Buying First Electric - Advice?

[Cadence]

So I'm an acoustic player, first off and I understand acoustics, but now I'm going over to the dark side with the desire to purchase a semi-hollow body electric. ;) I've gotten some brand recommendations, read some online reviews, but here's my issue:
What sort of things should I look/listen for when trying out guitars? I understand that electrics need to be 'set-up', if this alters the sound/action, then how do I know if one I might not like at the moment, won't sound like a dream after a tech has twiddled with it???
Obviously I know the amp will make a difference in the sound too, but if I need a different amp than the one I'm using for my A/E, then that will come AFTER the new guitar.

Thanks!
Cadence

[generic]

First off I'll tell you everything I say here is relative to what style(s) of music you want to play. Having said that...

My biggest suggestion to a new (electric) guitar buyer would be to bring a trusted musician friend who has gone through a range of differently priced and styled electric guitars to help you along the road to purchasing your new gitbox. Also, keep an eye out for "wolves in sheeps clothing", that is low-end guitars that have a lot of gloss and glitter but no real use in the real world application. Not unlike acoustics or anything else, the basic rule of thumb for the electric guitar is the more you spend, the better instrument you'll get. Stay away from anything under 200 bucks (almost always garbage) and check reviews online for each instrument before you make a decision to buy.

Another important thing to keep in mind is what style you want to play. There's a big difference between single coil and humbucking pickups (think thin and tone-full versus fat and dirty). Single coil pickups 'generally' don't distort the same as humbuckers do and have a nice clean sound whereas humbuckers are more of a muted grungy sound, better suited to rock. Again, all this is particular to the exact pickup in question, but you get the idea.

So there's a few points to chew on. Number one though, do your homework before making a purchase - Harmony Central has great reviews on pret'near any guitar you're likely to buy from a dealer.

Just my two cents. :) Good luck!

[zontar]

Number one though, do your homework before making a purchase

Definitely--as well as taking someone along who knows electrics if at all possible. Don't act like a rube, but don't try to look like you know more than you do--a good salesman can spot that easily.

Also don't rush it--play lots of different ones in different stores.

And also--VERY IMPORTANT--before you plug them in--play them unplugged--if an electric guitar sounds horrible unplugged--I'd pass on it. Listen to the tone of the wood itself. That way you eliminate some contenders before you have to plug them in.

When you play them plugged in try for as dry a sound as possible first--try it without reverb or effects--don't let the amp dazzle you. And try them on as close an amp to what you have as possible.

Lots of the other stuff applies about action, intonation, necks, etc.

Don't get hung up on shape--although some shapes are very comfortable to play.

And have fun...

[hollowbody]

And also--VERY IMPORTANT--before you plug them in--play them unplugged--if an electric guitar sounds horrible unplugged--I'd pass on it. Listen to the tone of the wood itself. That way you eliminate some contenders before you have to plug them in.

100% agree here. A good electric will have a nice, rich sound unplugged as well as plugged. If the tone isn't there, move on. I'd also like to add, try to get a feel for the wood as well. To me, it's pretty important how a guitar vibrates in my hands. A guitar with an inch of laquer painted on it isn't going to resonate as well as one that has a thinner coat and lets the wood sing more freely.

When you play them plugged in try for as dry a sound as possible first--try it without reverb or effects--don't let the amp dazzle you. And try them on as close an amp to what you have as possible.

+1 here too! If you have an amp suited for acoustic guitar, this becomes harder, but maybe try to use an amp that you could see yourself owning. Don't try your first electric on a Soldano or a Mesa if you're going to eventually run it through a small Fender.

Finally, if you're looking at a semi-hollow, you simply cannot go wrong with an Epiphone Dot. Go to L&M and try a bunch. Not all are created equal, but I'm sure you'll find one you like. Fortunately, they're pretty inexpensive too, and they sound like a horny angel!

[dan_]

I agree completely with the above posters in what they've said. :bow:

I was in a similar situation to you a few months ago, looking to move from accoustic to an electric guitar. I had my heart set on a simple, MIM Strat, and went to my local L&M to try them out. I spent a few evenings tinkering around on some starts, and moved to check out some other guitars.

