Looking what to buy as a first time electric guitar player

[left berry]

Hi everyone, my budget is around 400 maybe a little less, I am thinking of buying a Yamaha Pacifica and a Katana Mini as an amp. Is that a good combination? Should I get a different amp? Katana Mini is around 100 Euros where I'm from

[somber jewel]

The katana mini doesn't look exciting tbh. The Mini X looks more like it. Can't speak for the sound though, I've heard complaints about the regular mini.

[regal cave]

Well, as god, why not just get ALL the amps and guitars? 😆

Jokes aside though. The Yamaha 112 is a solid choice. Since you mentioned Euro, I would also suggest looking into Harley Benton, which is a Thomann house-brand. Excellent guitars for a cheap price.

As for the amp. Any practice amp for around 100 will be playable, but not great. The Katana mini is a good choice with that in mind.

Given that you are a beginner, I would actually suggest going the headphone amp or modeler route.

Headphone amp:
NUX Mighty Plug Pro

• many amp and cab models
• Can load IRs
• all the effects you need
• metronome
• drum machine
• tuner
• built-in interface for recording
• no other cables or gear required
• easy to use.

OR

Modeler
Valeton GP-50
*Everything mentioned above, but in a stomp-box format.

The only caveat with going this route is that you either have to play using headphones, or connect to any powered speaker (like those pill-box bluetooth speakers) you might have.

There are several benefits going with the headphone amp or floor modeler way over a traditional amp setup.

• Your parents/flatmates/family/and especially neighbours will love you, since you can practice anytime, anywhere without disturbing them
• Very easy to use, compact setup
• ability to play anytime, anywhere
• You have all the extra tools you need (metronome, drum machine, tuner) built in
• Can fit into your gig-bag easily, so it takes up less space than an amp and is easier to carry around.

There's only one drawback....
You have to use either headphones (which you probably already have), or use the aux port to connect to powered speakers.

Other than that, this beats a traditional practice amp setup as you have many more tonal choices for the same price as a practice amp, which you'll upgrade in less than a year anyway.

[left berry]

Hmm alright, also is the Pacifica good for stuff like Weezer to like stuff from Death (or just overall metal)

or do the models not really matter? (They probably do but I'm just curious)

[left berry]

And thank you

[left berry]

Hmm alright

[regal cave]

A guitar is a guitar... 6 strings around a plank of wood.
So you can play just about any style on it. 😉
The Pacifica is a well-rounded guitar. So you can play anything from AC/DC to Zeppelin without problems (other than skill level) on it. No worries there.

[left berry]

Alright thank you cause I've heard the stuff about humbuckers, single coils, and was kinda confused if those kind of guitars affected the type of sound I get

[somber jewel]

It makes sense to look at the type of pickups but it's not like anything is reserved for particular music

[regal cave]

Well, there's a small difference, but it's not like you absolutely need one type of guitar to play the music you mentioned.

Generally and very broadly speaking, a single-coil will have a more "sparkly/clean" mid-focused character, which is why it's preferred for certain genres of music.
The caveat is that single-coils do tend to be a bit noisier in general - particularly when played with distortion.
Humbuckers otoh, like the name suggests.... buck/subdue the hum, so they sound a bit less noisy when you use a lot of distortion.

There's a lot more to it than that, but that's the very broad way to look at it.

[left berry]

Alright, thank you, so just so I know the essential things to get are of course the guitar, the amp, the cable, anything else? (I've already played acoustic a while ago so I have stuff like capos, picks)

[regal cave]

Well, depends on which route you want to take.

IF you want to go with the Guitar + cheap practice amp route, then you'll need:

• Guitar
• Amp
• A/C Cable, since the Katana Mini does not come with it, I think (not sure, please do some research).
• Guitar cable
• Picks
• Tuner
• Metronome

Those are the very basics of what you'll need. Perhaps a guitar strap as well.

With the headphone amp/modeler route you'll just need some pics and a strap, if you want, and whatever headphones you already have lying around.
In the case of the floor modeler, you'll need a guitar cable as well.

Everything else is built-in already.

[left berry]

Hmm, so I get that getting a valeton gp50 is probably the best thing to do, since it has all those things built in, and I can play without disturbing my family

[regal cave]

The NUX has that as well.
Either one is a great choice. Depending on which form factor you prefer.

