Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Kiichi on February 23, 2014, 09:20:16 PM
-
Hi guys,
before I finally post a long overdue but finally finished NGD in the next few days I would like to get your input on looking for the next guitar.
While I still have a huge Tele GAS (Squier Classic Vibe), I also have a Mule neck and a MQ neck lying around homeless (also an AM set, but that is more than secondary right now). I also find myself being heavily drawn towards blues right now so my thought is to get a guitar to put the two loose necks in, using the MQ neck in the bridge. I can really see that work I must say. For this application I picture either a LP or an ES style guitar working best.
Now I am on a pretty limited student budget. I am currently leaning towards a Vintage LP. They are still in my price range and seem to have a good rep from what I see around here. I really canīt go more expensive than that right now unfortunentally.
So is a Vintage LP the best idea or is there another LP or ES type I should have a look at? Are the Epiphones The Dot any good? Would the Epiphone Lucille be worth saving for?
Cheers,
Kiichi
-
I've heard great things about Vintage guitars. I have only tried the Lemon Drop but it felt very nice. I know that Geoff Whitehorn uses one, as last time I saw him with Procul Harum he was using it. Also John Verity (a great guitarist that I lost touch with many years ago), has a signature too. I'm also thinking of a Paul Brett or Gordon Giltrap acoustic 12 string. I would say that they are probably better value than Epiphone, unless you start to spend a bit more on the Epiphone (I have the Jeff Beck model, but it needed a lot of work to make it feel right).
-
I played the Lemon Drop and was impressed. Lot of guitar for the money. For me it's on the heavy side. I would play one before buying, bec the quality is a little inconsistent. Especially pay attention to the fretwork.
I would also look at (used) Indie-gutars. Good stuff for and low priced.
You also can't go wrong with a (used) PRS SE.
-
It may be an obvious suggestion, but what about slapping the Mule and MQ into a humbucker Squire Tele like a John 5 sig or similar?
-
Or try both pickups on the neck of the Classic Vibe Tele, keeping the one you like the most, and getting a bridge Flat 50 later down the road :)
-
I've tried one of their strats and would buy a guitar from the 'Vintage' range, in fact I'm thinking of one of their SGs at the moment.
-
Thanks so far guys!
So the Vintage continues to go strong. I guess I would best adviced getting one of the ones with a maple top. The Lemon Drop special in any way I am missing or is it just a nicer looking icon?
About the HB tele suggestion: I am mostly after a tele for the pickups. Putting the HBs in there might play nice, but defeat half the purpose for me. Plus I had both in rather bright guitars already and think I personally would like them more in something fatter.
I think the only Tele version that is non classic would be the Jim Adkins one. Semihollow and P90s. Either Bluesnotes or Pig90s for that I recon.
Second hand market is always something I watch but here in Sweden it is not that great. Second hand PRS SE would be swell, but I canīt count on it at all.
-
The Agile range is good, I've got one of their Les Pauls (an AL-2000). Hard to find in Europe, you have to order from the US, though I do sometimes see them on the bay.
-
Kiiichi, did you look at the HSS Squier Telecaster Plus? It's not bad at all.
-
This post is just my opinion, and I won't pass it as a fact.
But... don't overestimate a Tele's neck single coil. There is a good reason why the Telecaster has had so many versions with the traditional bridge single but a neck humbucker, P90, strat single, or even no neck pickup at all. It's not it's strong point IMO.
Some people like them, of course, but for me a strat neck single sounds way better. So don't feel like you are missing something, as long as you have a bridge tele single coil. Think of it as an Esquire with a bonus :D
-
I see the point about different tele pickups, but they mostly just donīt feel right. Cabronita style has some appeal, but HH or HSS teles...I dunno, there are other guitar kinds for those PU combos for me.
Plus listening to what Keith Urban gets out of his tele in terms of lead sounds is something I really liked listening too, even beat out John Mayers sounds when they played together.
