I Need Some Ideas!

[allstar100595]

Starting to put together a Christmas list as my family demands they get me stuff. I won't complain!

I'm going over some stuff I might want, but I'm having a little trouble finding things. I'm up for suggestions for really anything, obviously guitar-related. I'll do a little rundown of what I've got.

I'm a rock guy, into stuff like GNR, VH, Maiden, Metallica, etc. My amps are Marshall JMP 2203 and JMP-1 combo, both with the soon to be released Bad Cat Unleash attenuator/booster. I play a Gibson LP Trad with upgraded pickups, Explorer with upgraded pickups, and I'm in the process of a custom LP build with Dan at DGN. Have a nice Trailer Trash board with a Voodoo Labs PP2+, and my pedals include a Way Huge Green Rhino, MXR 10 EQ, BBE Sonic Stomp, ISP Decimator G-String, EB VP, Korg Pitchblack, and I go through a Line6 Relay G50. I sing sometimes and use a Sennheiser e935.

As you can tell, I'm pretty set. I was thinking of a few things I can ask for, like a powered mixer of some sort for live use, maybe a floor/pa monitor...

Anything you guys recommend I look into getting? Any cool pedals, toys, accessories, or anything else I should look out for? Thanks!

 

[Dolebludger]

OK a good powered mixer is a Carvin XP800L (check out Carvin.com). Not a lot of money, and good for small to medium venues. Light in weight (very much so), decent built in FX, and accomodates six XLR mics.

Or, you might want a different guitar(?) If so, check out the Music man Sterling AX3 for $249 street price (and you can do better). Now, you may well say "what do I want with a $249 guitar"? You've got to play it. it is amazing. I've got a bunch of high dollar guitars, and I'd take my AX3 to an arena concert (if anybody would ask me to play at one).

 

[allstar100595]

I was thinking maybe a guitar, but if anything I'd want something pretty radically different than my LP's or Explorer

 

[Dougie]

Duncan SH-16 Hybrid pickup. That one is *radically* different!

 

[Papa]

As you can tell, I'm pretty set.

You could always have them donate some money to those less fortunate than you in your name?!

Papa

 

[Dolebludger]

Papa has a good idea, especially in light of the disasters on the East coast. But if you don't like that idea, try the Music man sterling AX3. It will surprise you for the price. It is an offshoot of the old Music Man/Van Hallen alliance. It gives you an unexpectedly good tone and quality build -- especially given the price. And yes, it is very different from the guitars you have.

 

[frameboy]

A VH man needs a tube screamer my friend.

 

[corksniffer]

You could always have them donate some money to those less fortunate than you in your name?!

Papa

 

[Sky]

Get a damn Fender.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I was thinking maybe a guitar, but if anything I'd want something pretty radically different than my LP's or Explorer

Get a good Strat, and forget about all those pedals.

 

[Sky]

Get a good Strat, and forget about all those pedals.

+1

 

[Chadd]

I always make a list of picks, strings, polish, capos, patch cables, etc... that I use that make nice "stocking stuffers" for the family.

 

[ed1996]

Buy(or build) a tele.

 

[Dolebludger]

You haven't given us a price range, so it is difficult to give you ideas. But the Carvin XP800L powered mixer is $319 and it is a great PA amp/mixer combo. Sounds like you don't have a portable powered mixer and need one. For small to medium venues, this is the one. For a really different guitar, I have already recommended the Sterling SUB AX3 for $249 (or less). And for the price, you just won't believe it. Also, google up Durango Guitar Works and check out their "Contender" with Wilkinson pups and a 24"scale. Gives you Strat, Tele, and Ricky tones out of low output pups for $329. Or maybe we're talking about more or less money? Strats and Teles have been recommended, and (depending on model) they can be more or less than the above items. Want a higher dollar suggestion? How about a PRS SE guitar for between $500 and $1000? Not so much different than what you have. Just better.

But seriously, we've got a real mess in the NE part of our country. Although FEMA is working "wide open" people there still have major problems. So perhaps a donation to the Red Cross in your name to help these people would be highly appropriate for all or part of your gift. I hear you can even designate the state your donation would go to, if you care (I wouldn't). In case you didn't know, our electric distribution lines (including that part of the US) are pretty old and have been badly damaged by the storm. Way too many people there have no electricity. (I used to live in storm-ridden Oklahoma, and I know that is very bad.) Subways are flooded and damaged as are trains, and only a few gas stations can pump gas because electricity is needed to do so.Those people need help.

 

[Wraptail]

Get some guitar lessons outside your comfort zone... and a tele if there's $ left over.