Please Help Me Pick a Guitar...

[Butch Snyder]

I have not read everyone's replies Butch, so excuse me if some of this has been repeated.

IME, when I've tried to go *versatile* with a "do it all" axe, I end up not being happy. Simply because tone suffers.The "Super strats" never do strat tones as good as a strat, and they never do heavy humbucker sounds as well as a paula or even an Explorer or similar.

I think for versatility while still being economically minded, it's best to go 3 or 4 axes deep, but keep them decently made but nothing special mid priced models

For example:

1) Epi Les Paul (there ARE good ones out there, I had a killer sounding one. ErikH does as well). Agiles are supposed to be pretty nice too!
2) Hwy 1 Strat
3) Hwy 1 Tele

Those three will run ya about as much as LP standard and cover all your bases. They are not "prestigious" by any means (who cares, though), but with good pups, they are all serviceable nice sounding guitars (of course ya gotta play through a few of each to find the right ones)

Thats my opinion anyway.

Interesting way to look at it Jeff. The Hwy 1's are nice. I had a Hwy 1 Tele...

[stevie_bees]

Guitarists are allowed to change their minds often. It's in the rules.

[gripweed]

I
For example:

1) Epi Les Paul (there ARE good ones out there, I had a killer sounding one. ErikH does as well). Agiles are supposed to be pretty nice too!
.

I have an Epi LP that I love. I did put Duncans in it though. See my sig. The bridge pickup was surprisingly good. It said 14.4k/ hotch on the back. It had a '59ish character to it so I suspect it was a5 and close to what a c-5 would sound like.

[Butch Snyder]

I honestly think what ruined me here was my Variax. One guitar - 50 voices. Because it was such a great chameleon, it had no personality to call its own. I remember when it went down electronically and I had it in the shop for 2 months. I used my Highway 1 Tele and would change out pickups and pickup setups almost every night. All was right with the world again once I got it back. Then I sold it....

[Kelsey]

I guess versatility is in the ears of the beholder. I don't find Strats to be all that versatile since I only really like a couple of the tones (with the exception of my American Deluxe V-neck with S1 switching). I find the 3 tones on a typical Tele or an LP to be more versatile than the 5 tones of a Strat, depending on the amp and pedals. I think a good 2-pickup guitar, a good amp (not even channel-switching, but just good sounding through its tonal range), and a couple of well-selected pedals will work, at least for me.

In the end, I would choose a Tele, as I love a good Tele bridge pickup's inherent tone and versatility, and the completely different tone and range of options at the neck are just as outstanding. Two pickups with very different construction, volume and tone controls, a good amp, a tuner and OD/boost pedal, and the rest is all gravy.

[tone4days]

I honestly think what ruined me here was my Variax. One guitar - 50 voices. Because it was such a great chameleon, it had no personality to call its own. I remember when it went down electronically and I had it in the shop for 2 months. I used my Highway 1 Tele and would change out pickups and pickup setups almost every night. All was right with the world again once I got it back. Then I sold it....

you need to sell a kidney and get one of those variax creations that jeff miller made (that's his name, right?)

[Butch Snyder]

I think I have decided...

Of all my guitars, I miss my Music Man Albert Lee most. It felt the best, sounded best, and had a unique look to it. It was very versatile and sounded better than any Strat I have ever played or heard. It's the one in my avatar. I'll keep the Samick; but will save my pennies for the MM Albert Lee model...

[Butch Snyder]

you need to sell a kidney and get one of those variax creations that jeff miller made (that's his name, right?)

Like this one?



Yeah, I talked to him about that one. I think he sold it for $2500...

[tone4days]

that's the one! .. have you seen the insane semi hollow he is working on now? ... gorgeous black limba back / insane quilt top .... 3 piece maple neck (flame/curly/flame sandwich)/gorgeous rosewood (?) board ... he is just amazingly skilled .. .not only as a builder but as a player ...

t4d

[Robbiedbee]

Guitarists are allowed to change their minds often. It's in the rules.

That's the truest thing I've heard all day.

[Butch Snyder]

that's the one! .. have you seen the insane semi hollow he is working on now? ... gorgeous black limba back / insane quilt top .... 3 piece maple neck (flame/curly/flame sandwich)/gorgeous rosewood (?) board ... he is just amazingly skilled .. .not only as a builder but as a player ...

t4d

Yes, I have seen it. He always does a superb job; even though I don't like the body style of the new one.

[Hot _Grits]

I think the Albert Lee is a very cool guitar, and the quality is spot on. Love the jetsons look.

Then again, I've loved every PRS SAS I've played.

either would be a great choice.

I think you should grab a cheap s/h tele anyway, even if you get one of the above. It's the right thing to do.

[stevie_bees]

There was a thread a while back that linked to a guy who put the guts of a variax into a Tele.

[stevie_bees]

Just did a search and found it was you that started that thread!!
http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/s...ghlight=variax

[Jonny R]

Another vote for the MM Albert Lee. I've really liked the feel of all the MM guitars I've played - think I'll look to pick one up overseas at some stage.

[Hoss]

this is the ticket bro!!!


Fender Big Block Telecaster!!!

The Big Block Telecaster brings flash and versatility to the show. The three vintage style Telecaster pickups and 5-way pickup selector offer a multitude of tonal variations. The fingerboard is adorned with block inlays, 21 medium jumbo frets, and painted black headstock. The ash body is decked out in classic black paint, and a 6-saddle bridge, chrome knobs, chrome pickguard, and chrome switch tip complete the package.

[Butch Snyder]

The Big Blocks are pretty cool. Here I go leaning toward a Tele again....

[Butch Snyder]

Well, I have decided to let my Avion go. It's a great guitar, but I'm a Tele guy and I'm pretty monogomous about it. I will sell the Avion to fund a new Tele. It's in the Trading Post...

[stevie_bees]

Good luck Butch!!

[Butch Snyder]

I really appreciate everyone jumping in here with their thoughts and ideas. I will keep y'all posted and show you the end result...

This is what makes this forum so great.