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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Which Guitar?
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 10 2009, 06:14 PM
My birthday is coming up, and my parents have offered to buy me a new guitar, around the £400 ($600) mark.
I've had a look at guitars and these three have caught my eye.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Custom-Electric-Guitar?sku=518350#new
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Deluxe-Lonestar-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=515526#new
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Parker-PM20-Single-Cut-Electric-Guitar?sku=511296#new
I'd be interested to hear anything anyone knows about these guitars, and I'd especially like to know how well fender tremolos stay in tune, and if they can raise the pitch as well as lowering it.
I'm currently leaning towards the Parker, but I was a bit put off by the fact that it has no tone knob, but I never really use the tone knob anyway so I suppose it doesn't matter. Also I won't be able to ever try that guitar before I buy it. I like the Strat but from what I've heard it doesn't really have the punch for metal and hard rock, I'd like to be proved wrong though. With the Epiphone I think it has a good sound but it doesn't have single coils, or the ability to split its humbuckers. I don't use single coils all that much but I'd like to have the option.
If you have any suggestions of a completely different guitar then I'd also like to hear that. What I'm looking for is something around £400 (between $500 and $700). I mainly play rock/metal, but I'm playing more and more styles these days so I would like something quite versatile. The main reason I'm getting a new guitar is because my current one can't stay in tune for more than 5 minutes, so I'd like something that can hold tune well. If you can choose which guitar is best for those specifications then that'd be good to hear as well.
Any advice you can give though will be greatly appreciated.
Matt 
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2009, 04:41 AM
Hmm... Three very cool guitars, but I guess I only have some experience with Epiphone and Fender... When looking for guitars, people I knew constantly discouraged me from buying the Epiphones, as they are a "wannabe" brand, but I've tried them and for the usually low prices, they have an outstanding sound. I just bought a Fender American Standard Stratocaster, and although I haven't had the opportunity to play on my (sucky) amplifier at home, I play it with no amp and the feel is amazing...
I guess I can't recommend any of the guitars as I have no concrete experience concerning any of them, so you should listen to the other more experienced guitarists in this community !
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2009, 04:51 AM
but for looks i personally would go for the parker.
Well said... Personally I would go for the Epiphone or the Fender when it comes to look, but only if the finishes were different !
To be honest, I have absolutely no experience when it comes to Parker guitar !
Posted by: jdriver Jul 11 2009, 07:18 AM
Parkers are first class also.
There are so many Les Pauls, I wish someone would write a definitive guide the the hierarchy of Les Pauls. (hint hint, some knowlegeable Wikier!)
NoSkill just got a Parker like that, you might ask him how he likes it. Here's the thread:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=28736
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 11 2009, 10:24 AM
Hmm, tough choice really, but I would go for Strat here, seems like the best option available. It has good specs including 2 Texas Specials and Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge. This alone will set you back for some ~200$ if you buy separately. I think it's a good guitar and I don't understand your question:"does it stay in tune". Other two guitars don't even have a tremolo, and this Strat does. It's a vintage trem, so it will probably go out of tune if you use it extensively, and do some big jumps, but you can also get it all the way down to the body, which will enable going downpitch and increase sustain. I see no problem with this guitar, probably the best choice here.
LP is good, but you have to buy another pickup that has coil switching and get it wired so you have a switch for coil tap. This will set you back some ~150$ probably, so count it in the price if you wanna have coil tap. You will have to drill the guitar as well.
Parker is cool looking and probably quality made, but a bit lacking of options and since you cannot try it, I really advise you don't consider it. You cannot buy guitar that you haven't tried at all, it's just doesn't work that way.
Posted by: sted Jul 11 2009, 10:31 AM
I think Ivans nailed it in his post, the strat may not be ideal for metal, but so often metal guitars are only good for metal and the strat will excel in every other style! dont know the parker so cant comment but out of the other two the strat is far and away the better.
Another option you might consider are the G&L guitars by Leo Fender, I tried one last week and it absolutely blew me away in terms of the quality and materials used, far better than Fender USA guitars (gasp!) I will be trying a couple more and A/B ing them with strats before making a final decision though.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 11 2009, 10:59 AM
Thanks for all your advice guys.
I have and there all very equally rated.
I was quite impressed by that, but I've never been a big fan of SDs so I was thinking of replacing them with dimarzios when I had the money.
I meant when I use the tremolo, or even if I don't use the tremolo, will it go out of tune? If it does go out of tune when you use it then there isn't any point in it being there IMO.
