Holy cow I want one of these so bad. Only 100 being released. No price listed on the Fender custom shop website but my buddy that's the biggest Dead Head I know said he has heard they will be $20,000. Ouch.

https://relix.com/news/detail/fender-custom-shop-announces-alligator-stratocaster-reproduction-guitar-in-celebration-of-jerry-garcias-80th-birthday/?utm_source=Relix+Daily&utm_campaign=b03901225f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_08_22_08_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_486e6e4b54-b03901225f-25688609&mc_cid=b03901225f&mc_eid=972ae36c5c

http://www.fendercustomshop.com/guitars/stratocaster/jerry-garcia-alligator-strat-relic-1-piece-rift-sawn-maple-neck-aged-natural/

Musician's Friend Stupid Deal of the Day
10 pack of D'Addario electric guitar strings (10's) for $40.

Pretty good deal if you play 10's.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid?icid=210190

I don't have a lot of knowledge here.

I have an Ibanez EDB600 Bass Guitar in excellent condition. I am thinking about selling. What should I reasonably ask for/expect to get for it?

DartAg1970 said:

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I don't have a lot of knowledge here.

I have an Ibanez EDB600 Bass Guitar in excellent condition. I am thinking about selling. What should I reasonably ask for/expect to get for it?

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Look around on Reverb and see what they are going for.

Here are the ones currently listed on Reverb:

https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Ibanez%20EDB600

I use D'Addario NYXL0942

Damn... just found this site had my strings for $9.99 each: https://parkwaymusic.com/. I went ahead and ordered 3 packs. They are usually about $13-$15.

DartAg1970 said:

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I don't have a lot of knowledge here.

I have an Ibanez EDB600 Bass Guitar in excellent condition. I am thinking about selling. What should I reasonably ask for/expect to get for it?

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What color and where are you located? I've been pondering replacing my Washburn as it got pretty screwed up in a recent move.

DallasTeleAg said:

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I use D'Addario NYXL0942

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I'm not familiar with those. Or really any electric strings yet!

What is it that makes you choose them?

Some Junkie Cosmonaut said:

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I tried to go back and look but this thread has gotten huge...which is awesome.

What were your opinions on LPs? I remember you discussing Gibson got sloppy there for a while with their QC but I can't remember the time frame.

As I've gotten better and progressed I've started to regret a couple of the middle of the road guitars I purchased over the past few years. I'm mulling over selling my Epi LP and getting a Gibson to replace it.

I play the heck out of my strat and once you get used to the sustain, tone, fretboard and overall general performance of that guitar you can really start to see, hear and feel the inadequacies in the lesser ones...then that starts to really eat at you and you remember you're getting married in 4 months so you immediately start "window shopping" on reverb...

You've preached quality guitars on here since the beginning and now I'm a full convert.

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I recently got that Schecter C1 Diamond.

But I have always wanted a Gibson LP. Here's the thing. I have a beautiful Epi LP that plays amazing. Does it really have the same pick ups found in the standard Gibson LP? If so, am I just upgrading for the sake of Gibson on the guitar?

Thanks guys. Something I'm mulling over

I have many thoughts. I will begin rambling, without any thought to go back and edit. I apologize in advance.

First of all, buying any guitar before playing it is always a gamble. Whether it's a $300 Squire or a $3,500 Custom Shop Strat. The same holds true for any Gibson I have played. I have owned 4 Les Pauls and 2 LP Specials, and each one was different. I will say, I have loved all 3 of the Strats I have owned more than all of those Les Pauls, aside from my Standard.

I currently own a 2002 LP Standard, a 2017 LP Classic, and a 2021 LP Special. I thought I liked my LP Classic until I came across my 2002 Standard at Guitar Center and just fell in love with it. After researching various years of production, there are apparently many guitar threads talking about the quality of the 2002 LP Standards due to it being the 50 year anniversary and tighter quality control. But that doesn't mean you can't find a fantastic 2020 Standard or a dud 2002 Standard. Every single one is different.

Is quality control an issue? Sure. You will find Les Pauls out there with too many file marks on the fretboard or a poorly cut nut causing the strings on one end to be too far away or too close to the edge of the neck. This is why you should inspect each one you play, before deciding to buy it. However, it's no more prevalent than any other guitar manufacturer. I think most people who bring QC up, including me, do so because we think it should be much tighter for a $2,500 guitar.

