Epiphone makes good budget guitars. The other titan of the budget guitar world is Squier, who I would say has a better quality to price ratio. But of course Squier does Stratocasters, not Les Pauls. If the Les Paul style is what you want, I'd say either of those guitars is a good choice.

For the amp, since you're just playing at home, you really don't need anything louder than 5W, but there are a lot of great budget amps that are 10W-20W, and that shouldn't scare you off of buying them, you can always just keep the volume low. Make sure the amp you get has a headphone jack in it so you can play through headphones, that way you can play loud without bothering anyone. After all, it is very fun to play an electric guitar loudly.

I'm not well versed enough with budget amps to give you a good set of recommendations, but I would say that you will want to have a setup that sounds good. You can learn and play just as well on a setup that doesn't sound great as a setup that sounds really good, but it's just way more fun to play when you have a really great tone.

So I'd say either say do some research and get a decent amp, you can absolutely find decent amps at budget prices, or get a really cheap amp and a multi-effects pedal. The multi-effects pedal will let you play around with a bunch of different effects to get a great tone, and most have some "amp modellers" in them, which attempt to replicate the sound of famous amplifiers. The multi-effects pedal I recommend is the Zoom G1on. It has a huge range of effects, sounds great, is very easy to use, and is probably the least expensive multi-effects pedal you'll find. If you pick up that multi-effects pedal and a Fender Frontman 10G, you'll have a great budget setup. Or you can just find a cheap used amp in your area. Don't be scared to buy used gear, I always buy my gear used if possible. It's cheaper and supports fellow musicians.

If you're willing to spend a bit more on the amp, the Yamaha THR10 is the gold standard of bedroom amps. The tones on this thing are amazing and so accessible. The multi-effects pedal I recommended can get great tones, and has a bunch of built-in presets that sound really good, but if you want to find some truly spectacular tones you'll have to do some experimenting with it. The THR10 just sounds incredible right out of the box, and its portability has been useful to me a number of times.

My last bit of advice: if you decide to go for just an amp without a multi-effects pedal, find one that has reverb built into it, I'm talking about a knob labelled "Reverb" on the amp. Reverb is so important to getting a nice sounding tone, especially when you're just playing guitar alone.

Good luck!

The Issue

As I see it, a beginner has two main issues when it comes to choosing a guitar:

1. Uncertainty if you'll actually stick with it long term. This discourages significant investment.
   
2. Unfamiliarity with guitars in general. You just don't know what the different specifications or features do or mean, so you can't really have an opinion to guide you on these things.
   
   Entry Level Guitars
   
   In response the first thing I would say is that any guitar is better than no guitar. You don't want to get something that really sucks to the point of it being really hard to play and inhibiting progress. But the quality of entry level guitars is actually pretty high, so I wouldn't be too worried about it.
   
   Next, don't feel like you have to make the 'perfect' purchase. The reality is that you probably can't. Even if you are committed and certain you'll stick with it, you'll not be able to know what your preferences are long term. That's okay. The only way to learn what your preferences are is by playing lots of guitars. So think of this as the first, but not necessarily the last guitar you'll ever own. So if all you can afford is the basic $100 Squier then that's totally fine. I started with one and many of us have done the same. On a very basic level try to get a guitar that you like. You want to like how it looks as that can inspire you to pick it up. You want it to feel good in your hands on a very basic level.
   
   There is no magic bullet though. A $100 guitar is just fine for learning, but it won't have the same level of long term quality or value. Realize that if you stick with it you'll probably have to upgrade. That's totally okay, but that is part of the deal when you only spend $100.
   
   Best Value
   
   I maintain that there is nothing wrong with starting with a $100 Squier. But these guitars aren't perfect. By getting the price that low you make some sacrifices. In terms of long term viability these guitars tend to struggle. They just aren't made to the higher quality standards, so after a few years they may start to fall apart. The wood, metal hardware, finish, and electronics just aren't that rugged.
   
