For what it is worth. I have had several brands over the years. And now there are many to choose from. If sound is not a high priority. You might take a look at Carvin. They produce several models, and they have the best over all action of any guitar I have played. From the price range you have stated you can get some very fine guitars, Gibson, Carvin, the list is long. I like a guitar that is versital, with rich tone and playablity. Right now I have a Gibson les Paul, and two SGs. All have been adjusted once I had them for while.

I adjust the action so I don't have fatigue from hold the strings down. high actions take more effort. If you like the fell of a guitar but the fret are two rounded it costs very little to have the frets polished down.

Mike

Originally Posted by: oib111I'm thinking about buying a new guitar. I have a fender strat currently. It was only $300 but it sounds great. I wnat to buy a new guitar, one a little more expensive. Prolly ranging from $800-$2600.I was gonna get a floyd rose cuz of the bridge, speed loader system, and you know it was a good brand. But then my guitar teacher told me how the speed loader system really works, and its not so speedy, he also told me it was more for metal, things where you had to play quickly. He said he liked ibanez with floyd rose bridge, cuz the kind he has the string are flat on the neck, so their not like floating, he said they can help you play faster. Which would help on solos. How does that work, just asking? But I was wondering how you pick out a guitar. I usually go by sound, like if its good for rock. My guitar now is good for rock and for nice little acoustic sounding things like Stolen by dashboard confessional. But I'm sure there is more to picking out a guitar than sound. So I was wondering how I pick out a new guitar, and please elaborate on the flat strings thing. thx