Which guitar should I get?

[JakeK]

Ok folks, as we know I have finished school, and am about to graduate. I am slowly saving up the (plentiful!) dough coming in, and the way I see it, I'll have enough money for a new axe.

But right now, I'm not jonesin' for another Ric. I'm addin' a little variety, if you will.

I am down to four guitars that I know will see regular use from me, no matter what they are:
Gretsch 6120-1959 Chet Atkins
Fender '52 Telecaster American Vintage
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe '73 (original!)
Gibson SG Classic

I have played the Gretsch, Tele and LP Deluxe. I enjoyed them all. I am leaning towards the Gretsch big time, but my mom tells me I better think wisely on this, as it might be my last source of income for awhile (even though I AM going to be working at the local Barnes & Noble starting June).

The Gretsch is not just a guitar Pete Townshend used (and abused on a TV show), but it is one of the most versatile guitars I've ever played with super loud, hot pickups that will take on any job I want to give it. It easily nails the tones of The Beatles, The Who, The Stones and The Kinks as well some Tom Petty and even a little bit of the contemporary pop (which is weird, as most of those kids play Fenders and Gibsons). It is also a cool Jazz Box and a Blues maker, too. Next to my 1997SPC, this has to be one of the best guitars in the world.

The '52 Tele is different from any Tele I've ever played. It's got a tone to die for, and is extremely versatile, too. It nails the tone of literally any band I want to play.

The Les Paul Deluxe is different from the regular Les Paul. The mini-humbuckers can get a P-90 bite, to the full out growl of a humbucker. The neck is considerably slimmer than any other Les Paul I've "met".

I've never played a Gibson SG Classic, and they are now out of production, so unlike three other three guitars (which are at IVG), I'll have to do some hunting for this one. I've never owned a Gibson, I like SGs, and I find P-90s better than humbuckers. More importantly, does the "Tommy" album and "The Seeker" single say enough?

So, Jake-O needs some help. Any feedback (which the Gretsch can easily get controllable of that stuff) would be appreciated!

[scotty]

the one on the left looks good.

[fireglo67]

These are pretty much 'Jake proof' too......

[longhouse]

Gretsch 6120-1959 Chet Atkins
Fender '52 Telecaster American Vintage
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe '73 (original!)
Gibson SG Classic

That's the order in which I would choose. The Gretsch is the best of the lot -the the Tele -etc.

[jps]

Whatever you get, Jake, don't try this at home!

[jps]

On a more serious note, Jake...
Feel the force, Jake.

[sloop_john_b]

If they'll all "nail" any tone you want, just pick out of a hat.

[kiramdear]

An SG was my first decent guitar. I don't have one now but I still miss it and those SG Classics are real nice. You won't be disappointed if you go with the SG. Very underrated these days but highly regarded in their day as way cooler than Les Pauls by many, especially those on the progressive or edgier side.

[jingle_jangle]

An SG was my first decent guitar. I don't have one now but I still miss it and those SG Classics are real nice. You won't be disappointed if you go with the SG. Very underrated these days but highly regarded in their day as way cooler than Les Pauls by many, especially those on the progressive or edgier side.

Plus, you can fold them in half, so they travel well.

[kiramdear]

An SG was my first decent guitar. I don't have one now but I still miss it and those SG Classics are real nice. You won't be disappointed if you go with the SG. Very underrated these days but highly regarded in their day as way cooler than Les Pauls by many, especially those on the progressive or edgier side.

Plus, you can fold them in half, so they travel well.

Hmmm, I see your point. Perhaps a nice robust Telecaster is a better choice.

[JakeK]

Paul W, you're a Gretsch fan, too. What do you think of the '59 6120's?

[jimk]

Although I'm very new to the world of guitars that need to be plugged in, I've played a 6120, and I've also messed about on a Strat once upon a time. (I know you didn't mention the Strat.) My personal preference would be for the Gretsch. But I'm not you. So that advice and $5.00 will get you a latte.

JimK

[jps]

You can get this for about $7.50, more potent!

[lennon211]

I'd probably do the Gretsch or the Tele. But as your mom noted, this may be the last large chunk of change that you see for a while. Why not have more fun with the 1997 and resurrect the other Ric before pressing on. You might find that once you start working that the fact you've got some savings will be reassuring as you are working for the cash and then make the purchase from half savings and half earnings. Just my advice...take it or leave it.

[JakeK]

I can't go wrong with your words of wisdom, Matt. I really can't. I should get my 1993/12 project on before getting in tune with another guitar. After all, I could have the first two guitars Townshend started off with (a 1998 and a 1993/12) and get rocking.