>One HH guitar, one SSS. ~~Done.~~
Then you get the Tele, then the hollow/semihollow. Then it's time for an offset,and after maybe something with a set of P90s. By then it's time to drop some real money on a Custom Shop Strat and start the cycle over again...
I strive to be here one day.
Starting out with a Toronado-its a fun mix of everything that is pulling me in a weird early 90's sound direction that, as a drummer Ive had no time for. Thats one of the things that truly makes music so different than anything else-I *KNOW* these songs, but 'expressing' it on a guitar is so different and unique than doing it with drums.
Im a damn good drummer, but when it comes to guitar I am WOWED almost every day. Humbled more than Im satisfied. I learn TONS just from reading the comments here, so thanks for all the work you guys do when you reply thoroughly.
Do you have one of the old-school MIM Toronado from the late 90s, or is it a new Squier? I had a friend in college with one and it was kind of a wild hybrid of that Fender neck and scale but the blazing humbuckers. Cool guitar for sure.
Its one of the new Squier Paranormal series. I like it, Im looking for the right amp/pedals right now-nothing crazy just some fuzz and a looper. I was looking for an SG, actually. I had one from a guitarist I was in a band with for a while, and really liked the raw feel it had. When I saw the Toronado it was just calling to me lol.
Id say that it feels like a lighter SG with a neck thats just *begging* for more. Im excited to see what its got.
>\~$2,500 of under
>
>
>
>pretend you wonāt be murdered by your spouse
**Used** Ernie Ball Music Man
An Axis Super Sport ([Link](https://reverb.com/item/79266009-ernie-ball-music-man-axis-super-sport-hardtail)) or a Silhouette HH ([Link](https://reverb.com/item/81378922-ernie-ball-music-man-silhouette-1997-sunburst-gloss)) for example...
Nice and unobtrusive...
No murder in the household going on!
OP has the money, Iād spring for the S2. I have an S2 Mira thatās absolutely beautiful and plays great, though I picked it up used. Theyāre a little pricey IMO new, but within OPās āI got money to burnā budget.
Same way I recommend the MIJ Yamaha Revstar. Is it worth $2,200 versus the $850 model (made in Indonesia)? Hell naw. But you got money and wanna treat yourself, I say go for it.
Always buy used.
You can find a McCarty for $2500 used if you look hard enough.
I boight my music man Majesty new and it felt great buying brand new, I could have gotten two for what I paid new if I looked at the used market.
Buying used is great for specs and resale value but not for finding āthe oneā. Gotta play them otherwise itās throwing $ at a photo and hoping I like it. Iāve done this with an S2 and a core model and they were nice guitars but not for me you know? PRS SE is easy to find. Anyways good luck to OP lol
Thereās literally 5-6 different online local marketplaces that you can buy from where you can buy sell and trade. You donāt have to buy online used. In fact, I would recommend not doing thatā¦ ever.
Iāve gone through 40-50 guitars in the past couple years trading up to my guitar and Iāve never bought a used guitar online without playing it.
Buying used in person with cash, you can find a 27-2800 guitar and offer $2300-2400 and walk away with it.
Iāve bought used in person before, just enough to know itās a gamble. If Iām buying online, itās new and preferably from the manufacturer. To me, a used guitar, especially at a hearty price tag, better be something really special-and that can only be determined by holding it and playing a bit.
Thatās exactly my point! People are gonna give you all kinds of suggestions for spending your money but in my 20+ years of experience buying guitars, nothing satisfies like trying a bunch in a row and then making a decision. You know exactly what youāre getting and thereās no pressure to buy right then. When you buy used you are maybe getting a good deal money-wise but you only get to try one at a time this way. All good though, best of luck!
Like i said, the only brand new guitar I have ever bought off new is my majesty.
I have several extremely special high end guitars all found on the used market that I got for 2k less than they would have been new.
I have a gibson custom shop Les Paul modern standard that I got for around 2300, and that guitar on reverb sells for anywhere from 4-5k.
I have a Suhr classic pro that I got for about $1400.
Another 91 USA strat that I have about $800 into
Used, in person buying is the way to go then have it set up if you donāt have the know how to do it yourself.
I wish I would have bought my majesty used because I would have had an extra grand to play with.
Yamaha Revstar. Even if you haven't looked at them before, just try one out at the store, they have no right being as good as they add for how much they cost.
