mrmarkmende

November 27, 2011 at 1:44pm

Hey Paul:

I know this was only part 1 but let's jump right into part 2 or 3.

There the ubiquitous Fender MIM Strat or Tele. Of course, there are also the Fender Blacktops and some of the better Squiers.

There's the Ibanez RG 350/370 series. There is also some of the Steinberger "headless" style guitars for around $400, and in the metal category don't forget about ESP's KH-202.

Just some thoughts and lots of love to you!

Mandolinface

November 26, 2011 at 2:33pm

.
When someone asks me to recommend an inexpensive but well-made, reliable guitar—acoustic or electric—I always think of Godin first, and Godin's various brands (Seagull, etc.). They're made in North America, use quality parts, and hold up well. Also, if we have to stay under $500, MIM Fender instruments are quite good, and again made in North America. (If you can't shop local, shop continental!)

happydog1960

November 26, 2011 at 1:41pm

Paul - usually I think you're on the right track, but I recently tried an ESP LTD ST203, and it definitely was not a good guitar. The construction was poor, the neck and fret job was dreadful, and it sounded cheap and weak. As far as budget Strat copies go, the Squier Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified Strats were definitely better made all around and they certainly sounded better. Maybe I got an ESP that wasn't set up right, or maybe it was made on a bad day at the factory. But the Squier CV's and VM's are much, much better guitars in a lot of ways. I hate to disagree with you because I mostly find that you are on target, but you missed out here.

Dr Gonzo

August 04, 2011 at 5:09pm

Hey Paul,
Big fan of your reviews. I picked up a pretty sweet, inexpensive, honest-to-god Gibson a while back and was just curious if you had gotten to try one, and what you thought.
It's a Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute Goldtop. Similar to some other models it has a thin nitro finish, not really 'worn' as they claim, just not glossy like more spendy Lesters. 2 P-90 pickups, 60's slim taper neck, and all the other requisite LP hardware. Mine has a 2 piece mahogany body, though 3 piece bodies seem to be the most common. It is a very sharp looking axe,not overly fancy, with the goldtop being (to me)the best looking of the available finishes. The P-90's sound great, and the guitar plays very nicely. The kicker was the price, $850 brand spanking new!! The same model in an SG can be had for $750. They are absolutely Made in USA, and a heck of a value, especially if you love the bark and snarl of good P-90's.
Your thoughts?

lossaavedra24

June 09, 2011 at 10:01am

Paul Im a huge fan!
Your reviews are the coolest ever!
About this article, I consider that this information is very very valueable for people with a low budget(like me) who NEEDS to play and to express the rock star inside! Those Ltds are great guitars! I found a LTD H-500 for around 500 and I felt like winning the lotto, and I use it trough a Line6 30watts Spider 4, and everytime I play I have the sensation of being using a super custom shop ESP trough a marshall stack.

Thanks for the gear reviews, tips and kind words

Robert