Hey

So ive eventually saved up some money to buy myself an electric(been playing acoustic for a few years). I have about R5500 for an electric guitar + amp, not to sure what to take though. Ive been looking at a Epiphone SG, since I love the shape...

Any suggestions ? I wish they would ship here from america, cos purchasing online in america its like 3 times cheaper than here...

Thanks

I find Epiphones to be pretty crap, you'll grow out of them quickly as you progress. They also feel kinda cheap and flimsy too, especially the shitty machine heads I've seen on most models.

Are you planning to play in a band at all? If not, spend around R4k or so on your guitar (which will get you an ok low- to mid-range instrument) and buy a cheap practice amp, as anything more will just be wasted. Bear in mind that it'll be easier to upgrade your amp than your guitar! The other option would be to get a crap guitar and a big ass amp, but that won't help you at all in the long run.

I'd recommend any mid-range models by Ibanez as good starting instruments, or even Washburn or a cheap Fender. Your best bet is to go to a music shop (ideally Tom's or Music Connection on Jan Smuts in JHB) and play around with a few, and don't be shy to get the salespeople to help you out. (They're often pretty useless unless you actively grab them and make them help you: remember they work off commission so mention you're keen to buy if they seem reluctant.) Ultimately you want to be spending the most of your cash on the axe, not the amp.

If you have any more questions post 'em and I'll try help you further.

Hmm, ok... Ive seen a few good reviews on that epiphone but yar I dont know myself. I might play in a band sometime, but not right now. Definitely want to spend more on the guitar, ive pretty much decided to go for the practice amp thing rather than spend too much money on that now.

I was planning on going to Toms next week, look around a bit. I think Ill check that Music Connection out too if I can find it.

Can I ask, if it were up to you, for +-R4000 what guitar would you buy ?

Anyways, thanks

For that price I'd definitely go for an Ibanez: it's scary how much they're resembling much more expensive instruments nowadays, and you'll find that you can get a fairly advanced guitar for your money.

Tom's has a decent selection and their prices are good (you can bargain quite easily), but Music Connection has the widest variety to choose from. (To get there, go down Jan Smuts until just after Hyde Park shopping centre, it's a giant building on your right.)