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after the holiday break , my parents are takin me to the nearest GC to shop around and if i find somethin they'll lert me borrow some $$$, and possibly sell my jackson rhoads. so does anybody have any good recomndations on what kinda of guitar i should try in the 0-500$$ range? i was looking at a shecter 006, s-1 and tempest and the PRS SE line.

The PRS SE line, as the huge thread recently will tell you, is probably the best guitar line in that range.

You might want to try some of the s,sa,sz ibanez models too. Some of the cheaper fender guitars are pretty good. There's always used guitars you could check out if they got some there too.

i was just thinkin about that too ^

My recommendation regarding GC is to shop somewhere else


Originally Posted by ZerberusMy recommendation regarding GC is to shop somewhere else

LOL!

Seriously, I wouldn't go that far, esp if dgk2448 lives in an isolated area, it may be the best option for him.

The RR is a good choice, a used American one is even better, obviously. Same with the Jackson Warrior, if you're into that sort of shape. Showmasters by Fender look impresive.

For online stuff, the Music Yo Kramer looks great for the price.


Originally Posted by TwilightOdysseyFor online stuff, the Music Yo Kramer looks great for the price.

Those do look pretty cool. Also, you can get a used Kramer Focus on ebay for under $200.

The Ibanez SZ is a freakin sweet guitar. I second that recommendation.

Schecter Blackjack series. I played a C-1 Blackjack and it was awesome.

The PRS SE range are great guitars. I'd recommend them. Well designed and well made.

I like dealing with GC, but you have to play alot of different guitars of the model if they have them alot can sit on the shelf for a while, so ask if they have any back stock

Also, since you are 15, they will try to screw you, make sure you have an adult with you to make sure everything goes down smooth


Originally Posted by TwilightOdysseyLOL!

Seriously, I wouldn't go that far, esp if dgk2448 lives in an isolated area, it may be the best option for him.

No...it just means they have a more limited audience to work from and will try twice as hard to **** him on a sale as any other place.

GC's are the bottom of the barrel....they're right up there with tobacco lobbyists, credit card companies that specifically target students who they know will default and lawyers that handle nothing but drunk driving cases.

They're a cancer to local music shops and music scenes. They completely ruin musical communities and should be viewed right on par with everything that is evil in this world.

Eventually when we have no other place to shop but GC we will realize the mistake we've made and torch every single location to the ground....and the world will be a better place for it.

BTW...there's no sarcasm intended in this post. I honestly believe that GC is a cancer in the world of modern music. and musicians.

Schecter makes some amazing axes in that price range. I played a double cut on my last trip to GC. Good finish, nice tone, average playability...a decent axe, IMHO.

NAFTA Strats can often be had for that price as well.

The S-1 should be 400 bucks at guitar center...the one in VA bch had that price...and they also had the epiphone goth series for 350 on clearance.Oh...I dunno if it will still be going on but at MusiciansFriend they have the Jackson DKMGT for $350 and it usually goes for 600 dollars...link If you print that out they should honor it but I'm not sure.


Originally Posted by SkarekroughNo...it just means they have a more limited audience to work from and will try twice as hard to **** him on a sale as any other place.

GC's are the bottom of the barrel....they're right up there with tobacco lobbyists, credit card companies that specifically target students who they know will default and lawyers that handle nothing but drunk driving cases.

They're a cancer to local music shops and music scenes. They completely ruin musical communities and should be viewed right on par with everything that is evil in this world.

Eventually when we have no other place to shop but GC we will realize the mistake we've made and torch every single location to the ground....and the world will be a better place for it.

BTW...there's no sarcasm intended in this post. I honestly believe that GC is a cancer in the world of modern music. and musicians.

wow GC jihad, kinda scary

Hey man dont blame GC, they are just in business to make money, blame the consumer.


Originally Posted by SkarekroughThey're a cancer to local music shops and music scenes. They completely ruin musical communities and should be viewed right on par with everything that is evil in this world.

I would like to see proof of that.


Originally Posted by Telesexualwow GC jihad, kinda scary

Hey man dont blame GC, they are just in business to make money, blame the consumer.I do blame the consumer... that´s why I don´t recommend shopping there

To dgk2448:

There#8217;s always the possibility of picking up a good used piece at GC as well. I walked out of GC with a one-year old Highway One strat in mint condition and an SKB flight case for $400. Shopping at guitar center is like buying a car: never pay full price for anything. Try talking them down as much as you can and be sure they know you are willing to walk out cash in hand if they aren#8217;t willing to work with you (do this by your actions, not verbally#8230; that might irritate them a bit if you were to show your hand). Be reasonable though. Obviously you won#8217;t be walking out of there with a Les Paul Standard for $500.

For new instruments I would definitely look at the PRS SE line. Just as the others have stated, they are very well built guitars and in my opinion are a steal at their retail price. Another good choice for under $500 would be any MIM Fender. Play a lot (GC should have a bunch) and find the one that feels the best since they all tend to play differently. I wish I could help you out with the Schecters you are looking at, but I haven#8217;t played any of those models. I will say that the C-1 series, even though apparently out of your price range, offers great guitars that are worth more than their price tag in terms of fit and finish as well as playability. In your price range I#8217;d stay away from anything bearing the Ibanez namesake.

