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Dear all,
I play usually piano and keyboard. Lately I've bought an e-bass and I've having fun playing with it, muting the bass track in BiaB/Realband - and that makes really fun :-)
Now I want add an e-guitar to my instrument arsenal, and as a e-guitar beginner, I need some wise suggestions on the model.
I do usually play pop and soul music, no heavy metal.
I need a warm sound, and often I'll use the Wah-Wah effect to obtain that particular rythmic sound usually in the 80's and 90's songs. I guess that all depends on the effect used (FYI I have already a Stomplab IIG ), and not on the guitar.
Since there are different models out there, like Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, and so on, which one, in your opinion, shoult I get to obtain that sound ?
The model I'm looking for should be easy to play and have a warm sound, and should last a long time. The budget is between 300-400 Euros. Personally I find the shape of a PRS nicer in respect of a Stratocaster.
One thing more, if you are aware of some good and free on-line/youtube e-guitar tutorial, please let me know. I need to play, I hate too mach theory :-)
Thanks in advance,
Sergio.
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I have had great success buying Rondo guitars: http://www.rondomusic.com/I have a couple of them and they are great sounding and should last a long time. One of my students has an LP copy and it sounds great. If you are looking for a real warm sound look for a hollow or semi-hollow body guitar. If you like a warm jazz sound look for them then put flat would strings on it. I should add that I have been playing guitar for 55 years and I have had a lot of experience with guitars so if you need any more help just give a yell.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Mario - I have never had any experience with Rondo guitars and no nothing about them. Do you know if the lower price guitars on their site are decent quality? I am used to playing the cheaper Fender Strats and Telecasters. I know there is a big drop in quality from the top dollar Fenders and the guitars I have owned and then another big drop when you go down to the Squire versions of the same guitars. I was looking at the site and am really impressed with the variety and prices I have seen. I would just like to have a little more knowledge on the quality side before dropping money when I get the chance.
Sergio - I would only say that my personal experience has been that you usually pay for quality up to a certain point. I have played $300 guitars that played and sounded every bit as good as $3,000 guitars. I personally have never owned a guitar that cost more than $600, but I have played many that cost much more. I would also recommend that you try out any guitar before buying it. Some guitars just fit different hand and finger sizes better and some just feel more comfortable strapped on. It doesn't matter much what brand or style you buy if you don't feel comfortable trying to play it. Just my personal opinion and I am far from a guitar hero.
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I have purchased 2 different guitars from Rondo Music - I was one of the first to brag about them here on the forums 8 or 9 years ago. They are great value. Details: 1. SX 62 Custom P-J bass - paid about $140 total with tax and shipping and in a medium quality padded gig bag. This had better finishing and shielding than my Made-in-Mexico Fender fat-strat. Over time, the P pickup died or perhaps it was the volume pot - the pickups and pot were pretty cheap, with quite a bit of microphonics. However, it is a solid bass guitar with decent tuners and actually quite pretty figured maple neck. I have recently paid a local shop to put a used Seymour Duncan Bassline pickup in it and that has made a huge difference. 2. I bought a solid cedar topped classical from their Valencia brand which has a Shadow P-7 pickup system installed. That was a little over $150 shipped to my house (no case for this one). It's quite enjoyable to play, and has a very usable tone through the pickup system. The SX and Agile line of instruments from Rondo have a great reputation as inexpensive instruments with quality that is usually better than the Squier brand from Fender. After I started buying products from Rondo, I had a tour of one of the top post-production facilities in the Detroit area, Gold Sound http://www.goldsound.com/ and I wasn't surprised to see a few Agile guitars in the different tracking rooms. To slightly change brands, there's a great value in the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue - I bought one about a year and a half ago. It has versatility of a hard-tail stratocaster, (same scale length) but with better sustain due to several factors, with the added benefit of two different flavors of humbuckers - a mini in the neck and a slanted HB in the tail. Pulling up on the tone knob taps the humbuckers and with the 5 position switch, you have everything that a strat provides, (without the whammy bar but also without the hassle of the whammy bar), and pushing it in allows access to the creamy HB tone in the neck position, and the tail works great for leads. They are very reasonably priced in the US. I don't know what part of Europe you live in, but I found one at Dolphin: http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/guitars/electric-guitars/98597-epiphone-nighthawk-custom-in-transparent-purple-quilt#sterling_uk for 299 pounds. Mine is the Honeyburst color. Can't help you with online lessons. Happy shopping.
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Thanks Rockstar for the information. I will be sure to give Rondo a try for my next guitar purchase. I enjoy playing quality instruments, but at my skill level it really doesn't make that much difference what I play on as long as it isn't total garbage. If I were supremely talented, I might be able to justify spending large amounts of money on instruments. Alas, I am a fan of Pawn shop and yard sale buys for many of my instruments and equipment. I will add this warning: always try used electronic equipment before buying. I got hung with a Korg keyboard that had been through a flood and was toasted and on another shopping spree I got a Marshal Amp that the electronics had been completely removed.