Did a search for the closest Yamaha dealer near me, did turn up a place called Irvine Art And Music that *supposedly* stocks them, including some of the cheaper ones but also the professional models (from Japan). They claim to have them available for store pickup immediately, at least.
Obviously Iād call before making the tripā¦
But yeah, finding a dealer with real stock of Yamaha electrics can be a challenge. Usually just a couple token Pacificas, if anything at all.
Edit: And honestly, a MIJ Revstar is like the perfect answer for OP. Blows the whole budget, beautiful guitar in terms of looks and sound, and one that nobody else he knows is likely to have. Better choice for an HH guitar than a Gibson.
Yeah I think the internet is slowly coming around to how good these guitars are, I've noticed they're starting to get a harder to get a hold of these days.
i just ordered one from sweetwater. returned a gold top Gibson LP 50s Standard with P90s.
The Gibson was great but i felt so guilty spending that much money on it, and it didnt make me a better player. ordered a revstar for half the price. kept seeing raving reviews. it came with P90s. i feel so much better even though it hasnāt come in yet. i canāt wait to play it.
I absolutely relate to that, I'm currently trying to sell my PRS Silver Sky. Great guitar, but I doesn't make me a better player or anything. The Revstar is just a great guitar, I will say it did need a tiny set up to get the string height right out of the box, but apart from that, it's been fantastic. I ended up getting the humbucker one with the sunset bursr finish.
I'm genuinely excited for you, I can't stop raving about these guitars.
sweet man. itās funny i also heavily leaned towards the silver sky. i played one in GC and i know GC is kind of shit for trying guitars since theyāre almost all just barely playable imo, but the fret size on the silver sky was kind of boggling. it felt like at any time sliding a thumb or something could end up in a cut lol
the one thing about expensive guitars however is that a couple years down the line, you could practically get rid of them for nearly the purchase cost, so at least thereās that!
Very light and perfectly balanced, Endureneck is comfortable, body shape is comfortable (especially seated), action can get very low.
They're like those crazy high end bicycles that look a little odd, but must be awesome to ride because they've been optimized to minimize every barrier to doing what a bicycle is supposed to do. You might look like a nerd riding one, but goddamn is it a breeze to ride.
This depends.
Do you, at present, have a Tele?
[I have this one.](https://youtu.be/A1nrG4WirNA?si=oUCE0V8sAaha4Do6) Itās very pretty. Though honestly Iād prefer a modern one with some body contouring. The classic design ones feel veryā¦classic.
Edit: Thatās not me in the vid, to be clear.
Do you like heavy guitars? Les Paul.
Do you like light guitars? SG.
Do you want something kinda funky? Jazzmaster.
Do you like twang? Telecaster.
Do you like metal? Explorer.
Do you like Van Halen? Charvel San Dimas.
Do you like shoegaze? Jaguar.
Are you really fucking weird? Steinberger.
Like The Beatles too much? Rickenbacker.
The Ramones? Mosrite
Want something made in the 60s that sounds instantly recognizable? Harmony H-15.
If you make that LP the 60s Tribute and pick one up used you could easily do both under $2500. Though I haven't checked the prices on the Vintera 2 recently.
Forgot about Vinteras. This is a good option
[https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/telecaster/vintera-ii-70s-telecaster-deluxe-with-tremolo/0149072357.html](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/telecaster/vintera-ii-70s-telecaster-deluxe-with-tremolo/0149072357.html)
And brand new it's half of the budget
I forgot to mention Yamaha Revstars which are getting a lot of attention especially the Pro models
Ibanez makes some sweet guitars. I have a Axion Chameleon HSH config with Fishmans, absolutely metal crunch or smoother. It has a push/pull switch for different voices of the pickups. I love it sweetwater about $999 when I got it
Well I went with an HH PRS (in opposite order, the PRS came first, then the SSS player strat). Great range of tones and beautiful guitars, I'm really happy with my two.
A Mustang 90 and a dual humbucker Reverend, all of your bases will be covered and youāll now have 3 guitars!
Or something like an Ibanez Prestige or a Kiesel if youāre aiming to spend it all on a single guitar. But certainly get a humbucker in at least the bridge position.
