Need a new backup guitar on the cheap. Ideas?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bxlxaxkxe
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nigelpkay":2b9nu5ke said:
The Charvel Desolation series that was made in China is now discontinued and being blown out everywhere.
I have one of the DX-1 Soloist ones, it's the best banger I have, really decent quality for the price if you can get it sub-$500. I used to never touch Chinese guitars with a 100-ft pole, but this was very well designed and a lot of fun to play. The Desolation Soloist and Star types use EMGs, the lower cost ones use stock Charvel passives. Even if your not big on actives, it's a backup guitar and EMGs will cover anything.
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Dude those are pretty damn cool guitars.
 
I really like the PRS SE stuff. You can find them for real cheap on Reverb, and every one I've personally played has been nice. Maybe you should give the SE another chance?
 
Of course, I'm starting to do what I always do:

"For just a little more money I could get this. Yea that's what I'll go for"

Next Day:

"But for just a little more than that I could get a really solid #%^#$% model. Yeaaaaa that's what I'll do."

ETC

Now I'm looking at spending 11-1200.

That is some classic ME. I knew this would happen.

This thread is cool though, people have come out of the woodwork and shed light on guitars I never would have looked at it.

Keep it comin.
 
I don't really understand "backup guitar." Been playing live for 40 years now, never needed one. So to me, a backup guitar would only be needed if all the strings broke at once and the neck suddenly fell off simultaneously on the first song of the first set. That being said, a "backup guitar" would have to be something playable that would suffice until the first set is over and the offending issue could be repaired during the break.

I have never ever encountered this situation, but just like two Irishmen walking past a bar, it *could* happen.

So, if I need a "backup guitar" at all, it's going to be a pawnshop or ebay special, very inexpensive but easy to play and something I'm not afraid to throw into the back of the truck worrying about nicks, dings, etc. Maybe a Yamaha Pacifica, or a Peavey Generation EXP, Ibanez GAX series or Epiphone LP...maybe something in the OLP series...you get the idea.
 
thunda":g6uzyubl said:
I don't really understand "backup guitar." Been playing live for 40 years now, never needed one. So to me, a backup guitar would only be needed if all the strings broke at once and the neck suddenly fell off simultaneously on the first song of the first set. That being said, a "backup guitar" would have to be something playable that would suffice until the first set is over and the offending issue could be repaired during the break.

I have never ever encountered this situation, but just like two Irishmen walking past a bar, it *could* happen.

So, if I need a "backup guitar" at all, it's going to be a pawnshop or ebay special, very inexpensive but easy to play and something I'm not afraid to throw into the back of the truck worrying about nicks, dings, etc. Maybe a Yamaha Pacifica, or a Peavey Generation EXP, Ibanez GAX series or Epiphone LP...maybe something in the OLP series...you get the idea.
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I would want to switch guitars after just one string broke. I couldn't imagine making the band/audience wait several minutes while I replaced a string. I can swap out guitars in less than 10 seconds, and the new one is in tune ready to go.
 
I haven't broken a single string live in recent (distally actually) memory. My main axe is a '96 LP Classic, all stock, purchased new all those years ago in Nashville. Occasionally I use a Flying V just because it's light with easy access to the upper frets. Again, no broken strings and I go really light (like 9's). Stretch bends like there is no tomorrow.

Again, if you have no confidence, get a cheap inexpensive gitfiddle as a "backup" if you need the reassurance and make an appointment with your local men's clinic.
 
squank":j01jmyad said:
thunda":j01jmyad said:
I don't really understand "backup guitar." Been playing live for 40 years now, never needed one. So to me, a backup guitar would only be needed if all the strings broke at once and the neck suddenly fell off simultaneously on the first song of the first set. That being said, a "backup guitar" would have to be something playable that would suffice until the first set is over and the offending issue could be repaired during the break.

I have never ever encountered this situation, but just like two Irishmen walking past a bar, it *could* happen.

