Originally Posted by: mcullinanThanks for the reply. Ive been checking out brands. Ive come up with PRS Custom 24 as a good budget guitar and HAmer. PErhaps a Gretsch. MAybe this: Epiphone ES-175 Reissue Electric Guitar
Guess I will go & try them out at GC.
Thanks.
M

Great idea. Take your time there, and make the best selection you can on the spot. Try and ensure they have a good return policy. Sometimes you just can't tell until you've had it home played it for a few days.

Be most concerned about how it feels. You can change pick ups to mold your sound any time in the future, but you can't change the shape of the guitar.

Incidentally, I recently picked up the PRS SE 24. I'm changing the pick ups, but that is just a personal preference for myself, so I got a JB & a '59 for it. The feel of the guitar was most important (and the fact that it stayed in tune no matter what I did).

You are listing some quite diverse models that are nothing at all alike. I'm sure some "hands on" at the store is going to help your decision a lot. Focus on the neck and the bridge and make sure you feel good at "both ends". :D Good luck!!