ezbass

I’ve had an itch to go full circle and acquire a classical guitar. There’s something about the sound of nylon strings that always seems so pleasant to my ears. Then I had a couple of videos come up on my YouTube feed that featured jazz being played on a nylon strung guitars, which pretty much sealed the deal. I didn’t really know what I was looking for, but a cutaway seemed like a good idea and as I had a bass to trade in, that pretty much set the budget. A little browsing on local (for a value of local, still an hour+ driving, each way) guitar shop websites and I settled on trying the Alvarez AC65HCE. This a hybrid model where the neck meets to body at the 14th fret, instead of the 12th and the nut width isn’t quite so wide. Went to Guitar Guitar in Edinburgh , tried it, sounded and felt good to me, so rather than do due diligence by trying some others, I bought it. With the trade in it cost me a whole £40, so I’m well pleased. What’s that, where are the pics you say? Very well… Big shout out to the staff at GG, Edinburgh, who couldn’t have been more helpful if they tried. Even after I had parted with my £s, they were quite happy to shoot the breeze about guitars and players. I’d definitely go back, despite the journey.

Just swap the hot and earth leads over on one of the pickups, all sorted.

Something the OP may find interesting, especially the roundup of pros and cons at the end.

In which case, buy one and insert it into the guitar of you choice. It might sound a bit different, but it’ll be very much in the same ballpark. Finding a different bridge pickup (should you want one) that couples nicely with it is another journey, but a fun one.

The thing is, because this a Rick-alike, that pickup may not be anything like an actual Ric neck pickup other than in looks. Perhaps try to have a go on a real 360 and see if it’s the same.

If I were in the market for a combo right now, I’d be all over this - https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/477611-roland-blues-cube-never-used-minty-condition-model-bc-hot-vb-33w-now-£275/

I’ve been in the audience when the guitar players were using Kempers and they sounded great. However, I have heard that on stage experience can be ‘off’ as they lack the ‘feel’ of a valve amp. For my part, I used to use a lot of Tech21 gear (still use their preamps for bass) and never felt that they were lacking in on stage feedback, so I’m I do wonder if a lot of players do a lot of hearing with their eyes. The downside with valve amps and especially vintage ones is the maintenance and their susceptibility to damage when being lugged in and out of vans, etc. in addition, eventually the supply of valves will dry up, I understand, that with the current situation with Russia, valves are harder and, therefore, more expensive to acquire. If it were me, I’d grasp the current modelling nettle and get the box I felt most at home with. This is tinged by having a buddy who uses a Kemper for guitar and bass duties and he loves it. Either that, or find a solid state amp that I really liked the sound of; YMMV.

Ooh, that Jag looks very tasty!

I’d put the univibe before or after the trem pedal and the GE7 after those. As to the comp pedal, that rather depends on if you’re using as an effect (Summers/Gilmour vibe) or just to even things out. If as an effect, after the wah, if as ‘smoother’, just before the delay. But that’s just me, it’s what sounds good that matters and how all the fx play with each other.

Looks like B Major to me.

According to Schecter themselves, that guitar comes with a 009-042 set. It is worth noting that not all strings are equal and tension can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, you’d wouldn’t think that there would be much variance in the plain strings.

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.

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.

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/