Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: Ian Price on January 02, 2009, 10:42:57 AM
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Following on from the 'worst buy ever' thread I thought I would start a 'best buy ever' one. My best buy ever, and this may surprise some people, is a Dunlop Jazz 3 plectrum.
It was very cheap and has improved my picking technique and general playing - other plectrums feel big and clumsy now!
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Mine was a VOVOX Guitar Cable
Expensive, but has improved my tone a lot, and I wouldn't wanna miss it ever.
2nd best buy: Axe FX, what else.
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Has to be my Gretsch Power Jet.
By far the best guitar I ever bought. Excellent quality, playabillity, an absolute tone monster and best of all it needs no modifications.
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Cleartone cable?
I am awaiting some Brit picks as hopefully a step up from Jazz III XL's. They feel nice, but they don't sound all that good IMO.
Got it, 6 x Celestion Sidewinders :D
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Gotta be my Classic Vibe Telecaster. I LOVE this guitar, the sleek neck, how you can go from dirty to clean with just the flick of the selector switch and i love the inbetween sound.
It looks pretty sweet too.
The only possible gripe i have with it is klusion tuners are difficult to work with when changing strings.
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1971 Orange GRO100.
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2004 ESP Viper camo, cost me £400, absolute STEAL.
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Tough call for me this one. I'm thinking it's probably my latest purchase though, as at £899 it was a steal:
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/004.jpg)
Failing that, it would be my first Martamp - my M45. This little cracker got me into KT-66s and set me on the road to my current tone:
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/Martamp1.jpg)
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Tough call for me this one. I'm thinking it's probably my latest purchase though, as at £899 it was a steal:
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/004.jpg)
Failing that, it would be my first Martamp - my M45. This little cracker got me into KT-66s and set me on the road to my current tone:
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/Martamp1.jpg)
Do you still have the M-45? I know you still have the PRS (I think!)
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I think my best guitar-related purchase was this:
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/9d23_1.jpg)
My very first issue of Guitar Player magazine.
Without it, and everything that came afterwards, I very much doubt I'd still be as fascinated with the world of the guitar after all these years.
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Diezel Herbert for me :lol:
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My Epi SG, 12 years old and I still love it ... especially as it has Warpigs in it, but nevertheless has always been a joy to play, and has kept me playing away since I bought it.
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I would probably say
my MM
And im not just saying that because of where im posting. It completely changed the way i look at how a guitar SHOULD sound and gave me so much more tonal flexibility
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My Gibson Explorer. The Black Beast of Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh. It just love it (even though I constantly drop it, bang it off walls, jumped on a drum kit with it at my last gig, the selector switch is knackered, I think the neck needs sorting out. I think the only thing holding it together is the big Jager sticker on the back).
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Cleartone cable?
I am awaiting some Brit picks as hopefully a step up from Jazz III XL's. They feel nice, but they don't sound all that good IMO.
Got it, 6 x Celestion Sidewinders :D
have you tried big stubby picks? I use the 3mm version it's like a Jazz III XL but with a slight curve on the flat edge due to the width of them, to me they come off the string a bit smoother
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Do you still have the M-45? I know you still have the PRS (I think!)
Yep, I still have the M45. That's going nowhere :D
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Just one? Impossible!!
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My koch :D
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...a Dunlop Jazz 3 plectrum.
It was very cheap and has improved my picking technique and general playing - other plectrums feel big and clumsy now!
I agree 100% on that one!
Mine is my Jackson SLSMG in my avatar that I got when it was less than a year old for 500USD. My second best purchase is the set of Warpigs that are in it! Now it sounds as good as it plays. 8)
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Probably my Laney GH50L. Its not like it changed my life or anything but have at it for just over 2 years now and still like how it sounds :) I have moments when I think "hmm this is too fizzy" or whatever but I usually get over that by cranking it a bit :P
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My old Strat-purchased in 1977 for £150.00.
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Cleartone cable?
+1
it's probably a bit boring, but it's the cheapest thing I've bought which has made the biggest difference...
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my sansamp GT2, used in countless gigs. after about 8 years of very heavy use its starting to be a bit unreliable, so i've replaced with another sansamp.
no regrets, the GT2 paid for itself many times over
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I think my best guitar-related purchase was this:
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/9d23_1.jpg)
My very first issue of Guitar Player magazine.
Without it, and everything that came afterwards, I very much doubt I'd still be as fascinated with the world of the guitar after all these years.
Wow. Does it say 1981 and UK price = 90p ?
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Yeah, November 1981.
(of course I've got every issue since.... :oops: )
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My Blackmachine B2. No other possession of mine gives me the same amount of enjoyment and satisfaction.
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In keeping with my post on the "worst buy" thread...
