HOT! Great beginner electric guitars!!!

[dealwhore]

A company OLP produces these 'replicas' of the ErnieBall Musicman series guitar. According to their site they are an Ernie Ball licensed product. These guitars are based off the Van Halen Ernie Ball Musicman guitars of the early-mid 90s. I havent seen these guitars up close however people who purchased them gave them rave reviews. Prices range from around $200-500 which is fabulous for what you're getting. Here is one listed at 33% off on musciansfriend.com http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/OLP-MM1-Electric-Guitar?sku=516000

I posted this because there was a Long and Mcquade thread several weeks back and several members seemed interested in purchasing electric guitars. The company site is http://www.olpguitars.com/. I believe you can purchase directly from them.

Here are a few pictures of the guitar:
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/1/4/492514.jpg
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?cpd=0OEY&doc_id=99371&g=guitar&base_pid=516072&index=1
http://www.olpguitars.com/images/lrg_mmfloyd.jpg
http://www.olpguitars.com/images/detail_lrg_mm1-gold.jpg
http://www.olpguitars.com/images/lrg_mm1_gold.jpg

Here is the ORIGINAL that Van Halen used (several thousand dollar price range):http://www.wolfgangguitars.com/MM%20Trans%20black%20-%20top%202.jpg
http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/luke99/evh_longr21111.jpg

[jdewit]

Still waiting for my Zak Wylde guitar :(



:lol:

[dealwhore]

Still waiting for my Zak Wylde guitar :(



:lol:

LOL I know of that guitar. It's from some site where you had to purchase some other junk. The build quality is not too good. The OLP is backed by Ernie ball, one of the best guitar makers out there. It has also received VERY high marks by people all over the world. I wouldn't mind getting one on account of looks alone. I doubt i'd replace my $2200 jackson soloist with it but it does look VERY cool.

[Skidz]

Still waiting for my Zak Wylde guitar :(



:lol:

e|- - -| b|- - -| g|- 8- | d|- - -| a|- - -| e|- - -| :cheesygri

[dealwhore]

There's even a left-handed version, crazy! I checked out this review too; i have yet to read a poor review on these guitars. I wish i could find one locally i may have to go to bellingham or seattle to test one out because the reviews on such a cheap guitar seem almost too good to be true. I did however find thishttp://reviews.photoweborama.com/guitarmwr/olpmm1f.html

I found a sound clip of a dude playing the olp mm1 http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=978987&T=2341

Found this place in Canada, free shipping and 30 day refund/price protection. Guitar is $250, have green quilt or tobacco sunburst colours left. http://www.lamusic.ca/default.asp?szNav=Product&PID=960#

[Stock R]

Hmm. I on the other hand have read some bad reviews on OLP products concerning their basses. While they are licensed by EB, it seems the build quality on their guitars can vary by quite a bit. I've been keeping my eye on them since they're about to release their dual humbucker stingray models.

Anyone interested in purchasing an OLP, I would suggest going to a music store first to see what kind of quality they're like first before ordering from a place like musiciansfriend.

As usual, I will recommend www.rondomusic.net for a good and cheap guitar. You will need a US address to get your best bang for buck though.

[Topher]

These are most likely "farmed out" to an offshore manufacturer, and while some can be very good, others may not be. Many times, they are produced in different factories each time a run is made, so unless they have a longstanding deal with one factory, it could be a YMMV. I've never put my hands on one of these, so I can't say for sure, but it sounds like one of those kinds where you will want to actually test out the one you are buying first.

[skunizzi]

Don't, I repeat don't buy a guitar based on looks. You need to pick it up and play the darn thing to know if it is what you are looking for. I played 10 different Fender Sratocasters before I picked the one I liked and they all felt different and played different.

There are many nice LOOKING guitars out there that sound like crap! Don't get fooled. And one other thing, you may spend more on a brand name like Fender, Gibson, PRS ect. but you won't loose as much when you sell it compaired to a no name brand that nobody knows.


Just my 2 cents...

[dealwhore]

Most, if not ALL of what you guys are saying is pretty much common knowledge. Yes, as with MOST guitars under the $500 there will be SOME variability. From all the reviews I've read on this guitar, the build quality far exceeds what you'd expect for a guitar of this price - that speaks volumes! I'd like to try one of these guitars unfortunately none of the local shops here in Vancouver that i know carry OLP.

