John asks…
Is the Epiphone G-400 Electric Guitar Good?
I just want to know what the pickups are like beacuse i can’t find any non bias articles on the internet.
Also what in terms of quality is the difference between a gibson sg and the epiphone?
Thanks.
NydiaMccartney answers:
The Epiphones are OK, built in China, but still OK. Personally I won’t be seen alive near one. A Gibson has far better materials, pickups and build quality, but also costs much more.
What puts me off with the Epiphone guitar is the butt ugly headstock. Also, they tend to have some unpleasant, really bulky necks. Solid, but unfriendly.
Furthermore, they tend to be too expensive for what you get, mainly because the Gibson connection. In all fairness, the same is to be said for the Gibson guitars too. Amazing instruments, but far too expensive. I have a number of Gibson guitars myself (Les Paul Custom, Flying V and Specials), but they costs too much for my liking.
A thing with the SG style: You should really try it out with a strap before you buy. Because of the construction, the upper most strap button is placed on the backside of the guitar, at the neck/body joint. This makes many of these instruments unbalanced, tilting forward.
Not a big deal to some players, a major issue to others, me included. Not a big deal at home, but it becomes an issue at live gigs. I have also found that many of the SG styled instruments are unstable and that the neck sways quite a lot because of the neck/body joint. Again, test for yourself!
As for tests, there are a number of reviews (this guitar as well as others) on youtube.com. Unbiased though..? Not very likely :-) For this you will need a side by side comparison by someone with a great deal of experience.
Betty asks…
Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE vs Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE?
Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE: $799.99 USD
Specs:
Solid cedar top
Solid premium rosewood back and sides
Mahogany neck
Rosewood fretboard
Multi-bound body and headstock
Nickel tuners
Gold hardware
E-Sonic 2 preamp
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE: $599.99 USD
Specs:
Top material: solid sitka spruce
Body material: solid mahogany
Side material: solid mahogany
Neck: mahogany, 1-piece plus heel
Neck shape options: SlimTaper “D” profile
Neck joint: glued-in, dove-tail, hide-glue construction
Scale length: 25-1/2″
Fingerboard: rosewood with mother-of-pearl split-diamond inlays
Neck pickup: Shadow NanoMag
Bridge pickup: Shadow NanoFlex
Electronics: eSonic-2 stereo pramp
Controls: eSonic2 preamp with built-in tuner, stereo output, master volume pot, NanoMag EQ Pot, NanoFlex EQ pot, phase anti-feedback switch, electronic tuner activation with output mute switch,
Binding: 6-ply body, 1-ply neck, 3-ply headstock
Fingerboard radius:14″
Frets: 20, medium
Bridge: rosewood
Saddle material: bone
Nut width: 1.68″
Nut material: bone
Hardware: nickel
Machine heads: Grover Sta-Tite, 18:1 ratio
Finish: gloss body, satin neck
I’m just looking for a good upgrade from my current acoustic: Epiphone Hummingbird HS
If you have any other suggestions, I’m trying to keep my budget under $900.
NydiaMccartney answers:
By far the best guitars in your price range, and the best bargains currently on the market right now, are Eastman guitars. They’re not all that easy to find but there’s a convenient dealer locator on their web site:
http://www.eastmanguitars.com/dealer-locator/
Cedar tops are an acquired taste. They’re very warm and therefore lack the sparkle of spruce. In addition cedar is very soft and will ding and dent if you look at it cross-eyed.