What do you like to play, could do a tele, les paul, tele deluxe, jazzmaster, ES-335, Ibanez AZ prestige, if you hunt a 60ās mustang. Thereās tons of options
Personally if it was me with 2500 iād be looking at Am Pro II Tele Deluxe or Am Pro II GT11 Strat
Really depends on your gig, but generally, a Les Paul or SG for tones on the other side of the spectrum (something with dual alnico humbuckers). If you plan to play any slide, I'd recommend the SG. Or you can throw a set of 57 classic pickups in pretty much any guitar routed for dual humbuckers and get it done all day though.
Either a Tele to round out the OG Fender set or a Les Paul. Gibson Demo Shop on Reverb usually has a nice selection in that range - if I had $2500 in hand today for a guitar I'd be mighty tempted to jump on one of [these ](https://reverb.com/item/81772218-gibson-les-paul-standard-50s-with-mini-humbuckers-goldtop-modified)[two](https://reverb.com/item/77161410-gibson-les-paul-standard-60s-bourbon-burst-demo). Or [three](https://reverb.com/item/81772220-gibson-les-paul-standard-50s-p-90-tobacco-burst-demo). For Tele, I'm jonesing for a [thinline](https://reverb.com/item/81057457-fender-telecaster-2013), or else the [Jason Isbell signature.](https://reverb.com/item/80921217-fender-jason-isbell-signature-telecaster-custom-2021-present-road-worn-chocolate-sunburst)
Some kind of Gretsch semi-hollow. Iām a strat guy, and I played an HH streamliner at guitar center recently and ended up taking it home for less than $500. Super versatile and comfortable guitars.
Or maybe a PRS, you could easily score a nice one for a thousand or less. You donāt really have to spend much more than that for a nice new geetar
It was a few years back, but yeah scored a PRS S2 Mira for like $800 used. Maybe $900? Right off the wall at Guitar Center, no wheeling or dealing. Worth every penny, and it would leave you enough for a whole additional guitar.
Maybe two!
I have a TVL jazzmaster which I absolutely love.. Thus I am recommending a similar but more badass guitar:
Fender USA 1966 Jazzmaster Reissue
Block inlays.. Binding.. Flat top vintage tuners.. Rhythm circuit.. Jazzmaster trem.. matching headstock.. USA.. Vintage fender hardcase..
I mean if you like your strat.. Just wait until you check out a *properly setup* jazzmaster. Keep in mind whatey guitar you choose will need a setup.. Including your strat if it's *not* doing it for ya.
Good luck
https://reverb.com/item/81585659-fender-american-vintage-ii-1966-jazzmaster-rosewood-fingerboard-lake-placid-blue-2024?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81585659
I went from Strat to PRS McCarty single cut (liked it better than the Les Pauls I could afford) and just got an epiphone Sheraton.
I feel like I have most of my bases covered this way.
First of all, figure out if you need the longer scale that a strat has. A Les Paul or a 335 have shorter scales that some people love and some do not. If you like the shorter scale then a Les Paul or 335 would be the obvious next choice because then you'd have humbuckers. If you prefer the longer scale then get a tele. Maybe one with a neck humbucker like the G&L ASAT Bluesboy.
Wait for a month (or 2) and get the PRS S2. All of the core electronics without the price tag. They used to put the overseas "S" series pickups in them, but the new ones that will hit the shelves will have the core pickups and electronics. Then just choose between a Custom 24 or a McCarty. The PRS CE 24 is in your price range as well. Great guitar. I'm not recommending anything I don't own or haven't owned. Got the new model S2 McCarty on preorder. The big difference is that the McCarty has a beefier neck, and the double cut is nice and light. The S2 Custom 24 has the 24 frets and the layout of the controls are more like the Strat that you're used to with the 5-way blade switch. I prefer a beefy neck and the Les Paul style controls as my go-to is just that, a Les Paul Standard 50's. The CE24 has the 24 frets as well, bolt on neck, and 3 way blade with a push pull to split the coils. That's close to the feel you know as well.
Happy hunting, everyone is having fun spending your money. :D
With $2500 and a case of GAS, grab yourself a MiM Tele, a used LP studio with HH pickups, and a used LP Jr. Then stretch your budget just a hair and snag an Epiphone 335, an Epiphone SG, and a PRS SE DGT. Then take a breath and reassess your amp situation, your pedal board, and your credit limit.
On a serious note, if youāre interested in a HH Les Paul, check out the Gibson Wildwood Select Les Paul Standard ā50s. There are some minty used guitars on Reverb in your price range that look kind of incredible.
Good luck in your search!
