Looking for my next electric guitar - under $500

[twobone]

Looking for advice.

I'd like to get another electric guitar and hand my Fender Squire down to my 10 year old son.

What are your suggestions?

The Epiphone SG 400 looks nice:

Epiphone - Faded G-400

Maybe an Ibanez hollow body:

Ibanez Artcore AF75 Hollow Body Electric Guitar at AmericanMusical.com

[Rapewta]

Loaded question.
Hundreds of good playing 6 strings for under $500.00.
The problem with the SG is that it doesn't have a long top horn. They look like devil horns but that is about it.
Very hard to balance. Not real comfortable.
Don't discount e-bay. You can get a really new,
made in Mexico strat or tele for
way under your budget.
If you look long and hard you can pick up a new, one owner, barely used
Fender American Standard Tele for $500.00. Maple neck of course!
These are the top of the line Fenders sans Custom shop stuff.

Spend a couple weeks lurking on e-bay and you will find a great Gibson, Fender,
Carvin, Ibenez (I've been had), or some other guitar company's USA stuff.
Remember.. All companies have a top and bottom line.
$500 or less should get you a really good electric guitar.

[algs911]

I have a Fender Strat, my 12 y o Son has an Epi SG. He really likes it and it sounds great! I, however, cannot play it! It's "neck heavy." Just like "Rapewta" said, the strap positions don't allow one to let go of the guitar w/out it falling towards the heavy neck. My Son says he got used to it and now he doesn't even realize it. However, when I play it I feel as if I have to hold up the neck as well as play the chords, etc. I really don't like it.

So, for my "second" guitar I'm thinking of getting an Epi Les Paul like this one: Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro Electric Guitar and more Solid Body Electric Guitars at GuitarCenter.com.. I like the coil tap feature (not sure if this is the one).

Have fun!

Al

[craigster59]

Here's 3 I'd look at and bargain down...
FS: Fender Mustang

Fender 1986 Contemporary Standard 22 MIJ Stratocaster

Fender Jaguar HH W/ Hardshell Case

[targa911S]

Epiphone Dot

Epiphone - Dot

The working mans ES-335

[scottmandue]

I really like my Ibanez Artcore... so has everyone who has played it...

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by targa911S

Epiphone Dot

Epiphone - Dot

The working mans ES-335

I second the DOT. 2-volume, 2-tone if you find one. I have the 1-vol 1-tone Studio version.
It's decent for the $$, and the hollowbody sings pretty well.

SG's are very unbalance, as mentioned above.

[azasadny]

Our son loves his Schecter guitar, Fender Mexican Telecaster, Fender Precision Bass and Taylor Big Baby acoustic, all of which were purchased for less than $500 each.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by targa911S

Epiphone Dot

Epiphone - Dot

The working mans ES-335

I love my dot. very very strong unit

[ramonesfreak]

my SG never feels unbalanced. it will if you put heavy tuners on it. a leather strap always help keep it in place too. i have had no problem with balance. it wont stay in tune, however

why $500?

i just sold a very good condition american made fender strat for $700. there are tons of them out there and well worth the extra $200 compared to the above...why not save a bit longer and get a USA made guitar that you will develop a better relationship with and not be tempted to upgrade in the near future

[ramonesfreak]

looking at that Epi SG400, i see it has Grover tuners on it...that might cause imbalance.

my gibson SG has the kluson plastic tuners that they typically always come with....very light

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Look at ESP LTD's. Seriously nice guitars for the money. For under $500, you can get one with a set neck, all mahogany with EMG's, Grovers and nice inlay work. ESP customer service is top notch as well.

[LWJ]

I just bought a "tomato red" Dot Studio for $150 at a pawnshop. It is KILLER. To think that I used to think I was a Fender guy.

Larry