best electric guitar (intermediate player)?

Question

Hello everyone, I've been playing on my old first-act Guitar for about a year and a half now and I feel it's time to bump up, I tried one of my friends guitars (It was a mid-end Ibanez, I don't remember which) and I could play a lot better so I figure my crappy First Act is holding me back.

So, what is a good intermediate-level electric guitar?
I play pretty much everything, but mainly hard rock / metal / punk. The max I can spend is 350$, and I'm looking to order it online so please include where I can get it with your answer :D

Thanks guys!

Oh and PS I play both rythm and lead guitar on-and-off so one which can fill both positions nicely would be GREAT!

I'd just like to add that the reason I am buying online is simply because there are ZERO music/guitar stores in my area so it's impossible for me to go to stores and try them out myself :( The closest store is several hours away adn I can't be hassled to drive that far. So I'm relying on reviews / videos / you guys to help me out :D

I'm thinking about the Ibanez RG2EX1, What do you guys think about that? I've seen videos of it and I LOVE the sound.

Answer 1

and epiphone or a low end jackson would be good

Answer 2

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/ax2gv

I'd suggest you invest in a guitar in the $300-$500 range at least. It's not a good idea to buy an acoustic guitar online. Acoustics are very peculiar guitars and always seem to have their own personalities and qualities. While you can buy almost any electric guitar and then set it up so it plays the way you like it, it's a lot tougher to adjust an acoustic. There's just not an easy way to lower the action other than filing down your bridge piece. and that's a pain in the butt to do right. It's always a good idea to do what the other guy suggests and go in person to your local music store and play every guitar they have in your budget range,(Lester lists good guitars, but those brands he mentions are REALLY expensive, for example a McPherson will cost you well over $4000 for a cheap one!.) I myself have always found Ovation guitars to have really nice neck action and playabilty very similar to a stratocaster (which I like because I have small hands for a guitar player.) I have a music teacher friend who says that Ibanez acoustics in the range I mention are pretty nice guitars as well. Guild and Martin guitars are more of a high end guitar. What it really comes down to is how it feels to you. Since you already play guitar you should have no trouble finding one that you will be able to tell if you like or not. THEN...buy the exact guitar you like off the rack. Don't let them switch you to a new version of the same model or one in a box. You could get a lemon that way. I bought a Fender acoustic like that (in the box)... I liked the demo model, but the one I got was literally painful to play. So you might not like another version of the same guitar.

Answer 3

For $350. You can get an

1.Ibanez RX ( don't know the exact model # though)
2. Gibson Melody Maker ( I think its around $350, not sure though)
3.Jackson Kelly
4.Jackson Warrior
5. Epiphone Les Paul
5. Epiphone SG

These are the models you can buy within your set price range of $350

Also, you can go to:
www.music123.com
www.guitarcenter.com
www.samash.com

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

This is what I've said a million times on yahoo Q & A, I tell them to go to a reputable guitar store and spend hours in there playing everything that you like and can afford....look for good action, sound, and feel, as you probably already know they all have a little different feel....I play and teach classical and acoustic guitar....and for years I have found that most people have their own sound that their looking for in a gutiar....so you be the judge....go and play them all, and see what sounds the best to you, don't listen to anyone.....your the one who has to like it, you could have five people in a guitar store and they'll all pick out a different sound that they prefer...not everyone agrees on what sounds good and what doesn't.... remember when you bring it home it will sound different then it did in the store...as they all sound different in the store...I know the last one I bought for about $1500.00 when I got it home there was something that I didn't like about the sound, so after about three weeks I took it back, most stores allow you 30 days....so I took it back and got one for less money and I liked it a lot better....sometimes the acoustics in the store will make a guitar sound a lot different when you bring it home, so be careful....and if you do get one and don't like it make sure of the stores return policy !!!!!! Good luck !!!!

Answer 5

I just recently purchased an Epiphone Les Paul Standard from musiciansfriend.com and would highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a good, midly priced, intermidiate guitar.

Thing looks indentical to the Gibson Les Paul and is built very well and the finish is beautiful. Sounds amazing also. With a decent amp with some reverb, the sounds you can produce are endless with this guitar.

I paid $499 for the guitar with amp package (because this is my first electric guitar). The guitar itself can be had for around $300 - 400 I believe. I would highly recommend this guitar.

Answer 6

@ guitarcenter.com there is a Fender California Series Sonoran SCE California Custom Acoustic Electric Dreadnought Guitar for $299.99. If that isn't what you are looking for just browse around that site. : ) They usually have something that fits within most consumers' style & budget.

Answer 7

I would go with a Fender Stratocaster. I have one and I love it. Buy it at Guitar Center. Don't get an Epiphone.

Answer 8

i would recommend an epiphone les paul standard. little over your price range but it's worht it. also try not to get online. go to your local guitar store and purchase it from there. that way you actually get to play it and see if you like it BEFORE you buy it. hope this helps

Answer 9

Why order online? Go to your local music shop and see what's on offer. Then you can try before you buy. Hope this helps