   If you are a little more committed, willing to spend a little more, and spend some time and energy learning about things you can step up a level. If you can manage to bump your budget up a little to about $300-$500 and are willing to entertain the idea of a used guitar, then you can get some fantastic value.
   
   Why consider a used guitar? It is all about depreciation. Pretty simple stuff. A brand new Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is $400 brand new. Play that guitar for a month and it becomes 'used'. This means its value drops to maybe $300. In reality though, the guitar is basically the same. Very good to excellent condition used guitars can be functionally identical to new guitars, but by buying used you don't take the depreciation hit. You can go ahead and sell that $300 used Telecaster in 6 months for about $300 and go even.
   
   But to buy used you need to be armed with more knowledge. You'll need to spend some time researching threads on 'what to look for when buying a used guitar' - and there are plenty of them on any guitar site, including /r/guitar.
   
   Specific Recommendations
   
   I tend to recommend 2 different families of electric guitars in this situation.
   
   
3. Squier Classic Vibe
   
4. PRS SE
   
   I recommend these for a few reasons. They are generally widely available. You shouldn't have a hard time finding one on your local Craigslist, eBay, Reverb.com, guitar center used, etc... They have a reputation of being high quality instruments. It is not uncommon for an experienced guitar player who has nice guitars of $1000 or more to be totally willing to own and play one of these. This is not as true for the $100 Squier or Epiphone. They offer some nice versatility to cover a wide range of musical genres and styles. They are quite durable instruments. They are easily modified into an instrument that can compete with something costing 2x or 3x its price tag. They are pretty stable long term investments. You won't get to a point 5 years from now where you think, man this guitar sucks I need a new one. You may want to get other guitars for variety of enjoyment, but you won't have to upgrade because it is falling apart. These guitars have a very solid presence on the used market, so if you don't stick with it you can easily sell it for close to what you bought it. Cheap $100 starter guitars have basically 0 resale value.
   
   Some honorable mentions go do Epiphone, Peavey, and Yamaha. They make pretty solid stuff in this price range as well.
   
   Kits
   
   I want to comment a little on kits. I personally think they're a little overrated. The appeal of a kit is the hope that you're getting everything you need, even if you don't know what you need. But you at times end up paying a little more without getting something you'll actually need. The quality also tends to be pretty low.
   
   So you can get a little better value by getting individual pieces yourself. It requires a little more research to arm yourself with some knowledge, but you can do it. Start with a guitar. You'll need a tuner. I recommend a Snark clip on. You'll need some picks. Get whatever you want or feels good. You may want to get an amp at some point. I recommend the Fender Mustang series. You'll also need a cable. Spend $20 on a simple, yet durable cable. Build your gear over time and you'll end up with better stuff.

Okay, so...

Watching the clip /u/TheJiggersUp posted below, I don't see him playing his mandolin, so I don't have much to offer on style... I would presume he's going to play in a more classical/European style, as opposed to an American, bluegrass-oriented style. He has a bowlback mandolin rather than a flat-back or carved-top style instrument, but I don't know of any playable bowlback models that cost ~$100.

What does exist is the Rogue RM-100A which is a not-great but more-or-less playable mandolin for under $100. (Some individual instruments seem to be better than others, but it's just a luck-of-the-draw thing.) If you were to get one, you'd also do well to get some different strings for it, get a decent pick designed for mandolin (a guitar pick won't work well for this instrument), and maybe consider having it professionally set up (or possibly even trying to do the work yourself... perhaps someone else can point me to the book available on setting up a Rogue to be less awful.) I would also highly recommend getting a chromatic tuner; you spend quite a bit of time tuning this instrument, and as a beginner, it's really helpful to have one of these. If you have a smartphone, a metronome app would also be a good thing to get; otherwise, there are a million cheap, electronic metronomes on the market.

