Guitar players?

[John Pratt]

I am looking to pick up an electric guitar for my daughter (15) for Christmas. She has been playing classical accustic for about three years now and has participated in several shows and competitions. Her instructor says she is ready to start on one if she wants. I was looking at something like a solid body style like a Gibson, but her instructor thinks a hollow body Epiphone "Dot" is a better choice. For that kind of money, I would like it to last a few years before I have to buy another one. I can't play a note of music to save my life, but I did study music at one time and IIRC the hollow body guitars give out hollow tones that are pretty distinctive and only suit certain kinds of music. Any Guitar players out there that can weigh in?

[Andrew Gibson]

I really am no help other then my last name is Gibson (no relation)
I have played a very little. So my experience basically not.
maybe George Wilson will make his way in, he is an acustic guitar maker and probably knows more on the subject then the vast majority.

I personally like the Les Paul body style.

[bob svoboda]

I have been playing for 40+ years and have played professionally. The type of electric guitar you get depends a lot on what type of music you will be playing. If you want to produce an amplified 'acoustic' sound for folk, classical and the like, a hollow body will probably work best. For that type of playing I have a Taylor acoustic with the ES on board electronics. For rock and roll, I use a Fender Stratocaster. The Fender has a narrower neck that works well for smaller hands. Today's 'modelling' amps can produce an amazing array of sounds from any guitar that plays through them. Oh Yeah, there are pickups you can buy that will turn any acoustic into an electric-try a few out and don't just settle for one because it's cheap.

[Jim Creech]

I have to agree with her instructor on the Epiphone Dot. I have been playing since the mid 60's and been repairing and hotrodding stringed instruments almost as long. The "Dot" is a very versatile guitar and with some experience (and a few effects pedals) she can get almost any type of sound out of it. I ougt to know, my son studied jazz performance for 3 years in college before hooking up with a rock band and touring North America, Europe, Australia, Japan etc for a few years. In his collection He has, I think, 6 Epiphone guitars of varying styles. His favourite is the Sheraton, very similar to the Dot. Besides, at only 15, her musicial tastes and playing style will most certainly change as she gets older. I say go with the Dot (of similar). For her age and in that price range it will be hard to beat.

[John Pratt]

Thanks guys I appreciate the input. I think her music is going to put me in the poor house one day. In addition to playing the guitar (of which she has three accusitcs), she also plays Sax, piano, clarinet, and drums. I have no idea where she gets it because I can't even play chopsticks on the piano.

[bob svoboda]

That's great, John. Give her all the support and encouragement you can. She will enjoy her music her entire life. Hope to see her on the Grammy's someday.

[Mike Cutler]

John

The Epiphone looks like a nice transition from acoustic to electric.
I wouldn't worry about longevity, as much as she will one day distill her area of focus down to a style that requires a different type of electric.

I've owned my D-35 Martin for 31 years now. I still haven't outgrown it.;)

[Jim Creech]

Same here! I bought my D-35 in 1968. Wouldn't trade for any other guitar.
As for longevity, any guitar will last a lifetime if it is properly cared for.

[John Coloccia]

I have a Gibson 335. Frankly, I prefer the Epiphone Dot. My Gibson was a nightmare out of the box. It's fortunate I also build guitars and could quickly replace the nut, level the frets, etc. The Dot was perfect out of the box, sounds just as good and is much cheaper. It will cover every style of music, and is loud enough acoustically that acoustic practice with it is not out of the question.

It's a great choice.

For a nice cheap amp, the Roland Cubes are actually quite good and pretty versatile. You can probably snatch one up used.

[John Pratt]

That's what I love about this forum. There is really a tremendous wealth of knowledge from the members here. I would hate to play trivial pursuit against some of you guys. I don't think there is a question out there that someone on this forum can't answer or give valuable insight.

