How I chose my guitars

For this week's post(s), I would like to start off by showing you my setup and an explanation why I chose that  specific combination.

I will also give you some general advise.

So let us begin with the essence for every guitar player...

THE GUITARS

How do you choose a guitar?

Let me start off by saying which ones I have. I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio and a Fender Stratocaster American Special. (read more about what made these two models legendary) I chose these two because of many reasons. First of all, my first quality guitar was the Les Paul. I chose the studio, since I knew I was going to change the pickups anyway. Plus, back in the days, the difference in price between the Studio and the Standard was way bigger than it is now. Since then, I have done several minor changes to it, mostly aesthetically, and a pickup change. The Les Paul is now fitted with Seymour Duncan humbuckers. In the neck, I chose for a mellow and jazzy tone; the Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers. In the bridge position I installed their Distortion humbuckers, to get that fat tone and infinite sustain when combined with a fuzz or distortion pedal.

The Gibson Les Paul is a great guitar, but is sometimes too heavy and too fat (tonewise) due to the rosewood and the massive body, so that is why I also have an American Special (a Stratocaster).

Every rational being will wonder why I would need two guitars. The thing is: these two are completely different.

They are night and day when it comes to look and feel. The only thing they do have in common is that they both play exceptionally well.

So what do I need the Fender for? I like the feel. Its maple neck makes it feel incredibly slick and it sounds so crisp and clean. Furthermore, its weight makes it much nicer to play with for longer periods (gigs, etc.)

CRITERIA

Choosing a guitar is not easy. It sounds cliché but you really need to be instantly in love with it before you by it. If not, you will end up going back to your old guitar or you will just regret the amount of money you spent. I do not like playing the guitar in music shops myself, but it is by far the best thing you can do in order to decide. Do not forget to test it for longer periods. Do not be shy. The weight is of great essence, so if you are testing (let us say) a Les Paul, just see for yourself if you like the weight and sustain it brings with it or whether you want to go with something lighter.

TIP

If you are buying your first guitar or are not aware of all the differences, make sure to try out guitars of different weights, different bridges, different kind of pickups, and different fretboard materials. These 4 criteria are very decisive for your tone, versatility and feel.

I will also go and write about my pedalboard soon and I promise to give way more tone tips then, since pedals are less about feel and more about quality in general.