Hey,
So about a year ago I bought a $200 7-string SGR (Schecter) to play around on and see if extended range guitars were my thing. After a pickup swap it turned it a really nice budget price axe.
But I've gotten the itch to move up to an 8, and I'm not really sure where to start.
I'm kinda looking between the $400-$1200 range. Yeah, I realize there's a massive jump in quality between the body and top of that range. But I'm looking for good value. For example, if there's a $400 guitar with a really great body/neck but ass-sounding pickups, and a simple pickup swap will put it at the level of a $1000 instrument, then I'm cool with that. On the other hand, I don't mind spending ~>$1000 if I get an instrument that's really worth that much. I did that for my Telecaster and my Martin, and I have no regrets on that front.
Yes, I realize I need to go to the store and play them in person. But I'd like a good starting point of recommendations. I also have an idea in mind of specifics, but I'm not sure if my views are necessarily valid:
1) I feel like a 26.5-28" scale might be better tension- and tone-wise for the low strings. My SGR is a 26.5 and it suits me.
2) I like neck-through instruments, but its not a strict necessity.
3) Passive pickups only.
Thanks in advance for your help!
So about a year ago I bought a $200 7-string SGR (Schecter) to play around on and see if extended range guitars were my thing. After a pickup swap it turned it a really nice budget price axe.
But I've gotten the itch to move up to an 8, and I'm not really sure where to start.
I'm kinda looking between the $400-$1200 range. Yeah, I realize there's a massive jump in quality between the body and top of that range. But I'm looking for good value. For example, if there's a $400 guitar with a really great body/neck but ass-sounding pickups, and a simple pickup swap will put it at the level of a $1000 instrument, then I'm cool with that. On the other hand, I don't mind spending ~>$1000 if I get an instrument that's really worth that much. I did that for my Telecaster and my Martin, and I have no regrets on that front.
Yes, I realize I need to go to the store and play them in person. But I'd like a good starting point of recommendations. I also have an idea in mind of specifics, but I'm not sure if my views are necessarily valid:
1) I feel like a 26.5-28" scale might be better tension- and tone-wise for the low strings. My SGR is a 26.5 and it suits me.
2) I like neck-through instruments, but its not a strict necessity.
3) Passive pickups only.
Thanks in advance for your help!