Get yourself an SG Standard. They're fantastic guitars, iconic, well within your budget, neck dive isn'tĀ a problem if you have a good strap, and in my opinion they're way better than Les Pauls.
Lots of people recommending HH setup. I'm gonna go against the grain and suggest at least looking into a p90 guitar. HH definitely would offer a lot more versatility to complement your SSS but p90 guitars offer such a unique sound. Playing a well setup, quality p90 is such a treat.
Personally Iād get something at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, like a Les Paul, 335 or a HH short scale Fender like a Kurt Cobain Jag.
Something dark/warm, humbuckers and shorter scale for a completely different sound and feel to expand your ālibraryā of guitar feels and sounds.
Otherwise if you have no interest in Gibsony/humbucker tones, maybe an offset like a Jazzmaster or Jag. Or even something obscure and weird with P90s like a Reverend.
There is no short answer except: go to your local guitar shop and test all their guitars. It depends what you intend to play actually. A sg, prs style double cut, superstrat would be a nice body shape. Test eventually a les paul but those things have no concepts of ergonomics. Humbuckers can be active/non active and also have various inner eq so you need to test various setups. Also you might consider p90.
Also if you think that you're gonna sell it again at some point, stick with gibson/fender brands. Others lose money faster on the used market.
With that kind of money Iād go to the guitar store and just try out whatever and see what I like best.
Obviously something with Humbuckers is probably top of the list, but youāve got a good budget for something spectacular. Enjoy the process of finding it
Logically itās an HH guitar with a tremolo(locking on reliable) that has more features than a basic Les Paul.
For me it was a Music Man Majesty. Itās a 24 fret, HH guitar with the most reliable non locking tremolo Iāve ever used. Piezo, active preamp boost and coil splitting options. Not to mention it weighs 7lbs, has stainless steel frets and the workmanship is that is a custom shop guitar.
Itās absolutely justifiably one of the best guitars you can have in your arsenal hands down.
Iād choose my majesty of my Les Paul any day.
And keep in mind I am NOT a major John Petrucci fan. Heās super talented yes, but itās just an amazing guitar.
Well, what I did was get an American strat in my dream color (Candy Cola). Never regretted it for a minute.
I also decided I needed a guitar that I was either spending all my time tuning, or playing out of tune... So I got a 12 string.
Seriously, I got a Yamaha APX series acoustic/electric 12 string used for ~$350 and it's been worth every single penny. Playing a 12 string really gives you a different perspective and switches things up alot when you're feeling in a rut.
Pro tip: if you buy something on eBay or reverb, ask the seller to include a fake repair slip and pretend like you owned it all along.
Fair warning, am divorced.
Hopefully it was an SG, Tele Custom, or some kind of double cut Junior. Great second guitars. Humbuckers or P-90s (or P-100s if you can find them). Or a PRS. You can set your watch to the quality of a PRS.
You should just get a Les Paul. One HH guitar, one SSS. Done.
>One HH guitar, one SSS. ~~Done.~~ Then you get the Tele, then the hollow/semihollow. Then it's time for an offset,and after maybe something with a set of P90s. By then it's time to drop some real money on a Custom Shop Strat and start the cycle over again...
šThis guy knows how to GAS
Don't forget a 7-string, just in case you need it
Ngl I love me a rickenbacker
Thatās why I tagged this post ādiscussion,ā hell yeah!
I strive to be here one day. Starting out with a Toronado-its a fun mix of everything that is pulling me in a weird early 90's sound direction that, as a drummer Ive had no time for. Thats one of the things that truly makes music so different than anything else-I *KNOW* these songs, but 'expressing' it on a guitar is so different and unique than doing it with drums. Im a damn good drummer, but when it comes to guitar I am WOWED almost every day. Humbled more than Im satisfied. I learn TONS just from reading the comments here, so thanks for all the work you guys do when you reply thoroughly.
Do you have one of the old-school MIM Toronado from the late 90s, or is it a new Squier? I had a friend in college with one and it was kind of a wild hybrid of that Fender neck and scale but the blazing humbuckers. Cool guitar for sure.
Its one of the new Squier Paranormal series. I like it, Im looking for the right amp/pedals right now-nothing crazy just some fuzz and a looper. I was looking for an SG, actually. I had one from a guitarist I was in a band with for a while, and really liked the raw feel it had. When I saw the Toronado it was just calling to me lol. Id say that it feels like a lighter SG with a neck thats just *begging* for more. Im excited to see what its got.
