Sub-$500 deals

Alrighty! Some of us might have begun doing a to-check list for the year end acquisition. Many of us might look at the $500 mark as a reasonable reference in an attempt not to get carried away especially when what we are after is simply a good starter or that elusive budget second guitar. So here's a consideration list for your reference based on whatever are available at the shops:

Yamaha Pacifica 212

Not the go-to name for many of us in terms of guitars, more for motorbikes & stuff but this name is an industry standard. They were once a force to reckon with but sadly, the perpetual focus wasn't there but lately, there's a Pacifica revival of sorts & the 212 is my recommendation based on good playability & overall QC-price ratio. Pickups are hit/miss, you just have to hear them in action but a good amp will do the trick.

Swing S100 Plus

Much overlooked, the Swing Strat-type models have much to offer in terms of good tones, yes, even the default pickups sound very acceptable. The overall playability is one of the best as far as an obscure brand name is concerned but let's acknowledge the fact that they are quite the reference back in their home turf- Korea. I've nothing but good things to say about the S100 Plus- get over the headstock outline & get this player for some serious guitar-ing.

Schecter Omen 6 Extreme

They re-vamped the Omen range not too long ago & the Extreme models were included, offering a bit more flash & quality but still keeping things under the $500 mark. If you have rock or some distortion oriented music going & looking for a dedicated instrument to tool up your needs so to speak, the Schecter name is one to check out. They are dangerously flirting with the Ibanez & Jackson competition here but somehow, I feel they can stand their ground. They even offer above-average in-house pickups if swapping them out isn't your thing (you can't hear the difference coming from replacement units, we understand).

LTD ST-213

This is easy- LTD offerings are agreeable guitars. If you are good to go, check out anything in the Series 200 range (& above) because that's the start of some serious quality for the money. This is also another incredibly overlooked brand name despite its parent brand, ESP, being top contenders in terms of contemporary guitar offerings. What I like about the LTDs- they are able to pull off (no pun intended) some singing tones with a decent amp. Yes, your amp need not be stellar but that helps if you can spare some... em... cash :-)

Ibanez RG421EX

Despite being a big Ibanez fan, I'm a little desensitized by this brand name- whatever they have to offer, it's highly likely to be a variation of a covered theme. However, I'm not denying the fact that they are getting things right at the entry level & propagating these ideas into some midrange models (will be discussed at a later opportunity). The RG421EX here is an example. The manufacturer 'polished' this guitar in terms of a quality finish & a more acceptable set of default humbuckers. The neck profile had been the manufacturer's niche all along but for this 421, they feel more attractive in terms of the urge to speed things up a little despite not being the revered Super Wizard make.That body binding (faux, I know)- class.

PRS SE Singlecut 245
However, my utmost satisfaction in this category has to be the PRS SE 245. Many people (skeptics, really...) dismissed it for its Indonesian pedigree (it used to be Korean) saying PRS hit a new low this year by forgoing its Korean reputation & embracing cost cutting instead. However, a personal encounter revealed the contrary; the 245 is pure quality at a bargain price. The default humbuckers may not be your thing but they are way more appealing than many in-house models in budget guitars. The overall feel of this one is very appealing & that heftiness just adds incredible sustain to proceedings- highly recommended.