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Post subject: Beginner Advice Please!
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:26 pm
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Hi all. First off, I'm sorry if this is the wrong section for this post. I didn't see a beginners or Q&A section so I thought this came the closest. This will probably end up being a long post, but I want to make sure I cover everything so there's no need to re post. Basically I don't play guitar, but I've always wanted to and I decided to stop delaying and get started while I'm still young. I've been researching different guitars and amps for the past month or so and would like some advice on what I've come up with so far. Before I go any farther I'd like to just warn that I have expensive taste :lol:. I'm looking to get a very good quality guitar and while many people have said it's a bad idea for a beginner to get an expensive guitar here is my reasoning:

1.) If I get a quality guitar instead of something cheap I'll be more motivated to practice
2.) A good guitar, I'd expect at least, to sound much better than a cheap guitar even to a beginner which also goes along with the motivation aspect.
3.) I have a good bit of money saved up at the moment and I'd like to get something nice while I still have it instead of getting a cheap guitar to play for a year or two and then when I go to get something better no longer having the money for it.

I feel that I need to get a left-handed guitar which makes picking one out much more difficult. The reason I believe I need to go left-handed besides the obvious reason that I am left-handed is that I broke the pinky finger in my left hand badly when I was younger and barely have any range of motion in it which I think would make fretting on a standard guitar very difficult. That said, the types of music I listen to and would like to play are all types of rock, mainly classic and metal, and also some blues. The bands I listen to most often would be (Not necessarily in this order) Nirvana, Pantera, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jimi Jendrix, Metallica, Disturbed, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Radiohead, and Pearl Jam. There's many more, but these bands are what I listen to the most so I'd like the guitar/amp I get to be versatile enough to play at least most of these styles very well. So, so far I'm looking for a good quality Left-handed guitar that can play the types of music I listed well.

The guitar that first caught my eye (And hasn't really let go) was the Gibson Les Paul Custom. Yes, you did read that correctly.. I did warn that I have expensive taste ;). Now at this point you're probably wondering why I posted this on the Fender forums. Well after friends of mine said they would have me committed if I spent that much money on a first guitar I decided to look for something at least a little more reasonably priced. Currently I've been considering the left-handed 2008 Fender American Standard Stratocaster in Olympic White with a rosewood fretboard, which is much more affordable. I've also been looking at the HSS model, but I don't even know if that is made in a lefty version. I think the LP would suite what I like better, but considering many good players would love to have a strat if they could afford it, I think it would still be an amazing guitar for my needs. After everything I've said the questions that come to mind are:

1.) Would the strat I've been looking at be suited to play the types of music I like? Would the HSS model be better for me? Is it even available in a lefty version? (I've tried searching online myself and couldn't find one)
2.) What amp would be worthy of this guitar without going overboard? I'm looking for something that has a really good tone at lower (bedroom) volume levels. It doesn't need to be very loud at all as long as it has a good sound to it. And again, I'd like it versatile enough to play what I like well. Two amps I've been looking at are the Vox DA5. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Vox-DA5-5w- ... 1168989.gc and the Marshall MG15MSII Micro Stack http://www.guitarcenter.com/Marshall-MG ... 1145874.gc Would either of these work out well, if so which? If not what would you recommend?
3.) Would it be alright if I ordered everything online from guitarcenter.com? I realize that in most cases its a terrible idea to buy a guitar before seeing it in person and playing it, but I feel that this might be an exception because I am a complete beginner (Well technically not even that yet) and I don't think seeing it in person would effect my decision with how little experience I have. Also I don't think I'll be able to find a shop that has a selection of left-handed strats around where I live.

Well that's it. Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. Please go easy on me, remember I'm completely new to all this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! :D


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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:34 pm
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For starting out, and you're looking into quality, I would suggest a Fender MiM Std. Most likely a Telecaster, for the hardtail bridge, so it won't give you any extra tuning problems. After all, you don't know if you'll keep going on with your guitar-hobby forever, so you don't want to waste gobs of cash on something if you're going to decide to quit later on. And trust me, I have a '60s Gibson Melody Maker and a 2008 Fender MiM Std. Strat...I prefer the Strat! They're that good! And, to top it off, they're only $400!! :D

As for an amp? Marshall's "MGDFX" series is decent! I know that the MG15DFX (a 15W practice amp) is about $170, but I would recommend the MG30DFX, purely because its better quality. And, the MG30DFX is only $230, so you can't go wrong!