So the Rogue is a cheap, low-quality instrument -- NOT a good instrument, just the least-bad at the sub-$100 price range -- but it can get you started. I know, because that's how I started. It's designed for bluegrass more than traditional mandolin music, but you can learn the rudiments of any/every style on it.

After that, to just start learning how to play, I recommend Don Julin's book. Yes, it's "for Dummies." It's still an excellent beginner's book. He focuses primarily on American styles, but he also covers other mandolin traditions, and when you're first starting out you really just need to learn the basics no matter what style you favor. He also does some nice intro-level youtube lesson videos. There are lots and lots of other mandolin lessons available on youtube, too, and are a decent way to start out if you can't afford private lessons.

Finally, start saving up some money for a better instrument. Sooner than you can imagine, you will reach the point where the Rogue can no longer keep up with you, and begins to hinder your progress, so you need the upgrade to keep learning. The most common recommendations I see are the Eastman 304 or 305 and the Kentucky KM-140. Both are solid student instruments that will serve you well for a long time, and both can be had with professional set-up and a hard case for ~$450. I have an Eastman 305 myself and I adore it. Or perhaps there's a more traditional bowlback model out there that you'd like better, if you aim to play that way. I know very little about those.

It's a great instrument, and fun to learn. And it's entirely possible to come from zero background with stringed instruments and still make good progress. Good luck!

Edit: Oh, also... certainly it would be a good thing to learn (or re-learn) how to read standard musical notation, but a lot of mandolin music is available in tablature (or tab), which is a much easier system to use and doesn't require the ability to read music. The Julin book I linked to above uses both.

Edit 2: Also, here's a recent thread on the Rogue, just so you can see some other people's opinions.

Depends what your budget is. I'm a big fan of these cheap $10 clip on tuners. On my main electric guitar rig I have a nice tuner pedal but I love the clip on tuner for my home practice electric (so I don't have to spend money on another pedal tuner) and for my acoustics. They're better than the traditional tuners with mics because they don't require a quiet environment to tune - you just clip it to the headstock and it picks up the notes via conduction/vibrations of the guitar rather than sound through the air. It also responds pretty quickly, it's a great value for $10, IMO.

If he moves around a lot while plugged in and/or plays live and your budget is a few hundred dollars, you could look into a wireless guitar system. I like the Line 6 G50 but the Line 6 G30 is also good and a bit cheaper.

An Ebow is $100 and can make some really interesting sounds on guitars.

If he plays live solo/acoustic, a percussion stompbox adds a lot to the sound, IMO. There are different types with costs ranging from the one I posted to a couple hundred dollars. I've never played with one but the artists I've seen playing solo with one sounded really cool.

I know you said you want to avoid a Guitar Center gift card, but I always appreciate those. Musicians (and enthusiasts of anything really) can be particular about what they want to add to their setup, so sometimes the best thing is to give them a gift card so they can buy whatever they want, whether it's some strings, picks, an interesting strap, pedals, etc. My siblings and I would always give my dad GC gift cards and he saved them for a couple years until he had enough to put towards a really nice Taylor acoustic guitar.

The F310 plays perfectly well, but it definitely sounds like a student instrument. The big difference is the top - the FG800 has a solid spruce top and a sophisticated bracing system, while the F310 uses a laminate top with simpler bracing. The FG800 sounds richer, more balanced and has better sustain.

It's entirely your decision, but I think you'll be happy with the FG800 for longer, particularly if you get into fingerstyle playing. If you're on a tight budget, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with the F310 - it's a perfectly good guitar, you just might outgrow it sooner than the FG800.

If you're just starting out, the only accessories you really need are some picks and a good quality tuner. The tuner is optional, because there are lots of good smartphone apps. Avoid cheap unbranded tuners, because they're inaccurate and unreliable - stick with a Snark clip-on or a smartphone app to avoid frustration.

You'll want a case if you're taking your guitar to lessons or jam sessions, but I'd strongly recommend a hard case rather than a gig bag. Soft padded bags are fine for electrics, but they don't provide enough protection for acoustics. If you're just playing at home, a case is optional as long as you've got somewhere safe to keep your guitar - under the bed is a good choice.