My #1 best buy ever is... my second wife! :lol:
On a musical front, I can't decide - they're all really good and it depends what mood I'm in - but it might have to be my old Laney Pro-Tube 50W m/v combo. It wasn't quite what we were expecting when we ordered it in 1982 (1x12, not 2x12), but it did hundreds of gigs. I bought several other amps over the years but always came back to this one.
I haven't used it for years now, but if I ever had to play live again, I'd want to get it overhauled and drag it out again (I'd need someone to carry it though :lol:)
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I guess my best purchase is my Orange GRO100.
I have a love/hate relationship with it, but it was made in the same year I was born, and it's going nowhere...
Mark.
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My 5150, because it was only 660€ (at that time less than 500 pounds). And it's a first edition one.
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Hmm, not too difficult, that...
WezV Vociferator!
:)
Roo
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either my Martamp v6-20, Guild bluesbird...or my Gib Sg(has been a pig, but now the best)
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For me, it has to be my Yamaha Pacifica 812w. It's nearly 10 years old, completely stock and still plays and sounds great (although is heading toward needing a refret, if I'm honest). Even owning PRSs and US Fenders, I still go back to it when I need an all-around workhorse, and it never, ever lets me down. It also has sentimental value (18th birthday present from my folks), and would be one of 2 guitars I'd grab in the event of fire.
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My koch :D
Ho ho ho.. That was a good one Johnny.
Mine is probably my Indie. Not a greatly known brand name but the guitar has stuck out with me for a few years now and it's slowly getting it's bump and dings which makes love it even more.
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Sound City L120 (£200)
Hayden 4X12" Cabinet (£120 but RRP was nearer £300)
This combination is absolutely gorgeous and I believe the cabinet had Vintage 30s in it, though if it doesn't it has a lovely set of speakers in it.
The EQ on the L120 is madly powerful; its the first I have ever used where it is possible to shut off all the output from the amp as opposed to hearing a really weak sound coming through at a slightly reduced volume.
Cracking my HT-DUAL in front makes for an awesome rock and metal tone.
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Best buy is probably my Strat. I've had it for like over 8 years now and have never thought of selling it and I still play it. Though I really want some better pickups for it, the ones in there now just aren't what I want.
My Carvin was an amazing buy too, I play it constantly, love it.
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My koch :D
:lol: :lol: :lol:
If ever there was a post that could have been predicted in advance... :)
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My koch :D
:lol: :lol: :lol:
If ever there was a post that could have been predicted in advance... :)
You know me too well! :lol:
Plus my new Feline Lion too 8)
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My new Allparts/BKP/Callaham Tele, it's miles better that the Fender USA Tele's I tried or my American Standard Strat.
I've not played it today but It's still ringing from yesterday :D
"Ahhhhhh! You could go and have a bite and, ahhhhh, you still be hearing that one."
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I've had a few that come to mind...
* '76 Marshall 2x12 50w combo (like the one Weller uses), £150
* '67 Marshall SLP, £1000
* Orange reverb head unit, £40
* original Dallas Rangemaster, £250
* Nirvana Bleach on red vinyl (Aussie import with red/silver cover), £10 (later sold for £350)
* White/Matamp 100w full stack (2x matching 4x12 cabs), £250
* Fender Dual Showman 2x15 cab, £150 - fantastic but WAY too big
there have also been numerous Selmer T&B heads, Sound City heads and Simms Watts heads that were bought for under £50.00 and an AC30 cab (minus the amp) for £90.00 that had the original '63 alnico blues.
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You freaking lucky guy! :evil:
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probs the Mackie Spike I first recorded on. Hearing yourself play on the play-back really makes you aware of what you're actually doing!
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My koch :D
:lol: :lol: :lol:
If ever there was a post that could have been predicted in advance... :)
It's not a real thread if Johnny doesnt mention his Koch at some point :lol:
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Best buy for the money was the second NDM1 I got for £125 brand new. Lurking in the back of a shop, they eventually stuck it on ebay and no bugger bid on it. I was quite proud of that until I was trumped by a mate not long after who got a mint Vista Series Squire Jagmaster for a little over £80. I'm pretty sure the seller didn't realise what he had and that Vistas go for knocking on £300 in that sort of condition!
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Greco 1984 Les Paul Custom - bought for £180 (great guitar too!), sold for £350 simply because I didn't need two LPs and i did need money for food.
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A Chris Rock DVD.
Though if we are going for guitar related stuff then probably my Mesa Rect-O-Verb (£550) or ESP LTD EC-1000 w/hardcase (£380)
I do love my bargains.
