What guitars offers the best bang for buck in 2023 for a recovering metalhead looking to genre-hop?

[Cogito]

I started playing in 06 with Metallica, and my tastes only got heavier. My skills have long since plateaued with metal music and I kinda stopped playing seriously once I stopped seeing progress in my ability. Not to mention most new bands I got into ventured into 7-8 string territory and I don't have any interest moving form 6 strings.

Now that I've been soaking in other genres for a few years I've reignited my passion to learn some of these songs. I sold all my gear except for a little Cube amp and my Jackson DKMG, but the Jackson no longer scratches that itch.

What are some modern(new or used) guitars that offer the best value? I've always loved the neck of a Strat and have heard great things about G&L's s500. Does anyone have any suggestions under $600-$900?

 

[tedtan]

What are some modern(new or used) guitars that offer the best value? I've always loved the neck of a Strat and have heard great things about G&L's s500. Does anyone have any suggestions under $600-$900?

You should be able to get a MIA Strat for that if you go used. You could find MIM Strats in that range new, as well. Otherwise, there are tons of options.

What style(s) of music are you planning on playing? Are you looking for single coils, humbuckers, both? Any guitars you like other than the Strat neck? Any you don’t like?

 

[Masoo2]

Schecter Nick Johnston? They're fantastic modern takes on the strat formula

 

[budda]

What can you try?

 

[odibrom]

... you know what the SSO moto is, right?...

 

[Cogito]

You should be able to get a MIA Strat for that if you go used. You could find MIM Strats in that range new, as well. Otherwise, there are tons of options.

What style(s) of music are you planning on playing? Are you looking for single coils, humbuckers, both? Any guitars you like other than the Strat neck? Any you don’t like?

I really need to make it down to guitar center and get my hands on some more models. My favorite shop closed for covid and never made it back. I've enjoyed necks from Jackson, Ibanez, Fender, and Washburn. Thinner and unpainted necks were always the common theme. Schecters and Gibson always felt thick and slow to maneuver around for me. I always find a floating trem most comfortable to play, but absolutely am tired of the fuss while changing strings.

I don't know if I want to commit to SSS. HS would be perfect, but I have a feeling HSS would be an attractive combination. My plan is to get my hands on a few being making a purchase, I'm just interested in what direction the wind blows these days as far as mid-range to upper-mid value.

As far as music and sounds, lots of indie rock/pop-ish St. Paul & Broken Bones and Hippocampus. Some more classic rock like Dire Straits. Good cleans with a bit of drive.

 

[Cogito]

... you know what the SSO moto is, right?...

I havent been on here since around 2015...but I have a feeling it has something to do with whatever feels best lol

 

[lost_horizon]

Yamaha Pacifica second hand even, time does not weary them

 

[Crungy]

I havent been on here since around 2015...but I have a feeling it has something to do with whatever feels best lol

Generally if you follow the motto it could make you feel the best... Does someone want to do the honors of speaking the magic words?

Aside from the motto, I'd throw an Ibanez S 561 or AZES40 in the mix. Also telecasters... You could put a rail pickup in the bridge to get a humbucker-sequel tone.

 

[Hollowway]

Generally if you follow the motto it could make you feel the best... Does someone want to do the honors of speaking the magic words?

Aside from the motto, I'd throw an Ibanez S 561 or AZES40 in the mix. Also telecasters... You could put a rail pickup in the bridge to get a humbucker-sequel tone.

Sure, I’ll step up: “just buy a used (Ibanez) Prestige.”

Honestly, I’m this situation, it’s probably great advice. You can get an unpainted neck, HH or HSH, and trem or hardtail. Basic super strat shape. And the Prestige build level means great quality. Used means great price.

 

[wannabguitarist]

I've been thinking about grabbing one of these: https://charvel.com/gear/shape/so-cal/style-2/pro-mod-so-cal-style-2-24-hh-ht-cm/2966561527

Doesn't look metal, will play great, can also do metal if you want.

 

[works0fheart]

"bUy A uSeD pReStiGe"

There, I got it out of the way.

But don't do that.

 

[Musiscience]

For what it’s worth, I really liked the Sire Larry Carlton I played recently. Felt like it was worth much more than the asking price ($640). And being a Tele it should cover any style you throw at it.

 

[rokket2005]

I suggest a Nashville Tele. You get Tele and Strat tones, and it has the tummy cut if you find traditional Teles too sharp on your rib cage. Tele bridge pickups are more aggressive than strat bridge pickups too and it'll be a nice change from having another bridge humbucker like your Jackson. All the birds with one stone.

 

[budda]

Again, what can OP try?

 

[Cogito]

Again, what can OP try?

Other than setting up test sessions via Facebook or craigslist, the Guitar Center in town has:

• ALEMBIC (1)
• B.C. Rich (2)
• Charvel (1)
• Epiphone (14)
• ESP (2)
• EVH (3)
• Fender (27)
• G&L (1)
• Gibson (10)
• Gretsch Guitars (3)
• Ibanez (5)
• Jackson (7)
• Kramer (2)
• Mitchell (3)
• PRS (3)
• Reverend (1)
• Schecter (4)
• Squier (12)
• Sterling (7)

 

[Cogito]

Sure, I’ll step up: “just buy a used (Ibanez) Prestige.”

oh...let me just close my 37 Reverb tabs with various rga121s, 321, 652, 255...
A day before making this post I was about to pull the trigger on a 121 but realized I would just drop the tuning and fall back into my comfort genres. Still might...but I'm resisting

 

[Cogito]

I'm actually just seeing a G&L Legacy that my GC just got in. I understand the s500 has a better pickup/electronic system, but they're otherwise about the same? I'll make sure to try that one out to see if the neck feels right

 

[budda]

So most of whats listed meets the criteria. Time to try some guitars!

 

[mpexus]

The DKMG is actually a fine guitar. You wont find anything like it for less than 800-100 new nowadays.

I would say look into Schecters or Ibanez. The Neck Profiles on Japanese Ibanez is to me much better than the Indo made ones. They are both thin but the MIJ will be more similar to what you already have.
Used gear prices is Insane right now, my advise is to not fall for them. Let the fuckers that are trying to sell 300-400 bucks guitars for 800 or more keep them.