# Help me pick a rockablilly guitar! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 3, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095 "2015-03-03T14:46:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/1 "2015-03-03T14:46:57Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/2 "2015-03-03T14:58:53Z")
Well I’d go for a [Gretsch Duo Jet](http://www.gretschguitars.com/products/index.php?partno=2400400806) but I guess I’d be playing more lead. I’ll get back to you. I’m pretty sure you want some sort of Gretsch though. ---
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/3 "2015-03-03T15:05:29Z")
That is beautiful…but over budget by about $2500. Dang! ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/4 "2015-03-03T15:12:17Z")
Sorry, this guitar is more than the five you stipulated but maybe you could put it on your wish list for when you get rich and famous:[http://www.guitar-planet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Rick-Vito-600d.jpg](http://www.guitar-planet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Rick-Vito-600d.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/5 "2015-03-03T15:13:11Z")
^^NICE^^ ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/6 "2015-03-03T15:22:15Z")
I’m a big fan of G&L, and I really like the [ASAT semi-hollow](http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/guitars/asat-classic-semihollow/index.asp). They start at $549. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/7 "2015-03-03T15:25:02Z")
Gretsch also makes more affordable [Electromaic Double Jets](http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gretsch-guitars-g5445t-electromatic-double-jet-w-bigsby-electric-guitar). If you’re willing to go hollowbody, an [Epiphone Wildkat](http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-limited-edition-wildkat-black-royale-electric-guitar?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CMvm4Ne-jMQCFQGoaQodcSgABQ&kwid=productads-plaid%5E80555410707-sku%5EH82700000001000@ADL4MF-adType%5EPLA-device%5Ec-adid%5E51870555867) would come in under your budget. ---
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/8 "2015-03-03T15:27:04Z")
G&L. I hadn’t thought of them for some reason. This thread is paying off already 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/9 "2015-03-03T15:42:04Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > I’m a big fan of G&L, and I really like the [ASAT semi-hollow](http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/guitars/asat-classic-semihollow/index.asp). They start at $549. Oh yeah, that. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/10 "2015-03-03T19:39:45Z")
You have to go with a big hollowbody with a bigsby whammy bar. A Gretsch would be first choice. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/11 "2015-03-03T20:05:31Z")
I’d second the [Wildkat](http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-wildkat-red-royale-hollowbody-electric-guitar) or maybe a [Hofner](http://www.beatlebassdealer.com/hofner-club-solid-guitar.htm) if you want something besides the std Gibby/Fender/Gretsch thing. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/12 "2015-03-03T20:39:49Z")
I have an Epiphone that is a lot of guitar for the money. It rings like anything, and looks like something Scotty Moore [stole from the gods](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Guitard_Epiphone_03.jpg). They sell [a similar one now for $399](http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-limited-edition-es-335-pro-electric-guitar?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CNug-qiFjcQCFQ4BaQodzmwA4A&kwid=productads-plaid%5E80555410707-sku%5EH79035000001000@ADL4MF-adType%5EPLA-device%5Ec-adid%5E51870555867), but I can’t vouch for it. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/13 "2015-03-03T20:57:10Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > I’m a big fan of G&L, and I really like the [ASAT semi-hollow](http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/USA/guitars/asat-classic-semihollow/index.asp). They start at $549. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/14 "2015-03-03T21:00:08Z")
Great ideas so far. Thanks everyone. Keep ‘em comin’ please! ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/15 "2015-03-03T21:29:37Z")
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). ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/16 "2015-03-03T22:31:25Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/17 "2015-03-03T22:37:44Z")
> [@Saintly\_Loser](#): > > 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). 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. ---
**Author:** ![Cephkiller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cephkiller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cephkiller)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2015, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/18 "2015-03-11T00:33:06Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2015, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/19 "2015-03-11T00:51:27Z")
Sweet deal! Thanks for letting us know what you chose. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095/20 "2015-03-11T15:07:14Z")
**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. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-rockablilly-guitar/714095.md?page=2)