THE GUITAR OR THE PROCESSOR?

[elischumann]

Hi,Can anyone tell me what’s more important between the electric guitar and the effects processor? I really don’t know a lot about electrics guitar stuff.I backordered the GT-10 Boss Multi-Effects Pedal, and I already have an IBANEZ AEF30E AEF (Acoustic-Electric Guitar). The thing is that my wife gave me $300 to get myself an electric guitar as a birthday present. Now, using the GT-10 with a $300 (dollars) electric-guitar, will I get a clean sound? Does it really matter what guitar I use with processor? What guitar should I buy? Or should I put some more money for a better guitar?Thank you guys! I know I ask a lot of questions. I’ll appreciate any advice!

[ibanez468]

elischumann,Well, it depends on what your intentions are. Sure you could hookup your acoustic to the Boss effects pedal, and get it to work that way, but for TRUE electric guitar effectiveness from the BOSS, I'd advise getting an electric guitar with the $300. I think it does matter what guitar you use with the processor. An electric-acoustic is built to be just that, and won't have the same inner workings of an electric guitar. They're both very different (even though they may look similar) Buy another Ibanez. Those are good guitars, or you can put some more money towards a better guitar. It really depends on how much you want to spend and if it's worth it to ya'. Paul Reed Smith makes quality guitars, but you may have to add another $800-900, as they're not cheap. I like Fenders, and they're usually quite affordable, and IMO, one of the most versatile guitars on the market. It's been used in many different styles of music over a number of years. Still one of the industry's standard guitars. But hey...I'm sure you'll make the choice that suits you the best. Good luck and happy guitar shopping. BTW, I envy you...I wish my wife would give me $300 to go buy a guitar for my birthday. I even mentioned the fact that these are the kinds of things (musical) I'd like for my birthday, or Christmas or whatever. It all falls on deaf ears! But yet, she's specific about what she wants for some occasion that's geared towards her. But ya' know, my hearing is starting to fail me as well. ibanez468

[aimusic]

I agree with ibanez,if you use the electro/acoustic through the boss you WILL NOT get great turnout, unless you're looking for a new sound. I have experimented with these things before, Seagull Electro/Acoustic through the Boss Gt-8 and it's because the Electro/Acoustic has a microphone as opposed to an Electric which will have Humbuckers or pickups... but there are foot pedals out there aimed at electro/acoustic guitars....

[elischumann]

IBANEZAt first, thank you for the advice. And the fact that my wife gave me money for a guitar, have me on shock, I never thought she would give me that kind of support on my life as musician (I’ve been married for just 3 month). It feels really good when you see someone giving you some support on what you love. I still don’t believe that came out from her.

[arkjack]

I agree with the above, an acoustic electric can be used for recording sounds through an effects box, but its less than authentic in terms of its final cut. It still sounds acoustic compared to an electric when mixed in the tracks. As far as what kind of guitar to get, I think that is a subjective qualitative thing that only you can decide. I like many here have owned countless varieties of guitars over the years. Les Paul, SG, Strat, hollow bodies. Right now I have a tricked out Tele and an Ibanez SG, an Emperor L5 copy, and Ibanaez AR200. All different string settings for different applications. I recommend Ibanez products. They are a good value for the money. The instruments are well made, quality material and components. My luthier seems to affirm that they hold their intonation and stability quite well. I always say the best way to go is to play a bunch of product off the wall until you find one that you know has the right feel and sweet tones.ArkJack

[paults]

Since you probably want a wide variety of guitar sounds for recording, the pickup configuration is much more important than the brand of guitar. I suggest a humbucker at the bridge, with a single coil in the middle and at the neck. Fender calls them "Fat Strat"s. Others use SSH, or some variation for a description. A guitar like that through a multieffect will give you everything from sparkly cleans to DeathMetal roar, and everything in between.

[elischumann]

PAULTSSO, THIS WOULD BE THE RIGHT GUITARFender Standard Fat Strat HSS (Maple)http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN134702

[paults]

Quote:PAULTSSO, THIS WOULD BE THE RIGHT GUITARFender Standard Fat Strat HSS (Maple)http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN134702That one would be a good choice. Several people have mentioned Ibanez guitars- they are another good choice. If you can play some in a store, you may find one more comfortable than the other, or have a tone preference.

[Mark Kaufman]

Hi Eliezer,These days most electric guitars are very well-made...but there ARE differences. I strongly suggest you go to a huge place like Guitar Center, and DO NOT purchase a guitar there. Instead, play all the different styles and get a feel for the style of electric guitar that really feels good to you. I play a Stratocaster, but there are other great and versatile guitars like Fender's Telecaster, Gretsch, Gibsons (Les Paul, SG), Epiphones (Casino, like Lennon played)...on and on, several different price ranges and styles.But once you've zeroed in on a style that feels great to play, that really grabs you...Go to craigslist!! $300 can get you a very good guitar...another hundred or more can get you a very VERY good guitar, one that may increase in value over time. Believe me, once you play a better quality guitar, it becomes difficult to live with a Squier...or the dreaded First Act.Good luck. Your girlfriend rocks.

[slideboardouts]

Personally, I prefer to build my guitars these days but the fat strat link you posted seems like a fairly good deal for that price range. I honestly was surprised that it had an alder body instead of poplar at that price range. I'm sure that the electronics, trem, and nut are all cheap crap that you will probably need/want to replace as your skill increases but thats really not too big of a deal.Ibanez guitars are decent but I do have 1 problem with Ibanez guitars in that price range. A lot of new low end Ibanezes have cheap floyd rose bridges. Floyds pivot on a knife edge so even the good ones (the good ones are the FLoyd Rose Original Tremolo - the ones that say "licensed" on them are crap) have a tendency to wear fairly bad after a while. A cheap one that is made out of crap metal will last no time at all. I would melt through a cheap floyd in about 6 months and render the guitar practically usesless.A "fat strat" I think is a good way to go. Very versatile, very well engineered, durable and they are priced modestly. All the guitars I build are strat type guitars. IMHO, Leo Fender really hit the bullseye with the Stratocaster. There is a reason why Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, and Yngwie Malmsteen all play Strats.With the tone...its really a combination of 4 things that will get you the sound you are looking for. The guitar, effects/pedals, amp, and of you course your fingers Just make sure you take your time and like lyle said go to a superstore and play as many as you can to get an idea of what you want/need.-Steve