Guitar&Amp Recommendation (Newbie & Intermediate)

General · 6 replies · 1542 views · 6 followers

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

Dear Tomo,

My name is Hendry and I hope this finds you well. I would like to first thank you for all the information that you have shared with the world and all the positive energy that you have brought to us.

I am a 28 year old pharmacist from Malaysia, who has some piano and violin background (played piano since I was five and played violin since I was 15 years old). Your videos are so interesting and knowledgeable that it made me wanted to pick up guitar, which I did! I subscribed to you two days ago and I have been practicing with my 10 year old Yamaha C70 classical guitar.

My question is, what is a good electric guitar and amp that you would recommend for beginner/intermediate player, particularly to your style of playing? I am a BIG fan of your style, Funky, Jazz, Blue (even more than John Mayer TBH), and not much of metal & ear deafening sound (solely personal preference). I am looking to invest in my tools (guitar & amp) that last me long enough, so that I do not have to change them in the next 5 years time. (You buy them cheap, you buy them twice!)

As I am from Malaysia, we do have limited access only to certain brands for electric guitars (Fender, Gibson, PRS, Epiphone, Squier) and amp (Marshall, Fender, Boss, Vox, Roland).

I would really appreciate if you can take some time to review some of the good options for a guitar and amp, that particularly accentuate your style of playing. I think it is a great idea to make it into a YOUTUBE Video too, where you can scroll through a list of guitars & amps, and give your opinions on those that you have tried before, and on who you would recommend it for.

Thank you so much once again and hope you have a great day ahead!

Ps: When I was browsing through online, I totally fell in love with PRS SE 35th Anniversary Custom 24 Faded Blue Burst! Fender Deluxe Reverb sounds fantastic as well. Now I know why electric guitarists spend so much on them!

1 Like

Brian Walter Marto

over 3 years ago

I am in the UK I love Vintage JHS Brand with Trevor Wilkinson Hardware, one is Stratocaster with 3 P90's called the V6P solid American alder it's heavy guitar, and V100 Les Paul style JHS Vintage with Wilkinson PAF's , before the lock downs I did try a Players Series and Vintage V6 to my ears and others the Vintage sound more authentic , I am not one to go after the name on the headstock it's how it feels how it sounds, Amp wise I have two a Fender LT25 which I can record directly to DAW and my night time amp Boss Katana Mini which can be by batters or AC Adapter, its portable light and even at 7 watts it's pretty loud

1 Like

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

Hi Brian,

The Vintage JHS brand electric guitars actually sound pretty legit too!

Unfortunately, I can't get my hand on them as they are not available in Malaysia...

On the side note, how do you find the Boss Katana Mini? Given it's small size, wireless connection and at the same time great sounding, I am actually deciding between Boss Katana Mini and Boss Katana 50 MKII. Do you notice any latency issue with the wireless connection?

I do not have much space in my current room. On top of that, I am not performing anytime soon. Plus, I am not a big fan of really loud sound but clean neo soul, blue jazz tone. Hence, I am thinking if the Boss Katana Mini will be good enough. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on the Katana Mini!

Cheers!

1 Like

Brian Walter Marto

over 3 years ago

that's unfortunate I have the V100 which is similar to the one the left, amazing guitar, once you understand the man behind the parts Trevor Wilkinson you will want to grab one, the Humbuckers are PAF that Trevor worked with Seth, when I had my V100 setup the guitar tech who owns an actual Les Paul said this I can understand why Gibson is not happy he said this is a Les Paul it has the weight etc, but back to the Katana Mini, brilliant, amp I am so surprised how a tiny amp can sound so great, I am a person that is really not bothered with USB Bluetooth and all that, I really recommend them, being portable take it anywhere,
I use a condenser mic which I bought from Amazon Tonor Condensor mic, it works perfectly , I record my practices, it's a record my playing and it also allows to me to hear my development,

1 Like

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

That's great man! I might opt for the mini given the size of my room! For guitar wise, I am probably gonna wait till Tomo drop the news! =D

Thanks man!

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

That's great man! I might opt for the mini given the size of my room! For guitar wise, I am probably gonna wait till Tomo drop the news! =D

Thanks man!

