|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,475
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,475 |
I fully agree with ROG and it applies as well to electrics (unless it is going to be a "project" guitar) - I only buy after a hands-on play. I suspect that applies to a lot of musical instruments. However, I do understand that there are probably some situations where it may not be that easy to do. So if you must buy mail-order/over the web - make sure you can RETURN it and without some horrendous "re-stocking fee" FWIW - I have a Guild Songbird - which is little out of your price range which I LOVE and it projects quit well for a slimmer acoustic - you'll see that Eva Cassidy played one a lot before her passing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RDmXsGeiF8&feature=relatedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYyQcQSqpbINow there is someone who could sing without auto-tune gimmkicks! Good Luck Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/11/12 04:57 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
My story:
2010/2011 I was on that same road. I needed a guitar with a longer scale than most factory models offer. (I have a 1950 archtop with a neck big enough to beat somebody to death -- it is wide enough to offer ample room to accomodate seven strings and a 650 mm scale.)
I went to several stores and tried a lot of different guitars, expensive to cheap, new and used, some vintage. I always compared it with my old box. Some had more bass but less sustain. Others had a flat tone, others didn't feel right... in short: No guitar did the trick.
I made up my mind what I want and started to save. I also planned to buy a guitar for practice and a little playing until I have the money for what I really want.
At that time a store offered six 17'' archtops (laminated wood) with a 650 mm scale on ebay in three different models. No brand that I know, good reputation on ebay, not so good reputation in some of the forums. But the guitar looked good, and the given specs met my standards. And they even put the stings on that I wanted.
My limit was 250 Euros for that auction and I won the second one I entered. Now I have a surprisingly good sounding guitar -- much better than those that I tested.
So my advice is simple:
Play many guitars to find out what you want -- and to find out what you can expect for the price you're willing to spend.
Narrow it down to a specific style (flat top, arch top, 335 style, body size...). try some more guitars of your target style.
Look on ebay: A used guitar that is 30 years old and has a straight neck will maintain a straight neck -- you cannot be so sure with a new guitar. And maybe there is one for sale in your neighborhood.
Good Luck.
Guido
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
A try on your questions:
- should the ‘slimline’ models like the acoustic strat be considered or do they sound as thin as they look?
- jumbo shape? dreadnought shape?
It depends. You say you will play this mostly amplified. The sound is a combination of strings, pick, electronics, tpye of wood or plastic (Ovation), size of guitar. But you can colour the sound to your liking with additional electronics so it really doesn't matter. The major source of sound is the guitarist.
- what are the brands to look for in the gtr itself and in the electronics?
You don't need to look for brands but maybe you might need to avoid some brands -- at least for some models and years they produced them. If you would like to have some information on a certain brand or model use Google and search for musicians forums. Read several of them.
- what should I look out for in inspecting particular models in shops?
Do all strings sound on all frets or do they buzz? Maybe the neck is not straight or the frets are poorly adjusted.
Do you have influence on the action: Can you raise or lower the strings to your liking? For playing rhythm a higher action is preferred for playing lead, especially fast lead guitar, a lower action is preferred. Freddie Green playing rhythm guitar almost exlusively did have a distance of about 10 millimeters at the twelfth fret. Most guitars are sold with a distance of 2 to 4 millimeters at the twelfth fret.
Is the sound clear or dull? Does that change when you use the electronics?
When you testdrive it, play accoustically towards a mirrorlike surface so you hear the reflected sound. It is different than the sound you hear from behind the guitar.
How much slack is in the tuning pegs? The less the better.
Is there a zero fret at the nut or does the nut fix the strings to ring when played on empty strings? While a zero fret is not mandatory and not necessary in the first place it makes it easier to change stringsets that differ in gauge. The groove of the nut for each string must be wide enough for the string for easy tuning and narrow enough for good sound and the bottom edge of the stings must be at the same height. If you change to thinner or thicker strings you should also change the nut to match the new strings. A zero fret makes this somewhat easier: The grooves just fix the string on its position without any other task.
