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Maybe also think about Yamaha Revstars.
My own personal preference would be a Squier, or a second hand Yamaha Pacifica (6xx or 3xx series) which I think could be found in that sort of price range. But I'm more of a bolt-on strat/tele kind of player.
Buying used you could get a good Squier/Epiphone, then if for home use only a Vox AC4 or Champ
I've found really cheap amps just sound bad and don't encourage me to play.
+1 on the recommendation of an Epiphone Dot 335 (under £300 brand new at Dawsons and a choice of colours):
https://www.dawsons.co.uk/epiphone-dot-335-electric-guitar
- I think it would suit the style of music you want to play really well, very versatile too
- Should feel like a comfortable transition from acoustic to electric
- Great guitars, had one myself and loved it
These Gretsch's are breaking the budget slightly brand new, but can be had within budget second hand:
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/160105291988008--gretsch-g2622lh-streamliner-lh-cb-dc-flagstaff-sunset
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/171213319512008--gretsch-g5220-electromatic-jet-bt-deep-cherry-metallic-lh
Thumbs up for the Squier (I'd stick to the Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe ranges though) and the Vintage brand too.
AMP
+1 on the recommendation of the Boss Katana 50:
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/160907302101008--boss-ktn-50-katana-50w-1x12-combo
A similar alternative would be the Vox AV15 (Have one an AV30 and think its great):
https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/vox-av15-analogue-valve-amplifier
I don't have any experience with etc Boss Katana but think it sounds great in the demos I've watched and have heard nothing but positive reviews.
The Vox on the other hand I've spent a lot of time with, it's strong points are its vintage style amp settings like the Fender Tweed, Vox AC15 and AC30 which are ideal for the sort of music your looking to play. I like the early Marshall Plexi sounds too if you want to get Hendrix/Sabbath type tones.
I would also recommend going to a large store (or a number of smaller ones in the same town if you can) and getting up close for a more detailed look and feel of as many guitar that take your fancy. If for no other reason than its a fun experience. Plus (and I'm not not ashamed to admit it) what it looks like is a big deal to some (like me), the more you love it the more you'll play it.
As for an amp, it has to be a Katana 50. I started with a Blackstar CORE ID, but it left me wanting more very soon after I bought it. You could look out for a used one if you don't want to splash out for new, but at £165 new they are incredible value.
Let us know what you end up with.
I see you're in Telford.
If it's not too far to travel, my local (to work, anyway) shop recently had a number of S/H lefties in - I'm sure there were a good mix of SGs/LPs and Strats amongst them.
TR Music - https://www.facebook.com/TRmusicwalsall/
233 - 236 Stafford Street
Walsall
WS2 8DF
01922 613101
HarrySeven - Intangible Asset Appraiser & Wrecker of Civilisation. Searching for weird guitars - so you don't have to.
Forum feedback thread. | G&B interview #1 & #2 | https://www.instagram.com/_harry_seven_/
Of lower end guitars I've been very impressed with in recent years -
Ibanez S521 - Great sounding guitar with some nice inbetween tones due to some clever wiring. Also very lightweight.
ESP LTD EC256 - Like most guitars coming out of World Guitars factory these are fabulous. A nice modern take on the Les Paul available in some very pretty finishes and features coil tapping. Definitely a guitar that punches above its weight.
Also look at Vintage - have some great hardware and pickups on these.
I'd agree spend a bit more on the amp and get a Katana. A £200 guitar through a Katana will sound better than a £300 guitar through some of the smaller stuff.
At the low end of the market, I'd go for a fixed bridge - probably a Telecaster. With all the extra complexity, cheap trems don't tend to be very good. They can lack sustain, and can also cause tuning problems. I'm also not a big fan of the nasty humbuckers you get on budget guitars. They can sound very muddy. I'd look at a Squier Tele.
Just checked re. TR Music. They have:
Westfield strat copy in red
Vintage LP in cherry
Epiphone SG Korean
Epiphone LP in cherry
No prices yet - give them a call if interested?
HarrySeven - Intangible Asset Appraiser & Wrecker of Civilisation. Searching for weird guitars - so you don't have to.
Forum feedback thread. | G&B interview #1 & #2 | https://www.instagram.com/_harry_seven_/
This one is about 70 miles away from you (according to gumtree)
https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/boss-katana-50w-electric-guitar-amplifier/1313567795
I really like the 4 knobs. Being able to play with the pickup volumes individually gives you so many more options. For instance, you can tame a biting bridge pickup by adding in some neck pickup, without going for the full on in between sound.
I don't use the tones that much, so the PRS DGT arrangement with 2 volumes and one tone is probably my favourite though.
Georges went years ago.
HarrySeven - Intangible Asset Appraiser & Wrecker of Civilisation. Searching for weird guitars - so you don't have to.
Forum feedback thread. | G&B interview #1 & #2 | https://www.instagram.com/_harry_seven_/