[Jerome Stanek]

You could spring for another accustic from Tim McKnight. Just watch out for the sticker shock. I met Tim and his lovely wife at a CNC camp and they brought a couple of their creations. The guitars were beautiful.

http://www.mcknightguitars.com/prices.html

[Bryan Slimp]

Squier Deluxe Strat with a Roland Cube amp. Great place to start.

Check out Musician's Friend's website.

I have played a DOT and really like them. I don't think any of the DOTs have the Bigsby style tale piece but you should probably stay away from one. It can get in the way for newer players. The Ibanez Art Core series seems pretty nice and is also a semi-hollow body.

It would also be helpful to know what type of music your daughter is interested in playing.

[Doug Shepard]

I've got an Epiphone Sheraton II which is very similar to the Epi Dot. BTW both of those aren't hollow bodies but semi-hollow with the center of the guitar more or less a solid body - which explains why they're so versatile. You can get very good rock sounds plus the semi-hollow construction gives some added "woodiness" that lend itself more to other styles. If your daughter wants to get into more metal type music with whammy bar gymnastics, then go with a solid body, otherwise a semi-hollow is a very good choice for lots of different styles.
As far as an amp goes, the Vox Valvetronix serues are nice and cost is on the lower side. I've got a VT-30 but I think they've stopped making the 30 watt now. The VT-50 still looks to be current though. They're modeling amps with a lot of very useful amp simulations and have a power control that allows for good tone at even barely audible bedroom practice levels.

[Greg Peterson]

I'm going to go against the grain here, surprise.

When it comes to electric guitars, one element that gets completely short shrift is the amp. I have several solid body electrics and a decent acoustic. The acoustic sounds great on its own. My electrics, well, depends on the amp.

When you enter the world of electric guitars, IMO, the amplifier is vastly more important than the guitar. The amplifier is every much an instrument as the guitar.

Plug an ES335, Epiphone Dot or a Les Paul into a Crate amp. Then compare the sound of a Fender Squire Strat plugged into a Fender Vibrolux Reverb or Deluxe Reverb.

I've seen all styles of music played with all styles of electric guitars. But when you want a quick, responsive, aggressive performing amp with tons of gain, Fender isn't going to be on that list. No amp does it all, and while some are one trick ponies (like Marshalls), boy, what a trick they do.

If I had it all to do over again, I would have bought a better than decent amp thirty years ago rather than fixate on the guitar itself as the key to a great tone. Sure the guitar is important, but the amp does all the work.

I prefer the clarity of single coil pickups (strats, teles). Humbuckers can sound good too, but a lot of character is lost.

You don't mention what her guitar musical tastes are so it is difficult to recommend an appropriate amp. The Roland Cube gets great reviews, for a practice amp and small gigs.

[Shawn Pixley]

The advice given has been good. I play primarily electric but have two acoustics (10 guitars total). A semi hollow body guitar (335, Epiphone Dot, or Casino) are good guitars and fairly versatile, but if she is smaller, could be a bit of a reach. The challenge of any guitar is that they play differently and not all well. I played about 100 Les Pauls before finding a good one. If she cannot identify a good one from a bad one, find someone who can evaluate it for you.

As others have said, the amp is equally important. PM me for more info.

[Anthony Scira]

I own quite a few guitars. Bottom line is if she is talented she can make any guitar sound like a dream. Forget the gear, the talent and sound is in the fingers.

I am a sucker for a Stratocaster.

[Mark P. Miller]

I played about 100 Les Pauls before finding a good one. If she cannot identify a good one from a bad one, find someone who can evaluate it for you.


Part of the problem is that not everyone is going to like or feel comfortable with the same guitar or guitar setup. Comfort is key. Any chance that you could let her play a bunch of different ones and then pick the one she likes best?

[Devon Shannon]

IMO, you should let your daughter pick out the Guitar. I would think after 3 years of playing, she would have a feel, and possibly preference, for the shape and size of the neck. Most important, is that feels good in her hand. My first Guitar purchase was a Fender Stratocaster, made in Mexico, when I was 13. At the time these were fairly good "entry level" Priced Guitars. But, I'm not sure about the current offerings from Fender.