Ken asks…
how much does a martin d-18 neck cost?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Martin D-18VS 12-fret Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Features at a Glance: # Sale Price: $2899.95
* CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
* BODY SIZE: D-12 Fret
* TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
* ROSETTE: Old Style 18
* TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard ”X” Scalloped
* TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16”
* BACK MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
* BACK PURFLING: Style 18
* SIDE MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
* ENDPIECE: Delmar Tortoise Color – Brown
* ENDPIECE INLAY: none
* BINDING: Tortoise Color – Brown
* TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
* SIDE INLAY: none
* BACK INLAY: none
* NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
* NECK SHAPE: Modified V
* NUT MATERIAL: Bone
* HEADSTOCK: Slotted/Square Slots/Square Taper
* HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Small Old Style
* HEELCAP: Solid Black Ebony
* FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
* SCALE LENGTH: 25.4”
* No. Of FRETS: 19
* FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-3/4”
* FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/4”
* FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Old Style 18
* FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
* FINISH BACK and SIDES: Polished Gloss
* FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss w/ Aging Toner ;Sunburst available at additional cost.
* FINISH NECK: Satin
* BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
* BRIDGE STYLE: Vintage Belly w/ Drop-In Long Saddle
* BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/4”
* SADDLE: 16” Radius/Bone – Drop-In Long Saddle
* TUNING MACHINES: Waverly Nickel Side Mounts w/ Butterbean Knobs
* RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin Studio Performance Medium Phosphor Bronze (MSP4200)
* BRIDGE AND END PINS: Black w/ White Dots
* PICKGUARD: Tortoise Color – Beveled and Polished
* CASE: 540 Geib style Hardshell Case Included
Sandra asks…
which guitar is better?
which guitar is better a Jackson RR3 Rhoads or Jackson RR5 Rhoads guitar
NydiaMccartney answers:
$699.00 The Jackson Pro RR3 Randy Rhoads model has its rootes in the very early days at Jackson. The late, great Randy Rhoads approached them with a design idea based on the classic “V”. Together they created a whole new rock and roll icon. This version features an Alder body with a Flame Maple veneer top (on transparent finishes), Seymour Duncan humbuckers, a 25.5 in. Scale bolt-on Maple neck and a compound radius Rosewood fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets. Also, black hardware including a Jackson Low Profile double locking tremolo. Made in Japan.
Technical Info
Model Name: Pro Series RR3 Rhoads
Model Number: 291-3000-(Color#)
Web Instrument Type: Pro Series
Body: Alder with Flame Maple Veneer on Transparent Colors
Neck: Bolt-On Rock Maple with Scarf Joint Head Stock
Neck Dimensions:
1st Fret: .745 in.
12th Fret: .810 in.
Tuning Machines: Sealed Die-Cast Tuners
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Compound 14 in. To 16 in. Radius
No. Of Frets: 22 Jumbo Frets
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB TB4 Humbucking Pickup
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Jazz SH2N Humbucking Pickup
Controls: Volume (Bridge Pickup), Volume (Neck Pickup), Master Tone
Bridge: Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson? Low Profile JT580 LP Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo
Pickup Switching:
3-Position Toggle:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups
Position 3. Neck Pickup
Hardware: Black
Strings: NPS, Gauges: .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042
Case: Optional Deluxe Molded Case
Pickguard: Chrome
Scale Length: 25.5 (648mm)
Width at Nut: 1-11/16 in. (43mm)
Notice: Product Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change Without Notice
Unique Features:
Jackson 6-In-Line Pointed Headstock
Compound (14 in. To 16 in.) Fingerboard Radius
MOTO Shark Fin Position Inlays
Ivoroid Binding on Neck and Headstock
Introduced: 1/2006
-VS.-
Out of Production. The Jackson RR5 Rhoads Pro Electric Guitar for 2008 gives you superior tone, sustain and playability. This version of the Jackson Randy Rhoads V has it all: neck-thru-body construction, an alder body, maple neck with a compound-radius rosewood fretboard, a pair of Seymour Duncan TB4 humbucker pickups, tune-o-matic-style bridge with strings thru body, sharkfin inlays, and gold hardware. Looks hot and sounds hot!
Jackson’s compound-radius fingerboard curves more dramatically at the nut for easy chording and flattens out as it approaches the neck joint for low-action bends without fretting out. With a more relaxed hand, you’ll play better!
