[kirk1701]

I've decided to finally search out a playable set-neck, two-humbucker style guitar for under $500. I have a hunch I'm going to end up with PRS SE 245 or SE McCarty 594, but I was playing a couple Epi LP Standard 50s/60s today.

I was impressed. The feel is about what you'd expect at this price point: chalky fingerboard, very odd satin-like finish, and generally "cheap" all around. (To be perfectly frank, I've never liked the feel or playability of any LP.) I don't like the veneer. I much prefer plaintops in general.

The sound, on the other hand, was indistinguishable from the best R0-R9s I've played. Both 50s and 60s version were articulate enough to handle Mark Knopfler stuff. The 50s seemed to really want to play "Why Aye Man." No mud, no flab. The 60s was notable in its balance on the knee.

All this to say, Epi is in the running if the price were right.

General criteria of an "ideal" LP:
-Bluesbreakers/Live Cream articulate grind and snarl. Fast flurry of pentatonic with no drag.
-Knopfler solo albums/live shows articulate dynamics. He uses a volume pedal as a kind of bowing effect. The tone glides from the snappy, chunky clean to a very tight, woody, growl.
-good balance: no neck dive or sliding backwards off my leg while seated. I shouldn't have to hold it on my lap with my picking arm. That's exhausting.
-not over 8lbs
-no dry, chalky fingerboards. Fingernails on a blackboard.
-singlecut not important. This means SGs are in play, along with any PRS double cut (ie Santana).

I'm open to any brand, of the price is right. Epi, lawsuit MIJ, PRS, Vintage (Wilkinson brand), Sire, etc. Tone and feel are king. I got time. Trying to find a LP for a Strat player is nearly impossible.

This is what a good LP sounds like (for me at least):

 

[laristotle]

Here's a few close to you in your budget

Ibanez Electric Guitar | Guitars | Trenton | Kijiji

Black Ibanez electric guitar Rippled effect finish

www.kijiji.ca

Epiphone Les Paul Studio | Guitars | Trenton | Kijiji

Selling because I don’t play it enough anymore. Bought at the Belleville Long & McQuade. Asking 400 obo.

www.kijiji.ca

Harley Benton Guitar | Guitars | Trenton | Kijiji

Harley Benton guitar The guitar is used but basically brand new Small surface scuff on back of guitar from belt buckle (face of guitar is excellent condition) Black with gold color trim and hardware

www.kijiji.ca

 

[Parabola]

Used Epi might be the best bet, one reason being it’s not uncommon to find them modded with Gibson pickups.

I have seen vintage MIJ copies less than $500, but the really desirable Greco ones are very expensive.

 

[jdto]

If you’re open to SGs and other body types, then it’s more like a set neck, 2 humbucker guitar than an LP, right? I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find the McCarty 594 SE for less than $500, but the ones I’ve tried have been pretty sweet. As to the characteristics you’ve mentioned, it sounds like you’re gonna have to play a lot of guitars in your search. Or you might get lucky and find one quickly. If I see anything in my GAS searching, I’ll try to share.

 

[JBFairthorne]

Personally I think your want list in relation to your budget is a little unrealistic but that’s just me. If you actually manage to find something within your budget that ticks all your boxes I would be curious to find out what it is.

 

[kirk1701]

If you’re open to SGs and other body types, then it’s more like a set neck, 2 humbucker guitar than an LP, right? I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find the McCarty 594 SE for less than $500, but the ones I’ve tried have been pretty sweet. As to the characteristics you’ve mentioned, it sounds like you’re gonna have to play a lot of guitars in your search. Or you might get lucky and find one quickly. If I see anything in my GAS searching, I’ll try to share.

This! LP is a little easier to say than "set neck, two humbucker," but I can update my jargon.

I also agree that this is a very tall order. I'm mostly talking used, since I don't care for new guitars anyway.

Look, mid-level guitars are being made really well these days. I like the PRS SE line. Pre-owned of any sort is cool because these generally aren't collector guitars. They're fun playable workhorses.

 

[kirk1701]

Harley Benton Guitar | Guitars | Trenton | Kijiji

Harley Benton guitar The guitar is used but basically brand new Small surface scuff on back of guitar from belt buckle (face of guitar is excellent condition) Black with gold color trim and hardware

www.kijiji.ca

Is this an average price for Harley Benton? I ask because there is a goldtop p-90 in town for a little less than that.

