Buying Guide for Electric Guitars

Since the 50's very little has changed in the basic design of the electric Guitar, but there are quite a few variations on the theme. By the end of this article you should have a better understanding of what to look for in an entry-level instrument.

Back in the early 60's the quality of starter guitars was unpredictable, unstable and often unplayable! (When I think back, it's a wonder anyone ever kept playing at all!) Today's instruments are of a different caliber. Recent technological developments and the use of modern manufacturing techniques have greatly improved the quality and consistency of entry-level instruments. The bottom line: There are now a variety of affordable, quality, entry-level instruments available for the beginner.
Recommended Electric Guitar Packs

If you think you'd like to get more specific in your choice of guitar, the first thing you need to decide is what type you would like. The style of music you'd like to play can often decide this. Check out some artists who play the type of music you'd like to emulate.

It would probably be a good choice to get a similar instrument. While the professional model your guitar hero plays will probably be a little more than you're ready to spend, there are many companies who produce affordable replicas of popular high-end instruments that contain many the same features. It's also a good idea to talk with one the knowledgeable Product Specialists at Music123 and take advantage of their expertise.



There are 2 basic types of electric guitars:

Solid Body

This type of guitar is made of solid wood. Examples of this are the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul.

Hollow Body

This type of guitar has a deeper, completely hollow body, with F holes in the top, allowing the guitar to resonate acoustically. An example of this would be the Gretsch 6120. Certain models may have a wood block through the center, behind the pickups, to give more sustain and minimize feedback. These are also known as Semi-Hollow Body Guitars. An example of this would be Gibson's ES-335.

Browse Electric Guitars B.C. Rich, Epiphone, Fender and more

Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!

Starting November 25th, Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!

Each day there will be two or more Give-Aways, which will total a retail value of over $1,000!!

Enter to win one of the prizes, but come back tomorrow, because we?ll be giving away another whole new batch of FREE gear to celebrate the season!

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The next winner could be you!

Guitar Effects Sale Music 123

Music Sales Jimmy Bruno: No Nonsense Jazz Guitar DVD

Music Sales Jimmy Bruno: No Nonsense Jazz Guitar DVD DVD

"Jimmy Bruno has played guitar with some of the all time greats, including Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Elvis Presley. Jimmy covers ii/V/I progressions, changing chord colors, training hands and ears to work together, natural picking techniques, adding bass lines to chords and much more. With a new introduction by Woody Mann. DVD and Booklet included."

Music Sales Nils Lofgren: Electric & Acoustic Guitar

Music Sales Nils Lofgren: Electric & Acoustic Guitar

"A master class in rock guitar from the much sought-after guitarist from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Electric guitar segments include Nils on Keith Richard-style rhythm, lead over constant bass, fingerpicking, rolling the notes, volume swells and more. The acoustic section covers dropped-D tuning, open tuning, chord positions & patterns. With a new introduction by Woody Mann. DVD and Booklet included."

Music Sales Warren Haynes: Electric Blues & Slide Guitar

Music Sales Warren Haynes: Electric Blues & Slide Guitar DVD

"Warren Haynes, of The Allman Brothers Band, has also enjoyed an outstanding solo career as a bluesman. On this great DVD he covers a wide range of blues and slide skills and techniques, including phrasing, vibrato, string bending, and soloing as well as mixing major and minor scales, using space, and looking for blue notes within intervals. With a new introduction by Jeff Golub. DVD and Booklet included."

Music Sales Tuck Andress: Fingerstyle Mastery DVD

Music Sales Tuck Andress: Fingerstyle Mastery DVD DVD

"A superb course in fingerstyle mastery! Tuck gives in-depth demonstrations and explanations about every aspect of fingerstyle, including walking bass patterns combined with chords, comping rhythms, voicings, vibrato, sliding, leading with the melody, various right- and left-hand techniques?and much more. With a new introduction by Woody Mann. DVD and Booklet included."

Zoom A2 Acoustic Effects Pedal

Zoom A2 Acoustic Effects Pedal

"ZOOM considers the Acoustic Guitarist just as important to the creative electronic music processs as they do for the electric Guitar and Bass players of the world. The New 'ZOOM' A2 Acoustic Effects Pedal features 40 preset effects, 40 programmable memory patches, 47 High Quality Effects and a 96kHz sampling rate. The built in drum machine features 40 rhythm variations along with a integrated chromatic tuner and ultra wide frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz. The A2 is a fantastic addition to any Acoustic live or studio performance enviornment."

