Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: mikey5 on November 05, 2008, 07:54:18 PM
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THE GREAT HUNT for my second guitar to be.
I am looking at several different models of guitar here which I will be saving up for, and its always nice to know what your saving for. All Les Paul Style
Dont want to spend over $2000 or so
Heres what I have got so far, and what concerns and things that I think are cool.
1 Fernandes Monterey deluxe-Elite. (Economical Looks cool like the Greco Zemaites, but I am concerned about the quality of the build, anyone with experience with Fernandes please let me know.
2 ZEMAITIS GRECO... This has to be the most bad ass guitar I have seen in my life, and have loved anything I heard from it.(Concerns are I would pay 1500usd for one, and it might be overpriced; however some of these babys sell for 13 grand so they seem to be from good stock. Seems like its got outstanding specs.
3 Edwards Les Paul-( Looks good, dont know a thing about them though. I guess I am curious how they compare to ESP Tokai or Gibson quality?
4 Tokai LC. I have heard these are really good, and I have never played one seems more economically priced, but am curious if its a better option than the others
I guess to end here I think I am not merely buying another guitar here, but looking to get THE guitar for what my money can buy me. I am thinking not something that I am just going to be ok with or a great deal, but something really good anyway any of you with knowledge or experience with these instruments, or advise please let me have it I would really appreciate it
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have you considered the esp ec-1000? ive never played one but heard theyre pretty awesome!
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Yup didnt like it so much
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I have a jap tokai SG.. its a brilliant guitar.. i do however want to replace the nut as its not cut quite right.. well that or get it adjusted.
I would go for the Tokai.
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Do you really need to post two threads about this? Why don't you just post this in your other thread about grecos et al? Sorry to sound like a moan, but it keeps this place tidy if the posts about the same topic stay in the relevant threads.
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I have a jap tokai SG.. its a brilliant guitar.. i do however want to replace the nut as its not cut quite right.. well that or get it adjusted.
Interesting you should mention that, the nut on mine was the same even though it's the expensive SG-155 model. It was easy enough to reshape it myself though.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, Tokais and Edwards are excellent. If you don't mind buying second-hand, you should also consider other Japanese brands like Burny, Greco (the non-Zemaitis models) and Orville by Gibson.
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Do you really need to post two threads about this? Why don't you just post this in your other thread about grecos et al? Sorry to sound like a moan, but it keeps this place tidy if the posts about the same topic stay in the relevant threads.
Sorry man I figured it was different. I have been doing lots of research, and I guess I realized I needed different advice from the forum than I thought
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Anyway, back to the topic at hand, Tokais and Edwards are excellent. If you don't mind buying second-hand, you should also consider other Japanese brands like Burny, Greco (the non-Zemaitis models) and Orville by Gibson.
pretty much, agreed. :) I'd add that there are quite a few different tokai models, you need to know what you're looking for so that you don't end up paying high-end prices for the lowest japanese model.
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Just posted this in the other thread.. ill add it here aswell
Greco (http://www.fareastguitars.co.uk/usedgr3.htm)
I got my Tele from this guy, very very good service..
not a bad price for this Greco
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pretty much, agreed. :) I'd add that there are quite a few different tokai models, you need to know what you're looking for so that you don't end up paying high-end prices for the lowest japanese model.
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The Tokai I have in mind right now is the LC95 the best price I have seen for it is 799 ni shipping 120 yikes
And Phillips thanks so much for your posts one question is If I were to pay say $900 for a Tokai or the same for an Edwards which would you think be the better buy?? Like which is higher end as far as construction goes. They both look supurb. I guess theres nobody out here with Fernandes Monterey or any Fernandes experience is there??
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And Phillips thanks so much for your posts one question is If I were to pay say $900 for a Tokai or the same for an Edwards which would you think be the better buy?? Like which is higher end as far as construction goes.
As long as it's a Japanese Tokai, I don't think there's a great deal of difference, they're both excellent. Based on the ones I've owned, I'd say Tokai capture slightly more of a vintage vibe. Edwards are still built like vintage guitars but they feel very "clean" and "new" somehow. But I'm talking about tiny differences in feel really, the construction's equally good.
