Guitar advice

Hey guys,

In a few months (a few months too long if you ask me) I'll be in the market for a new guitar.
I'm currently using a friends borrow Fender Squier Bullet Strat but it doesn't have the sound I want.
I'm modeling my playing around Metallica and other metal bands like Iron Maiden etc, but I'm not sure what brand I should be looking at for a second guitar, something that sounds more like the sound I want.

I've been researching ESP and Epiphone, ESP have a Kirk Hammett series of guitars that are at the upper end of my budget, but if I can get something similar for a bit cheaper and when I eventually get partly decent, I'll look at another one then

Any comments, suggestions of others?

The reason for the delay is it'll be a self-birthday present in September

If you like ESP, then you might want to look into the more inexpensive model the LTD model.
http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/signature/kh-602.html

I believe thats a new release one, my local(ish) music store doesn't carry those yet

http://www.turramurramusic.com.au/Pages/CatalogueItem.aspx?CIID=867

Thats the KH 202 and thats the upper end of my budget as it is, any thoughts on this one?

I'm not sure how they sound because I've never actually played one yet, I've been resisting because I know once I start experimenting with different guitars I won't rest until I get a new one.

Only one way to find out, go to your local store and try it out. It has EMG pickups.

You could look at Kramer guitars... they seem pretty reasonable. You'll probably like a flat, fast neck and some sort of "hot" pickup configuration, though I think the Iron Maiden guys use Strats.

One thing I don't like about Fender is personally I feel more than half of the price you pay is just for the name. I have an American made Fender Strat standard that I bought new in the 90's. About 2 years ago I bought a Jackson on sale for $300. The Jackson is the better built, plays better, and I like the sound it has. Just food for thought. Try before you buy though.

Originally Posted by: Slipin LizardYou could look at Kramer guitars... they seem pretty reasonable. You'll probably like a flat, fast neck and some sort of "hot" pickup configuration, though I think the Iron Maiden guys use Strats.

One thing I don't like about Fender is personally I feel more than half of the price you pay is just for the name. I have an American made Fender Strat standard that I bought new in the 90's. About 2 years ago I bought a Jackson on sale for $300. The Jackson is the better built, plays better, and I like the sound it has. Just food for thought. Try before you buy though.

Two of the 'Maiden guys use Strats with what looks like Hot Rails in all positions. Gers uses an LP I think.

I had to comment on the Fender prices because I consider Fender to be reasonable, all things considered. They offer their "mainstay" instruments for around a thousand dollars. Unlike Gibson.

I would venture to say that Gibson & Fender are the most "known" brands, both benefiting from association with famous folks like Hendrix, BB King, etc. I believe this gives them a pricing advantage, too. Fender seems to take less advantage of it. I mean. c'mon Gibson 3 grand for a base model LP. What a bunch of...

There are great guitars for less, usually built 'overseas' though (whatever the brand). In this regard, I really like Korean built stuff. They are the new Japan for instruments AFIAC. I've owned 3 in the past 2 years. I still own 2 (Dean Soltero & PRS SE 25th) and I sold the other (Italia Speedster II) and I have regretted that ever since. Each of these guitars is as good or better than anything else I have played, and I payed $700 or less for each of them.

But wait, what was the topic again...?

You have a couple of months to run all over the place and play as many guitars as you can. Play everything you can find and ask a lot of ?'s. That's what I did anyways I ended up with a slightly used Ibanez RGT DX FX and I love it.