I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I plan to get an electric guitar in the next month or two to complement the accoustic that I’ve been learning on. I’ve done a bit of research, assisted greatly by the responses given to my previous post (thanks chaps), and I’m pretty certain that I’ve found the right combination for the immediate future. I’m still very much a beginner so there’s no point spending a ton of cash, but nevertheless it doesn’t hurt to try to get the best I feel I can afford/justify.
Guitar - Yamaha Pacifica 112V (link)
I still like the feel of the Fender Stratocaster, but I also liked the sound of the Humbuckers on other models (like the Les Paul) - the Pacifica is a nice middle ground in that it’s shares the physical structure of the Strats while replacing the Strat’s 3 single pickups with 2 singles and a Humbucker at the bridge, which gives a good range of sounds when used in various combinations via the 5-way selector.
In addition, pretty much every review I read says the Pacificas are built considerably better than the entry-level Squier Stratocasters. From what I hear you’d have to pay around double the price for a Strat to get the same build quality, so what you lose in ‘brand power’, you gain in value for money.
I’m no expert, but from what I hear it seems like a good bet for someone at my modest level.
Amp - Line 6 Spider III 15W (link)
I don’t need anything particularly powerful, but something with decent sound and a few effects. Nothing too fancy or overwhelming, just decent quality sounds - I can always buy a Pod later if I want more range, or a bigger valve based amp if I want to go nuts, but both are going to be overkill at this stage.
This amp seems to have gotten some good reviews as a beginner / practice amp and the guy in our local store recommended it too, although he’d sold his last one today so I couldn’t actually try it out.
I’m pretty happy with that lineup, it’s actually less than I’d budgeted to potentially spend originally (coming in around £200 in total), but on reflection is probably pitched about right for my current expertise, which can be classified as ‘can play a few songs barely adequately’.
Feedback welcome as always!
October 24th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’ve had the Line 6 Spider I 212 100W for about 5 years now and I’ve been very happy with it. I think you’ll be pleased with the Spider III.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I have only ever heard bad things about Spiders. The ones I’ve tried out have sounded fairly thin and not very good quality. Definitely try it out before you buy it.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Nice! The Pacifica gets mentioned a lot on my travels as being a good “budget” guitar, if I dare to use that phrase.
Oh and if you don’t want people to hear what you’re playing:
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarline
October 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Thanks - about the bad Spider reviews, I’ve read all the reviews I can find and what I see is that people reviewing more expensive 60-75+ watt amps say the Spiders are not good, wheras people reviewing cheaper small 15-30W practice amps seem to like them a lot. I guess it depends on which range you’re looking for, and I think I’m more on the low end for now.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
The Pacifica is an excellent choice!
I don’t think you get get more bang for the buck than that.
But, as always: do try it on first!