Has anyone ever tried the Epiphone Lucille? I now know that the Vintage are a good option, but I would like to hear more about the semihollow options if anyone got info on those.
-
You can check out the used market for a Reverend. You might be able to find one that'll fit your budget and they are really nice guitars. The Agile suggestion that GwEm came with is good as well. They might be hard to come by in Europe, but they pop up once in a while.
-
You can check out the used market for a Reverend. You might be able to find one that'll fit your budget and they are really nice guitars. The Agile suggestion that GwEm came with is good as well. They might be hard to come by in Europe, but they pop up once in a while.
Thanks, Iīll check out Reverend and see if I can find something.
Agiles seems nice too, but yeah, hard to come by in Europe and Sweden is even one worse.^^
-
You can check out the used market for a Reverend. You might be able to find one that'll fit your budget and they are really nice guitars. The Agile suggestion that GwEm came with is good as well. They might be hard to come by in Europe, but they pop up once in a while.
Thanks, Iīll check out Reverend and see if I can find something.
Agiles seems nice too, but yeah, hard to come by in Europe and Sweden is even one worse.^^
There's currently two Agiles on a Danish used gear site and one of them in Copenhagen so if you're located in the southern Sweden, it could be a possibillity.
-
You can check out the used market for a Reverend. You might be able to find one that'll fit your budget and they are really nice guitars. The Agile suggestion that GwEm came with is good as well. They might be hard to come by in Europe, but they pop up once in a while.
Thanks, Iīll check out Reverend and see if I can find something.
Agiles seems nice too, but yeah, hard to come by in Europe and Sweden is even one worse.^^
There's currently two Agiles on a Danish used gear site and one of them in Copenhagen so if you're located in the southern Sweden, it could be a possibillity.
I am very much in southern Sweden. Malmö actually, so just about as south as you can get and just across the water from Copenhagen. What is that site called? It had not even crossed my mind yet to check danish websites. If you got some, Iīd be interrested in any and all!
I also must admit that my interest in the Lucille is growing. I just read the story behind her again yesterday and it did something to me.
-
I also must admit that my interest in the Lucille is growing. I just read the story behind her again yesterday and it did something to me.
I wish you a speedy recovery!
-
I know what you mean, I love Epiphone semi-hollows. The Lucille looks like a great guitar. Personally, it's the Casino that does it for me.
-
I love them too. I had a Riviera that sounded nice, but wouldn't stay in tune. Sold it.
-
Alright guys, I just placed an order, the blues is calling too strongly. Letīs see how long Thomann takes to Sweden. So NGD soon. Hope it is what I am wishing for.
-
:D Sounds great.
I won't ask for confirmation on what it is, but expect pics and impressions when She arrives ;)
-
Wow, Thomann is insane. Ordered at 2:30 and now it is shipped. oO
Letīs see if the mailservice can keep up xD
:D Sounds great.
I won't ask for confirmation on what it is, but expect pics and impressions when She arrives ;)
I think you already know what it will be, but donīt be uber sure. My GAS list is long and gets longer faster than I can buy (or practice...). And she will be as good as I hope I have really big plans for her...at least for the time being.
-
If not, you can always return it to Thomann and get an ESP LTD guitar. They have a lot of tasty, non-metal ECs, with vintage looks. I would take an LTD EC-256 over a Vintage or Epiphone any day. They also have some X-tone guitars that I like.
-
Good call. Buying guitars online is always a bit of gamble. You can receive a brilliiant guitar or a dog.
-
Alright, it arrived today. After having to move the bloody package 5km on a bike I must say the first impression is good. As soon as I have exchanged the electronics (or at least the essential electronics) there will be a NGD.
I like it more than Dots and such I have tried in local stores. The sound is pretty bright and present. Certainly a lot less mellow than I expected. Neck is fat and feels good for blues. The tonal options are something I really dig, hope they hold up with other pickups.
