What to do for a third guitar?

[sykofiddle]

I play mostly blues, country, and classic rock. I have a Custom Shop Tele that's a keeper, and I'm still looking for the right strat. So I've got both of those pathways covered. What would you suggest for a 3rd guitar if you had 1K and under to spend? I don't like Les Pauls because of the weight and skinny necks. I'm not a "rocker" so an SG or other more hard rock oriented guitar isn't going to be to my liking. Any ideas?

[googoobaby]

Semihollow of some sort. Anything from a 335 to a Rick 360. Even better, a Gretsch.

[The Last Rebel]

Try a PRS Johnny Hiland, that could definately cover country, rock, and blues. A DGT or McCarty could cover the rock and blues bases. You might also want to try some Gretsch hollowbody's, those can easily cover all three bases.

[chrisr777]

An SG isn't just for hard rock, just look at Santana or Townshend. But if you are dead set against one, I would look into a semi-hollow body. There are many non-Gibson versions out there for under a grand. Gretch, Epiphone, Ibanez Artcore and since you seem to be a Fender guy the Thinline is nice. Not so much a hollow body sound though.

[DrumBob]

If you have under $1K, an Epiphone Dot is a pretty good bet. It's their ES-335 copy. I just played a nice Epiphone Casino also, that sold for $599.

I doubt you'll find an ES-335 in your price range.

An SG is more versatile than you may think. Try a couple out.

[chucke99]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AS103-ARTCORE-Custom-Series-Semi-Hollowbody-Electric-Guitar?sku=514208

http://www.americanmusical.com/ProductImages/Large/p36271.jpg

I own one and love it. You can also find them used on eBay (with case) for about $550.

[Mike9]

If you're looking for a Strat I have several for sale, but the Sonic Blue one linked below has a nice big neck - like a '59n Les Paul. I have a black semi relic Strat in the works with an Allparts SMO-FAT neck - could be finished in several weeks.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=411611

[freshmattyp]

Semihollow of some sort. Anything from a 335 to a Rick 360. Even better, a Gretsch.

Excellent suggestion.

[mprvise]

Don't discount the SG so soon - they really are great guitars that can cover a lot of territory. A friend just got one and I absolutely love it. So much I may get one as guitar #12 or 13. :) Never saw myself playing one, but now I'm not so sure.

I'd check out a 335 or something similar (in your price range) if I was in your position. My three main guitars for 10 years were a strat, a tele, and a 335. I've had the 335 for 23 years, the strat for 18 years, and the tele for 10 now.

One other option would be a P90 guitar of some sort. Got my first two last year and just love 'em.

[EADGBE]

How about a Carvin?

[Bryan T]

I've noticed that tele players tend to also like 335s. In the under $1K range you could probably find a used Heritage 535. I like the Ibanez guitars, too, but you'll probably end up putting money into pickups and fretwork on one of those.

Bryan

[XKnight]

Check out Reverend guitars. You can pick up the now discontinued USA Revs used for under $1000 and the new import line is very good as well and all priced well under $1000. I recently got a USA Reverend Rocco which has two humbuckers with a bolt on Strat style neck and the guitar just roars. It's a semi hollowbody design so is very light.

[PosterBoy]

+1 for Gretsch

[chucke99]

I like the Ibanez guitars, too, but you'll probably end up putting money into pickups and fretwork on one of those.

Bryan

The AS103 I linked to has killer frets right out of the box. The ends are rounded and feel excellent. No work needed. If you get a lower end Ibanez, like the AS-73, I would say you would need to do fretwork, as suggested.

[Tinman]

+1 for Gretsch

Duo Jet with Dynasonics and a Bigsby.:dude

[The Last Rebel]

Duo Jet with Dynasonics and a Bigsby.:dude
Or a Power Jet if you want a bit more power under the hood.

[cacibi]

+1 for Gretsch - many, many wonderful models to choose from.

[sykofiddle]

Thanks for all the great suggestions :AOK

Regarding Gretsch Guitars - is it possible to get a US one for under 1K? Or should I consider imports as well?

Michael

[franksguitar]

What about a tele thinline hollow if that's the type of guitar you're used to

[frisco kid]

US made Gretsches are custom shop so no way you'll find one at your current budget...you'd be hard pressed to find an MIJ Gretsch for less than $1000 although you can get close. You're well within budget for an MIK ProJet or 5 series which I've heard are really good instruments.

Thanks for all the great suggestions :AOK

Regarding Gretsch Guitars - is it possible to get a US one for under 1K? Or should I consider imports as well?

Michael

[Flyin' Brian]

A used Heritage 535 can be had for under $1G. Then you have your semi hollow territory covered.

[K-Line]

Burny, Greco, Edwards, any MIJ 335? I have an old Aria Pro II from Japan that I bought for $300 that is awesome. Make sure it is a Japan model though.

[GregoryL]

If your #1 is a tele and #2 is a strat, I'd say something with either P90's or Filtertron's.

Tough to find a professional series (i.e. MIJ) Gretsch within a $1k budget, so I'd suggest checking out Reverends as well. Good options for both P90's and Filtertrons.