And remember, try out many different guitars and amps, you won't regret it later on! In total, you'll probably be spending about $650, so you can't go wrong! :D


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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:50 pm
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There's no real Right or Wrong answer to your questions, Austin. As you start playing and start developing your own feel and style, you'll have a better sense of what will sound good in the situations that you're playing in.

That said, I agree--an MIM Tele or Standard Strat would be great guitars for you to start with--or maybe even an Epiphone Les Paul Standard. All three guitars offer plenty of different tone options to experiment with.

Having a good quality/name on the guitar is a nice extra push to keep at it, especially for the times when you're frustrated.

As for amps--even a Fender Champ would be great for bedroom practicing. Check out Musician's Friend or Sweetwater online to see what they have in stock...and don't be afraid to look up some user reviews for them, too.

Good luck starting out--it won't always be the easiest thing you'll ever do, but it's more than worth it!

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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:51 pm
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dude if you have the means i would go for the american standard strat...the cool thing about those guitars is that they maintain their value more than a mexican. and if you have a ton of money i would get a '65 fender twin reverb re-issue, it's loud, clean and sounds great dirty. you would never have to get a new amp. i have one and it's amazing.

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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:08 pm
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I must agree with what has been said until now, MIM strat is a great guitar to start playing and it's worth the money (you'll listen this very times if you look more information about the MIM).

I suggest a HSS model, once your favorite bands and kind of music you want to play is Rock.

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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:23 pm
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thebrokenpoet wrote:
dude if you have the means i would go for the american standard strat...the cool thing about those guitars is that they maintain their value more than a mexican. and if you have a ton of money i would get a '65 fender twin reverb re-issue, it's loud, clean and sounds great dirty. you would never have to get a new amp. i have one and it's amazing.


I can pretty easily afford the MiA guitar, but probably not that amp. I'm looking to spend around 500 max on an amp. Some amps I've been looking at are the Marshall MG15MSII Micro Stack, Marshall MG50DFX Combo Amp, Vox Valvetronix AD50VT 50w 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp, and the Vox Custom Classic AC15CC1 15w 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp.. any opinions on these? Anything better in the price range (200-500ish)? I'm looking for something really versatile that can play classic rock and blues, but also sounds good playing metal. Some reviews I've seen for certain amps say they are bad for metal. Thanks again.

edit: Also has anyone seen the MiA strat HSS model in a lefty version? I haven't been able to find it online, but maybe I'm just not searching properly.


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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:13 pm
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:D I've been around looking for the ''holy grail'' of guitars for many years but to me the strat is the best one to suit all kinds of music.( I play blues to metal). The HSS strat covers all the sonic spectrum in all types of music. For the amp, yeah, as mentioned, a good MG series Marshall amp is good and so is a Fender frontman 25 (or DFX) too! Hope it helps you in your decision!!! :wink:


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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:44 pm
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austinmw wrote:
thebrokenpoet wrote:
dude if you have the means i would go for the american standard strat...the cool thing about those guitars is that they maintain their value more than a mexican. and if you have a ton of money i would get a '65 fender twin reverb re-issue, it's loud, clean and sounds great dirty. you would never have to get a new amp. i have one and it's amazing.


I can pretty easily afford the MiA guitar, but probably not that amp. I'm looking to spend around 500 max on an amp. Some amps I've been looking at are the Marshall MG15MSII Micro Stack, Marshall MG50DFX Combo Amp, Vox Valvetronix AD50VT 50w 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp, and the Vox Custom Classic AC15CC1 15w 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp.. any opinions on these? Anything better in the price range (200-500ish)? I'm looking for something really versatile that can play classic rock and blues, but also sounds good playing metal. Some reviews I've seen for certain amps say they are bad for metal. Thanks again.

edit: Also has anyone seen the MiA strat HSS model in a lefty version? I haven't been able to find it online, but maybe I'm just not searching properly.


