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Equipment Progression Question
Posted on 12/13/18 at 6:55 pm
Posted on 12/13/18 at 6:55 pm
Would consider myself an 'advanced' beginner at this point. Currently use a Squire Bullet Strat with a 20W combo Fender Champion with a few hardware upgrades from GFS that have helped with tuning stabilility.
Would my best $'s worth be spent on a new guitar or amp upgrade/maybe pickup upgrade? Big fan of Tab Benoit and have been looking at the Fender/Squier version of the '72 Telecaster. Would appreciate any other reccomendations to obtain a similar blues/blues rock tone.
Would my best $'s worth be spent on a new guitar or amp upgrade/maybe pickup upgrade? Big fan of Tab Benoit and have been looking at the Fender/Squier version of the '72 Telecaster. Would appreciate any other reccomendations to obtain a similar blues/blues rock tone.
7
Posted on 12/13/18 at 8:13 pm to InwardJim
Take a good look at the G&L ASAT Bluesboy. I've been impressed by every G&L I've picked up.The Tribute series is very reasonably priced.
Posted on 12/13/18 at 8:55 pm to InwardJim
A crappy guitar can sound great through a great amp. A great guitar can’t sound great through a crappy amp.
I’d upgrade the amp.
I’d upgrade the amp.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 7:36 am to InwardJim
If you like the way the Squier feels and plays, I would look at an amp upgrade and pickups upgrade. That will make a huge difference in your sound.
The biggest and cheapest upgrade you can make is to your fingers. That is where tone really comes from.
The biggest and cheapest upgrade you can make is to your fingers. That is where tone really comes from.
This post was edited on 12/14/18 at 7:37 am
Posted on 12/14/18 at 7:42 am to Kcprogguitar
quote:
A crappy guitar can sound great through a great amp. A great guitar can’t sound great through a crappy amp.
I'm not a big electric guy, but there is a lot of truth to this.
Another one that the OP might not want to hear, "It's the player, not the axe."
Posted on 12/14/18 at 8:15 am to Ace Midnight
The best bang for the buck upgrade you could take on if you want to get in Tab's tonal realm plus a little more ...
* a used Peavey Classic series 4x10. Budget-friendly Fender Super Reverb clone with an added grit/gain channel. Peavey Classics, particularly the first generation tweed looking ones, are true sleepers for what they bring to the table. As for easier to source, Fender's Hot Rod series would also get you in this class of amps. I don't know if they make the 4x10 layout. I use that because I know Tab loves and records with that layout frequently. Peavey makes a 1x15 Classic too that is an old BF Vibroverb killer for the asking price.
* Upgrading your guitar: A Seymour Duncan "Everything Axe" replacement set (Little 59, Duckbucker, JB Junior) for the SSS Squier. That will get you thicker, hum-cancelling tones without routing the guitar for full-sized buckers (aka keeping the retrofit affordable). The pickups still do stratty things very, very well too -- hence the name of the set. My go-to strat-style, a '96 G&L Legacy, currently sports this set.
* Or getting another guitar: Squier Vintage Modified '72 Thinline. Tab's "big gun" is a '74 Thinline with, eh, a little more miles and subsequent wear.
* a used Peavey Classic series 4x10. Budget-friendly Fender Super Reverb clone with an added grit/gain channel. Peavey Classics, particularly the first generation tweed looking ones, are true sleepers for what they bring to the table. As for easier to source, Fender's Hot Rod series would also get you in this class of amps. I don't know if they make the 4x10 layout. I use that because I know Tab loves and records with that layout frequently. Peavey makes a 1x15 Classic too that is an old BF Vibroverb killer for the asking price.
* Upgrading your guitar: A Seymour Duncan "Everything Axe" replacement set (Little 59, Duckbucker, JB Junior) for the SSS Squier. That will get you thicker, hum-cancelling tones without routing the guitar for full-sized buckers (aka keeping the retrofit affordable). The pickups still do stratty things very, very well too -- hence the name of the set. My go-to strat-style, a '96 G&L Legacy, currently sports this set.
* Or getting another guitar: Squier Vintage Modified '72 Thinline. Tab's "big gun" is a '74 Thinline with, eh, a little more miles and subsequent wear.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 8:22 am to TheFretShack
quote:
As for easier to source, Fender's Hot Rod series would also get you in this class of amps. I don't know if they make the 4x10 layout.
