3 comments about Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, Vintage Sunburst.

1. I received my player pack about a week ago. Everything was included in the pack and "seemed" great. I got the Sunburst pattern and the guitar looks really nice. The amp and the rest of the gear was all good for the price. The problem was that when I tuned the guitar I had to raise the bridge way too much to get rid of some buzzing from the fret bars. Even after that I still got the buzzing when I played vigorously. Also I could feel the edges of the fret bars on the neck which I think means that the wood of the neck had shrunk and probably warped a little (sitting in a warehouse too long maybe). I chose to repair these issues instead of returning the guitar. I like it very much and I doubt that getting another pack at the same price point would get me any more quality. If my experience was not the norm then I would give this pack a 4 or 5.
   **UPDATE
   The warped neck was unrepairable by the epiphone dealer in my area. They sent it back (warranty) and I got a NEW Epiphone "Dot Studio" as a replacement because it would have been 90 day till they could replace it with a similar model. I really like the "Dot Studio" and it is a nice upgrade. So I got a really nice deal in the end.



2. I bought this exact guitar when I was 12 years old, now at 23, it still works and is in great condition. This guitar is wonderful to start learning on, especially if later on you plan on playing an authentic Gibson Les Paul, which is is nearly double the weight. This guitar has a slightly smaller scale which is better when you are starting off, and all Gibsons, as well as Epiphones have heads that are angled slightly at 45 degrees from the neck which is better for sustain. The neck is slim and easy to wrap your fingers around, even if you have short fingers. You'll find that compared to Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters, the Ephiphone's neck will make you feel as if your fingers are sliding on water. The strings are closer together than the other guitars such as the Parker Fly or the Fender Strat, and that makes it good for not only chords, bar chords, and the like, but also good for solos. Whether you are sitting or standing, the body is comfortably shaped. All in all, it is worth the cost.
   The only thing wrong with this guitar that most people will eventually notice, and have problems with, is the infamous 5th fret buzz. It does not go away. It the guitar's only defect. But if you are jamming a lot for hours on end (like I have) you probably won't even notice.
   If you are trying to decide Fender Stratocaster (a very popular beginners guitar), vs. Ephiphone Les Paul Special II, go with the Les Paul. It is much easier to play if you can get past the fret buzz, and its dual humbucker pickups will give you a nice round, full, tone. Of course, if you can afford an investment such as the Gibson version, then why not go for that ;o)



3. We bought this for a beginner and soon discovered it was almost nonplayable because of flaws in the heads and nut.We didn't expect this to be "set-up" but it is preety much impossible to tune which for anyone is very discouraging. Too bad Epiphone lets the Chinese downgrade what used to be a good model.

3 comments about Behringer iAXE393 USB Guitar Package - Black.

1. This pretty much does everything as advertised. Guitar itself fairly good quality as a "starter" piece. The included amp is basically a toy, though. Sound is barely audible. If you have a VISTA operating system, your PC likely will hedge on installing the needed drivers, so you will need to tell your PC to accept drivers from an unverified source. Advice: This is not for a person with no experience playing a guitar. The trial "amp modeling" software is very complex; you will have 30 days to choose one of three from the Behringer web site. Make sure you register ASAP. Also, mine came shipped in a box that was obviously opened and re-sealed (likely a return). Everything seemed in order and the guitar did not appear damaged. However, the USB cable interface (advertised as INCLUDED) was MISSING. I was forced to purchase a $10 cable from a local Radio Shack since this was a Christmas gift and I did not want to hassle with returning the huge box to Amazon. A little disappointing.



2. A close look of this guitar shows cheap construction. Whats worse is that its not Vista compatible. When you try to contact Behringer about it they will say we are waiting to see if Vista is the next big windows. (Idiots! Of course it is!)
   
   Anyway I burnt my cash on this piece of junk. Dont make the same mistake!



3. I've been playing guitar on and off for 20 years, and while I usually stick to acoustic guitars, I was pining for an electric to satisfy my "flashback to high school" moments. I was looking for a guitar I could tinker with but did not want to get into getting the full setup and end up having very little time to use it. So this turned out to be the perfect combo - the guitar plugs into your PC and with very little fuss you are off and running, or shredding if that's your cup of tea.
   
   Despite previous reviews saying it does not, the iAxe actually does work with Vista just fine - but you have to get the drivers from the Behringer website; it's not included on the CD. It's not easy to find there either, (in fact I struggled to find the iAxe listed on their site at all!), so I just goggled the driver and linked straight to the download location.
   
   PROS
   1. Good price.
   2. Decent construction. (Harmonics work so that means its constructed fairly well).
   3. Usable sound. (You aren't going to get screaming feedback but it distorts quite nicely).
   