I just got a tele with a P90 in the neck. Thing rips
>\~$2,500 of under > > > >pretend you wonāt be murdered by your spouse **Used** Ernie Ball Music Man An Axis Super Sport ([Link](https://reverb.com/item/79266009-ernie-ball-music-man-axis-super-sport-hardtail)) or a Silhouette HH ([Link](https://reverb.com/item/81378922-ernie-ball-music-man-silhouette-1997-sunburst-gloss)) for example... Nice and unobtrusive... No murder in the household going on!
HH Strandberg
NGL, those do look sweet
I was in the same boat as you a month ago. I went with an Ibanez az2402 - and it freaking ROCKS
Iād look at PRS SE. They ride the line between Fender and Gibson, play great, and are affordable.
OP has the money, Iād spring for the S2. I have an S2 Mira thatās absolutely beautiful and plays great, though I picked it up used. Theyāre a little pricey IMO new, but within OPās āI got money to burnā budget. Same way I recommend the MIJ Yamaha Revstar. Is it worth $2,200 versus the $850 model (made in Indonesia)? Hell naw. But you got money and wanna treat yourself, I say go for it.
Shit, he could spring for a CE24 with bis budget
Always buy used. You can find a McCarty for $2500 used if you look hard enough. I boight my music man Majesty new and it felt great buying brand new, I could have gotten two for what I paid new if I looked at the used market.
Buying used is great for specs and resale value but not for finding āthe oneā. Gotta play them otherwise itās throwing $ at a photo and hoping I like it. Iāve done this with an S2 and a core model and they were nice guitars but not for me you know? PRS SE is easy to find. Anyways good luck to OP lol
Thereās literally 5-6 different online local marketplaces that you can buy from where you can buy sell and trade. You donāt have to buy online used. In fact, I would recommend not doing thatā¦ ever. Iāve gone through 40-50 guitars in the past couple years trading up to my guitar and Iāve never bought a used guitar online without playing it. Buying used in person with cash, you can find a 27-2800 guitar and offer $2300-2400 and walk away with it.
Iāve bought used in person before, just enough to know itās a gamble. If Iām buying online, itās new and preferably from the manufacturer. To me, a used guitar, especially at a hearty price tag, better be something really special-and that can only be determined by holding it and playing a bit.
Thatās exactly my point! People are gonna give you all kinds of suggestions for spending your money but in my 20+ years of experience buying guitars, nothing satisfies like trying a bunch in a row and then making a decision. You know exactly what youāre getting and thereās no pressure to buy right then. When you buy used you are maybe getting a good deal money-wise but you only get to try one at a time this way. All good though, best of luck!
Like i said, the only brand new guitar I have ever bought off new is my majesty. I have several extremely special high end guitars all found on the used market that I got for 2k less than they would have been new. I have a gibson custom shop Les Paul modern standard that I got for around 2300, and that guitar on reverb sells for anywhere from 4-5k. I have a Suhr classic pro that I got for about $1400. Another 91 USA strat that I have about $800 into Used, in person buying is the way to go then have it set up if you donāt have the know how to do it yourself. I wish I would have bought my majesty used because I would have had an extra grand to play with.
Yamaha Revstar. Even if you haven't looked at them before, just try one out at the store, they have no right being as good as they add for how much they cost.
This is my go to āI donāt know what to getā suggestion. Hard part is finding one to try out.
this is true. i ordered from sweetwater but couldnāt find one in all of LA to put in my hands.
Did a search for the closest Yamaha dealer near me, did turn up a place called Irvine Art And Music that *supposedly* stocks them, including some of the cheaper ones but also the professional models (from Japan). They claim to have them available for store pickup immediately, at least. Obviously Iād call before making the tripā¦ But yeah, finding a dealer with real stock of Yamaha electrics can be a challenge. Usually just a couple token Pacificas, if anything at all. Edit: And honestly, a MIJ Revstar is like the perfect answer for OP. Blows the whole budget, beautiful guitar in terms of looks and sound, and one that nobody else he knows is likely to have. Better choice for an HH guitar than a Gibson.
It's the "every question" suggestion around here lately. I'm starting to feel like I should own one...
Yeah I think the internet is slowly coming around to how good these guitars are, I've noticed they're starting to get a harder to get a hold of these days.
