Buy low end then mod? or just whack high end?

[gjtaylor]

Hi, people, it's me asking questions again. =D
I would like to know just which is more worthwhile;
buying a cheap guitar and upgrade the pick-ups to an EMG (81 & 85),
or to buy a guitar already with EMG (81 & 85) fitted ?

It's like u would love to have that guitar but it's expensive and u found a similar design guitar but the specs arent as great as the expensive one. so would ugrading be more worthwhile ?

I hope i have made my question clear enough.

 

[Dale]

Hmm..
I had that same thought last time too. I wanted to get LTD fitted with EMGs (81/85) but it costs 1k. its all black and beautiful. But i was low on budget.
instead, i bought a LTD with normal stock pickups which cost 420. I upgraded to EMG later on. and total expenditure on that guitar would be 720. i saved $280.

so i think u should do the calculations first. changing the pickups would cost $300 total. see the price of the guitar u want, then see the cheaper version + $300....see which is more worth for u la.

 

[TidesOfBlood]

don't forget that pickups aren't the only engine running your whole guitar playing process.

 

[slaxz]

don't forget that pickups aren't the only engine running your whole guitar playing process.

Yup i agree with what you say.. pickups aren't the only thing in the guitar. to get the same kind of specs, you also need to look at the body type, neck type etc. These are the kind of things that you need to see to get that perfect sound..:mrgreen:

 

[gjtaylor]

i'm actually thinking of getting a TGM Les Paul and changing the pick-ups to EMGs.
i'm not very sure if it's worth the price.
i thought fellow softies would enlighten me.
keep them coming!

 

[doggieshaman]

Hm hey i don't think it's worth it, the EMGs would cost more than the LP itself? But in a sense it is ok cause EMGs you can still remove and install on a better guitar next time.

Just not TGM, imho

 

[gjtaylor]

ohh, duly noted.

 

[HarrisonYeo]

i think u should mod it if u think it fits u and not to present the guitar of a higher value rate.

 

[Dale]

DONT BUY TGM!!!
TGM = This Guitar Merepek
Merepek = nonsense.
hahahaha

 

[shioks76]

Buy 1 with the emgs already fitted.

If u install yourself, youll have to unscrew the back plate every time u have to change batt.
If its already fitted, the guitar will come with the batt compartment built in.
For the cheapest emg fitted guitar, look for the epiphone prophecy series.

 

[doggieshaman]

i didn't think epiphone prophecy series were cheap... isn't it above 1k? but to the part with battery, well theres one other thing you can do, bloodsolo is selling a BURNY LP with sustainer that isnt working well, 550 or something, plus ur EMGs and some parts to replace theres alreadya battery slot there for the sustainer, and more than enough space to place the pots.

just a suggestion

 

[Dime]

i think buying low end played thru a good amp is more worth than installing emgs on a low end guitar or an already fitted emg guitar thru a lousy amp.

the sound is firstly from the amp not the pups.so do reconsider your options.

 

[HarrisonYeo]

i think buying low end played thru a good amp is more worth than installing emgs on a low end guitar or an already fitted emg guitar thru a lousy amp.

the sound is firstly from the amp not the pups.so do reconsider your options.

totally correct

 

[THOA]

DONT BUY TGM!!!
TGM = This Guitar Merepek
Merepek = nonsense.
hahahaha

There are a LOT of guitarists here who's gonna disagree with you.

Anyway, I personally prefer to buy a good guitar and mod it. Better specs (ie materials used to construct) only makes up a small percentage of your guitar tone. Pick ups upgrades are something that's generally a good idea, but as Dime had said, a good amp has more worth.

 

[e4t3n]

playing a low end guitar through a nice amp will further emphasise its flaws.. and, you dont usually lug your amp around. hence, its better to invest in a nice guitar and slowly save up for upgrades. an average guitar with upgrades can only bring you that far after all.

 

[doggieshaman]

eh, i know many people will disagree with me here, but i kind of agree.. i think pimp out ur guitar first, get a decent amp (modelling one maybe)

not as bombastic as a tube amp but with decent effects i think you can afford to not be a b*tch about amp tone and upgrading et cetera

 

[THOA]

Anyway, I personally prefer to buy a good guitar and mod it.

playing a low end guitar through a nice amp will further emphasise its flaws...

Sorry. But I need to emphasize the difference, heh.

 

[Aki S. Ian]

hmm, i say just get something high end or somewhere in the middle.
then mod it. but then again its you who control your instrument, NOT vice versa.

 

[shioks76]

I know the epi prophecy series isn't exactly cheap.
But can u suggest a cheaper guitar that comes with emg actives already installed?
I think that would be more helpful.

 

[Aki S. Ian]

hmm, why are you so keen on EMGs?
if you dont mind me asking?
what genres are you mostly into?