Rodney Tulao

over 3 years ago

Hi Hendry, I'm happy to meet a fellow student! I would love to recommend a Fender Player Series strat. It pretty much fits many genre of music! It has beautiful clean sounds. As for the amp, I'd suggest a Boss Katana 50. Very versatile! Just my suggestions. =)

1 Like

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

Hi Rodney! Thank you for the recommendation. I am currently pondering between Fender Player Series Strat vs PRS SE custom 24. Indeed, Fender has the classic beautiful clean sound. At times, I do feel that it is a little sharp to the ear but nevertheless, sounds superbly clean. PRS SE on the other hand doesn't sound as clean but has a warmer tone to it, and it looks absolutely gorgeous! It is a very tough choice I would say!

You're spot on with the AMP. I think Boss Katana 50 will do me good at least for the next 5 years of my guitar playing and learning experience.

Thank you for the suggestions again, Rodney! (Y)

2 Likes

George Mattingly Mod

over 3 years ago

Here is Tomo's reply:

"Thank you so much for subscribing to my Guitar Wisdom. So great to see your post. I really appreciate your kind words. I have been involved in making a new guitar that will be available around September 2021. I cannot tell you what it is, but it will be announced soon. It’s affordable, and the sound is really great! For your amplifier: maybe the Boss Katana 50?"

3 Likes

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

Oh Tomo, Oh Tomo! I am completely sold even before it is announced! Please, please, please make it available to be shipped overseas. You already earned yourself the first buyer from Malaysia!

For the amp, I am going for BOSS Katana 50 as per your advice. All I have to do now is to continue practicing on my classical guitar and I will get YOUR guitar along with the BOSS Katana 50 amp by September 2021. I will take it as a year-end treat for myself!

Very much looking forward to it, Tomo! Thank you once again to you and George!

1 Like

Rodney Tulao

over 3 years ago

Hi Hendry, September is around the corner! I'm sure Mr. Fujita's designed guitar will be worth the wait! I can't wait to see it!

1 Like

Wesley Yanaga

over 3 years ago

Can't wait till September...only a few weeks away :)! Let us know when it's released!

2 Likes

Rodney Tulao

over 3 years ago

Hi Wesley,
I believe the guitars are available now. 😊They are the Ibanez AZES models. Check out Mr Fujita recent Instagram post!🎸

Ross Henne

over 3 years ago

Obviously there are lots of great amps that will fit your requirements. For a home practice amp under $200 you will be limited to solid state amps and you really don't need more than 10 or 20 watts. Check out the Yamaha THR5 2x3" 10-watt Modeling Combo Amp. Or if you have more to spend and want a real tube amp that will be useful for your lifetime check out the Fender 5F1, '57 Custom Champ 1x8" 5-watt Tweed Tube Combo Amp. about $1000. Or a Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3, up front cost is high but it doesn't get any better than that for a lifetime and they hold their value. The Fender Deluxe Reverb or Pro Reverb like Tomo has is a great amp too, but big and heavy to lug around. Lots of choices, I'm sure the Boss amp will be fine too. Watch out for the Gear Acquisition Syndrome, "GAS" it hits you shortly after you buy your first electric guitar and amp.

1 Like

Ross Henne

over 3 years ago

You have to remember Tomo's playing is playing is so clean and precise he can make any guitar or amp sound flawless. His skill is due to many many years of dedicated practice. The result is beautiful, it is art. Don't compare, you won't get there with gear.

2 Likes

Brian Walter Marto

over 3 years ago

Exactly it took many years to get to that level of proficiency but equal no string bend is the same, David Gilmour string bending is unique to him , BB King etc, when your an older learner like myself I just enjoy the journey I want to sound good but If I can get to reasonable point that I am not making my ears wince with pain I'm happy,
When I took up the guitar at 53 I had realistic exceptions but to keep it fun, and just enjoy the journey, that's what I say to all older learners.

1 Like

Ross Henne

over 3 years ago

Brian, I'm in a similar situation, although a long time guitar player, I did not start dedicated practicing until retiring from my second career. I find joy in the learning and even getting close to the sounds of skilled musicians like Tomo. If I even get in the ball park it brings me much joy. I won't be trying to sell recordings, my guitar playing is a peaceful outlet that helps me relax and enjoy the fruit of my practice.

2 Likes

Kong Hang Yu

over 3 years ago

Totally agree with you Brian! I have classical background on piano and violin where everything seems to be very rigid, where certain pieces have to be played a certain way because that's how it was written. I have been trying to have more fun with my instruments and let the creativity and joy flows through while playing it. Just want to enjoy the journey and have fun really!