Guitar buying advice

[Mike Anderson]

^^^ I had one of those amps, used it for a practice amp. It's got a cool little sound, good score.

I don't know whether it'll put out enough volume to cover a drum set though. Definitely not if you throw a bass and vocals into the mix.

[Jim Clark]

Now that I've finally figured out how to get pics from the camera into the PC I figured I'd upload pics of the final result. In the end I found a used Epiphone Les Paul Standard with a hard case for 400.00 at a pawn shop. No nicks, no scratches, no nothing. It was a tough call but for the money, it's hands down the best looking guitar we saw through the whole ordeal. It's actually quite beautiful and the pics don't really do it justice. I'm not so good at taking them and I probably crunched the jpegs too small but you'll get the ideal. The guys at the guitar shop where we took it to have it restrung and polished gushed over it. The over the top comments made us feel very confident in our choice. Nobody could believe that we only paid 400.00 for it. A bit more than we had planned to spend but the grandparents are going in on it and Mason loved it, so what the L. It'll be a keeper first guitar and should get them by nicely over the next couple of years.

Thanks for all of the advice and suggestions.

jc

[Mike Anderson]

That's a beautiful guitar, congratulations! That deep cherry red with a flame top has always been one of my favorite looks.

Your son is lucky to have such a thoughtful father.

[Swish]

Now that I've finally figured out how to get pics from the camera into the PC I figured I'd upload pics of the final result. In the end I found a used Epiphone Les Paul Standard with a hard case for 400.00 at a pawn shop. No nicks, no scratches, no nothing. It was a tough call but for the money, it's hands down the best looking guitar we saw through the whole ordeal. It's actually quite beautiful and the pics don't really do it justice. I'm not so good at taking them and I probably crunched the jpegs too small but you'll get the ideal. The guys at the guitar shop where we took it to have it restrung and polished gushed over it. The over the top comments made us feel very confident in our choice. Nobody could believe that we only paid 400.00 for it. A bit more than we had planned to spend but the grandparents are going in on it and Mason loved it, so what the L. It'll be a keeper first guitar and should get them by nicely over the next couple of years.

Thanks for all of the advice and suggestions.

jc

What amp did you settle on by the way?

Swish

[Jim Clark]

What amp did you settle on by the way?

Swish

This one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/483187/

84.00 at another pawn shop. I know it's not going to be loud enough for gigs but I figure he really should learn how to play before we worry about that. Wish all guitarist's had the same philosphy.

And BTW, what's a flame top? I couldn't google an answer.

jc

[Swish]

This one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/483187/

84.00 at another pawn shop. I know it's not going to be loud enough for gigs but I figure he really should learn how to play before we worry about that. Wish all guitarist's had the same philosphy.

And BTW, what's a flame top? I couldn't google an answer.

jc

You can see the stripes in the wood finish...hence the term "flame" top, which I believe is always maple, but I could be wrong. Many guitars are one solid color and you can't see any grain in the wood. Flame tops usually command a higher price as well, or are found in better quality guitars, or at least near the top of the line for that particular model. Not always, but usually. My Strat is a "Special Edition", with higher quality hardware, pickups, and it's a flame top as well, so it cost more than a standard Strat, ditto your son's Epiphone.

As for the Marshall amp, 15 watts is plenty loud and should serve him very well, and it's enough power to drive you batty if he plays it cranked up. You did a good job with your purchases, and I hope your son respects the equipment and takes good care of it. I would spend a few bucks on a book or care manual so he can learn how to keep it in good condition, how to clean it and change the strings properly. I've seen so many abused guitars and it's really a shame. A good teacher should be able to help him with that too.

Oh yeah, spend another $15-20 on a guitar stand so he doesn't resort to leaning it against a wall or the furniture. That's a recipe for disaster.

Good luck to him.

Swish

[Jim Clark]

Well that explains it nicely, thanks for that. Since that's the case, I'm a flamer all the way. I didn't really like too many without wood grain but I'm a wood grain kinda guy.

Good advice on the other things and to be sure, many other family members are getting him guitar related accessories as their gifts to him and I know for a fact that a stand in among them. The book on care isn't overlooked either since I want him replacing his own strings from here on out.

Regards,
jc

[Audio Girl]

Well that explains it nicely, thanks for that. Since that's the case, I'm a flamer all the way. I didn't really like too many without wood grain but I'm a wood grain kinda guy.

Good advice on the other things and to be sure, many other family members are getting him guitar related accessories as their gifts to him and I know for a fact that a stand in among them. The book on care isn't overlooked either since I want him replacing his own strings from here on out.

Regards,
jc

Jim,

You are such a kind and thoughtful Dad. Through your posts through the years (and our emails), I have always felt you were the epitome of what a father should be. You sealed the deal with this thread. God bless you, and I just hope your family knows how lucky they are to have you.

Merry Christmas!
Ag