Fret, I think the Hot Rod Deville came 4x10 for a period of time, but I don't think they make them new like that. Was labeled a Series II or III, IIRC.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 8:33 am to Ace Midnight
New, used, whichever - the platform itself is more important than the age/condition, at least to me haha.
On that note, OP, ALWAYS look at the used market if you aren't dead set on having new gear. Your used dollar will typically get you 50 percent more quality/size/wattage/features (in the case of amps) than new, or save you about 50 percent on the used market thanks to depreciation.
On that note, OP, ALWAYS look at the used market if you aren't dead set on having new gear. Your used dollar will typically get you 50 percent more quality/size/wattage/features (in the case of amps) than new, or save you about 50 percent on the used market thanks to depreciation.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 3:59 pm to Kcprogguitar
quote:
A crappy guitar can sound great through a great amp. A great guitar can’t sound great through a crappy amp.
I’d upgrade the amp.
Agreed.
And even a "crappy" guitar can sound pretty good with good pickups, and GFS makes some very affordable good pickups.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 4:15 pm to InwardJim
quote:
Would consider myself an 'advanced' beginner at this point. Currently use a Squire Bullet Strat with a 20W combo Fender Champion with a few hardware upgrades from GFS that have helped with tuning stabilility.
Would my best $'s worth be spent on a new guitar or amp upgrade/maybe pickup upgrade? Big fan of Tab Benoit and have been looking at the Fender/Squier version of the '72 Telecaster. Would appreciate any other reccomendations to obtain a similar blues/blues rock tone.
Are you looking to gig or do you jam with loud drummers?
How would you describe what you hear that's missing with your current set up?
Benoit and blues rock is tube amp territory, and there's a lot of cool lower wattage tube amp combos that aren't too expensive on the market these days. I see a lot of guys buying an amp then being frustrated that it's too loud to play in their apartment or house without angering other people...
there's a little Vox AC4 amp that sits on a shelf next to my sofa. My wife thinks it looks cool so it can live there unlike my other amps that drive her crazy when I leave them around. It is switchable between 4 watts, 1 watt and 1/4 of a watt, so I can play late at night and not wake anybody up... and at 1/4 of a watt it is nicely "saturated" with tube overdrive like an amp that's cranked all the way up. It doesn't get loud enough for me to use with most drummers I play with, but as a practice amp I love it. I scored it new for $100 on clearance (it has an 8" speaker, everybody else wanted the 10" and 12" speaker versions... though I can plug the amp section into whatever speaker cab I want).
I think a tube amp will give you the most immediate joy and make the most difference to you in pursuing that style.
Posted on 12/14/18 at 4:18 pm to InwardJim
I guess you can buy an expensive guitar to play your 4 chords on but you might get more use spending that money on groceries that won’t just collect dust
Posted on 12/14/18 at 8:33 pm to TheFretShack
quote:
As for easier to source, Fender's Hot Rod series would also get you in this class of amps. I don't know if they make the 4x10 layout. I use that because I know Tab loves and records with that layout frequently. Peavey makes a 1x15 Classic too that is an old BF Vibroverb killer for the asking price.
I think the tweed Peavey 1x15 with the classic style circuit was the "Delta Blues". I will had the Fender Blues Jr. as a good tube based combo that is loud enough to play with a drummer, but still sounds decent at lower volumes, and is easy to carry around.
Posted on 12/16/18 at 8:07 pm to EA6B
IMO, the Peavey Delta Blues 115 has the second best clean tones I've every played. The Fender Twin Reverb is my number one, by far.
I used a silver face Twin when I played with a 15-piece jazz group, hardly ever cranked the volume past 3.
I used a silver face Twin when I played with a 15-piece jazz group, hardly ever cranked the volume past 3.