[left berry]

Hmm alright

Oh thats cool, I looked into the the nux and it has usb c, which is good cause I have gaming headphones, but I also have iems which I feel would give me a better sound quality

but the thing about iems is that theyre only usb c (atleast my model)

Anyways, thank you so much sir, I tried doing research myself but getting rapid responses from people who genuinely know what they are talking about is comforting (and very helpful trying to figure out what to buy)

[regal cave]

For the headphones you'll need something with a regular 3.5mm plug.
If your gaming headphones have that, the benefit of the NUX would be that it has TRRS output, meaning you can use your mic at the same time.

But you can't really go wrong with either. I have both (the NUX and the Valeton), and they're both quite amazing for their price.

[left berry]

Does the valeton have usb c aswell?

[regal cave]

Yes it does... but just like the NUX - not for headphones, but for connecting to a computer, yes.
Acutally, I've never tried connecting headphones to the USB-C jack of either unit, tbh... might work as well, actually. 🤔

[regal cave]

And no worries... ask if you have any questions. Getting started in this life-long journey is not easy, but it's a lot of fun. 👍

[graceful root]

seeing all this what do you think i should do.
im getting a pacifica 112V and lt25 mustang
should i go through one of these other routes?

my laptop is pretty weak if it needs software and that

[wintry maple]

I’ll add the hotone pulz mini to this (120usd)

[graceful root]

and i think? id rather go for an amp since its more traditional (and i have no good speakers)

and idk if if works on acoustics with an amp plug ( i have one of those)

[regal cave]

Depends on what you want to play.
The LT25 is a good amp - just not for Metal. If you play Rock, Jazz, Funk, etc. it's rather brilliant. But at high gain, the Katanas are arguably better.

As for the headphone amp or modeler route... They are always a better route UNLESS you do band-practice and there's no PA system or speakers / cabs available at the rehearsal space. THEN you do need an actual amp. In all other scenarios (practicing by yourself/recording/gigging), a good modeler or headphone amp gives you more tonal possibilities these days.

As for software and needing a computer/laptop. That's not really that important, since the difference between the modelers/headphone amps as opposed to interface + plugin route is that with a modeler you don't need a powerful computer at all... All of the processing happens in the unit, NOT in the computer.

As a matter of fact, you don't really need a computer at all for that route since everything is built in. For firmware updates and/or for recording, yes you do need to connect it to your computer, but it doesn't have to be that powerful at all, actually.

[left berry]

Alright I ordered the guitar just now, gonna buy the amp the day it arrives probably

[graceful root]

i only have 150 quid for an amp
I play indie, rock stuff like that.

tempted by the headphone amp / modeler since i aint in a band but i do want to practice by myself

[graceful root]

nice im getting the guitar for my bday

getting amp myself

150 quid budget as i already said

[left berry]

niceee

[regal cave]

It's the best route then. The MIghty Plug Pro is only 89 Euro, so it's quite cheap, but sounds bloody fantastic.

[left berry]

i decided to get pacifica in black (i know kind of basic but still haha), and im gonna get the valeton gp50

[regal cave]

Great choice!

[left berry]

Thank you once again youve helped me so much 😄

[graceful root]

whatts the difference between valeton gp50 and might plug pro

more whats the difference between headphone amp and modelers

[graceful root]

lmaoo im getting mine in vintage white cause its the cheapest

and i like white

[left berry]

i wanted the white too but it was a little more expensive (like 10 euros more) but i thought id dirty it up really quick, and black is a little less bright (a lot i should say)

[graceful root]

also issue is i dont have any good speakers and idk if my headphones are actually that good tbh

my headphones r astro a10

but i need the electric to sound well cause im hella demotivated to learn guitar on acoustic cause my music taste has changed drastically since i got it

[regal cave]

Basically, just the shape. Function-wise they're more or less the same.

A headphone amp you plug straight into your guitar, plug headphones into the unit, and then you can control it wirelessly via an app from your phone.
I has a built-in rechargeable battery, and since it plugs straight into your guitar, no other cables to worry about.

A modeler is the same thing, but you'll have to plug it into an outlet, and you'll need a guitar cable to connect to it, since it's more expandable, meaning you can easily connect other pedals to it.

The GP-50 does have a rechargeable battery as well though. Many floor modelers do not.

Function-wise they're pretty much the same though...
All modelers/headphone amps come with:

• Amp/cab sims
• a plethora of effects
• built-in tuner
• built-in metronome/drum machine
• sometimes a looper
• etc.

[graceful root]

so you have to plug the modeler into an outlet
does this charge it or mean u dont have to rely on the battery
and when u unplug it goes to battery or what

[regal cave]

@graceful root headphones do matter to an extend, but in the beginning, I wouldn't stress too much about it. Use whatever you have to get started. Later on you can upgrade to a better pair or get FRFR monitors if you want to get speakers.