Kids guitars, Childrens guitars, Small guitars

Jay Turser Guitars Jay Jr 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar

"Beautiful gloss finish, 3/4 size guitar. Great starter guitar for both teenagers and adults. Ideal traveling strummer for the practicing adult musician."

Daisy Rock Pixie Acoustic Guitar Pack

This is the complete learning pack for any girl who wants to learn to play the guitar. Comes complete with a Pixie acoustic guitar, an instructional book and CD, gig bag, strap, picks, string winder, polish cloth, and two pages of butterfly and daisy decals to customize the guitar.

Yamaha JR1 Package 3/4 size

Yamaha craftsmanship and the use of select woods throughout this instrument create a compact folk guitar offering authentic acoustic sound. Perfect for young beginners or adults looking for a fun and small travel guitar. This package includes a high quality 3/4 size steel string acoustic guitar and a padded gigbag. This guitar will fit in the overhead carry-on luggage compartments of most airlines!

Dean Playmate JTJ

The Dean Playmate JT Junior Kids Acoustic Guitar Feature: Full Display Color Box, 1/2 Size Student Steel String Acoustic, Set Neck, Chrome Hardware, Signature Dean Bridge, Chrome Tuners, Dot Inlays, 18 Frets.

Dean 79 Z Solid Body Electric Guitar

Dean 79 Z Electric Guitar Trans brazil Burst

"The '79 Z features the same hot electronics and striking visuals that made Dean a household name in the late 70's. Dual humbuckers, stop tailpiece and vintage 3-way switching. Get a piece of the real thing!"

Electric Guitars >Solid Body Electric Guitars >6 String> Gibson Exclusive SG Standard in Classic White Solid Body Electric Guitars FREE SHIPPING

"The Gibson SG Standard in Classic White, our exclusive, features the classic double cutaway look that has been around almost as long as Rock and Roll. Always a best seller, the SG Standard has the dual humbucking configuration and body style that continues to drive this bad boy onto stages and studios everywhere. Includes a FREE Gibson hardshell case!"

Fullerton Deluxe Electric Guitar Pack

"A great set up for those who want to learn on a quality instrument and have all the accessories for a smooth start! Includes a solidbody, 3 single-coil pickup electric guitar w/ gig bag, 20-watt Amplifier w/ 6? speaker, strap, cable, picks and easy-to-use electric tuner! Also comes with a guitar stand and a DVD with 3 lessons to get you rockin?!"

Fullerton Bass Pack

Fullerton Bass Pack Black
"Get thumpin? with this great set up for the beginning bassist who wants to learn on a quality instrument and have all the accessories for a smooth start! You get a full-scale bass w/ a classic split-pickup for that smooth, f at sound. Package also includes: compact 20-watt Bass Amplifier, gig bag, strap, cable, picks, easy-to-use electric tuner and a DVD with 3 lessons!"

Ibanez JEM77BRMR

"The mirror-finished Steve Vai JEM77BRMR 'Bad Horsie' features a 5 piece Maple/Walnut JEM Prestige neck, 6150 frets, Basswood body, Edge Pro bridge/tremolo, DiMarzio Breed pickups, 24 fret Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays and includes a FREE hardshell case!"

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Boss TU12H Tuner

Boss TU12H Tuner

"This advanced tuner features highly visible sharp/flat LED indicators for precise tuning information. It also boasts adjustable standard pitch from 440 to 445 Hz in 1 Hz increments, a built-in condenser mic for acoustic instrument tuning, and 1/4' input and output jacks for in-line tuning."

Montana Acoustic/Electric Cutaway Dreadnought Guitar - Cherry Sunburst

Montana Acoustic/Electric Cutaway Dreadnought Guitar - Cherry Sunburst

"This high quality entry level acoustic/electric guitar has features that you would expect in a MUCH higher priced instrument, such as a Set Neck, High Gloss Photo Flame finish, Body binding and 2-Band EQ.