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[JBFairthorne]

I would agree with your evaluation of mid level guitars with regards to quality and features. I completely disagree with your belief that you can get a mid level guitar for $500 used. That may have been true 5-7 years ago but not anymore. What you’re describing is now an $800-$1000 guitar used. Even used, good quality pickups like you describe are going to cost a minimum of $150-$200 for a set. That doesn’t leave much for the rest of the guitar…not to mention a good setup which will be an absolute must to squeeze the most out of a lesser quality instrument.

 

[Budda]

Harley Benton?

 

[knight_yyz]

Harley Benton is a house brand for Musikhaus Thomann in Bavaria. They have about 20 factories across China Indonesia and Vietnam. They have different lines at different prices ranging from 150 to about 500 CDN. Their website is Thoman.de

 

[tomee2]

This! LP is a little easier to say than "set neck, two humbucker," but I can update my jargon.

I also agree that this is a very tall order. I'm mostly talking used, since I don't care for new guitars anyway.

Look, mid-level guitars are being made really well these days. I like the PRS SE line. Pre-owned of any sort is cool because these generally aren't collector guitars. They're fun playable workhorses.

They’re out there, maybe not as a PRS though. Also look for Godin

 

[kirk1701]

I would agree with your evaluation of mid level guitars with regards to quality and features. I completely disagree with your belief that you can get a mid level guitar for $500 used. That may have been true 5-7 years ago but not anymore. What you’re describing is now an $800-$1000 guitar used. Even used, good quality pickups like you describe are going to cost a minimum of $150-$200 for a set. That doesn’t leave much for the rest of the guitar…not to mention a good setup which will be an absolute must to squeeze the most out of a lesser quality instrument.

I appreciate this. You're probably right. I'm not averse to spending a bit more for the right guitar. In fact, this is a good example:

Gibson Epiphone elite SG | Guitars | City of Toronto | Kijiji

Gibson epiphone Sg elite series made in Japan 2003 by fujigen set up with new strings with original hard shell case. In nice original condition.

www.kijiji.ca

A bit overpriced in my estimation, especially if I'm buying sight unseen. Ridden hard and put up wet is a good rule of thumb for me. These are the guitars I look for.

As for aftermarket work, I can do most of it myself. My budget accounts only for initial investment. The rest is as it may be.

 

[kirk1701]

They’re out there, maybe not as a PRS though. Also look for Godin View attachment 470386

This is indeed what I'm talking about. Sound and feel are most important. Brand can take a hike. I played a Godin Radiator yesterday I quite enjoyed. A little heavy in the hindquarters tho.

 

[kirk1701]

Thoughts? Never played a bad Wilkinson.

GREAT DEAL! Flamed Tobacco Electric Guitar | Guitars | Ottawa | Kijiji

Vintage Brand V 100MR Les Paul Flamed Tobacco Electric Guitar! No scratch marks at all. Excellent condition :) Bought in France (720$), asking for 400$ ! It sounds awesome! And it sells for quite more online: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325007546790...

www.kijiji.ca

 

[tdotrob]

Should’ve snagged up that greco that I think metaltele had listed

 

[kirk1701]

Should’ve snagged up that greco that I think metaltele had listed

Right? Should've bought a ton of things. C'est là vie. Hopefully this space can be a "how bout this?" kinda spot. I expect to be looking for awhile.

I play Stratocasters 97% of the time and those are modded to EC specs. However, no midboost can really substitute for the humbucker thing. It's not a necessity, just a nice to have.

 

[JBFairthorne]

Don’t look too long. Things aren’t going to be getting much cheaper, especially in the budget lines.

 

[tdotrob]

Right? Should've bought a ton of things. C'est là vie. Hopefully this space can be a "how bout this?" kinda spot. I expect to be looking for awhile.

I play Stratocasters 97% of the time and those are modded to EC specs. However, no midboost can really substitute for the humbucker thing. It's not a necessity, just a nice to have.

sorry didn’t mean to come off as snarky I was actually thinking I believe he didn’t sell it but that part didn’t come out of my ol thinkhole onto the post

 

[paraedolia]

70s Ibanez ST100 | Paul's Boutique

paulsboutique.ca

 

[tdotrob]

If I was looking for a cheap singlecut and had that kind of budget I’d probably be looking at an LTD used. Can find a really good guitar in their lower cost models and they make excellent mod projects