[Bryan Morgan]

My life revolves around guitars and music too.... Since your daughter has a few years of experience now, you should take her to a place with a lot of electric guitars and let her try them out. The type of music will play a part in the type of guitar as the body type and pickups make for different tones. The neck shape, scale length, weight, body shape/comfort all plays a part to how much she will want to use it. I have smaller hands but I prefer a 25" or 25.5" scale length as opposed to the shorter 24.75". The second part of the electric equation is the amplifier. How loud do you want it? Is she going to play in a band? Just play in the bedroom? Lots of distortion? Clean jazzy tones? If the parents (or neighborhood) don't want to listen to it something like a POD and a good set of headphones will do well and provide all kinds of different amp tones.

[Pat Germain]

I also think a Mexican Strat would be a good starter electric; especially for a person of small stature. Strats are small with a narrow neck. The Mexican Strats are a popular model which will be easy to sell when it's time to upgrade. Keep in mind even among guitars of the same model, a player will feel differences. Therefore, it's a good idea to play a lot of guitars to see what feels best. You can probably pick up a used Mexican Strat at a local dealer for a good price.

I disagree that any guitar will be fine. I think many aspiring guitar players quit because they have a lousy guitar. Trying to learn on a guitar with bad action and harsh tone sucks all the fun out of playing. And, I don't care how talented you are, it's nearly impossible to play well when the strings are 1/4 inch from the fret board.

When my son started playing electric, I bought him a small, Marshall amp. Although it had no tubes, it had a pretty good "Marshall Sound". Most importantly, it had a headphone jack. This allowed him to play to his heart's content without disturbing anyone.

[Matt Walton]

If she has been playing classical for the last three years, then she is probably used to a classical neck, which (hers probably included) have wider necks than even a normal steel string acoustic. I've been playing about 7 years, so I like to think I know what I'm talking about. :D
Some other things to keep in mind: What music does she like to play/listen to? That would be one factor in deciding what guitar to get. Also, about how much are you thinking about spending? Another thing is that to start out with, she will need a guitar (duh!), amp, and don't forget the cord! I would say a 10 or ~20 foot cable would be perfect. And don't bother getting the "super mega awesomely deluxe" brand cable, just buy the cheapest you can, and you should be fine. Our local Guitar Center carries Live Wire brand, and they work great for me.

[John Pratt]

Many thanks for all the input from the musicians here on the forum. After a lengthy discussion with her instructor and having her try out many of the guitars in his collection, we have decided to go with the Epiphone Sheraton II Archtop Electric. He feels that will give her the most versatility and fit her playing style and size (she is 15 but already 5'8" tall). We are buying a nice amp to go with it for Christmas and a loop pedal (which I guess is something that allows you to record and playback over yourself). My house is starting to look like a music store. Now my younger Daughters (7 yr old twins) want to get into music and of course they want to play completely different instruments than we already have in the house.

[Bryan Morgan]

Many thanks for all the input from the musicians here on the forum. After a lengthy discussion with her instructor and having her try out many of the guitars in his collection, we have decided to go with the Epiphone Sheraton II Archtop Electric. He feels that will give her the most versatility and fit her playing style and size (she is 15 but already 5'8" tall). We are buying a nice amp to go with it for Christmas and a loop pedal (which I guess is something that allows you to record and playback over yourself). My house is starting to look like a music store. Now my younger Daughters (7 yr old twins) want to get into music and of course they want to play completely different instruments than we already have in the house.

Great! Enjoy it and encourage it! You never know, they could be making millions in a few years and supporting you :)

All my mother ever did was yell at me to turn it down and to go do dishes or take out the trash. No encouragement at all. That created a lot of resentment.... Now she regrets it because I never want to visit or even show up for holidays, etc. It all stems from my love of music and no support from anyone but myself. Don't be like her. :)