• From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

frazerburns19 wrote:

Ill be honest just ask your son, young guys (as a 20 year old who's first guitar was picked for him as part of a surprise when i was 14, i speak from experience) don't like surprises to begin with, so in the long run you'd be doing him justice by letting him choose his own guitar within your given price range.

My dad and Uncle picked my first guitar for me, and as a guy who's dream guitar was always a Gibson SG (or any form of SG guitar) i was gutted to see a cheap Fender Squier waiting for me when i got home, only a guitar lover can understand the disappointment and unfulfillment that can stem from such a let down. It sounds ungrateful but when you're 14 you are less diplomatic in your reactions.
Only last year did i finally get my dream guitar, bought it with my own hard earned money and haven't even looked at another guitar since, i LOVE it!

Just my thoughts, Good luck

that was exactly what i was trying to covey within my original post....perfectly said.

masque's Website

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Oh I totally get it.  It will be his guitar no matter what mom and dad want him to play. The idea of coupon or picture instead of the actual guitar is great. 

That being said,  he has expensive taste when mom and dad are paying. I really think he would love a les paul, or jb signature but since he has to play it I will do more detecting and conversing with him about it.   Still would be great to surprise him if I can find out what he wants.

Again you guys are great and I am sure I may have more questions in the future. Thanks for not thinking me stupid or anything with all my questions.

I  think part of the reason we want a Gibson for him is that he so reminds us of Joe Bonamassa when Joe was first starting out, He looks the same, same build and hair.  kind of our own little Joe clone.  Just kidding.  Our son is a great artist in our hearts and minds but most likely will only play for fun or in a garage band. but that is why we want to encourage him with the new guitar.

  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

wvgirlinky wrote:

Oh I totally get it.  It will be his guitar no matter what mom and dad want him to play. The idea of coupon or picture instead of the actual guitar is great. 

That being said,  he has expensive taste when mom and dad are paying. I really think he would love a les paul, or jb signature but since he has to play it I will do more detecting and conversing with him about it.   Still would be great to surprise him if I can find out what he wants.

Again you guys are great and I am sure I may have more questions in the future. Thanks for not thinking me stupid or anything with all my questions.

I  think part of the reason we want a Gibson for him is that he so reminds us of Joe Bonamassa when Joe was first starting out, He looks the same, same build and hair.  kind of our own little Joe clone.  Just kidding.  Our son is a great artist in our hearts and minds but most likely will only play for fun or in a garage band. but that is why we want to encourage him with the new guitar.

strike up a casual conversation with him and just ask him about what guitars he would like to own if he could......pick up a musicians friend magazine and look at it and ooooh and ahhhh over some of the colors and what not and see what he points out......he may lead you into knowing exactly what he wants within the accepted price range.....

BUT i still think giving him a "voucher" or whatever and taking him to get what he wants would be the biggest home run you could hope for!

masque's Website

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

masque wrote:
wvgirlinky wrote:

Oh I totally get it.  It will be his guitar no matter what mom and dad want him to play. The idea of coupon or picture instead of the actual guitar is great. 

That being said,  he has expensive taste when mom and dad are paying. I really think he would love a les paul, or jb signature but since he has to play it I will do more detecting and conversing with him about it.   Still would be great to surprise him if I can find out what he wants.

Again you guys are great and I am sure I may have more questions in the future. Thanks for not thinking me stupid or anything with all my questions.

I  think part of the reason we want a Gibson for him is that he so reminds us of Joe Bonamassa when Joe was first starting out, He looks the same, same build and hair.  kind of our own little Joe clone.  Just kidding.  Our son is a great artist in our hearts and minds but most likely will only play for fun or in a garage band. but that is why we want to encourage him with the new guitar.

strike up a casual conversation with him and just ask him about what guitars he would like to own if he could......pick up a musicians friend magazine and look at it and ooooh and ahhhh over some of the colors and what not and see what he points out......he may lead you into knowing exactly what he wants within the accepted price range.....

BUT i still think giving him a "voucher" or whatever and taking him to get what he wants would be the biggest home run you could hope for!


Thanks for your imput. We have a lot to think about.

23 Reply by havoc41 (edited by havoc41 2012-10-04 16:10:18)

  • From: NH - USA
  • Registered: 2010-11-08
  • Posts: 149

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

If your not keen on the voucher route, I would suggest that you ask your son what he's playing for tunes and what kind of amp and effects he uses (if you don't already know)...  Then find a friend who knows guitars at bit, goto you local music store and look at the used wall... have your guitar playing friend try a few guitars in your price range with a similar setup, get his or her impression.