Jackson RR5 Rhoads Pro Electric Guitar (2008 Model) Features:
* Neck-thru construction
* 2 Seymour Duncan TB4 humbuckers
* Alder body
* Maple neck
* Rosewood compound-radius fretboard
* 22 jumbo frets
* Sharkfin inlays
* 1-11/16″ nut width
* 25-1/2″ scale
* Gold hardware
George asks…
Questions about Stratocasters?
I want to get a strat, and I’m wondering a few things, because researching has proved confusing.
1.besides location, what are the differences between MIJ MIM and USA
2. What variations are there as far as neck thickness, and what is standard.
3. What do the different neck woods actually result in, or is it mostly aesthetic preference
4. With a MIM, would upgrading the pickups be wise, and what is the usual upgrade to
5. What are the differences between the newest model (2012, or 13 or whatever) MIM strat and older ones, from the 90′s or so
6. Lastly, when buying used, what would be some specific things to look for, from a strat player who knows what stuff goes wrong
Thanks, I know its a lot to answer, so whatever info you have would be much appreciated
NydiaMccartney answers:
1 – Quality of construction and materials is the main difference. The order goes, from worst to best: Japan, Mexico, USA. American made Strats will be made with higher quality wood and better hardware and electronics. Best bang for your buck is going to be a Mexican Strat though, almost as good as the USA made ones, and a couple hundred dollars cheaper.
2 – Strats don’t have much variation in neck thickness. They do, however, vary in terms of neck profile. That would be what the back of the neck is shaped like. I don’t like the way Fender necks feel for the most part, but a ’57 reissue has a shallow V profile that feels kind of nice. IF I were to ever buy one, it would be a ’57 reissue.
3 – The neck wood isn’t different. Just the fretboard material is. You have a choice of maple or rosewood. Maple will have a very bright character to it, and might end up being TOO bright for some styles of music. Stratocasters are naturally a bright sounding guitar to begin with. I’d opt for rosewood to mellow some of that brightness out a little bit. Up to you though. Try them both and see which you prefer.
4 – Not necessarily. And the pickups I would put in probably aren’t the ones you would. I would put a set of Seymour Duncan Hot Rails. Those are humbucking pickups that are the same size as single coils. I despise single coils for most stuff I play, but I do like them for clean tones in the neck position. Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and Lace Sensor all make pretty good pickups for Strats.
5 – Not much difference at all. The “Standard” Strat has been more or less the same since the late 80′s to early 90′s.
6 – This one isn’t a Strat specific question. It’s a guitars in general question.
Make sure the neck is straight and not twisted in either direction. Also make sure the neck/body joint is solid. Make sure the tuning pegs function properly and aren’t bound up or broken. Make sure all the electronics work properly. And that’s really about it.
If the neck is straight, it holds its tuning well, and all the electronics function properly, it’s in good enough condition to buy. Anything else is just cosmetic, and whether or not you want a guitar with visual blemishes is up to you.
For the record, I hate Stratocasters (and Fenders in general), but I have a bit of general guitar knowledge. My hatred is just a matter of personal preference, and shouldn’t sway your decision one way or the other. I’ve never played a Strat that sounded good for the style of music I play (metal, mostly), and I’ve only found one variety that had a comfortable neck (the ’57 reissue I mentioned above).
If I ever have the money to have dozens of guitars, I will probably have at least one Strat in my collection for the tonal variety it gives me. But I will never play one as my main guitar.
Chris asks…
can an electric-acoustic guitar play the same as an acoustic guitar?
I’m planning to get a new guitar but I’m kinda confused about what to get this time!!
I’m thinking about electric-acoustic guitar but I’m just wondering if it can be played and will sound “exactly” like an acoustic guitar (when not plugged to the amplifier)!