Truth is I would never bother installing coil taps on it, even if I had the money. I suppose it doesn't really matter much since I hardly use single coils, but it would be good to have the option.
Hmm, from the start I've kinda had my heart set on the parker, but I guess its just not possible in scotland where you can't try one.
I looked at G&Ls in the price range and they all had 4 stars, and not so good reviews.
Again, thanks for all your advice guys, it's been a great help.
Posted by: sted Jul 11 2009, 11:05 AM
Trust me mate, if you buy a strat you need to check out the usa versions of these guitars (not the tribute models), absolutely no way are fender better quality, you may prefer the fender sound but trust me on the quality issue.
Posted by: kaznie_NL Jul 11 2009, 11:13 AM
Schecter??
For that money, I would definatly go second hand! You can get a better guitar for the same money! You can (for instance) buy a second handed Ibanez SV, which you'll never get new for that price!
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 11 2009, 11:16 AM
For that money, I would definatly go second hand! You can get a better guitar for the same money! You can (for instance) buy a second handed Ibanez SV, which you'll never get new for that price!
Well I already have an Ibanez, and I want an unmetal guitar, if you see what I mean. I want something that isn't locked into a particular style like Ibanez and Schecter. I'll have a look at second hand stuff, I never really thought about it but I might be able to get something a lot better that way.
Posted by: Toroso Jul 11 2009, 11:33 AM
Actually I don't understand that at all. This notion of a guitar being tied to a certain genre escapes me. Sure some pickups are hotter than others, but they all do the same thing. There has been a lot of metal produced with LPs and Strats. And maybe George Benson wouldn't play a Schecter, but I bet he could make some sweet tunes with one.
Just my opinion...
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 11 2009, 11:42 AM
Just my opinion...
I don't deny that metal has been played with strats and lps, and I want a guitar that can do metal, but a lot of other styles have been produced with strats and lps, a lot more than have been done with schecters and ibanezs.
I just found a Parker PM-24v online, that looks absolutely perfect, at a reasonable price. Does anyone know anywhere in the UK where I could try one?
This may seem kinda random, but does anyone know how much it costs to ship a guitar to germany?
Posted by: Sensible Jones Jul 11 2009, 12:30 PM
Great idea!!! I'll add it to my list!!!!
Posted by: Praetorian Jul 11 2009, 04:34 PM
I would go for the Strat hands down. Just my opinion...but I am a huge Strat fan!
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 11 2009, 04:37 PM
I'm actually really tempted to buy a Parker PM-24V, and if it isn't good then I'll just have to pay the return shipping, which I think will only be about £20. If the parker doesn't work out then I'll probably go for the strat since everyone here seems to think its good.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 11 2009, 10:28 PM
Just read a few things about the Parker PM-24V's tremolo going out of tune easily. Which is a real shame cos it looked like such a good guitar.
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 11 2009, 11:52 PM
I've read that this Strat has very stable tuning, but who knows...
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 12 2009, 07:27 AM
any non locking trem will go out of tune if you dont know how to compensate for it
small things like getting a bone or graphtech nut will improve tuning more than anything (even more than locking tuners)
if it gets set up properly, you will have no problem with either guitar
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 12 2009, 09:24 AM
small things like getting a bone or graphtech nut will improve tuning more than anything (even more than locking tuners)
if it gets set up properly, you will have no problem with either guitar
How much do you think this whole set-up to stop it going out of tune would cost. And is there any reason why it wouldn't work with my ibanez?
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 12 2009, 04:52 PM
The Parker is a really sweet beast. I have the PM20Pro. The major difference is Seymour Duncan pickups from the Parker Stingers in the PM20. I've only owned the guitar a week though, and it was setup badly so it's been finicky so far. The tone, however is amazing and the guitar is VERY light. Mine is 6.0 pounds. My Strats are all 8.2 pounds on my scale.
Both the Epiphone and Parker are Les Paul'ish, with the Epiphone being a true Les Paul shape. This makes pickup selector switch above the strings, vs, below and only a single cutaway which makes playing the high frets different. Not harder, just different. So, it depends on your comfort level.
The Parker you show in your picture is not the new PM20, by the way. The new one has a more Schecter like headstock and has volume and tone pots for each pickup. The one in the picture has coil taps push pull pots for both pickups and has an impressive versatility in the tones you can make.
The Strat has quite a variety of tones with its pickup arrangement as well. The Epiphone would be the least versatile on this issue.
