This will be my first electric guitar so I'm not planning on breaking my bank account for one. My budget is $200-$300 and I'm open to any brand. I'm just going to be playing for fun so I do not need anything crazy.

This is what I have in mind so far:

http://www.music123.com/Ibanez-GRG170DX-i158859.music

http://www.music123.com/ESP-F50-i97594.music

http://www.music123.com/Ibanez-GAX70-i66022.music

Which do you recommend? Is there anything else that is better for the money? Any input is appreciated!

 

I love my air guitar.

 

I just checked out both sites and I find the Fenders to be too expensive. The Squiers are more in my price range but I'm not really digging the classic look. I personally like the look of the Ibanez guitars that I mentioned. As for sound, I'm not entirely too sure. I am hoping to play along to newer rock\alternative songs... I don't know if that helps in any way.

Zangerzone, I've mastered the air guitar. Time for something new.

 

The first ibanez you listed is probably the best bet out of the 3

I'd also see if any Schecters are in your price range, then make a decent guitar for the money.

There is always Ebay too.. I would go that route, get a better guitar upfront, just put away 50 bucks or so when you get to take it to a shop for a setup. New guys will struggle and give up because they can't get it, and most of the time, it's cuz the guitar is set up like crap.

I'd think about the same thing if you bought an new one online as well.. if you go to a store, then have them throw that in when you buy it.

Oh, I'm also a fan of some of washburn line, I have an N4, but I've played some real cheapies, and I sorta wondered why mine was 2k

 

Yeah. . . what Mindcore said. of those three, the top Ibanez is your best bet.

Seriously, with musical instruments; they don't change that much from year-to-year. A great instrument that is used is still a great instrument (barring unholy treatment from the previous owner).

Inspect well, and have fun buying used.

 

it's tough to go wrong with ibanez, even with their entry-model stuff. the first one you have listed is a popular style (looks-wise) also, and if you ever needed to unload it via craigslist or something, it shouldn't be hard to do. imo, stick with a more popular/well-known brand (like fender, gibson, ibanez) and reselling it will be much easier. the reason why i bring up reselling it is b/c most likely, one of 3 things will happen: 1. you'll find out you're hooked, and will look to upgrade to something higher-end with better construction/materials and electronics (e.g., pickups); 2. you'll find that you don't have the passion for playing, and your guitar will collect dust and you'll want to get rid of it; or 3. you'll keep this as a beater/back-up guitar

the first ibanez you have listed has a wide, flat neck which is good for soloing, if you're into that. if you're just looking to play rhythm guitar mostly, i think the fender necks are actually a lil more comfy, as they are are a little more rounded and not as flat. just my personal preference though. i'd recommend you go to a local music or guitar shop and try them out in person and see what feels good to you before you plunk down the money.

good luck!

 

Several of my friends have Ibanez guitars and like them. I suppose you couldn't go wrong with a Fender product either. I'd agree you go and try them out in person to see which is your favorite.

BTW, all those guitar selections are pretty badass. What kind of music do you listen to?

 

I'm going to run out to a few stores this weekend and have a rip with few guitars. I am honestly such a newbie when it comes to guitars. My fiance actually rented me an acoustic guitar for a few months since I was always telling her how I would love to learn and I got hooked from there. Hopefully the guitar sales guy has enough patience for my questions... "what's a humbucker?"

Clayman, I pretty much love to listen to anything and everything from the early 90's to now ... except country. My music collection contains cd's from Gangster rap to Heavy metal. I'm listening to 'Wolfmother - Woman' as I type.

 

Out of those 3 the Ibanez GRG170DX. I hear the lower end ESP guitars aren't very good and I know out of experience that Squire guitars are rubbish.

 

So. . . . the real lessons to extract from your statements are:

1. Buy locally - your local repairperson/luthier can set up a cheap guitar well.
2. Know what a proper feel is, so you can communicate to the luthier what you want.
3. Have a seasoned professional go with you to sort guitars (between those with minor, fixable problems, and those with major problems).

Not to steal anything from you, your dad, your local shop, or Fender, but indeed your situation is truly a YMMV scenario.

It has been my experience that the average Squier buyer of the average Squier from the average Mega-Lo-Guitar-Chain will not have the same favorable results you had from a very optimal and sage situation.

That said, starting guitar buyers/players can benefit greatly from your positive results, and if they're willing to take the right steps, can enjoy a Squier for as heartily and for as many years as a Parker Fly.