Apart from construction quality, in some ways I'd say Edwards are better value - depending on what price you manage to find them for, of course. Only because they come with genuine Seymour Duncan USA pickups and excellent Gotoh hardware (even Sperzels and TonePros on some models). Tokais have Gotoh hardware too, on the more expensive models, but they use own-brand pickups.
Be careful though, as Dave said, there are lots of different models at different price points. Generally with Japanese guitars the model number gives an indication of the price - e.g. an Edwards E-LP-85 has a list price of approximately 85,000 Yen, an E-LP-100 is approximately 100,000 Yen. Tokai do something similar - I had an SG-75 and an SG-155 which was much more expensive. The higher the number, the "better" the guitar.
When Tokai export to the UK or US they seem to use different model names/numbers, and I'm not sure how those work, but I think the "numbers" rule still applies.
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^ yep, agreed, that saved me from having to make a big post, thanks philly! :lol: edwardses (well, the couple i've tried, and certainly based on the specs of the ones i haven't) are kind of like vintage in style, colour etc. but have some quite modern features as well- the edwards strats and teles have 22 frets, 9.5" radius etc.- almost like the fender classic players guitars (i think those are the ones), vintage style and tone but modern playability. i also understand perfectly what you mean by "clean" and "new", it's hard to put that into words if you haven't tried one.
based on the few tokais and edwardses i've tried, i'd personally prefer edwards to the lower-end japanese tokais (and as philly says they're generally better value too), but the higher end tokais are probably nicer than edwardses... depends on which models you find, and of course whether it's a good example of that model or not (though japanese QC generally seems to be pretty sound).
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Score Tokai is off the list down to the last two Edwards-Greco Zemaitis
If its alright with you Philips could you check out a couple of these Edwards that I have found..
Links here http://www.guitarjapan.com/edwards/edwards-gutar1.html
E-LP-92SD
E-LP-112CE
E-LP-92CD
These three are in the same website but in the lacquer series
E-LP-98LTS
E-LP-98LTC
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Well, in terms of construction quality there'll be very little difference between all those guitars. The "Lacquer Taste" models feel a bit more vintage due to the nitro finish, but I believe it's a nitro top coat over a poly base, so soundwise it makes no real difference. Of course the first choice you need to make is whether you want an LP Custom style (with an ebony board) or an LP Standard Style (with rosewood board). I've never tried any of the Custom models so I'm not sure if there's any difference in neck shapes.
The E-LP-112CE, E-LP-92CD and E-LP-98LTC are all Customs. I wouldn't go with the E-LP-112CE unless you really want EMGs, as you'd need to replace all the electronics as well as the pickups. Hunter has a 3-pickup version of one of these models, might be worth searching for some of his posts.
Of the Standards, I think dave_mc and indysmith both have the E-LP-98LTS (though I could be wrong... ? :? ). They could tell you specific details. I had a discontinued "Jeff Beck" model similar to the E-LP-92SD.
Personally I prefer the Standards to the Customs, I like the rosewood boards and vintage-style tuners/hardware. I actually really like the E-LP-92SD/QM with the blue quilt top! :)
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Thanks Philly I admire your wisdom in all matters. I like Winston Churchill as well great man also a painter(artist).
Id replace the Pickups, and electronics with bareknuckles its not an issue
Think Im going with E-LP-92SD the Washed Cherry one
Or a Greco
but thanks to all its helped me direct my research considerably
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:drink:
You're not the first to think that's Winston Churchill... but it's WC Fields! :)
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Oh man sorry
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Not to complicate matters but I just bought an ESP Eclipse and it is one excellent guitar. It has a bit more of a modern feel to it but I can't complain one bit. Maybe a bit more expensive than your other options but I would say that it is a nice step up from the EC-1000's that were mentioned earlier in this thread.(from the ones that I tried out.) :D
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Of the Standards, I think dave_mc and indysmith both have the E-LP-98LTS (though I could be wrong... ? :? ). They could tell you specific details. I had a discontinued "Jeff Beck" model similar to the E-LP-92SD.
yep. :) i think you're right about indy too, but again i could be wrong too :lol:
i think the non-LTS ones might have the non-aged binding? also they don't have the covered pickups... really depends what you want to be honest. there's very little difference in price so it's just a matter of buying the one you like best... i should add that i haven't tried any of the non-laquer taste series ones, though.
