I’m looking for a starter electric guitar, and I’ve narrowed it down to two I really like. So my question is which one do you guys think is better; the Fender Starcaster Strat Guitar Pack, or the Ibanez IJX30 Jumpstart Metalpak?
Fender:
http://www.target.com/dp/B000VOADMU/sr=1-1/qid=1243633946/ref=sr_fkmr_txt_1_1/191-3124332-6922508?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k:fender%20squier&page=1
Ibanez:
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-IJX30-Electric-Guitar-Pack?sku=517552
Well, what kind of music will you be playing?
Generally, for heavy metal, you’ll want Ibanez. That’s what I play, and I have an Ibanez ARX, which is a mid model. I love the sound I get from it.
The Fender however will generally be more versatile. It’s based off the Stratocaster, which is used in all different types of music, from pop to blues, to rock. I’m not crazy about the sound though.
Alternatively, you could buy an Epiphone Les Paul, which is made by Gibson, and should be around the same price. It has the versatility of the Fender, but has a much better sou in my opinion.
For the value and quality, you are better off with the Starcaster. Just change the strings that come with it and tell the guy to install .009 extra light Ernie Balls. The strings that come with are garbage.
But if you replace with what I tell you, it will improve the tone and the guitar will be easier to play suck as finger-tap, bends, hammer-ons , pull-offs etc.
The Ibanez you suggest is garbage. I tried it. Ibanez make good higher end guitars but for what you are asking, get the Fender. You won’t regret it.
Hey:
I would lean heavily towards the Ibanez package. First thing, the “starcaster” is exclusive only to department stores. Ive yet to see any music store carry them. You would be hard pressed to get a department store salesman to change strings on it. As far as versatility goes, a “Strat” style guitar is better than the Ibanez you have listed. That one seems like its more of an instrument geared towards “metal”.
Here’s a link for a MUCH better guitar than the “starcaster”, and only 30 bucks more.
http://www.zzounds.com/item–SQU301600
Your local Guitar Center should also carry this package.
Hope this has helped!