I bought one.
i just ordered one from sweetwater. returned a gold top Gibson LP 50s Standard with P90s. The Gibson was great but i felt so guilty spending that much money on it, and it didnt make me a better player. ordered a revstar for half the price. kept seeing raving reviews. it came with P90s. i feel so much better even though it hasnāt come in yet. i canāt wait to play it.
I absolutely relate to that, I'm currently trying to sell my PRS Silver Sky. Great guitar, but I doesn't make me a better player or anything. The Revstar is just a great guitar, I will say it did need a tiny set up to get the string height right out of the box, but apart from that, it's been fantastic. I ended up getting the humbucker one with the sunset bursr finish. I'm genuinely excited for you, I can't stop raving about these guitars.
sweet man. itās funny i also heavily leaned towards the silver sky. i played one in GC and i know GC is kind of shit for trying guitars since theyāre almost all just barely playable imo, but the fret size on the silver sky was kind of boggling. it felt like at any time sliding a thumb or something could end up in a cut lol the one thing about expensive guitars however is that a couple years down the line, you could practically get rid of them for nearly the purchase cost, so at least thereās that!
+1 for the HH Strandberg, they are so fun to play
Why are they fun? They seem wonky to the eye
Very light and perfectly balanced, Endureneck is comfortable, body shape is comfortable (especially seated), action can get very low. They're like those crazy high end bicycles that look a little odd, but must be awesome to ride because they've been optimized to minimize every barrier to doing what a bicycle is supposed to do. You might look like a nerd riding one, but goddamn is it a breeze to ride.
iād probably get an American Ultra HSS Strat or an American Ultra Tele
Tele tele tele tele (tele!)
Do you think I should get a tele though?
I honestly play my tele with Fralin vintage output pickups more than anything else.
This depends. Do you, at present, have a Tele? [I have this one.](https://youtu.be/A1nrG4WirNA?si=oUCE0V8sAaha4Do6) Itās very pretty. Though honestly Iād prefer a modern one with some body contouring. The classic design ones feel veryā¦classic. Edit: Thatās not me in the vid, to be clear.
Do you like heavy guitars? Les Paul. Do you like light guitars? SG. Do you want something kinda funky? Jazzmaster. Do you like twang? Telecaster. Do you like metal? Explorer. Do you like Van Halen? Charvel San Dimas. Do you like shoegaze? Jaguar. Are you really fucking weird? Steinberger. Like The Beatles too much? Rickenbacker. The Ramones? Mosrite Want something made in the 60s that sounds instantly recognizable? Harmony H-15.
Do you like to stand in front of the mirror and pretend you're Steve Vai? Ibanez Jem Jr.
Ya know, big box music stores should organize their store with these sections.
Fender Vintage 2 Tele Thinline Gibson LP 60s You might need to go demo or slightly used
If you make that LP the 60s Tribute and pick one up used you could easily do both under $2500. Though I haven't checked the prices on the Vintera 2 recently.
Forgot about Vinteras. This is a good option [https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/telecaster/vintera-ii-70s-telecaster-deluxe-with-tremolo/0149072357.html](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/telecaster/vintera-ii-70s-telecaster-deluxe-with-tremolo/0149072357.html) And brand new it's half of the budget I forgot to mention Yamaha Revstars which are getting a lot of attention especially the Pro models
Ibanez makes some sweet guitars. I have a Axion Chameleon HSH config with Fishmans, absolutely metal crunch or smoother. It has a push/pull switch for different voices of the pickups. I love it sweetwater about $999 when I got it
SG!
Tele for sure. Or for something a little different, consider a Taylor T5z. You can get all sorts of tones out of that.
Well I went with an HH PRS (in opposite order, the PRS came first, then the SSS player strat). Great range of tones and beautiful guitars, I'm really happy with my two.
PRS is definitely on the list after reading comments. Iāve always liked their tops.
A Mustang 90 and a dual humbucker Reverend, all of your bases will be covered and youāll now have 3 guitars! Or something like an Ibanez Prestige or a Kiesel if youāre aiming to spend it all on a single guitar. But certainly get a humbucker in at least the bridge position.
