Posted: 12/26/2008 5:37:19 PM EDT
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I have about 400 bucks to spend on a new guitar. I have a Peavy Raptor now. I want to upgrade to something that will allow me to grow...not to mention stay in tune. I was thinking something with a good tremolo system that locks but I wouldn't use it until I got much better. So maybe something without the tremolo system for now. I want to get into more lead guitar licks. I was also thinking of maybe getting an acoustic. I keep going back and forth on it. So electric or acoustic? Which brands of acoustic are good in that price range or a little cheaper? Which brands of electric should I take a look at. I play metal, rock, and some praise music for church. |
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I think if you want to develop as a lead metal/rock player, you'd be happier with an electric. I'd recommend going ahead with a locking tremolo system, I wouldn't buy one without it if you're eventually wanting to use one. You'll just be buying another guitar eventually then, I'd get one now and grow into it. Better to have it and not need/use it, than to buy a guitar without, and want one. I guess you could always get one and have it installed, but some of them require modification to the body, which would probably be costly to have done. With the price of some of the good guitars nowdays, I'd just get one with it already installed.
As far as picking out a specific model, my best advice would be to go to the local guitar shop and play as many as you can in your price range. Don't let them upsell you, know how much you want to spend and stick to it. It's hard to recommend a specific model because everyone's tastes and styles are so different, and there's a lot of quality guitars on the market and pricing is very competitive. I'd say to stick with established brands if possible, don't be afraid to look at used guitars, sometimes you can get great deals on lightly used ones (as long as it's a reputable dealer that will give you good service if necessary). Ones I can think of, off the top of my head with models with locking trem systems are Jackson, Charvel, ESP, etc. Personally I'd prefer a used name brand in good shape over a new cheaper, lower quality model. My first electric was a used Ibanez that the previous owner had put a Seymour Duncan and a DiMarzio pickup in, and I got it for I think $250. Heck the pickups probably cost more than that when they were new.  It didn't have a locking trem, but deals are out there.
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Quoted:
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Ok...I'm back and forth between an Ibanez and a Schecter. Don't know the models yet but I'm still torn between getting the tremolo system and not. Darn decisions.  Ibanez RG320 RX QM 
I dont own one and LOVE it i swear That would be an Ibanez RG320DX QM, boy. 
I also like the ESP LTD series (I have the M-255). Both have the locking tremolo. Either model can be found used for less than $300. |
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About what bridge to use, that's a personal choice.
I like hard tail guitars, for tuning stability and simplicity mostly. On something like a Strat, I think they sound better when the tremolo blocked off and the bridge in solid contact with the body. Of course, YMMV. 
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