Budget is $500 or less. That’s it. I am pretty handy with mods and I’m not too picky. My only strong dislike is a paper thin neck, but I don’t think that is typically an issue with these types of guitars.
This is all about the show. Obviously, it should be playable, but the visual is the most important thing. I can make it sound like I want with mods, amp, technique, etc.
I am more of a “singer who plays guitar” than an actual guitarist so there will be minimal leads or single notes involved. I’ll be mostly happily strumming away on chords
Other that that, just go crazy! I don’t want to give any more details because I want fresh ideas I haven’t thought of yet. Please include links if possible. Thanks!
Actually, now that I give this some thought I still think it’s a good reccomendation, but to be strictly correct, the ASAT starts at close to $1,600. The ASAT Tributes, manufactured overseas and finished in the US are what go for $550.
Johnny Burnette did fine with a Telecaster. You can get a good Telecaster (made in Mexico) for under $500. Even less if you buy a Squier rather than a Fender, and some of the Squier line has a pretty decent rep (never played one myself).
Not much to add. The Grestch 5120 is a less-pricey version of the ultimate rockabilly guitar, the 6120 Chet Atkins. Epi Wildkat and other equivalent hollow bodies with whammies.
But, also true, you can never go wrong with a good Tele. Ground zero.
If you equate rockabilly with funky shapes, check out Eastwood Guitars, which are made in Asia based on a bunch of old Harmony, Kay, National and other designs.
That was my thought. You really can’t lose with a Tele, or even with a number of inexpensive copies.
If you’re in the Ann Arbor MI area, contact the guitar technician Brian Delany and let him know what you think you want. He’s the 'caster master! I’ve seen a number of his projects including very inexpensive setups starting with Chinese knockoffs with pickup replacements, winding up with great playing guitars for a fraction of the cost of a MIM or Squier. Not that there’s anything wrong with them.
Or just go to your local shop and pull 'em off the rack until you find one that speaks to you and fits your budget.
It’s a great day for the inexpensive electric guitar, especially for Tele and Strat knockoffs. If you know what to look for, you can get a really great guitar for less than you’ll spend on strings, eventually!
Then keep your eye open for the sweet archtop or semi-hollow.
I used to have a Tele that I dearly miss so I was leaning that direction, however, I clicked on MF’s Stupid Deal of the Day today and, lo and behold, it was an Epiphone Wildkat Red Royale for $299. At that price, I pulled the trigger. I’ll check back after I get it and form an opinion on it.
Cephkiller, congrats and I suspect you’ll like it. I know I came close to pulling the trigger on a black Ltd edition and I wish I had of because finding one now is much harder for a reasonable price.
