Oh look guys, another newbie looking for a guitar asking repeated question.

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    • October 10, 2008 at 7:54 pm
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    RickBlacker
    Member

    Hi all…

    Doing some guitar shopping and trying to learn about them. I’m going to be around the $400 range. I’m not all that worried about air brushing, pearl inlays, pin stripping and all that, I just want a solid decent beginners guitar.

    I do know this much, I want a strat style body, Floyd Rose original or copy (for now). I like the triangle shapped tuning heads.

    I want something with a body and neck that is worth upgrading the various components on should I want to.

    The one thing that I’m not sure on is the difference between active and passive pickups. From what little I’ve seen and been exposed to, active pick ups use a battery? And are those black box looking pickups by (at least one compay) EMG?

    What is the advantage of active vs passive pickups?

    I’ve kind of had my eye on this for a few days now.http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-RG5EX1-Electric-Guitar-103574026-i1167870.gc

    Thoughts?

    ** EDIT TO ADD **

    What about basswood? I see a lot of bodys made of basswood. Is that a good wood for guitars? Is there a preference to get that nice clean brown sound? Not a thrashy metal brown sound, rather a nice 80’s rock brown sound.

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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    • October 12, 2008 at 12:34 am
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    Coop
    Member

    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jackson-MG-Series-DXMG-Dinky-Electric-Guitar-512239-i1147624.gc

    Check this one out. I used to have a higher end Jackson DInky.

    The only bad thing about this guitar is the cheap EMGS. If you upgread to the EMG 81/85s you will get a much better sound.

    Just beware of the Floyd Rose. I really hate floating bridges. Just my taste though.

    Coop

    • October 12, 2008 at 4:49 am
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    RickBlacker
    Member

    Yep, i was in guitar center today and seen that exact guitar. Nice. Asked one of the sales guys to demo it so I could hear it. I really liked it. I’d have played it but… Well… i can’t. :rolleyes:

    I may wait and buy that one.

    However, I will admit, I’ve been eyeballing that Kramer Striker FR 424CM. Looks like a very decent guitar at a very inexpensive price. I know it probably has it’s flaws at that price point, but if it has a solid body and solid neck, i would ‘think’ that where it’s downfalls could be addressed with upgrades over time.

    I suspect I’m going to want a thinner style neck, i don’t have large hands, so I’m take a stab here in guessing a thinner neck is going to be what would be best for me.

    • October 12, 2008 at 7:33 am
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    Overthinker
    Member

    Cant go wrong with either choice. I have a Jackson dinky myself, and it can take a beating, BUT, only problem is the guitar jack, it always comes loose. And the volume knob shorts out!
    This is my main guitar and i really cant complain for the price and the time i spent playing on it.

    • October 12, 2008 at 7:59 am
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    RickBlacker
    Member

    Hi Overthinker, do you know much about the Kramer Sriker? I’ve read a lot of positive revies on it, but, not sure how much faith to put in them.

    • October 12, 2008 at 8:48 am
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    Overthinker
    Member

    No i dont know anything about them. But the Jackson dinky i do! Ive only had a few issues with the Jackson, and been using it for about 4 years without any maintenance. Other then changing strings, cleaning it here and there. And im to blame for the guitar jack. Another great guitar is the Ibanez RG270…no issues there at all! I picked that up for about $300.

    • October 12, 2008 at 8:58 am
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    Overthinker
    Member

    Another thing id like to add, Remember your looking for a good beginner guitar. So i wouldnt put to much thought in to what you think will last forever, because as you advance your taste in guitars/tone will change. The Jackson dinky, or Ibanez RG270 will be good to you for years man. Also, you can spend forever looking for the RIGHT guitar, and no matter what product it is, someone out there will say it sucks.
    You just have to try it for yourself. Hope this helps, and good luck!

    • October 12, 2008 at 1:31 pm
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    Coop
    Member

    You may want to consider going to Musicians Friend this guitar would be very good for the money:

    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?base_pid=542073&cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&index=0

    ESP makes a darn good guitar from what I understand and this would fall into your price range.

    Coop

    • October 16, 2008 at 5:45 pm
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    RickBlacker
    Member

    Hey….

    Got my guitar last night. It’s a Jackson MG Series DKMG Dinky.

    Good friend of mine went as well (he’s the one who has had the pistol in my back to hurry and get my guitar). Anyway, he went with, we get back to his place.

    Sees me trying to tune it. Hands me a brand new electric tuner.
    Then sees that the guitar is just sitting in my lap. Hands me a brand new strap
    THEN… Says here and hands me a brand new BOSS distortion pedal.

    Cool friend!!!! šŸ˜Ž

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