LEN Learns To Rock !

[LeftEyeNine]

Hey guys, LEN intends to learn how to rock once more (after reluctantly given up days of drum lessons). I have made up 4 alternatives according to my budget and to the opinions of people around me who are aware of the technical specs of these gadgets. So that I'd like opinion of yours on which one to purchase before my final decision. I'm not a metal fan, -alternative and punk stuff generally. However I'd like to play Anathema and Iced Earth sometimes. So considering these, which one would you recommend me to choose? (All infos copy-pasted directly from their official websites.)

P.S. If you ever come across with quite differences between the prices of the guitars below, never mind. I only have the option to get them locally and the prices of the following guitars have somewhat very close prices in Turkey.

P.S.S. Yes, everyone would like this baby (http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-IBA-JEM77B-RMR--brand-129.html) for a start. :wall:


SX SEG1

https://img458.imageshack.us/img458/4253/seg1mwr1a4du.jpg

An increadible array of sounds are possible from the powerful pickup configuartaion of Humbucker, Single Coil, Humbucker
24 Jumbo fret neck lets you hit those elusive high notes solos
Dual cutaway solid Alder body is contoured for comfortable play
Bolt on Maple neck with bound Rosewood fretboard and adjustable truss rod
5-way pickup selector switch and one volume and one tone control help tailor your individual sounds
Vintage bridge with whammy bar creates cool sound effects
All black hardware including diecast machines gives this guitar a distinctive look
D'Addario strings installed at the factory
Width of the neck at the nut: 1 5/8"; at the 24th fret: 2 3/16"
Overall length, including the strap button: 39 1/2"; Scale length: 25.5"
Width at the widest point: 12"
Body thickness 1 5/8" at edge
Actual Weight is only 7 lbs



Stagg I-400 BK

https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6445/stagg5lp.jpg

I400-BK HEAVY "IFR" ELECTRIC GUITAR
pickups: 2x humbucker -
controls: 1x volume + 1x tone -
pu selector: 3-way toggle switch -
body: solid alder wood -
neck: hard maple / 648mm : 25'' 1/2 -
fingerboard: rosewood / 24 frets -
bridge: classic ''fr'' style tremolo -
machine heads: diecast, chrome -
colour: black



Cort G 210 D

https://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6523/g210d8vn.jpg

Baswwod Body
Maple Bolt-on Neck
Power Sound Pickups
Artec QDD Built-in Distortion
Full Action II Tremolo
Diecast Tuners


Cort X2

https://img469.imageshack.us/img469/2092/x23zo.jpg


Scale
25 1/2"
Joint
Bolt-on
Neck
Hard rock maple
Body
Basswood
Nut
Graphite(black)
Fretboard
Rosewood
Pickup
neck-Powersound humbucker bridge-Powersound humbucker
Headmachine
Diecasting (Chrome)
Bridge
Full-Action (Chorme)
Endpin
Traditional
Knob
PB type (Chrome)
Fret
Jumbo style (2.9mm x 1.3mm)
No.Fret
24
Fretboard width
1F:21F=43mm:56mm
Fretboard radius
15 3/4"
Neck depth
1F:12F=19mm:21mm
Position mark
White dot
Electronics
1vol-1ton-3way s/w
Available color
BK, RM, BM

[Strike For The South]

make the Turkish Beateles. I dont know much but I wish you luck. You lovable hugable Turk:2thumbsup:

[LeftEyeNine]

make the Turkish Beateles. I dont know much but I wish you luck. You lovable hugable Turk:2thumbsup:

I was thinking about Red Hot Chili Janissaries.

Your support is well appreciated, my friend the GMoAtT. :bow:

[Byzantine Prince]

I don't know much about guitars, but I just got a bass. I like alternative metal and industrial metal, so this is not the perfect guitar for that but I am just learning right now:
https://img106.imageshack.us/img106/2424/jguitarbass48di.jpg
[my amp is not nearly that large :furious3: ]

Try to get a cheap one for now, preferably with a powerful pickups. You should go to the store and ask around there, what do we orgasms know?

BTW, the more strings the better. I notice that the ones you posted are 6, have you considered a 7?

