Novice - should I upgrade?

adox

Ok so I`ve been playing for around 2 years, no lessons, just picking it up as I go along,purely as a hobby at home. My days of giging( I played drums when I was a lot younger ) are well and truely behind me.

I turned 40 two years ago and my wife bought me a nice little beginners setup - an Ibanez GSA60 and a Line 6 Spider 11 15 watt modeling amp. I`ve been very happy with them as the extent of my playing is a hour or so in the evening at home.

With everything though comes the upgrade bug and although I am still a complete novice when it comes to playing, I am considering a change of guitar, with my eyes set on a second hand Ibanez a step up the ladder, something like the RG550.

Now I know its all relative, and a better guitar certainly wont make me a better player, but I`d love to get some feedback and opinion from the more experienced musicians on here. Should I go for it or should I just stick with what I have, considering the purely hobby nature of my playing?

feylya

Considering that you're been playing for 2 years, I think it's time to upgrade. It's always nice to have more than one instrument, especially guitars, so you can play around with different tunings and it like. I'd say, if you can afford it, upgrade. I'm sure we can get you some good value for money.

Alanstrainor

Trust me, you've caught the upgrade bug and it's only the beginning! Here i am, 4 electrics and one acoustic at my disposal, and im heading out to buy electric number 5 during the week!
After 2 years, i'd say you're due an upgrade, if anything, i'd say upgrading to something that plays better and sounds better will just encourage you to play more. Go for it!

Doctor J

If you enjoy playing guitar then it doesn't matter what your skill level is. There's nothing wrong with being a novice and it doesn't mean you should play inferior gear. If you enjoy doing it now then you'll enjoy doing it a whole lot more on better equipment. Do it

Vim Fuego

I'm not the best guitarist in the world but I can feel and enjoy the difference between a low-end and high-end guitar. I bloody wish I couldn't Maybe you should try out your intended purchase and see if it's worth the money to you.

adox

Thanks for the replies guys. I`ve pretty much decided on an upgrade now.
Second hand is probably my best bet but I think I`m going to look at new also as I`m not sure I could buy confidently second hand with my limited knowledge.

Budget wise I`m looking to spend between €500-€600 which puts me well in the ball park for a second hand RG550 as mentioned in my original post. Is it worth looking at something new in this price range? I`m a classic rock/metal type of guy so would need something in that mould.

I`m going to be passing by xmusic tomorrow so may drop in and have a look at some of their Ibanez range.

Doctor J

There are a few Ibanez prestige models going on adverts for that money. You can get a seriously good guitar, genuinely pro standard, I'd say definitely go second hand. There are some amazing deals to be had at the moment.

Good luck with it

DeadSkin

adox wrote: »

Ok so I`ve been playing for around 2 years, no lessons, just picking it up as I go along,purely as a hobby at home. My days of giging( I played drums when I was a lot younger ) are well and truely behind me.

I turned 40 two years ago and my wife bought me a nice little beginners setup - an Ibanez GSA60 and a Line 6 Spider 11 15 watt modeling amp. I`ve been very happy with them as the extent of my playing is a hour or so in the evening at home.

With everything though comes the upgrade bug and although I am still a complete novice when it comes to playing, I am considering a change of guitar, with my eyes set on a second hand Ibanez a step up the ladder, something like the RG550.

Now I know its all relative, and a better guitar certainly wont make me a better player, but I`d love to get some feedback and opinion from the more experienced musicians on here. Should I go for it or should I just stick with what I have, considering the purely hobby nature of my playing?

Yes, yes you do.
Once you can afford it and settle on what you really want, go for it dude.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. Started out 3 years ago and just jam away in the bedroom.
My first real upgrade was a Schecter Hellraiser, excellent guitar for metal.
Sold that so I could get myself an Explorer, somethin' I always wanted.
Still want more, but dunno what. That's why I drop in here and see what folks have been GASin'/buyin'.

adox

Had a look in xmusic today. The staff were very helpful.

I had a look at a RG320 which was €519 as far as I can remember. Another couple of hundered or so to upgrade the pickups. Could be an option for me, although if the right second hand guitar comes up it would be much better value obviously. I`m not really sure if I`m going much up the ladder with the 320 although new pickups will help.

I`m going to keep an eye out for a second hand prestige on adverts for the time being and see what comes up.

Voodu Child

adox wrote: »

I had a look at a RG320 which was €519 as far as I can remember. Another couple of hundered or so to upgrade the pickups.

The RG320 isn't really that great. You're paying for cosmetics (flame-maple top and sharktooth inlays), but the basic important ingredients of the guitar (trem, neck, pickups etc) aren't particularly good to begin with.

I would sooner go for a very plain Japanese RG than a fancy flame-topped Korean one. The playability of the neck and quality of the trem are worlds apart. With the UK exchange rate, you can get a good Prestige RG for not much more than the price you have there.

