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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 4:08 pm
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Strat58cat, due to my limited knowledge, I'm overwhelmed with your input. My musical talent goes as far as being able to hook up a mean stereo. If I understood more I'm sure I would fully appreciate your input. This is what I think I want to be doing and why, if my logic is illfounded please let me know because I still have plenty of time to get pointed in the right direction. I picked the American Standard for many reasons. From what I understand it is a very versital guitar and holds its resale value very well. The amp we are being given is simple and I think that right now, making the addition/transition of an electric to her acoustics, it might be a good idea. The reason I say that is I'm looking at this from a sound education based on the fumdimentals stand point. Wouldn't it be best if she can fully understand the different sounds she can get out of the guitar and how to achieve them with minimal amp augmentation? Once she has that figured out and she moves on to a better amp with more bells and whistles she might be better served. The Blues Jr. seems to be the amp of choice, not only here but elsewhere I've inquired. Probably go there when that time comes but I really can't turn down a free little Peavey to get her started. Where can I go to find out more about pickups? Especially about how and why they are different, specifically in sound achieved? Or is this just something along the lines of Totem Pole Knowledge, players pick it up on their own?


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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:04 am
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Hi, Father-of-Firebird

Much as you want this to be a Christmas surprise, I think you've got to be sure you get her the exact guitar she's dreaming of. You could buy me the most expensive, hand-built Strat out there and I might privately be a bit disappointed if it didn't carry the particular appointments I personally favor.

I have in my hand a copy of last year's fat, delicious Fender catalogue. Now if you could lay your hands on the current edition you could somehow draw her attention to it, apparently innocently, and do some happy window shopping in it with her, secretly making your notes.

Sounds like you have your amplifier needs catered for at present. So with the funds you are talking about all but the most expensive instruments in that catalogue are available for your little girl's shopping delights. Lucky Firebird!

And by the way: what a great dad to be taking all this trouble. Good for you, Sir.

Best luck to you

C


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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:35 am
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Dad of Firebird,
Awesome gift(s), here is my opinion on the subject. After hearing that your daughter has played an American Standard Strat, and if that is what she likes, then I would then let her pick the one she wants, color , neck shape, etc....and as long as you're within your budget, COOL. As for the amp goes, depending on the tone and sound she likes, I would suggest the Blues Junior, it's an awesome tube amp, not too expensive and not too cheap. From what I read, she would probably like the sound. I'm not a big pedal/effects guy, but if I were going to get one, I would suggest the Boss blues driver or the Digitech Screamin' Blues. Because the "fat" switch that comes with the blues junior will give that extra boost. A strat through a blues junior creates a wonderful sound. IMO, you can't get much better than that.
I would suggest (as others have), hit your local store and have her try a strat with the blues junior. She might not even like it. Good Luck!!! :D

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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:12 pm
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I agree with several of the above posts regarding the Hecho-En-Mexico Stratocasters. I have a MIM Telecaster and it is an excellent axe...

Regarding amps:

-Fender Blues Junior (15 watt tube amp) is VERY cool--lots of tones and sound in there, $475-550 depending on black or blond tolex or tweed covering (tweed is gorgeous!).

-Fender Vibro-Champ XD (5 watt tube job with digital effects) is pretty cool, $250.00 on musiciansfriend.com, but a bit small and hard to get clean tones at louder volumes

-Fender Champion 600 is really cool looking, but a bit too anemic in tone ($200)

-Crate V Series V33-212 33W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp is VERY cool and can keep her going for a long, long time (this is almost a lifetime amp)
and it goes for $450. Since she likes ZZ Top (atta girl!), she might want to know that the Reverend Willie G (Billy Gibbons) uses these amps live and in the studio.

-Crate V Series V18-212 18W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp is just a smaller version of the V33 listed above, $379

Is you go with a MIM Strat and one of these amps, she'll have a little bit left over for some stompboxes (effects pedals) and strap, cables, etc.

My predecessor noted that he's not a "pedal guy"--but he's right, the Screamin' Blues is a nice box. I AM a "pedal guy", but I prefer either the Ibanez TS9 TubeScreamer and the Boss Blues Driver pedal--both are an excellent investment. There's a reason the TS9 is legendary, though--it's a force of nature!

Also, if she leans this particular direction, the MXR Phase 90 is a great effect as well--very expressive and flexible.

Good Vibes To You, Father of Firebird!

8) 8)


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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:16 am
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Stopped by our music store last night and now have coconspirators :wink: My daughter and I will take her Seagull in for a "6 month check up" and a discussion about lowering the action just a bit with the acoustics guy. While it is up on the rack the electrics guy is going to direct her to the electrics room, hand her a Strat and methodically plug her into the following amps:
Fender Blues Junior
Fender Hot Rod Delux
Peavey ValveKing 112
Peavey Classic 10/112
Give her a bit of instruction of features and such on each one, just do that good salesperson thing in guiding her to discover what she likes/wants/needs. Both salesmen are fully aware of the situation and have done the same for others.


