Any musicians/guitar players who can give me some help deciding on what guitar to buy my hubby for Xmas??? He is in a band and I would like to add to his guitar collection. I am not looking to spend more that $1300/1400 max! I was looking at the Gibson Les Paul Vintage Electric which is on sale for $800 or a John Mayer Signature Stratocaster. Any help, advice, and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
2006-11-17 03:11:47 · 11 answers · asked by DT 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Buying a guitar for a guitar player is always a problem as each individual guitar is different, even if it's the same make and model. Some just turn out to be sweet, while others may not sound as alive. Also, each player's taste is different; they look for not only the way a guitar sounds, but the way it feels and reacts as well.
If you're going to buy one, without his help, make sure that whatever you choose can be returned, perhaps traded in or up. Maybe you could pick the more expensive one, and if he likes it, great; if not, he can go back and look for one that sounds and feels 'right' for him.
Buying a guitar for somebody is sort of like buying art for somebody else; It may be beautiful, but just not his or her style, or it may not go with the room one had in mind. For a musician, finding the right instrument is like finding the right person to have a relationship with; there are so many different factors that make up an instrument that it's hard to fully describe.
If somebody gives you an opinion on a model, they are really only giving you an opinion on a specific instrument in that model line; you can't judge the rest of the instruments on the one (except on such things as the types of transducers, etc. but both of the ones you mentioned are fairly good instruments).
If you're not worried about spoiling the surprise, go to the store with your hubby and have him try some, finding the one he likes. Or get a guitar case, and give him that for Christmas, with a card in it to fill the case the next time the store is open.
Good luck,
--Dee
2006-11-17 03:26:09 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a few things to consider here:
- The signature strat, are you sure that's what he wants? I know most guitar players, and they tend to have their own feelings as to what should be on a stratocaster, in terms of pickups, setup, fingerboard, etc. The only players I know who pick up a signature strat are the ones trying to get that player's sound. (And for that usually the guitar is not enough - you have to match amps and preamps too.)
- Whether you go Gibson or Fender depends on what he's already got. Most guitar players want to expand their range of sounds. If he's already got a guitar in the Les Paul mode (with the two fat humbucker pickups), then he'd appreciate a stratocaster as it will let him achieve a different sound. Vice versa - he'll appreciate the Les Paul, if he's got a Strat.
You might consider doing a bit of friendly "surveilance" on your husband. Ask his mates in the band if he's talked about any guitars he's had his eye on, any songs where he's complained he can't get the right sound, any guitars he's admired when another band tears down their stuff. That should give you a clue as to which his preference might be.
2006-11-17 04:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by evolver 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
I have played the guitar for over thirty years....
I hope that I can be of some service....
There are a myriad of things to consider when purchasing a guitar.
These considerations stem from the type of music he plays and his position like, lead guitarist or rhythm guitarist.
If he plays (Blues), either guitar could suffice but, there still is a difference.
The resonance of the Stratocaster has a powerful but hellish tone as opposed to the Gibson which, has a cleaner melodic tone.
The Gibson, I would say; is the most diverse of the two and is exquisite for Blues, jazz, rock, country etc....
Not wanting to dis-credit the Stratocaster; it truly is a distinguished (Axe), in a league all its own...
I truly hope he appreciates you going out on a limb like this for him..
I think that you truly are his #1 fan....
How sweet and thoughtful of you....
2006-11-17 03:50:25 · answer #3 · answered by cdrc_bkr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what your husband likes to play. Each guitar has it's own "feel" (in hands, weight, neck stock) and tone.
Also at issue is the place of manufacture.
For example, many people feel an American made Fender plays nicer and is of a higher quality than those made at the Mexico plant.
If it was me who was getting the gift, I'd rather get a 'gift certificate' or card saying I was to get my choice of guitar. This way, he could choose the guitar that best suits what is wanted.
Not as fun as finding a new Les Paul or Strat under the tree, but easier than trying to return a sale item if the other guitar was preferred.
2006-11-17 03:22:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Mark N. I used to play piano when I was younger but just got bored of it. I picked up a guitar and I've been playing for 15 yrs! I love it! Keep in mind, there is more you can do with a guitar. Piano is very limited. You will understand this once you start playing guitar.
2016-03-28 23:32:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, the John Mayer Strat is an awesome guitar. I would go with that one. Les Paul's are great too!
2006-11-17 03:17:50 · answer #6 · answered by $C3N3 . FR3$H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Les Paul is an "OK" gift. What type of music does he play? If he is into Metal then a Gibson Explorer would be appropriate. Jackson's are also good, especially the Explorer shaped Kelly Pro KE3. Ibanez is also ok because I have one. I wish I have a wife like you.
2006-11-17 03:56:02 · answer #7 · answered by Trixter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for the Gibson. with the Signature series Strat you will be paying extra $$ for the name.
Signature Series usually differ from the standard versions in that they have a custom paint color or custom pickups.
If your husband wants custom harware he can install it himself pretty easily with a screwdriver and a soldering iron or a wire crimp.
Les Pauls are legendary for their sound and quality. $800 is a deal for a good axe.
good luck and have a fun christmas!
2006-11-17 03:44:52 · answer #8 · answered by spoonman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats tough....wish you spend that on me.....lol......but the les paul is never a bad choice........its a standard great guitar......wish i had one......even though im a bassist
2006-11-17 03:27:52 · answer #9 · answered by COLONEL WAFFLEJAW is a basstard! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would sugest a pink daisy rock guitar. like mine!
2006-11-17 03:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by Muhh-liss-Uhh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