Quattroste

You're about to start out on a slippy and expensive path my friend. WE all give advice and bloody good advice too about what is good value and what is great equipment. I now have 6 electric guitars, 1 acoustic guitar, 2 amps plus some effects thanks to these helpful individuals who say BUY IT! The only downside is that I am now homeless.;).

adox

Just to update this thread, I finally made a purchase yesterday from gak. The exchange rate was just too good to turn down.

I ended up buying the Ibanez RG2550Z in galaxy white. Expecting delivery on Tuesday.

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/75417

I`m expecting with the exchange rate that its going to cost me a little over €700 delivered.


Thanks again to everyone for the help and advice.:)

Voodu Child

Congrats, thats an awesome pro-level guitar, enjoy.

Plus lots of pics when it arrives, thems teh rules!!:pac:

adox

voodoo_child wrote: »

Congrats, thats an awesome pro-level guitar, enjoy.

Plus lots of pics when it arrives, thems teh rules!!:pac:

Thanks a lot. I feel like Santas paying me a visit this year!

I`ll defintely get some pics up when it arrives.

I cant wait, but I am slightly intimidated by the edge zero trem having no experience with them. Still theres only one way to learn.:)

adox

Just wondering, when I get my hands on the guitar should I bring to a professional to get it set up properly?

Voodu Child

Only if you want. It'll be playable out of the box, they have good QC so the frets should be level and there shouldn't be any issues. To get it 100% is just a case of standard adjustments (action, spring tension, etc) and thats all very simple, even for a beginner.

If you're moving up in terms of gear quality, you should move up a level in gear knowledge too , learning to setup a guitar is pretty easy, and something any guitarist should learn eventually.

There's good guides on Ibanezrules.com if you want to brush up on setting action, relief etc. They probably don't cover the EZ trem, but thats a very simple and user friendly trem anyway.

adox

voodoo_child wrote: »

Only if you want. It'll be playable out of the box, they have good QC so the frets should be level and there shouldn't be any issues. To get it 100% is just a case of standard adjustments (action, spring tension, etc) and thats all very simple, even for a beginner.

If you're moving up in terms of gear quality, you should move up a level in gear knowledge too , learning to setup a guitar is pretty easy, and something any guitarist should learn eventually.

There's good guides on Ibanezrules.com if you want to brush up on setting action, relief etc. They probably don't cover the EZ trem, but thats a very simple and user friendly trem anyway.

Thanks again for the help voodoo_child. I guess its time to do some reading up.:)

Doctor J

Excellent choice of guitar Adox, that's a huge step up. May you have many happy years rocking the hell out of it

adox

Doctor J wrote: »

Excellent choice of guitar Adox, that's a huge step up. May you have many happy years rocking the hell out of it

Thanks a lot Doc. I am soooo looking forward to it arriving. I found gak very easy to deal with. They responded to my e-mails very promptly and were very flexible on price after the big price jump in the last week.

Of course the guitar hasnt been delivered yet so they wont get the full thumbs up til it arrives.:D

DeadSkin

Nice adox, very nice. Don't forget some pics

adox

DeadSkin wrote: »

Nice adox, very nice. Don't forget some pics

Thanks DeadSkin. As soon as it arrives I`m going to put some pics up. Theres a very small chance it may arrives tomorrow, but next Monday lookd more realistic the week thats in it.

€707 delviered. Appeared on my CC statement today.

adox

Holy ****! Guess who just called with an early Christmas present for me.

I`ll try and post some pics later tonight. Have visitors calling today and have to go out this evening.

Less than 48 hours from when it left gak it arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!

adox

Just opened the case and they sent me the wrong colour

I ordered Galaxy white and they have sent me the black one.:mad:

I`m going to e-mail them about it although I think I may just keep it. I dont feel like going to the hassle of returning it and I dont hate the colour at all, just much preferred the white. Still a little disappointing.

Voodu Child

adox wrote: »

Just opened the case and they sent me the wrong colour

I ordered Galaxy white and they have sent me the black one.:mad:

I`m going to e-mail them about it although I think I may just keep it. I dont feel like going to the hassle of returning it and I dont hate the colour at all, just much preferred the white. Still a little disappointing.

That sucks. To get great service with the price match and fast delivery, and then get the wrong colour. D'oh!

Best of luck with it, whether you decide to change it or not.

adox

voodoo_child wrote: »

That sucks. To get great service with the price match and fast delivery, and then get the wrong colour. D'oh!

Best of luck with it, whether you decide to change it or not.

Yeah I know, it was all going so well.:)

I`ve sent them and e-mail to see what they say. Of course the easy thing to do is hang on to it and its my initial reaction, but of course thats to be expected with the excitement of the new guitar sitting here.

