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Post by bentonlad on Jul 13, 2019 7:01:44 GMT
Hi guys so I've asked this before but thought I'd try get real this time. I do a few duo acoustic gigs. I'd like to be able to switch to electric for a few songs. I'm no whizz at solos , just a few simple riffs to play while the other guy is singing. It's mainly the country rock/ songwriter end of things. If I could get away with a €200 spend I'd be happy. I know NOTHING about electrics so really appreciate your help
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3,457 posts
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Post by LeoThunder on Jul 13, 2019 8:34:14 GMT
If all you want to do is accompany a singer, then I guess about anything will do. Sound is made in the amplifier and any modelling thing will make about any guitar sound anyway you want it to, with one exception: it will not restore clarity if it is missing at the source. If you want that, avoid guitars with only humbuckers unless they have a coil split switch or a position that uses only half the pick-ups. You should be happy with the JA, MS, ST, TE, maybe not so much with the DC or SC. The CST ought to be an option. Amplification will be the tougher choice since everyone will tell you to spend your 200€ on the Boss Katana 50. I suppose a 20W modelling thing should do, though. If you're an acoustic duo, either you don't need to make much noise or you have a PA to take care of that. I would go for something with an 8" speaker at least. Get a Fender Champion 20 or Mustang I used. They can go as far down as 50€ on German ebay.
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DefJef
THBC Moderator
Due to musical differences I've decided I can't work with myself any more.
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Post by DefJef on Jul 13, 2019 8:59:35 GMT
I was an acoustic only player but got tired of it on stage. Although I bought a Pacifica, a Les Paul and some Strats, I wasn't happy until I went for a cheap Stagg Tele quickly followed by a very cheap unbranded one that is now my favourite, as blindwilly3fingers knows only too well! (the guy's asking, blindwilly. What can I say?! ). I'm totally converted to Teles now as my most comfortable sound and I use any one of 4. I find that they can cover a great range of sounds from virtually a strummed or arpeggioed (?) acoustic, allowing me to still play all the songs that were written to be played that way, but then it opened up a whole new world of funky rhythm, gainy leads, massive bends, twiddly hammer ons/pull offs, riffy workouts and more besides. It totally transformed my playing and my enjoyment and has led to a whole new lease of writing life. In fact it brought back my love of playing so much that I am even now enjoying playing the acoustic again. It's so much easier to play than an acoustic that I was able to develop my techniques and then bring those back onto the acoustic, although I now prefer very light strings on my acoustic to enable at least some of that Tele feel. I actually use electric strings on one with an unwound third and I really like that. These things are all very personal and even get caught up in irrationality but, from what you say about the music that you play and if you are anything like me, I can't see why you wouldn't love a Tele too, be it a Harley Benton or any other. Your £200 budget should easily find you what you are looking for and I reckon you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Your choice of amp will of course have a good deal of bearing on how this all sounds too though. Hope that helps.
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3,457 posts
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Post by LeoThunder on Jul 13, 2019 10:54:01 GMT
Oh and a belly carve and top forearm contour are nice to have too, but after an acoustic even a slab Tele is a joyful thing to hold. Ergonomics are another minefield. Weight and balance need to be added to the considerations. My guitars go from 2.5 to 6 Kg but the one I like least is bottom heavy with a shorter scale and the 2nd one on the picture below:
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