there's also the relic model with duncan antiquities, it's a bit more money though. :)
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So Dave-MC dude tell me is it a good guitar or would say an Gibson or ESP be better?? Or is it a taste thing. I love Les Pauls. I like Gibson but I hear they have structural problems. Also they have Price problems or I have a Price problem. Just looking for something as good, and better structure, but less expensive
Once again They would most likely have a AV Mule set in them
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i have AV Mules in a 80s Greco V. theres nothing wrong with the guitar at all - its a totally fine and decent instrument, does everything i ask it to do and it doesn't complain. i like it! the pickups will cover anything, and have a nice bite to them
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So Dave-MC dude tell me is it a good guitar or would say an Gibson or ESP be better?? Or is it a taste thing. I love Les Pauls. I like Gibson but I hear they have structural problems. Also they have Price problems or I have a Price problem. Just looking for something as good, and better structure, but less expensive
Once again They would most likely have a AV Mule set in them
There is no rhyme or reason to it Mikey. They are all great guitars. It is a just a matter of finding the one that suits your needs. I never really feel like one brand is better than the other because the quality can vary so much from one guitar to the other. I have played great Gibson's. I also have a heavily modded Epi LP that plays better than most LP's of any kind that I have tried. In my recent search, it took me a month of trying out as many ESP's in the local area as possible before I found the model that I thought suited me best.
If it is at all possible, I would suggest that you get in the local shops and try out everything you can. Try not to get caught up in the excitement of it and take your time making a decision. :D
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If it is at all possible, I would suggest that you get in the local shops and try out everything you can. Try not to get caught up in the excitement of it and take your time making a decision. :D
Sound advice! :)
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I will take my time unfortunately though it is nearly impossible to find any Edwards or Greco Models State Side
I have played a number esps though. Didnt grab me
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Hey sorry guys hate to keep bumping my boring topic back up but in your opinion (especially Philly Q) do you think this edwards would be better than these tokais?? I am not looking to buy them right now, but I think Dave_MC said that the Higher end Tokais might be better than edwards. Just doublechecking to see what you all think about that. Have 400 usd (if its still a valid currency) set aside so far and will have the rest by mid December
http://cgi.ebay.com/ESP-Edwards-LP-Super-Flamed-DUNCAN-Long-tenon-Tobacco_W0QQitemZ270297910139QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item270297910139&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/TOKAI-LS150-MI-Japan-NEW-mint-long-tenon-Nitro-OHC_W0QQitemZ380080063960QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item380080063960&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/TOKAI-Vintage-Series-Les-Paul-LS100Q-VF-Violin-Finish_W0QQitemZ250324439489QQihZ015QQcategoryZ2384QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
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Hey sorry guys hate to keep bumping my boring topic back up but in your opinion (especially Philly Q) do you think this edwards would be better than these tokais?? I am not looking to buy them right now, but I think Dave_MC said that the Higher end Tokais might be better than edwards. Just doublechecking to see what you all think about that. Have 400 usd (if its still a valid currency) set aside so far and will have the rest by mid December
The Tokai LS150 will be the pick of that bunch. It's the most expensive of the three but you do get more for your money - a nitro/lacquer finish, a solid (not veneered) maple top, US-made electronics, better hardware (including an aluminium tailpiece) and a decent hard case.
The Edwards E-LP-98LTS and Tokai LS100Q will probably be equal to each other in quality, and in terms of playability I don't think they'll be very far behind the LS150. The maple tops look nicer than the plain LS150, but in both cases the flame/quilt is a veneer (although there'll still be a solid maple top underneath). Electronics are cheaper and will probably need replacing, but the hardware is still really good quality. The Edwards has the Duncan pickups which are arguably better than the Tokais - you'll certainly get more if you sell them.
It's a small detail, but I think the logos on the Tokai headstocks look better than the Edwards. And the Tokai truss rod covers can be replaced with Gibson ones, which you can't do on the Edwards because the design's slightly different.
As for the value of the $, at least it's holding up better than the £ right now!! :wink:
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Thanks man
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what about the gibson nighthawk?