Recommendations / Advice on choice of guitar

[strykerxd]

Hi all, I'm still new to the huge variety and characteristics of the many different guitars available. But basically I'm looking for a les paul styled guitar that can provide that crunchy distorted sound (pardon me for such a description if its too vague) or the best that any brand can offer in the price range of 300-400 bucks. I know this is a very low budget however I'm looking for one that is the best value for this prics range.

So far i've seen the Rally gl-300 and some positive reviews on it. On the other hand, there are reviews that state that it doesnt stay in tune that well. Other than that, ive been browsing around and have seen several other ones like the epiphone les paul special II and axl badwater.

Havent really tried any of them but would love to hear any input from anyone. Any advice or help rendered is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[J.custom]

I think you're a little misinformed, any LP style can get a crunchy distorted sound, it's the amp/distortion pedal that counts. IMO don't even bother with the Epi, the Rally is better. For the Epi you're paying more for the brand, but the Rally is more worth for the money. I've tried the Rally GL400 and I thought it pawned an Epi that's worth the same amount, I wouldn't even mind owning a Rally. The axl badwater looks pretty good too. But have not tried one out yet. I think they're being sold at TYMC.

But what's most important, is what you feel the most comfortable with. Put aside the prejudices against the country that it's made in and the brand etc. Focus on how well you play while you're trying the guitar and how comfortable you are. Personally, if I click with a particular guitar, all the playing just comes instinctively. However if i don't seem to bond that well with a guitar(due to whatever reasons) I just don't feel so good with it, and thus that may affect my playing.

 

[fezz]

But what's most important, is what you feel the most comfortable with.

I think what J.custom said is true. You must feel comfortable with the guitar. I wanted a particular guitar but after trying it, i ended up buying something else. You should try out the guitars that you're looking at, and other guitars too. Don't limit yourself to a certain guitar style.
What amp are you using? Cos it's an important factor in getting the sound that you want.

 

[gjkung]

Yes agree, with J Custom. Any LP has that potential, infact, any guitar can. The body shape is hardly the issue here.

What matters is the scale length and pickups. The rest of the sound you can dial out when you got the right pedal/amp.

I wouldn't recommend an LP cuz of playability issue, many major design issues are not addressed simply to keep it "authentic". My advise will be to go to the shops and find a guitar that fits your playing style. If the guitar gets in the way of your playing, no matter how good you think it sounds, it would not be making the music you want it to.

 

[zesn]

You should try the guitars you want to buy.
And like the above, see if you can bond with it.
You just know it.
Don't end up buying something just because people say it's good, but you yourself cannot appreciate the goodness.

I tried the Rally GL but didn't like it because it had tuning issues, maybe it's just a lemon set since everyone says it's fine.
So, go try it!

 

[strykerxd]

Hmm thanks for all the input guys. But dont get me wrong

1) I am not really concerned about the brand or whatsoever of the guitar. As long as the different components on the guitar is functional and serves its purpose well, i wouldnt even mind getting it even if it doesnt have a brand name on its headstock. In fact, im more interested in understated makes of guitars as im an "alternative" guy eg. not following the trend and using what the majority use.

2) Pardon me if im wrong, but dont the pickups affect the sound other than the amp and pedals i use? As i dont forsee myself upgrading the pickups in the near future, i am hoping to get guitar with stock pickups that can achieve the sound i want as best as possible.

3) I will be going to test the guitars i am hoping to get. But in order to test the guitar i need to know which guitar to test, and that is where i need input on.

Im currently using a roland cube 30 without any effects pedals if that helps in the recommendations. Annyway thanks for all the opinions so far!

 

[J.custom]

Yes you are right pickups do affect the sound, but without a good amp, you will not be able to hear a very big difference.

 

[subversion]

some stuff here: http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2009/12/recommendations-les-paul-alike-guitars.html

 

[relinquish69]

you won't go wrong with a used Epiphone. well within your budget.

 

[ShredAddict]

walk in to a store, tell them your budget, they give you a few recommendations based on that, try them all & finally come to a conclusion.

 

[strykerxd]

Went down to Peninsular yesterday to check out some of the guitars.

The Tokai als48 i tried didnt really quite fit in with me despite the countless positive reviews on tokai with some claming it could "beat any epiphone".

The Rally was very comfortable to play and i was quite happy with it. But prior to my visit i did some reasearch and found some Rally owners had problems with it staying in tune well. Hope to get some comments from any Rally owner on this matter.

But what really surprised me was the AXL Badwater 1216, i believe. Im do not have much experience or knowledge on different types of wood and neck profiles, however the neck on this guitar was the most comfortable for me. Sadly, Davis only had one piece/finish in the store. The finish looked great but there were some minor aesthetical imperfections that i was not quite comfortable with coming from the point of view of a paying customer. If anyone has any info on other local shops bringing in the Badwater 1216 please do share.

Many thanks again to everyone who gave some input!

 

[J.custom]

I thought I saw a few AXL guitars at TYMC! Best if you check with them

 

[relinquish69]

to me feel is the most important aspect when it comes to an electric guitar. majority of the tone is coming from your amp anyway. get the one that feels the best and not sound the best (at least for now)