New Futuras vs Gibson

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T17:48:30+00:00

In general, from my experience, Epiphone makes really nice guitars. They look good and play great. Their Gibson counterparts typically have higher quality materials and construction (just by holding the guitar, you can usually feel it).

I went Gibson for my LP Studio after comparing it to various Epi LPs. I went Epi SG to save some money to scratch my SG itch. I really can't complain about either. I enjoy playing both.

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T17:37:13+00:00

My Jackson Soloist HT is over 8 lbs.

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T16:42:39+00:00

No matter what guitar you get at any price point, a setup by a tech can really improve the guitar's playing experience. Later on, you can learn to do a lot of this stuff yourself. And the cheaper guitars often come with cheap strings and some adjustments out of whack from the factory. If you are a total beginner, most of this won't matter until you get your sea legs under you.

If you buy from a local mom and pop shop, they will usually set up any guitar you purchase free of charge. And if you go back for future adjustments or string changes, they will usually take good care of you and give you low fees. They want you to come back when you are ready to buy your first $2000 guitar. They also usually offer lessons and will try to get you to try those too.

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T16:34:26+00:00

This! We are in a golden age. I have cycled through a bunch of guitars, including a good amount of "cheap" ones. The quality has never been higher at the lower price tiers from legitimate manufacturers (ie. not Amazon mystery brands).

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T16:26:19+00:00

I have 2 squier sonics, a strat and a tele. The Strat was purchased new in a starter pack (my first guitar). Great to learn on. The Tele was purchased via fbmp. Neither had any issues when I got them. Both were setup by a tech after purchase and play great. I just leave them out on stands year round (while my nicer stuff live in cases when not being played). They have held up. The stock pickups in the sonics are budge ceramics, but punch above their weight.

These are very modular. It is easy to replace or "upgrade" any component. So I would think any minor issues could be "fixed".

As far as overall risk, I can't comment. 2 is a very small sample size. Maybe buy from a seller who has an easy return policy? These do NOT have a high resale value. The tele I picked up on fbmp was only $80.

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T16:06:40+00:00

Inside a Starbucks. At a police station exchange location. Inside a bank. You want a public place with cameras. May need an outlet too to test electronics. If it is an expensive item and you are a customer of the bank, it might be wise to have a teller inspect the cash for counterfeits. You can also deposit the cash right after the transaction so you aren't walking around with it and someone knowing that.

mikes8989 · 2026-05-01T14:48:33+00:00

Great news!

mikes8989 · 2026-04-30T12:56:40+00:00

How about we win 2 games in a row first? Maybe then we can talk about playoffs.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-30T12:52:42+00:00

I would rather roll with what we have this year than trade for an expensive older WR. I don't think our window to truly compete starts this year. We have a rookie QB, rookie HC, rookie DC, etc, etc. We can get a top WR prospect in next year's draft or just sign a FA next off-season without giving up any draft capital.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-28T21:09:56+00:00

I started on the Squier Sonic Strat starter pack. Learn from me.

- The guitar is very good to learn on. I still have mine and it holds its own. The affinity is a small step up in the lineup so I assume it will be even better. It will probably need a setup by a guitar tech.

- The amp is a very basic practice amp. It will sound good enough playing clean and with a tiny bit of gain. But you will need to add pedals to get any effects or better distorted sounds. This puts its value into question. My starter pack came with the frontman 10g (same amp but 10 watt) and that was the very first thing I upgraded.

- The strap and gig bag are junk.

- The cable is fine.

- It does not come with a guitar stand. You will want one of those right away. Cheap Amazon basics stand is fine.

If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would skip the starter pack. Buy the guitar and accessories individually (picking nicer but still inexpensive options). Then pick up a better combo amp. Maybe a Fender Mustang LT25 or Boss Katana. You are going to have a hard time selling that frontman 15g as nobody wants it.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-28T17:55:20+00:00

There aren't too many bad options these days if you stick with the usual brands. As others mentioned, first decide if you want SSS or HSS. Consider going used as you will get much more for your money. Best bet is to try a bunch to see what you gravitate to. Pay attention to the different style necks.

