Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: MrBump on January 03, 2013, 08:31:13 PM

Title: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 03, 2013, 08:31:13 PM

It's an itch for a new guitar.

I don't buy stuff very often, but I'm starting to feel my 4-yearly urge.

What's good in the LP Junior/Set Neck mahogany type thing these days?  I love the look of the PRS Mira...

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 03, 2013, 09:46:07 PM

Quote from: MrBump on January 03, 2013, 08:31:13 PM

What's good in the LP Junior/Set Neck mahogany type thing these days?  I love the look of the PRS Mira...

An LP Junior?  :wink:

Miras are great, my only problem with them is the 24-fret neck, which feels about a million miles long sticking out of that little Mira body.

Even though it's a cheaper guitar, I prefer the Mira X, which has 22 frets, a fatter neck and a slightly shorter scale.  It's not mahogany though.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: TheyCallMeVolume on January 03, 2013, 09:53:20 PM

I like the Starla better than the Mira myself. Don't overlook the PRS SE One as well, it's an absolutely amazing guitar especially for the small price tag. The older ones were mahogany and there's also Korina.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 03, 2013, 10:15:52 PM

I was forgetting the PRS SEs.  They are really, really good for the price - and fun to upgrade too.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Telerocker on January 04, 2013, 12:22:45 AM

Gibson has double pickup Juniors for 599 euro en of course the LP tribute series.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on January 04, 2013, 12:24:17 AM

Depending on your proposed budget you could go for something tasty

Maybe a Feline Lion Cub (junior)

We will also supply a black pickguard if you prefer a more vintage look:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub2-1_zps7fa5f72c.jpg)

Here she is before she got painted viewed from the back

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub4_zps189f9d0f.jpg)

Still has the easy access neck joint

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub3_zps74acd2df.jpg)

comes already loaded with a BKP Mississippi Queen (Tonepros bridge too)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub1-1_zps8845ad79.jpg)

If you'd like something simple with am arch top - maybe the Lion Special

Here it is before it went to paint (just awaiting it to come back)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Feline%20Lion%20Special/DSC03685.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Feline%20Lion%20Special/lionspecial2_zpseec4d444.jpg)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 04, 2013, 06:32:33 AM

The Lion is as tasty as ever Jonathan, but I probably wouldn't want to spend more than a grand.  But that's the basic idea of what I'm after, although maybe a H-H layout.

LP Junior is obvious of course, PQ - but something is putting me off the idea of a new Gibson.  Maybe all the media noise around their wood supplies etc?  And I just feel that there are probably other manufacturers out there that I'm maybe bot aware of.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Mr. Air on January 04, 2013, 07:09:11 AM

What about a reverend Sensei. You can get it whit either humbuckers or p90s and it has a flot top like a junior. It has a korina body though, but that's fairly sinilar to mahogany as far as i know.

http://reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitars/set_neck_series.html

You could also check out the Hagstrom northern swede series which are more classic LPs than juniors (I think they sell for a grand or a little more).

http://www.hagstromguitars.eu/index.php?option=com_zoo&view=category&Itemid=46

And there's the Godin core series which I don't know the price of.

http://godinguitars.com/godincoreseriesp.htm

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Andrew W on January 04, 2013, 09:26:16 AM

I believe the Duesenberg Starplayer Special (http://www.duesenbergusa.com/guitars/starplayerspecial/index.html) usually comes in under a grand:

(http://cdn1.gbase.com/usercontent/gear/2911743/p1_uk5bzbzm2_so.jpg)

(http://www.duesenbergguitars.co.uk/images/stock/starplayerspecial/specialbluesparkledetailfull.jpg)

I played a similar Duesenberg a couple of years ago and whilst it didn't do it for me, I thought it was a very cool looking, well constructed guitar.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Andrew W on January 04, 2013, 11:23:05 AM

There's also the second hand Hamer Special option which, as I recently discovered, buys you a hell of a lot of guitar for your money.