Yes, I know the company is LICENSED BY ErnieBall; nobody said ErnieBall made them however they do get their seal of approval which DOES say a lot seeing as that ErnieBall is a HIGHLY reputable company that would never want to endorse something which could potentially tarnish their name. I suggest you people invest a little time in research to avoid such knee-jerk reactions.

This would appear to be an EXCELLENT choice for a beginner onwards. The materials are decent, it has a nice finish (photo-top) and actually for around an extra $100 you can get the mm1F which has an ORIGINAL floyd rose bridge AND maple neck and headstock! In fact, many of the reviewers claim to own the original Axis or Music Man guitars AND the OLP - they make statements that the build quality is VERY similar - very impressive but I can't substantiate such claims myself at the time, unfortunately.

I've been through a lot of high-end pro grade equipment over the years, I'd definitely take my chances on one of these guitars over anything else mentioned on this board. Just take a look at some of the aforementioned links I posted. YOU WILL discover that most everyone who owns one of these guitars have nothing put praise for this axe - many are still incredulous when it comes to the price (bang for you buck value). Go read some more objective reviews too , you'll be shocked at what people have to say about this particular OLP guitar. I might just get one myself!(even though I don't need it and have several axes well over $1000).

For $200-250 (mm1 series) I doubt you'll find a better guitar, though as I said earlier, I WOULD like to give one a whirl.

Incidentally you can find several youtube clips of people playing on this particular guitar as well as the little sample I posted above.

Enjoy!

[dealwhore]

Don't, I repeat don't buy a guitar based on looks. You need to pick it up and play the darn thing to know if it is what you are looking for. I played 10 different Fender Sratocasters before I picked the one I liked and they all felt different and played different.

There are many nice LOOKING guitars out there that sound like crap! Don't get fooled. And one other thing, you may spend more on a brand name like Fender, Gibson, PRS ect. but you won't loose as much when you sell it compaired to a no name brand that nobody knows.


Just my 2 cents...


http://www.mtl4less.com
100% Free classifed ads ~ Buy and sell musical equipment

Nothing to do with looks actually...If you did any research as made available in my post, you'd know better! FYI, it's widely known that Fender is producing mostly junk these days (particularly items like their mexi strat). OLP is building a reasonably large fanbase in the US (which matters more). Further, OLP is BC RICH.

[dealwhore]

These are most likely "farmed out" to an offshore manufacturer, and while some can be very good, others may not be. Many times, they are produced in different factories each time a run is made, so unless they have a longstanding deal with one factory, it could be a YMMV. I've never put my hands on one of these, so I can't say for sure, but it sounds like one of those kinds where you will want to actually test out the one you are buying first.

Of course they are! Most guitars are! LOL

THey' are silly! Actually they are made in China though the build quality is comparable to anything Korean.

[Topher]

Of course they are! Most guitars are! LOL

THey' are silly! Actually they are made in China though the build quality is comparable to anything Korean.

But some of the guitars that are farmed out, are made by reputable firms, and are always made there, instead of each batch coming from a different place.

Offshore Washburns (not the US Custom shop stuff), Cort, and Schecter all come from the same Korean factory, and they ALWAYS come from there, so they are consistent in build. (Whether or not you like them is another thing). I still find the Korean made guitars to be better built than any of the ones coming from China. This, however, is only based on my personal experience.

Samick and Jay Turser are two examples of lower end electrics that are made in different factories all the time. I have found some that played beautifully and were well worth the money, and others that were a pile of junk, sitting side by side. There was no consistency even with the exact same modle and colour!

Bottom line - play it first. If you find one you like, buy it.

[alkapone]

Soooo true every guitar/instrument is different. Buying without trying is tricky. You must put it thru its paces...and there are many. Guitar string buzz can be very irritating. Big name doesn't always mean 'excellence'. Just look at some of the Martins out there. They seem so flimsy and the sound?? many need a lot of work to work properly.
Also note that it is very difficult for stores to keep guitars stringed ....humidity...peoples sweaty fingers...etc.

From the reviews I would consider an OLP....prob sell for the price paid if I did not like it. I play mainly country...rock 'n roll...bluegrass.

I just picked up a mandolin from MF..approx $88 CDN...Rogue...Deal of the day. I have not played with it yet .... not expensive to try out.

[Spare-Flair]

I'd never buy a guitar online without trying it first in real life.

