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tigger1502

Squeeker

Joined: July 22, 2009
Posts: 16

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Posted: Oct 26, 2009 - 01:53 PM

Hi guys. Having read a lot of the posts I will head to Jinlindonglu this weekend, but I would appreciate some guidance from guitar lovers reading the threads here. My son (14) in Canada is asking for an electric guitar for Christmas -- he has shown me a couple of Fender designs he likes, but it comes down to the fact that it will be his first electric -- he wants it to look cool and expensive and sound good -- he's playing Nickelback, GnR, and AC/DC on his acoustic but wants to bring the house down. I have heard good things about locally made electrics which then have a brand logo slapped on them....could somebody please tell me a relatively safe bet? I can make the call on what he thinks looks cool, but I am no judge of a decent guitar sound. Are there sizing issues for a 14 year old? Advice much appreciated. Oh, and ballpark price please. Thanks.

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tigger1502

Swiss-James

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Joined: Jan 05, 2007
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Posted: Oct 26, 2009 - 02:30 PM

I think 14 is old enough to buy a full sized electric guitar, there are kids sizes out there- but as long as you get one with a fairly thin neck (ask the staff) he should be OK.

It's hard to give advice about guitar sound and what to look for to a non-player- you're probably better off just looking around until you find a place and vendor who seems fairly trustworthy, then throwing yourself at his mercy and explaining who you're shopping for.

I think 1000RMB is a good amount to be spending on a guitar he can play for the next few years. If he's still into it when he's 17- he'll have a lot more of an idea about what he wants to be playing.

JinLing Lu isn't like the fake market in terms of how much you can get screwed over. Maybe it helps if you speak a little chinese and can play a few licks on a guitar- but I've always been told a decent price when I've first asked and normally settle for 20% less than the asking price.

Get a bag you can carry the thing home in- if it's not a hard case you won't want to check it in at the airport so bear that in mind.

I guess you're going to get an amp when you're back in Canada?

He's right handed, right?

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tigger1502

Squeeker

Joined: July 22, 2009
Posts: 16

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Posted: Oct 26, 2009 - 04:15 PM

Thanks a lot - all very helpful information and it makes me feel better about the experience in advance.

Swiss-James wrote:

...as long as you get one with a fairly thin neck (ask the staff) he should be OK.

Had no idea, so good point.

Swiss-James wrote:

.......you're probably better off just looking around until you find a place and vendor who seems fairly trustworthy, then throwing yourself at his mercy and explaining who you're shopping for.

On that basis I will do just that.

Swiss-James wrote:

...I think 1000RMB is a good amount to be spending on a guitar he can play for the next few years..

Thanks, with a guideline in mind now I can assess against what is proposed to me.

Swiss-James wrote:

...JinLing Lu isn't like the fake market in terms of how much you can get screwed over....I've always been told a decent price when I've first asked and normally settle for 20% less than the asking price.

Good, that's a relief, I don't mind paying a fair price, I just get tired of the screwed over bit sometimes!

Swiss-James wrote:

...Get a bag you can carry the thing home in- if it's not a hard case you won't want to check it in at the airport so bear that in mind.

Good idea. I'll check with the airline and try to carry it on - I would prefer a soft case hand carry to a hard case and pray the bag handlers don't treat the instrument the way they did my bike!

Swiss-James wrote:

...I guess you're going to get an amp when you're back in Canada?

Yes, as it's 110v there, I think it would be better to get one in Canada -- is it a dumb question to ask if the jacks (input/output) are standard?

Swiss-James wrote:

...He's right handed, right?

Yes, and good question.

Thanks again for the tips. I will go down there on the weekend and I shall feed back my experience. Cheers.

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tigger1502

Swiss-James

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Joined: Jan 05, 2007
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Posted: Oct 26, 2009 - 06:52 PM

tigger1502 wrote:

Swiss-James wrote:

...I guess you're going to get an amp when you're back in Canada?

Yes, as it's 110v there, I think it would be better to get one in Canada -- is it a dumb question to ask if the jacks (input/output) are standard?

Not dumb, yes they're standard.

Damn I wish I was 14 again getting my first guitar.

