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Posted by: Michael AC Jul 11 2011, 03:55 PM

Hey all. As a gift for bringing in a larger client my employer wants to buy me a guitar. He won't give me a price range buy I mentioned $400 range and he did not object he only said do not worry about it as this was a big client. SOOOOO....

I like Ibanez but have not had one for some time. Can you make any recommendations as far as your experience? I like the thinner wizard necks. I am working on arp lessons from Ivan, really like neo-classical and orchestral rock, 80's metal, anything Ben does...etc...

What would be a good practice guitar or even stage guitar that I could upgrade later...

Thanks all!!!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 11 2011, 04:45 PM

For 400 bucks - do you want to buy it online? I'd suggest that it's best to try before you buy
Do you want a floating trem or a fixed bridge? What other tech specs are important for you, aside from the thin neck?

Posted by: Mudbone Jul 11 2011, 05:10 PM

If its a $400 Ibanez you're after I would stay away from the floating bridges. The Ibanez Edge III is not made from the highest quality steel and does have a tendency to wear out.

Posted by: thefireball Jul 11 2011, 05:53 PM

All I know is my $400 Ibanez with an Edge III isn't as reliable with the tuning. I agree with you.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 11 2011, 06:14 PM

I never really liked the sound of Ibanez on stage, hardly anybody could control it, and rarely anybody could produce nice fat tone, it sounded a bit digital. Dunno, Ibanez sounds like a good practice guitar, although any properly setup guitar can be good for practice. Try and see, when choosing a guitar for practice, it has to "fall into your hand" if you know what I mean. You just need to try and buy.

Posted by: Bossie Jul 11 2011, 07:40 PM

If you go to the Guitarstore....don't forget to check out the AX40- sterling by music man!!
A guitar close to perfection in this price range..

Greetz

Danny

Posted by: Michael AC Jul 12 2011, 04:24 AM

Thanks all. I too had heard the edge trem was not good. Ivan I get what you mean, the guitar I have now was like that...one touch...

My thought was since this was a "free" guitar that it would be nice to have one I can leave in my office to practice over lunch breaks. But at the same time could maybe upgrade pickups later. I do not use a whammy but would like to learn. My current guitar is fixed.

Was looking at the RG120. Playing one tomorrow at the office. The reason for thinking about Ibanez was it seemed like several people play them in the "shred" arena...

Are there other brands that are in that price range with thin necks you guys have liked on a lower priced guitar...

Posted by: maharzan Jul 12 2011, 04:46 AM

I think Mexican strat is a great place to start for that price range. Since you are on to classics you might not need the floating bridge.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-standard-stratocaster-electric-guitar

Posted by: Michael AC Jul 12 2011, 12:37 PM

Thanks! Did not think about doing a single coil Fender. I use humbuckers now. Aren't Fender necks usually thicker? How do the different thicknesses of necks affect your playing?

Posted by: maharzan Jul 12 2011, 04:15 PM

Yep, Fenders have thicker neck. You will have to try it out yourself. Yngwie shreds like crazy with fenders. Its just what you feel comfortable. Ibanez are known for think necks but it seems to lose the clarity/sustain/warmth as compared to fender. Its a trade off. If you shred, then it might not be that important but since you mentioned you like classic rock i thought I would recommend you one. You can always put hambuckers in the bridge (customize it).

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 12 2011, 06:58 PM

As the guys are saying, it's CRUCIAL to play an example of whatever you are going to buy and usually it's best to play the actual guitar. This is particularly true of used models but for New you can save money buy trying in the store then buying online.

You mentioned the Ibanez and all the replies are dead on accurate. They are fast but not without their faults. I love my Ibanez guitars but I play a LOT of shreddy stuff and they are sorta kinda built for that. The edge trem is a bit crap, but if you get one, don't float it. Increase the spring tension so it's nearly fixed back. It will go foward, but not back. This really annoys me in that you can't do a ton of cool tricks, but it's better than having it drift non stop.

For around that price, you might look at some ESP or Schecter guitars. But after playing all of them, I"m guessing the Wizard neck will lure you back.

Posted by: Michael AC Jul 13 2011, 02:15 AM

Spent time at the music store. Played several Ibanez, Jackson, Fender, Squire and others...like Ivan said, non of them in that price range had that feel like my current guitar. So I think I will give thought to other items like video or effects units or even something else!

Thanks all, this group is awesome!