Need advice regarding guitar purchase

[Twisteramps]

Ok, here's the scoop: I had my heart set on getting an Eric Johnson signature strat, but most likely I'm going to wait a bit and grab one used. Besides, I already have something that is damn close, at least for my purposes - a USA Charvel strat (mid 90s) that has 12" radius, alder body, large frets, staggered height tuners, etc.

I have a budget of around $1500 or so, but would really prefer to stay under that as far as I can. Here are some guitars I've been looking at - any opinions? I'm obviously not locked into a fixed bridge, strat trem or floyd guitar - I have some of each already, just looking to spread my guitar collection out into a new direction.

1) Ibanez Jem 77FP - I love the floral patterns, even though my wife thinks they look a bit fruity.

2) Tom Anderson strat - never owned one, but heard only good things about them. Old bandmate had a hollow cobra that was really nice.

3) PRS CE 22 or 24 - played a few at guitar center, wasn't overwhelmed, but the setup was crap. Maybe I just need to find the right one...

4) getting a GMW used... or seeing if the 'rock classic' models they have on the website with the headstocks cut off in the photos are still stratheads or not. Not sure I'd like their new headstock... but if I could find a strathead GMW, that might be the ticket.

Anything in my price range that I should consider also? About the only thing I'm not crazy about right now are guitars with all single coils, and guitars with only one pickup.

Pete

[BallsOnParade]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

I have a PRS CE24 and after I set it up, ended up one of my best players, as good as my Model 6 or Soloist Pro...and those Dragon pickups they come stock with are AWESOME, if you go this route, you'll need to decide if you want the rotary or 5-way switch, I actually went with rotary on mine...but I LOVE that guitar...I'll NEVER sell it!!

[thetroy]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

I really liked the MusicMan Axis that I played the other day. Bolt-on 22 fret 2H non-recessed (licensed) Floyd, had a nice quilt top with matching headstock, made in USA and GC price tag was $1199.

[Twisteramps]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Yeah, I played an axis tonight as a matter of fact... still prefer my wolfgang though.

Pete

[MountainDog]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

My vote's for the Tom Anderson. I have one (floyd S-S-H) and it is awesome feeling/playing/sounding. I don't have a Jem, but have USA Ibanez's, Wolfies, a PRS Custom 22 among my stash (along with the J/C's) and the Anderson is one of my 'top-of-the-list' favorites. The 'blower switch' is an idea that more guitar manufacturers should use (read more here)

[paddok]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Out of curiosity, why limit yourself to a CE-22 or 24? The CU's can be had on eBay for only a bit more.

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

I'd say go for Anderson. One with hum in the bridge position and floyd.

[YetAnotherOne]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

I played an Anderson Drop Top for a bit a while back while picking up another one from a local guy. Great guitar.

And Paddok's right, unless you're just into the bolt-ons you could score a Custom 22 or 24 in your range. Heck, I might even put you into mine for that and it's one of the best guitars I've ever owned. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Twisteramps]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

YAO - email me at [email protected] with what you have if you want to sell it. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I'm curious now.

Regarding bolt vs set neck - on Jacksons I really prefer bolt ons. Then again, the way the neck is joined on the PRS is different than the Jacksons, so it may not be as big a deal. Soloists feel 'mushy' to me. Just my opinion.

Pete

[Top Jimmy B]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

I have a CE24 and a CE22. Both are great players and sound amazing but required setups to get there. Out of the box they were good but they became much better with a little tweak.

A friend of mine has a Tom Anderson Classic in a H/S/S and he says it will go to the grave with him. I've played it many times and it leaves me a bit flat. It's a nice guitar and the fret job is awesome but the neck feels wonky to me and I don't care for the stock pickups.

This same guy hates my PRS guitars...says they play like planks. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Didn't you have a PRS before? I seem to recall you flipping one pretty quickly a while back. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[Robotechnology]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Every chambered body Tom Anderson I've ever picked up was awesome! PRS Swamp Ash Special are also very nice as are the early '90's CE24's. JEM's are great... I have a JEM7SBL

[Twisteramps]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Nope, never had a PRS before. Jgcable had a silver one briefly I think... that may be who you're thinking of.

Pete

[fritzreiser]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I played an axis tonight as a matter of fact... still prefer my wolfgang though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. I have both an EBMM Axis Super Sport and a Wolfgang Special. I prefer the Wolfie neck profile much more. Overall, the Axis is a nicer guitar (locking tuners, quilt, etc.), but it cost me $800 and the Wolfie cost me $400.

That Wolfie has the best feeling neck and board I have ever played.

[Chameleonfong]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Jem FP or BFP because i floral patterns too [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] -They are awesome but get a used one.

The resale vaule on Jems are pretty stable and they are always somebody out there trying to buy one,therefore, no worries about fliping them if you don't like them.

Tom Anderson..Hmmm.. Only played them once and it was in the late 90s.So can't remember anything to comment on them.

PRS CE and GMW.. no bloody idea [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Guess my advices ain't very helpful [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Fong

[Chameleonfong]

Re: Need advice regarding guitar purchase

Btw, is you are planning to spread your guitar collection , try a Vigier Excalibur. Those guitars are wayyyy cool, i've tried one at the 2000 Namm. Highly recommended.


Fong