ezbass

Nice one, like it.

The Squier Classic Vibes are really good guitars and not just for the money, in fact I think they punch way above their price point. As to whether a Jaguar or Mustang, you hubby has clouded the water with the pic. Both are good and around your budget. Based on the ability to upgrade the hardware in the future, I’d go Jaguar, as they are more readily available and a wider range of upgrades. Also, the Mustang body is quite small and can feel a bit toy like at times (I use a Mustang bass, which is the same body size, and am 6’ ). You could rib him a bit about sending you the wrong photo/giving it the wrong name, if you want to get some clarification. Who are his guitar heroes? This is often a good way to find out what someone wants:Johnny Marr - Jaguar; Kurt Cobain - Mustang (sort of). Hope that helps.

25 minutes ago, randythoades said:

I have also heard that. I did have an Encore very similar to the one in the original post and it was very nice, certainly for a beginner guitar. I carried on playing it even after I had progressed onto a Fender, it was just as good to my inexperienced ears. I only sold it because I became embarrassed by playing it instead of my Fender.

I am not as worried by that image now and take a great delight in playing my homebuild Strat with Squier neck and a couple of Vintage VZ99 Zip guitars from the mid 2000s, one like a Danelectro with lipstick pickup, and another the same but with a humbucker. Brilliant guitars, irrespective of price and I love it hen people turn their noses up at it and then I play it with the band and you get a grudging shrug of 'it's actually pretty good...'.

So to sumarise, the Encore and Vintage brands are good quality overall and perfectly nice guitars.

Those Zips were a nice guitar and refreshing look, even though still basically an LP Junior.

If it were me and I wanted to retain a dummy bridge and middle, I’d replace the neck pickup as planned and wire that directly to the volume and tone controls, taking the selector out of the circuit altogether. I’d even consider removing the selector altogether as it’s just something to catch your hand on/get in the way of the knobs. However, as above, I like the idea of a complete remodel, with just one pickup on the pickguard and two controls, making a feature of it. It’s the most expensive option, but it would make it yours.

46 minutes ago, RHB123 said:

You lads are really kind, thanks so much. 

You don’t know us yet.   

Seriously, folk here are more than willing to help if they can.

Save yourself a good few £s and go 2nd hand. A T type Yamaha with contours…

As much as there are neck profiles that are more comfortable over others, it’s often the body shape that can cause a guitar to be uncomfortable. Slab bodied, or at least uncontoured, instruments can dig into ribs or forearms. Also some designs can make the first fret position an uncomfortable stretch (Firebirds for instance). To this end, I’d look at a Strat shaped instrument, or at least something that has a forearm and rib contour. My normal recommendation for any instrument is a Yamaha and, given your budget and my suggested body shape, the Pacifica 212 would fit the bill nicely (cheaper versions are also available) https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/search/?Query=Yamaha+212 

Have a browse through the theory and technique section, there are a few threads where various online resources have been discussed.

https://www.guitarchat.co.uk/forum/25-theory-and-technique/

It sucks when you can’t play your best at any time, let alone when trying out new gear. However, I’d I read your post correctly, you bought an amp anyway; nice.

Definitely pink, or should I say PINK!

You’re as likely to damage the tube amp too, as there will be no speaker connected. Unless you have a line out from your tube head and a dummy load on the speaker output of that amp, the answer is, AFAIK, no. Get a tube driven, overdrive/distortion pedal, that should sort it.

One of us, one of us. Mwah, ha, ha!

11 hours ago, ShawnE said:

I think I might be edging backwards for the next few days before it starts heading forwards again!

With a small alteration to your statement above…

1 hour ago, randythoades said:

I just don't understand how people manage to get them to sound so fantastic...!!

One of my favourite players is Eric Johnson, usually associated with the Strat. However, his most recognised track is probably Cliffs of Dover, which he plays on a Strat live, was recorded with a 335, still sounds like him. Conversely, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with a Tele. Some folks bond with certain guitars, others find sound/bond with others. Horses for courses and all that, don’t beat yourself up.

1 hour ago, randythoades said:

so many players seem to love them and use them but they just don't work for me.

There’s nothing wrong with that, as you are aware, there are many other guitars out there and one is right for you, turns out it’s a Tele.

It all points to a fault with the switch. Reverse the wiring and see if the fault moves to the other pickup. If it does, replace the switch.

Result!

It’s a Westbury, but I can’t tell you what model.

EDIT: I found a Facebook owners club and a quick look through that reveals that this is a Series 200 (W206). Probably Japanese made at the Matsumoko factory.

Link to the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/58952112896?locale=en_GB

Despite being associated with LPs and SGs at the time, Pete Townshend used a hollowbody Gretsch on Who’s Next.

Eric Johnson, using a Strat pretty much exclusively in his career (although he’s also been using an SG recently) actually recorded Cliffs of Dover, probably his most iconic tune, on a 335. Still sounds like EJ.

It was inevitable, reread part two…