As far as the age old argument about them being overpriced or not that much more of an upgrade of Epiphones, I say, "who cares?" It's your money. It's the guitar you want to own, so own it. What are the differences between an Epiphone and Gibson? There are so many variations of both, so I'm going to stick with a generalization of both Standard models:

• Body: A Gibson will usually be 1 or 2 pieces of mahogany and a reach maple top. The + model gibsons will have a nice flame to the maple top. Epiphones will have 2-4 piece mahogany tops and will usually have a thin veneer top instead of a true flamed maple cap. Does this affect tone? It can, but doesn't mean one will sound better than the other. Also, what if I want my guitar to be a single piece body and I want to pay $1,200 more for it? That's my decision, and anyone who thinks it's stupid can **** off.
• Neck: I couldn't find anywhere that said whether Epiphones use quarter sawn or flat sawn necks. All Gibsons have quarter sawn mahogany necks. Quarter sawn necks will be much sturdier than flat sawn, and you will always pay more for them. For example, My two strats were both over $2,000 and they both have flat sawn necks. My Custom Shop Tele has a quarter sawn neck. For both guitars, you will want to know if you are looking for a 50's or 60's style neck.
• Fretboard: Gibsons use Indian Rosewood for the fretboard and many epiphones use Indian Laurel.
• Finish: Huge difference between the two in finish. The Gibson uses a vintage Nitrocellulose lacquer (which smells amazing) and Epiphone uses Polyurethane. The process for applying Nitro is much more difficult and skillful, making it more expensive to do. Many expensive guitars like Gibson and Custom Shop Fenders use nitro lacquer because the claim is they let the wood breathe better, among other reasons. I won't say nitro sounds better, but I will say I love the way nitro lacquer feels in the hand and when holding the guitar. Poly finishes feel "plasticy" to me, whereas nitro finishes just feel softer and better in my hands. nitro lacquer will also absorb into the guitar over time, and will age and wear from bumps and the acidity in your body oils/sweat. This is why older guitars that have been heavily played look the way they do. A Poly finish may peel off if you hit it hard and break it, but it is not going to wear down and look old. Granted, some people may like that, but I don't.
• Pickups/Electronics: Gibsons will come with either Classic 57's or Burstbucker PAF pickups, CTS pots, and Switchcraft switches and jacks. The Epiphone will come with massed produced chinese electronics. Granted, this all can be easily changed at any time. I swap my humbuckers out for Seymour Duncan Antiquities, and I will sometimes even replace the electronics with an Emerson kit because... I have a problem.
• Tuning keys: Huge deal for a guitar, and Gibsons come with either Grover or classic Kluxon tuners. No need to replace those unless you just want locking tuners, and yours aren't. The Epiphones come with chinese made tuners and I think it's hard to swap them out without routing larger holes or making new screw holes in the headstock.
• Nut: Gibson will come with their Graph Tech nut and I don't know what Epiphone uses. I always swap those out for a bone nut, anyways. They aren't that expensive to have installed.
• Hardware: I don't know what Epiphone uses for the bridge, bridge screws, and tailpiece. But keep in mind, that stuff is always touching your strings, and is what anchors it to the body for sustain and tone. I believe cheap parts will make a guitar sound cheap. I also prefer nickel plated instead of chrome. I want my guitar hardware to age.
• Fit/Finish: For the most part, your frets on a Gibson will be much better polished and filed, but that's not to say you can't find decent work on an Epiphone, or issues with a Gibson.
• Headstock: Let's be honest. You love hanging your guitar up and looking at how awesome it is, right? Well, I hate the Epiphone headstock shape and love the Gibson one. Personal preference, but again... it's my money to spend how I please.

After posting all of that and understanding how much I love my LP Standard... it's not my #1. I also can't say I've played more than 15 in my life. When I bought my Classic, I bought it because I had always wanted a Gibson les paul, I finally had an expendable income, and it was green (a color I never see for Les Pauls). I wasn't shopping for a new guitar when I played my Standard and decided to buy it. I just loved the flame/color and asked if I could play it. I knew immediately that it was a great guitar and had to have it.