So, if I need a "backup guitar" at all, it's going to be a pawnshop or ebay special, very inexpensive but easy to play and something I'm not afraid to throw into the back of the truck worrying about nicks, dings, etc. Maybe a Yamaha Pacifica, or a Peavey Generation EXP, Ibanez GAX series or Epiphone LP...maybe something in the OLP series...you get the idea.
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I would want to switch guitars after just one string broke. I couldn't imagine making the band/audience wait several minutes while I replaced a string. I can swap out guitars in less than 10 seconds, and the new one is in tune ready to go.
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This. Especially if you play a Floyd, like I do if you pop a string everything goes out of tune. Rather just grab my 2nd and plug in and continue. That said, I can't remember the last time I broke a string...
 
thunda":3efdu9ux said:
I haven't broken a single string live in recent (distally actually) memory. My main axe is a '96 LP Classic, all stock, purchased new all those years ago in Nashville. Occasionally I use a Flying V just because it's light with easy access to the upper frets. Again, no broken strings and I go really light (like 9's). Stretch bends like there is no tomorrow.

Again, if you have no confidence, get a cheap inexpensive gitfiddle as a "backup" if you need the reassurance and make an appointment with your local men's clinic.
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It ain't about confidence. Strings break. Its just their nature. Some pick harder than others, and if you have a Floyded guitar if one breaks everything typically goes out of tune. You play an LP, if one breaks you don't have to worry. Good for you playing all your gigs with one guitar. You are the only person I've ever heard of doing that, but good for you. I'm sure there are more of you out there. I just haven't seen that myself....ever.
 
Bxlxaxkxe":2m6x42qb said:
So long story short: my girlfriend went apeshit when I broke up with her and broke the neck on my old PRS SE Santana (one of the original ones from forever ago). Now it certainly wasn't the nicest guitar, but it made for a great beater that I didn't worry one bit about as far as dings and leaving it in suspect places. It's not worth repairing to me and I'm using this an excuse to pickup a new backup guitar. Need some ideas.

Criteria:

$500 or under, new or used
Rock and Hard Rock are what I'm into the most.
Needs a humbucker in the bridge at least. Double buckers are what I'm used to and would like to stick with it but open to other ideas)
Needs to be light (7lbs or under would be ideal but it's not the most important thing in the world)
Not into ultra thin or ultra fat necks.
Can almost guarantee I'll replace the pickups..so the comfort of the guitar is more important than the tone out of the box.

Something else from the PRS SE line? G&L Tribute?

....?
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lower line of music man are called sterling wonderful guitars eso if you get a used one.. U could get the most expensive of that line for 500.00 easy used on ebay...
 
squank":2cdf2k96 said:
Stick with the PRS SE line - they are better than ever. You can get them used at GC for a song, and they are still pretty cheap new.
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This. The Chapmans are made in the same factory fwiw.
 
I saw an older model SE Santana in a pawn shop here in SD for $300. Place was closed, I didn't get to go in and look. I could go give it a look over if you're interested?

It's this model, but in blue. https://reverb.com/item/661113-paul-ree ... acco-burst

I'd buy it myself if I could afford it, I really want a new electric guitar. Haven't bought a new electric in 6 years!
 
PRS SE 245

Unbelievable guitar for the price

So much above and beyond the Santana SE that you had
 
Mesa\Kramer":ohg7t2jd said:
PRS SE 245

Unbelievable guitar for the price

So much above and beyond the Santana SE that you had
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Please elaborate :thumbsup: I've been looking at the SE models lately. I want a singlecut, but I'd be happy with about any SE model I've seen/played. I haven't played that many though, so what do I know.
 
Are you wanting a Superstrat type or more of a Vintage Les Paul, PRS type of guitar? Some suggestions being made for more of a heavier style guitar?
 
xzyryabx":bfcqgnsr said:
can't go wrong w/ a used LTD 1000 series eclipse...
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Those ltd's are great for the money.

The older korean made Viper 400 and EC-400, as well as the 1000's are really good guitars for the money. I have a beat up '04 Viper 400 that sounds great and plays so well and i'm not afraid of putting and blemishes on that thing cause it's already had a ton of wear and tear. I also have a newer Viper 1000 with locking tuners, EMG Hetsets... it's a very good quality guitar. Plays so nice! Tone is fat.
 
Im surprised no one mentioned a MIM strat HSS, for the record Im in the market for a sub 500 backup and Im leaning towards an LTD superstrat style guitar, Im even considering the cheesy Lynch model...
 
glip22":1xdhx0w8 said:
Are you wanting a Superstrat type or more of a Vintage Les Paul, PRS type of guitar? Some suggestions being made for more of a heavier style guitar?
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I'm with him. Suggestions to help you out better would be nice.
 
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