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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:22 am
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firebirds dad wrote:
Stopped by our music store last night and now have coconspirators :wink: My daughter and I will take her Seagull in for a "6 month check up" and a discussion about lowering the action just a bit with the acoustics guy. While it is up on the rack the electrics guy is going to direct her to the electrics room, hand her a Strat and methodically plug her into the following amps:
Fender Blues Junior
Fender Hot Rod Delux
Peavey ValveKing 112
Peavey Classic 10/112
Give her a bit of instruction of features and such on each one, just do that good salesperson thing in guiding her to discover what she likes/wants/needs. Both salesmen are fully aware of the situation and have done the same for others.


Way to go! I'm ready to be adopted, shall we talk?

Nice job, Father-of-Firebird 8)


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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:31 pm
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Ceri, please let me handle on thing at a time :lol: I'm going to try to set up the same situation at the other music store where we got her the other acoustic. We will be taking that one in for it's "check up" at the end of August. I'm figuring that if I can do the same thing at each place I will get additional info and at the same time keep the first instance very covert. I can't express how much I appreciate everyone's advice and suggestions. It is greatly appreciated.


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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:21 am
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I agree with most that the American Standard is your best bet. As it seems that your daughter is not only crazy about guitar but also fairly accomplished you might add the Fender Deluxe Reverb to your list of amp choices. It might put you a couple hundred over your budget but I think well worth it. The volume can be turned down for home use but also gives her something she can crank when the parents aren't home or she won't feel the need to upgrade if she starts playing gigs.


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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:06 am
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firebirds dad wrote:
Thank you all so much for all the advice, it is greatly appreciated. Major progress made of the weekend. My aunt, semi-professional musician, has gratiously offered up a small Peavey amp. I don't know the model, just sent her an e-mail to find out, but she did say it is roughly 12" x 12". Guessing it's a "practice" or "back stage" model. Regardless, it's cheap at twice the price. Also found out what guitar features she wants. Looks like we are headed towards the American Standard Candy Cola Maple. What do you think? This decision is based on what I was able to sneak out of her over the weekend. I hope there isn't a consideration factor that I've over looked. Please quiz me so that I'm confident about this, I would hate to screw this up.


..I was just going to suggest an American Standard, and then I read you post. Hehe
They're great guitars, and are worth their price. (New, they cost about 1000-1100 USD new depending on the model, or 900 USD for the older, pre-2008 ones). With the guitar you get a hardshell case and some goodies like a wipe cloth, etc.


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Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:36 am
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Location: souderton pa.
the mexican standards 2006 to present are very well built
the quilty is great. i modd mine with seymour duncans
JB JUNIOR at the bridge a JB JUNIOR at the neck and a
DUCKBUCKER in the middle. changed bridge and pick gaurd.
and man does this baby sing to me.

the total cost of the pick ups were $228.00


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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:40 am
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Latest update: Got a Peavey Bandit 112 from e-bay for $77.55 over the weekend. Seller was only 90 miles away so I went and picked it up rather than spend $50 for shipping plus insurance. Even with today's gas prices I saved money. The amp is older than I would have liked but it works fine. So since I saved so much there I'm now working with a custom strap shop working out the design details for a strap.


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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:33 am
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firebirds dad wrote:
She has played an American Standard with a maple fret board and a "C" neck profile. She preferes that combination to others she has tried. Thanks for asking.


Is she interested in Fender's line of G-DEC amps? That amp has lots features! check it out on this web site.


Last edited by dna9656 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:48 am
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Just remember the amp is at least 50% of the tone and while what you got was a great deal, it will not satisfy for long.

she has been exposed to the tube sound at the store and sounds as if she is a very serious player.

anyway Fender American Standard is under $1000.00 at about any music store and a Blues Jr is around $400.00 so hey your under budget and she has a lifetime guitar and amp !!!!!

do yourself and her a favor and dont go cheap on the amp !!!!


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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:20 pm
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blues bondsman wrote:
Just remember the amp is at least 50% of the tone and while what you got was a great deal, it will not satisfy for long.

she has been exposed to the tube sound at the store and sounds as if she is a very serious player.

anyway Fender American Standard is under $1000.00 at about any music store and a Blues Jr is around $400.00 so hey your under budget and she has a lifetime guitar and amp !!!!!

do yourself and her a favor and dont go cheap on the amp !!!!


That's the BEST advice you got; don't go cheap. get a tube amp for the lifetime; the G-dec would be a lot of fun though.


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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:09 pm
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firebirds dad wrote:
She has played an American Standard with a maple fret board and a "C" neck profile. She preferes that combination to others she has tried. Thanks for asking.


Great guitar. Your daughter has got good taste! That will leave you with more than enough for a good amp with some change. The Blues Jr is an excellent choice for some awesome tone and simple controls. The G-DEC which was suggested is also a good choice. It's a bit complex but I doubt it would slow your daughter down... she sounds smart! I have a G-DEC 30 for practace as well as one-man-shows on open mics and other small gigs. It has a built in drum machine and MIDI synthesizer with preset jam tracks as well as user assignable memory for compositions. A band in a box.

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