What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality?

Richie555 · 11-07-2009, 10:32 AM

Many years ago someone offered me a Sunn Mustang and small practise amp for £20, feeling sorry for the guy i gave him the money and thought to myself maybe i could sell it to someone for £50, after i put new strings on it i was gob smacked by how well it played and sounded. It was that good that i found myself using it more than my regular (expensive) guitars.
The amp was pretty shit though and i sold that for £30.
Has anyone got any similar stories?

zeppelin101 · 11-07-2009, 10:36 AM

I hear Agiles are like that for a lot of people but for me it was my squier strat. It was my first guitar and went into the closet for a while cuz of a dead pot. I finally rewired the whole thing and was honestly surprised with how easy it was to play!

GibsonByBirth · 11-07-2009, 10:36 AM

Depends on what you mean by cheap. $400 then the Ovation viper of the 70's.

Kate033 · 11-07-2009, 10:46 AM

It depends on how cheap you are looking for. The quality of imported guitars has definitly improved over the years!

The Squier Classic Vibe series are great guitars that can be found used for $2-250. Even a basic Bullet of Affinity Squier strat bought used with a good set up can be very playable, especially with a pickup upgrade. The same as a MIA strat? of course not, but still a very playable instrument.

Agile and Xaviere both offer inexpensive guitars of decent quality. If you're looking at acoustics, the Yamaha F series are great for little money.

danohat · 11-07-2009, 10:57 PM

A Peavey HP Exp. Plays fantastic. Sounds great.

overdriver · 11-07-2009, 11:16 PM

Squire CV series

mrpesca · 11-07-2009, 11:29 PM

Just about anything from Rondomusic.

leftyguitarman · 11-07-2009, 11:41 PM

My Agile and my Epi resonator.

dennistruckdriver · 11-07-2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kate033

....The Squier Classic Vibe series are great guitars that can be found used for $2-250....

If I could find one for $2, I'd buy it.

leftyguitarman · 11-08-2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennistruckdriver

If I could find one for $2, I'd buy it.

Even though they are made in China?

Leendrix · 11-08-2009, 01:04 PM

As in cheap, I can't say I have. Well, the 2-4 hundred dollar ESP (LTD) guitars are pretty good quality. Same with epiphone... IF they are 400 and up.

phillysteezsteak · 11-08-2009, 03:33 PM

most underrated low end guitars IMO is Godin's redline series. they go used for around $350-$400 if you look around and they are great quality. come with emg actives and they are built in canada and assembled in the USA from my understanding. i played one today and wow was i impressed

EtriX · 11-08-2009, 06:09 PM

This one

Sure it's no Gibson or PRS but the feel of the neck is great and the acoustics of it just rips.
It's like a p90, so raw it rocks.

Geetarguy · 11-08-2009, 06:31 PM

My 58' Epiphone Korina Explorer....love this guitar...play it ALL the time

dennistruckdriver · 11-08-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennistruckdriver

If I could find one for $2, I'd buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftyguitarman

Even though they are made in China?

Sure....they're worth every bit of $2.

Fracture · 11-08-2009, 07:12 PM

A Schecter w/Floyd Rose. Not a lot of money.
But for the money a lot guitar.

snaredrum · 11-08-2009, 07:29 PM

my tanglewood D-11 i got in 1996 is the best acoustic i've ever played. also, people with martins and taylors have demanded i swap guitars with them at folk clubs as they like the playability and warm sound of my guitar.

not bad for £200

rockstar232007 · 11-08-2009, 09:49 PM

My Slammer (Hamer) Pacer that my mom paid $150 for w/an amp, when I was 15.

The neck actually looks/feels better than the one on my MIM Strat! And the quality of the [Duncan Designed] pickups, and the controls is suprizingly top notch.

This guitar has a great tone, and I know this sounds crazy, but it has almost an LP vibe to it, especially through a Marshall stack.

I've been playing this guitar almost every day for the past 12 years, and it STILL sounds as good as it did when it eas new, not to mention it's completely stock! I've NEVER had one problem with it after all these years (knock on wood)!

Loserface300 · 11-08-2009, 09:56 PM

ESP LTDs... they are amazing...

diceman · 11-08-2009, 09:57 PM

Gibson SG Faded. $600, USA made, very nice and for the price of a mid grade Epi.

Benguitar · 11-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Some like $400-$600 PRS SC, Two knobs, Toggle between the two, It's like alpine white. Made in Korea.

Best. Playing. Korea. Guitar. I've ever played.

Then there was this $250.00 1980's BC Rich NJ Mockingbird. Had a triangle-pointed headstock *think Jackson* and it had black hardware with a kalher #2100 tremolo.

xsouldriverx · 11-08-2009, 10:45 PM

my epi dr100 acoustic. with adjustments to the nut, and bridge it really sings more than i ever thought it would.

jon1 · 11-08-2009, 10:48 PM

My $200 MIM strat is amazing. I will probably never get rid of it.

MCSteeler · 11-08-2009, 11:06 PM

My Ibanez GAX 75. Paid $85 used at Guitar Center. This thing is in immaculate condition and it feels and sounds great. The downshifter on this thing works like a charm. I can't believe someone wanted to get rid of this.

