58
Location: Chicago, Illinois
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 7:53 pm 
 

Check out used.guitarcenter.com They have a ton of stuff, and they'll ship it to you from wherever.

They have the same Epiphone LP 100 that you found on ebay for $140, and a Standard (much nicer) for $40 more.
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Porman
Sweek Souvlaki Muncher

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:00 pm
Posts: 1703
Location: Sweden
PostPosted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 9:04 pm 
 

I'd stay away from that V guitar. For a beginner it can be hard to learn how to sit down with one of those. Trust me, I've played a Randy Rhoads since 1995.

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Apodexak
Mallcore Kid

Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:58 pm
Posts: 5
Location: United States
PostPosted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:19 am 
 

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Us ... 08704793_U

I think I am gonna get this guitar. Thanks for the help guys.

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Porman
Sweek Souvlaki Muncher

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:00 pm
Posts: 1703
Location: Sweden
PostPosted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 4:50 am 
 

Not bad! Throw a Seymour Duncan JB pickup on that and you're set!

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Conservationism
Metalhead

Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 3:48 pm
Posts: 431
PostPosted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:10 am 
 

I don't think it matters.

Get a guitar that you can tune, an amp that works OK, and books you're comfortable with.

The real factor here is your determination. If you want it, you'll work on it until you figure it out. The books, amp, guitar, message boards, etc. can't do that for you.
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Chainsaw Omega
Metal newbie

Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:43 pm
Posts: 132
Location: United States
PostPosted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:05 pm 
 

That Epiphone is probably pretty good. 80s and early 90s Epi's are well-built.

My theory on this is that when starting out, buy the best gear that you can afford to buy. If you've given yourself a $300 budget, then use it. The reason I say this is not only will having a better instrument feel better in your hands than a $100 Ibanez Gio, but spending a larger amount of money will encourage you to keep up with it since you invested more in it financially. Basically, do things that make you WANT to play guitar. If you have a crappy guitar that feels uncomfortable, then it can be discouraging. I am NOT saying go buy a $1700 Gibson, but that Epiphone Les Paul is a good guitar. I have a early 2000's one, and they feel great.

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Porman
Sweek Souvlaki Muncher

Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:00 pm
Posts: 1703
Location: Sweden
PostPosted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:55 pm 
 

I learned on a Strat copy and a cheap 25 w Tiger amp. I quickly found out that I needed some sort of distortion box, so naturally I got the one that seemed the coolest. A HM-2. At that time (1993) they weren't as sought after as they are now, so it was really cheap. I still own a HM-2, just not the same one.

Thing is, play anything in the beginning. If you're watching tv, then try to play the melody in that commercial, or theme song.

I started by picking out melody lines from Kid Frost and other hip hop albums. Don't limit yourself to one style of music.

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Grave_Wyrm
Metal Sloth

Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:55 pm
Posts: 3928
PostPosted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 12:39 pm 
 

Porman wrote:
play anything in the beginning. If you're watching tv, then try to play the melody in that commercial, or theme song.

I started by picking out melody lines from Kid Frost and other hip hop albums. Don't limit yourself to one style of music.

Exactly. It helps train the ear and there is WAAAAAAY more incentive to practice when you're learning something you like (and know reasonably well) than doing 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' or 'Hush Little Baby' or some shit.
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somefella
Veteran

Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:57 pm
Posts: 3134
Location: Singapore
PostPosted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:35 am 
 

Conservationism wrote:
I don't think it matters.

Get a guitar that you can tune, an amp that works OK, and books you're comfortable with.

The real factor here is your determination. If you want it, you'll work on it until you figure it out. The books, amp, guitar, message boards, etc. can't do that for you.


This. I also advise not giving up on stuff just because it's daunting when you first try it out(of course, Fermented Offal Discharge is probably not for the first-timer).

From experience, 2 things happen when you try to learn a song/riff/lick that's too hard for you to play right away.

1:You give up.

2:You manage a half-assed version of it that sounds SOMETHING like the original and are thus satisfied.

Solution 1: Don't. Just do the same old boring dead-horse routine of practice-slowly-with-metronome. This will build a practice habit that will make you better than everyone else you know.

Solution 2: Don't. This will seem nice and fun at first but will cripple your learning ability and fussiness for tightness. If it doesn't sound like the original, it's WRONG, so do it again and do it right.
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