(http://www.rocknrollvintage.com/prodimages/1982-hamer-l.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/warmitag/My%20Gear/Armitage_92-Hamer-Special.jpg)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: dave_mc on January 04, 2013, 12:29:40 PM

if you can get one cheap the JJs are pretty nice. you can normally pick one up for around the £400 mark, which is a pretty decent deal for a UK-made guitar.

Quote from: FELINEGUITARS on January 04, 2013, 12:24:17 AM

Depending on your proposed budget you could go for something tasty

Maybe a Feline Lion Cub (junior)

We will also supply a black pickguard if you prefer a more vintage look:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub2-1_zps7fa5f72c.jpg)

Here she is before she got painted viewed from the back

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub4_zps189f9d0f.jpg)

Still has the easy access neck joint

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub3_zps74acd2df.jpg)

comes already loaded with a BKP Mississippi Queen (Tonepros bridge too)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/felineguitars/CUSTOM%20BUILT/Lion%20Cub/lioncub1-1_zps8845ad79.jpg)

man that's so nice :)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: GuitarIv on January 04, 2013, 01:39:18 PM

Quote from: Mr. Air on January 04, 2013, 07:09:11 AM

What about a reverend Sensei. You can get it whit either humbuckers or p90s and it has a flot top like a junior. It has a korina body though, but that's fairly sinilar to mahogany as far as i know.

http://reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitars/set_neck_series.html

I played the Reverend Sensei RA, sounded good with the Railhammer Pickups and was really decent to play. Can't go wrong with that guitar.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: JimmyMoorby on January 04, 2013, 02:14:29 PM

What about the Edwards Les Paul copies?  Theyre famous for their value and quality compared to Gibsons and their price tags.  When I get the cash or if........ ill get one.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Telerocker on January 04, 2013, 06:36:48 PM

The Reverends are nice, so are the PRS SE P90's, especially the hollow version.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 04, 2013, 08:51:20 PM

Some good ideas there guys - thanks.  Forgotten about Reverend, but remember thinking that they were fine some time ago (think that Reeves Gabrels was endorsing them for a while?)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 05, 2013, 09:03:41 AM

I'm liking the look of these:

http://www.bladeguitars.com/guitars/durango-series/dd-4/ (http://www.bladeguitars.com/guitars/durango-series/dd-4/)

Anyone played on?

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 05, 2013, 10:23:30 AM

Haven't tried any of the current Blade models, but some of them do look good.

Have you considered Fret-King?  I read a review of a couple of their guitars and thought of this thread.  Again, I've never actually tried them.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: dave_mc on January 05, 2013, 12:03:28 PM

Quote from: JimmyMoorby on January 04, 2013, 02:14:29 PM

What about the Edwards Les Paul copies?  Theyre famous for their value and quality compared to Gibsons and their price tags.  When I get the cash or if........ ill get one.

with the strong yen they're nowhere near as good value as they used to be... :(

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 05, 2013, 12:31:47 PM

Quote from: dave_mc on January 05, 2013, 12:03:28 PM

Quote from: JimmyMoorby on January 04, 2013, 02:14:29 PM

What about the Edwards Les Paul copies?  Theyre famous for their value and quality compared to Gibsons and their price tags.  When I get the cash or if........ ill get one.

with the strong yen they're nowhere near as good value as they used to be... :(

I don't think they're quite as good as they used to be, either.... or maybe I just don't like them as much!  The 2010/11 models I owned had skinnier necks than the slightly older ones, which put me off. 

I don't think I could go back to an Edwards Jr now that I've got used to the mahoosive necks on the Gibson VOS ones.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 05, 2013, 07:01:02 PM

Thought about Fret King, but TBH I find them fricking ugly! 

And I think that with Edwards guitars I'd feel that I was being short changed - I know that they can be great, but I think that it would always feel like a cheaper imposter, if you know what I mean.

Something more original like the Mira, or Reverend appeals to me.

The trick is finding somewhere with a decent range of guitars to try.  I guess Peach is a good place to start and only half an hour from me.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 05, 2013, 07:04:36 PM

Quote from: MrBump on January 05, 2013, 07:01:02 PM

I guess Peach is a good place to start and only half an hour from me.

