Should I buy a Fender standard strat, or an Epiphone g400 SG?

Question

I want to start playing electric guitar,(rock music btw), but I don't want to waste a lot of money on a guitar I might not play. So I'm gonna stick to a guitar under $500.

So which is the better buy, the strat? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&g=guitar&base_pid=516037&index=2

Or the SG? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&g=guitar&base_pid=518291&index=1

Answer 1

The major difference is the pick-ups. The strat has single coils - so it has that clear, chimey sound - think folk rock, surf music, blues. The SG has humbuckers. The sound is darker and more powerful. Think heavy metal, hard rock. Now, the difference can be overcome with the amp - a lot of gain and turning up the mids on a big amp will make a strat sound great for hard rock (Clapton uses a strat). Pushing the "Bright" switch will make an SG sound more chimey. It all comes down to what your ears tell you; both are really good guitars. PS. Fender makes a Strat that has a humbucker in the bridge position, so you get both types. Most rock players nowadays go for the humbuckers.

Answer 2

1stof all ur not gonna get a real fendar strat 4 under 800 dollars. however u can get a mexican strat 4 aboutt 400 dollars. there is not to much of a difference its basicaly the same guitar. the mexican sounds great im playin mine right now.the reason that the mexican is so much cheaper is cause labor is cheaper in mexico than america. also the american has better parts n such. but if u have never played before u wont realize the differance. but if u keep playin eventually u will want the american so after a couple years of playin go buy one. as forthe epiphone sg thats no a good gitar 2 start with i have a custom epiphone sg. ( it was like 600 dollars) the neck is thick, also the neck weighs more than the body so its akward to play. also the sound is not as good. the sg gets like 1 main sound out of it, and the the strat can get many unique sounds out of it so my opinion is to go w/ the strat. the last thing is NOT 2 ORDER THE GUITAR ONLINE go to the store and try it, and ask the guy questions.
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Answer 3

It is strictly a personal decision and one that you should test out by trying both guitars through the same kind of amp that you own so you can compare the sound, action and overall feel of the instrument.

Personally, instead of the Epiphone, I would shop for a Gibson SG (Musicians Friend has one for $579, but you might find a new one on eBay for less).

But anyway, the two guitars have different pickups and this will make a BIG difference i nthe sound you want to get.
Try them both as they are both decent for the money.

BTW - if you find a lower price, Musicians Friend will match it...they are a good company to buy from.

Answer 4

Fender Ps 400

Answer 5

If you are a beginner, I would suggest sticking with the SG. They have a thick tone and are pretty easy to play. Strats sound brighter and might take longer to get a feel of, in my opinion.

Answer 6

I have played guitar for over 35 years and I would choose the epiphone. Of course this is a personal prefence thing. If you have the opportunity it would be good if you could hear the way they sound for yourself.

Answer 7

Epiphone. But it is all your personal preference. Got to a guitar store and play them. Or bring someone who plays them to play 'em and give you advice. More of the experienced guitar players I know prefer Epiphone though.

Answer 8

Apples and oranges. Different scale, string tension and tone.
In general, the Epiphone will be easier on the fingers and may be better for a beginner.

Answer 9

The Snoopy Acoustic found in fine department stores everywhere try K-mart

Answer 10

I still play my 3 year old stratocaster and I plan to get another one.