Which guitar to buy?

[Dark_divine]

Hi all,

Im Getting my first electric guitar, and would like to ask from you guys for oppinions of which guitar to buy.

As i'm still beginner and theres only two guitars in my mind and both guitars are within my budget.

1. Ibanez GRG121
2. Squier California series strat

So which is recommended?

 

[subversion]

some stuff on the GIO models- http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2008/12/ibanez-gio-series-which-one-to-buy.html

you have listed a humbucking & single coil equipped guitar- do you have a tonal preference? what kinda music would you like to play?

 

[lokiregnarok]

Ya.. if u like to play metal/hard rock go for the ibanez but if u like blues/rocks, go for the squier.. but GRG121 is a locked bridge.. no tremolo. so must take note.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

It's better that the GRG121 have a fixed bridge. Low-cost tremolos are more of a pain and burden than anything else. I had mine fixed to the body and my guitar rarely needs to be re-tuned.

The Squier sounds thinner, clearer and weaker, but it has a brighter, snappy sound. The Ibanez sounds warmer and more powerful, but less clear. Basically the Squier performs better with cleans to mild distortion, and the Ibanez sounds better with heavy distortion. Totally different guitars, so based on what tone you're looking for, it's really quite easy to decide which guitar suits you better.

 

[lokiregnarok]

yah.. also since you are a beginner, you wont be needing tremolo so soon. and.... squier tremolo is lousy......

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Yeah, true. If you buy the Squier, ask the shop owner to fix the bridge to the body. It should cost only a bit (below $10) since all they do is add high-tension springs that effectively flush the bridge against the body.

 

[Dark_divine]

Thanx for the input guys. Will be playi
g hard rock kinda music.. So you guys suggest
ibanez grg121 rite? Bcos of it's fixed bridge and no hasle tuning ?

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Yes, but mainly because of the pickups. The humbucking pickups on the GRG121 give it a more powerful sound.

 

[subversion]

if there is a good deal coming along *ahem*, you should also consider the RGR321EX...

 

[Dark_divine]

roger that!

 

[EugeneSmasher]

RG321MH would be a good deal, too. Hands down, best neck I've ever played. RG321MH is similar to RGR321EX except that it looks more conservative (less 'metal' looking) and with a regular headstock.

 

[loldude333]

Haha don't think looks matter much man...........but yeah the RG321MH's a great axe. I think the pickups have a slightly lower output than those on the RGR321EX though.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

For me appearance is very important if you're gonna perform with that guitar... The RGR321EX looks very aggressive and superb for metal and shred, but I can't imagine using one for hard rock or anything milder. The RG321MH on the other hand is a lot more conservative and has a much more versatile appearance. Suitable for a wide range of genres.