(Actually now that I think about it, homework sucked)

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chad747

Newbie

Joined: Sep 13, 2008
Posts: 6

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Posted: Oct 29, 2009 - 10:03 AM

I have seen JinLing Lu rd, East Jinling Road(near Peoples' square), Parsons Music 16 Fenyang Lu, Bestfriend music in Jungling Rd, Jerry at 316 JinLing Lu, 318 JinLing Lu. Any recent recommendations, and what should I pay for a decent Gibson fake?

Something like this
http://www.ioffer.com/i/125663651

Thanks

Swiss-James

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Posted: Oct 29, 2009 - 05:28 PM

chad- I'm probably the one who recommended Jerry at #316, they have a reasonable selection there and Jerry was a nice guy. Lots of shops around there though, have a look at a few of them.

I'd guess Gibson copies would start be around 600-2000 but I've never looked.

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chad747

Newbie

Joined: Sep 13, 2008
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Posted: Oct 30, 2009 - 09:04 AM

Thanks

tigger1502

Squeeker

Joined: July 22, 2009
Posts: 16

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Posted: Nov 05, 2009 - 11:38 AM

Well Swiss-James thanks for all your advice. My son gave me an idea of style and sound he was looking for, and I took a Sunday trip down JinLing Lu.

After looking in probably 20 different shops, and from talking to one or two sales people in particular who were mid-20s and self-proclaimed hard-rock/metal fans, I was steered away from Stratocasters and have settled on the ESP LTD Viper-50. It's more expensive than I had planned, but as slightly skewed Gibson SG shape, it's not strictly speaking a copy -- all along JinLing Lu the price ranged from RMB 1,800 - 2,500, but I have found a shop through taobao.com that sells them for 1,550 made in Indonesia, with a warranty and a refund guarantee. I've got a musician friend who will do the receiving inspection for me, and they do have a business address so I will probably go and pick it up with him rather than trust a delivery man.

From reading up online, this guitar lends itself heavily to hard rock sounds, but requires proper setup first, something I think I need to do in Shanghai or with my son's music teacher.

A friend is recommending a Roland Cube X-30 to go with it -- to be honest I think I am spoiling the kid rotten. He's telling me that if he gets his guitar then Christmas Day will resound with AC/DC and something called Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace -- to my aging ears much more metal than rock...

I'll let you know how the experience goes...thanks again.

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tigger1502

Swiss-James

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Posted: Nov 05, 2009 - 11:54 AM

Cool guitar- like a Gibson SG painted by Munch.

Three Days who?

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chad747

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Posted: Nov 06, 2009 - 09:14 AM

I am sure (or hope) it isn't a copy, its a very inexpensive guitar around 1700 RMB in the states.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-Viper50-Electric-Gu itar?sku=542083&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=197229104

Gets great reviews. Your kid will love it. The cube is a great amp

svenne

Newbie

Joined: Dec 02, 2009
Posts: 1

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Posted: Dec 02, 2009 - 01:32 PM

Well...taste is of course individual...but that is one ugly guitar imho.
For that kind of money - i would go for an Epiphone SG....and if the kid is an AC/DC fan...then suppose he would like that too? Think it should be possible to get an SG for RMB 2000. /

FredSH

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2009
Posts: 5

Status: Offline

Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 05:19 PM

Just went to Jinling lu today, found a nice store (433, Jinling lu) where they sell very nice Gibson Les Paul Epiphone for 2,700 RMB (can have it for 2,500). They assured me that it was real Gibson, not fake, they had a certificate on the wall (you know how easy it is to get a fake certificate in China...).

Anyway the guitar sounds really nice, what you guys think about this one ?

Last edited by FredSH on Dec 12, 2009 - 06:23 PM; edited 1 time in total

Bluebag

SuperStar

Joined: Sep 11, 2003
Posts: 1328
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 06:14 PM

Sure - it's an Epiphone. Shaped like a Gibson Les Paul.

What it isn't is a Gibson Les Paul.

Epiphone is their (Gibson's) budget line. Made in Shandong, if I recall.

If you go to http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=epiphone+les+paul you'll find Epi Les Pauls priced anywhere from $179 to $799-odd.

So it depends which model you're looking at for at 2550RMB to tell whether it's a bargain or not.

Gibson Les Pauls, on the other hand run from about $800 to $3000-$4000 (or more) depending on the model. Have a look at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=gibson+les+paul for reference.

xe.com has the USD/CNY exchange rate at 6.82 at the moment, so:
2,500.00 CNY=366.145 USD

Therefore, an Epiphone Les Paul could be a bargain or not depending on which model you're looking at.