I’ve read so many Q&A about this issue, most of them are just copying from wikipedia :(
I know that the electric-acoustic guitar can be played both ways (with/without amplifier) but will it sound “exactly” like an acoustic guitar when played without the amplifier?!
NydiaMccartney answers:
Yes. It will.
An electric-acoustic just has a piezo pickup right under the bridge to pickup the sound and send the signal to your amp. But if you just want to play your guitar without the amp, the sound of the guitar is not affected since its constructed just like an acoustic guitar.
You can also buy an acoustic guitar and buy a pickup for it. I prefer this since the aftermarket pickups like LR Baggs, Seymour Duncan, etc, are MUCH better than piezos that come stock with an acoustic-electric. They are pickups that you place on the sound hole and give you a much rounder sound due to being closer to the neck-to-body joint (the sweet spot for the tone of an acoustic). These pickups are also extremely easy to put in. Not to mention that acoustic guitars that don’t come with electronics(a pickup) are cheaper for the same construction and woods.
Daniel asks…
Are yamaha decent guitars?
I would be suprised
NydiaMccartney answers:
The Yamaha guitar has been around for over 60 years and the company itself for over 100 years. In 1887, Torakusu Yamaha made his first reed organ and began taking orders to make more. In 1897, the Nippon Gakki Co. Ltd. Was founded with Torakusu as president of the company.
For the next 40+ years, Yamaha’s company made organs, pianos, harmonicas, furniture, phonographs and finally their first acoustic guitar in 1942. In 1965, a year after The Beatles made their legendary Ed Sullivan Show appearance, Yamaha began production of solid body guitars. In 1966, they started to make the electric bass as well.
By the 1970′s, Yamaha started to grab the attention of major artists such as Carlos Santana and Bob Marley because of the instruments great quality and design. The Yamaha guitars were being built to produce a powerful warm tone with amazing sustain. Also, the “Broad Bass” was introduced in 1977 and quickly caught the attention of famous bass players throughout the world including Paul McCartney.
By the end of the 80′s, Yamaha opened up a factory in North Hollywood, California. Here they started making guitars where they called on some professional guitar players to help them out and advise them on what they would like to see in their guitars.
One of the reasons behind the success of the Yamaha guitar is the targets that they shoot for in their design. Every guitar must have a balanced tone and response and the bass and treble must complement each other.
A very important move for Yamaha was the introduction of the dovetail neck joint to their design in the 1970′s, which provides the best neck to body contact. The neck joint is made with timber, which helps to resonate vibrations easily from the neck to the body producing the balanced tone and response.
Yamaha also strongly believe that the blending of different kinds of quality wood is extremely important to produce a great sound. The outcome of blending these quality woods, are the highs last longer and the guitar player is able to control the note texture at all times.
Another important part of construction of the Yamaha guitars is the types of lacquer that they use. They work closely with the lacquer producers to make sure that they get the best type of lacquer that is right for their guitars. Yamaha want to make sure that their guitars both look great and have every chance to breathe.
Because of all these great design features, many artists have used and still prefer to strap on a Yamaha guitar on tour and in the recording studio. Some of the great artists that have played Yamaha guitars over the years are Michael Anthony, John Denver, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Brian May, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Bob Seger, Billy Sheehan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor.
Thomas asks…
what kind of guitar is this?
It the one this girl has ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmwYWt4lwvY ).
NydiaMccartney answers:
Sorry my friends above me, but you are incorrect.
The guitar is a vintage Epiphone G-400, back when they were of comparable quality to the Gibson SG, of which it’s design is drawn. Both companies were under parent company Norlin Music.
The SG type is a variant of the Les Paul Custom. Early models were called “Les Paul Custom SG”, as a response to sluggish sales of the Les Paul in the late 1958, largely due to the increasing popularity of the lighter and more versatile Fender Stratocaster.
The following year, the Les Paul was given a thinner, flat-topped mahogany body, and had a double cutaway which made the upper frets more accessible. The neck joint was moved by three frets to further ease access to the upper frets.