I've never been there, but they seem to have a good range of guitars!  Certainly a good place to try a Mira.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: dave_mc on January 05, 2013, 08:44:54 PM

Quote from: Philly Q on January 05, 2013, 12:31:47 PM

I don't think they're quite as good as they used to be, either.... or maybe I just don't like them as much!  The 2010/11 models I owned had skinnier necks than the slightly older ones, which put me off. 

I don't think I could go back to an Edwards Jr now that I've got used to the mahoosive necks on the Gibson VOS ones.

i have no idea :lol: I think i've only tried two (including the one i own) :lol:

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Elliot on January 05, 2013, 08:49:54 PM

What are Gordon Smith like these days - in the 80s I borrowed one of their LP Special types (a gypsy?) and it was quite nice.  Not seen them since, however.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 05, 2013, 08:52:39 PM

Quote from: Elliot on January 05, 2013, 08:49:54 PM

What are Gordon Smith like these days - in the 80s I borrowed one of their LP Special types (a gypsy?) and it was quite nice.  Not seen them since, however.

Good call - I've always fancied one (being a Billy Bragg fan), but they're really hard to find and try.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 05, 2013, 09:25:54 PM

My impression is that with Gordon-Smith it's pretty much a case of order, wait and hope you get a good 'un.  There don't seem to be many in shops, except second-hand.

I haven't owned or played that many, but I've always thought they're either a bit over-rated or a bit over-priced. 

The big selling point has always been that they're simple, workmanlike guitars at a reasonable price, but they're not really that cheap (IMO) when you consider it's a UK brand so there are none of the usual import costs.  OK, on one hand they're very cheap for a handmade guitar, but quality-wise they're light years away from some of the custom guitars we've all seen on this forum. 

I don't think a £450 Gordon-Smith GS-1 is significantly better than a new £450 Gibson Melody Maker, to be honest, but the Gibson gets slagged off for shoddy workmanship whereas the Gordon-Smith is seen as having some kind of rustic charm.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: JimmyMoorby on January 06, 2013, 12:26:30 AM

Quote from: dave_mc on January 05, 2013, 12:03:28 PM

Quote from: JimmyMoorby on January 04, 2013, 02:14:29 PM

What about the Edwards Les Paul copies?  Theyre famous for their value and quality compared to Gibsons and their price tags.  When I get the cash or if........ ill get one.

with the strong yen they're nowhere near as good value as they used to be... :(

Fair enough ive seen them retailing for £700 new. Maybe they were better value but maybe theyre still good value now? Would you recommend any thing else for around £700 which would be better?  Never like the Les Paul Studios... and I know its petty but I just dont like the way PRS' look

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Twinfan on January 06, 2013, 11:40:26 AM

Phil is spot on about Gordon Smiths, definitely try before you buy.  A lot of them out there are complete dogs.

Edwards and Tokai LPs are still decent value new around £700, much better than a Korean Epiphone.  I've quite liked some of the JHS Vintage brand LPs I've tried, and they're cheap as chips.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on January 06, 2013, 11:59:35 AM

Nice to know I'm not alone on the Gordon-Smith question!  :lol:

If I was buying a brand new LP style guitar today, I think I'd pick a (Japanese) Tokai over an Edwards.

Edwards have better pickups and hardware (unless you're looking at the really top spec £1,000+ Tokai models) but the Tokais have chunkier necks and a little more "vintage vibe" about them (IMO). 

On the downside (for me), I don't know what different types of mahogany they use, but Tokais tend to be a bit heavier than Edwards.  Of course that's a plus for some people.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Telerocker on January 06, 2013, 06:47:48 PM

Quote from: Twinfan on January 06, 2013, 11:40:26 AM

Phil is spot on about Gordon Smiths, definitely try before you buy.  A lot of them out there are complete dogs.

Edwards and Tokai LPs are still decent value new around £700, much better than a Korean Epiphone.  I've quite liked some of the JHS Vintage brand LPs I've tried, and they're cheap as chips.

