I've found that the biggest factor for me in whether I like a guitar or not in the neck. And I really like unfinished necks, so I'm definitely more of a Tele guy. The neck of the Bullet isn't totally unfinished, but the (probably very cheap) wood that it's made out of feels pretty nice.
I bought a metronome from GC today. The goal is to get my picking speed back up fast. I'm hoping to drill nightly for 2 hours each weeknight (more on weekends) for two weeks and try to get to 200 BPM. Each picking drill will attempt to do double duty by being based on a scale. I'm also planning on starting the one-string at a time technique Pat Methany used so I can learn all the notes. From there, sweep picking.
Ugh...my hands are chapped to hell (my thumbs feel like fire) due to the bitter Chicago weather, so I can't practice tonight. This is pissing me off.
Give it a rest. I know what it feels like to be in your situation when you're really really driven to practice but injuries are non-permitting. You should have seen the humongous blisters I had on my right hand when I learned to play bass. But, think of it this way. Giving your hands a rest is going to allow it time to heal and start callousing over. Tomorrow morning your fingers are going to be rock hard.
Cielmort may I say, that is a mighty fine guitar. How much did it cost you? Where did you buy it? I've had a hard time finding a X-plorer in person to play.
It was during a battle of the bands, I got challenged, if I won, I got the Explorer, if I lost, I would have to fork out my Les Paul. I won, and decided to keep both.
So, due to unfortunate circumstances, I've been forced to get a new guitar. I'm seeking some suggestions; I play a lot of blues, some jazz, some metal, and a great deal of indie and ska...etc. I'm all over the place. I'm thinking of getting a Strat, or this Gretsch solid-body. My price limit is about the same as that Gretsch ($625, two weeks pay for me), so please keep that in mind. Otherwise, I'm all ears.
Not interested in getting another Tele? The Strat is a workhorse and would be able to handle anything you throw at it, but it's just too plain for my tastes. I've never played a Gretsch, but it looks pretty sweet. The tremlo/bridge are funky.
I definitely would be; that Tele was an awesome instrument. However, I hear really good things about Gretsch's tone color and the like. Plus, I really like that Bigsby tremolo. I've played with them before, and if you like blues, there is no better companion.
Nuff' said.
Definitely an option, though it a bit more than I was expecting. Even the Gretsch's price is a stretch for me. But, I've always liked the sound of PRS's guitars. Probably a side-effect of growing up with Santana.
A friend of mine got himself a G&L guitar which sounds really awesome. I'm not quite sure how much he payed, but I believe G&L makes guitars for under $700. You may even want to take a look at the semi-hollow.
I'm considering buying one of these kits for fun over the summer. I have a friend who does luthierie as a hobby, and I've always wanted to start. this seems like an okay place. However, on the other hand, it would likely be better to invest that money in a something like a PRS SE.
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@Sail: I totally agree. The neck on this Telecaster makes all the difference between it and my Washburn.
Oh and, I got myself an 8 string guitar, I'm in Meshuggah land.
Fuck that guitar.
It was during a battle of the bands, I got challenged, if I won, I got the Explorer, if I lost, I would have to fork out my Les Paul. I won, and decided to keep both.
You may even want to take a look at the semi-hollow.