[PepticDust]

I got a raise as well am volunteering for overtime because I want.....I mean need a new guitar. I haven't been able to narrow down my search at all. Fender sending me their catologue doesn't help much either. So far I've been look at these:

Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Fender Mustang
Fender Stratocaster Deluxe
Schecter C-7

If anyone has suggestions or opinions on these it would be great. I've also looked at V's and Explorers. Though Epiphone V's and Explorers don't seem to get good reviews. The Gibsons do however.

My budget right now is about $1,000 canadian. I'd really like to get something semi-pro level. I've been putting money aside for a few months now and want something nice.

[PepticDust]

Originally Posted by Ben_Sir_Amos

Because you say you want "something semi-pro level" it looks like you are already considering an upgrade in the future. In which case you have to consider how well they hold their value and how easy they are to sell in a second hand market.

In the UK, a guitar with the words "Fender Stratocaster" on it would be much easier to sell than anything with Epiphone or Schecter. Mustangs go in and out of fashion so they are a bit of a risk.

Actually, I agree with krissovo. For a couple of bucks over your budget, you could move out of "semi-pro level" and get a keeper. Why mess about trading guitars? You'll probably lose more than you want to selling your semi-pro level axe when you want to upgrade - and you could get a keeper now.

The reason I said semi-pro is I want to avoid cheaping out. I want to avoid Squiers, low end Epiphones, Agiles well.......any guitar that makes people says "it's great for the money." I'm sure I'll get stoned to death for that but of all the gear I bought, I always get what I pay for.

I was looking at a Gibson Les Paul Studio, which I guess would be a step up from the Epiphone Les Paul custom. Though if I'm gonna lay out money for a Gibson, I'd get an Explorer over a Les Paul.

I'm kinda leaning towards the Mustang, but don't think there is anything that's a step above it. Fender only makes the one model.

[P-90]

Originally Posted by PepticDust

The reason I said semi-pro is I want to avoid cheaping out. I want to avoid Squiers, low end Epiphones, Agiles well.......any guitar that makes people says "it's great for the money." I'm sure I'll get stoned to death for that but of all the gear I bought, I always get what I pay for.

Naah, we don't so stonings here.

Some others here could probably say the same, but of the $15,000 - $350,000 instruments I've played, not a one of them was worth the money to a musician, only to a collector. So do make sure and play and carefully examine that Gibson before making a decision -- their quality control folks seem to have been taking long lunches lately. You may not like "it's great for the money," but "it wasn't worth what I paid" isn't all that hot, either.

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

Originally Posted by PepticDust

I'm kinda leaning towards the Mustang

The things to note about mustangs is that they are short scale (24" - shorter than gibsons) AND narrow at the nut. If you have big hands (like me) they can be awkward to play. Of course, if you have smaller hands, they might suit you perfectly. I'm still not sure that mustangs retain their value as well as a strat because they go in and out of fashion - but if you really like them, go for it. It is really important that you like your guitar - and that includes the way it looks, the vibe, the mojo, the fashion and whatever, as well as the playability.

Have fun and play loud.

[P-90]

Good point about the nut width, just as a Strat is 1/16" narrower than a Gibson, a Mustang is 1/16" narrower than a Strat.

But a month ago she posted about liking 24" scale necks, so I know that part's already got the thumbs up.

[PepticDust]

Originally Posted by P-90

Good point about the nut width, just as a Strat is 1/16" narrower than a Gibson, a Mustang is 1/16" narrower than a Strat.

But a month ago she posted about liking 24" scale necks, so I know that part's already got the thumbs up.

Yeah my Jaguar is 24" scale and I love it, easy to get around, easy to fret and low action.

[PepticDust]

Well I made my choice. I ended up with something not on my list. An Ovation Celebrity acoustic guitar. It comes complete with pickup, built-in tuner, solid top, medium depth back and multi-sound holes. Pretty low action too, almost as low as my electric.

I'll post some pics of it on the other board when I feel like taking them.

[P-90]

Congrats!

[fly135]

I have a Celebrity and I like it a lot.

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

I have no idea how you arrived at that choice but I'm sure you'll have fun with it.

Turn it up and play it loud.

[Europa]

Quite a turnaround there then.

Congrats on the guitar.

[kaka]

i too have so many guitars to choose im so confused.