To everyone else:

I think the animosity towards GC is kind of funny. The goal of any business venture is obviously to make profit and expand operations. Why is it that any time a company reaches a certain level of success that they are all of a sudden #8220;bad guys#8221; in the public eye? GC isn#8217;t like Wal-Mart, who opens stores in low population rural areas, almost immediately killing small business. All the GCs I#8217;ve ever seen have been in larger cities with the population to sustain GC and smaller business. There are still plenty of small music stores here in Cincinnati. There#8217;s even a local chain that has managed to survive not just a GC, but also a Mars Music, which eventually became Sam Ash.

Guitar Center is a good place for parent to take their kid guitar shopping simply because it#8217;s easily the widest variety of lower cost instruments you will find in one place. You guys are ***** for starting this week#8217;s GC bashing session into this kid#8217;s thread. Way to lend a helping hand.


Originally Posted by MikeS.....To everyone else:

I think the animosity towards GC is kind of funny. The goal of any business venture is obviously to make profit and expand operations. Why is it that any time a company reaches a certain level of success that they are all of a sudden #8220;bad guys#8221; in the public eye? GC isn#8217;t like Wal-Mart, who opens stores in low population rural areas, almost immediately killing small business. All the GCs I#8217;ve ever seen have been in larger cities with the population to sustain GC and smaller business. There are still plenty of small music stores here in Cincinnati. There#8217;s even a local chain that has managed to survive not just a GC, but also a Mars Music, which eventually became Sam Ash.

Guitar Center is a good place for parent to take their kid guitar shopping simply because it#8217;s easily the widest variety of lower cost instruments you will find in one place. You guys are ***** for starting this week#8217;s GC bashing session into this kid#8217;s thread. Way to lend a helping hand.

Bottom line is that Every GC I have so far visited has only offered to me:

1.Substandard service in the sense of people that know nothing about guitars trying to give the impression of being gods
2. jacked prices that many Mom´n´Pops can and will beat, and most mom and pop shops have neither the GC bulk discounts, nor do they skimp on service and knowledge... but somehow they still manage
3. a wonderful selection of instruments for beginners, and maybe one or 2 semi-pro, and nothing I´d personally ever consider with the possible exception of an occasional Used LP or USA Jackson
4. a middle of the line selection of accessories such as Pedals, strings and such... here I´d actually say they´re not half bad... as long as you don´t need assistance

If I ask for a beginner´s metal guitar and the guy trys to sell me an LTD Kirk Hammet and a Marshall Mode Four, something´s wrong.... likewise if I ask for a professional grade Jackson and he tries his ultimate to convince me that a JS-1 suits perfectly and says that no Jacksons are made in the USA anymore, despite having the Reatil pirce list open in front of BOTH our faces where it clearly states quot;SL-1, Made in the U.S.A., ...quot;..... Ignorance is ok for quot;common folkquot; /laypersons, but it has NO place in a business that´s supposed to be even remotely professional, especially when people will NEED qualified help....

Now, if this were only one store I´d say nothing. But this is my impression of over 20 GCs over the last 10 years, and for a store that supposedly caters to ALL guitarists at ALL levels and more or less touts themselves as the do-all end-all for guitarists, it´s WAY below par for the course...

The problem I see is that some people only HAVE GC to choose from, and thereby can get the impression that all guitar shops are this bad. And yet by still shopping there despite the quality of service the consumer perpetuates the impression (in management) that sub standard service is a GOOD thing, and people are still buying, so why should we change it??

I wasn´t bashing before, and still am not, but am now elaborating and stating the facts that led to my simple statements... But if we´re gonna toss around insults for no real reason then you should at least be informed of WHY people are recommending he shop somewhere else

GC itself is in theory and principle quot;not evilquot;, it´s what the consumer had let GC become /led them to believe is good..... but when the smoke settles, is being bad because you think it´s good and what people want any better than being bad for no reason??? The end result is the exact same

Like others have said:
The new PRS SE guitars
Schecter C-1, S, Blackjack, and Tempest guitars are killer (I myself play a couple different C-1's and a Tempest.)
Ibanez SZ guitars

They're all around the same price, give or take. Choose whichever guitars makes you feel like plugging in, cranking up, and rocking the world.

Have fun, young friend. I remember when my dad took me to the local music store after Christmas in early 1991and said quot;Son, you've proven you're serious about guitar. You can spend up to $xxxx. Take your time, find the one you want, and we'll take it home.quot; I had been playing for two years, practicing every second, and taking lessons with a cheapo piece of junk starter electric. No screwing around after school, no parties on weekends, no sports... just guitar, music, guitar, music. My parents were thrilled!

Now that I've made music my work, I think they're having second thoughts!Sorry for the old man wool-gathering. Your thread brought back happy memories...