Also, I don't believe in the concept of beginner guitars. They are a total waste of money. If you think you want to play guitar, go for the best right away. It will make you a better player with less frustration trying to get your guitar mechanics and tuning right, or struggling with poor fit and finish...and right into actually play. And if it turns out you don't want to keep playing, you can sell back to the market and break even or even make a profit if you are smart about it.

$300-$500 USD is NOT the price range for a beginner guitar. A true beginner guitar in my mind would be a throwaway like the ones you can buy at Wal-Mart or Liquidation World for $99 CAD. For $300-$500 USD, you can get a decent used to new Mexican Stratocaster. For $200, you can get a decent Jackson, Ibanez, Fernandes, etc. I would never shell out $300-$500 USD for any guitar potentially made in China. Keep in mind that a beginner player also has to afford an amp and effects. Without a decent amp that goes well with your guitar and style of playing, even the best guitar is almost useless.

BTW, do you know what OLP stands for? OFFICIALLY LISCENSED PRODUCT.

"Hey Joe, I got a new guitar!"
"Yeah? What kind is it?"
"It's...uhh...made by officially liscensed product!"

:) :) :)

That said, Harmony Central seems to have some good reviews of OLP products. Just trust me and don't buy a $300-$500 USD guitar online unless you find them in a store and can try them out. I'm just saying, this is the furthest from a hot deal I've seen in a while. It's practically frigid and frought with dangers for the buyer.

Nothing to do with looks actually...If you did any research as made available in my post, you'd know better! FYI, it's widely known that Fender is producing mostly junk these days (particularly items like their mexi strat). OLP is building a reasonably large fanbase in the US (which matters more). Further, OLP is BC RICH.

I find this quote pretty uninformed or baseless. Do you have any evidence of Mexi-Strats being garbage? They are pretty much universally acclaimed as being good mid-range price guitars that are desired by many players. How is OLP BC RICH? I'm not doubting that OLP are decent (perhaps even fantastic) guitars but you seem to be ramming them down our throats in this thread for some reason like you have some hidden stake in the business.

[dealwhore]

Also, I don't believe in the concept of beginner guitars. They are a total waste of money.
So, just out of curiousity, do you tell those new to the guitar and on a constrained budget to suck-it-up and buy the best? There is no sense to such logic (or illogic).Many people are on constrained budgets and cannot justify forking out a lot of money for a hobby they MAY NOT BE even 100% sure to begin with.


If you think you want to play guitar, go for the best right away. It will make "you a better player with less frustration trying to get your guitar mechanics and tuning right, or struggling with poor fit and finish...and right into actually play. And if it turns out you don't want to keep playing, you can sell back to the market and break even or even make a profit if you are smart about it.
Actually, I'll agree with you here, partially.

You see, there is also the argument that those new to guitar should learn on a fixed or 'non-floating' floyd-style trem simply due to the detuning nature of floating bridges which can frustrate a novice/beginner who has yet to learn proper form (and may take several months to a year to learn so). From what I've READ, many novice to intermediate level guitars derive much pleasure in playing such an instrument - in fact, some go father saying that they much prefer this guitar over their substantially more expensive models however I can't substantiate this with any personal claims, of course.

$300-$500 USD is NOT the price range for a beginner guitar. A true beginner guitar in my mind would be a throwaway like the ones you can buy at Wal-Mart or Liquidation World for $99 CAD. For $300-$500 USD, you can get a decent used to new Mexican Stratocaster."
Again, you're misinformed and evidentially you didn't read the entire post. To THOSE who did, they'd take notice of the fact that this guitar can be purchased, shipping included for $250 Canadian.

For $200, you can get a decent Jackson, Ibanez, Fernandes, etc. I would never shell out $300-$500 USD for any guitar made in China...
Actually, this is false. You see, I've owned several jacksons over the years including my current soloist pro series (well over $2000) and DNKY models. There is no such thing as a $200cnd Jackson. To my knowledge they start at around $450-500 and upwards. Ibaneza t $200? Possibly, I don't know but sounds dubious.

...Keep in mind that a beginner player also has to afford an amp and effects. Without a decent amp that goes well with your guitar and style of playing, even the best guitar is almost useless.

As a general rule, beginners shouldn't use effects, particularly modulation and distortion effects- Best way for a beginner to improve is to play CLEAN, at least during practice until the concept/technique is mastered. You made the statement earlier that a beginner should purchase the BEST guitar he/she could afford as a means of motivation - what about the utility of learning? I mean, implying that a beginner should jump into effects is kind of contrary to becoming a good player.