Regarding learning material, everyone around here recommends JustinGuitar and for good reason. He's a fantastic teacher, he covers everything from total novice to expert and it's all completely free.

You can get a "bundle" that has everything you're describing (except pedals/effects-- but I'll get to that in a minute) for around your budget price. You just have to figure out which type of guitar to get. If you're into country, then you need a Telecaster type guitar. If you're into rock then you need a Les Paul type or Stratocaster type. If you're a metal guy... I can't help you because I don't know what's appropriate for that, other than it won't be a Telecaster.

Okay, so here's a Telecaster bundle on Amazon. It includes the guitar and a Fender Lunchbox containing a clip-on tuner, string winder, picks, strap, and strings:

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Affinity-Telecaster-Beginner-Electric/dp/B07B53YQ3Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537075140&sr=8-2&keywords=squier+affinity+telecaster+bundle

The cost is only $233.60. That doesn't include an amp, however. Here's a Frontman 10 watt amp for $60.00:

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Frontman-Electric-Guitar-Amplifier/dp/B001L8PIFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537075410&sr=8-1&keywords=fender+frontman+15g

Total cost is around $300.

Here's a Stratocaster style guitar bundle that includes Squier Guitar, 15 Watt Guitar amplifier, picks, Cable, and strap. All it's missing compared to the above is a clip on tuner. (They're cheap.)

This might be appropriate because this Strat has a "humbucking" pickup in the bridge. That means it has an aggressive rock sound like a Les Paul, but also has all the other sounds a Strat is famous for. It's appropriate for rock, blues, and some country. The amp is more powerful than the one listed above, and has better controls. Both amps have headphone jacks, though, so you can use it in your bedroom without disturbing the rest of the house or apartment.

This bundle is $300.00.

If your guitar hero play Les Pauls (e.g., Slash, etc.) here's an Epiphone bundle which includes a genuine Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar featuring two classic humbucker pickups and a 10-watt Electra guitar amp with a 10ft guitar cable, a clip-on headstock chromatic tuner, a guitar strap, medium picks, and an easy-to-carry gig bag. And best of all for new players, the Les Paul Player Pack comes with free downloadable guitar lessons from media.

Here it is in vintage sunburst:

https://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-PPEG-EGL1VSCH1-Electric-Package-Sunburst/dp/B00A6D50L0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537076037&sr=8-1&keywords=epiphone+les+paul+bundle

And here it is in bad-ass black:

https://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-Electric-Guitar-Player-Package/dp/B00AGJKKH8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537076037&sr=8-3&keywords=epiphone+les+paul+bundle

Not only is this guitar bundle cheaper than the ones above (it's only $250) it also includes a padded "gig bag" case for the guitar, so it's a really good deal.

You asked about guitar pedals and effects. Buying a full complement of those would add up to a lot of money. Here's an alternative: the Zoom G1Xon and G1on. This is a single stomp box pedal that has basically every effect there is built-in. It can make whatever amp you get sound similar to famous expensive amps (within reason), plus it has all the effects like reverb, delay, compression, chorusing, flanging, etc, etc. Basically multiple models of every effect you could think of. The Zoom G1on is $60. The Zoom G1Xon is the same pedal, but attached to it is a foot pedal so it can sound like a "wah-wah", or be a volume pedal, as well as other effects. It costs $80.

Here's the G1on

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1Xon-Guitar-Effects-Expression/dp/B00IOSJ68C/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537076414&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=g1%2Bon%2Bzoom%2Bpedal&th=1

And here's the G1Xon:

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1Xon-Guitar-Effects-Expression/dp/B00IOSJ72M/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537076414&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=g1+on+zoom+pedal

I have a recording studio and a million stomp boxes and other effects pedals, but I bought a G1Xon just because it looked like fun-- and it was! I love it!

