Need info on guitars

jazzguitarbob · #1 12-29-2010, 09:22 AM

Hi. I have a problem. Since my divorce, I am now extremely (how can I put this) financially challenged. The only guitar I have is a 99 dollar strat knock off with a silvertone neck that won't stay in tune. Does anybody have an electric guitar for sale? I have about 235 dollars saved. I would also like advice on what would be a decent solid body (they seem to be cheaper) and type of pickups that would be okay for jazz and blues. Thanks for any input. JazzguitarBob.

mr. beaumont · #2 12-29-2010, 09:38 AM

Bob, I'd highly suggest browsing over at rondomusic.com

Yes, they're budget, chinese-made guitars, but I've heard a lot of reviews in which the SX, Douglas and other brands offer some serious bang for the buck. They have a lot under $250, so you actually can choose something, as opposed to just going along with what's available.

Dad3353 · #3 12-29-2010, 10:44 AM

Good evening, Bob, and seasons greetings...
In the same vein as above, I have an excellent Xaviere XV610 (there are many other models...) which has great flexibility, including a nice 'jazz' tone (imo, of course...). Same price range as Rondo (I also have a 'Douglas' 6-string fretless bass from them; superb value for money (and a present, to boot...

). Low on cash? That seems to ring a bell. I too would love a tele thinline, or a Sadowsky, but... 'Needs must when the devil drives...'
Hope this helps...

mr. beaumont · #4 12-29-2010, 10:59 AM

$225 at rondo.

What's the website with the "Xaviere" guitars Dad3353? I've heard good things about those too.

Archie · #5 12-29-2010, 11:18 AM

I like Yamaha electric guitars (I have an AES620). They don't hold their resale value like a Fender or Gibson, so you can probably find a nice one in your price range.

Stackabones · #6 12-29-2010, 11:30 AM

I'd go with a Squier Telecaster Custom II w/P90s. I've got one and it's an incredible deal ... neck feels great and the P90s are cool (they easily pull off blues & jazz -- and rock and country).

A few weeks ago I had a solo jazz set in the afternoon and a classic rock gig at night. This guitar did both gigs and sounded fantastic. At $250, it's one of the best solid body deals out there. Save up another $15 or look for one used.

mongrel · #7 12-29-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

$225 at rondo.

What's the website with the "Xaviere" guitars Dad3353? I've heard good things about those too.

Guitarfetish.com will get you there. They have a semi-hollow tele-clone for around $180 with two P-90's and slightly less with a pair of Filtertron type buckers. There is always a clearance section for the scratch and dents with a Casino-clone in black for $225.00 which could be good with the right set-up and strings. There are lots of choices under $200 that could work. There are some good clips on You Tube posted by good players.

Dad3353 · #8 12-29-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

...What's the website with the "Xaviere" guitars...

'Mongrel' (above...) said it all...
Xaviere Electric Guitars

cjm · #9 12-29-2010, 01:38 PM

A different approach:

If your Strat clone won't stay in tune, and if it has a "whammy bar" you might be able to fix the problem with a "hard tail" Strat bridge from GFS: http://store.guitarfetish.com/Chrome-Hardtail-Bridge-for-Teles-and-Strats_p_158.htm

$11.00 is a lot less than another guitar.

Another problem could be the tuners -- although I'd try the bridge first. Again, at GFS: Nickel Vintage Fender-Style Machines/Press fit Bushings

Even if you end up buying the bridge AND the tuners, you will be well under your $235.00 budget figure.

RE: Tone. You can't really count the cost of strings -- you'll have to buy strings now and then even if you buy an expensive guitar. If you haven't tried this already, buy a set of strings explicitly targeting jazz -- a medium gauge set of D'Addario chrome flat wounds for example. See what the Strat clone you own already sounds like with just the neck pickup and these strings.

Almost any guitar that sells new for less than $1,000 can benefit from a pickup upgrade and you might eventually want to reward yourself with a new pickup (although I would put that off until the money situation improves). A $99 Strat knockoff is something you probably wouldn't mind attacking with a router and a chisel if you can borrow the tools, and something like the Lollar CC pickup in the neck position sounds great to my ears after enough wood and pickguard is hogged out to allow installation.

Obviously, that pickup is over budget, but there is always next year, and if you can take care of the tuning issues now for $11.00~$145.00 this year with the bridge and maybe tuners -- you can play the hell of out your Strat clone for a year while you save up a little more money for a pickup as a reward to yourself for being frugal.