BTW, do you know what OLP stands for? OFFICIALLY LISCENSED PRODUCT.
Actually, OLP is produced by BC Rich guitars. OLP is a registered trademark and LICENSED under the ErnieBall name. Again, I don't see your point.

I believe your entire thread is an ad-hominen attack; you're dismayed at the fact that I had some less-than-favorable comments towards the Fender Mexi Strat. If you own one of these guitars, it doesn't imply that all other so-called beginner guitars are inadequate. Your entire post is full of innacuraces and misinformation. This is by no means an attack on your personally although it seems that you've misconstrued my comments as such. I am simply correcting many of the fallacies in your statements so others will avoid falling under the impression that there is some truth to this malarkey.

That said, Harmony Central seems to have some good reviews of OLP products. Just trust me and don't buy a $300-$500 USD guitar online unless you find them in a store and can try them out. I'm just saying, this is the furthest from a hot deal I've seen in a while. It's practically frigid and frought with dangers for the buyer.
I agree with you on this statement. For discerning tastes, i highly recommend playing one of these guitars before buying. However, most beginners and peoplein the price range for this instrument aren't entirely picky about various nuances of their guitar. They will develop more discerning tastes with time, provided they feel that guitar is something they want to continue learning. If not, at least these guitars are nice enough to provide as lovely decor(they are rather good looking!)!!! :)


I find this quote pretty uninformed or baseless. Do you have any evidence of Mexi-Strats being garbage?
Well...yeah! I've played many of them! Necks are uncomfortable, pickups are weak and muddy. I don't like them but that shouldn't sway you from liking yours.

They are pretty much universally acclaimed as being good mid-range price guitars that are desired by many players.
Sorry, but I don't know of any reputable players who push mexi strats - they've become a bit of a running joke in the guitar industry as being sub par.


...I'm not doubting that OLP are decent guitars but you seem to be ramming them down our throats in this thread for some reason like you have some hidden stake in the business.

Not at all. I am excited about these guitars based on REVIEWS and the fact that it looks to be a nice, affordable alternative to the highly sought-after and WELL REPUTED Ernie Ball MusicMan Axis and Erni Ball Music Man EVH Guitars of the early 90s.

[dougi3000]

need a cheap amp please

[dealwhore]

need a cheap amp please

Depends on what you're looking for. For 2 channel amp with decent distortion, checkout Randall's little 10 or 15 watt amps - cost around $80+.

[pennywize]

These are great guitars. I've played a OLP John Petrucci signature (based off the Ernie Ball's) and they feel great, especially for a fraction of the price.

I would recommend these to beginners. I'd buy one but i've already spent too much money on my Ibanez RG Prestige.

[dealwhore]

These are great guitars. I've played a OLP John Petrucci signature (based off the Ernie Ball's) and they feel great, especially for a fraction of the price.

I would recommend these to beginners. I'd buy one but i've already spent too much money on my Ibanez RG Prestige.

Im really eager to test drive one. Where did you find them?

[pennywize]

Im really eager to test drive one. Where did you find them?

I was at Steve's Music Store, downtown Toronto, one of the staff guys was playing one and let me try it out.

[dealwhore]

I was at Steve's Music Store, downtown Toronto, one of the staff guys was playing one and let me try it out.

I wonder if any place in Vancouver carries OLP guitars. From the samples I've heard online, they sound as good as any moderately priced guitar. Many of the reviewers were astounded at the low price tag. Seems as though many people felt as though they were 'stealing' these guitars at such supposedly under-valued prices. I am not in the market for any more guitars but I am curious to see if in fact they are every bit as good as the reviews state.

[haveblue]

These are great guitars. I've played a OLP John Petrucci signature (based off the Ernie Ball's) and they feel great, especially for a fraction of the price.

I would recommend these to beginners. I'd buy one but i've already spent too much money on my Ibanez RG Prestige.

I have one, and it's fantastic. I play (and like) it significantly more than my Fender Strat :)

[Topher]

Depends on what you're looking for. For 2 channel amp with decent distortion, checkout Randall's little 10 or 15 watt amps - cost around $80+.