[graceful root]

and how do they charge?

[graceful root]

frfr monitors?

[regal cave]

second one. If you plug it into an outlet you charge the unit at the same time. So when you unplug it, it switches to battery.

[graceful root]

oohh

you can connect headphones and that to the gp50 like the mighty plug pro or what?

wait but isnt it a bit far to do that

[graceful root]

how long does the plug pro take to charge? (and how do you charge it)
and does this one not have pedal support?

[regal cave]

Yep. The difference is that the headphone amp will be on your guitar, so the headphone cable doesn't have to be as long (since it's closer).
Depending on where you put the floor modeler, you might need to get an extension cable for the headphones - depending on where you're standing/sitting in relation to the unit.

[graceful root]

yeh cause my headphone cable is a disaster, it can barely cross my desk cause it folds over on itself

[regal cave]

The Mighty Plug Pro charges in about 40min or so from completely dead to fully charged. You charge it via USB-C any way you like.
While you can plug other pedals into the aux port, it is not built for directly connecting to other pedals.
It's not really necessary though, since it has plenty of built-in effects.

[graceful root]

🤑

i like the sound of 40 mins

issue is i have like

9 things to charge daily already

😭

how long does it last?

[regal cave]

Depends on how heavy you play. I use mine for practicing when my wife and kids are asleep already, and I usually practice for about 2hrs/day, and it's about half-charged when I'm finished. So I'd say the battery lasts a good 4hrs easily.

[graceful root]

and will either of them work on my acoustic

[wintry maple]

just play ur acoustic acoustically

[graceful root]

im just saying

if i wanna hook it to speakers

[regal cave]

If your acoustic is an acoustic-electric, then yes. If it doesn't have built-in electronics, then no.

[graceful root]

ye it is

its a cheap hb

[wintry maple]

if the speakers have a power amp yea

[graceful root]

d-120ce

[graceful root]

?

[wintry maple]

not all speakers are powerred if the speakers are powered u can use it to play ur acoustic through speakers

[graceful root]

same w electric?

[wintry maple]

yea

[graceful root]

also wdym by powered

[wintry maple]

if it functions on its own it is powered

[graceful root]

k

[wintry maple]

things like guitar cabs are passive or unpowered

they need a power amp to produce sound

pa speakers are pretty split between powered and unpowered depending on company and model

[graceful root]

still kinda confused

i know none of this terminology

like guitar cabs

[wintry maple]

if the speakers have a power switch they are powered

[graceful root]

ok

if they always need to be plugged in an outlet then they arent?

[wintry maple]

powered speakers still have to be pluged in or ran off battery

[graceful root]

right

[regal cave]

Is there an "On" and/or "Off" switch? If yes, then they are powered. If no, then they're not.

[graceful root]

right

[wintry maple]

unpowered means the speaker unit itself is not capable of producing sound

it needs an external device to drive the speakers

[graceful root]

k

[wintry maple]

a powered speaker means it is capable of driving itself

[regal cave]

☝️

[graceful root]

also odin's mane

cant you plug headphones in an amp?

[wintry maple]

some amps yea

alot dont sound the best when though headphones due to how the jack is wired but it does work

[graceful root]

cause my friends telling me modelers n headphone amps suck

[regal cave]

You can - depending on the amp. Yes.
You do usually have more tonal choices in a more compact unit with a modeler though.

[wintry maple]

low quality modelers can be not the best but modelers and headphones can be great

[regal cave]

Your friend doesn't know what s/he's talking about then. 😉

[graceful root]

idrc abt portability n that but like

is the lt25 mustang better than the headphgone amp / modeler u reccomended

[wintry maple]

depends what u want

[regal cave]

Depends on the usage scenario.

[wintry maple]

u could also check out the nux mighty 20

more or less take the software of the mpp and put it in an amp like the mustang

[graceful root]

so its just a physical version whereas the mpp is a virtual version

[regal cave]

@graceful root You can have a look here and do some research.
https://nuxaudio.com/products/amplifiers/electricguitaramps/

[graceful root]

nux mighty 20 mk 2?

[wintry maple]

the mighty 20 is an amp with a speaker the mighyt plug pro is the same software but designed as a unit that can fit in ur pocket and is intended for headphone use but can be used for other stuff

[wintry maple]

ye

[regal cave]

Nope. an Amp has a speaker. That's the only difference, really.
The main thing is the difference in size and output potential.

[graceful root]

and thaqt

are websites useless at putting price tags

[regal cave]

@wintry maple Cheers for jumping in here, man. Always appreciate your input, mate! 👍

[regal cave]

It's not a sales site. It's a product information site. They don't sell their products directly.

