U2 & Guitar Gear: Q & A

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

Not everybody starts with a 'basic guitar'. But I'm a guitar snob.

My first guitar was a fireglo Rickenbacker 330 6-string. Actually, I have great bandmates that went in on it and bought it for my birthday. Back when Rics were $1100.00 instead of $1800-$2000.

I learned borrowing bandmates guitars... so I was fortunate enough to play good guitars and learn what is good and what isnt'... so when I later went to buy guitars for myself... I knew if the folks at the Guitar Center were just trying to lead me to the $400 easy sale for a shite guitar or not.

First time I went to buy a guitar, my Taylor... the salesman tried to talk me into something else. He said well "for your skill level"... (fecker!) I said I may not have SKILLS yet but I have TASTE! (beaming proudly)

Originally posted by RattleandHum1988[..]

Lucky bastard. Started with a Ricky. Feckin lucky!!!

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

Lucky except it was sadly stolen! But as the grace of my friends should be... they replaced it. Hence, the burgundy-glo 330 6-string

Originally posted by RattleandHum1988[..]

That's cool man. I wish I had friends that would buy me a really expensive guitar haha. I really want a 12 string Rick. That is one of my dream guitars. Why do they have to be so much though? It's ridiculous.

Originally posted by WojBhoy


Dude, everyone starts out with a basic guitar, Squiers are (From what I hear) good starter guitars - once you start getting good, that's probably when you wanna start spreading your wings and looking for a bit more quality

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

No worries... save your money, say your prayers and don't vote for McCain and you too (U2) can obtain a better quality guitar.

I respectfully disagree that Squiers are good for starters but, if it works for you in the short run... it's better than no guitar at all.

You can also upgrade the tuners and pickups and that will help... and be sure that it's professionally set up - action is not to high or too low (buzzing is bad). The fretwork on Squiers in notoriously bad so have them dress the frets too... a lil money into your Squier and it can sound and play better.

Originally posted by RattleandHum1988[..]

HAHAHA. "Don't vote for McCain" hahaha. But yea totally. They're good starter guitars, but eventually you will want to upgrade it.

Originally posted by U2Nick[..]
I know, but I wanna upgrade now! I want all of the stuff you guys have!

[..]

lol.... I'm a democrat (and too young to vote lol) I'm saving too $$$
[..]

I wanna upgrade now lol......

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

It's good to want things - it builds character. =O)

Your time will come... for voting and upgrading your gear.

Originally posted by U2Nick[..]

lol..... I have a job at the office where my mom works. Been saving every penny. I also have my b-day money saved with it $$$

Originally posted by RattleandHum1988[..]

What are you going to upgrade first? Amp or guitar? ( don't start getting effects and such until you get a good guitar and amp. Unless it's delay, which is crucial to playing U2)

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]
Check www.pickofthericks.com (hint hint) Good deals on Rickenbacker, Gretsch and Vox can be found. (or at least used to be... hopefully still are... I've not went to the sight in a bit)

Originally posted by RattleandHum1988[..]

I hate when they make you call for price. How much does a 12 string Rick usually go for on this site?

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

I bought mine 6 years ago... so it has changed. Just call. Can't hurt to find out.