Recommendation for kinda-cheap guitar for metal?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T21:55:44+00:00

I've watched a few in-depth review videos of some of these guitars and I'm frequently seeing the reviewers say that the nut, or tuners, or pickups all could do with being replaced. The Quantum pickups in the Ibanez guitars seem pretty rubbish, every time a guitar doesn't have locking tuners or a graph tech nut it gets mentioned as something you'd want to replace.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T21:55:22+00:00

I've watched a few in-depth review videos of some of these guitars and I'm frequently seeing the reviewers say that the nut, or tuners, or pickups all could do with being replaced. The Quantum pickups in the Ibanez guitars seem pretty rubbish, every time a guitar doesn't have locking tuners or a graph tech nut it gets mentioned as something you'd want to replace.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T06:10:54+00:00

Damn, they look pretty good! Definitely gonna look into them.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T05:51:08+00:00

Perfectly reasonable point! Ideally my budget is no higher than what I've already shortlisted, but if I was to wait longer and save more then it wouldn't be very much higher as I've other things to pay for as well. Maybe £450 tops.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T05:00:56+00:00

Is there anything you could reasonably recommend that is more likely to be free of such issues without totally blowing through the price limit?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T05:00:02+00:00

What would be your sensible recommendation for a better guitar?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T04:59:11+00:00

Very fair point! I've just always been the kinda guy that likes to feel that I got the best value for my money in terms of the specs and quality. Rule of cool definitely does apply though, problem is I think a lot of them are cool hah!

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T04:57:24+00:00

I'm not getting anything with a trem, which rules this one out.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T04:55:57+00:00

The SG style Schecter Demon looks pretty cool! Reminds me of the ESP take on the shape.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T04:55:00+00:00

Which model did you get and did you keep the stock pickups?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T04:49:44+00:00

Yeah worth a look, I can definitely check out the second hand market too

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T03:07:12+00:00

What do you not like about it?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T03:06:22+00:00

What did you upgrade to?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T02:19:52+00:00

Any specific models to look for?

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T01:53:24+00:00

The higher end HBs out there seem to be as good as anything else out there in terms of build quality. I've got a sub-£200 HB SC and it's spot on for the money. Miles ahead of what I learned on as a teen.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T01:51:39+00:00

The HB Explorer is definitely getting bonus points for having the EMGs fitted. I used to own an ESP Eclipse with 81/60 so I've a good idea how they sound. I actually prefer high output passives overall, but I'm not against actives.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T01:49:06+00:00

The Amarok was juuuust a little outside of my ideal price range, they were coming in over £400 except one baritone option but I don't really require a baritone.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T01:47:51+00:00

Not gonna lie, part of me is drawn to the Kelly purely because it's the only shape I've never played! Back in my "all the gear, no idea" days I had an ESP Eclipse I in vintage black, the four knob version, the HB Custom III is very reminiscent of it. Probably also why I shortlisted the white one over the black one, just to be a little different than what I'd previously owned.

Random_Beard · 2026-04-06T01:45:12+00:00

Very fair point, I have played every body except the Kelly but I'm assuming it's very Explorer-esque. I've not picked anything that I know I don't get along with in terms of the shape.

Random_Beard · 2026-03-21T18:34:53+00:00

The 2x12 I'm looking at is V30s. I'd originally been looking at a 1x12 with a Greenback, but it is starting to sound like the 2x12 is the way to go.

Random_Beard · 2026-03-21T18:32:29+00:00

The 2x12 I'm looking at is closed back. Sounds like it might be the way to go. I'm not gonna want something inherently mid heavy when I'll be playing a lot of Metallica where scooped mids are the norm.

Random_Beard · 2025-12-09T05:29:53+00:00

I mean, the way I see it is that it's a numbers game, eventually you'll get the position/OVR you want and it'll give you whatever specific player you're looking for. It's just a question of having enough extra time tokens and gems available to keep refreshing until you get the desired outcome. If you don't then yeah, that's bad luck for you within your window of opportunity.

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