[Reenk Roink]

Hmm...No Strats :sad:...

Used to wail away SRV licks on my 62 reissue through my little Blues Junior...

somewhat nostalgic...

Anyway, guitar bores me now, I wish I'd played the only true instrument: Drums...

BUT ANYWAY...

The most important thing for your sound will be teh pickups...

I prefer single coil myself, but with the music you listen to, go with the humbuckers, they'll give you a chunky, fat sound...

[GoreBag]

I do vocals, I'm afraid, so everything I know about my equipment (tuhuh) is about what to eat and drink and how to train my throat and gut.

Is this the first time you've begun to play guitar?

[LeftEyeNine]

Yes this is the first time I 'll be playing guitar.

By the way, I heard that Humbuckers are exclusively good for distortion -that's what I'd really like to. The most appealing guitar according to the friends here is SX SEG1. I also heard that there are different brands of pickups like Power Sound and Mightymite. And yeah, I think I should go with powerful pickups with rosewood fretboard. Anyway, go on please.

[Zalmoxis]

Seems everywhere I look everyone knows how to play guitar, but I don't. Maybe I'll buy one, since I may have a little extra cash, though would a bass or a normal guitar be better?

[LeftEyeNine]

Seems everywhere I look everyone knows how to play guitar, but I don't. Maybe I'll buy one, since I may have a little extra cash, though would a bass or a normal guitar be better?

Buy what you want to play. This has nothing like "Start Here", like some say "Start with classic guitar first and then choose your instrument". It is BS.

[GoreBag]

Start small, is all I have to say. You may decide that guitar isn't your thing, so I'd go with a cheaper guitar and smaller amp at first. But hey, if you're gonna grab the bull by the horns, splurge away.

[doc_bean]

Seems everywhere I look everyone knows how to play guitar, but I don't. Maybe I'll buy one, since I may have a little extra cash, though would a bass or a normal guitar be better?

A bass is easier, but not really as fun to play alone, and it makes a lot of noise, so practicing can get on your neighbors nerves :sweatdrop:

[Reverend Joe]

I was thinking about Red Hot Chili Janissaries.

Your support is well appreciated, my friend the GMoAtT. :bow:
:laugh4: Too bad you don't do psychedelic- you could form Mehmed Airplane.

Well, good luck anyway.

[Ianofsmeg16]

Gah! Guitarists have no use, drummers are twice as good and do twice the work for HALF the girls you show off guitarists get!

But without why guitarists, my band would just be me doin awesome drums for and hour, so good on you for learning guitar!

[Axeknight]

I started playing guitar recently. My advice, of those - Get a Cort. More expensive than a Stagg, but a much better guitar for your money. If you're playing punk rock there's not much point having distortion built into a guitar cause most budget amps have more than enough built-in punch. Get a decent amp, but don't go overboard in case you decide guitar isn't your thing. I tried quite a few amps when buying my first, and found out that you really don't need more than about 15 or 20 watts of noise unless you're playing in public.

When you first start playing, learn a few simple riffs (the staples: Smoke On The Water, Sunshine Of Your Love, 20th Century Boy, that sort of thing) and learn and practise chords.

[GoreBag]

Gah! Guitarists have no use, drummers are twice as good and do twice the work for HALF the girls you show off guitarists get!

But without why guitarists, my band would just be me doin awesome drums for and hour, so good on you for learning guitar!

Psssh. Everyone knows that that bassists are sex machines, but the singers get the most groupies, even though the drummer is the only one allowed to to go without a shirt.

[Dâriûsh]

Hey LEN, what about some Turkish Death Metal? :thrasher:

[LeftEyeNine]

Hey LEN, what about some Turkish Death Metal? :thrasher:

I'm sorry, mate, I'm not a metalhead. Though I can go for some as I mentioned above. How about joining my Red Hot Chili Janissaries band ?

Thanks for the wishes guys. Axeknight, thanks for extra tips :bow:

*tunes Anathema - One Last Goodbye..

[GoreBag]

Hey LEN, what about some Turkish Death Metal? :thrasher:

It's not bad, actually. There are some groups worth checking out.