[wintry maple]

i was watching sense the beginning but i was in an ee lab learning about power amps

[graceful root]

right

[wintry maple]

just so happens my ee class this semester is based on amplification

[regal cave]

Sounds quite interesting! 👍

[wintry maple]

or atleast thats what the final project is it is circuts n what not obciously but the final project is a pre amp and power amp

[regal cave]

Ooooohhhh, that sounds excellent! Should be good fun. Is this for Uni, or just for shits and giggles (personal learning for fun)?

[wintry maple]

for college yea

[regal cave]

👍

[graceful root]

is this any good compared to 112V for indie, rock and indie rock
im trying to match tone of tame impala / djo for indie

https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_ja_60cc_lake_placid_blue.htm

[wintry maple]

It’s good

[graceful root]

or should i just get the 112V and get a jazzmaster or that in a few years

[wintry maple]

I can’t fully compare it to a 112 bc I own a hb but not a Yamaha like the Yamaha was nice when I played one but I don’t have enough experience over a long term test

[graceful root]

and what abt this?

[wintry maple]

Yamaha or hb are better

[graceful root]

kk

[graceful root]

have u had the ja-60CC or have tried it before?

[wintry maple]

No I own an sc 450 but the quality is comparable bc of price

[graceful root]

shame there isnt an improved version thats about 250

[wintry maple]

There isnt really anything that needs improving on the hb

Like u could upgrade tuners

And possibly some roller string trees but it is fine as is

[graceful root]

@regal cave your idea on this / any other reccomendations

[regal cave]

I would agree with Brassy here... While I'm generally quite in favour of Ibanez, but not the Gio-Series. HB and Yamaha are better for sure there. Above that, like the S-series... it's a different game.

I've not tried the Ja-60cc, so can't really comment on that particular one, but by now I've played several HBs for extended periods of time, and they've all been quite good, if not excellent for the price point.

[graceful root]

do you have any highlight guitars for around £250 or 270 euros

i just want stuff thats hassle free (so no quality issues from delivery) and can play a range of genres but is best at indie and rock type

[wintry maple]

For that price it would be pacificas and HBs

[regal cave]

Depends on style.
One of my go to recommendations is the HB SC Custom III Active WH. But that's a bit more.

Keep in mind that pretty much ALL guitars do need a bit of a setup out of the box, but it's not hard and once that's done, they're usually pretty fantastic.

For around 270 Euro or so, you really can't go wrong with the guitars you mentioned above. Style depends on the player a lot more than the guitar, and your first guitar most likely won't be your last, so I wouldn't stress too much about it at this point.

☝️

[graceful root]

wait neither

[regal cave]

@graceful root This one
https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_sc_custom_iii_active_wh.htm

[graceful root]

k

good for indie and rock right?

[regal cave]

Sure

[wintry maple]

I can also Rec the SC 450 and 550 in any variants if u prefer the 4 knob layout

[graceful root]

thats what im mainly looking for

im guessing graphite nut is better than synthetic or whatnot

[wintry maple]

Any guitar can do any genre it more so depends on ur amp

[regal cave]

☝️ Exactly!!!

[wintry maple]

The guitar is about feel

[graceful root]

k

[wintry maple]

Also sometimes vibes

[regal cave]

💯

[graceful root]

wouldnt p90's be better for indie tho

[wintry maple]

Indie is played on hum single and p 90

It is like one of the most common places to find all 3

[graceful root]

annoyingly thomann doesnt give demos

only for metal and that

[regal cave]

Do a YT search for that model you want and a keyword like Indie. I'm sure something will come up that shows you the sound in that genre.
Keep in mind though that your gear won't be same as theirs, so sound-samples are an approximation, but don't expect to sound exactly the same, unless you have the exact same recording conditions, if you know what I mean.

[graceful root]

yea

[graceful root]

do you think the passive version is better?
it has coil split

https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_sc_custom_iii_vbk.htm?offid=1&affid=3482

[regal cave]

Might be. For what I play, I would prefer active pickups, but for more tonal variety, a coil split might be better for you. 👍

[graceful root]

i dont know what any of this means to be honest with u

[regal cave]

No worries... that's to be expected at the beginning.
Do some research. Best way to find out. 😉

[graceful root]

ill also js settle on the lt25

[regal cave]

👍

[graceful root]

now deciding between active and passive

ngl i might go passive

i like coil split idea

more versatility

[graceful root]

im correct abt this

passive doesnt need batteries

right?

[regal cave]

Correct 👍🏻

[long gust]

bruh

i aint even reading the replies