cheap guitars

[hcguitar]

I'm shopping for a new electric but only have about $500 to spend. I'm torn between two options. One option is just to get the best guitar I can for $500 (I'm looking at a PRS SE, Sterling JP50, or Peavey HP Signature). The other option I'm thinking about is getting a guitar in the $300 range (Ibanez ART100, or Schecter Guitar Research Omen 6) and then using the rest of my budget to upgrade the pickups. Should I blow the whole budget on the guitar, or get something cheaper and have money left over to modify it?

[Cytael]

I'm shopping for a new electric but only have about $500 to spend. I'm torn between two options. One option is just to get the best guitar I can for $500 (I'm looking at a PRS SE, Sterling JP50, or Peavey HP Signature). The other option I'm thinking about is getting a guitar in the $300 range (Ibanez ART100, or Schecter Guitar Research Omen 6) and then using the rest of my budget to upgrade the pickups. Any recommendations or suggestions?

I picked up a Washburn I66 Pro a little less than a year ago, and it's served me very well so far. At the time, I think musiciansfriend was selling it for about $650 (they have it listed as Discontinued, currently), but I found a brand new one on ebay for about $400. It's the only electric i've really ever played for an extended period of time, but loving it so far.

[hcguitar]

I found a brand new one on ebay for about $400.

Unfortunately most of my budget is tied up in Guitar Center gift cards. They make a great gift but it means I'm stuck buying new (unless I want to shop GC's selection of way overpriced used gear).

[sevenmiles]

I've heard GREAT things about the quality of the PRS SE from my electric guitar players. I know this sounds ridiculous, but the only reason I haven't gotten one yet is because I don't really like the look of the headstock. (I'm mainly an acoustic player that occasionally plays some electric.)

Buying "used" is the other good idea. If you're patient and do a lot of research, you can get a great deal. I bought a used Taylor acoustic on ebay after I tried it out at GC, researched the seller and chose a seller that offered a money back guaranty if I tried it and wasn't satisfied.

Good luck. Let us know what you end up getting.

tim

[RW James]

I have bought several relatively inexpensive guitars. I always make sure the neck feels right and that the fretting is true. THEN I buy some good pickups and make it sing. Changing out pickups is not that big of a deal.

But I currently play a Yamaha that came with the Seymour Duncan pickups I would chosen anyway - and I got it all for around $500. It is my #1 worship guitar.

[Worship_Guitarist]

I have bought several relatively inexpensive guitars. I always make sure the neck feels right and that the fretting is true. THEN I buy some good pickups and make it sing. Changing out pickups is not that big of a deal.

But I currently play a Yamaha that came with the Seymour Duncan pickups I would chosen anyway - and I got it all for around $500. It is my #1 worship guitar.

I concur on the Yamahas. I have a Yamaha Pacifica 604w (discontinued) that I purchased for $400 CA. Right out of the box it had sperzel locking tuners and a Wilkinson vs100 bridge. One of the best guitars I own. I installed a LR Baggs Xbridge system into it that allows me to get authentic acoustic/electric tones.

With your choices though, I would go with the PRS. The SE may be a budget model but it is well made.

Jake

[hcguitar]

I concur on the Yamahas. I have a Yamaha Pacifica 604w (discontinued) that I purchased for $400 CA. Right out of the box it had sperzel locking tuners and a Wilkinson vs100 bridge. One of the best guitars I own. I installed a LR Baggs Xbridge system into it that allows me to get authentic acoustic/electric tones.

Interesting opinions on the Yamaha's. I actually already own a Pacifica and I don't care much for it. I've played a lot worse, but it just doesn't do it for me.

[RW James]

Interesting opinions on the Yamaha's. I actually already own a Pacifica and I don't care much for it. I've played a lot worse, but it just doesn't do it for me.

Pacifica is the lowest end of the Yamaha range and really doesn't compare with their better models.

[travisvwright]

To answer the OP if I was limited to your budget I'd go with the upgrading the cheaper guitar. Everything I've heard of the $500 guitars you listed (SE etc.) was "Great guitar after upgrading the electronics." With knew I think anything under $750ish you'll want to modify at least a little so you may as well get something you can afford to modify.

[matreames]

GFS is great stuff for upgrading at a low cost. if you buy a decent body, you can get decent pickups anywhere for around 130. or you can go with GFS ones for like 80 sometimes less. Also GFS sells hardware. decent hardware. So go for the upgradables.