The electronics however not well done. The pot I measured riht away actually had 534k, so that is good, even thought it is a mini pot. Other than that an insanely big circuit board and a lot of black isolated wires. All out is the only way here.
Now back to some noodling and then wiring in the next few days.
-
Not a single spoiler pic? :(
-
Not a single spoiler pic? :(
I can tease you a bit if you like =)
What I have to deal with now. Fudge black wires.
Teaser! ;)
What I made today for pancake day. I still just wanne lie on the floor.
-
:D Great. How's the weight?
I also thought that ES-type guitars would be more mellow than my ES-333 ended up being. They rule for rock.
-
:D Great. How's the weight?
I also thought that ES-type guitars would be more mellow than my ES-333 ended up being. They rule for rock.
Weight is higher than I expected actually. Lot of maple on this one it seems. I have never been one who has an issue with weight though. Light is good, but it works. I would say it is somewhat average in weight, but you donīt pick it up and think hollow.
Yeah I was really suprised even by the stock rock voice. With my treble booster / od setup it had a really nice growl already. Canīt wait to battle the wires and pop BKPs in. =)
-
Argh, I am debating pickup possibilities right now. Man is this a decision. Part of me is even tempted to try the AMs in there. Ok, that one is not gonna happen, after all this is a blues rock axe to me, but man, still. Decisions, decisions and then some freaking enfuriating wire work coming up.
-
Weight is higher than I expected actually. Lot of maple on this one it seems.
And a lot of maple syrup on your pancakes? :P
-
Back to the guitar, it's an Epi Lucille I presume?
-
Weight is higher than I expected actually. Lot of maple on this one it seems.
And a lot of maple syrup on your pancakes? :P
Brilliant xD
But for facts sake, no, did not use maple sirup. A lot of stuff, but I left out the classic....well I got leftover batter, so in the morrow I shall feast on maple sirup and maple sounds. Actually these were american style buttermilk banana pancakes, baked in coconut oil. Stacked as a tower with almond milk based vanilla pudding and caramelized macadamia nuts in between them. Topped with sliced banana and fresh blueberry sauce.
And yeah, now that you ask directly I canīt dance around it anymore...it is a Lucille. This axe might actually be a Philly axe I think. Weight I would guess is on the ok side, but the neck is nice and thick. The varitone might be too much for you, but so far I dig it. Gotta get me a proper one though, this giant one has downsides...
-
But for facts sake, no, did not use maple sirup. A lot of stuff, but I left out the classic....well I got leftover batter, so in the morrow I shall feast on maple sirup and maple sounds. Actually these were american style buttermilk banana pancakes, baked in coconut oil. Stacked as a tower with almond milk based vanilla pudding and caramelized macadamia nuts in between them. Topped with sliced banana and fresh blueberry sauce.
Sounds good. Sounds excellent, in fact! I wish I could eat that kind of stuff, but I'll just have to use my imagination.... :lol:
I'm surprised the guitar has a thick neck, I didn't think Epiphones came with big necks. The varitone... I've got a BC Rich with a varitone, I like the idea but basically I find all but one of the settings pretty much unusable!
-
You can check out the used market for a Reverend. You might be able to find one that'll fit your budget and they are really nice guitars. The Agile suggestion that GwEm came with is good as well. They might be hard to come by in Europe, but they pop up once in a while.
Thanks, Iīll check out Reverend and see if I can find something.
Agiles seems nice too, but yeah, hard to come by in Europe and Sweden is even one worse.^^
There's currently two Agiles on a Danish used gear site and one of them in Copenhagen so if you're located in the southern Sweden, it could be a possibillity.
I am very much in southern Sweden. Malmö actually, so just about as south as you can get and just across the water from Copenhagen. What is that site called? It had not even crossed my mind yet to check danish websites. If you got some, Iīd be interrested in any and all!
I also must admit that my interest in the Lucille is growing. I just read the story behind her again yesterday and it did something to me.