Sportrider24 · 11-09-2009, 06:39 AM

I think Ibanez builds the best "cheap" guitar. I had a '98 RG120 that was excellent. I just picked up this RG5EX1 and I must say, it is the best Indonisian guitar I've ever played. I've owned two Japan Jacksons and this guitar plays much better to me. Love it!!!!!!

overdriver · 11-09-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennistruckdriver

Sure....they're worth every bit of $2.

How the hell do you know that Dennis? Your too F'ed in the head to try one!

reez_rock · 11-09-2009, 10:16 AM

Squier California series for me

renin71 · 11-09-2009, 10:41 AM

prs SE singlecut and Epiphone BB King. really good guitars for the money..

alligatorbling · 11-09-2009, 10:50 AM

149 bucks brand spanking new! they need a setup when they get to your door step, but other than that these things are very impressive! hell, bole was even impressed with it when he played it!!!!!!! lol!

L60N · 11-09-2009, 10:51 AM

Michael Kelly patriot custom. The quality for me, belies the price.

Not a massive fan of the "hump" though if I'm honest.

11-07-2009, 10:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
Richie555 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Hengoed uk Posts: 195 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Many years ago someone offered me a Sunn Mustang and small practise amp for £20, feeling sorry for the guy i gave him the money and thought to myself maybe i could sell it to someone for £50, after i put new strings on it i was gob smacked by how well it played and sounded. It was that good that i found myself using it more than my regular (expensive) guitars. The amp was pretty shit though and i sold that for £30. Has anyone got any similar stories?

11-07-2009, 10:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
zeppelin101 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cleveland OH Posts: 1,055 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? I hear Agiles are like that for a lot of people but for me it was my squier strat. It was my first guitar and went into the closet for a while cuz of a dead pot. I finally rewired the whole thing and was honestly surprised with how easy it was to play! __________________ My vocation is more in composition really than anything else - building up harmonies using the guitar, orchestrating the guitar like an army, a guitar army. Jimmy Page

11-07-2009, 10:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
GibsonByBirth Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Outskirts of Phoenix AZ Posts: 391 Thanks: 5 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Depends on what you mean by cheap. $400 then the Ovation viper of the 70's. __________________ ======================================== The picture in my signature is my wife and children and me. The picture in my advatar is that of my famous distant uncle. Gibson Les Paul 2005 classic 1960 goldtop Gibson Les Paul 2008 custom Peavey Classic 50 combo 410 Vox Night Train 15 watt tube amplifier head Fender Band-Master VM 212 2x12" Straight Guitar Speaker Cabinet

11-07-2009, 10:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kate033 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 914 Thanks: 23 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? It depends on how cheap you are looking for. The quality of imported guitars has definitly improved over the years! The Squier Classic Vibe series are great guitars that can be found used for $2-250. Even a basic Bullet of Affinity Squier strat bought used with a good set up can be very playable, especially with a pickup upgrade. The same as a MIA strat? of course not, but still a very playable instrument. Agile and Xaviere both offer inexpensive guitars of decent quality. If you're looking at acoustics, the Yamaha F series are great for little money.

11-07-2009, 10:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
danohat Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: garden city , Michigan Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? A Peavey HP Exp. Plays fantastic. Sounds great.

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11-07-2009, 11:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kanata Posts: 5,446 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Squire CV series __________________

11-07-2009, 11:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
mrpesca Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,554 Thanks: 15 Thanked 65 Times in 13 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Just about anything from Rondomusic.

11-07-2009, 11:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
leftyguitarman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 1,278 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? My Agile and my Epi resonator. __________________

11-08-2009, 01:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
Leendrix Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 130 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? As in cheap, I can't say I have. Well, the 2-4 hundred dollar ESP (LTD) guitars are pretty good quality. Same with epiphone... IF they are 400 and up. __________________ You want Metal? You want Jazz? You want Rock? Visit www.MySpace.com/LeeChavezMusic

11-08-2009, 03:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
phillysteezsteak Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Belmont Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? most underrated low end guitars IMO is Godin's redline series. they go used for around $350-$400 if you look around and they are great quality. come with emg actives and they are built in canada and assembled in the USA from my understanding. i played one today and wow was i impressed __________________ i ride for vans because... it gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. -Van Wastell R.I.P. even after you passed away you skate better than most in this world.

11-08-2009, 06:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
EtriX Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The great lakes of Sweden Posts: 1,326 Thanks: 66 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? This one Sure it's no Gibson or PRS but the feel of the neck is great and the acoustics of it just rips. It's like a p90, so raw it rocks. __________________ If you haven't seen a elephant ski, you haven't been on acid Southpaw City

11-08-2009, 06:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
Geetarguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 910 Thanks: 28 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? My 58' Epiphone Korina Explorer....love this guitar...play it ALL the time __________________ http://www.myspace.com/316290857 http://www.myspace.com/brothersrox

11-08-2009, 07:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
Fracture Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Midwest, near the ocean Posts: 1,194 Thanks: 90 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? A Schecter w/Floyd Rose. Not a lot of money. But for the money a lot guitar.