This post was edited on 12/16/18 at 8:10 pm
Posted on 12/17/18 at 10:54 pm to InwardJim
I don’t think it is worth upgrading a crappy guitar. I have a Squier Strat that I bought for my son years ago, and it sounds like crap through my good amp (I’m playing through an old 130W Peavey with two 4x12 cabinets). The guitar is well made for the price - better quality than some much more expensive guitars by other brands - but it’s still a piece of crap imo.I wouldn’t even consider putting better pickups in it. I’m not a guitar snob and I don’t shred - I’ve played for over 35 years and basically just crunch out metal tunes with barre chords. But if I had to play the Squier, I wouldn’t find it worth playing. There are much better guitars for very reasonable prices.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a nice guitar that sounds good. I was spoiled as far as equipment. I have a 1981Les Paul Custom Black Beauty that my parents bought me in middle school when I couldn’t play for shite. However, I mainly use a Jackson Randy Rhoads V that I paid around $600 for. Sounds great for the metal I play, and I just love the feel of it. I like the feel of it much more than the Gibson. My Les Paul has remained tucked away in its case for many years.
The difference between the Jackson and the Squier is night and day. It makes playing so much more enjoyable, and it wasn’t overly expensive. On the other hand, I once nought a $400 Dean online and sent it back - cheap piece of crap, and I would say the $100 Fender was a better guitar.
I’d spend more on the guitar than the amp, but you can get some very decent amps for very reasonable prices. Look for something like one of the modeling amps that will replicate a wide array of sounds. A Marshall Code 50 will do wonders for only $300.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a nice guitar that sounds good. I was spoiled as far as equipment. I have a 1981Les Paul Custom Black Beauty that my parents bought me in middle school when I couldn’t play for shite. However, I mainly use a Jackson Randy Rhoads V that I paid around $600 for. Sounds great for the metal I play, and I just love the feel of it. I like the feel of it much more than the Gibson. My Les Paul has remained tucked away in its case for many years.
The difference between the Jackson and the Squier is night and day. It makes playing so much more enjoyable, and it wasn’t overly expensive. On the other hand, I once nought a $400 Dean online and sent it back - cheap piece of crap, and I would say the $100 Fender was a better guitar.
I’d spend more on the guitar than the amp, but you can get some very decent amps for very reasonable prices. Look for something like one of the modeling amps that will replicate a wide array of sounds. A Marshall Code 50 will do wonders for only $300.
This post was edited on 12/17/18 at 11:06 pm
Posted on 12/18/18 at 1:42 am to bgoodwin
quote:
The Fender Twin Reverb is my number one,
The only down side of a Twin is if you have to carry it. I had a silver face Twin for a while in the early 70s, had two JBL speakers which made it super heavy. One time a guy wanted to borrow it, I told him if he could carry it 20 feet with one hand he could use it, he didn't make it.
Posted on 12/18/18 at 8:09 am to EA6B
That's the exact reason I bought and subsequently turned an early 70s SFTR. That amp sounded great, it loved every pedal I put on it but I nearly gave myself a hernia every time I had to load it in my Toyota Corolla's backseat or trunk.
True story: Buddy in college used to pay me to be his "tech" when he gigged. I didn't have to set up, load out, take care of guitars or rig, nothing a real tech would do. My sole "job" was to help him get his Mesa Tremoverb 2x12 combo up and down his apartment's flight of steps. The amp weighed, if I remember correctly, either 105 or 110 pounds by itself. Because the amp was very expensive, and because he custom ordered it in a tanned leather covering (even more $$$), he also insisted in carrying it in an Anvil ATA Baltic birch ply and aluminum flight case that weighed probably 40 pounds empty. You talk about an impromptu workout us trying to get that heavy bastard up a narrow flight of steps drunk at 4 a.m.
True story: Buddy in college used to pay me to be his "tech" when he gigged. I didn't have to set up, load out, take care of guitars or rig, nothing a real tech would do. My sole "job" was to help him get his Mesa Tremoverb 2x12 combo up and down his apartment's flight of steps. The amp weighed, if I remember correctly, either 105 or 110 pounds by itself. Because the amp was very expensive, and because he custom ordered it in a tanned leather covering (even more $$$), he also insisted in carrying it in an Anvil ATA Baltic birch ply and aluminum flight case that weighed probably 40 pounds empty. You talk about an impromptu workout us trying to get that heavy bastard up a narrow flight of steps drunk at 4 a.m.
Posted on 12/18/18 at 3:13 pm to TheFretShack
Appreciate all the feedback everyone. I probably could have clarified originally that I wouldn't actually consider implementing most of these upgrades until I reach the stage of jamming with other players. My concern was my 20W may not be able to adequately cut through the noise in addition to finding something tonally what I'm looking for once I reach that point.