Mind you, a locally-bought guitar has the advantage of being here right now - easier to access than a web-ordered instrument that may or may not attract hefty duty if you have it shipped here.

Short answer? Find out what model it is and then do some web research. If you like the way it plays, then it might be a "bargain" for that reason alone.

There endeth the (probably overly pompous) lesson.

P.S., if you're just a vendor spruiking your shop, then forget all the stuff above and p*ss off, Mr. pathetic spammer.

FredSH

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2009
Posts: 5

Status: Offline

Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 06:22 PM

Thanks Bluebag for the quick answer, and no, I'm definitely not a vendor, so I won't piss off lol ! I removed the link from previous post if it's a problem.

Went yesterday also to Parkson Music store in Fengyang lu (had my bike stolen while looking at their shops downstairs, am slightly pissed off...), saw their real Fender Strato Squier for RMB 910, but hate the sound...

Thanks anyway for the info, will do a little internet search on the "Gibson" I saw on Jinling lu and try not to rush a decision (not easy lol !).

Bluebag

SuperStar

Joined: Sep 11, 2003
Posts: 1328
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 06:34 PM

Pleased to be of (dubious) help. I take it you do know the relationship between Squier and Fender instruments (in essence identical to the Epiphone/Gibsone one).

Happy shopping, and if you happen to see any short-scale basses for a good price (other than the rip-off priced Beatle basses they have in a few shops on JinLing), in your travels, please let me know.

Cheers.

FredSH

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2009
Posts: 5

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Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 06:41 PM

Did you try Parkson Music store on Fengyang lu ?
Otherwise I really recommend a place on 108 Zhaojiabang lu, 3rd floor (I'm still not a vendor lol !), I went there yesterday and they have real Warwick, Framus and BC Rich : www.warwick.cn . The boss is French, and the Sales Manager there (Gary) played on a Framus for me, awesome sound, but too damn expensive.
They have bass guitars too, you should call them or go there to have a look.

Cheers,

Fred

Bluebag

SuperStar

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Posts: 1328
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Posted: Dec 12, 2009 - 08:38 PM

Ta for the heads-up. I did know they were down there (warwick), but I already have a very good long-scale bass (an Australian Maton) here with me.

I was thinking of something more like the Epiphone or other off-brand versions of the EB-1 and les paul basses that used to be around - something inexpensive, short-scale to doink around on that aren't quite as hefty as my Maton.

Warwick's a bit rich for my blood and also usually long-scale - I think I've got that covered already.

Humac
StreetBeater

Joined: July 07, 2007
Posts: 2273

Posted: Dec 13, 2009 - 01:41 PM

Bluebag wrote:

Happy shopping, and if you happen to see any short-scale basses for a good price (other than the rip-off priced Beatle basses they have in a few shops on JinLing), in your travels, please let me know.
Cheers.

Are the Hofners no good? I got mine handmade in Germany at a premium price but the normal ones I saw in the UK were, I was told, all manufactured in China.

Bluebag

SuperStar

Joined: Sep 11, 2003
Posts: 1328
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Dec 13, 2009 - 04:15 PM

The Hofners I've tried here were medium standard and definitely not good enough for what they were charging. There were also other Beatle-bass knock-offs that were even more average in build, but almost as expensive as the Hofners.

All IMHO, of course.

But, as I'm the one who's got to pay for it/play it, that should count for something, I suppose.

In any case, they're not really what I'm after. As per above, I'd be quite happy with an EB-0, EB-1, LP Bass or something like that.

Doesn't even have to be that well set-up - I have a few tools here with me and used to repair guitars & basses, so therefore not frightened by doing a little adjustment work if the basic instrument's inexpensive and fairly sound.

FredSH

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2009
Posts: 5

Status: Offline

Posted: Dec 15, 2009 - 04:08 PM

For those interested about this topic, I sent this weekend an email to Gibson USA customer service, to try to know if the store on Jinling lu I went to was indeed an official Gibson retailer as they claimed to be.

The answer is below (they had fwd the email to Gibson China) :
Hi, Fred,

Shanghai worldwide music is our authorized dealer in Shanghai .

All Gibson and Epi products they are selling are distributed by Gibson China , and they are genuine products.