Full sized scale-25.5' Long

? Set Nato Mahogany Neck ? Spruce Top with photo flame ? Agathis side & back ? Full Ivoriod Neck and Body Binding ? Nato Mahogany Fingerboard and Bridge ? Chrome diecast gears ? High Gloss Cherryburst flame finish
"

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Delta Rose

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Delta Rose

"The combination of the superb tonewoods, along with the dual humbuckers, gives the Delta Rose the ability to go from a soft purr to a full growl. We've also added custom looks to this guitar with the inlaid fretboard and muti-ply body binding. The new Johnson Delta Rose hollowbody will shine inany setting and will consistently reward players with its big tone and small price

* Spruce Top
* Maple Body
* Set-in Maple Neck
* Diecast Chrome Tuners
* Two Humbucking Pickups
* Tune-O-Matic Bridge
* Multi-Ply Body Binding
* Vintage Sunburst or Wineburst Finishes"

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Solara Elite

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Solara Elite

"This guitar is a star all by itself. Our Solara Elite boasts all of the bells and whistles players want out of their guitar, at a price that they can finally afford. It starts with the gorgeous flamed maple top that is expertly handcarved and bookmatched for symmetry in sound and appearance. With the set-in mahogany neck for a rich tone, and the classic, covered humbuckers for a dirty growl, the breathtaking Solara Elite is built for the player who wants it all, at a price they can finally afford.

* Arched Bookmatched Flamed Maple Top
* Solid Mahogany Body
* Set-In Mahogany Neck
* Bound Rosewood Fretboard
* Tune-O-Matic Bridge
* Inlaid M.O.P Position Markers
* Inlaid M.O.P. Headstock
* Multi-Ply Body Binding
* 2 Humbucking Pickups
* 2 Volume, 2 Tone Controls"

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Single Cutaway JT-800

Johnson Guitars-Johnson Single Cutaway JT-800

"We offer our Single Cutaway for the same low price as our Double Cutaway. This guitar is modeled after the classic 60's guitars with a beefier neck and body for better tone. The guitar is available in 8 colors and comes with a rosewood or maple fretboard."

Johnson Catalyst

Johnson Catalyst

"Rock fans rejoice, there's a new kid in town! Built with blisteringly hot looks for huge tone, the new Johnson Catalyst will make even the most discriminating guitarist a believer. It all starts with the beautiful arched maple top. The gorgeous quilted maple stretches along the top of the guitar for a striking look and feel. The body is built strong with solid alder for a durable, singing tone that will never disappoint.


The Johnson Catalyst comes equipped with two high-output humbucking pickups, as well as, an original Floyd Rose locking tremolo bridge. The humbuckers provide the Catalyst with aggressive mids and chunky

lows. The Floyd Rose bridge gives players unprecedented tonal freedom. The Catalyst is today's guitarist's answer for a highly affordable, impeccably built electric guitar."

Johnson Electric Guitar PlayerPac

Johnson Electric Guitar PlayerPac

"Johnson PlayerPacs have everything you need. Great for beginning musicians. The pac includes our most popular guitars and all the accessories that teachers recommend.

* Solid Body Electric Guitar JS-800
* Padded Bag
* 10-Watt Amp
* Pitch Pipes
* Guitar Cable
* Guitar Strap
* 6 Picks"

Fender Champion 30 Cover

"Amp Cover, Champion 110/30"

Fender Deluxe 90 Cover

Fender Deluxe 90 Cover

"Amp Cover, Roc Pro 700, Deluxe 112, Deluxe 85, Performer 650"

Babicz ID-DCMH-06E

Babicz ID-DCMH-06E Dreadnouight Cutaway Natural

"The Babicz Identity Series ID-DCMH-06E Dreadnouight Cutaway acoustic electric features the icZ Acoustic system for increased dynamic response, solid Mahogany back and sides, solid Spruce top, torque-reducing split bridge, sealed Grover tuners, and a FREE hardshell case!"

Yamaha GigMaker EG

More Info

Everything you need to take to the stage.

The Yamaha GigMaker Guitar Pack is built around the F325 acoustic guitar with die-cast chrome tuners and a spruce top. Also includes a gig bag, digital tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and an instructional DVD to kick-start your playing.

Yamaha GigMaker Guitar Pack Features:

* F325 acoustic w/die-cast chrome tuners and spruce top
* Gig bag
* Digital tuner
* Strap
* Extra strings
* Picks
* Instructional DVD

This is the whole package when it comes to acoustic guitar! Pick it up today and start playing!

