New guitar - opinions ?

[Skyweaver]

I've thinking more and more about a guitar purely for solo tone, recording and I keep thinking of the fender strat for some reason.

Any preferences guys on guitars for "solo" recording, before I go out and spend some $$

 

[Kazrog]

Check out the Charvel SoCal if you are looking for a USA made, shred-strat:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SoCal1BK/

These guitars play and sound great - they are the ultimate 80s shred axe. I tried one out recently at a store and had a hard time putting it down. As for normal, Fender strats, they are OK but I don't like them as much for fast playing (unless it's an Eric Johnson or Yngwie strat - both are awesome but a lot more expensive and arguably not any nicer than the SoCal.)

 

[Metaltastic]

Check out the Charvel SoCal if you are looking for a USA made, shred-strat:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SoCal1BK/

These guitars play and sound great - they are the ultimate 80s shred axe. I tried one out recently at a store and had a hard time putting it down. As for normal, Fender strats, they are OK but I don't like them as much for fast playing (unless it's an Eric Johnson or Yngwie strat - both are awesome but a lot more expensive and arguably not any nicer than the SoCal.)

Shane, you're a man after my own heart - the bluesy geezers are gonna come in and recommend a strat with single coils for bringing the snoozes, but Skyweaver, judging by your "shred or die" slogan, I think we're metal birds of a feather, and the Charvels are indeed bonerrific - I had a similar experience when I played one, the beautiful white-maple neck on them is just such a smooth, friction-free joy to fly up and down on; my only complaint is the shallow cutaway and infuriating neck joint block (which are of course inherent to the Strat shape, but I've always been a super-strat guy at heart!)

Honestly, this is a huge issue for me - why aren't there any other guitars <$1k US with original Floyds besides the Charvels (complaints already mentioned) and Schecters? (too big and heavy for a shred guitar IMO) I wish I could get a good super-strat with an OFR without spending an arm and a leg

 

[Rex Rocker]

How about a used Ibanez RG550? Ultimate shred guitar, IMO.

 

[Metaltastic]

Yeah, I'm just really not a fan of the Edge Pro bridge, and I dunno what I'd think of the original Edge either - I really want an OFR! (or a Schaller, but the only company I know of that uses 'em is Caparison, and I don't think I'll be getting one of those any time soon )

 

[Metaltastic]

Holy shit, look what we have here...

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Laguna-LE924-Electric-Guitar?sku=500881

It's a licensed bridge, but I can only assume (read: desperately hope) that for the price it's a good one, cuz that's one gorgeous guitar, and unlike so many of the other shred guitars, doesn't have a middle pickup (another thing I can't stand)

 

[Kazrog]

Ibanez Edge and Edge II tremolos are nowhere near as good as OFR. I don't know why Ibanez insists on forcing these on people. Their guitars are nice otherwise, but buyer beware - absolutely only buy Ibanez after physically playing the exact guitar you will buy. 3 out of 10 Ibanez guitars are total lemons, and only about 1 in 10 is fantastic (of the same model/year.)

 

[Dylan S]

I have heard good things about the LTD M1000 series of guitars. They look nice and come with good pickups and feel really good to play.

I am sure those Charvels are amazing guitars too. I'd personally go Schecter but a lot of people don't like how big they are, but if that is something that doesn't bother you then check them out. They come with great bridges/pickups stock.

 

[Metaltastic]

The thing with the Schecters is, it's not only the size of the body and neck, but the fact that they're all-mahogany - for rhythm that's a godsend, but for shred stuff I like much brighter woods to really get that snarl, especially with the bridge pickup. And the M1000's unfortunately still use the same licensed Floyd as all the much cheaper LTD's, so I wouldn't wanna chance it! (though I bet a guitar as no-frills as the M-II can be had for under $1k used...pity it's so boring looking though, I really don't like plain ol' black )

 

[Dylan S]

I was in a guitar shop with a friend of mine the other day and we were commenting on how there are so many low end LTD's that look WAY MORE AWESOME than the MII's, buyes the MII is definitely an amazing guitar.

 

[mick thompson]

hows about a caparison tat? they're comfortable as hell to play on

 

[Skyweaver]

Hey Guys thanks for the replies ! Shane: the Charvel So-Cal looks awesome, just got to find a shop here in Oz where I can check it out. Metaltastic: yep lol we are birds of a feather, I too disliked the Ibanez tremolo. I bought two RG3120 in the wood finished and sold them both for a Gibson explorer to do rhythm recording - i got real tired of the nightmare of the Ibanez locking tremolo, trying to tune it was a nightmare - with the gibson, she tunes perfectly and it only takes 10 mins to change all the strings.