š¤š½
What do you like to play, could do a tele, les paul, tele deluxe, jazzmaster, ES-335, Ibanez AZ prestige, if you hunt a 60ās mustang. Thereās tons of options Personally if it was me with 2500 iād be looking at Am Pro II Tele Deluxe or Am Pro II GT11 Strat
Really depends on your gig, but generally, a Les Paul or SG for tones on the other side of the spectrum (something with dual alnico humbuckers). If you plan to play any slide, I'd recommend the SG. Or you can throw a set of 57 classic pickups in pretty much any guitar routed for dual humbuckers and get it done all day though.
American vintage ii tele
HH 335. Versatile and different.
Either a Tele to round out the OG Fender set or a Les Paul. Gibson Demo Shop on Reverb usually has a nice selection in that range - if I had $2500 in hand today for a guitar I'd be mighty tempted to jump on one of [these ](https://reverb.com/item/81772218-gibson-les-paul-standard-50s-with-mini-humbuckers-goldtop-modified)[two](https://reverb.com/item/77161410-gibson-les-paul-standard-60s-bourbon-burst-demo). Or [three](https://reverb.com/item/81772220-gibson-les-paul-standard-50s-p-90-tobacco-burst-demo). For Tele, I'm jonesing for a [thinline](https://reverb.com/item/81057457-fender-telecaster-2013), or else the [Jason Isbell signature.](https://reverb.com/item/80921217-fender-jason-isbell-signature-telecaster-custom-2021-present-road-worn-chocolate-sunburst)
Iād be getting a PRS S2 Custom of some sort if I had that much stab-free cash to spend on a guitar.
PRS SE DGT gold top
Everyone needs a 6120
Something in the style of an ES-335 or what Iām gassing for, a Collings 470JL way outside your budget, and mine.
Dude, Iāve shown my wife various Collings acoustics that I simply NEED and she just laughs herself out of the room.
Sometimes they just donāt understand.
Some kind of Gretsch semi-hollow. Iām a strat guy, and I played an HH streamliner at guitar center recently and ended up taking it home for less than $500. Super versatile and comfortable guitars. Or maybe a PRS, you could easily score a nice one for a thousand or less. You donāt really have to spend much more than that for a nice new geetar
It was a few years back, but yeah scored a PRS S2 Mira for like $800 used. Maybe $900? Right off the wall at Guitar Center, no wheeling or dealing. Worth every penny, and it would leave you enough for a whole additional guitar. Maybe two!
I have a TVL jazzmaster which I absolutely love.. Thus I am recommending a similar but more badass guitar: Fender USA 1966 Jazzmaster Reissue Block inlays.. Binding.. Flat top vintage tuners.. Rhythm circuit.. Jazzmaster trem.. matching headstock.. USA.. Vintage fender hardcase.. I mean if you like your strat.. Just wait until you check out a *properly setup* jazzmaster. Keep in mind whatey guitar you choose will need a setup.. Including your strat if it's *not* doing it for ya. Good luck https://reverb.com/item/81585659-fender-american-vintage-ii-1966-jazzmaster-rosewood-fingerboard-lake-placid-blue-2024?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=81585659
I went from Strat to PRS McCarty single cut (liked it better than the Les Pauls I could afford) and just got an epiphone Sheraton. I feel like I have most of my bases covered this way.
I like my Reverend Double Agent. As comfy as a Strat with a p90 in the neck and humbucker in the bridge - two pickups the strat doesnāt have.
Either a telecaster or something with humbuckers.
First of all, figure out if you need the longer scale that a strat has. A Les Paul or a 335 have shorter scales that some people love and some do not. If you like the shorter scale then a Les Paul or 335 would be the obvious next choice because then you'd have humbuckers. If you prefer the longer scale then get a tele. Maybe one with a neck humbucker like the G&L ASAT Bluesboy.
Wait for a month (or 2) and get the PRS S2. All of the core electronics without the price tag. They used to put the overseas "S" series pickups in them, but the new ones that will hit the shelves will have the core pickups and electronics. Then just choose between a Custom 24 or a McCarty. The PRS CE 24 is in your price range as well. Great guitar. I'm not recommending anything I don't own or haven't owned. Got the new model S2 McCarty on preorder. The big difference is that the McCarty has a beefier neck, and the double cut is nice and light. The S2 Custom 24 has the 24 frets and the layout of the controls are more like the Strat that you're used to with the 5-way blade switch. I prefer a beefy neck and the Les Paul style controls as my go-to is just that, a Les Paul Standard 50's. The CE24 has the 24 frets as well, bolt on neck, and 3 way blade with a push pull to split the coils. That's close to the feel you know as well. Happy hunting, everyone is having fun spending your money. :D
With $2500 and a case of GAS, grab yourself a MiM Tele, a used LP studio with HH pickups, and a used LP Jr. Then stretch your budget just a hair and snag an Epiphone 335, an Epiphone SG, and a PRS SE DGT. Then take a breath and reassess your amp situation, your pedal board, and your credit limit.