Thanks,

Wells Wang

Gibson Guitar Corp.

Customer Relations

So well, I have my answer, but I still have a strange feeling, as some foreigners specialized in guitars in China always told me that there was no Gibson official retailer here... For those who doubt this email or my post, I can fwd it so you can see the email addresses.
Then, I guess it's a "real store" then...

Bluebag

SuperStar

Joined: Sep 11, 2003
Posts: 1328
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Dec 16, 2009 - 09:10 AM

Fred:
Of course there are official retailers here.

It's just that they charge (way) more for those brands of guitars here than we're used to paying back home.

Your original question was "Anyway the guitar sounds really nice, what you guys think about this one ?"

To which my answer is the same as before. It's quite likely that it IS an Epiphone. Is it a fully-fledged Gibson? No. They're not even claiming it is.

Is it worth the money? As I said before, it depends:

a) On what model it is. Some Epiphones are VERY cheap elsewhere in the world, others cost more than three times as much.

It IS Gibson's made-in-China budget line, though, so they are intended by the company to be not quite as good as a proper Gibson. You can, though, always find good and bad examples of any maker's guitars - even within the same production run on a particular model.

This is especially the case with budget lines (i.e. you get one where the QC was awake when he looked at it or the assembler was the best out of the thirty guys/girls on that line).

b) Do you get that "I LOVE to play this thing" feeling out of it when you pick it up? Then it's the one for you.

Some of the best gutars I've ever owned have been non-Gibson/Fender (either Australian-made Matons or NZ Jansens or even Jap copies I've re-built myself).

Unless you're buying to re-sell/collect, the value is in how good YOU think it is to play.

If you want re-sale value, then (modern) Epiphones and Squiers just don't make it. But if you're buying it to play/keep, then that's not an issue, right?

allencee

Newbie

Joined: Jan 23, 2009
Posts: 8

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Posted: Dec 19, 2009 - 08:18 PM

Just my tuppence worth...

I owned an Epiphone LP Studio in the UK and can say these are generally well made guitars. The differential are the parts used (construction and hardware) and there's unlikely any need to be concerned.

To look out for:
- how does it feel?
- any sharp fret ends?
- does it play ok? Play ever fret and it shouldn't be buzzing like crazy or have any "dead" notes (ie, notes vibrate)
- does it feel easy to play?
- any cosmetic issues (cracks/dents etc)
- how does it sound unplugged & plugged into a clean sounding amp?
- do the electrics work (pickup switches/volume & tone

For the price mentioned earlier that's actually ok. Google for prices outside of China to understand the comparative costs elsewhere.

If you feel it's good, then it's probably good enough.
Hope that helps.

Like Bluebag I own non-Fender/Gibsons.....

FredSH

Newbie

Joined: Dec 12, 2009
Posts: 5

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Posted: Dec 22, 2009 - 10:33 AM

Thanks Allencee for the tips ! Wink

Greg712

Newbie

Joined: Dec 30, 2009
Posts: 3

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Posted: Dec 30, 2009 - 05:16 PM

Hi Fred, it's Greg from Warwick, thanks for the heads-up! I confirme, Fred is definetly not a vendor, may be a bike-less guy, yes Smile

Just a little message to say that we have a really amazing Show Room here at Warwick Shanghai on 108 Zhao Jia Ban Lu 3th Floor, we are also distributors for a lot of famous brands (Dunlop, Seymour Duncan, T-Rex etc.).
Worth a look and our sales guy Gary speaks fluent English and always provides the adaquate product, as a true music lover he never sells an instrument if it is not what we are looking for.

To Bluebag, indeed Warwick basses are quiet expensive, but they have now the Rockbass serie which is cheaper and made in China. We also have very interesting promotions on specific products, worth a try Smile

Well, thanks Fred, for the heads-up, wish everybody a happy New Year!

Bluebag

SuperStar

Joined: Sep 11, 2003
Posts: 1328
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Dec 30, 2009 - 06:12 PM

Ta for the info, Greg, but sadly not really any help in my hunt for the (possibly mythical) reasonably-priced short-scale bass.

As I understand it, Warwick don't have any short-scale models in either the Warwick or Rockbass ranges.

Also, the last time I tried out the Rockbass basses, they had very flat fingerboards that really don't suit the way I play, so not really to my taste.