- is it true that round back gtrs (Ovation) can only be played by someone standing up?
No.
- does it really matter if the gtr is solid top or not?
Yes, if you have a particular vision of the sound the guitar should have.
Yes, if you want a certain response of your guitar.
No, for the average player.
- is it insane to buy a gtr direct (via internet) i.e. without inspecting/hearing the product before purchase?
See "my story" in my previous post. You might get disappointed or you might be positively surprised. If I have the choice I prefer to listen to the particular instrument not just to a look-alike. (They usually aren't sound-alikes or feel-alikes.)
If you have somebody you trust take this person with you as a type of emotion impediment. It might save you a lot of money and disappoiontment.
The above answers might not be complete but may serve as triggers.
Good luck.
Guido
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Many thanks for these contributions.
Mac, I should have added “all other things being equal” i.e. of course I will be considering the critical playability criteria you mention, but given the choice between a black finish and another finish - all other things being equal -, my preference would be for black. Sorry that this was not made clear.
Those Rondo models are certainly competitively priced, but I’m not sure they are available to try over here (in France).
Thanks Roger/Larry – for confirming the try-before-you-buy principle. Makes sense. To me anyway.
Thanks Guido. Not sure I’d be happy buying a second hand model. I’d always be concerned that there is some hidden fault that has temporarily been patched up.
scary Scott? There would be more chance of my taking an electric drill to my own head than to my Yammy. I’m just not a d-i-y kind of guy (not for things I care about, anyway!) But thanks for the suggestion and links.
Will put in some leg work, but am intrigued about those Rondos.
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,334
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,334 |
I am not a guitarrist, but would like to remember that Godin guitars have very good fame in Brazil. Famous artists (acoustic guitar players) in Brazil uses those guitars. Don't know the prices. Supose they are not very cheap. France Godin-direct France / IMS 24, rue du Barrage F-27940 PORT-MORT Tél: +33(0)2 32 53 14 45 e-mail: jboissel@ims-distribution.com
Last edited by Luiz Dias; 01/12/12 06:02 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I use a L.R. Baggs iBeam and it works great ! Put it in myself not too hard !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 409
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 409 |
Quote:
......Jim – would I be better off getting a higher grade guitar, or a lower grade guitar + high quality pre-amp to compensate?......Marc
I recommend getting a lower priced guitar and a good preamp. Even the high end guitars benefit from a good pre. I don't recommend an acoustic amp, because they cost too much for what you get imo. Get a good preamp and a full range powered speaker and you'll have a much better system imo.
But first, find a guitar that you like the neck and sound. Plug it into a full range system and see what you have. For chording/rhythm type playing, it might be all you need.
If you want more, the Fishman stuff is good for getting very close to 'microphone recorded' type sounds. The zoom unit isn't quite as good in the modeling department, but it's just as good for tone controls and effects (imo).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7bieh52dhA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUTnXqkwg3o
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/w...GB&ZYXSEM=0Just got this and I am very happy with the decision. I already have my Larrivee Dread, but wanted something inexpensive with built in electronics. Smaller body, slightly thinner. Sounds a bit thin acoustically, but sounds really good plugged in, especially with a chorus and delay. Nice workmanship, lifetime warranty. $250.00 Worth a look
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Quote:
I think this has been out awhile, but I just ran across it. I'm a fan of the Gibson model it's based on, and I like the NanoFlex pickup.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/e...1000?src=3XBACR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApmZ4U-4CUI&feature=related
NOt sure that the demo in the link does the guitar any favours, but thanks.
Funnily enough, this model is in my short list of 3 (Rob can vouch for this!), but what is putting me off is the electronics. I don't fully understand which pickup is routed to which output, whether mono or stereo leads are required, whether one or both outputs should be used. The Epiphone literature on the subject is far from clear*. So I don't really want to buy a guitar and then spend ages figuring out how to get the optimum sound from it.
Have written to Gibson and am awaiting their reply.
