Buying a lead guitar, upgrading from an entry level model to a more professional one

[rollstone]

Buying a lead guitar, upgrading from an entry level model to a more professional one

hi, I want to buy a new guitar,
would like advise from guitar
experts here.

currently I have 2 models in mind:

Ibanez JEM-JR-WH Electric Guitar, White

or

Fender Standard Stratocaster Guitar, Maple Neck, Artic White

what do you guys recommend ?

 

[m.rev]

That would actually depend on what knds of music you will play.
I personally think the jem jr would be more versatile however due to the locking trem system maintainence would be way more troublesome.
I'm thinking that you have already went down to swee lee to check them out so the main point now is to find the one that feels and sounds best.
All the best to finding the guitar for you!

 

[davidfong22]

If you will consider second hand, I highly recommend that. Prices are far FAR cheaper, and the second hand market is in the doldrums now so you're likely to be able to negotiate some very cheap deals, or alternatively get a much better guitar for what you're willing to pay.

 

[loldude333]

Agree with both @m.rev and @davidfong22. May i add that the stock pickups on the JEM Jr may not be sufficient if you wish to cross great divides (heavy metal to country for example) and may need to be swapped to your liking.

 

[rollstone]

then can the basic fender strat do cross great divides ?

 

[m.rev]

then can the basic fender strat do cross great divides ?

Nope. Too clean but a les paul can

 

[junkiemanxl]

it really depends on what kind of music you will be playing.
Floyd rose bridges can be a pain in the ass while restringing if not done correctly...
Do you need 24 frets?

i would say give the strat a shot and have a humbucker in the bridge if you need a little more output.
strats are just much easier to maintain.

 

[loldude333]

Yamaha Pacificas with HSS configs are just about perfect for covering many genres, methinks.

 

[m.rev]

I personally recommend the epiphone les paul standard plus top pro.
2 humbuckers with coil tap on them if youre nt happy with the pickups could change to seymour duncan jb and jazz in the future

 

[subversion]

@rollstone, sir, you'd do well to consider more models than just the Ibanez & Fender unless you are really bent on those 2 models, it's up to you of course.

the Ibanez JEM Jr, despite the 'JEM' label there, isn't a top-end offering from the manufacturer but it should appease those of us who are into more drive/distortion involvements. the Fender on the other hand, features an all single coil affair so in terms of high drive/distortion settings, get ready to welcome some background humming. also, keep in mind that locking bridges (Floyd Rose et al) are cumbersome to deal with, that includes tuning issues as well.

with that in mind, my take would be to try whatever you fancy out there & go with what you favour in terms of playability/ tone/ value-for-money. remember to check overall condition before you buy anything

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Just thought I'd add... lead guitar is a style of playing, not a type of guitar. You don't buy a lead guitar, you learn lead guitar.

I second loldude333's suggestion of Yamaha Pacificas with HSS pickup configuration. In fact, any guitar with a HSS pickup configuration is going to be among the most versatile you can get. I have owned an Ibanez GSA60 and currently own a Pacifica 112VCX. Super-versatile. Some more my 112VCX has coil-tap so it can sort of become a traditional SSS strat. Press the tone knob down and it becomes a full humbucker.

Fender / Squier also make HSS strats. Ibanez SA series are terribly underrated but are good versatile guitars. A lot of guitar brands offer HSS guitars, anyway. Do take a look at those too.

Not hating on the two models you mentioned, though (in fact I think tone-wise and looks-wise the JEM Jr is a more versatile guitar than the Strat, just note the extra hassle of the double-locking tremolo bridge). I just think there's a lot more you can also consider.

 

[peter01]

I suppose you're a fan of white guitars? haha! What genres do you play?

 

[rollstone]

thank you everyone for the advice,
really great, learn quite a lot

@rollstonewith that in mind, my take would be to try whatever you fancy out there & go with what you favour in terms of playability/ tone/ value-for-money. remember to check overall condition before you buy anything

do you have any recommendation
for a model less than S$1000 ?

- - - Updated - - -

I suppose you're a fan of white guitars?
haha! What genres do you play?

I play pop rock only leh

 

[subversion]

in terms of new guitars (assuming you are not getting a used one), the Japanese Fenders are vlaue-for-money. my only gripe with them are the frets- majority are equipped with vintage profiled frets, rather thin for aggressive playing styles but that's just a personal perspective.

on the ibanez front, the RG440 is a versatile player with a modern bridge without the locking appointments so it makes re-stringing & tuning a breeze: