Guitar dilemma

[Heavenscloud]

Hey guys, i seriously need some advice here.

Ok, i have enough money to purchase a new Tokai MIJ at around 1.4k. Problem is, i'm just thinking would it be wiser to spend around 600 for an Epiphone Les Paul (LP fan here) and use the net to buy pedals and a good amp, or just pay lump sum for the Tokai.

Confused now, cos i'm afraid I'll regret buying the Tokai if an Epiphone les Paul is just as good, and cheaper. Is it really worth paying so much for a guitar?

Thanks

 

[p00n]

What kind of amp do you have? And what tone are you gunning for?

 

[Heavenscloud]

Not any in particular actually. I don't own an amp now, just that if i don't buy the tokai i can use the excess for other stuff like an amp.

 

[p00n]

I suggest getting an amp first. After all an amp and effects make up about 70% of your tone with the guitar only about 30%.. Is this your first guitar? Doubt it though.

 

[dhalif]

poon.. you sure? so... you can become really good if you have good gear?

 

[p00n]

Nah I said tone.. But just a rough ballpark figure. But of course people will argue about fingertone la, which of course matters, assuming he's a decent player, a new amp will contribute more significantly to his tone than a new guitar.

 

[3notesAbar]

poon.. you sure? so... you can become really good if you have good gear?

Not for Guitarists, but Bass Players YES

 

[jumbofret]

I agree with p00n on this. Too many guitarists fret about their guitars and pickups rather than the amps. A great amp can make a mediocre guitar sound good, while a good guitar will never sound good at all on a lousy amp.

 

[GuitarNoob]

Both are just as important, but for me, I'd rather get a good guitar first, then the amp. Maybe you can tell us what guitar(s) you own now?

 

[Heavenscloud]

I've been eyeing the Tokai for a long time, heard great reviews about it. In fact, it's gonna be my first proper long term electric, that's why i'm banging on the high price. Just wondering if the price i'm paying would be justified, in a sense that i might get a comparable Les Paul (Epi or Burny) for a lower price.

If i have a budget of 1k plus, what other alternatives do i have. I'm not looking a particular kind of tone here. Given that budget, what would you pros here get?

 

[ItAcHi]

Edwards guitar maybe??

 

[subversion]

if you've tried the Jap Tokais, you'd value it for its good tones & playability. if you think that it's a good LP copy per se, then there are lots of good LP copies out there, in this case, you've fallen prey to embracing a guitar because it's got that X-factor which emulates the original. at the end of it all, it might not be a suitable guitar for you.

i'd rather hear you say that the Tokai is a splendid guitar after trying it & hearing it in person. in this case, i'd spur you on. otherwise, you should re-evaluate your needs.

if you buy a guitar & has no amp to complement it in the mean time, you'd at least get to practice your guitar unplugged. try practising an amp without a guitar; what are you gonna plug into it? your fingers?

 

[ItAcHi]

if you buy a guitar & has no amp to complement it in the mean time, you'd at least get to practice your guitar unplugged. try practising an amp without a guitar; what are you gonna plug into it? your fingers?

hahahaha...great point there sub...u always come out with great quote...

 

[Heavenscloud]

Hmmm.. thanks for the advice sub. I've personally heard it, went with my cousin the other day. Sounds great and the feel's fantastic. it's just that like you said, there are other LP copies that are as good. Which is why i'm not sure whether paying that amount is worthwhile. Has comments on Dillion guitars?

 

[subversion]

if you've read my review on it, i didn't hesitate to give the Tokai my thumbs up & i'm not a big Les Paul fan myself. i have endless praise for the Tokai, IMO it's worth every cent if you value good playability & sheer good tones.

 

[jumbofret]

if you buy a guitar & has no amp to complement it in the mean time, you'd at least get to practice your guitar unplugged. try practising an amp without a guitar; what are you gonna plug into it? your fingers?

Well, no one said about plunking 1.4k on amps, what I meant to say that is he should consider allocating some of his budget on an amp. You don't have to be sarcastic now, do you?

Heavenscloud, read the following points below before buying anything.

1. How long did you take to amass a budget of 1.4k? Are you willing to save up to $500 for an amp after getting a guitar that costs you 1.4K?

2. Your style of guitar playing. What kind of genre are you leaning towards? Do you see yourself playing a leads that only 24 fret guitars can handle? Also, are you able to utilize a 2V2T guitar for tones? Some people do not like the control layout and would opt for a 1V1T instead.

3. Check out Dean and Hamer from City Music, and Dillion from Gain 10.

4. I hope this helps and all the best to your guitar purchase!

Cheers

 

[Heavenscloud]

Thanks a dozen jumbofret. Man that helped a lot..

 

[stillwater]

if you buy a guitar & has no amp to complement it in the mean time, you'd at least get to practice your guitar unplugged. try practising an amp without a guitar; what are you gonna plug into it? your fingers?

u r really humourous sometimes
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[jumbofret]

You're welcome

 

[jumbofret]

I will be heading down to town later today. Here's a list of where I am going to:

Dhoby Ghaut (Yamaha @ PS, and all the stores at Selegie)

Peninsula Shopping Centre and Excelsior

Bras Basah Shopping Complex

finally, Sim Lim Tower or Sim Lim Square. I need stuff (soldering iron, solder, pots, wire, a cap) for wiring, I am gonna experiment with the wiring mod found on www.guitarnuts.com

I will make mental notes for you, and give you more information later.


Cheers