The trem in the Fender is not good for dive bombing, like a Floyd. It can be sprung to go either way, but it's much more subtle for trem than the Floyd Rose type trems. If you are cranking on it, you may find that you are not using it as it was designed.
Just some thoughts.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 12 2009, 05:03 PM
Both the Epiphone and Parker are Les Paul'ish, with the Epiphone being a true Les Paul shape. This makes pickup selector switch above the strings, vs, below and only a single cutaway which makes playing the high frets different. Not harder, just different. So, it depends on your comfort level.
The Parker you show in your picture is not the new PM20, by the way. The new one has a more Schecter like headstock and has volume and tone pots for each pickup. The one in the picture has coil taps push pull pots for both pickups and has an impressive versatility in the tones you can make.
The Strat has quite a variety of tones with its pickup arrangement as well. The Epiphone would be the least versatile on this issue.
The trem in the Fender is not good for dive bombing, like a Floyd. It can be sprung to go either way, but it's much more subtle for trem than the Floyd Rose type trems. If you are cranking on it, you may find that you are not using it as it was designed.
Just some thoughts.
Thanks for your help. I'm pretty much set on getting either a Parker PM-20 (possibly pro), or a Parker PM-24V. You mentioned that the new Parker PM-20 has tone controls for each pickup. In all the pictures on the sites I migyt buy this guitar from there are only two controls, is that the guitar I'll get or will I get the new version? Also how badly set-up was your parker. What was wrong with it?
Also how good is your parker for playing.
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 12 2009, 05:07 PM
This is the shape of the new PM20. My Parker had a lot of relief in the neck and you could limbo under the action with it still buzzing, but in the 6-9 frets. The buzzing was coming from the 22 fret when playing middle frets. I've adjusted the truss rod quite a lot, almost 1 turn of the nut to get a flatter neck. With this, I was able to get the action where it is comfortable. I've been fiddling with it, almost constantly, but it is getting better all the time. I put Elixer strings on it which are very sweet.
I'm not sure of the color of this guitar, it's just an example of the new headstock shape and the four pots now. You can still get single coil from each pickup with a push pull pot. The Pro remains unchanged. They have also, rumored, towards a composite fretboard from the ebony in previous years, but you would have to talk to Parker about this.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 12 2009, 05:09 PM
So even if the picture on the site is of the old one will I get the new model?
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 12 2009, 05:11 PM
No idea, Matt. You will have to speak with your retailer regarding that.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 12 2009, 05:15 PM
Ok, so would you say the PM-20pro is a good idea even after how bad it was set-up?
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 12 2009, 07:34 PM
I know there is no set price for this, but roughly how much does it cost to get your guitar professionally set up at your local music store?
Posted by: Fran Jul 12 2009, 08:55 PM
Those are 3 solid models on their own. I guess you won't go wrong with either, but I also advice the strat. Strats have something awesome about them. But it's a personal point of view. If you can try them all, that would be ideal.
As for a set-up, around 30€ is what it costs me to set-up my guitars in my local shop. But they should also set it up for free (the first time) if you purchase it in a reputable local shop. If it's online, then no luck.
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 12 2009, 11:42 PM
My Parker being so poorly setup was bad luck. This isn't something I have come across very often. Actually, with 12 guitars and 1 defensive weapon, it's only happened to me twice. I wouldn't place your decision on the delivered setup of my guitar. I read such great things about the PM20. Everyone who owns one seems to love it's versatility. I agree with Fran though, a Stratocaster is something special. With Parker,...well, you either know Parker or you don't. Everyone knows a Strat. Let us know what you decide.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 11:03 AM
Well I think I'll try the strat, and if it just jumps out at me as awesome, I'll probably just buy it. If it doesn't then I'll risk buying the Parker online, and if that doesn't workout I'll just pay the £20 to return it, then buy the strat.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 01:43 PM
I've now narrowed my choice down to the Parker PM-20, or the Parker PM-20pro. I did some research, and found some of the main differences.
Parker PM-20 -£340, Parker PUs, Grover tuners, Parker tune-o-matic, Polycarbonate nut
Parker PM-20pro -£595, Seymour Duncan PUs, Sperzel locking Tuners, Tonepros Tuneomatic, Graphite Nut.
A lot of people seemed to think the Seymour Duncan's weren't that good and hummed a lot, so what I was thinking is I could buy the PM-20, then spend the remaining £255, on good pickups, locking tuners, bridge, and nut.
Is this a good idea? The things I mentioned seem to be the only differences between the guitars except the fret size, fretboard shape, nut width and truss rod, and those things aren't so important. Or are they?
