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I suppose that because I'm a complete novice a new guitar and amp (with guarantee!) would give me peace of mind. It might cost more and ten years on from now I will probably say 'go used' but at this moment I'd be taking a risk. However, as always money will dictate.
There is a Boss Katana - 50D Version 2 Amp going for £130 at Cash Converters. Not sure whether they come around regularly or whether it's a rarity? I would have no idea if it was good, bad or ugly even if I tried it out. New with guarantee would be less of a risk.
https://www.cashconverters.co.uk/shop/product/boss-katana-50-d-version-2/269810?list=Product catalogue
One thing I've not seen above is when is the best time to buy? Before Christmas, after Christmas, Black Friday, wait until a guitar show etc. Or simply, should I wait until I have more experience and this would allow me more informed decision making?
Again, thanks for any responses. Much appreciated.
I find it best to know what you want then seek it out for the best price, never be afraid to ask your local guitar store to price match if you’ve seen what you want cheaper elsewhere.
I'm not convinced the Katana will be reduced any time soon as they're selling like hotcakes, so I'd imagine shops are likely to sell stuff that's about to be phased out or isn't selling well rather than the Boss Katanas. So I'd say grab a Katana now and do some guitar window-shopping anyway.
Buying used is a safer bet with guitars, especially on here as most people are decent, genuine folk who are actually interested in the items they're selling.
There's no need to buy the guitar new though. They don't fall to bits or suddenly stop working like electronics can. In fact a well looked after used guitar can often play better than a new one from a shop - not every shop bothers to set up their guitars properly, even if spending >£1k. Best bet is to buy from a trusted seller on here.
The only complicating factor is the lefty nature of your needs. It might be difficult to find something suitable used. The trouble with buying at a shop, if you don't know exactly what you want, if you subsequently decide to move it on, you're going to lose quite a chunk of cash. Definitely try to buy used if you can, for the guitar at least.
I wouldn't touch a Cash Converters amp with a barge pole.
Have you thought about a Carvin'??
They're in France and are running right now a back-to-school campaign that has awesome discounts, like a G&L Bluesboy for roughly 300 Euros, less than 300 £.
I bought my guitar there 2 years ago on a Christmas sale. An Epiphone Es 339 pro for 200 Euros! Just crazy...
And they are to be trusted, good delivery, etc.
If you are looking to spend £300 on a guitar I would go to every guitar shop you can and play anything up to £800.
Pick your favourite, whatever speaks to you, there no right or wrong, then but one second hand.
Now that leaves me with £240 to spend on the guitar
With regards to the guitar there are a few I've got in mind, but trying to find a used left-handed one is difficult. I am still favouring new over used and that's simply because of a lack of experience in determining what I would like i.e I'd hate to travel 50-100 miles to try out a guitar when I'm still only a beginner. I could end up buying something that I massively regret, like it's damaged in some way or needs an expensive upgrade or I'm blinded with science when I get to the seller and end up buying it because I don't want to travel all that way to come home empty-handed. In that £240 price bracket most used ones seem to be of a similar standard, whether used or new.
I still intend to get out to a few shops and try some out. I'm not sure how the shop approaches beginners like myself and whether there's an expectation I'll buy or whether they're happy for me to try a few out with no pressure at all.
These are the ones I've spotted so far.
This is from GAK
https://www.gak.co.uk/en/epiphone-g-400-pro-left-handed-cherry/63813
Pros -
I believe Epiphone is a good name and should 'last'
It doesn't have a tremolo arm, which I think would just annoy me.
Cons -
It's over budget and leaves no cash for any extras i.e a decent cable, case etc
Not convinced that shape will suit me
These from Thomann
I'd not considered Harley Benton before but you guys on here seemed to give them a good thumbs up, the reviews on the site are also excellent and elsewhere on the internet they seem to get good reports
Harley Benton SC-450PlusLH HB Vintage Series
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_sc_450pluslh_hb_vintage_series.htm
This is the one identified earlier in the thread and must admit I really took to the 'look' of this one and that price of just £150 leaves me well under budget
Pros
Looks great
Good reviews
Well under budget
Cons
It's Harley Benton, not Epiphone
Harley Benton SC-Custom LH Vintage Black
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_sc_custom_lh_vintage_black.htm
This one has the same pros and cons as the first one, although it costs a little more, and although the reviews are excellent there's only nine of them. But that black and brass colouring makes it very 'playable'. I can imagine being very pleased if I was to pull this one from the box.
Harley Benton SC-550 LH Paradise Amber Flame
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_sc_550lh_paradise_amber_flame.htm
Same pros and cons as above, but costs even more, although still borderline on budget (plus the Boss Katona amp). From what I can see throughout the internet, this one seems to get really excellent reviews and makes me wonder whether it's worth spending that little bit extra.
I have looked at the likes of Jackson Dinky, Ibanez, Yamaha Pacifica but they all seem to have tremolo arms and whilst the Pacifica seems to get the best reviews of all those (and is the best price) I'm not seeing it as a guitar I'd be wowed by.
I also went to the Woodbrass site and there was an Epiphone Les Paul Special II listed as left-handed in a pack for £175 with an ok amp (which I would've sold) and that seemed to get good reviews throughout the internet (albeit from a few years ago). However, I couldn't see any left-handed models reviewed or advertised anywhere so was wondering if this was a mistake? Tonight it doesn't appear to be listed in the left-handed packs section any longer, so I assume this was just listed incorrectly.
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated!
Have a trawl around for the Squier Classic Vibe Strats and Teles. Both available left handed and are excellent guitars for the money.
Should be well within budget used as well.
Input jack is underneath.
you could do worse than this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Left-Handed-Fender-Squier-Classic-Vibe-Stratocaster-60s-Final-Reduction-/323384790550?itemId=323384790550&du=1
I dunno if it fits your criteria though.
Looks like you are looking for a Les Paul shape and the neck is built for comfort.
I do get to Telford now and again so might be able to deliver.