11-08-2009, 07:29 PM	#17 (permalink)
snaredrum Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nottingham, England Posts: 2,982 Thanks: 24 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? my tanglewood D-11 i got in 1996 is the best acoustic i've ever played. also, people with martins and taylors have demanded i swap guitars with them at folk clubs as they like the playability and warm sound of my guitar. not bad for £200 __________________ "There is hopeful symbolism in the fact that flags do not wave in a vacuum." - Arthur C. Clarke

11-08-2009, 09:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
rockstar232007 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southgate, MI Posts: 111 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? My Slammer (Hamer) Pacer that my mom paid $150 for w/an amp, when I was 15. The neck actually looks/feels better than the one on my MIM Strat! And the quality of the [Duncan Designed] pickups, and the controls is suprizingly top notch. This guitar has a great tone, and I know this sounds crazy, but it has almost an LP vibe to it, especially through a Marshall stack. I've been playing this guitar almost every day for the past 12 years, and it STILL sounds as good as it did when it eas new, not to mention it's completely stock! I've NEVER had one problem with it after all these years (knock on wood)! Last edited by rockstar232007; 11-08-2009 at 10:47 PM.

11-08-2009, 09:56 PM	#19 (permalink)
Loserface300 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,373 Thanks: 28 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? ESP LTDs... they are amazing... __________________

11-08-2009, 09:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,330 Thanks: 308 Thanked 91 Times in 32 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Gibson SG Faded. $600, USA made, very nice and for the price of a mid grade Epi. __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

11-08-2009, 10:00 PM	#21 (permalink)
Benguitar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Swamp Posts: 501 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Some like $400-$600 PRS SC, Two knobs, Toggle between the two, It's like alpine white. Made in Korea. Best. Playing. Korea. Guitar. I've ever played. Then there was this $250.00 1980's BC Rich NJ Mockingbird. Had a triangle-pointed headstock think Jackson and it had black hardware with a kalher #2100 tremolo. __________________ God bless - Benjamin My YouTube

11-08-2009, 10:45 PM	#22 (permalink)
xsouldriverx Disciple-of-RobotOverlord Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,111 Thanks: 36 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? my epi dr100 acoustic. with adjustments to the nut, and bridge it really sings more than i ever thought it would. __________________ 2005 Ibanez H.R. Giger Iceman VHT Deliverance 60

11-08-2009, 10:48 PM	#23 (permalink)
jon1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? My $200 MIM strat is amazing. I will probably never get rid of it. __________________ Guitars: 1998 Fender Standard Stratocaster 2009 Fender Standard Stratocaster 1957 Harmony Hollywood 2008 Alvarez PD91s Acoustic Amps: Marshall AVT100 Combo Fender Champion 600

11-08-2009, 11:06 PM	#24 (permalink)
MCSteeler Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 54 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? My Ibanez GAX 75. Paid $85 used at Guitar Center. This thing is in immaculate condition and it feels and sounds great. The downshifter on this thing works like a charm. I can't believe someone wanted to get rid of this. __________________ Gibson Sonex-180 Deluxe - Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Standard - Heritage Cherry Sunburst Epiphone SG-310 - Ebony Epiphone Dot semi-hollowbody - Red Ibanez GAX 75 - Gunmetal Hamer Slammer XP Standard - Ebony Douglas Shadow - 2 tone Sunburst SX SST SE - 3 tone Sunburst Mitchell MD100 acoustic Marshall MG100HDFX half-stack Marshall Valvestate Model 8100 head Marshall Valvestate VS100 head Marshall 8412 cab Marshall MG10 Marshall AVT50 combo Digitech RP50 processor

11-09-2009, 06:39 AM	#25 (permalink)
Sportrider24 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 608 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? I think Ibanez builds the best "cheap" guitar. I had a '98 RG120 that was excellent. I just picked up this RG5EX1 and I must say, it is the best Indonisian guitar I've ever played. I've owned two Japan Jacksons and this guitar plays much better to me. Love it!!!!!! __________________ Epi LP Standard Fender Vibro Champ XD Roland Cube 15x

11-09-2009, 10:16 AM	#27 (permalink)
reez_rock Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Squier California series for me __________________ -Reez of KnightsFall-

11-09-2009, 10:41 AM	#28 (permalink)
renin71 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: scottsdale arizona Posts: 91 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? prs SE singlecut and Epiphone BB King. really good guitars for the money..

11-09-2009, 10:50 AM	#29 (permalink)
alligatorbling Master Entertainter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central VA Posts: 14,397 Thanks: 455 Thanked 549 Times in 121 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? 149 bucks brand spanking new! they need a setup when they get to your door step, but other than that these things are very impressive! hell, bole was even impressed with it when he played it!!!!!!! lol! __________________ "It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." -Jiddu Krishnamurti

11-09-2009, 10:51 AM	#30 (permalink)
L60N Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sunny North Yorkshire Posts: 295 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: What cheap guitar has really impressed you with its quality? Michael Kelly patriot custom. The quality for me, belies the price. Not a massive fan of the "hump" though if I'm honest. __________________ Ordered - 50's Telecaster Blonde - roadworn

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