The Vintage Lemon Drop is a lot of guitar for no money. Just inspect the frets, some guitars have some flaws. But with a little upgrading (BKP's by example, fretdress) you can have a fine guitar. You have to like the bigger, sharper cutted lower bout though.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: HTH AMPS on January 09, 2013, 09:47:24 PM

I'm no doctor, but when I've had an itch I've found this to work...

(http://www.mastersdirect.com/images/general/products/large/A_5010605054037.jpg)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: dave_mc on January 10, 2013, 10:34:23 AM

Quote from: JimmyMoorby on January 06, 2013, 12:26:30 AM

Fair enough ive seen them retailing for £700 new. Maybe they were better value but maybe theyre still good value now? Would you recommend any thing else for around £700 which would be better?  Never like the Les Paul Studios... and I know its petty but I just dont like the way PRS' look

it's kinda hard for me to answer that in an unbiased way since i got mine for ~£400-£500 IIRC :lol:

Quote from: Philly Q on January 06, 2013, 11:59:35 AM

Nice to know I'm not alone on the Gordon-Smith question!  :lol:

If I was buying a brand new LP style guitar today, I think I'd pick a (Japanese) Tokai over an Edwards.

Edwards have better pickups and hardware (unless you're looking at the really top spec £1,000+ Tokai models) but the Tokais have chunkier necks and a little more "vintage vibe" about them (IMO). 

On the downside (for me), I don't know what different types of mahogany they use, but Tokais tend to be a bit heavier than Edwards.  Of course that's a plus for some people.

yeah i've really liked the gordon smiths i've tried but i've heard enough stories online that i'd want to try the one i was buying.

i think tokai uses african mahogany on the cheaper MIJs. No idea what edwards uses. probably worth pointing out that the edwardses are started off in china, and finished in japan.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Andrew W on January 10, 2013, 10:36:29 PM

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARTYN-BOOTH-SPECIAL-BARE-KNUCKLE-P90S-/271136185559?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3f20f9dcd7&ssPageName=RSS:B:SHOP:GB:101

Any good?

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 11, 2013, 10:52:44 AM

Yeah, that's lovely!  I suspect it will go for more than I can pay though...

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 15, 2013, 07:35:08 PM

Anyone know what Ibanez this is?
Blackstar Blackfire 200 Gus G. Signature Head] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfQHfxdFDqA#ws]Blackstar Blackfire 200 Gus G. Signature Head (http://[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfQHfxdFDqA#ws) [/url]

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: roland_rat on January 18, 2013, 08:39:27 PM

I got to agree about the JJ guitars single cuts.  Second hand very good value and a lot of guitar for the money!

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Telerocker on January 18, 2013, 11:22:05 PM

Anyone played the ESP Ltd EC-256P? The Goldtop looks nice. I would fancy one, with Blue Notes or Nantuckets.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: MrBump on January 31, 2013, 08:07:34 PM

Shh...  Is Roo looking?

Loving this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=J3sB4nqlzuI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=J3sB4nqlzuI)

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: gwEm on February 01, 2013, 01:51:38 PM

binding looks great on black teles doesn't it  :D

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Philly Q on February 01, 2013, 02:57:25 PM

Quote from: gwEm on February 01, 2013, 01:51:38 PM

binding looks great on black teles doesn't it  :D

It does.  I keep thinking about selling mine (or taking it to bits and selling it) but whenever I take it out of the case it looks too cool.  :?

I will change the pickup configuration at some point.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: JJretroTONEGOD on February 01, 2013, 09:30:15 PM

Quote from: roland_rat on January 18, 2013, 08:39:27 PM

I got to agree about the JJ guitars single cuts.  Second hand very good value and a lot of guitar for the money!

+1 I use one and they are incredible guitars, 100% handmade which is what attracted me to them, I bought one over a Gibson Les Paul double cutaway and Fender custom shop and it blew them away tone wise.

Title: Re: I Have an Itch
Post by: Telerocker on February 02, 2013, 02:31:17 AM

Lovely tele. Bindings are cool.