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 13 2009, 02:58 PM
I don't have any hum with the Seymour Duncans. Fret size and fretboard shape and nut width would be personal playing preference. Everyone that I've read says they love the PM20. The Pro doesn't get as rave of reviews. It's more expensive and may have a different market of players buying it though. You can't imagine all the bias that might be in these online reviews. They are, essentially useless. With something as important as a guitar, you have to decide whether you are going to take a risk online, or buy something you can touch. Each of the Parker's are good guitars. So is the Strat. I can't imagine that you could ever go wrong buying a Strat, also, you can touch the Strat...that has a lot of weight.
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't save money on a guitar in order to buy a bunch of parts for it though. Pickups of course, I can see changing in certain instances. Locking tuners are nice to have. Once you start replacing the bridge and the nut? I don't know...I might be looking at a different guitar...unless you find one under a bed for no money and don't mind a project guitar.
I think you're talking yourself into the Strat though, and I feel strongly that you won't be dissappointed with it.
Let us know what you do!
Cheers!
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 03:17 PM
Well the thing is is that I probably wouldn't bother replacing the nut and bridge etc, unless there was a specific problem to solve, in reality I would probably just buy new pickups for it. I was thinking though that I could get the PM-20, and if the pickups or the tuners weren't that good I could upgrade them with the money I saved from not buying the PM-20 pro. My parents have offered to pay £400 for a new guitar so if I get the PM-20 I have £195 more than if I'd bought the PM-20pro.
And about strats, I will try one, but from what I've read they're not that versatile, and and the PM-20 is very versatile, and that as well as something that stays in tune is what I'm looking for in my new guitar.
And thanks for all your advice, its been very helpful.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 04:29 PM
I know a lot of you advise the strat, and I do plan on trying it, but out of the Parker PM-20 and the Parker PM-20pro, which do you think I should go for, considering the pro will set me back £195?
Posted by: Ivan Zecic Jul 13 2009, 05:05 PM
I'd definitely choose a Strat! Pearly Gates is one of the sweetest sounding pickups I've heard. And those single coils sound great as well. It's probably the most versatile guitar of 3 of those. If you can't try a Parker, don't buy it. I remember trying Parker Fly deluxe, or sth like that. It played like a dream but the back of the body was just breaking my ribs, and that's the only reason I wouldn't buy it. It has the weirdest looking and designed back. So if you buy it, you can expect something completely unexpected (doesn't have to be back) that wil make you regret buying it.
But this Strat must be awesome! And don't worry about the tremolo. My strat (vintage tremolo) stays in tune as good as my Jackson (original floyd rose) when I don't use a tremolo, and I bend A LOT (check out my lessons). But when I use it, I really have to do some crazy stuff to make it go out of tune. Not as good as a floyd rose, but still great when setup properly. But my les paul, which has a fixed bridge goes out of tune much faster than my strat.
One more time: I'd go for a Strat! 
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 06:26 PM
Well I really do like the Parker, but I'll try the strat and if it seems alright for metal then I might just get it.
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 13 2009, 08:32 PM
is this a mexican or american strat?
there will be a big difference...i do not like mexican strats but americans are a different story...
the parker is great, i think the pm-20 pro even comes with piezo pick ups installed so you can get an acoustic guitar like sound.
good luck my friend! hope you find what you are looking for
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 09:27 PM
Mexican I think, and the pm-20 pro doesn't come with piezo.
I'm not actually sure its mexican, it doesn't say american in the name so does that mean its mexican?
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 13 2009, 09:28 PM
Hmmm...Mexican changes my mind a bit from the Strat. I don't like them much after playing a few.
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 13 2009, 09:31 PM
I don't think its american, i've never seen americans for less than £700.
http://www.fender.co.uk/products//search.php?partno=0139410380
Thats the link to its page on the fender website if that helps.
Posted by: Ivan Zecic Jul 14 2009, 10:43 AM
Come on guys!
I have a mexican strat, and it's completely stock (though i'm planning to change the pickups, the only weak point). How come it is good enough for me? It stays in tune better than any strat I've ever played (And believe me, I abuse it!), and when unplugged, it sounds as good or even better than 90% strats I've tried. I've played some horrible sounding americans, which were impossible to keep in tune, even after setup. It's just that there's a BIGGER POSSIBILITY that you'll get a fine guitar when you buy an american, than when you buy a CHEAPER mexican. More expensive mexicans (like lonestar) are fine guitars, and there are some mexicans (classic series and classic player) series which are better than american standard! But the most common thing why people dislike mexicans is because of some forum talk and the fact that they are cheaper than americans. In a blind test, you just couldn't tell a difference between a good american and a good mexican.
