2007-02-25 02:03:19 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
There are three things you want to take into consideration when picking out a guitar. I'll cover skill level first, since that was your question.
1) Skill level: Guitars with a low action (action is the space between the strings and the guitars neck) and a thin neck are much easier to play, but they will also make your mistakes stand out more if you're a sloppy player. That kind of guitar will also make you a better player. A Strat doesn't have the lowest action or the thinnest neck I've seen, but if you're switching over to one from a cheap $150 guitar, the change in action and neck may have the same effect on your playing, at least for a little while.
2) Music Style: Are you playing hard core or country? Classic Rock, Metallica or the blues? Different guitars serve different genres better than others, and it's the reason a lot of experienced musicians own several guitars. I just bought a Rickenbacker, which is the sweetest guitar I've ever played, but heavy metal isn't really a genre for it. A Strat is a pretty good choice because you can play just about any genre on it, but it's most popular with hard rock and heavier stuff. Les Pauls are pretty common in rock and blues bands. Of course, none of this is absolute, people mix and match a lot. Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and Tom Gabel of Against Me! play a Rickenbackers, as did Cliff Burton of Metallica, but these guys could drop some big bucks into their amp systems too, which will make a difference.
3) Money: You basically get what you pay for, regardless of brand name. You can buy a $350 Strat or a $6000 Strat. They are NOT the same guitar. Of course, I don't suggest after only 6 months of playing that you go out and drop 6 grand on a guitar, but don't expect to get that Strat sound your favorite band produces from a $400 Strat.
If you've got less than say $600-700 to play with, I would suggest ignoring the reputation of brand names all together. Every guitar company pushes their cheaper guitars on the reputation of their expensive ones. Don't buy into the hype.
Go down at the local music shop with an unbiased curiousity and let your ears decide. You might find that at your budget level a Gibson or an Ibanez has a better sound and feel. Or maybe you'll confirm that a Strat is definately for you.
2007-02-27 02:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well either the fender or the gibson, the difference between the 2 being the neck shape, so whichever suits your hand best. In terms of sound, the humbucker pickups on the gibson give good sustain and are perfect for a more rocky, guns and roses type sound, but the fender's 3 single coils do give versatility and a distinctive but lovable sound. Its up to you man. I would say also though that I was thinking along the same lines before and ended up getting a PRS Mira which to me is alot better.
2016-03-28 23:41:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a fender strat its a great guitar and will last forever if you take care of it. They sound awsome and play like a dream. My problem with them is that I have smaller hands and the neck seems a bit too thick for me to play with comfort. I own ESP and Ibanez for that reason alone and love them, however I do respect a classic and if it feels good in your hands I say jam on.
2007-02-26 07:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by shadowsthathunt 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Save your money up. After you have been playing long enough to know (from experience) the answer to your question, then you can get a "strat"!
2007-02-26 11:57:03 · answer #4 · answered by David A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A strat is a good guitar for anybody...it's just a great guitar.
2007-02-25 05:44:24 · answer #5 · answered by phillyvic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends ... how good are you ive been playing for like 8 years and still have the same old guitar (fell in love with it and would never give it away)
2007-02-25 08:27:13 · answer #6 · answered by Chels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