Electric guitars: how to buy a Stratocaster, Les Paul or another type
The body type sets the sound and the feel
A Stratocaster has a bright, chiming sound, a comfortable body and three single-coil pickups. A Les Paul has a thicker, fuller sound with humbuckers and a heavier body. A Telecaster is direct and bright, popular in country and blues. There are also semi-acoustic models, super-strats for fast playing and metal, and seven-string guitars.
The pickup layout (HSS, HH, SSS) decides which styles the guitar suits best. For a beginner a versatile HSS guitar is a safe choice.
Ranges and series of one brand
Within one brand there are budget, mid-range and professional series. They differ in wood, hardware, pickups and fret finish. So compare the full name of the series, not just the word “Stratocaster”. Copies of famous shapes from other brands can be just as good, especially for beginners, but always try the guitar in person or ask for a video with a clean sound.
What to put in your request
- body type — Stratocaster, Les Paul, Telecaster, super-strat;
- model, for example Fender Player Stratocaster;
- condition — new, or used with no chips;
- country of manufacture, if it matters, for example Made in USA;
- pickups — HSS, SSS, HH;
- player level;
- package — combo amp, cable, gig bag;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “Looking for a Fender Player Stratocaster, HSS, for a beginner, used with no chips. A combo amp and cable would be nice. Cebu City, courier delivery, budget up to ₱30,000.”
What to check when you inspect it
Neck: it should be straight, the frets without deep wear, and it should not pull away from the body. The truss rod screw must turn. Electronics: the pots should not be noisy and the pickup selector should not wobble. Body: chips in the paint are cosmetic, but cracks near the neck are a problem. The tremolo should return to its zero position and hold the tuning. Don't forget the set-up: new strings, the right string height and intonation make a cheap guitar noticeably nicer to play.
The country of manufacture affects the price: guitars marked Made in USA usually cost more than similar models from other factories, but the difference in sound does not always match the difference in price. So listen and compare instead of choosing by the label alone.
Why BlaBlaPrice works well here
Describe what you need on the home page and shops and private sellers send offers with photos, prices and terms. Each one sees where they stand and competes for your request. It is free for the buyer and your phone number stays hidden. Also read “How it works”.
A guitar needs an amp: see combo amplifiers. For other string instruments, see acoustic guitars and bass guitars.