   CONS
   1. It does not play sound through the PC speakers. You have to use headphones, amp or rig up to route sound through your PC to speakers.
   2. Mine did not include an amp - not sure if it's meant to be in there or not.
   3. With the USB and headphones installed you need to be careful setting it down as the ports are positioned on the bottom, right where you'd normally rest it. (Bad design) Suggest getting a guitar stand for it and save yourself damaging either port.
   4. The "combo" software included has many preset sounds, most of them pretty bad, but overall the sounds are good enough for what you need to do here. If you are looking for something to record with this might -just- be good enough but it's probably best kept for folks who want to learn or just tinker on the weekends.
   5. The software is a bit fiddly, getting the sound you want can take some effort.
   
   Four stars because it meets my needs almost exactly. No amp taking up room and causing noise issues with the wife. Sounds pretty good and works quite well. I won't be making a hit CD with it but I will be able to relive the time spent at Brookborough Hall and the guys from "Nothin' Yet".

No comments about Behringer iAXE393 USB Guitar.

No comments about Electric Guitar Package w/ Guitar, Amp, Strap and Instructional DVD SX EG1K CAR w/GA1065.

1 comments about J. Reynolds Mini Electric Guitar Prelude Pack - Pop Princess Pink.

1. I wanted to get my 3 year old daughter a toy guitar to play around with. I looked up some on Amazon and the majority of the ratings for the toy guitars (this one wasn't rated) were awful. So I decided not to get any of the other guitars and figured I'd take a chance with this one even though there was no feedback.
   I couldn't believe it when I opened the box--a real "miniature" guitar! It has steel strings, a mini amp that works, a few guitar pics and an adjustable guitar strap--I embroidered her name on it. It is a bit heavy for my daughter (I only let her play with it for maybe 10 minutes at a time--I don't want her back to go out : ) I believe the recommened age is 5-7 years so she will grow into it.
   It is a shiny painted wood finish with shiny metal accents. Every body that I have showed it to can't believe I only paid $99. for it. I would highly reccomend it to any parent looking for a starter guitar for their child. The other kid guitars were priced between $20-60 and the ratings were very poor. It is worth it to spend the extra money and get the real deal.

2 comments about Fender Squier Hello Kitty Strat, Pink.

1. As to the quality of the guitar: first and foremost it is a REAL Fender[tm] guitar, not a cheap knock off. I have had the joy of being able to play this model several times, and my own "axe" is on order. It has a good weight/balance ration, the controls are simple, and the frets smooth and low. This is the perfect guitar for any beginning electric guitarist or aspiring rock star. Please note: As I mentioned, the controls are simple. Volume, tone. No tremolo bar (beginners just get too obsessed with that anyway) or any of the other niceties Fender's signature series are known for but it has a solid maple fingerboard, and humbucking bridge pickups, ALL 21 frets (this ain't no toy ukulele), and of course Hello Kitty's smiling face screaming out to all the world "I rock!"
   
   This is simply a fun guitar, and a well made one, for what it is. It is moderately priced and durable. Of course you will also want a gig bag, strap, some Fender Hello Kitty Motion Guitar Picks - Medium - 1 Dozen (just 6 bucks! Such a deal!) and I seriously recommend Play Electric Guitar: From Beginner to Band in 3 Months to really get the party started. The book is a true "hands on" step-by-step guide the really works. Then start practicing, move to Hollywood, get signed, and refuse to acknowledge anyone who knew you before you were famous! :-)
   
   Oh yeah... it also comes in Black: Fender Hello Kitty Electric Guitar - Black. How cool is that?



2. OK, everybody, I'm a male. I'm older than 16. I play blues and heavy rock. I've played in front of thousands of people. I already own a wonderful, expensive Standard Stratocaster that I am very happy with. I didn't need another guitar---and I really didn't have the money to buy another one, either. Yet, even with all that..... I recently bought this Hello Kitty Stratocaster!
   
   Why, you may ask? Well, lemme tell ya...
   
   I was in a guitar shop in Northampton, MA (don't ask why I was in Northampton, MA of all places!) I saw this ridiculous-looking, over the top bubble gum pink Stratocaster with a single humbucker pickup and Hello Kitty pickguard on it. I picked it up, just to be ironic (and because I was with a lady friend of mine--you know how that is!) Imagine my surprise when it fit my hand just PERFECTLY! The neck was smaller than a standard Strat, but it was not a short-length guitar. 21 frets. Like most mortals, my hands aren't the size of Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan's--- but they almost felt that way on this neck. I could pull off tricks on this guitar I couldn't on my Standard Strat.
   
   Surprised by the size and comfort of the neck, I plugged the thing into a Marshall half stack, just for the hell of it... and imagine my EVEN GREATER SURPRISE when the thing sounded just SPECTACULAR!!! Holy cow! The sound was ROUGH and MEAN and just KILLER! On top of this, the sustain on the thing was utterly beyond belief. When I plugged it into my cheap 100 buck Fender practice amp, I was able to sustain a single note for well over two minutes! (It would have kept going, too, if I hadn't gotten bored.)
   
   Whoa.
   