I will also not BS anyone and am very open about the fact that I also like to have nice things. If I was still in college and my dad were to buy me an Epiphone Les Paul, i would be ecstatic. I would also be happy if he bought me a Ford Focus to drive around in. But I was in my late 20's when I bought my LPs, and I did so partly because I wanted to own a Gibson. It made me happy to open that guitar case, smell that nitro lacquer, see that shiny Gibson logo, and open that Gibson owner's manual telling me I just bought an instrument that will be around after I'm gone.

As far as buying one, I do recommend buying used if you can. That is never a bad investment, imo. Play several and think about what you are looking for. If you are spending that amount on a guitar, get one that checks all of your boxes. I personally want my les paul to be on the lighter side (think it's more resonant and full sounding), to have a dark and smooth rosewood fretboard, medium jumbo frets, and a wide flame top (but nothing super gaudy).

I am also a believer in tonewoods and think people who believe all that matters is the pickups are just hard of hearing, or have zero touch. When I pick up a guitar, I always play it unplugged to hear and feel how resonant that guitar is. If it is dead, then I move on. Pickups are a huge part of your tone, as are your fingers/playing. However, every piece of mahogany, maple, and rosewood is different and affects the weight, tone, and feel of the guitar.

Umm... that's all I've got, tonight. Always love talking guitars!

EDIT: Also, I always love the illustration of that time 15 years ago where I used to wonder why anyone needed to pay more than $16 for a steak. I even got a side and a salad with that $16. I think it's the same with guitars. You think yours is great and there's not really much of a difference between it and a more expensive instrument. Just sayin, you may at least want to try a few.

DallasTeleAg said:

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• Finish: Huge difference between the two in finish. The Gibson uses a vintage Nitrocellulose lacquer (which smells amazing) and Epiphone uses Polyurethane. The process for applying Nitro is much more difficult and skillful, making it more expensive to do. Many expensive guitars like Gibson and Custom Shop Fenders use nitro lacquer because the claim is they let the wood breathe better, among other reasons. I won't say nitro sounds better, but I will say I love the way nitro lacquer feels in the hand and when holding the guitar. Poly finishes feel "plasticy" to me, whereas nitro finishes just feel softer and better in my hands. nitro lacquer will also absorb into the guitar over time, and will age and wear from bumps and the acidity in your body oils/sweat. This is why older guitars that have been heavily played look the way they do. A Poly finish may peel off if you hit it hard and break it, but it is not going to wear down and look old. Granted, some people may like that, but I don't.

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I'm going to do what I laugh at many narcissistic poster on the Entertainment board for doing and quote myself.

I love when people claim this is all voodoo. My first place I go to is Anderton's YouTube channel and go find the blindfold challenges. Chappers seems to ALWAYS guess correctly on blindfold challenges on finishes, quality of instrument, tonewoods, etc. He has a fantastic ear and feel for the guitar. He is either EXTREMELY lucky, or there is definitely a difference that some people can catch and others can't.

Very helpful. Much appreciated.

I've got some thinking to do because of course I have some other ideas floating around my head as far as guitars go right now as well. Think I'll make a few trips around town and start playing.

Is this repairable? A buddy of mine was basically going to throw away this GS Mini, but before he could I asked for it and figured I would see if it could be repaired.

Wow. It would have to be by somebody really good.

K Bo said:

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Is this repairable? A buddy of mine was basically going to throw away this GS Mini, but before he could I asked for it and figured I would see if it could be repaired.

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Yes, it's likely repairable. No idea on cost though.

Yeah...neck breaks like that require a good luthier to fix. You would have to take it to someone and as what it would cost.

Thanks!

Stupid Deal of the Day: soft case for electric guitar

I bought the acoustic guitar version of this bag in black when it was on sale and it has been good. If you need a gig bag or soft case, this looks like a great one for the price.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid?icid=210190

Ordered, thanks!

Amp recommendations?

I've grown out of my Line 6 Spider 3 150 watt amp. Got in 2003 and it works perfectly still have 6 moves with the Army. Played a few live shows with it and love it.

Looking for warmer and cleaner tones. I play mostly blues and metal but do enjoy switching to Clean for acoustic sounds too. Max I want to spend is 400. Doesn't have to be big, will just be playing in the garage mostly. Used is okay too!

Thanks!

MarathonAg12 said:

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Amp recommendations?

I've grown out of my Line 6 Spider 3 150 watt amp. Got in 2003 and it works perfectly still have 6 moves with the Army. Played a few live shows with it and love it.