Honestly though, I think I will more than likely keep it. I loved the Galaxy white and its what I ordered but Galaxy black is hardly and offensive colour and I dont dislike it. I`ll wait for their reply, leave the guitar as it is for the time being and have a good think about it.:)

DeadSkin

adox wrote: »

Just opened the case and they sent me the wrong colour

I ordered Galaxy white and they have sent me the black one.:mad:

I`m going to e-mail them about it although I think I may just keep it. I dont feel like going to the hassle of returning it and I dont hate the colour at all, just much preferred the white. Still a little disappointing.

Cool that ya got it dude, but in fairness, that's a major cock-up. Whatever ya do, enjoy

adox

DeadSkin wrote: »

Cool that ya got it dude, but in fairness, that's a major cock-up. Whatever ya do, enjoy

Thanks Deadskin. yeah I got a bit of a surprise alright when I opened the case.

i`m going to get some photos up today of it either way so you can have a look at it.:)

Doctor J

Congrats and commiserations, I suppose

adox

Doctor J wrote: »

Congrats and commiserations, I suppose

Thanks Doc. Heres some pics of the intruder::D

adox

adox

DeadSkin

Oh that's a keeper dude.

adox

Doctor J

DeadSkin wrote: »

Oh that's a keeper dude.

Yep. That's feckin amazing.

Congrats. Definitely congrats

DeadSkin

Doctor J wrote: »

Yep. That's feckin amazing.

It feckin' is :eek:

I want one . Think the days are numbered for my Edwards, adverts.ie here I come :pac:

adox

Thanks guys. Its a gorgeous isnt it? I`m more than like going to hang onto it. I`ll wait and see what gak say, see if they`ll offer me anything in the way of compensation.:D

Actually I`ve looked again on the Ibanez site at the Galaxy White and I dont know how I didnt notice before but the headstock is black on it, not matching the body, which seems a bit odd.

I still prefer the white finish but I just cant see me sending this one back. Hope the pics look ok and do it justice.

Doctor J

The black is doing it for me. Nuff said :pac:

Doctor J

Oh, and everyone, Adox has just shown us all the appropriate amount and quality of pics for a new arrival. Let us learn from this example

OK-Cancel-Apply

Nice guitar dude! Yep, if playing guitar is what gives you pleasure if life, then of course you should treat yourself! It's also good to have decent gear should you find yourself getting a band together.

Voodu Child

Thats a badass guitar.

jrodd

Lovin that guitar dude

Shred her into the red!!!

BostonB

Oooh thats nice.

Johnny Storm

Doctor J wrote: »

Oh, and everyone, Adox has just shown us all the appropriate amount and quality of pics for a new arrival. Let us learn from this example

+1


And that's a beautiful guitar.

FWIW I would send it back if you have any slightest doubt at all.

adox

Johnny Storm wrote: »

+1

FWIW I would send it back if you have any slightest doubt at all.

Yeah you are right Johnny, although I`m 95% sure that I`m going to hang onto it. The black looks nicer and nicer the more I look at it.

Quattroste

:eek: Sweet guitar adox! Great pics too. Did I mention sweet guitar.

Dord

That's a hell of an upgrade! Funkin' sweet guitar dude! :cool:

Doctor J

adox wrote: »

So now that you've had a couple of days with it, what's the verdict? Was the upgrade worth it?

OK, it was just an excuse to bump the pic but sure you might as well answer anyway

adox

It's still in the box. I have been away the last couple of days and am I only home half an hour. More visitors arriving soon and then off to a party tonight so tomorrow will be the big day!

I will definitely post back when I have put it through it's paces, which will probably be a que for numerous locking trem questions.

I am definitely keeping it!

adox

Well had my first real feel of the guitar today, although I am layed up with man flu so didn't give it my full attention.

Stretched the strings and tuned 3 or 4 times before locking it up and then fine tuning on the bridge. I don't know if the action is too low but there fret buzz on the open a d g and maybe b string. I haven't even looked at the edge zero yet, it's all so intimidating to me. I may raise the action and see if that helps the fret buzz.

I still plugged it in and gave it a play and even to a novice like me, the feel of the neck is fantastic. Also the stock pups are a huge improvement over the ones on my entry level GSA. I just need to get the fret buzz sorted out to really enjoy it.

Voodu Child

adox wrote: »

I just need to get the fret buzz sorted out to really enjoy it.

You should go through the tech pages on IbanezRules.com to get a handle on the various standard adjustments for an RG.

There's only so many things you need to do for a basic setup, its really not as complicated as people imagine in the beginning.
-stretch strings,
-level trem,
-action,
-relief,
-intonation
-nut height (optional, most guys don't)

You can do them in that order if you like, although they all have a knock-on effect so its a case of tweaking everything in balance, going back over them if needed.

Its all simple enough, you'll get the hang of it sooner than you think. The Edge Zero makes it very easy to adjust trem angle (with a thumbscrew) and intonation (comes with a tool so you can do it at full tension, much quicker).

Squirrel

A late comer to this thread, but my god that is beautiful. Definitely the black, that pic that the doc quoted makes it look unbelievable. Long may it last you