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Rockstar_not got me interested into Rondo guitars. I'm very glad that he did. I was, like you, very concerned about the low costs but now I have no reservations in buying them. I have a Valencia classical http://www.rondomusic.com/classkit1na.htmlA 6 string banjo http://www.rondomusic.com/bj16.htmlAnd a Tele http://www.rondomusic.com/furrianmnashnat.htmlAll are top notch. In fact a friend of mine came over with his expensive Fender Tele and stated that he just blew $3,000 USD. He thought that mine sounded just as good as his and mine cost a whole lot less! A student of mine bought a Les Paul http://www.rondomusic.com/furrianmnashnat.htmlIt sounds fantastic. Thus far I have no reservations suggesting Rondo guitars.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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I'm not sure if Rondo will ship to Europe. Send an e-mail to kurt@rondomusic.com and ask. Shipping costs might make it prohibitive. If I recall correctly, he buys the SX brand from a company called Team International in China. Yes - here's the SX brand website. You should be able to contact them to find out who sells their products in your country. http://www.teamintlco.com/SX/Again, I've found the SX and Valencia products to be quite good quality as it pertains to frets and so forth. The electronics on the SX bass weren't really that great - but that's not what I was expecting. Build quality is better than low-end Fender/Squier. I know some folks that have also purchased the Douglas brand from them. Make sure to check to see if you can get an Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue - This is right in your price range and has much higher quality components than the SX line. It's a very versatile electric guitar. Happy Shopping!
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Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm located in Germany, and I don't know if Rondo sells here too, I'll ask. Anyway, here there is some good guitar center, one of them is www.thomann.de, where I've found this e-guitar: http://www.thomann.de/de/epiphone_lp_std_eb_incl_gigbag.htmDo you know the model ? What is Epiphone ? Is that a sub-trademark of Gibson ? Any experience with that brand ? Sergio.
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@MarioD, may I abuse of your more than 55 years of e-guitar experience ? Since I'm looking for a warm sound that a semi-hollow ( with flat would strings as you suggest ) seems to deliver, the question is if with that e-guitar a 'rocking' strumming with a wah-wah would still sound convincing, as well as a solo like C. Santana in "Samba pa ti" , and also if some rocking distorted sound (but not heavy metal) would possible with it. BTW, I have found these models: Fender Squier stratocaster: http://www.thomann.de/de/fender_squier_classic_vibe_strat_60s.htmand an Epiphone semi-hollow: http://www.thomann.de/de/epiphone_the_dot_nt_ch.htmAny comments ? Regards, Sergio.
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Sergio,
With the Vox Modeling pedal you already have, you should be able to get any tone you want, regardless of the guitar. I have a lot of guitars, because none of them do everything well. In your situation, it seems like you're looking for a Swiss Army knife guitar. In that case, I would look at a Strat-style guitar rather than a jazz box or an LP. Much more versatile.
Contrary to popular opinion, I wouldn't discount the Classic Vibe Squires, they are very good guitars.
Regards,
Bob
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You asked for a guitar that's good looking, has a warm sound, and good action so it's easy to play.
GIBSON or EPIPHONE. Gibson of course will cost more but the Epiphone knockoff's look almost the same and sound very similar. They are certainly warmer sounding than any of the Fender/Squire line.
The Gibson/Epi guitars have the humbucker pickups and they will naturally give you a nice fat, warm tone whether played clean or cranked into distortion. The popular ES-335 semi-hollow series are superb jazz guitars, nice and clean while the solid body guitars, the Les Paul and SG among others, sound good both clean and cranked.
I'm partial to the SG since I have owned one and played it for many decades. Just an all around excellent guitar and one that doesn't kill your shoulder in those 4 hour club gigs. Les Pauls, while sounding really nice, tend to get heavy towards the end of the night. A buddy had a LP Goldtop and used all sorts of wide, padded, straps to alleviate the pain, and he was a "big boy" but that LP worked on his shoulder as the night wore on.
Of course, there are now a number of other manufacturers who are making guitars that are also suitable and fit the needs you asked for.
My advice on buying a first guitar is this: If you are able to afford buying a nice professional level guitar, such as a genuine Gibson (or equivalent), by all means, do so. It will cost more initially, HOWEVER, it will hold it's value and if you decide in a year or so that guitar is not your thing, you can more easily get your investment back out of it. Cheaper guitars lose value very quickly. IN addition to the guitar keeping it's value, a professional guitar will be so much easier to play. Low, fast action, nice sound from the pickups, and will just feel better overall.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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"The budget is between 300-400 Euros." Yeah, go pick up a 335 for 400 Euros.  Here's a nice one. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ESDT14VSNH
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And a good looking one too!!!! Don't let the semi-hollow body jazz aspect fool you..... Ted Nugent used semi-hollow body guitars for many of his earlier recordings. They will get gritty when cranked....and feedback is easier with the semi-hollow body.... (if you're into that feedback thing) I saw him in concert and he was playing a nice semi-hollow guitar for the entire show.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Sergio, you are asking a lot out of one guitar but I agree with Bob, a Strat is the most versatile guitar and probably the one I would pick if I were in your situation. I do have a Strat copy much like the Squier you mentioned that is strung with flat wounds. I does give a warm sound in the bridge pickup position; note it is not as warm as my jazz box but I would have no problems using it on a jazz gig. I can get a Santana sound out of it in the bridge and bridge/middle pickup positions when using the right combinations of effects. It can also be used in country, rock and rock-a-billy as I have used it to demonstrate different styles to my students.