[Dâriûsh]

I'm sorry, mate, I'm not a metalhead. Though I can go for some as I mentioned above. How about joining my Red Hot Chili Janissaries band ? Sure. But I can only beat a drum... and that is poorly. ~;)

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I was thinking about Red Hot Chili Janissaries.

Your support is well appreciated, my friend the GMoAtT. :bow:

RHCP are great...

Good luck with your...uh (too long didn't read) whatever...

I play a Fender Strat...

[LeftEyeNine]

RHCP are great...

Good luck with your...uh (too long didn't read) whatever...

I play a Fender Strat...

Uh, you really have a baby. However I'll first have to make sure myself that I want to play a guitar. That much expense will be considerable thereafter.

[Kaiser of Arabia]

I was thinking about Red Hot Chili Janissaries.

Your support is well appreciated, my friend the GMoAtT. :bow:
OMG!

That'd be friggen awesome!

I'd listen to them. :book: :2thumbsup:

[Reenk Roink]

www.cyberfret.com

Great site for teach-yourself.

I would recommend taking lessons (I hated the thought when I first started) because it gives you direction and disciplined practice rather than just noodling on the fretboard...

[Zomby_Woof]

I am in no way a guitar expert (if we were talking bass it would be completely different though) but I would definitely suggest the SX SEG1 or the Cort X2. All of the guitars you posted are rather similar but I would go to your local stores and just try playing on them a bit. I think you're much better off if you get a chance to get the feel of each guitar before making your pick before going on the advice posted on these forums or given to you by your friends.

[Byzantine Prince]

It's not bad, actually. There are some groups worth checking out.
It just proves, you'd listen to anything. :laugh4:

[LeftEyeNine]

Reenk Roink, thanks, that'll do great help. :2thumbsup:

Zomby Woof, I'll highly probably get a SX SEG1, it's recommended by friends here several times as well as you did. Thanks

Capo, If you'd like to pre-order our debut release, I can open a PayPal account ~D

[GoreBag]

It just proves, you'd listen to anything. :laugh4:

No, I had a Turkish metal binge a few months ago. Your taste in music still sucks. ~;p

[Alexanderofmacedon]

GoreBag, give me a list please of American bands you like, or think are good.

[LeftEyeNine]

AlexMaco, are you sure? GoreBag has a "heavy and thick" taste of music (I can't forget what he sent me after learning my hate against brutal vocals ~D )

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I don't just like that, but I like some death metal...

Only a couple bands...

List GoreBag plz?

[GoreBag]

AlexMaco, are you sure? GoreBag has a "heavy and thick" taste of music (I can't forget what he sent me after learning my hate against brutal vocals ~D )

That was Plasma, a grind band from Germany. I don't even know if 'vocals' are the right word. I think they mic'ed the guy's stomach or something.

Alex, compiling a list of death metal bands would be, well, folly. A few classics wouldn't hurt, though:

Cannibal Corpse - The only death metal band able to live off of their music. Pretty bland if you ask me, but they're huge.
Morbid Angel - Started the new-school death metal scene in Florida. Also, their albums are alphabetically coded based on time of release ("Covenant" [C] is their third album, for example). Less bland, but still pretty vanilla.
Deicide - You've probably heard of Glen Benton and his antics before. Very popular band, had a few lame albums in the middle of their career. Even still, some of their music is just plain catchy.

That's pretty much as basic as one gets with death metal these days without getting into the old-school or proto-death areas. I'm usually on the chat if you're interested in talking about it in depth.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Do you like any bands that aren't death metal?

Godsmack? Pantera? Metallica?

[GoreBag]

Bands that aren't death metal? Sure! There's black metal, thrash metal, folk metal, industrial metal, trad (or just 'heavy') metal... and there's grindcore and its offshoots: goregrind, pornogrind, thrashgrind...

Joking aside, though, yeah, I listen to other music. Some techno here, some electronica there; I also dig Scandinavian and Gaelic folk music, and I stumbled on a Tuvan (!) folk/punk band who play some very interesting and painfully striking music. After all that, though, I consider myself a metalhead for a reason, I suppose.

Godsmack never sat well with me (it's not real metal anyway), and Pantera was just boring. I thought Superjoint Ritual was a better band...I don't know. They just had a better feel to the music.

Metallica, I never liked either, including the old albums, with the exceptions of one or two riffs every once in a while. Some friends of mine, while still in high school, played some Metallica covers with their hard rock band at the school coffeehouse. I played the gong for the beginning of For Whom the Bell Tolls. :laugh4:

[Kommodus]

Excellent! Very good to see someone developing their musical ability. IMHO, everyone should learn to play at least one instrument, at least a little, if at all possible.

So, your friends favor the SX SEG1, huh? It probably will give you a lot of versatility with those three pickups, although I don't know how much you'll actually use the single coil pickup.

The Cort G 210 D looks interesting in that it has that 5-way effects switch. Such a feature could be really useful for switching between rhythm and lead playing - but only if the effects actually sound good. It's hard to tell without playing it.

The Stagg I-400 BK and Cort X2 appear to be in similar classes, in that they are probably solid, few-frills guitars. I actually prefer the more basic design, since I'd rather have a few good sounds that I know well and get a lot of use out of than a lot of poor sounds. (Some musicians like to use a lot of effects and accessories to cover up their lack of talent.) The two humbuckers in each will give you the sound you need for quite a while, but they won't make quite as many sounds as the other two. Between the two, the X2 looks cooler to me.

I myself own a Cort, and I'm pleased enough with it, although it could play better. I'm currently in the market for a Telecaster. The Strat is popular but not my style.

[LeftEyeNine]

So, your friends favor the SX SEG1, huh? It probably will give you a lot of versatility with those three pickups, although I don't know how much you'll actually use the single coil pickup.

Well, there are 2 humbuckers and 1 single coil (so that 5 pickups total) on that SX SEG1. It is powerful then, isn't it ~:)

By the way, does this mean that SX has an integrated distortion tone like Cort G210D has?


5-way pickup selector switch and one volume and one tone control help tailor your individual sounds

Anyways, your suggestions are much welcome, thanks for boosting my interest in those loud gadgets :bow:

[Reenk Roink]

I only like my metal in grunge format thank you...

Simply Soundgarden :rockstar: and Alice in Chains :smoking:

[Kommodus]

Well, there are 2 humbuckers and 1 single coil (so that 5 pickups total) on that SX SEG1. It is powerful then, isn't it ~:)

I guess I've always counted the humbuckers as one each, even though that's not technically accurate. The addition of the single coil makes this guitar slightly more versatile than the guitars with just two humbuckers. I've never played a guitar with this pickup configuration, so I'm not sure just how much more versatile it will be.


By the way, does this mean that SX has an integrated distortion tone like Cort G210D has?

No. A humbucker pickup does not provide integrated distortion - just a different sound than the single coil. Very few guitars have integrated distortion; that's almost always the function of the amplifier. Your choice of amp is just as important as your choice of guitar.

This is why I'm a bit wary of the G210D's integrated distortion. Having features like distortion and overdrive built into the guitar seems cool, but what if you end up not liking the built-in effects? Or what if you later decide to use other effects pedals (like most people) to create the sounds you want? Then the built-in ones on the guitar become useless to you.

I'd really recommend trying out the G210D before you consider buying it. Listen to the built-in effects to see if they're any good. Really, you should play any guitar before you buy it - no two guitars are the same, even if they're the same make/model.

[GoreBag]

I only like my metal in grunge format thank you...

Does not compute.

[Byzantine Prince]

No, I had a Turkish metal binge a few months ago. Your taste in music still sucks. ~;p
It's mainstream, so it MUST be bad. ~:rolleyes:

[GoreBag]

It's mainstream, so it MUST be bad. ~:rolleyes:

Didn't say that.

[Reenk Roink]

Does not compute.

Ahem...before the corporate label called "grunge" was applied in 1992, Alice in Chains was marketed as a "Heavy Metal" band for Facelift and Soundgarden were just misfits with their unique sound...

[GoreBag]

Ahem...before the corporate label called "grunge" was applied in 1992, Alice in Chains was marketed as a "Heavy Metal" band for Facelift and Soundgarden were just misfits with their unique sound...

I like how you used the term 'corporate label' to rebuke the title of 'grunge' before you go on to use 'marketed' to say that Alice in Chains was a metal band.

For anyone familiar with the genre, the differences between grunge and metal are pretty much clear.

[LeftEyeNine]

No. A humbucker pickup does not provide integrated distortion - just a different sound than the single coil. Very few guitars have integrated distortion; that's almost always the function of the amplifier. Your choice of amp is just as important as your choice of guitar.

I did not mean humbuckers while asking this I asked about "5-way pickup selector switch and one volume and one tone control ". Does this feature mean that the guitar has a built-in distortion ?

[Reenk Roink]

I like how you used the term 'corporate label' to rebuke the title of 'grunge' before you go on to use 'marketed' to say that Alice in Chains was a metal band.

Yes, I used the term "corporate label", because in essence, that was what it is. "Grunge" was simply a label to lump the new (and suddenly popular) bands that were coming out of Seattle with a distinct sound, despite the fact that each of the big four had key differences in their respective styles and sound.

"Grunge" was also a term used to sell hideous flannel jackets at ridiculous prices in department stores...

Then I used "marketed" because it was the best term to describe the situation. Alice in Chains was initially described as a "metal" in 1989-1990, but redescribed as "grunge" in 1992. Greedy record labels wanting to make a profit methinks...

If you are attempting to hint at hypocrisy, you probably are reading something else between my words...


For anyone familiar with the genre, the differences between grunge and metal are pretty much clear.

Of course they are. But overlap occurs between the genres...

Alice in Chains is decidedly metallic. Soundgarden has the Black Sabbath influence heard loud and clear...

Alice in Chains has more in common with Van Halen in regards to sound than with Pearl Jam...

[GoreBag]

Van Halen wasn't metal either. The only thing vaguely 'metal' about Alice in Chains is the guitar tone and simple chord structure, which, of course, doesn't cut it. They're closer to Korn than they are to Judas Priest.

[Kommodus]

I did not mean humbuckers while asking this I asked about "5-way pickup selector switch and one volume and one tone control ". Does this feature mean that the guitar has a built-in distortion ?

Sorry I misunderstood, but it doesn't matter - the answer's still no. Most electric guitars have one volume control and one tone control, but the tone control only modifies whether the guitar sounds high-pitched or low-pitched (or somewhere in-between). The number of notches on the pickup selector switch is related to the number of pickups - if you have two pickups it will be 3-way; if you have a 3-pickup configuration (such as two double humbuckers and one single coil for a total of five pickups) it will be 5-way. Stratocasters that have three single-coil pickups have a 5-way switch. None of these features provide built-in distortion.

[LeftEyeNine]

Kommodus, thank you so much.

Finally LEN bought this babe !

Cort G254

https://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8020/g2546um.jpg

Basswood body
Maple neck
Bolt-on neck joint
Mightymite pickups
Wilkinson VS 50 II tremolo

It's been more than 3 hours and I had to put it away since I needed energy replenishment to play with the babe even more.

Yeah, it's none of the above but some last minute recommendations and the unavailability of them here made me change my decision. However I'm quite happy with it though it costed me more. :guitarist:

Thanks to all participated in this hard period of mine :bow: :laugh4: The thread is still open and the discussion can be driven further about what can/should be done with a guitar from now on ~:)

[Reenk Roink]

Lessons my friend...lessons... :vanish:

[L'Impresario]

Also caution when changing strings...last time my right eye was saved due to sheer luck:P
But this isn't the reason I haven't touched my guitar since July :P

[Kommodus]

Looks great, man. It's almost a Strat except for the humbucker in front. That'll give you plenty of versatility (and hopefully great sound) for years to come.

Now what you're about to discover is that it's not primarily the guitar but the person playing it that counts. What I'm saying is: play the crap outa that thing! Try to learn something fun and easy to get started, then keep adding to your repertoire. Spend as much time as possible with your fingers on those strings, and above all have fun with it - otherwise you may find yourself giving up quickly like so many others. I recommend lessons if possible; I take them myself.

BTW, what kind of amp do you have? That has as much to do with the sound as the guitar itself.

[LeftEyeNine]

Kommodus, thanks, I am quite sure that it's been a good choice :bow:

Yeah, I have a long way to learn however I'm encouraged with the way and amount of time I spent with my guitar. I hope I'll take some rapid steps forward ~:)

Well, I could not afford an amp right now. Instead I plug the guitar into the PC and use softwares like Guitar Box or Guitar Box FX to play. I have a Creative SBLive! 24-bit soundcard and therefore those softwares give satisfactory results for now -at least for a beginner. :balloon2:

And finally here is the track listing of the debut album of Red Hot Chili Janissaries :

1- Onto The Gates of Vienna
2- Give It Away (Balkans Edition)
3- Don't Cry For Me, Tripoli
4- Come On Baby, Light My Arquebus
5- Sipahis On The Storm
6- Wake Me Up When The Siege Ends
7- Istanbul, Not Constantinople (Four Lads Tribute)
8- Supercariye
9- Ottomanification
10- Last Goodbye (Vienna Reprise)

For those interested, PM me and you'll get the Paypal details so that you can have your order processed. :smoking:

[Byzantine Prince]

Well done my friend. Practice your ass off now. Make sure you get some DVD's and books if you have the patience. You don't really need an amp, because you probably won't be making pleasant sounds anyways. :help:

I am learning base myself. I still haven't touched that DVD though, it is way too fun just pretending, and hardening my fingers. :shame: :laugh4:

BTW, great choice in the guitar.

On a sidenote, it is quite ironic that you call that group "Janissaries". You unpatriotic loyalist! :laugh4:

[Moros]

A bass is easier, but not really as fun to play alone, and it makes a lot of noise, so practicing can get on your neighbors nerves :sweatdrop:
you can always play some blues scheme on your own.And bass doesn't have to be easier. If you just play pop-rock and just follow the chords the guitar plays, the yes it's easy. But then you're not really playing bass.
(I know this is a response to a post made a while ago but I just had to say this.)

I have to say LEN great guitar choice...
:idea2: ...
Can't I barrow it for a while? I'll give it back...:saint:

[LeftEyeNine]

I have to say LEN great guitar choice...
...
Can't I barrow it for a while? I'll give it back...

Of course, mate, have fun. I'm sure you'll give it back.. (ermm.. you will, eh ?)

I found some user reviews about Cort G254 here -seems I've made a good choice indeed :

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Cort/G254-1.html

[Moros]

Of course, mate, have fun. I'm sure you'll give it back.. (ermm.. you will, eh ?)

I found some user reviews about Cort G254 here -seems I've made a good choice indeed :

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Cort/G254-1.html
you have, you have!

just a question but do you already know how to play on it?

[LeftEyeNine]

Not a single note ! ~D

[Moros]

aiks... then if I was you would go learn them together with the basic chords (A, Am, B/H, Bm/Hm, C, D, Dsus4, Dm, D7, E, Em, F,G, G7,...)
You should take a look at E-tabs. The've got all the chords and how you have to play them at certain page.

[LeftEyeNine]

Um, thanks, I'll have a look at it. A friend of mine will get me the tabs of Anathema - Fragile Dreams soon, I'll kick in with one of my favorite songs as well ~:)

[Moros]

Um, thanks, I'll have a look at it. A friend of mine will get me the tabs of Anathema - Fragile Dreams soon, I'll kick in with one of my favorite songs as well ~:)
never heard about that song. nor the band really.
What kind of music are you going to play btw?

[LeftEyeNine]

never heard about that song. nor the band really.
What kind of music are you going to play btw?

Anathema is a British doom metal band that can prove out you're missing so much with their "A Fine Day To Exit", "Judgement" and "Alternative 4" albums particularly. If you are into some "heaviness" with clean vocals (no chance for any groups with brutals -though they have some albums featuring such vocals), have a go. If you want to try, their most popular hits are "One Last Goodbye" and "Deep". Try these two, if you like there is more to come.

I'm into some way swinging from alternative rock to punk. I think I develop my style after being able to "handle" my Cort.