​

Good luck with your purchase, my friend. I hope I have been of help to you with all this info!

​

First off, no need to apologize for inexperience. Asking good questions means you are gaining experience.

1. Now-a-days Squier makes a fine guitar, but just get it set up by someone who knows how if you haven't already! A good setup is so important to how any guitar plays. I would rather play your Squier with a good set up than an American fender with a shitty set up. As far as upgrades go I would think about some locking tuners. I think those are just drop in tuners with no drilling needed even for Squier, but I would make sure.
   
   
2. There are a ton of pickup makers out there but you can not go wrong with Seymour Duncan. Just browse around and take a look at their output and EQ charts that show how hot the pickup is and then listen listen listen to sound demos. Pickups are very subjective so youtube is a great tool.
   
   
3. Personally I love Elixir strings! They last a long time, especially if you have sweat like mine that kills strings very fast. That being said a lot of people don't like the feel of Elixir. They don't like the "slippery" feeling of the coating on the wound strings. If you want to stay with coated strings that feel more like traditional string you can check out D'addario EXP strings. Again it's subjective like anything else, so test drive and see what you like.
   
   
4. Oh boy pedals. Pedals can be a slippery slope financially haha. I also think /r/guitarpedals would be able to help you (better than I can at least) there but if you like distortion then I have heard a lot of good things about the Mesa Flux-Drive and the JHS Angry Charlie.
   
   As for your amp I do not have any personal experience with the Vypyr but if you like the sound and it is loud enough for your applications then go with it. Those are really the only things determining if you need a new amp. If you ever want to upgrade to a tube/valve amp I would suggest looking at the Marshall DSL line if you are into heavier tones and want to spend money.
   
   The pedals and amp are really based off what you like to play. If you are not satisfied with your current amp there are A LOT of good combos out there that are more affordable than tube amps. Andertons Music youtube channel just put out a great combo amp round up video you should check out if you want. I hope that all helps!

• art supplies: You should add one of these to go with these. This drawing pad to go with this set. This watercolor set is amazing. And these for some pen and ink.
  
• Gardening: I feel like these are a must have in anyones garden and for whatever reason (probably because I'm a 5 year old at heart) this makes me feel like a badass but also keeps me from leaving my shears somewhere and having to carry all my tools at once. I think this is awesome for germinating.
  
• Books: I just read this book and I highly recommend it and I also want to read this one which I was told was amazing. If you have a kindle you should add this or this since you like Doctor Who (theyre basically the reason I want to get a kindle).
  
• Doctor who: This is awesome. Id love to have these in my kitchen and this in my bedroom. Maybe just this and this for fun.
  
  Hope you like them and if I win I'd like this or for the raffle this because I really really want it

Hey fellow Texan (H-town here)!

Guitar Center in San Antonio has the following:

USED
White Schecter Omen 6 for $175 (used): https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Schecter-Guitar-Research/Omen-6-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar.gc
A good, basic dual humbucker guitar with pickups that can do high gain well. Good for rock and metal.

That's the only used one on their website in your price range that I'd recommend; the others are either too crappy or feature a Floyd Rose tremolo and you don't need that hassle on your first guitar.

NEW
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX HSS for $180
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/PAC012DLX-Pacifica-Series-HSS-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar.gc
A good Strat-style guitar with a humbucker and two single coil pickups that is a lot of guitar for the price; in the price range it's tough to beat Yamaha Pacificas. Good for blues, rock & country.

Ibanez AX120 for $200
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/AX120-Electric-Guitar.gc
Good starter vintage-style dual humbucker guitar. Good for blues and rock.

Squier Affinity Telecaster for $200
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Telecaster-HH-Electric-Guitar-with-Matching-Headstock.gc
Decent dual humbucker telecaster deluxe-type guitar. Good for blues, rock & country

Of those, I'd choose the Schecter, the Yamaha or the Ibanez.

