I went into guitar shop and sat and played a few yesterday.. my mental criteria (along with the Mrs who is sharing it) was... I did not care what the guitar looks like, it must have great tone, it must not cost more than £300.00, no tremolo required, it must be fairly lightweight and be robust in the tuning stakes. Thinking I would come out with something quite anemic (sacrificing looks for sound) I had no idea I would come out with this, lol:



A tad odd shape especially considering the wife plays folk style music.(I guess looks is why it has been in the shop forever, but I could hear through those looks) The Mrs digs the shape of it herself. It sounds incredible and cost £230.00 You just cannot get a feel for a guitar (nor measure how good or bad a guitar sounds online)

A LTD ESP EX-250, I took my Boss GT-6 down the shop and set it up cause I know it well and obviously my presets are in there which have a big bearing on the sound. When I played this with distorted presets it retained a creamy and smooth sound with no extra anharmonic hash/fuzz/crust, just smooth and controlled distortion and presence, really pleased with the sound. It also has a nice feel and action, well worth the visit to the shop.

It fit the bill we were looking for exactly. It is surprisingly comfortable as well despite the angular body.

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Let's hear it then!...

Quote SafeandSound Mastering:

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...but I could hear through those looks... ...comfortable as well despite the angular body.

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Could be my wife talking.

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Ohm's Law states, "Your PA isn't as powerful as you think it is".

When time permits will sort out a clip, lol shuffle.

Your thread sort of reminds of the time I bought my first decent guitar. I had been playing guitar for some time, I primarily learnt so as well as writing lyrics I could write the music as well for the band I was in at the time. But had got to the point where I thought my playing deserved a better instrument.

So I went to a music shop, ABC Music if I remember correctly, they don’t exist now. I said to the guy in the shop, I want to buy a guitar. He said how much then, I said I don’t mind if the guitar is right for me. We went though an hour where he passed me guitar upon guitar, I played each for 15 seconds or so and said yes or no. We got a short list. I played again, then said this is the one. I tried not to look at the guitars.

In the end I ended up buying one of the first batch of Fender Strat Plus guitars in the UK. I still have the guitar today and it still fits me like a glove. I was more interested in feel than the name on the head stock, but ended with a name cause it felt right.

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Madman_Greg

Quote Madman_Greg:

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... reminds of the time I bought my first decent guitar... I went to a music shop... said to the guy in the shop, I want to buy a guitar. He said how much then, I said I don’t mind if the guitar is right for me. We went though an hour where he passed me guitar upon guitar, I played each for 15 seconds or so... I tried not to look at the guitars... I still have the guitar today and it still fits me like a glove. I was more interested in feel than the name on the head stock... it felt right.

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Very similar experience to my own, except I had stupidly gone in with a more pre-conceived idea of what I wanted. Which was a Gibson Les Paul. That much I was certain of. The Les Paul's were being passed to me at a similar rate and I had stopped looking at them early on, and just listening to and feeling them by the time 'the one' was passed into my hands. And I instantly knew it was 'the one'. It was like this warm feeling came over me. Corny I know but that's what happened!!! Except when I opened my eyes it was a custom built thinline telecaster... Which remains one of my most cherished guitars and is seriously not for sale.

Not a day I'll ever forget. And from that day on I have never bought any guitar with a preconceived idea of what I wanted. I try to let them find me instead.

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Strictly project and just for fun

Great replies guys, well that pointy bit has already been bonked ones or twice. Almost guaranteed to happen. I am by no means a great guitarist but adore soloing away to backings in the main just to enjoy it. Yes, I aim high, lol. That reminds me... (incidentally one of my backings I like is shoot high, aim low by YES) Not every musicians game plan to be a widdler over tracks, but it really is about having as much fun as I can with it and not being too hard on myself. I like a bit of prog/psychedelic rock, though I am very discerning, not any old prog.

cheers and have a good un' tommorrow night !

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Quote Madman_Greg:

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In the end I ended up buying one of the first batch of Fender Strat Plus guitars in the UK. I still have the guitar today and it still fits me like a glove.

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Had the same experience with a Strat Plus, although this was a second hand one. Love it and I'd happily have my organs repossessed before anyone touches it...

That Explorer shape is a lot more comfortable and practical than first appearances might suggest. And ESP LTD's are under-rated instruments. All in all, looks like you found a nice tool

Andy

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When the going gets weird, the Weird turn Pro.

I agree and I was not aware it was an "explorer" shape. Problem is, as always getting time to play and practice in what already seems like a busy month ahead. But now the shape is actually growing on me as well, so a real bargain. I need to get a wall hanger though as despite having a decent stand that I can adjust the resting angle is a tad precarious.

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