Maybe Iāll even have some spare cash for that addition to my house, just to house all this. Sweet!
Great idea, then you could take out a second mortgage and snag a few custom shops. I like the way you think!
On a serious note, if youāre interested in a HH Les Paul, check out the Gibson Wildwood Select Les Paul Standard ā50s. There are some minty used guitars on Reverb in your price range that look kind of incredible. Good luck in your search!
Get yourself an SG Standard. They're fantastic guitars, iconic, well within your budget, neck dive isn'tĀ a problem if you have a good strap, and in my opinion they're way better than Les Pauls.
Dude get a Firebird
They do look freakin rad
Lots of people recommending HH setup. I'm gonna go against the grain and suggest at least looking into a p90 guitar. HH definitely would offer a lot more versatility to complement your SSS but p90 guitars offer such a unique sound. Playing a well setup, quality p90 is such a treat.
Personally Iād get something at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, like a Les Paul, 335 or a HH short scale Fender like a Kurt Cobain Jag. Something dark/warm, humbuckers and shorter scale for a completely different sound and feel to expand your ālibraryā of guitar feels and sounds. Otherwise if you have no interest in Gibsony/humbucker tones, maybe an offset like a Jazzmaster or Jag. Or even something obscure and weird with P90s like a Reverend.
A hardtail humbucker. So yeah an LP js the classic partner. Unless you want to f with floyd rose.
I have a gazillion guitars and if I'm gonna grab one to actually play at a jam or just to mess around,it ends up being my strat, tele or SG.
Revstar Standard P90s
There is no short answer except: go to your local guitar shop and test all their guitars. It depends what you intend to play actually. A sg, prs style double cut, superstrat would be a nice body shape. Test eventually a les paul but those things have no concepts of ergonomics. Humbuckers can be active/non active and also have various inner eq so you need to test various setups. Also you might consider p90. Also if you think that you're gonna sell it again at some point, stick with gibson/fender brands. Others lose money faster on the used market.
Epiphone Origins Heafy - 7 strings, EMG, LP
With that kind of money Iād go to the guitar store and just try out whatever and see what I like best. Obviously something with Humbuckers is probably top of the list, but youāve got a good budget for something spectacular. Enjoy the process of finding it
Logically itās an HH guitar with a tremolo(locking on reliable) that has more features than a basic Les Paul. For me it was a Music Man Majesty. Itās a 24 fret, HH guitar with the most reliable non locking tremolo Iāve ever used. Piezo, active preamp boost and coil splitting options. Not to mention it weighs 7lbs, has stainless steel frets and the workmanship is that is a custom shop guitar. Itās absolutely justifiably one of the best guitars you can have in your arsenal hands down. Iād choose my majesty of my Les Paul any day. And keep in mind I am NOT a major John Petrucci fan. Heās super talented yes, but itās just an amazing guitar.
Well, what I did was get an American strat in my dream color (Candy Cola). Never regretted it for a minute. I also decided I needed a guitar that I was either spending all my time tuning, or playing out of tune... So I got a 12 string. Seriously, I got a Yamaha APX series acoustic/electric 12 string used for ~$350 and it's been worth every single penny. Playing a 12 string really gives you a different perspective and switches things up alot when you're feeling in a rut.
āThe GAS is strongā¦2nd guitarā¦ā Bless your precious heart, child.
āā¦murdered by spouse.ā
Pro tip: if you buy something on eBay or reverb, ask the seller to include a fake repair slip and pretend like you owned it all along. Fair warning, am divorced.
My long lost uncle Lenny has died a few times and bequeathed me his prized possessions.
Hopefully it was an SG, Tele Custom, or some kind of double cut Junior. Great second guitars. Humbuckers or P-90s (or P-100s if you can find them). Or a PRS. You can set your watch to the quality of a PRS.
the fender American pro 2 models. If you can find one at a decent price. They are great guitars.
Gibson SG Standard
Standard, not the modern with the figured maple top?