   I ended up buying the guitar because the neck fits my hand just perfectly, but also because it has the most ridiculous sustain on it (even better than my more expensive Strat,) and because the sounds that come out of it are, quite simply, RUDE! "Iron Man" and "Black Dog" never sounded so good!
   
   It's just an added bonus that playing Black Sabbath and Zeppelin on a guitar with this color scheme screams "irony"!!!!
   
   I think the target audience is teenage girls, but the owner of the shop I bought it at told me that he has sold more of these to men than to women. Make of that what you will.
   
   Yes, it only has one pickup. Yes, the pickup is a humbucker. Yes, that means you won't get the crystal clear single-coil-pickup Fender sound on this guitar.
   
   BUT, the neck is extremely comfortable for those with smaller hands, the paintjob can't be beat, and for heavier stuff the tone that comes out of this reasonably-priced monster is better than many thousand dollar guitars I have played.
   
   Un-freakin-believable.
   
   I love me my Kitty.
   
   Get yourself one before they're gone like the Sabre-Toothed Tiger!

No comments about First Act Discovery FE5291100 Portable Electric Guitar with Kei Shape.

5 comments about Fender Starcaster® Electric Guitar/Amp Package - FlameTop Finish.

1. Since day one...this guitar will not stay in tune. We sent it out for a professional set up...which you shouldn't have to do on a beginner guitar, and was told there is no hope for this thing. The frets are sharp, and will slice your fingers. Shame on Fender. I can tell you the next level guitar will not be a Fender-they have no pride in what they sell under their name brand. There are other companies that make a far better starter guitar kit....stay away from this one.



2. ok if you honestly thought you would be able to buy a real fender strat for $200 bucks the you were completely wrong..This guitar is a Squire which is like a cheap brand that Fender own. You can pick up a squire at wallmart or target. A real American made Fender Stratocaster will cost you over a thousand dollars and you will have trouble finding them in most guitar stores. please dont even bother with this thing it is a worthless piece of junk. save up some money if your a beginner buy a samick guitar which is around the same price but is much better. Samick sells guitar parts to companys like gibson and fender and they are great if your a beginner. Anyway the point is this guiat sucks dont get it!



3. Fender's newer, entry level Starcasters are an excellent choice for beginners. Well made with good features at a reasonable price. Don't be mislead by biased reviewers who most likely own small guitar shops and want you to spend 3 or 4 times the cost at their business. This guitar is a fine pick. A+!



4. Do get this from Sams, much cheaper. This is a great deal for the price and the quality is fantastic. I would recommend reading the wikipedia article on the Starcaster by Fender to better understand the type of guitar you are looking at.



5. I have this guitar pack and I have to say that the number of negative comments is amazing. I am not sure what people expect for $200.00. No! This is not a $1200.00 dollar American made strat, nor is the $500.00 Mexican made strat. It's a low cost made in China strat.
   
   Regardless of where it was made, I found the workmanship to be very acceptable. The guitar is beautiful and the rosewood fretboard is very nice. The whole guitar has a solid feel. My only real complaint is that the center pickup has an unusually low level output. But there is no way I would return this guitar just because of a single pickup. At worst case I'd just have Fender send a replacement. And Yes! As other reviews have noted, the amp hums a little (especially at higher volumes). But, this has more to with the single coil pickups used in the guitar. If you want humbucker pickups, you're going to pay more. Also the amp is just a small 10W practice amp. It works fine for lower volume practicing. I have fallen in love with mine and play it quietly in the evenings to relax from the world.
   
   I have a family and very little extra money. I am greatful that Fender has provided these low cost kits. It gives me the opportunity to own and relax with a Fender, something that would be questionable with a better (read more expensive) guitar. And, if the kids develop an interest, I won't cry too much if they add a few scratches to it.
   
   Folks need to keep things in perspective. This is a low cost entry level guitar. Understanding those limitations, I highly recommend this kit to anyone just starting out.

5 comments about Austin Bazaar 39 Inch Metallic Blue Electric Guitar with Carrying Bag and Accessories.

1. Although not the model and style requested by my son, my musical background lead me to review and purchase this guitar instead. It is of fine quality and my son is thrilled by his Christmas gift.



2. this guitar i receieved has a warped neck; how dare you send this product out.



3. My guitar didn't even come like they said it would.they tape stuff over the white part on the body was peeled off it was rusty and three springs were missing on the bottom of it were they rectangle thing is at and it wasnt blue it was matallic lite blue like torquise. atleast it plays right...almost right.



4. I mean seriously this is a steal but i wouldn't expect much from this just becuase it int eh 90 $ ranger but i cnat wait to get it.



5. I can't really tell you how this product is right now. It did get to my parents house on time and they say that it is in great shape. I'll check it out when I get back home, from here in Afganistan. I'm sure that there's nothing wrong with it. This is a Great place to shop and to get Awsome prices.
   Thank You!!
   -SPC. Jones-

No comments about Epiphone Limited Edition Wilshire Electric Guitar, Alpine White.