The Glade 4.0

But I forget who? I know several of you play so I guess its a question for all.

I am finding myself still searching for the right guitar. I just can't see spending a huge sum of money on something I am bad at. But if I don't buy something of decent quality Ill never play it. My guitar is a 17 year old Epiphone em1 and the hardware is all but useless. Pots don't function, switch is broken and the tuners are so loose I can't even move the guitar without it coming out of tune. I almost bought an Epiphone Prophesy but wasn't sure I needed to spend that kind of money. I recall someone here saying that they had an Agile and liked it. Watched a few Youtube comparisons between the A3000 and a Les Paul standard and was pretty impressed.

The one Im looking at is the 3000 I think? Do you prefer the slim neck or regular neck? Would someone who sucks really care about a feature like that?

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Have you considered doing your own repairs to your em1? You don't mention if you like the feel of it, if so why not repair it? On the other hand, if you don't like the way it handles, then repairing it is a non-starter, but just a thought.

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I don't know much about electric guitar models. I do however think that neck profile is very important. Many people don't realize how much it affects playability, hand fatigue, etc..

Unfortunately, you have to spend a LOT of money (i.e. custom shop stuff) to get customized neck profiles.

I highly suggest going in to a local guitar center, or any other music store you can find, and play as many guitars as you can. Consider comfort and playability as the most important criteria. Even try some expensive guitars of different models, just to get a feel for them. Figure out what you like, and what you like about it.

I'd also suggest not worrying so much about the electronics, etc.. as those can be upgraded/repaired. You do want the guitar to be easy to play and comfortable, or you won't want to play it.

String guage, intonation, etc.. will all affect the playability of a guitar. You can find lots of youtube videos on how to propertly set up a guitar (bridge, intonation, etc...)

Also, the state of the economy makes this a great time to get a good deal on musical instruments, particularly used instruments. If you have a music store that has consignment sales, or deals in used stuff, it's definitely worth looking into.

Be careful buying used instruments on ebay or craigslist. There are a lot of people selling unplayable guitars out there.

Edit: If shoddy electronics is the only problem with your existing guitar, as Shuyung said, that can be resolved, either by yourself if you are inclined, or by a guitar tech. Would probably be a lot cheaper than buying a new guitar.

Edit2: Sorry about ignoring your original question. I'm not familiar with the Agile guitar, so I can't give any useful info there.

I have an agile AL-3100 and I like it.

I did have the electronics replaced and new pickups put in but that's only cause I'm OCD about that sort of thing.

This thing is heavy, it's a beast, and all the hardware is really nice on it. Playability is pretty good.

Ordering a guitar online always sucks cause it's way better to play it to make sure it feels right in your hands.

You will probably wanna pay a pro to setup the guitar as even the best setup guitar will go out of whack when shipped across the US, especially with winter temps.

The company is pretty good about returns just send an e-mail and they will happily refund or exchange your guitar if you ship it back to 'em.


Anyways yeah, I have one and I like it. If you're a beginner you might prefer the slimmer neck profile because it'll be easier to reach your hands around, but really that depends on the size of your hands. It's really just best to try out a guitar in person before you buy. I recommend checking out what Ibanez has to offer. The RG321 (which I also own) feels DAMN good in the hands but the pickups aren't as good sounding as the stock pickups of the Agile (which I recommend replacing with what you want anyways). Ibanez S Series is awesome, too.

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Ron Paul 2012

I like solid bodies for their weight and feel, but everyone should at least try a Les Paul once. I don't like Ibanez necks, their D rocker necks are too flat and wide. Jackson necks on their non-custom shops feels more like a C shape, a bit narrower, a tad deeper so it fits in your hand better, but still plays very fast.

BC Rich also makes decent necks. Rosewood or Ebony are the best feel, IMO, and give me real pearl inlays or nothing.

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"It's real, grew up in trife life, the times of white lines
The hype vice, murderous nighttimes and knife fights invite crimes" - Nasir Jones

I guess the reason I don't want to replace the guts of my current guitar is that I would like something with a little more overall quality. Not to mention the price of replacing all the electronics, tuners etc wouldn't be much less than an Agile. I also can't stand the damn reverse headstock.

Nev, how long did yours take to arrive?

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Hmmm I wanna say about 3 days or so iirc.

I definitely recommend checking out a local store and just feeling up some Ibanez's and compare 'em to an Agile if you end up going with them...I think they allow you 5 days to send it back to 'em for refund. But yeah, those Agile's are great if you want a high quality low priced Les Paul clone.

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Ron Paul 2012

Did you swap out the default electronics for active stuff?

Looks like active hardware is the only difference with the Epi I was looking at:

Epiphone Prophecy

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Well this is just too damn pretty.

http://www.rondomusic.com/product2531.html

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Score!

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Looks nice, man! How does it play / sound for you?


I actually swapped the pickups out for passive pickups...Seymour Duncans. Went with a JB / Jazz combo, because that's what Adam Jones of Tool uses, and I'm a big fan, so I figured it'd be a good place to start.....but the stock pickups in the AL-3000s and AL-3100 are good stuff so unless you for some reason don't like that sound or would prefer a specific pickup I wouldn't bother replacing 'em.

It's really just a preference thing...though you'll notice a lot of the modern metal types prefer active pickups, and generally more of the classic rockers prefer the passive. That seems to be the trend, anyways...


I am thinkin about gettin some kind of piezo pickup for my electric so I can get clean acoustic-like sounds from it. Maybe something that is removeable so I can also clip it onto an acoustic guitar as well...

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Ron Paul 2012

Guitar Pr0n! AWESOME ! =)

It sounds bloody fantastic! I forgot how nice it was to be able to use the switches/vol/tone on a guitar.. haha! And it sounds so much more full than my old Epiphone.

I'll probably stick with the stock pups for awhile. I have been thinking about a new pedal though..lol It never ends!

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.