alright well im about to get a new guitar. ive been playing for about 2 years, and my setup is still a super low-end yamaha and a 10 watt marshall amp/10 watt yamaha amp. im getting a nicer amp this summer when i get a job. anyways, i like heavy music (cephalic carnage, btbam, gorguts, to name a few), and some lighter stuff (explosions in the sky, mars volta), just to give you an idea of some of the stuff i like to play. down the road im probably going to try and learn necrophagist (though that is going to be a while from now). so anyways, i want a guitar that is good for metal, but can play other things as well.

im going to be using this guitar for the next 4 years atleast, so i want to make the right choice. my price range is about $450-$550. i have done some extensive investigation and this is what ive pulled up off of musiciansfriend that im interested in (along with some specs). please give me your opinions



jackson kelly (KE3)
$524
duncan designed humbuckers
bolt-on neck
24 frets (jumbo)
locking tremelo bridge
shark fin fret inlays



ibanez sz520qm
$500
duncan designed humbuckers
set-in neck
22 frets (medium)
string-thru bridge
1 flame fret inlay




schecter c1 artist limited edition
$500
seymour duncan humbuckers (59/JB)
set-in neck
24 frets (jumbo)
string-thru bridge
vector inlays



ibanez s520ex
ibanez s520ex
$550 (on musician's friend)
ibanez stock humbuckers
set-in neck
22 frets (jumbo)
locking tremelo bridge
1 inlay--S



ibanez rgt42bp
$500
ibanez stock humbuckers
neck-thru body
24 frets (jumbo)
locking tremelo bridge
dot inlays




i dont mind either a string-through bridge or a locking tremelo, as they both have their advantages. i would prefer 24 frets over 22, but that isnt a big deal to me either. if the neck is good and fast, then i dont mind it being bolt-on over set-in or neck-thru, but id definetely prefer one of the latter. so.... opinions? suggestions? any other reccommendations in this price range that i havent mentioned?

bump

I'd go for 1, 2 or 5.

1. I've had good experinces with some Jacksons. They are quality guitars and I'm fond of mine. I've never played a Kelly, but I expect that all Jacksons have the same quality.

2. I haven't played this particular Ibanez, but I've played similar. I like them very much. I don't know how well they'd suit your style of music, but I'm willing to bet that this will last you a while too.

5. RGs are quality guitars. I almost got one myself. They are similar to the Jackson Dinkys. They aren't bad at all.

Some people say that Schecters play really well, and are good guitars. I'm not a big fan of them.

Best thing to do it go to to guitar center or something and try them out. I'd never buy a guitar without trying it first. You could probably get a better deal if you got it in person.

The Schecter is your best option here. They are made very well, play well, and sound good too. I love Jackson but for the price range the Schecter is the best. You will not be disappointed.

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If Schecter made more guitars with a floyd, I would get one sooooooooooo fast, good fucking guitars.

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The 2005 models have Floyds.. real ones.

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saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay WHAAAAAAAAAA!?

around these parts theres the 03 models, but still I would like to try them out!

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RGT42!!!!


get that shizzle fo'zizzle