I'd generally agree with those advising you to start on a more affordable model, but if you are up for the expenditure then an MIA is hard to fault. As a left-hander who is endlessly glad to have first been handed a guitar right-handed I'd normally advise going that way, if you have the choice. However, sounds like your injured pinkie is exactly the reason you have to go the left-handed route from the start.

There's some round here who are very much against the idea of a humbucker in a Strat, and for respectable reasons. But for what you are interested in I'd say an HSS is the right choice for you. Like you, I am having a tough time finding left-handed HSSs: I've seen 'em in the past but can't locate one for you right now. Annoying.

It ain't the end of the world: it is perfectly reasonable to buy an SSS and then either put a single-coil sized humbucker in the bridge later on, or get a LH HSS pickguard and fit a regular 'bucker in there. And that strategy would give you the chance to at least play a regular SSS first, and educate your hands and ears a little before you made changes. Remember, players such as Jeff Beck can get extremely heavy sounds with single-coil pickups.

So. So far, I'd say all your choices have been good ones. Where you are going wrong I think is with the amp. It is a genuine mistake to spend out on a good guitar and then economise on the amp, which is such an important part of the setup.

I am very much a Marshall man, so I endorse your choice there. But those MGs really are pretty disappointing, if you can run to something better. I have a Marshall Triple Super Lead tube/valve amp which is the tops, to my taste. Now, such a beast would be silly for your needs, but in my search for a decent practice amp to complement it I have run through large and small MGs and found them feeble, so moved on to their next range up, the AVT range. They don't hold their own when A/B'd directly with the real valve amp, but by themselves they are not bad. In fact the clean channel in particular tends to be quite serviceable (not what you usually think of with a Marshall, but there you are). There is a single valve/tube in the preamp: perhaps too much is made of that, but I think it helps a little to give the right organic feel to your picking. So for not much more money, have a look at the AVT range: I think a 20 or even a 50 would do you fine. Don’t go stupidly big for the sake of extra knobs.

A completely different way to go would be the Fender Blues Junior. This is a proper full tube amp, with controls for gain, volume, three band EQ and reverb. That is just about ideal in theory, and in practice that small amplifier has a really beautiful sound, good for the bedroom or modest sized gigs. You'd need a distortion pedal in front of it to get many of the sounds you say you are after, but that's perfectly affordable. A damn near perfect amp for a beginner or a seasoned pro.

Just be aware that any amp with real tubes/valves inside it can be a temperamental animal and will require a modicum of maintenance over time. Others here can advise you on Fender's modelling amps, if you decide that‘s a better route: within which case you should also look at Vox's equivalents.

A long reply in response to a long question. Hope it is of use.

Good luck! - C


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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:23 am
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I would also recommend a MIM Strat. But there are also many good affordable Les Paul clones out there if a Les Paul is what you want. I think for a beginner (I'm a beginner myself, very happy with my MIM Standard Strat) playability is more important than sound. Get a guitar that's finished well and set up correctly (a reason to buy at a local store). I don't think you would notice the sound differences between a MIA and MIM guitar (or maybe even a Squier...), but you wouldn't want to fight badly dressed frets or other problems.

When it comes to amps, the question is solid-state or tube. I actually started by buying a Line6 Pocket Pod. I know that I want to upgrade to a low-power tube combo with a 12" speaker in the future, and right now a Blackheart Handsome Devil sounds really attractive. For versatility, something like a Fender Super Champ XD or a Line6 Spider is hard to beat.


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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:54 am
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I've been playing for about a year now, and am definately on a budget. I bought a used (well, pre-owned. it simply needed a cleaning tuning etc) Squire Strat on ebay for $80, and a fender frontman 15W amp for $125 used. I then spent the best $35...had a local shop "set up" the guitar: Raised the neck to lower the action, set the truss rod, restrung and tuned it and had the intonation set. My neighbor and I jam together and he says it plays just as good as his Standard Strat (Mex) and we both think it sounds great! Point is, you don't NEED to spend a ton of cash on a guitar (especially your first!). Whatever you buy, have it pro set up! And probably one of the most important things to remember as a beginer: Tone comes from the hands, not the instrument. It took me about 6-8 months to understand that, but just keep practicing then one day it WILL click!