Posted by: sted Jul 14 2009, 11:50 AM
I'm with Ivan on this one, my MIM was every bit as good as any american standard, they have such huge QC at fender youre not going to get a dog, the cheaper price only reflects the cheaper labour in mexico. They are not a cheap alternative but a brand in their own right, look at the road worn series, the equivalent americans are huge money. Until you get to custom shop models you're not going to notice the difference at all, even the tex mex pups are now going into usa guitars! Its just down to badge snobberym which is a powerful motivator ofc!
Of course if you want a stunningly brilliant guitar then have a look at the jap strats, I tried one the other day and was very impressed, very high quality and they are only going up in value too!
Posted by: Sensible Jones Jul 14 2009, 01:37 PM
All parts on an MIM Fender are manufactured in the US, there is no difference!!! As Sted mentioned the difference in price is due to them being assembled in Mexico! It's the same as saying that MIJ Fenders aren't as good and yet I've NEVER seen or played a bad one, the QC on the MIJ stuff is first rate!
Posted by: Marc_Maiden Jul 14 2009, 08:48 PM
ive owned and played many mexicans,
i dont like the bridge, they hurt my hand,
I dont like the shape of the neck, it isnt consistent,
I dont like the pick ups (which can easily be changed yes, but at a price)
-----
the Parker has a more comfortable neck (to me at least)
The pick ups will be cheaper to change if needed
Comes with a lot of pro features
and its unique looking
ME personally, id go for the parker, but the choice is yours!
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 14 2009, 09:13 PM
Well I want to go for the parker, so I think I will, and I will get the strat if the parker doesn't work out. I'd still appreciate anymore advice anyone has on the subject though.
Thanks for all your advice guys. It was really helpful.
Posted by: NoSkill Jul 14 2009, 09:37 PM
Slap down the cash, Matt and let's hear some tones! It sounds like your mind is made up!
Posted by: Ivan Zecic Jul 15 2009, 01:01 AM
i dont like the bridge, they hurt my hand,
I dont like the shape of the neck, it isnt consistent,
I dont like the pick ups (which can easily be changed yes, but at a price)
-----
the Parker has a more comfortable neck (to me at least)
The pick ups will be cheaper to change if needed
Comes with a lot of pro features
and its unique looking
ME personally, id go for the parker, but the choice is yours!
interesting!
i haven't noticed any difference between american and mexican necks, except the number of frets
there are some v-shaped, c-shaped, d-shaped etc. necks, but it's the same profile for american and mexican.
the reason why i love my strat is actually the neck, it feels just perfect.
you don't have to change pickups on lonestar, those pickups are just great, the best you can get for that money and even more!
i've never heard anyone complaining about the bridge hurting their hand, maybe there was sth wrong with your bridge???
if you want to change the pickups (there's no need) it will cost the same. pro features is a pretty wide term, i don't understand what does it mean. parker is as unique looking as strat, it's just a matter of personal preference. some find it ugly, some find it beautiful.
the point here is: try those guitars, buy them if you like them and play them. neither of those guitars will make you a better/worster player, it's just a tool you need to learn how to use.
i've spent too much time on this topic already, so if you want, listen to my advice, if you don't, that's just fine. since you already have a HSH guitar, a bit edgier sounding, strat would be a perfect choice as something extremely versatile, especially with the HSS pickup configuration.
Posted by: gibsonmatte Jul 16 2009, 07:58 AM
I found an interesting "article" regarding the MIM and MIA standard series on a forum.
http://guitargeek.com/chat/showthread.php?threadid=73845
Not saying that it's all true though
Posted by: audiopaal Jul 16 2009, 10:09 AM
A friend of mine owns an Epiphone Custom just like that one.
I think it's a great guitar, both sound and feel are great
I'd go for that one, but it's three very different guitars you've listed so you might like another one better...
Posted by: Fran Jul 16 2009, 10:19 AM
http://guitargeek.com/chat/showthread.php?threadid=73845
Not saying that it's all true though
That was an interesting read
Posted by: sted Jul 16 2009, 10:49 AM
http://guitargeek.com/chat/showthread.php?threadid=73845
Not saying that it's all true though
Yeah, the part that really jumped out at me is that the necks (possibly THE most important part to a guitarist!) are exactly the same specs!
Posted by: gibsonmatte Jul 16 2009, 11:03 AM
Totally agree!
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