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My koch :D
:lol: :lol: :lol:
If ever there was a post that could have been predicted in advance... :)
It's not a real thread if Johnny doesnt mention his Koch at some point :lol:
Yeah.. he's always ramming his Koch down out throats... :? :lol:
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Well Ian,
As with many others, the 'best buy' is hard to pin down to just 1 item. :)
I suppose a list of faves ( in order of bargin / addiction ) would read like this :
Tanglewood TH502 (335 copy ).
Cost me about £170 slightly marked - and set up as low as my Gibsons. Addictive to play !
Mississipi Queens .
( which brought out the best in the above guitar ).
Fender G-Dec Junior amp.
Bought as a simple 'band in a box' practice aid, but now gets used as my main house amp. Has now been fitted with a Truvox 0818 full range speaker.
Electro-voice EVM-12L (Classic) speakers.
Big , loud , proud - and pure as a mountain stream. mmmm !
Laney 2x12 speaker cab
(which now houses the above speakers ). A solid home for solid speakers.
The 10" Celestion 'Greenback' which breathed new life into my little tweed Peavey Classic 20.
B.K.P 1.2mm plectrums, ( yes honestly )
A vital material in getting 'my' sound. solid and articulate, but warm and fluid sounding.
I also love my other gear, but the above have been my most recent revelations... 8)
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My Sobell
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my prs tremonti se,i only paid £275 brand new,with pro setup,a lot of guitar for little money,
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Legra MDV602
Followed closely by painkillers and my powerball
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Patrick Eggle Berlin Vinatge Classic - Never strung up, no hardward and needed a polish - £120 8)
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And I met someone at New Year who had just found a Martin ukelele, with a hard case in a junk shop for £35. Barsteward.
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I've been thinking about this & I simply can't come up with one answer. It depends largely on what factor makes a purchase particularly "good":
Gives the most pleasure:
Impossible to answer. I have a lot of guitars & on any given day any of them could be my favourite.
Led to the biggest improvement in my playing:
Indirectly, my first Warmoth strat - because it led me to BKPs, which in turn led me to recording clips for the forum, trying harder, learning to play things I didn't know etc etc. In other words, this forum (i.e. something that didn't directly cost anything) got me over a >10 year "plateau" in my playing :)
Led to the biggest improvement in tone:
So many things (not least of all, BKPs) have helped improve my sound. But probably the biggest improvement over what I already had was getting my Mesa Rect-o-verb head & Recto 2x12" cab (Crazy_Joe now owns it, so that head has the distinction of being cited twice in this thread... :))
Convenience:
That's one of the few criteria that is easy to answer: My Lehle 3@1 switcher. Makes guitar changes (& A/B tests) a breeze.
Biggest bargain:
hmmm, not sure. I've scored some nice deals over the years. The biggest saving relative to the "typical" price was probably my Jackson RR1T - got it new for $1400 (at a time when $:£ exchange rate was around 1.9!) :D
Rarest/hardest to replace:
Easy. Jackson Custom shop V. Since Fender bought Jackson, they no longer offer that body shape, so it's irreplacable.
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my giant rubber fist...
on a more musical note, it would have to be my amp, bargain of the millennium for me, suits me down to the ground in every way.
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1970 Marshall Super Lead for £450.
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1970 Marshall Super Lead for £450.
..nice buy
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various pedals and guitars flashed through my head and then i realised, of course! my first good guitar ( after the one with the plywood neck) my original red Gibson MIII. sometimes i fall for other guitars, sometimes it doesn't get touched for months at a time, but eventually i pick it up and it's always like coming home. it's not perfect, but i love it!
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was the MIII the odd shaped one
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sometimes i fall for other guitars, sometimes it doesn't get touched for months at a time, but eventually i pick it up and it's always like coming home. it's not perfect, but i love it!
Good answer! I have a guitar that has a very similar place in my armoury:
Charvel Model 5 (probably a 1987 model) in metallic pink (doesn't look as bad (http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5209.msg149296#msg149296) as it sounds)
It was the first guitar I bought after I came back to it in 1992 (I had given up in 1991 & sold all my stuff, something I deeply regret now :(). Got it second hand from Roka's in Charing Cross road with half my student grant.
Over the years I've changed so much of it that there's very little of the original left ("I have my grandfather's axe; my father replaced the handle & I gave it a new blade"): New trem, new locking nut, Feline refret, new pickups (BKP Painkiller set), got rid of the active mid-boost, straplocks etc.
It's a quirky guitar with a very odd neck shape & a massive thick sound (I think the body wings are poplar), but I always come back to it.
On reflection, I'm going to change the answer in my earlier post to this... :)
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was the MIII the odd shaped one
you mean odder than a V or Explorer? ;)
my baby looks like this, although this isn't mine
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always liked them...prefered to most RG's...almost bought a canabalised one was reshaped and sprayed
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For me, probably dunlop 1.14 plectrums. Not flashy I know but they work for me