What's your goto "sleeper" brand for used instruments?

[RobbYoung]

I've had many people advise me on different brands that are both great quality and don't cost a huge amount on the used market, such as Epiphone and ESP. I expect that these differ from person to person, so what are your "sleeper" brands?

 

[Neilzord]

Yamaha.

Seriously under-rated!

Granted they aren't the most aesthetically pleasing, but my old RGX421Pro is still one of my go-to guitars and one of the best playing I've ever had - £150.

 

[spilla]

Edwards!

 

[thraxil]

Parker.

Not super cheap, but used Flys and NiteFlys go for sooo much less than new and are way more guitar than just about anything else you can get for the price.

 

[UV7BK4LIFE]

Used Patrick Eggle or Blade, late 90's Korean Schecters.

 

[BucketheadRules]

Tokai - I got a high-end Japanese-made PRS copy with DiMarzios already fitted for £350 (about $500) when it would have been about three times that new, and it's one of the best-feeling guitars I've ever played.



I also hear very good things about USA G&Ls... I've been GASing for a Tele recently and I might pick up a used ASAT Classic when funds allow...

 

[the.godfather]

Used, MIJ Ibanez. Everytime.

Anything from the 80's or 90's and you're golden. Any RG5xx or upwards will be as good as any other guitar out there in my opinion with the right pickup change and in the right person's hands.

 

[RobbYoung]

Any ideas specifically for singlecuts? Teles and LPs and the like?

 

[max3000]

G&L!

 

[soliloquy]

carvin. they are very affordable new. and moreso when they are used

 

[vilk]

Used MiJ Jacksons are so cheap I can barely understand it.

 

[TremontiFan16]

Used MiJ Jacksons are so cheap I can barely understand it.

I just got a white dk2m,and I wholeheartedly agree. Great instruments.

 

[Ulvhedin]

MIJ Ibanez and Fender stuff. Occationally USA Deans, but they're few and far between around here.

Schecter could be mentioned as a cheap brand secondhand, but they're hardly a sleeper brand.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Washburn, Peavey, Fernandes, and Yamaha. You can find American or Japanese examples of those for between $200 and $500 on the regular.

Most of the bigger Japanese brands aren't a secret anymore, so you're not going to get as good of deals on the better stuff.

 

[MoshJosh]

I think used G&L USA stuff is great for the price. I got a used custom order Legacy for 700 in awesome condition, and I've seen them go cheaper expecially the less vintage looking models ie h-h configuration stuff. I guess not super cheap, but a great guitar for the money.

 

[InCasinoOut]

You bastards. Now I'm on Ebay looking for USA Teles. I don't need a new guitar but man do I want one.

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

Without repeating any that have already been mentioned i'll throw out a new one: Godin.

In Canada they are dirt cheap on the used market, and are already competitively priced new. I know the prices go up a bit in the USA, but not too much; I'm not sure how they are priced in the UK. Assuming there is no large price differences in your region, Godin guitars are fantastic instruments on the new or used market.

 

[RobbYoung]

Some awesome suggestions, although one factor I forgot to mention is Almighty European Sales Tax, and the fact that USA guitars are by principle gonna be cheaper in the states. That sort of rules out Carvin and G&L (Which seem exorbitantly expensive compared to the prices I see on US sites). Jackson sounds like a shout, as do Ibanez and Washburn, thanks for all the tips!

 

[vilk]

Without repeating any that have already been mentioned i'll throw out a new one: Godin.

In Canada they are dirt cheap on the used market, and are already competitively priced new. I know the prices go up a bit in the USA, but not too much; I'm not sure how they are priced in the UK. Assuming there is no large price differences in your region, Godin guitars are fantastic instruments on the new or used market.

holy f I just got super GASed!

 

[Itchyman]

Godin also has the answer to your Les Paul/Strat/Tele hybrid dreams. I paid less than $500 for this brand new, and it's one of my best playing guitars. Granted, it comes with Godin brand pickups, but I popped a JB and TexMex pickups in there and it sounds amazing now.

Actually, now it has a BKP Aftermath. I don't have a recent pic atm.