Looking for warmer and cleaner tones. I play mostly blues and metal but do enjoy switching to Clean for acoustic sounds too. Max I want to spend is 400. Doesn't have to be big, will just be playing in the garage mostly. Used is okay too!

Thanks!

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Positive Grid Spark!!!

Dallas Tele Ag loves non-tube modeling amps and will be along soon to talk about his top 20 favorite solid state or digital amp options!

I'm picking up some satire.

I'd love a tube amp, when I was younger it was Marshall, Mesa and Fender.

Was wondering if anything had come along over the last 25 years.

Thanks

MarathonAg12 said:

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I'm picking up some satire.

I'd love a tube amp, when I was younger it was Marshall, Mesa and Fender.

Was wondering if anything had come along over the last 25 years.

Thanks

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These two get good reviews.

As Maroon hinted, I am definitely not one to provide recommendations for sub $400 solid state or tube amps. I have had quite the amp journey in my day. I have owned the following, and still own the ones in bold:

• Fender Strat pack solid state amp
• Peavey Classic 50
• Egnater Tweaker 15 with a 2x12 Egnater cab
• Fender Blues Jr.
• Fender Bassbreaker 30r
• Fender Bassbreaker 15
• Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr.
• Tone King Falcon Grande
• Tone King Imperial MkII 1x12 Combo
• Victory Sheriff 22 through a marshall 2x12 slanted cab

It's been an interesting journey. I can honestly say, this Victory Sheriff and Tone King Imperial are freaking amazing amps. But that was my journey from my strat pack POS amp through budget tube amps, and ultimately to the boutique side of amps.

At the end of the day, the better the amp, the more defined its role is. If you want to do all those things you hinted at under $400, then you are buying a solid state modeling amp.

DallasTeleAg said:

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As Maroon hinted, I am definitely not one to provide recommendations for sub $400 solid state or tube amps. I have had quite the amp journey in my day. I have owned the following, and still own the ones in bold:

• Fender Strat pack solid state amp
• Peavey Classic 50
• Egnater Tweaker 15 with a 2x12 Egnater cab
• Fender Blues Jr.
• Fender Bassbreaker 30r
• Fender Bassbreaker 15
• Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr.
• Tone King Falcon Grande
• Tone King Imperial MkII 1x12 Combo
• Victory Sheriff 22 through a marshall 2x12 slanted cab

It's been an interesting journey. I can honestly say, this Victory Sheriff and Tone King Imperial are freaking amazing amps. But that was my journey from my strat pack POS amp through budget tube amps, and ultimately to the boutique side of amps.

At the end of the day, the better the amp, the more defined its role is. If you want to do all those things you hinted at under $400, then you are buying a solid state modeling amp.

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Thanks for the info. I guess I didn't mean to put a price tag on it. But that list gives me a good place to take a deep dive! Thanks

There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting a price on it. In fact, that's what you should be doing when looking for amps. What are you willing to spend? Then get the best amp you can at that price. The right amp is so important.

DallasTeleAg said:

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There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting a price on it. In fact, that's what you should be doing when looking for amps. What are you willing to spend? Then get the best amp you can at that price. The right amp is so important.

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Tone comes from your fingers.

I forgot, I also owned a Vox AC15 for a while, as well. Not my kind of amp tone.

This is an interesting video for a review of small Boss practice amps.



I love that Anderton's puts out so many product reviews.

Left the GS Mini with Neil Sargent yesterday. He said he can repair it but can't guarantee the crack won't be noticeable, which I don't really care about.

What was crazy was the number of damaged or repaired guitars collecting dust that people had abandoned. In particular, there was a vintage Gibson 12 string acoustic that Neil said was likely damaged beyond reasonable repair but it still looked ok and I would love to have something like that just hanging on the wall, if I had the room.

Looking to pick up my first Gibson Les Paul.

Yay or nay? Counter-Offer?

What's a recommendation for a good Les Paul model.

K Bo said:

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Left the GS Mini with Neil Sargent yesterday. He said he can repair it but can't guarantee the crack won't be noticeable, which I don't really care about.

What was crazy was the number of damaged or repaired guitars collecting dust that people had abandoned. In particular, there was a vintage Gibson 12 string acoustic that Neil said was likely damaged beyond reasonable repair but it still looked ok and I would love to have something like that just hanging on the wall, if I had the room.

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That's the guy to go to in Houston.