What guitar do you think I should get?

Question

So I need a new electric guitar. The only electric guitar that I've ever owned was a Stratocaster (Fender Squier). It's broken in a lot of ways and it's getting a little small. I feel kind of embarrassed to play it since I got it when I was like 7. I've been looking into the Gibson SG's and Gibson Les Paul's. I am a teenaged girl, and I do have fairly small hands, so people have told me that I shouldn't go for the Les Paul. I like to play punk-pop, rock, metal, and blues. I don't know which guitar would be best for me. Can you tell me what you think and compare the two guitars? Thank you!

Answer 1

Of course, you can play a Gibson style guitar if you're used to a regular Squier already. In fact a Gibson may be easier, since the scale is shorter than the one used by Fender (and Squier).



A shorter scale means shorter reach between the frets and a little less string tension. Of course, there are other factors as well which will play a significant role in how a guitar feels and plays - body size, weight, neck profile, neck bulk, fretboard radius, fret type, set-up, string gauge ... plus more.



All in all, there are so many factors that you really should try out various different guitars types, brands and models for yourself.



You will soon find that Fender style and Gibson style guitars are two different "beasts" all together. One thing is that the humbuckers on a Gibson will sound vastly different than the single coils on Squier/Fender.

Answer 2

Too small? Is it a mini Squire? Because otherwise regular Squire guitars are the same dimensions as Fender models. I would recommend playing those guitars at a store... Gibsons do have much bulkier necks. You could upgrade to a Mexican Fender Strat but sounds like you want something different.



SG: Not as bright sound, lighter, same pickups, cheaper, good overall guitar, very popular...



LP: Brighter with maple top, same pickups, heavier, bulkier, more expensive, very popular...



If you like playing blues a lot I'd recommend a Fender Telecaster too, Mexican $400 or USA $1000. If you basically do pop/punk and nothing like Metallica it'll sound good with distortion. Gibsons are great rock/metal guitars but they aren't good blues/country guitars like Fenders. Fenders can do both but you trade off in the metal area with less sustain, sometimes too much trebble with effects, etc. Gibsons on the other hand some awesome for heavy metal but they're pretty dark sounding and lack twang when playing clean.

Answer 3

If you're going to be spending a lot of time with your baby, it's gotta feel right. You've mentioned having smaller hands. The neck is going to be a big factor with regard to width, shape, and finish. Angus Young prefers the SG for the sound and also the smaller neck, which is a perfect fit for his smaller hands. Strats, for instance, come with several different neck shapes and each player is going to have his or her own preference. Some you might find are exhausting to play, whereas others feel effortless. The type of wood used for the body can factor in on the weight of the guitar as well. Les Pauls tend to be a bit heavy, whereas Strats, SGs, and Ibanez guitars are lighter in weight. Ergonomics are a factor as well. Also, there is a distinctive difference in the sound and tone of say, a Strat versus a Les Paul, although these days with so many different brands of pickups and amps, you could tweak your sound. Then, there's the mojo factor: do both you and the guitar seem to come alive when you're playing it? What might seem right on paper and practicality doesn't hold a candle to the way it feels in your hands and what happens when you start playing. So by all means, don't narrow down your options too much.

Prices can vary considerably. Often when it comes to guitars, you get what you pay for--but not always! There are some real gems out there that can be had for a fraction of some of the others. Stevie Ray Vaughan found his beat-up, though beloved Number One in a pawn shop. Keep in mind, too, that if you find one that feels great in your hands and is comfortable to play, you can always change the pickups, the color, etc.

Perhaps pay a visit to a pawn shop or music store and just try out several different ones, noting what feels good to you, what is comfortable, what really wows you. Something out there might be love at first sight (and sound) for you.

Good luck in your search--and by all means, have fun with it!

Answer 4

ok heres the thing. those big brand guitars aren't that good until u spend until like $5000 dollars or more and that's still not as good as a guitar. however with the same amount of money you could get an even better guitar from a less known brand. what im saying is just because brands like martin, taylor, Gibson, and fender are good advertised doesn't mean they are the best. to know I would recommend going to a store and just playing.