+1 - stay away from Washburn amps. The electronics are made in the same factory, and are almost identical to the Randalls, but the speaker is horrible and won't do the electronics justice. The little Peavey amps are good for their price too. Both Randall and Peavey come direct from the US (no Canadian distributor), so you should be able to negotiate on the price a little, if the dealer hasn't recently reduced it.

[Kynax]

I was at Steve's Music Store, downtown Toronto, one of the staff guys was playing one and let me try it out.

Did they have many models?

I'm looking for a cheap guitar with locking/floyd bridge.

I'll probably take a walk to Steve's in Montreal (10 minutes walk from work)

[alkapone]

Re Amps....please don't hijack this thread....start a new thread re AMPS???

[pennywize]

I wonder if any place in Vancouver carries OLP guitars. From the samples I've heard online, they sound as good as any moderately priced guitar. Many of the reviewers were astounded at the low price tag. Seems as though many people felt as though they were 'stealing' these guitars at such supposedly under-valued prices. I am not in the market for any more guitars but I am curious to see if in fact they are every bit as good as the reviews state.

For the price of OLP's they are definately a steal. Compare them to other beginner guitars in the market like the mexican Strats, low-end Ibanez RG's, or Yamaha Pacifica's, the OLP's feel the best. Of course, they dont sound or feel as good as the Ernie Balls, but you can't go wrong as a beginner guitar.

Did they have many models?

I'm looking for a cheap guitar with locking/floyd bridge.

I'll probably take a walk to Steve's in Montreal (10 minutes walk from work)

I dont think Steve actually carries any in the store, they have to be specifically ordered. I was lucky cuz when I went in that day, someone must've ordered one.

[skunizzi]

Nothing to do with looks actually...If you did any research as made available in my post, you'd know better! FYI, it's widely known that Fender is producing mostly junk these days (particularly items like their mexi strat). OLP is building a reasonably large fanbase in the US (which matters more). Further, OLP is BC RICH.

You get what you pay for! If anyone can prove me wrong please do. I agree that most companies these days including Fender, Gibson and others are riding on the name. But that said, you can still find some jems out there that really stand apart from the rest if you look hard enough.

The fact is this guitar is not that complicated to build and probably doesn't cost that much to produce offshore in the first place.

I never said this is a bad guitar, I just mentioned that I would not buy it before trying it out.

[dealwhore]

+1 - stay away from Washburn amps. The electronics are made in the same factory, and are almost identical to the Randalls, but the speaker is horrible and won't do the electronics justice. The little Peavey amps are good for their price too. Both Randall and Peavey come direct from the US (no Canadian distributor), so you should be able to negotiate on the price a little, if the dealer hasn't recently reduced it.

OMG those peavey bandit 112s with the transtubes (dont know if peavey still makes them) are excellent little amps!@ Nice distortion and better clean! I think they ran about $300-400.

[dealwhore]

You get what you pay for! If anyone can prove me wrong please do. I agree that most companies these days including Fender, Gibson and others are riding on the name. But that said, you can still find some jems out there that really stand apart from the rest if you look hard enough.

The fact is this guitar is not that complicated to build and probably doesn't cost that much to produce offshore in the first place.

I never said this is a bad guitar, I just mentioned that I would not buy it before trying it out.

http://www.mtl4less.com
100% Free classifed ads ~ Buy and sell musical equipment

Well, I want to try one out! Too bad I can't find one locally.

[dealwhore]

Did they have many models?

I'm looking for a cheap guitar with locking/floyd bridge.

I'll probably take a walk to Steve's in Montreal (10 minutes walk from work)

Get the mm1f, it's the newer model of the OLP guitar. It has a real floyd bridge, not a patent/copy. Add a d-tuna like VH had to drop d half step with flick of the wrist! Anyway I hear the mmf1 has different pickups to the mm1. ALso, it has a real maple neck and head stock.

[stealth]

Get the mm1f, it's the newer model of the OLP guitar. It has a real floyd bridge, not a patent/copy. Add a d-tuna like VH had to drop d half step with flick of the wrist! Anyway I hear the mmf1 has different pickups to the mm1. ALso, it has a real maple neck and head stock.

I'd agree with that...I personally would never recommend someone buy a guitar with a non-locking cheapo tremolo.
Cant agree with you on the D-Tuna though, I've never been able to get mine to work properly, nor has my luthier.

FWIW, this deal seems ok, but I'd prob sooner look for an epiphone or dean or something in the used market.