ezbass

Hello... is there anybody out there? I just want to know why I can't post a status update?

There doesn't seem to be an input area for a status update in my profile. My BC account has it, but not here it seems  .

Be aware that, depending on your body’s chemistry, gold finish can strip off quite easily. I see that they’re apparently fitted with tall, narrow frets, these are quite a vintage appointment and make for a different feel. I like these on a bass, but not so much on a guitar. Your experience may vary of course.

The point of an anodised pickguard was to reduce electrical interference. With modern shielding (when it’s done properly) anodised p/gs aren’t really necessary, more of an aesthetic choice. I certainly don’t buy into it altering the tone in any perceptible way (it’s non magnetic, so can’t interfere with the pickups or string vibration), other than interference rejection (less hum). If you bought the guitar and didn’t like the feel or look, replace it with one that you do.

Excellent! Via GC or BC, or another outlet?

Although I haven’t bought anything from them for absolutely ages, my in store experience with Peach was very favourable.
 

In more recent times, Kenny’s music in Scotland (they have a few branches) are very helpful, I visited their Dundee branch a couple of times, both positive experiences. 

My most used outlet, however, is a big player, Guitar Guitar; no complaints either online or in store.

I don't won one, but I did see a gig of members of a top flight, Eagles tribute, doing a variety of assorted covers, using them for both guitars, sounded ace. I have a friend who uses one and swears by it.

Really nice guitars, I've owned an S&P guitar for 25 years or so. GLWTS

1 hour ago, Paul S said:

Thank you Douglas.  Is there anyone here who isn't there, too?  I see a lot of familiar user names.

Don't know what you mean, what is this bass thing you speak of?  

Zombie thread time!
 

Just revisiting this thread after posting on @hyndelegs thread about a potential Tele purchase. I’d forgotten how many nice guitars have been posted here.

1 hour ago, hyndelegs said:

Do you think it likely that the large retailers you mentioned would be able to help out in terms of guitar weight selection? i.e. if I was to get in contact with a big retailer's sales / customer service department, and requested that I'd be interested to get a lighter guitar of a given model, they'd be equipped to help out with this? Or do you think that's unlikely given the less catered nature of these companies?

 

And last question: have you heard of Thomann? I think it's another big retailer, but I noticed you didn't mention it. I was wondering if maybe it's a retailer you'd avoid?

If you contact the store with stock direct, Guitar Guitar have been amenable to weighing guitars for me, as have Anderton's (whether they actually do it, or just guess is unknown, but worth a go).

Thomas are a huge, Germany based retailer who I've good service from in the past. The only problem is that if you decide to return an item, for reasons other than faulty, sending back to the EU throws up all sorts of problems and expense.

2 hours ago, hyndelegs said:

staying at home, and looking at more guitars online

An everyday occurrence for me .

Another vote for the Tele, good call there, I would would say that it’s nigh on impossible to go wrong with a Tele. @Skinnyman’s suggestion of selecting a shop that does pre despatch set ups is certainly worth looking into.

Whilst I agree with Dad up to a point about addressing your social anxiety (and you should, the more you get out there, the easier it becomes, take it from someone who was so painfully shy, I wouldn’t ask for directions and would rather be lost), a guitar shop is potentially a high pressure situation and a number of outlets will hassle you to ‘see how you’re getting on’, they are, after all, hoping to make a sale and some shops are better than others at being helpful rather than pressuring the customer. Another thing about ordering online, is that you have long distance selling regulations on your side and can send it back within a week or so, if it’s totally wrong for you. Regarding set ups, I was on my 5th guitar before I ever had a set up, so don’t overthink that aspect too much. Given your acoustic guitar experience, you already have a good idea of what you find comfortable.

Best of luck and don’t forget to keep us updated with your new purchase, with photos if possible. Also, don’t forget to try and get ‘out there’ more, small steps to start with, but followed by bigger ones and then long strides and feel free to share that experience here too, you’d be surprised at how much support a forum can offer, with all sorts of things.

Nice trio to have to choose from. Normally, for me, I’d have whittled that down to the 339 or Tele. However, I’ve recently been drawn into LP GAS again, after many, many years (just the aesthetics, I haven’t played one or anything). Hoping some magic beans come your way soon.

15 minutes ago, Skinnyman said:

 

At £58 for the set, I’d be tempted to fit these anyway as a minor upgrade. 
 

 

This ^^^

At least the headstock stayed on (LPs being famous for decapitating themselves), might be easier to replace all the tuners, especially as Gotoh, Grover and Wilkinson seem to be 15:1 or 14:1 (Allparts, WD Music and Northwest Guitars checked), rather than the advertised 18:1 ones that are fitted.

3 hours ago, Happy Notes said:

This is very helpful, thank you!

You're welcome, I hope you find something suitable.

£100 doesn’t get you very far these days, I’m afraid. However, it’s hard to go wrong with a Yamaha, as they don’t make a bad instrument at any price point, IMO. But a quick look on the Guitar Guitar website reveals that their cheapest Yamaha classical (nylon strung) is £115. If at all possible, it’d probably best to go to a guitar shop and see what they have/recommend, they may have some 2nd guitars that fit your budget. Given that you have a background with violin and ukulele, a nylon strung classical guitar might be a more comfortable entry into guitar, it would certainly lend itself to classical and jazzy pieces and is more than ok strummed too. However, it is a very mellow sound and will not reproduce the zinging highs of a steel strung guitar.

Set yourself a precise budget so we aren't going too high or too low. What style do you want to play? Do you have someone who's sound you like and want to emulate/incorporate into your own playing? These will help narrow down the field for us.

Nice. Just acoustic or is there a piezo in there?

Mahogany top eh? Eschewing the more traditional spruce or cedar. I look forward to your report.

1 hour ago, howdenspur said:

Thanks guys, some good advice. I do have a little old Marshall 15w practice jobbie kicking around somewhere, but there is something pleasingly organic(?) about just being able to pick up and play.

To be honest, I can't remember the last time I picked up either of my electrics and actually plugged them in. It always seems to be either of my 2 acoustics.

I don't know how loud they are acoustically, but there's always the Fender Acoustasonics, not particularly cheap, sadly, even the Mexican ones.

10 hours ago, howdenspur said:

 

 

Currently arguing with myself over whether to get a nice electro acoustic or a semi acoustic. I figured signing up here might help (in encouraging me to buy one of each and a solid body electric to boot!).

Yeah, don’t mess around, get both.  

OK, sensible head on, assuming that you don’t have an amp other than a bass one (although many make great guitar amps), electro acoustic makes most sense, as it’ll be there to pick up and play without having to plug in for decent volume.