Hi Kiichi. Sorry I forgot all about this thread. The name of the site is www.dba.dk (http://www.dba.dk). I still think the Agiles are up for sale if you're interested.
EDIT: Oh i now see I might be too late :oops:
-
Hi Kiichi. Sorry I forgot all about this thread. The name of the site is www.dba.dk (http://www.dba.dk). I still think the Agiles are up for sale if you're interested.
EDIT: Oh i now see I might be too late :oops:
As if this were my last ever buy...
-
Hi Kiichi. Sorry I forgot all about this thread. The name of the site is www.dba.dk (http://www.dba.dk). I still think the Agiles are up for sale if you're interested.
EDIT: Oh i now see I might be too late :oops:
As if this were my last ever buy...
Now that's the spirit :D I would love to get my hands on a new guitar, but I can't justify spending money on one and my collection is decent enough for the time. I would fancy a Feline lion one day...
I hope you might find the link to dba usefull some day, Kiichi.
-
As if this were my last ever buy...
Now that's the spirit :D
:lol:
-
As if this were my last ever buy...
Now that's the spirit :D
:lol:
The older I get the more I hate dishonesty. I donīt like to lie to people, especially to myself. =)
I hope you might find the link to dba usefull some day, Kiichi.
I am sure I will!
I am just having a closer look at the electronics and must admit, it is a lot better than what my first look implied. I really came into that with prejudice (and big lack of sleep I guess). I am even thinking I might not replace anything...well except for a little thing Juansolo is cooking up for me, so one vol pot will probably go. The pots are mini pots, but seem decent enough. Feel good turning and the vol pots measured in at 537k, so I do not see much reason to tear em out after all. The caps on the tonepots do not look like super cheap ceramic as well, but if I get some better ones in again these might change, together with change to 50s wiring. Might at one point also add a coilsplit pot, but nothing that has to happen right now I feel.
I would like to get a more traditional and compact varitone, but I do not really know how best to go about that. Well, this one might be circuit board, but the caps do look ok and it sounds good to me, so hey.
The wires seem good too, it is almost exclusivly thick braided wire in a plastic sleeve. Pretty sturdy actually.
Maybe I am unaware of something (if so, tell me!), but it looks decent enought for me, so I might just throw in much better pickups for now.
-
Well I just changed the pickups only. The new strings (BKP Rotosound) alone made this baby come to life considerably. A whole lot more resonating going on. Then the pickups...Oh.My.God. You have no idea how warm and fuzzy I feel right now.
NGD tomorrow if all goes well, if not, friday. This one just became a lot more special!
-
I would like to get a more traditional and compact varitone, but I do not really know how best to go about that. Well, this one might be circuit board, but the caps do look ok and it sounds good to me, so hey.
When I got my Mockingbird I did a bit of reading up on varitones, to see if I could find something better quality or more useful to replace it with, but it was all too complicated for me to get my head round.
I also investigated various types of onboard FX which could just replace the varitone, but again couldn't really find anything. There are some mid-boosts which look quite good, but seem a bit pointless with humbuckers. I think my best idea was to fit a piezo bridge and replace the varitone with a piezo volume control, but realistically I wouldn't really have a use for that setup.
-
Could it be possible to replace the insides of the varitone with a PRS-type rotary switch to give split/serial/parallel/phase options?
-
I like the old Gibson varitones, you can get some nice single coil sounds out of them. I'd just leave it and enjoy the guitar. THe BC Rich one is different as it is affects the preamp (at least in the originals), and doesn't have a choke like the Gibson. What pickups did you put on it?
-
I have an Agile AL-2500 and AL-2800. Sturdy work horse guitars that perform fine once you upgrade all of the electronics. The neck profile tends to be on the chunky side with small fret wire.
They are also EXTREMELY heavy!
-
They are also EXTREMELY heavy!
I notice on the website they always list the expected weight, but presumably there must be a fair amount of variation, given the nature of timber!