Bear in mind while your doing this that USA made Fenders and Gibsons hold their value better than most other brands (in my experience anyway). And it's easy to get wound up looking at and hearing this stuff but don't get sucked in. A music stores bread and butter is impulse buys, kind of like pet stores and puppy's.... but try not to let the sales guy talk you into something that you have never heard of or seen anyone use. A nice used SG Les Paul Special or Jr., or Les Paul Studio/Traditional is a safe bet... You can usually haggle a bit too, get 10% off at least too...

New or used, there are plenty of great Faded,  Studio,  Junior, and Special model Gibson Les Paul, SG, Flying V and other out there... good luck, and no matter what I'm sure you son will be thrilled.

havoc41's Website

  • Registered: 2011-04-04
  • Posts: 4

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

When I was a kid, my parents took me to a music store, sat me down, and had the salesman hand me guitar after guitar, until I found "the one" that sang for me. They simply told the guy their price range, and I ended up picking a guitar half the price of what they were willing to spend. Still own it and play it after 28 or so years.

That would be my suggestion: set up an audition at a store that's going to have a broad enough selection, and set it up in advance so they know what to hand him, and what to keep him far, far away from wink

  • From: West Sussex
  • Registered: 2011-05-17
  • Posts: 307

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

rvanoo wrote:

When I was a kid, my parents took me to a music store, sat me down, and had the salesman hand me guitar after guitar, until I found "the one" that sang for me. They simply told the guy their price range, and I ended up picking a guitar half the price of what they were willing to spend. Still own it and play it after 28 or so years.

That would be my suggestion: set up an audition at a store that's going to have a broad enough selection, and set it up in advance so they know what to hand him, and what to keep him far, far away from wink

That sounds like a good idea for me - I still have my '85 strat - a Christmas and birthday present from my folks. I don't think you can spend that kind of money on an unplayed (by the owner) guitar - they're too personal.

  • From: Glasgow, Scotland
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 170

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

wvgirlinky wrote:

Oh I totally get it.  It will be his guitar no matter what mom and dad want him to play. The idea of coupon or picture instead of the actual guitar is great. 

That being said,  he has expensive taste when mom and dad are paying. I really think he would love a les paul, or jb signature but since he has to play it I will do more detecting and conversing with him about it.   Still would be great to surprise him if I can find out what he wants.

Again you guys are great and I am sure I may have more questions in the future. Thanks for not thinking me stupid or anything with all my questions.

I  think part of the reason we want a Gibson for him is that he so reminds us of Joe Bonamassa when Joe was first starting out, He looks the same, same build and hair.  kind of our own little Joe clone.  Just kidding.  Our son is a great artist in our hearts and minds but most likely will only play for fun or in a garage band. but that is why we want to encourage him with the new guitar.

The only thing i have to say in reply to this is that you sound like great parents, its clear you are very proud of your son and its a great thing to see you support him so willingly. Fancy having a word with my parents? haha

Best of luck

Me playing Joe's actual Ibanez Tubescreamer pedal - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76jk58_vl2s

frazerburns19's Website

  • synchu
  • Silver Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2012-06-15
  • Posts: 60

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

^that + 1000.
Good luck to you and your son.

28 Reply by wvgirlinky (edited by wvgirlinky 2012-10-05 10:09:56)

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

All of you have given me great advice.  We have a good friend that runs a music store locally.  Not sure what brands he sells but I am going to talk to him too.  We still have several months for all of this.

I really like the idea of a guitar audition for him.  That may just be the way to go. We are going to also talk to him about the rig  he uses.  I do not know what the amp is but I know he bought a cry baby recently because he sent me a picture of it. I was just at his house and he had everything all set up.  Next time I will just take a picture of it so I can discuss the whole thing intelligently with him and the guitar store. 

You guys are so awesome for helping us.  Thanks for all the info. Have a great weekend.

29 Reply by wvgirlinky (edited by wvgirlinky 2012-11-26 21:19:44)

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

I think our son has decided on a guitar. He now wants an acoustic. He is looking at a spider by   jeff babicz guitars.  Any thoughts or ideas?

30 Reply by kestrou (edited by kestrou 2012-11-27 03:57:51)

  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

wvgirlinky wrote:

I think our son has decided on a guitar. He now wants an acoustic. He is looking at a spider by   jeff babicz guitars.  Any thoughts or ideas?