Production costs fell significantly due to the simpler body construction, and the new Les Paul was advertised as having the “fastest neck in the world” due to its slender neck profile and virtually non-existent heel. The new Les Paul was popular, but Les Paul himself did not care for the new design, and requested the removal of his name from the new model.
Gibson honored Les Paul’s request, and the new model was named “SG”, which stood for ‘Solid Guitar’. Even though Les Paul’s name was officially deleted in 1961, the SG featured Les Paul nameplates and truss rod covers until the end of 1963.
The SG remains a popular guitar today. This is likely due to it being used by guitar innovators Tony Iommi and Frank Zappa, just to mention two.
The Epiphone G-400 is still available, but is slightly different than the one in the video. The best G-400 in production, in my opinion is the Tony Iommi signature model.
Xx
Helen asks…
Dean Razorback V 255?
I have been playing for 3-4 years, and only have one main guitar (schecter hellraiser deluxe) and i have been REALLY needing a guitar with a floyd rose. I have found two dean Razorback v 255′s with the same seller, he has the black and silver one, and the other is the explosion. Both are identical besides color schemes, and both have dean hardshell cases. My schecter has the EMG 81/85 setup, so i know there great pickups. I also know this guitar is not going to make me sound like Dime, so just know that that is not one of my expectations. There for sale cheap, and in great shape.
- Is the Dean razorback 255 V a good guitar?
- Which color scheme do you like better?
I already have the color in mind, i just want to see what you guys think
Thanks!
Connor
NydiaMccartney answers:
Hey Conner,
First off with the color scheme, I like the explosion color scheme the best. Its definitely different and in my opinion looks terrific and would look great playing on stage. That guitar has 5 color schemes and the only one I don’t like is the black/yellow finish.
You are right, the guitar won’t make you sound like Dime, but it is built like a tank. I never really liked buying signature series because they are typically very similar to other guitars made by the same manufacturer with only one or two tweaks (typically the pickups) and cost a lot more because of someones name being on it.
This guitar however has some great parts and they didn’t go cheap at all. The tuners are Grover (which have lifetime guarantees on them from Grover), the pickups are excellent, the neck is set which is far better than bolt on, the wood is top notch (mahogony), and although the bridge is probably a licensed Floyd, Im sure its excellent quality. I did play one of these extensivley when I was considering trading for it. I didn’t do the trade because I felt the neck joint was a bit thick and I liked the guitar I had better at the time (ESP EC-1000). I also don’t typically like output jacks on the face of the guitar, I prefer them at the bottom or sides of the guitar.
I had been looking for a V for a long time and loved the features on the Dean, 24 frets, locking tremolo, set neck, H/H configuration, etc. Instead I went with a BC Rich Jr. V Deluxe that I bought used in mint condition. I paid $275 for it and it satisfied my V needs. It came with EMG 81/85′s stock, an original Floyd Rose tremolo, neck thru design, abalone inlays on the body, headstock, fretboard and even fret markers on the top (those little dots). My first preference was for an Ibanez V with neck thru construction, 24 frets, and all the other features the Dean has.
In any event, I liked all 3 guitars a lot, the Dean, Ibanez, and BC Rich. All top notch construction and sounded and played great. Id definitely recommend sitting down at a music store and taking a few V’s for a test run. I typically play them unplugged first and then plug them in. I play them unplugged so I can focus on the playability of the guitar as well as its acoustic properties. That should be your #1 concern since you can always change pickups or amp settings.
This Dean would be a great guitar for you (or anyone). If you get it, you should also get a guitar stand that holds the guitar by the neck/headstock, not one that the guitar rests on its base. V’s and pointy guitars are very prone to getting chipped at the points. Also, check for headstock dips… Play it standing and play it seated. I have a guitar that if I let go of the neck the headstock makes a run for my feet.
Happy strumming!
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