Takamine EG530SC-LH

Takamine EG530SC-LH Acoustic Guitar
"Made to strict specifications, Takamine's G Series represents exceptionally good value. The EG530SC-Left Handed's features include a solid spruce top, sepele sides, solid sepele back, abalone dot inlays, TK4NT preamp and a FREE hardshell case!"

Fender Princeton Chorus Cover

Fender Princeton Chorus Cover

"Amp Cover, Roc Pro 1000, Performer 1000, Princeton Chorus, Stage 100, Stage 112, Stage 112SE, Stage 185"

Rogue LX406 Pro 6-String Bass Natural

Rogue LX406 Pro 6-String Bass Natural




Rogue LX406 Pro 6-String Bass Natural

The Rogue LX406 Pro 6-String Bass is perfect for players who want more notes. Basswood body with bubinga veneer, Canadian hard maple neck with high-grade rosewood fretboard, brass nut, die-cast satin chrome tuners, 6 neck bolts, 2 double-action truss rods, 35" scale, 2 traditional single-coil pickups, and active electronics. The Rogue LX406 is a killer bass that's surprisingly affordable.

Music Man StingRay 4-String Bass Egyptian Smoke Maple Fretboard

Music Man StingRay 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Egyptian Smoke Maple Fretboard




Music Man StingRay 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Egyptian Smoke Maple Fretboard

Few 4-string electric basses are as flat-out cool or have as much powerful tone as the Music Man StingRay. Introduced in 1976, the StingRay was the first bass to feature active electronics and advancements such as a 6-bolt neck joint, contoured body, superior neck truss-rod system, and rock-solid bridge, all of which keep it on top of the pack. The StingRay is constructed with a select hardwood body, maple neck, Schaller BM tuners, 3-band active EQ, and MusicMan humbucking pickup.

Gibson SG Reissue 4-String Bass Heritage Cherry Sunburst Chrome Hardware

Gibson SG Reissue 4-String Bass Heritage Cherry Sunburst Chrome Hardware

Gibson SG Reissue 4-String Bass Heritage Cherry Sunburst Chrome Hardware

The Gibson SG Reissue 4-String Bass brings back Gibson's classic dual-pickup SG bass from the '60s! It has the 30-1/2" short scale of the original, as well as its slim, fast neck. Mahogany body and neck. The Gibson SG Reissue Bass features a vintage-style TB Plus neck humbucker and a mini-humbucker at the bridge for wide tonal range. Includes Gibson hardshell case.

Fender Jeff Beck Stratocaster Surf Green Rosewood Fretboard

Fender Jeff Beck Stratocaster Guitar Surf Green Rosewood Fretboard




Fender Jeff Beck Stratocaster Guitar Surf Green Rosewood Fretboard

Jeff Beck's Stratocaster has been an integral part of his signature sound from his early days with the Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group through his amazingly varied solo career. The Jeff Beck Signature electric guitar features a thinner C-shaped maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and a contoured heel for easier access to the higher registers. Further, it's wired with dual ceramic Noiseless pickups and has a 2-point synchronized tremolo with stainless steel saddles, LSR roller nut, aged knobs and pickup covers, and Beck's signature on the headstock. The Fender guitar kit includes vintage tweed case, strap, cable, truss rod adjustment wrench, and saddle height adjustment wrench.

75 Effect Pedals for Under $75!

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Guitar Packs at Music 123

Music123 offers no interest until 2007!

Music123 offers no interest until 2007!

Music Man S.U.B. X01

Music Man S.U.B. X01 Textured Black

"The S.U.B. is designed in the USA and features passive electronics. The neck features a 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with a black painted neck and headstock, and 6-bolt attachment for perfect alignment with no shifting. The diamond plate aluminum pickguard surrounds a Music Man Humbucking pickup."

BC Rich Platinum Mockingbird 2003

"To standardize the best selling Platinum Series, these guitars now feature Agathis bodies and Rosewood fingerboards."

BC Rich Guitars

ESP J 1005 Bass

ESP J 1005 Natural Gloss

"With the success of their LTD Deluxe Series Guitars in 2002, ESP has taken the methodology to their bass lineup, and created the LTD Deluxe Bass Series. The J1005 is the amazing five string bass for this series."