Search for Tone

What a starter pack this would make! Unfortunately, the majority of these packs will probably end up in the hands of collectors, never to be played and only let out into the light to admire. That's not what a guitar should be about.

I've written before about how you can choose more wisely than the typical starter packs on the market. When I wrote that, I wasn't thinking of anything of this quality though. This package is in another league entirely. It's a great little combination, harking back to an golden age of guitar and amplifier. No frills or no digital effects, just a package about pure tone. Looks like Fender are limiting the run to 150. Read more »

Want to buy a starter package? Well I know you can buy a starter guitar package for $200-$300. But hold on a minute, you don't get much of a guitar for $200, let alone guitar, amp, strap, lead, stand, etc.

I also believe that starter kits can cause more harm than good. You may be buying the package in the hope that the soon-to-be guitarist will learn, but sometimes they're badly set-up and it's almost impossible for the guitarist to get a sound anything like their heroes. A bad experience with shoddy kit can put learners off playing the instrument altogether. I've always advised people against buying the cheapest guitar they can find. Like most things in life, the cheapest deal isn't necessarily the best. Read more »

There's a trend especially among guitarists that involves them always trying to improve their gear in the search of perfect tone. For rock guitarists, the typical route is to start with a small practice amp, then a combo that's suitable for rehearsals and small gigs, then a larger combo or half-stack, all the way up to a 100W multi-channel amp. Some realise what route they're on before they reach the end and take the sensible option of avoiding a few stops.

An interesting thing happens at the larger end, resulting in one of the following: Read more »

Some Background

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy experienced blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.

At this stage, they've probably changed amplifiers a few times. They've probably even changed guitars a few times, accumulating a few spares along the way unless they're one of the very few lucky guitarists who start off with their ideal guitar. Read more »

Some background

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists, trying to give some ideas for what you buy intermediate rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or for any other reason. Read more »

Some background

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy intermediate blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.

Typically, these guitarists have outgrown their first, practice amps and are probably looking for something a bit more mature (typically a nice all-valve/all-tube Fender Hot Rod or similar). It's also about time for an upgrade from the basic guitar, so maybe to a Made-In-Japan Fender or even the Fender Highway Star range.

Strap Locks

Strap Locks are great. Can't go wrong with them, especially if there's a new guitar involved. Read more »

A bit of background first

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy beginner blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.

Similar to the rock guitarist, this guitarist probably started out either with a guitar package from a shop (including a guitar, amp, strap, lead, plectrum and tuner) or has been given a second-hand guitar. Blues guitarists seem to have a way of ending up with used guitars - I think that's just the way of the world.

Here's what you can get either guitarist: Read more »

Stuck for ideas of what to buy a guitarist friend or relative?

Rather than just promote a list of "The Top 10 Gifts for Guitarists", I'll guide you through a few ideas over the next few articles. I'll discuss each gift and point out what you need to know about the gift or the guitarist before you buy. I want you to be able to show you've put some thought into the present. Read more »

A bit of background first

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists, trying to give some ideas for what you buy beginner rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or for any other reason.
Read more »

Gibson Les Paul Alternatives

This is a saturated market with numerous brands offering Les Paul-alikes. Often there's a little bit of variation or innovation to make it more interesting and to provide the player with a guitar that suits them better than a Les Paul Standard. However, sometimes the original LP is the one to go for. Some of the guitars listed below fall more into the double-cutaway, PRS-type guitar rather than staying true to the LP form. They all retain enough of a basic Les Paul-like style to be listed here.
Read more »