absolute beginner

[Sifu Ben]

We already had that discussion.

[noodleplugerine]

Thank you noodle and Fourth Feline.

I was worried that my newbie question would not get responses. But I've been lurking here for a couple of months so I know that people on this forum are helpful.

About the amp; I am leaning towards the Vox option. It would give me more sounds, and I am certain a can get a distortion pedal from some of my friends for practicing purposes till I get my own some day.

About the guitar: I've been browsing online the inventory of some stores in my vicinity.

I've got LTDs (EC-50, EC-100, Viper 50, H-51, Viper 200, Viper 400, EC-400, EC-500); they are on discount this month.

Ibenez (RGR321EX, RG321MH, SZ320, SZ520).

noodle mentioned Schecter Blackjack. I see they are awesomely loaded with tonepros and SD pickups. Not so cheap though. But honestly, I could pull it off (with a couple of installments and bye-bye nikkor lens :)) if you think it is okay for a beginner. While we are talking that kind of cash, there are also SEs by PRS around for a bit less.

As I said, I'll check them all out next week, see how they feel in my hands, check for sharp edges and sloppy workmanship, etc...

Any pointers? What to avoid? What to look for?

I think I mistook Blackjack for Blackhawk, the much cheaper version haha. Both are great guitars for their price range. How much you spend is up to you, but it depends how comitted you are, don't spend alot of money if you feel you might stop within 6 months of starting.

[elijen]

Yes, let's keep it on-topic. Though i can't wait to be in a position to get stuff sans really high customs.

@Sifu Ben - So you are saying that flaws in someones playing are definitely more apparent on acoustics?

[noodleplugerine]

Yes, let's keep it on-topic. Though i can't wait to be in a position to get stuff sans really high customs.

@Sifu Ben - So you are saying that flaws in someones playing are definitely more apparent on acoustics?

I'd have thought more so on Electrics, which is a good thing. Means you'll get better quicker, as there are mistakes will be easily spotted and corrected. Ofcourse if you add lots of distortion, it gets more and more easy to hide mistakes, hence alot of new players PILING on gain.

[elijen]

@noodle ... thought so :D

I am planing to get my gear in a week or so. I do not want to spend much, you mentioned the reason. The only thing is, I can't decide whether to go for the cheapest option, or should I spend a little extra and get something like the RG mentioned. I am concerned quality wise, any horrible experiences with EC-50?

[Sifu Ben]

Nah, distortion covers MANY sins, although controlling distortion is a skill in and of itself. If your fretting is the tiniest bit off on an acoustic it REALLY shows. The flip side of that is that the subtleties of extended chord voicings are more apparent on an acoustic.
 Also from an enjoyment point of view, bashing out powerchords just isn't the same on an acoustic.

[rohlfo]

(admittingly I haven't read the whole thread...) but I'd always go for something cheapish. My first guitar was an incredibly bad kiddies acoustic (I was 16) and I mashed that up learning how to hit and press the strings properly, and also any guitar I touched after that not only sounded better but felt easier to play! I still have an acoustic with a bad action for practice... so, erm, cheap, and then there's loads of room for upgading (when you get that urge  :P) and if it doesn't work out you haven't spent that much....?

[noodleplugerine]

Nah, distortion covers MANY sins, although controlling distortion is a skill in and of itself. If your fretting is the tiniest bit off on an acoustic it REALLY shows. The flip side of that is that the subtleties of extended chord voicings are more apparent on an acoustic.
 Also from an enjoyment point of view, bashing out powerchords just isn't the same on an acoustic.

A clean electric on bridge pickup is going to show many more mistakes than the mellow tone of an acoustic, imo. Though its easier to make the mistakes on an acoustic.. Simply cos they're harder to play imo...