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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:00 am
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As a noob, I would say get the guitar YOU want most - that is within YOUR budget. If you plan on staying with it, then why not get the one YOU want to play!?! IF you decide guitar is not for you, you are going to take a hit no matter what - but you are likely to lose at least the same, & probably more money on a cheap guitar then if you had to get rid of a better one. Yes - the initial investment will be more, but either way it will pay off better in the end; and you will have pride of ownership should you keep at it – and you will WANT to keep it more, and play it more! (I HATE "beginner" anything - why try out a new hobby you are very interested in on sub-par gear you know you will just have/want to replace/upgrade? And "Made in China"??? - arrrgh!).

My 1st guitar was a Martin OMC-15E. Yes it was more then I initially intended on spending - but once I started getting serious and started comparing - that is the one I wanted (1st). It had the features I decided I was looking for, and it looked good, and sounded great. People recommended the brand. Hand made quality. Solid wood. MADE IN THE USA, hard case, etc. etc. My 1st electric, shortly there-after, was a Gibson LP Traditional. I was expecting to "settle" for a Strat simply because they were cheaper (NOT cheap - just cheaper). I liked the strats OK, but knew I WANTED an LP because I LOVED the look, and the sound, though once more thought I didn't want to spend the extra money. After checking them out I again figured it was better to get the one I REALLY wanted (1st), and I was lucky to get just that one at a real good price - so it was WELL worth it. Since then I have indeed recently added the exact strat I wanted - an Am Dlx - once again it had the features I wanted, even though it costs a bit more then other models. MAYBE a Les Paul Gibson Custom IS a bit much, but IF I thought it was worth the difference for the features and quality (and there IS a diff) – if it was THE one I really wanted and it had a great sound I was expecting to stick with - for a one-time purchase I could afford – then why not??

Having the guitar(s) I wanted - without going overboard(!!) has helped keep me interested in learning, and makes learning more enjoyable. I do not have to mess with cheap gear. I do not have "should have" remorse. I have axes I am proud to own. I do not worry about swapping out PUPs. I do not have to worry about their quality. I DO have to worry about taking care of them, but not about selling them, or wondering how much I can get “on a trade in” for something else. I can concentrate on playing them. I love all 3, and continue to enjoy all 3 as I progress. I will most likely keep all 3 till my son gets 'em. Even something as simple as changing the strings gives me a..."thrill" as they are MY guitars and I re-appreciate them all over again.


We did start my son on a Squier - a nice guitar. But once I knew I COULD play (and you CAN play too!), I knew I wanted more, and I knew I could afford more, and I knew I WOULD stick with it where he may not have.


As for an Amp - I went with Line 6 Valve 112. Indeed this was made in China, but oh well - so many are. I was limited in this selection 'cause I had credit at this one store. Again I wasn't planning on spending so much, or needing 40watts, but the sound was/is incredible, and the features are great. More then I need? Sure - but I like that! Anyway - I was pleasantly surprised as I put off trying it - I just didn’t expect to like it so much – but it turned out to have a very clean/pure tone I was after (to let the Martin & LP shine!), and it sounded better then a few other "better" brands I compared it to. The store has since added another really good brand (which is also made in China), and has a slightly cheaper model I MIGHT have gone for - with a few less features, but I really do not regret my purchase and have not had to worry about it again since. Decide what you are after (I do recommend tube!), TRY THEM, and budget accordingly.