I'll probably look into finding a used Peavey Classic when it becomes feasible for my budget. For now, I went ahead (for better or worse) and bought some Dragonfire Texas Blues pickups in a loaded pickguard for convenience since I'm relatively new to sautering plus I think the pickguard will be more aesthetically pleasing. The ceramic Squier stock pickups IMO really aren't THAT bad, but I'm hoping these alnicos will make it really sing. The 'Everything Axe' PUPs sounded great from what I've seen demo'd on YouTube, but couldn't find them used within my budget.
Still pretty dead set on trying to find a MIM or Squier VM '72 Thinline like you mentioned as I'd like something with humbuckers too eventually, but that G&L ASAT Bluesboy brought up earlier also sounds pretty sweet.
Lots to think about down the line, but for now gonna focus on the hands.
I'll probably look into finding a used Peavey Classic when it becomes feasible for my budget. For now, I went ahead (for better or worse) and bought some Dragonfire Texas Blues pickups in a loaded pickguard for convenience since I'm relatively new to sautering plus I think the pickguard will be more aesthetically pleasing. The ceramic Squier stock pickups IMO really aren't THAT bad, but I'm hoping these alnicos will make it really sing. The 'Everything Axe' PUPs sounded great from what I've seen demo'd on YouTube, but couldn't find them used within my budget.
Still pretty dead set on trying to find a MIM or Squier VM '72 Thinline like you mentioned as I'd like something with humbuckers too eventually, but that G&L ASAT Bluesboy brought up earlier also sounds pretty sweet.
Lots to think about down the line, but for now gonna focus on the hands.
Posted on 12/18/18 at 4:55 pm to InwardJim
1. Equipment won't make your playing or technique any better. It can only make what you play sound more clear. If you're good, you'll sound better. If you're bad, you'll sound worse.
2. A quality instrument is only a slight difference in tone. The real difference is in its ability to consistently play in tune and how it physically feels to push down the strings and play the instrument. If you're a gigging musician, having a quality instrument is important so you won't have to worry about your guitar constantly needing to be re-tuned on stage like I used to.
3. If you're happy with your playing style, the feel of your guitar, and its ability to stay in tune, the best way to change your tone will be through changing amps.
4. If you are interested in getting that classic country twang sound, you will need a real deal telecaster to do that.
2. A quality instrument is only a slight difference in tone. The real difference is in its ability to consistently play in tune and how it physically feels to push down the strings and play the instrument. If you're a gigging musician, having a quality instrument is important so you won't have to worry about your guitar constantly needing to be re-tuned on stage like I used to.
3. If you're happy with your playing style, the feel of your guitar, and its ability to stay in tune, the best way to change your tone will be through changing amps.
4. If you are interested in getting that classic country twang sound, you will need a real deal telecaster to do that.
Posted on 12/19/18 at 10:54 am to Kcprogguitar
This.
I recommend a Peavey ValveKing II. Great combo amps made in 20 W & 50W. Get the 20W unless you're playing large club gigs. The amp is a large production of a boutique style high gain amp.
As for guitars, just try out and see what you like. Make sure it feels good in your hands and you can play on it.
Don't go over board on a pedal rig, you will send up selling them on ebay for pennies what you paid. Trust me.
EDIT;
For your desired playing tone, maybe the Peavey Classic or the Peavey Delta Blues would be better amps. I'm a fan of Peavey for several reasons, one they're from Mississippi and two, they still have good amps like these for a reasonable price. No reason to go spend thousands on a custom boutique amp at your playing level.
I recommend a Peavey ValveKing II. Great combo amps made in 20 W & 50W. Get the 20W unless you're playing large club gigs. The amp is a large production of a boutique style high gain amp.
As for guitars, just try out and see what you like. Make sure it feels good in your hands and you can play on it.
Don't go over board on a pedal rig, you will send up selling them on ebay for pennies what you paid. Trust me.
EDIT;
For your desired playing tone, maybe the Peavey Classic or the Peavey Delta Blues would be better amps. I'm a fan of Peavey for several reasons, one they're from Mississippi and two, they still have good amps like these for a reasonable price. No reason to go spend thousands on a custom boutique amp at your playing level.
This post was edited on 12/19/18 at 10:57 am
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