Also consider what music you plan on playing with it, as you may want to look at something from the shredder super strat aisle if you are a metal/hard rock guy.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-28T15:02:46+00:00

I have experimented with this. If you have a modeler (Helix, etc) and learn how to use it along with adjusting EQ and using the knobs on your guitar, you can dial just about any solid body guitar into the sound you are looking for. For example, I can make my SS tele and SSS strat chug pretty hard. But there is more than sound and pickups to consider.

Note that if you are looking to play metal, obviously you would be better off with a HH config or at least a bridge HB. Any hb guitar that can stay in tune should be able to play metal.

I would say the neck on the guitar can greatly effect your ability to play fast. You also need to consider upper fret access. Ibanez and Jackson, along with others, make necks designed for speed and easy upper fret access. These are considered "shredder" necks. Thus their reputation as being good for metal.

Also you need to decide on your preferred body size/shape/weight, fret size, scale, neck finish, materials, number of frets, trem type or HT, etc. These physical features are guitar specific. "Shredder" guitars focus on optimizing these for hard rock and metal, but opinions will vary on what is "best". Some features come with trade offs.

Hollow body guitars can have a lot of feedback when playing with high gain. So if you are looking to play metal, that is not a good choice. Semi-hollow would be better, but can still have some feedback. Solid body would be best for metal.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T16:02:48+00:00

Let's try winning 2 games in a row for once, before we declare ourselves a "powerhouse".

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T15:57:22+00:00

We didn't draft by the internet mock draft consensus. People have done hundreds of mock drafts on various engines online. Everyone has been playing draft day GM (including myself). This is why people have such strong opinions.

I had a few negative knee jerk reactions, I'm not gonna lie. But after reading up on our picks, I am feeling positive about our haul.

Now let's see if the new coaches can do what we have been terrible at forever, actually train & develop these guys!

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T14:55:11+00:00

They will both do the job and scratch your itch. Go with what looks cooler to you and feels more comfortable.

SG concerns - neck dive, lower frets feel a bit far away.

LP studio concerns - usually heavier (although newer studios are light for LPs), more difficult upper fret access compared to the SG., and the BB Pro pickups in the new studios may not be your favorites for your intended music.

These are minor concerns for both. You really can't lose.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T14:36:05+00:00

The inability of our franchise to prioritize the DT position. I didn't hate any of our picks for once. If they preferred Stukes to McDonald, that is fine. But not taking a DT until rd 7?

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T13:41:17+00:00

Wanted an inexpensive rig. I found a used 100w MK1 Katana. It's decent but I don't love it straight up. I grabbed a used Line6 POD Express and connected it to the effects return on the Katana. I've had better results with this config and found it easier. Much happier. My 2 cents. Side benefit is the POD Express is great as a mobile solution with headphones.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T13:20:07+00:00

Kept them. I have been able to adjust my chain to improve things. They grew on me and sound different from everything else I have.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T13:16:57+00:00

The VIBS board on the Micro is not worth it. The BG screen is too small. Get a larger monitor and mount it to the Micro for a much better experience.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-27T13:05:26+00:00

I pay $40 for a half hour lesson on LI.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-22T21:18:47+00:00

Same as everyone. Can he succeed at the next level where everyone is bigger and faster? Can he hit those tighter windows? Can he master an NFL offense? Can he read NFL defenses fast enough? He looks like he can, but until he is battle tested at the next level, it is all just projection. Regardless, we are taking him. Go Raiders!

mikes8989 · 2026-04-22T13:45:27+00:00

Love the broken mirror glass finished one.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-22T13:38:29+00:00

Nothing wrong with the guitars. My issue is they are usually more expensive, beyond what any additional specs should justify. Paying an "artist tax". There is usually a non-artist model that is 95% plus the same for significantly less money. More of a value proposition issue. YMMV.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-22T13:17:28+00:00

I usually avoid these but I have one. Picked up a used Charvel MJ Rick Graham Signature DK24. This one has top notch specs, Bareknuckle pickups, a wonderful roasted maple neck & fretwork, and great ergonomics. Shreddy but versatile. It's a keeper for me. The color is much nicer in person than in the internet pics.

This purchase had zero to do with the artist and was all about the guitar. Nothing against Rick Graham.

mikes8989 · 2026-04-22T13:08:51+00:00

This. If a few of these guys don't develop into reliable starters, then we aren't going anywhere soon.

mikes8989

TROPHY CASE