New.

[DreadAlert]

Hey guys.

I've been playing bass guitars for a while now, and I want to move on to learning regular Electric Guitar.

Versatility and looks aren't that big of an issue really, I just want something that's cheap and sounds good.

And I only posted in here cause it wasn't about a specific guitar and I couldn't find anywhere else to put it. But I'm not ruling out Strat or Tele as an option at all.

So far I'm considering the Vintage Modified Tele Custom II or the Yamaha Pacifica 112v, but I really haven't looked around much. The cost of these guitars are around the amount I want to spend: £200 maximum.

Please recommend whatever you think sounds good for the price :)
Thanks!
-DreadAlert-

[Dan German]

You'll find a lot of love around here for the Custom II. I just finished posting about the one I got today. Haven't played a Yamaha electric in a few years, but I can vouch for the Custom II being a good value.

[Vanguard448]

I have the Custom II and it is excellent value. The P-90s can go from jazzy to bluesy to all-out HEVVY ROKK and the build quality is pretty much standard for Squiers; very good. But, as with all guitars, there's often at least one tiny, tiny problem so make sure to check it as soon as you get it, preferably in the store before you buy. Mine, for example, has a ping somewhere that I haven't gotten around to fixing yet. (I hope it's at the nut... easier to fix that way... )

As for the Pacifica, I've played a few which belong to the music department at my school. They have been battered around a lot due to idiots who think that they're toys ROKKING OUT on them and ending up breaking something (usually the knobs) and they still play and sound excellent for their price.

So to sum up, Custom II > Pacifica (but only just) in my opinion. P90s are an acquired taste though (it took me about 3 months to get used to mine) so if you want something that'll sound excellent to your ears straight out of the box and has a talent bar that can be used and abused a little bit without any tuning trouble and even then not too much trouble if you use it more than that, go Pacifica. If, however, you want a Telecaster with some fantastic Duncan Designed P90s, great build quality, a fantastic colour (the blonde on mine is anyway...) and appearance, fairly solid tuning and an overall great sound? Go Squier.

[DreadAlert]

I think I'll go for the Tele, and learn on that. :)

Thanks guys.

[Baylon Whyre]

I have a bandmate who played a pacifica tele copy and it was an awesome guitar with some fast action. Always sounded great too, country, blues, or rock. It is still a copy tho. I'd spend some time on a few of both if you can before you walk out the door with one. Grandpa always said " Don't cull none, you might miss a good one."

[DreadAlert]

Would you say the Squier Classic Vibe Tele Custom would be better than the VM Custom II for the extra money?

[imsilly]

I'd look at Gumtree and ebay and try to score a Squire Classic Vibe second hand. They come in around £299 and £250 new, which is a little more then your budget so second hand is a good option. Spend the extra money you have left on a good setup.

[Dan German]

"Would you say the Squier Classic Vibe Tele Custom would be better than the VM Custom II for the extra money?"

Better maybe, different definitely.

If you can find them in a music store, play both the Classic Vibe (any flavour) and the Custom II. Either one will probably benefit from a set-up after purchase. You might like the sound of one more than the other. The CV will get traditional tele sounds that the Custom II won't, the CII will get more gritty rock sounds. Both will do the stuff in between. And used is always a good way to go, no matter what guitar you pick.