Long story short, I ended up finding a factory 2nd Epi Elitist LP on sale for half it's original price (very minor cosmetic blemishes). It depends on what you're into and how obsessive you are about your gear, but if you can handle a few small dings or scratches, the used/factory 2nd route can save you a TON of cash.

Most of all though, enjoy the process and have fun! :rockon2:

[Cadence]

HB: I didn't consider that about the amps. Good point.

Dan: I'm not opposed to used. A friend of mine collects guitars and he's picked up beauties that he's found used. I didn't know L&M carried second-hand stuff??? I care more about the sound than the look unless, of course, the flaws affect the strength/durability of the instrument.

Thanks for the tips!
Cadence

[dan_]

Sorry about that - L&M had factory seconds, but not used (at least not at my local store). My guitar is a factory 2nd.

[Archer]

my advice is not to skimp out. But the best guitar you can afford....if the one you really like is a little out of your price range then save up for it.

Life is to short for crap gear that doesnt satisfy you as a player.

[wnpgguy]

I find when browsing for guitars, I LOOK AT THE PRICE AFTER I TEST THEM ALL. A high price may persuade you to a guitar thinking it sounds better(placibo effect). I find this true espesially true when it comes to acoustic or nylon, I'd play two different guitars pick one as the better sounding (to my style) and find out its $200 dollars cheaper. So I find the opposite is true, price is not always a deciding factor. Go with what you like not with whats the most expensive (although the one you like might be expensive). :P

[zontar]

Even if you're not actually considering buying a guitar at the time, it's not a bad idea to go play a few at a store every now & then. It may lead to an impulse buy--but at least you've done some research then.

Of my guitars, my Mustang was sort of an impulse buy.
I went into the store to buy a phase shifter, and walked out with a downpayment on the Mustang (This was pre-Interac, and I only had enough on me for the pedal and say a pack or 2 of strings, etc.)

BUT, I had played the 2 Mustangs they had previously, and I'd played other late 70's Mustangs--I knew I liked them, and had considered buying one before, and it was on the radar for a future purchase--I just figured further in the future.
AND the store had just lowered the price for a moving sale. They were now affordable.
(Also part of the reason I hadn't bought either before is the sunburst had a maple fingerboard-which I don't like & the one with the rosewood fingerboard had a body colour I didn't like. But when they offered to switch the necks--it was too much--I bought it.)

So if you already have done your homework, and have bought a guitar before, and the right situation presents itself--you can bend the rules. (But I would still caution against this if you're not familiar with the guitar.)

[dr_iggi]

my advice is not to skimp out. But the best guitar you can afford....if the one you really like is a little out of your price range then save up for it.

Life is to short for crap gear that doesnt satisfy you as a player.

I would simply add that you should buy the best guitar for YOU that you can afford. I have small hands, and I simply cannot play guitars with chunky necks even if they are considered the "best." Even if I have $5K to spend, a $5K PRS will never be the best guitar for ME.

Go to the stores frequently, play different brands, different prices, ask questions. See how the guitar feels when you hold it while seated, while standing. A guitar and amp that make you happy, that invite you to play will also make you a better player.

[Centropolis]

Don't try your first electric on a Soldano or a Mesa if you're going to eventually run it through a small Fender.

Yeah and you see this ALL THE TIME at L&M! A 19 year old guy walks into the shop picks up a $350 Chinese-Made Epiphone LP and tells one of the salesperson that he is buying his first guitar and wants someone to play it and try it out for him.

What does the salesperson do you ask? 9 times of 10 I see the sales guy walks over to the $2,000 Mesa-Boogie combo or the Orange half-stack and plugs in the $350 guitar and blows the mind out of the 19 year old beginner thinking that the guitar is producing some amazing warm sound. Well, it is but with alot of help from the amps.

Next time if someone wants to buy their first guitar, see those little Fender amps that cost $150? Use those ones to try your guitar.

[zontar]

Next time if someone wants to buy their first guitar, see those little Fender amps that cost $150? Use those ones to try your guitar.

It's good to try as close an amp as possible to what you have or will be using. But still try other amps as well.

BUT try them with a dry signal first--no reverb or other effect. The add in other sounds if you want--but try them out dry first.