AMPS
Boss Katana 50 for $229
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Boss/Katana-KTN-50-50W-1x12-Guitar-Combo-Amplifier-Black-1500000025313.gc?pfm=item_page.rrt1|CategorySiloedViewCP
A great, very versatile 50 watt 1x12 combo amp with a ton of effects and . I had one of these and loved it until I decided to upgrade to the Katana 100 head. It sounds great right out of the box, but connect it to your PC with a USB cable and use the free Boss Tone Center software to edit all kinds of settings, choose from 50-odd different built-in Boss "effects pedals" and save unlimited presets.

Fender Champion 40 for $200
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/Champion-40-Guitar-Combo-Amp-Black-1367516484871.gc?pfm=item_page.rrt1|CategorySiloedViewCP#productDetail
Another nice, versatile 1x12 combo amp, this one 40 watts, with a more modest effects set, but still really good sound.

ETC

Fishman clip on tuner $15:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fishman/FT-2-Digital-Chromatic-Clip-On-Tuner.gc

Or, from Amazon, a Snark clip-on tuner for $9
https://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN1X-Clip-Chromatic-Current/dp/B01H74YV56/

Instrument cable (18 ft) $17
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Musicians-Gear/Instrument-Cable-331175.gc

A dozen picks, Dunlop Tortex .88mm $6
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Dunlop/Tortex-Flex-Standard-Guitar-Picks-J52062.gc

Or, a dozen assorted picks to allow you to find the type/weight you like, %5
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Perris/The-Hope-Collection-Variety-Guitar-Pick-Pack-12pc.gc

That should do it for you.

I would definitely recommend getting new strings and having the guitar set up by someone who knows what they're doing, but Guitar Center charges $50 for a setup plus strings. That's more than I like to spend. I'd call around and find a smaller music store that does setups for less. I'd recommend .09 gauge strings to start off with. You can always go heavier later if you want. You can't go wrong with Ernie Ball, D'Addario or GHS Boomers strings.

It's worth talking to him and seeing which body shape he likes best. You can find Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster, Mustang, SGs and even Les Paul styles for about the same price. Starting with something that you really like and identify with can make a huge difference to keep motivation at that harsh beginning.

Anyway, here's my recommendation:

• Amp: Fender Frontman 10G 10W - $59.99
  
  You can't really get a good amp and it won't make that much difference at the beginning so it's best to focus on the guitar for now. I started with an amp similar to that one (maybe even worse) and it was perfectly capable for years.
  
  
• Guitar: Squier Affinity Stratocaster - $155-$179.99
  
  A very solid choice for a first guitar. You can get the Telecaster version for about the same price but that specific Strat is on sale today at MF so it might be worth picking it up.
  
  Here you also have the choice of spending a bit more and going for a $180 $200 guitar, such as the Yamaha Pacifica, the LTD EC-10, a Jackson JS22-7 or even a Jazzmaster, which is my personal favorite choice. All these other choices depend drastically on the style of music he likes to listen and play. That's why it's worth talking to him beforehand.
  
  Anyway, considering you're going for the first strat, here's the other recommendations to finish the package:
  
  
• Elixir .09 strings- $9.99
  
  Some people love them, other hate, but it's fact that they're great for people starting out and even just playing/practicing in their bedroom. I use these as my every day strings. They don't rust and contrary to regular strings that will last you 2-4 weeks, these last several months.
  
  
• Dunlop Pick Pack Variety - $3.99
  
  Just so he can test and choose between several picks.
  
  
• Planet Waves 10ft cable - $7.99
  
  Just a solid and simple cable.
  
  
• Snark Tuner SN-1 - $9.15
  
  Fantastic, accurate and reliable little clip-on tuner. I've been using these for years and they're very well regarded.
  
  Total: $246.11
  
  
  EDIT: Of course that after I finished typing this whole post I went to check the value pack kit posted here and realized that the first Squier kit is basically what I selected plus a nice discount. Well, fuck me... I'm still keeping the post up.
  