I would HIGHLY recommend buying in person. Each guitar, even the same model, may sound different. My local stores were (much) cheaper then any on-line store…local prices may surprise you! And you can get THE one YOU pick out and take it home! No worrying about damaged goods, getting a toneless dog, or waiting for it to come in the mail to see if you get a good one - QC suffers even from places like Gibson USA/ Custom on occasion. And the wood (tone and weight) varies ALOT. You will have support in place. You will learn things. You will have a place to get set-ups done. A place to hang out and try out more stuff! A place to get accessories where someone knows your name. A place to answer your questions (though forums are cool!). You will have a place to bring that tube amp for service when the tubes burn out. Mostly though - you will be able to see for yourself how that Gibson Custom compares to a Standard compares to a Traditional compares to a Strat S/S/S compares to an H/S/S, and on which amps they sound best. And most likely you will save money too!


Last edited by jmg257 on Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:37 am, edited 8 times in total.

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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:20 am
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I started with a MiM standard and it was a good guitar.

If you want MIA don't over look the Highway Ones (there is a lefty model!), they are lower priced than the American standards but are still good guitars. Their pups are not as good though.

+1 on a Blues Junior tube amp, if you are looking for something in the 15watt range.
Or the less expensive super champ xd.

What jmg257 says is true, I started with the MiM but it kept bugging me and I ended up trading my way up to the MiA deluxe HSS,
As I found the deluxe was only a couple hundred more than the standard version.

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Last edited by peterp on Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:24 am
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I went through the exact same thing u did. Believe me. I play left handed. When i started about a year ago. I was asking the very same questions. And I had a lot of money saved in my pocket 2. Also the bands I listen 2 r very much similar 2 ur taste. So no ones opinion would suit u better than mine.(No offense 2 any1 else who's tryin 2 help out here)

When I started I listened 2 a bad advice and bought an Epiphone Les Paul standard. My cousin said that if u give up playing soon then it wouldnt be a lot of waste of money. That sounded reasonable and I went 4 it. Ever since ive been cursing myself 4 buying the LP. 3 days ago I bought an American standard 3 tone sunburst rosewood. And I LOVE IT. Seriously go 4 it. If u buy a LP or MiM strat then eventually u r gonna wanna buy an american one then ull have wasted money on MiM strat. The only question in my mind is that if i should have bought the 62 reissue model(which doesnt come in white in lefties, only sunburst) but thats a totally different question.

Also the quality of ur 1st guitar is important. The better the guitar is, the faster u improve.

About the amp, i checked every video on myspace and youtube and every forum and every web site possible. My opinion is, either but a Fender blues junior, (which Im gonna next month) or vox valvetronix. Vox has great tone at low lvls but its not a tube amp. Blues Junior is also good and tube amp, but vox has better tone at 2.(4 bedroom lvl of sound) After 4, Blues Jr is better. (IMO anyway). Theyre both less than 500 dollars. Also other Fender amps r great 2 but, im guessing you're lookin 4 a guitar that u can play in ur house without distubring others(I have the same situation). Thats why i suggested blues jr and not other fender amps.

I hope u'll read this before u buy the guitar. I'd hate 4 u 2 make the same mistakes I did. Remember im not writing my opinion here, im passing u my experiences.


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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:52 am
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Thank you all for the great replies! I can't express how much they've helped. I've decided now on a MiA strat. Ideally I'd like to go for the Deluxe HSS model in a lefty version, but if I am not able to find that (I'm not even sure if that's made) I would still be happy with the standard model. I would also go either just deluxe or just HSS if I couldn't find a deluxe HSS. Has anyone seen a MiA lefty HSS or deluxe HSS to confirm that they are made? And even better does anyone know where I can actually buy one? :lol:

I'm still going over reviews on all the amps everyone has suggested. I'm looking most closely at:
Marshall AVT20
Vox Valvetronix AD50VT
Fender Blues Junior

All three look like great amps especially for a beginner so I'm having a little trouble deciding. The only thing that I'm concerned with is that in many reviews it's been said that the Blues Junior doesn't do well with metal and like Ceri mentioned I'd need to get a distortion pedal which seems like it would complicate things.

Again, thanks for all the help. :D


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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:22 pm
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Considering you'll be starting off at bedroom levels the Vox DA5 isn't really bad at all but the Blues Junior is tube and will give a warmer blues sound. The DA5 Vox is solid state and I think at higher volumes you may like the Blues Junior better.

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