MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
i play around with acoustics, albeit very basically and badly (but heck, i enjoy it, and inflict my singing on no-one else), and quite fancy having a go with an electric.
i'd like, as i'm sucked in by the brands, a US made fender and a small marshall amp, but cash-wise thats not going to happen just yet so wondered if anyone could recommend some guitars that are worth looking at either new or ones worth hunting down used. up to 300quid.
Mexican fenders are very good - and still have that all important name on the headstock
I have 2 - the us ones are nice too, but not twice the price nicer
Yep, MIM Fender are great. Also worth a look are MIJ Fender/Squier but these are a bit less common in music shops. I'd recommend playing the one you're going to buy before you pay for it - some are still hit and miss due to QC so its always best if you have a go on it.
+1 for Mex Fender, they are pretty good value.
I'd go Yamaha or Peavey myself for that money. I have an old Yammy 121 that still sees service for alternate tunings.. it's also my most pointy guitar which can be [b]necessary[/b] I'm sure you'll agree 🙂
Amp wise, I'd go for a small Peavey or a Roland Cube/micro cube. Cracking little amp those, with enough effects built in to keep you happy for a while.
Yamaha Pacifica 112v is the stock answer, but some of the new Squires are very well made indeed:
The 'Classic Vibe' 50's and 60's Squire Teles and Strats are getting some remarkable reviews. I've played one of the 60's ones and it really does feel like a quality instrument.
I'm not a huge Biffy Clyro fan, but the Simon Neil Squire strat looks amazing for the money, that's what I'd get.
I've had a Squire Tele Custom II with P90's for a few years now and all the basics are superb - tuners could be better but as I don't play live I've not bothered changing them yet.
The cheaper Epiphones can be a bit rough and the quality is very hit and miss.
If you really want a big name, Gibson Melody Makers are within your budget but the only one's I've seen have been a bit rough TBH.
EDIT: If you can find a seconhand Gordon-Smith within your budget, don't be put off by the basic looks - quality handmade guitars at very reasonable prices. Problem is they don't come up for sale very often.
If you're ever anywhere near Manchester Forsythes Music on Deansgate always have a few in stock.
Weird, I thought of Gordon-Smith (they used to do a very reasonably priced single pickup job that was magnificent) but I'd no idea if they were still around or indeed anywhere near this money. Think Billy Bragg dragged one around when touring by train and proclaimed it the toughest guitar he'd owned.. plus they look boutique and play beautifully.
+1 for the microcube. great little bedroom amp. has mp3 in and headphones out too which means you can thrash it and not disturb everyone for miles/embarass yourself...
2ndhand Tokais are worth a look. Tokai makes Fender Japan and some stuff for Gibson as well I think. Should be able to get a decent Loverock or Springy/Breezysound for that money
cheers chaps, some really interesting ideas. like the look of those gordon and smith guitars, pretty good used prices on ebay it would seem.