I see that you have a Vox modeling pedal so you should be able to coax almost any sound you want out of a Strat.
One word of caution, if you put flat wounds on any guitar be aware of the fact that flat wounds are harder to bend than thin strings. If you are planning on doing a lot of string bending over a half step you better practice a lot and build up your finger strength. If the guitar comes with light/thin strings put extra light gauge (.010-.048) flat wounds on it. If you put heavier gauge flat wounds on you will probably have to adjust the neck and as a beginner I strongly suggest that you do not try to adjust the neck, have a guitar tech do it.
A Gibson Memphis guitar has been suggested but it is way out of your price range; don't get me wrong I would love one but I can't afford it. My advice to anyone just starting guitar is to get a decent guitar that is in your price range. Something like a Squier, Epiphone, Rondo or Jay Turser comes to mind. This price range and brands offer the best price to performance/playability IMO; note there are probably others that I am not familiar with. I have seen parents buy very expensive guitars and amps for their kids only to have them quit after a few lessons. I have also seen some kids and adults unintentionally abuse expensive guitars.
Just my thoughts - MarioD
Ps - let me add one thing. As you improve in your playing you will discover that it isn't the guitar that sounds good, it is the player. A good player can coax just about any sound out of any guitar.
[edit] I should add that Rockstar_not's Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Reissue is an other option. Although I have no personal knowledge of this guitar he knows what he is talking about so if he says it's a good versatile guitar then it is a good versatile guitar.
Last edited by MarioD; 11/03/14 01:36 PM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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And a good looking one too!!!! Don't let the semi-hollow body jazz aspect fool you..... Ted Nugent used semi-hollow body guitars for many of his earlier recordings. They will get gritty when cranked....and feedback is easier with the semi-hollow body.... (if you're into that feedback thing) I saw him in concert and he was playing a nice semi-hollow guitar for the entire show. It was a joke man. Miss the " " ? Probably should've added more.
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It was a joke man. Miss the " " ? Probably should've added more. I sure missed it!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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The versatility of the Epiphone Nighthawk Custom Re-issue is what I love about it.
I can get it to sound like a strat with it's 5 position switch, humbuckers 'singled', in positions 2 and 4 for those classic SRV tones, then go full humbucker in the neck for a round tone, has a hot middle SC sound, etc. I REALLY love this guitar. I sold my Made-in-Mexico Fat Strat because this guitar is a better 'Strat' than my Fat Strat was with significantly better build quality, benefit of a tilt-back headstock and set neck for great sustain and no wolf-tones of the strings between nut and tuner, etc. For that matter it has Grover tuners on it. I don't think it's very popular because it's not one of the classic Gibson shapes like a Les Paul, SG, Explorer, Flying V, etc. It also has a Fender hard-tail style bridge. I don't really like Tune-o-matic style bridges like on nearly every other Gibson and Epiphone solid-body electric.
The only reason I would advise against buying it is that it will be hard to re-sell, because it's not a popular Gibson/Epi body-style, but I have no plans to ever sell this guitar.
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Scott, I really wish you would stop talking about that bloody Nighthawk of yours!  I can't afford another guitar, and it's very unfair of you to keep fanning the flames of my Nighthawk jones. I THOUGHT YOU WERE A GOOD PERSON, BUT NOW I KNOW BETTER!!!!
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It was a joke man. Miss the " " ? Probably should've added more. I don't use those things much, for obvious reasons....... perhaps if my daughter had been interpreting for me.....
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/04/14 05:11 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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A lot of opinions on this one. Here's one more. Since you describe yourself as a beginner on the guitar definitely consider actually demoing the one or few you think might be worth buying. You can change the sound of an electric guitar through various methods (string type/gauge, tonal controls, pick up selection and amp controls) What you can't change is how the guitar feels to you. A guitar tech can adjust the action of the neck to a degree but if it doesn't feel comfortable no amount of set up will make it feel better.
It will be easier to develop skills and finger strength if the guitar naturally feels good. You will be apt to practice for longer periods of time without getting fatigued. I have seen so many people give up after only a few weeks or even months because the guitar they are playing on is just too hard to play for them. It sucks the fun and enjoyment right of learning and playing.
Every hand is different and certain necks and actions play better with different hand types. Once your finger strength and skill level increase it will be easier to pick up and play a guitar that may have a stiffer action. I have several guitars and play them all but only 2 get consistently played because they just feel good to me. My son who also plays hates them.
Bottom line is that while its nice just to pick up the one you think sounds the best for what you want as a beginner make sure you love the way it feels and plays for you.
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With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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