Certainly an interesting guitar with the "splayed bridge" design - from an engineering perspective, not sure if it would resonate the top "more" (because of the direct individual string contact with the top) or "less" (because the strings are attached near the edge of the top, where it doesn't vibrate as much).  They do have some "big name" endorsers though (Todd Rundgren!) - so I'm confident they're not crap! smile  Top (spruce) and back (mahogany) are solid wood - that's a good thing.  They don't say on the sides, but that's the least important part.  Fretboard is rosewood (my personal preference) and they're using name brand electronics (L R Baggs) in them - so that looks good too.

Probably doesn't matter, but... I see they only sell direct - has your son had a chance to touch/play one?

The smart thing to do is "never buy a guitar unless you've played it (or one VERY similar)" - however such advice is often lost upon the young - so don't pressure that too much. wink

Honestly, if that's what he has his heart set on, then it looks great to me - he'll appreciate that he got what he wanted more than he will a "how to buy smart lesson" - and everybody needs a good acoustic (or three).

Personal aside: I have way more electrics than acoustics, but play my acoustics more... and usually play my crappiest one because I'm not worried about it getting beat up by knocking into furniture or kids.

Hopefully lead time for this means you can still have it in time for Santa to bring it down the chimney?! smile

kestrou

  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

kestrou wrote:
wvgirlinky wrote:

I think our son has decided on a guitar. He now wants an acoustic. He is looking at a spider by   jeff babicz guitars.  Any thoughts or ideas?

Certainly an interesting guitar with the "splayed bridge" design - from an engineering perspective, not sure if it would resonate the top "more" (because of the direct individual string contact with the top) or "less" (because the strings are attached near the edge of the top, where it doesn't vibrate as much).  They do have some "big name" endorsers though (Todd Rundgren!) - so I'm confident they're not crap! smile  Top (spruce) and back (mahogany) are solid wood - that's a good thing.  They don't say on the sides, but that's the least important part.  Fretboard is rosewood (my personal preference) and they're using name brand electronics (L R Baggs) in them - so that looks good too.

Probably doesn't matter, but... I see they only sell direct - has your son had a chance to touch/play one?

The smart thing to do is "never buy a guitar unless you've played it (or one VERY similar)" - however such advice is often lost upon the young - so don't pressure that too much. wink

Honestly, if that's what he has his heart set on, then it looks great to me - he'll appreciate that he got what he wanted more than he will a "how to buy smart lesson" - and everybody needs a good acoustic (or three).

Personal aside: I have way more electrics than acoustics, but play my acoustics more... and usually play my crappiest one because I'm not worried about it getting beat up by knocking into furniture or kids.

Hopefully lead time for this means you can still have it in time for Santa to bring it down the chimney?! smile

kestrou


Thanks for the info.  I believe his roommate has one and that is how he found out about it.  He is going to start playing a small gig at a local brewery and wants to use this guitar for that.   He is so excited so we are getting the guitar early.

  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2010-12-01
  • Posts: 278

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

Right now you can get a Studio for less than $600, been getting emails from Guitar Center all week showing a tobbaco burst studio for $599.00 with case.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

wvgirlinky wrote:

I think our son has decided on a guitar. He now wants an acoustic. He is looking at a spider by   jeff babicz guitars.  Any thoughts or ideas?

The new design of acoustic appears to be novelty. As far as price, it seems to be a premium so you'd assume it's a nice guitar. The problem is if you ever wanted to sell it, finding a buyer would be a lot more difficult with a babicz than you would a Fender, Taylor, Paul Reed Smith or Gibson.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2012-05-31
  • Posts: 1,308

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:
wvgirlinky wrote:

I think our son has decided on a guitar. He now wants an acoustic. He is looking at a spider by   jeff babicz guitars.  Any thoughts or ideas?

The new design of acoustic appears to be novelty. As far as price, it seems to be a premium so you'd assume it's a nice guitar. The problem is if you ever wanted to sell it, finding a buyer would be a lot more difficult with a babicz than you would a Fender, Taylor, Paul Reed Smith or Gibson.

Thanks for your input

  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

I would add another vote for the Epiphone Bonamassa.  I have one and I love it!  Got mine new for $650.  Can't beat it. It has the Gibson pickups and same binding as the Gibson.   Or try the Bonamassa Gibson Studio. These guitars can not be beat!!  The Epi is as every bit as good as the Gibson Studio IMO. And you will have some money left over for some pedal effects.

  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: Advice from Joe and or all you guitar heads out there

If that's what he wants, then go for it. Gary Clark Jr.'s favorite guitar is a Cherry red Epiphone Casino. And it's not even an American one, it's a made in Korea model.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

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www.reverbnation.com/deesfriends