  By the way, if you do get the kit at $200, consider getting a setup done to the guitar for about $40~$50. All guitars usually require it but it's much more important on these cheap ones. They usually play like garbage out of the box and to be playable they require a basic setup.

For $35: The DOD 250 is my favorite Bass overdrive. It can get anything from a transparent grind to a moderate fuzz. The reason it does the transparent thing well is because it literally is the drive circut from the Klon Centaur, it just doesnt have the buffer, blend or tone knob. The tone is directly tied to the gain knob which means you will really want to set the tone using the gain knob and you want to set the gain by driving more or less volume into the pedal. Kinda weird at first, but its pretty easy to figure out. here is some reading for the fun of it.

For $32: The JOYO Ultimate Drive is a very convincing clone of the OCD. Its a little on the anemic side for bass in comparison to the Fuzzrocious Demon (Bass specific OCD Clone) but for the price its pretty dang good... heck, at one time, they were repackaged and sold as the "Freekish Blues" botique pedal and were hyped up and going like hotcakes for $200 a pop until people figured out what was happening.

For $60: The Russian Muff Reissue is one of the better fuzzes out there for bass. Its on the heavier side, and doesn't do a transparent tone well but does a great great fuzz. Most iconic bass pedal on the market.

I assume you mean the Berklee Press "A Modern Method for Guitar" (though I think the same book by William Leavitt is published also by Hal Leonard).

I was just recommending the Hal Leonard Complete Method because it's so much less daunting, but if you've got the chops for the Berklee book, go for it. It definitely jumps in hard with both feet and leans way more on harmony really early on. If you find yourself hitting the wall with it, you can always take a break and try the other one and jump back and forth as you progress.

I'll also recommend this playlist on Youtube that has several of the duets played with both parts. That way you can really enjoy playing the duets and learn both parts and then play them back with the other parts played on Youtube.

If you don't already have a looper, it's also likely a worthwhile investment not just for guitar, but also if you're using a keyboard. It's great to be able to play duets with yourself when there isn't a recording like above. Also, listening back to yourself lets you really pay attention to details and lets you notice how bad your time is so you can fix it.

It can also be great for jamming between the two instruments or used to help with practice of improv and other things.

An entry level, no-frills looper that seems really popular is the Ditto.

• [Wilkinson] (http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/All_Hardware_and_Parts_by_Instrument/Electric_Guitar_Parts/Electric_Guitar_Bridges_and_Tailpieces/Electric_Guitar_Tremolos/Wilkinson_Gotoh_VS-100N_Tremolo.html) trem. Drill press would be ideal for the post holes, but you could also just clamp a guide to the body.
  
• LSR nut. Unless you have access to a router jig, I would suggest a rectangular file matching the LSR's dimensions to clean up and deepen the slot you're going to start with a super fine cut saw.
  
• Locking Tuners. Staggered, so no more string trees. Super stable tuning when paired with the Wilkinson and LSR, even after divebombs. Those "F" tuners have a super accurate 18:1 gear ratio. I also like that particular design because they're stabilized with a pair of incorporated pegs that slip into pre-drilled holes, instead of relying on a tiny little screw.
  
  I can't comment on the Gen 4 Noiseless, as I've never used them. My wiring is more like a Les Paul, with dual HB, three way switch and push-pulls for coil splits. This is a pretty good resource for wiring ideas, if you're looking for inspiration. Generally speaking, you'll also want to replace the switches and pots with Switchcraft, CTS, etc. My guess is that the MIM's come with Alpha, but I could be wrong.
  
  EDIT: Keep in mind, when researching wiring diagrams, that "Noiseless" usually means humbucker. It might look like a single coil, but it will be two coils stacked one on top of the other. Check manufacturer specs to confirm whether you're dealing with four or two wires, then plan accordingly.

