I don't own an electric guitar.
Which is why I'm buying one! Unfortunately I have a horribly low limit of $280 or so (I probably have some sway a bit higher). Any thoughts from the gallery about what the best deal for a good semi-beginner guitar would be? I can play chords, but I want to start learning good blues/rock guitar and soloing. I also want something with a good tone, because I'll probably end up using it to record my schlock.

http://www.radiomute.com/26548-gibson-sg-style.html


and add in



Yamaha PAC112J

Epiphone Les Paul Special II

P.S. My personal theory on any first instrument.


http://www.radiomute.com/412407-post3.html


2. When you go to a store and try them out....please don't break out with Free Bird and/or Stairway to Heaven.

If I could play either of those, I wouldn't.

While the Gibson SG is ideal, it's a little out of my price range. The Les Paul Special II seems to me to the best choice out of the other options. I'll check that out if I find one in my searches tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

Ummmm did you actually check all of that thread?

the special IIs are solid entry level guitars. just make sure to check the tuning pegs first, a lot of epiphones tend to have loose pegs, especially on the lower end models. i got frustrated to the point of replacing them on mine. think i paid about $300 canadian for it.

and smells like teen spirit is another no-no riff

Good call!

How about Smoke On The Water?

Nah, when I'm checking out a guitar I usually just noodle around. I play bass, so I'm fairly familiar with the patterns enough that I can just nuts something.

You know me!

Anyway, I'm a little wary about purchasing guitars from companies that I've never heard anyone talk about, especially not (Stagg, Tanglewood, etc.)

That being said, my other main qualm with SGs and SG lookalikes is the stigma currently around them about Guitar Hero.