FOr the record, the other two are the TANGLEWOOD 170 ASCE (clearly a solidly built 'proper' guitar) and the Yamaha cpx500ii (a slimline but which is reputed to amplify pretty well and is exactly half the price of the TW).
will keep you posted
Marc
* Let me give you an example
The NanoFlex™ and NanoMag™ units then work with the rim-mounted, Epiphone eSonic2™ preamp system, also an exclusive design from Shadow Electronics® of Germany, which then outputs in a mono blend or from stereo ¼" jacks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 409
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 409 |
From the Epi site:
...With your choice of either 1/4" mono output blending both pickups or 1/4" stereo output splitting the two pickups, you have incredible flexibility and opportunities to create the perfect acoustic tone live!......
I see what you mean. It appears it doesn't have a blender control on the pre-amp so that when you're using the mono jack you're always going to have a blend of both pickups. That might be it's best sound though and therefore not a problem.
The nice thing about the stereo output is you can run the bridge to a full range system, the neck to a regular guitar amp, and get a wide range of sounds at your disposal. I had that on my Parker Event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5 |
I accept three acoustics, a 1975 Takamine, non electronic, abundant for strumming about at the bank or at a friends. A Ovation 12 cord annular back. Beautiful guitar, sounds bad unplugged, but actual nice acquainted in, i abhorrence arena it as it is not adequate to authority while seated. Lastly a Carvin Cobalt, elec/acoustic, cool nice aural and actual nice playing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 996 |
Just to round this one off.
I finished up waiting (and waiting and waiting..) and finally buying the Epiphone ej200 ce (black) on the grounds that this was the guitar I actually wanted.
There was some sort of major production review at Epiphone which explained the long delay in availabllity (but perhaps not the scarcity of reliable information delivered by Gibson).
I did buy the guitar from an online retailer - the biggest hitter in Europe, based in Germany (European forum members will know the organisation I am talking about) and the experience was about a trillion times more enjoyable than getting sneered at in high street guitar shops. My order arrived quickly (it was sent within an hour of my confirming payment!) and was extremely well packaged and trackable at every stage. I was even given the contact details of the staff member who dealt with my order.
Oh, and the guitar was a full 100 EUR cheaper than in the off line stores.
but that's quite enough advertising.
So far (and I only received the instrument last week) I am entirely satisfied. It appears, to my untrained eye at least, to be in perfect condition and sounds excellent when amplified. Even non-amplified I find the tone better than most reviews had indicated.
Thanks to all of those who offered advice and experience below.
Marc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Congrats on the new guitar, appears to be a good choice, especially if you are happy with it. I'm still loving my little Washburn, and after a small solo gig with the guitar amplified, I received a lot of compliments on the sound. Best of luck with your new baby.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Marc,
it sounds as though you are enjoying the benefits of making a well-considered decision. I applaud your approach and I am truly pleased that you are happy with the way everything worked out. I love success stories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Marc,
That looks like a pretty interesting pickup system - not that unlike the Taylor Expression system (minus the microphone). Shadow are a respected pickup maker.
If you paid similar prices to what they sell for here in the US, then it's a fair priced guitar. You wouldn't have been able to do much better for advertised features vs. price. The J body style should give you lots of low end, even though it's a laminate guitar.
The pickup system alone would run $200 due to the dual pickup design and the interesting way in which the bridge pickup has a pre-amp right at the bridge. I haven't seen that before.
I will be very interested to hear how it sounds. I will say that I love the Shadow P7 pickup system in my classical guitar.
And with that unique 2 pickup system, this is really not something you could have installed yourself. Most of my thoughts of the combined terminology of 'acoustic-electric' are that no such thing exists. I would say that most products sold that way are simply acoustic guitars with cheap pickup systems thrown in.
However, multiple-pickup systems like what you have in this guitar, and with what Taylor sells in their 'expression' system, are exceptions to this, in my opinion. You should have lots of tonal variety to what comes out of the pickup. It would be really interesting to hear what it sounds like with one pickup going to left channel and the other going to the right channel.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,662
Posts735,548
Members38,532
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean