Cheap Electrics that play and sound good

[jojokeo]

Who needs a pick? (at 1:58 on...) 

Who knew of Jimbob and Ed's past together??? (and why they're always bickering?) Back in their hay day...

[Ritchie200]

Haha!  That WAS my hair back in the 70's!!!  And yes, that looks like Ed's cosmic rig - a Marshall with nothing plugged in and not turned on!

Jim

sorry for the hijack, have to defend meself against these rouge characters!

[Ed_Chambley]

That is not a Marshall behind the guy not plugged in. What an idiot.

[Ed_Chambley]

Ed, Ed, Ed.....

O ye of little faith.  Unlike you, my stories of lore and wisdom are backed by facts, not your fantasies about how good you WERE. I believe this is your guitar?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Schecter-Hellraiser-C-1-FR-Electric-Guitar-Black-Cherry-Set-Neck-EMG-81-89-1794/381998955779?epid=23011376436&hash=item58f0e97d03:rk:4:pf:0

Oh and yes I am a Cowboy but I wasn't dancing with Sissy.  I was dancing with Precious AND Grace....

Jimbob

you see you linked to retail. If you think they cost more how many will you buy for 500 dollars. Half price?

[Willabe]

Oh my gosh, their posting chick rock now! 

[Ritchie200]

Willabe!  Ed and Jojo are picking on me.   They need to leave the forum if they are not going to be nice to me!!!!  Once again, I never did anything to deserve this treatment!

Jim

[Willabe]

Willabe!  Ed and Jojo are picking on me.   They need to leave the forum if they are not going to be nice to me!!!!  Once again, I never did anything to deserve this treatment!

     

[1blueheron]

Hate to break up the love fest here    but I have a problem I'm hoping you guys can solve.  Picked up a pawn shop special yesterday.  It's a vintage Les Paul copy but has no name at all on the headstock and no serial number visible that we could find.  There is a very aged looking sticker on the back of the headstock that has LP19B printed on it.  Guitar is black with a carved top, block inlays in the fretboard, no inlay on the headstock.  White binding on guitar fretboard and headstock that has yellowed with age.  Tuning keys have been replaced with Grovers.  Probably not correct as old screw holes are exposed but that's just cosmetic and they work great.  The bridge and tailpeice are bowed a bit and and it needs a fret job.  One of the tone knobs is missing and replaced with a knurled chrome speed knob.  Action was set way high to keep the strings from buzzing when playing on the worn frets.  Pots are a bit scratchy. Buzzes a bit when you touch the chrome knob.

Sound like a piece of junk?  Why would we buy something so messed up? Well, it happens to be a tone monster.  Almost scared to fix whats wrong for fear of messing up the MOJO.  Looked inside the rear routes and it appears it is a mahogany plywood body.  How can this thing sound so good?   No clue what make of pickups is in it.  Pawn shop had it marked at 119.  we gave em 100.   Got it home and plugged into a decent amp and I must say I think we got  a bargain.

If anyone can shed some light on what this is we would be deeply indebted.  Google yields possibly a japanese copy by kawai, secova, tokai, honda.... who knows. 

[1blueheron]

more

[Ritchie200]

That looks like many a Japanese or Korean copy from the 70’s. Actually looks a lot like a Sears copy I bought back then!  One of the things I always ran into with those copies back then was they were never set up. I would clean it up, put strings on it, and check the truss rod. It might be better than you think. I have a Strat copy that was my go to for years that had some of the best single coils I’ve ever heard. Sometimes you luck into some magic!


Jim

[1blueheron]

OK, I think I have some promising leads on the origin of this Les Paul copy and boy is it a weird one.

We broke the guitar down last night to give it a good cleaning and inspect it for any identifying features/numbers inside.  There were none.

So there are a few distinct features about this guitar that I am looking at that are not found in the thousands of other 70's LP copies.

1.  the strap knob is located on the heel
2.  the truss rod cover is a unique shape, similar to the gretsch design cover.
3. the sticker on the back of the headstock
4. tailstop is not slotted around the posts.
5. back route covers are odd shape and ill fitting.
6. the zero fret below the nut.
7. the tombstone shape headstock rather than pointed or open book.
8. Plywood body
9. Block inlays but no headstock inlay.

I have only found one example that exhibits all of these odd features.  The EKO EROS.   Info is a liittle sketchy.  EKO appears to still be in business and I am going to contact them and see if I get any response.

It appears EKO was an Italian company that manufactured guitars in Recanati, Italy in the 50's and 60's as well as electronic keyboards and organs.  They produced primarily acoustic guitars until the late 60's.  When the electric guitar market began to take hold, they recognized it was better to go with the flow than against it so they began producing a cheap, sub brand of electric guitars based largely on Fender and Gibson models.  They apparently had them manufactured in Japan under the EROS name.  I am trying to find what factory in Japan built the EROS guitars, apparently there were not a lot made and they were only porduced for a few years in the late 60's early 70's?

It also appears they were imported to the UK by Rosetti?   I have sent an email to Rosetti to try and confirm.

If anybody can share info on this or correct wrong information I may have, it would be appreciated.

[tubeswell]

Looks like an old 'Carlos' LP copy budget basement guitar. You can tell by the pot knobs and the pups. I had one when I was a teenager in the '70s. They were under $100 new IIRC.

[Jennings]

I've got a couple of Clearwater cheapies which sound gairly good...one Mandocaster and one lap steel.  Yes, I've replaced the electrics and cheap pots.  Yes, I had to tidy up the frets and pop a new nut on.  And yes, the scae length of the lap steel is probably a bit small for me...but for the price they play and sound good now, plus I have fun doing the tweaks.  I've also got a Harley Benton 7 string which I really like.  And two bitsa Teles I put together with cheap parts which are ace...I just popped decent pots and pickups in.

[Platefire]

Pictures Please!

[Ritchie200]

Ed,

Believe it or not, Jojo DID record an epic song and also an even EPIC better video!!!!

Jim

[Ritchie200]

Yes!  It is good very!

Jim

[jojokeo]

Holy crap how did that come out but what a nice porn stache eh? Speaking of which I found Jimbo and Ed's first forey's into music when they wanted to be a percussionist and flute player respectively...or is this just one of their foreplay routines?

[Ed_Chambley]

Couldn't even get started.  Sorry, bit odd don't ya think?

[sluckey]

You guys sure know how to wreck a good thread!

[Ritchie200]

Yeah, what he said!  I think those guys need to be banned.

Jim

[sluckey]

 

[Ritchie200]

Ok I will try to get this thang back on track.....

I recently stopped in at a store that buys club store overstocks and sells them for 30-70% off.  For example I got a HUGE document (or small firearm) fire safe for $50, retailed for over $300.  Stopped in earlier this year and found a black left handed strat copy. Came with a tuner, stand, SS practice amp with 8" speaker, and a gig bag.  All for $30.  Of course I bought it!  The clerk kept telling me that they couldn't sell it because it was a lefty. "You do know this is a left handed guitar?"  "This guitar will only work for left handed people..."  Guessing her age I said, "Remember Jimi Hendrix?"  She looked surprised and said, "Of course!"  I then explained what I had in mind.  I've got several sets of pickups and the neck was surprisingly good, maple with rosewood fingerboard, so I wasn't worried.  If worse comes to worse, I could sacrifice it at a big gig (if that ever happens...).  Fret ends needed a little touchup but after filing the nut, new strings, rod adjustment, relocating strap button, and my patented floating whammy setup - the moment of truth.  Plugged in and holy crap!  This thing sounds like Brian May's Red Special!  Pups have a pronounced sparkle on the bridge and vowel like at the neck.  Five way switch and I can dial in every queen song I can ever remember trying to play.  Plays really really nice.  Pics coming.

Jim

[sluckey]

Now that's a good story. Cheap too! Perfect for this thread. Platefire will come callin' soon.   

[Platefire]

All I can say is watch the video
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Boy!+You+are+in+a+Heap+of+Troble&&view=detail&mid=6CEDAF2963A12F670D756CEDAF2963A12F670D75&rvsmid=1E159556FEC619A234EF1E159556FEC619A234EF&FORM=VDRVRV

[jjasilli]

The right to remain silent!?!

[Platefire]

What about a Whacky Guitar player that sounds good???
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Whackey+Guitar+Player&view=detail&mid=699A78D35714DD70382F699A78D35714DD70382F&FORM=VIRE
MAYBE ANOTHER
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Whackey+Guitar+Player&&view=detail&mid=10E7A0E2973E0D4EE46C10E7A0E2973E0D4EE46C&rvsmid=699A78D35714DD70382F699A78D35714DD70382F&FORM=VDQVAP
LAST BUT ______ LEAST
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Whackey+Guitar+Player&&view=detail&mid=68AB39122555159C18E768AB39122555159C18E7&&FORM=VDRVRV

[Ed_Chambley]

Trevor Wilkinson, the pickup and hardware designer was working in conjunction with Fret King and making some nice Fender type guitars.  Are not very cheap, but now they have started these:


https://vintageguitarsus.com/electric-reissued-series/


I have a friend with a music store who started selling these.  You can get one out the door for $400 or less, I know the wholesale cost.  If when you purchase any you know how to fret level and do a proper setup, basically improving the playability any of them are fine instruments with nice hardware.


I bought one to route for a low output neck humbucker 6.8DCR with alnico 2 and the Bridge is actually cold rolled steel like the old Blackguard but has compensated saddles.  Not saying out the door they are not ok, but after a good once over if I didn't use a G and B bender tele, I would have one of these dragging around.


That is my favorite thing about cheaper guitars.  Drag them around for 6 months and sell them as Road Worn on Craigslist.  Seriously, nice instruments with poor fit and finish.

[Platefire]

Hi Ed
   I took a look at the link. They look like a nice selection there. I've always had a thing for the while LP custom with gold hardware. They have one that looks really nice! Even though gold hardware seems to tarnish right off the bat. I once had a Les Paul Custom Black Beauty back in the 70's but it was a dog. I now hate black guitars as far as appearance. I now have a white Epi LP Studio doing LP duties and I'm pretty pleased with. What can I say, I've got too many guitars. I've run out of room to stash them! Same way with amps.  I almost bought another strat the other day. I made a low-ball offer and he accepted but I didn't have enough cash on hand and ask him would he take a Debit. He said I don't have a Debit machine. I walked out mumbling something about I guess I could go to an ATM but after a few minuets away from the shop I came to my senses and went home.
  So yeah, I got to many cheap guitars that play good and I'm not going to give up my bed so I can stack them on there. I got a new rule. In order to get another guitar, I must first get rid of one first so the count don't increase. Problem is, I like them all. So I'll have to find something that really rocks my boat to make me get rid of one. Platefire

BTW-Merry Christmas

[Ed_Chambley]

I here you Bob.  I had a rule.  I only need 2 amps about 12 to 15 watts each.  Then I said 2 about 30 watts would be nice.  I went on a selling spree and now I only have 9 Guitar amps.  My favorite guitar is a 1969 Black and Gold Les Paul and yes it is a good one.  Dad never really learned to play, but he did have a 1964 Super Reverb that I now have as well.  I used to play the Les Paul, but it is worth too much to damage or get stolen, so now it plays at home.


I just finished making one of the Vintage guitars a Telecaster with a humbucker in the neck and a Broadcaster type bridge.  2 concentric post where I can have 500K for the hum bucker tone and volume and 250K for the bridge.  I have completed everything except wiring it up.  After doing the frets, the thing plays like a $1500 guitar.


So I guess my rules get broken sometimes.  Like Jimbob kept on about Strats and still does.  I finally got one and then another.  Someone gave me one and I repaired it and then went and bought another new one.  4 Strats now.  Telecasters?  I am ashamed and will not say!  I will say I have 3 with "B" and "G" benders.  One in Blackguard dress, one is 60 Dress and one Modern Deluxe.


I found an Affinity Strat at a goodwill for $9.  Replaced the PUPS and switch and did a setup.  Sanded off the headstock and painted it black to match the body and put a friends of mine's son, his name is Freddy, using the same font fender uses.  I give him lessons from time to time. Really nice kid and great player.  He plays a Epiphone Led Paul, but want a strat.  Turned out nice.


Merry Christmas!

[sluckey]

using the same font fender uses

Hey Ed, would that be a true type font? Would you let me have the file? You have my email addy. THX

...and Merry Christmas!

[Ed_Chambley]

using the same font fender uses

Hey Ed, would that be a true type font? Would you let me have the file? You have my email addy. THX

...and Merry Christmas!

Sent!

[Platefire]

Hay Ed, I been meaning to respond to you previous post since before Christmas and just now doing it. So you won't confess to how many guitars you do own or have owned at one time---ok I recently removed the bed out of one bedroom to make a jam room. The guitars that went under that bed I then had to find a place for. So they are now in a pile in the washing/computer room. I also quit buying hard cases and started using gig bags because you can huddle up more guitars in gig bags(under a bed) than hard cases. I have called it quits of acquiring any more as of about 2 years ago. I was about that time I thing I built my last amp----I think?

I'll have to look up your post on your last tele builds. I've always wanted to play a tele in the humbucker in the neck position. I play in the neck position most of the time. so that sounds interesting. Also having the 250/500 pots separated to control their corresponding pu's is also interesting. IMHO there could be no substitute to having a real tele pickup/bridge plate in the bridge position or in your case Broadcaster pu for a tele. A tele just has to have that twang thang going on at the bridge. So should be some nice tone in the middle combined position also. 

I truley enjoy playing all my guitars because each one brings out another side of my playing in a different way.I enjoy the variety. When it come to burning down the house playing, full blown kick out the jams, with me the strat is the ultimate weapon---considering the end of the world playing is in my own limited capacity when compared to all the other players in the world. I stiill enjoy it as much as the big boys even though the end result might be slightly different
On your $9 strat, I thought I had gone pretty cheap on my $20 ION strat but have to admit you have about a 55% advantage there. Now that I have leaned to do a pretty decent set up on a strat, it's amazing to me how well a cheap strat copy can be made to play with a good setup---of course if the copy isn't too cheaply made where it can't be adjusted out. Hope your having a excellent New Year. Platefire (Bob)

[John R]

Enjoying a sunday morning leasure and opened this to see what cheap stuff is, and man I haven't laughed so good since last night...some hillarious chit in the middle pages, and not being a Pro, I got some deeper knowledge...eye bleach quick.

But to the Title, it seems some good deals are in the PRS SE line and G&L tributes I think. Gibson's Tributes also get good mentions for 'newer' cheap. SE Asia and China are really making nice stuff now, sadly for me as a dyed in wool american working class burro. So it goes.  I have recently come to the realization that a really good neck with AAA resonant quality is half of a elec's overall tone, so bolt on good neck with hi end electricals can make a great instrument, but as always it is each instrument, no guarentees.

Thanks for the laughs! Great stuff

[Ed_Chambley]

Hay Ed, I been meaning to respond to you previous post since before Christmas and just now doing it. So you won't confess to how many guitars you do own or have owned at one time---ok I recently removed the bed out of one bedroom to make a jam room. The guitars that went under that bed I then had to find a place for. So they are now in a pile in the washing/computer room. I also quit buying hard cases and started using gig bags because you can huddle up more guitars in gig bags(under a bed) than hard cases. I have called it quits of acquiring any more as of about 2 years ago. I was about that time I thing I built my last amp----I think?

I'll have to look up your post on your last tele builds. I've always wanted to play a tele in the humbucker in the neck position. I play in the neck position most of the time. so that sounds interesting. Also having the 250/500 pots separated to control their corresponding pu's is also interesting. IMHO there could be no substitute to having a real tele pickup/bridge plate in the bridge position or in your case Broadcaster pu for a tele. A tele just has to have that twang thang going on at the bridge. So should be some nice tone in the middle combined position also. 

I truley enjoy playing all my guitars because each one brings out another side of my playing in a different way.I enjoy the variety. When it come to burning down the house playing, full blown kick out the jams, with me the strat is the ultimate weapon---considering the end of the world playing is in my own limited capacity when compared to all the other players in the world. I stiill enjoy it as much as the big boys even though the end result might be slightly different
On your $9 strat, I thought I had gone pretty cheap on my $20 ION strat but have to admit you have about a 55% advantage there. Now that I have leaned to do a pretty decent set up on a strat, it's amazing to me how well a cheap strat copy can be made to play with a good setup---of course if the copy isn't too cheaply made where it can't be adjusted out. Hope your having a excellent New Year. Platefire (Bob)

Plate, I don't mind admitting how many guitars I have, but I am also a parts collector.  Makes it difficult to count.  I have a guitar with a 1967 Fender Strat neck that hooks to the body.  Loosen the strings and it will fit into my Shotgun case with an old Stephens Single Shot Shotgun 16 ga.


Sort of like having a single shot rifle and a one eyed dog.  I have a 3/4 Telecaster with 5 strings too.  I went to Songbirds 2 weeks ago, Guitar Museum in Chattanooga.  It is not a huge place, but they did open the case of these Byrdlands and let me smell them.

[Ritchie200]

Ooooooooo! Ahhhhhhh!  Ed, that is too cool.  Lots of history there!  I drop in from time to time to a local place in St. Louis called Killer Vintage.  Their walls are lined with photos of players like Ronnie Wood, Jeff Beck, Malmsteen, on and on - all pictures of them taken when they were visiting the store.  They have some choice stuff and are well respected.  The owner does business world wide.  After plinking around on their inventory I've come to the realization that a lot of the old stuff is just that - OLD.  And mostly worn out.  The prices are staggering.  Every once and a while there will be a neck that just feels like home (that 57 strat, sigh…) or a pickup that shines.  However, I'll take a newer guitar any day.  Not saying that those Birdlands are junk, far from it!  I'm saying I think the majority of the vintage gear pricing is driven by non-playing cork sniffers or those with more money than talent.  There are certainly exceptions where the craftsmanship is stellar and the combination of wood, neck, and electronics is magical.


Bottom line, I'm exceedingly cheap (which is why I'm posting on this thread  ).  I figure if I cant make a $30 guitar sound halfway decent, spending 6 figures on a guitar isn't going to help fix that problem.....


Jim

[davidwpack]

Here's my second submission to "cheap guitars that play good". It's a G&L Tribute Fallout. I replaced the bridge pickup with a TV Jones Classic Plus. It's splittable to single coil. Also, because my OCD requires numbers, I changed the barrel knobs to Jazz Master knobs. I'm not a super huge fan of humbuckers but I really like the TV Jones. It blends perfectly with the P90 in the middle position.

[Ritchie200]

Ok, I am going to tell you about one that got away.  Went to a trivia night last night with a silent auction.  Low and behold there was a Schecter S-1 Elite, brand spanking new and the bid going into the last few minutes was $160.  The S-1 is a LP Jr style double cutaway in red with abalone neck inlays and Duncan pups, just a beautiful guitar.  Used on Fleabay for $700.  So in the last minute it hit $200 and I am ready to sweep in and snipe, trying to balance how much trouble I would get into with my wife (who wasn't there) for bringing it home against my massive guitar greed. 10 seconds to go and a guy older than me (so dirt old) walked up and put $275 on it.  I was going into convulsions trying to decided if I should thrown down $276 and suddenly it was over.  Awww crap.  Our table was right next to it.  So for the last hour of the night, there it was....  Taunting me.  Laughing at me.  The neck looking like one big tall middle finger to my indecisiveness....  I was trying to make myself feel better by saying over and over that my wife would have killed me if I brought home another guitar.  Then my daughters were admonishing me for not getting it saying "Mom buys all sorts of stuff, you should have got it!  Geez dad, why didn't you just get it?!?!"  Even my daughters were calling me a puss.....   


Fast forward to this morning after a long tearful night of what might have been.  I told my wife about it when she got home from work (nurse) thinking I would get points for my restraint.  "Why didn't you just get it?!?!"


Jim

[tubenit]

Jim,   

That is one funny story!!       Thanks for sharing it!

Jeff

[Ed_Chambley]

Ok, I am going to tell you about one that got away.  Went to a trivia night last night with a silent auction.  Low and behold there was a Schecter S-1 Elite, brand spanking new and the bid going into the last few minutes was $160.  The S-1 is a LP Jr style double cutaway in red with abalone neck inlays and Duncan pups, just a beautiful guitar.  Used on Fleabay for $700.  So in the last minute it hit $200 and I am ready to sweep in and snipe, trying to balance how much trouble I would get into with my wife (who wasn't there) for bringing it home against my massive guitar greed. 10 seconds to go and a guy older than me (so dirt old) walked up and put $275 on it.  I was going into convulsions trying to decided if I should thrown down $276 and suddenly it was over.  Awww crap.  Our table was right next to it.  So for the last hour of the night, there it was....  Taunting me.  Laughing at me.  The neck looking like one big tall middle finger to my indecisiveness....  I was trying to make myself feel better by saying over and over that my wife would have killed me if I brought home another guitar.  Then my daughters were admonishing me for not getting it saying "Mom buys all sorts of stuff, you should have got it!  Geez dad, why didn't you just get it?!?!"  Even my daughters were calling me a puss.....   


Fast forward to this morning after a long tearful night of what might have been.  I told my wife about it when she got home from work (nurse) thinking I would get points for my restraint.  "Why didn't you just get it?!?!"


Jim

You let it go for under $300.  You have got to be older cause we know you are more senile than the guy that got it.


I often wonder about you!

[Ghetto_Soundwave]

My daughter wants to (re)learn to play guitar. I taught her a few chords when she was in her early teens and now (age 26)  she wants to take guitar playing farther. I visited her a few months ago and she asked me to help her pick out a guitar. I told her IMO electric guitars are the easiest to learn on for a variety of reasons. We tried several guitars under $300 and the Epiphone SG Special VE was the only one that had proper intonation, string height and without dead notes. It's lightweight, thin and  comfortably contoured. It's only drawback is the pickups sound thin. She paid $180 (new) and I bought her an Orange Crush Mini, cord and guitar strap to go with it.

[tubenit]

Nice guitar!  THANKS for sharing the story.  It's pretty cool when our kids pick up the passion for playing guitar also.

With respect, Jeff

[rake]

Grab her a set of Golden Age humbuckers from StewMac!
They do a pretty good job of sounding like PAF Gibson pickups for a lot less money!

https://www.stewmac.com/electronics/pickups/shop-all-our-pickups/golden-age-humbuckers.html

[TIMBO]

Hey guys,
I just purchased a Washburn N1 for AU$500 in great condition
1990s Washburn N1 Nuno Bettencourt Electric Guitar Vintage White, Japan | Reverb
Similar to this one but in red stain
So after playing it for the last week I'm chuffed that a "cheap" guitar can be so well built
I'm now looking for a project to build (from cheap well built) bones and do some upgrades
The Yamaha pacifica is a bit of a contender that has the super strat look

[Platefire]

I'm beginning to think I've reached the end of my guitar purchases, cheap or high end. I for sure have got more than I got room for. I don't want to speak to loud though, cause something might jump out at me unexpected

[uki]

How about something different !?

Dolphin guitars was a brand from Brazil, very good instruments, guitars and basses,
i got the luck to work in the factory where i learned the luthier profession, late 80s, 88-89.
Dolphin was the first guitar in Brazil to have a Floyd Rose tremolo.

I got two guitars from Dolphin of same model but the first I got is left hand, playing with that guitar since the late 80s, I got so used to it that the need to modify the right hand one was unavoidable, so a new body is in place now. Model name GX-508, X for tremolo, GA-508 no tremolo.

[jjasilli]

My vote:  Danelectro


D'Angelico Premier Series Bedford SH

[mresistor]

Anybody have any experience with these cheap guitars?    https://www.guitarfetish.com/Electric-Guitars_c_116.html
I've not owned or played any but have read some reviews that were favorable.
Lots of folks have used their pickups and like them.

[bmccowan]

One of my favorites is a Squire Custom II P90 TELE. The quality is high and the "Duncan Designed" pickups sound great. No current production, and I see the used prices are all over the place $300 (good deal) to $850 (good luck)

[Platefire]

This 2009 Squire Deluxe Stratocaster still makes me smile. One of my better buys

[Platefire]

Speaking of cheap guitars that play and sound good. I've been hearing a lot of mostly good reports on Firefly Guitars lately. Seems they are in the $200 to $300 range, have a lot of extras only higher end guitar have and the reviews are generally impressive. Anybody with experience with these?