Help buying new guitar

[strange-steve]

I've been playing guitar off and on for about 15 years now, I've really got back into it recently actually, and so have been toying with the idea of buying a new guitar.

The thing is I've never really been into the "gear" side of things, and I wouldn't mind a few pointers as to what might be a decent buy.

I'm not wanting to spend a lot, maybe £400 max, which I know isn't much of a budget for a guitar but I'm sure there are some decent bargains out there.

Some possibly relevant info, I would describe my ability as maybe advanced-intermediate at best, I'm no Malmsteen but I'm not terrible either.
I play metal almost exclusively.
I currently have a Dean Razorback and a Yamaha RGX (I think this is an Ibanez RG knock-off but I really like this guitar actually).
I absolutely don't want another Floyd rose bridge, both my current guitars have one.
I'd prefer 24 frets if possible but this isn't a deal breaker.

I really liked the look of the Schecter C1 but it was way out of my budget

Any thoughts are most welcome.

 

[SteveH]

There's a ton of choice out there in that price range, best plan is to go to one of the large stores and see what you like the look/feel of IMO, it's a pretty subjective thing choosing an instrument.

That said, assuming you want humbuckers, fixed bridge and a more modern design (e.g not a Strat/Tele/LesPaul, although personally that's my preference as a blues/rock guy), I'd say check out the PRS SE Standard or you could look at a real Ibanez RG (some come with fixed bridges like this one)

I've played one of the PRS SE's and the playability was amazing, very nearly as good as a US one my brother owned (which was like 4x the price) - I know it's a bit above budget but worth trying one if you can.

 

[Bigcol49]

OMG - brews beer and plays the guitar!
What a catch

 

[BarnBrian]

OMG - brews beer and plays the guitar!
What a catch

I'm impressed if it's both at the same time. Brings a new meaning to "One man band".
Weren't The Verve doing the same thing "Bitter and sweet symphony"

 

[Chippy_Tea]

OMG - brews beer and plays the guitar!
What a catch

Maybe not!

 

[strange-steve]

Thanks @SteveH (Steve Howe is that you??) I'll take a look at those when I get get home from work

OMG - brews beer and plays the guitar!
What a catch

I know right. Yet my Mrs hates both heavy metal and beer, my talents are wasted on her.

Maybe not!

Ah yes, the old thumb flick n slide method, the guy's got skills

 

[Sandimas]

You can get a lot of guitar for £400 these days.

It's a shame you don't want a Floyd as I think this is one of the best budget guitars out there - a mate has one and I've done a A/B comparison with my USA Charvel (expensive!) and there's not a lot in it
https://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/pro...V-hhPTz5a3rVmIVY-BlvonVsY3M4bKLkaAuJhEALw_wcB

A secondhand fixed-bridge Japanese-made Charvel would be a good bet if you could find one. Or one of the ESP LTD Les Paul-types like this
https://www.andertons.co.uk/esp/esp-ltd-ec-256fm-dbsb-in-dark-brown-sunburst

Best bet is to get yourself to a large city with several big music shops like PMT or GuitarGuitar and try some out.

 

[Bigcol49]

Thanks @SteveH (Steve Howe is that you??)

I would love it if the reply was, YES

 

[MyQul]

OMG - brews beer and plays the guitar!
What a catch

Planning on chucking MrsBigCol over?

 

[Banbeer]

I personally like both of the styles of electric guitars that I have for different reasons, depends on what I'm playing.

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Classic for playing mostly Guns 'N' Roses or heavier stuff and a Tokai Strat for playing lighter rock etc

 

[strange-steve]

OK so I've had a look at some of the recommendations here.

The PRS SE is a lovely guitar however I'm going to have to be strict with my budget otherwise I could easily talk myself into sticking an Ibanez Jem on the credit card.

I like the Ibanez RX but it looks identical to my Yamaha, I think I'd like to go for something a bit different.

The Jackson, another nice looking guitar but I am put off by the Floyd, I'd like a guitar where I can easily change the tuning or one which I can restring without having to book a day off work.

The ESP Ltd, now you're talking. This is one that caught my eye last week when I was casually browsing online. Have you played one of these?

I really like the look of the Schecter Demon 6 as well, anyone know anything about this one?

 

[strange-steve]

Anyone else want to weigh in on this, I'd love some more suggestions :hat:

 

[phildo79]

Seen one in the back alley of my house, propped up against a wheelie bin. Still had a couple of strings.

 

[Clint]

Can you not get a really nice used one?That way you can get what you want at the price you like?

 

[strange-steve]

Seen one in the back alley of my house, propped up against a wheelie bin. Still had a couple of strings.

Nice one, my max budget is £400 though, will that cover it?

 

[phildo79]

Might not, you know. As I approached it, my girlfriend said, 'NO! don't even think about it.' Perhaps she knew its real worth and knows I could never afford it.

 

[John Holgreaves]

Gibson acoustic? :tinhat:

 

[Banbeer]

Can you not get a really nice used one?That way you can get what you want at the price you like?

Unfortunately @Clint there are a lot of fakes out there, at least buying new you get a warranty etc.

@strange-steve Is there not a PMT or Andersons shop near you where you can try one of the ones you think you like, as you probably know just because it looks good it might not suit you or your style.

 

[Clint]

Buy from a music shop..

 

[strange-steve]

I live in NI so local choice is a bit more limited, but I'm heading into Belfast tomorrow where there are a few shops so I'll have a look around. Thing is, I don't really know what I want so was just looking for a few recommendations.