Lavaliere microphones are small, not intimidating to the interviewee and in general very portable for in-person interviews. However, in general they are onmi-directional condenser microphone that for the inexperienced users (and even a lot of experienced users) operating in un-sound-treated environments tend to pick up excessive background noise and clothing rustling. I tend to either try to stay away from these or use them only as a secondary/backup audio source.

My go-to microphone for in person interviews (especially in noisy environments) is the Sennheiser MD-46 or the [Audio Technica BP4001](http://amzn.to/2qu388q
). Both of these microphones are super cardioid dynamic interview microphones that have low handling noise. They were specifically designed for this purpose. I have several MD-46's and have used them on location. They reduce the ambient noise as much as you possibly can with a hand-held microphone and they sound pretty good. I have yet to pick up a BP4001 but it might be the next microphone I buy to test it out coming in August.

There is also a "Broadcast Headset" microphone made for live sports broadcasting situations. I own an Audio Technica BPHS-1 and have used it out in the field several times. It functions much like the MD-46/BP4001 but in a headset mode. However, some interviewees might be a little put off by having to wear one.

Finally, there are shotgun microphones. These tend to be the most expensive option but work well if you are trying to keep a microphone off screen. If you are interested I can recommend a few

If you are lucky enough to interview someone with a smartphone there's a few apps out there like Ringr that will record both sides for you. If not the best way to go about this would probably be Skype and record both ends on your computer through a program like MP3 Skye Recorder or Evaer. There's actually quite a few ways to do this. I would in general recommend a digital portable recorder like a Zoom H5 to act either as a primary recorder (I like the audio from the H5 better than a Skype recorder) or a backup.

Good luck and let us know if you have any further specific questions!

Here’s my recommendation:

The guitar: this it’s really an excellent guitar, for price you can’t beat that.

The strings: used for The Wall

Additionally you could replace the pick ups depending on your amplifier: with these personally i would not recommend it on the specific strat I recommend for you to buy cause it cost twice the guitar. But if you get one, try to find one second hand!

Also remember its not all in the equipment, you also they way you play the guitar! Learning the proper style of playing can get you a long way!

Now pedals and amps:

I personally think this is the most important no matter what guitar you have, if you put it threw a good amp it really does miracles!

I personally have a Fender M-80 amplifier, the distortion on that amp sound extremely good so I don’t really use disto pedals!! But I do have 2 disto pedals that sound like him,

1: Real Tube Overdrive: this

2: Big Muff: here ya go

3: Definitely get an Echo Pedal thats a must! Any one should do! like this

Just use a decent amplifier, if you already have one it’s probably fine, around 200-300 Watts is great.

Additional links:

This website called Gilmourish is excellent if you want to find the exact correct pedals and techniques! Here: http://www.gilmourish.com

And this video:

this! and this

Hope this helps!

Edit: if you dont have an amplifier, try looking for a second hand Fender amp, either on ebay, craigslist, facebook market place! You can send me a pm if you found one and I could tell you about it!

Edit 2: really depending on your budget I can tell what to get so feel free to pm always happy to help a fellow Floydian.

I'm going to try to offer suggestions that don't cost a lot of money or time.

• This is the only one that costs money: replace the curtains. I see the beginnings of an eclectic, modern room, and these are a bit too sweet. I would suggest something simple, textured, hanging straight down (instead of being gathered at the sides) and reaching closer to the floor. I think you have blinds under there, so ditch the white sheer under-curtain. If you're renting, color would be great here, especially if you pull a color from the bedspread. Maybe these without the tie-backs.
  
  
• Once you frame the window with some nice drapes, it will be the highlight of that wall. I feel the pictures to the left of the wall are crowded and they'll be competing for attention with the window. But they would be perfect over the desk. There are five with different shapes and sizes, so give them each some space on the wall and don't try to line them up - do them kind of like this. You can put the photos over the desk up there with the drawings if you like.
  
  
• Might want to consider hanging the guitars on the wall with something like this - it would look great, and free up floor space. I would keep an eye out for a small table to put your corner lamp on. That lamp is tall, but it's not quite a floor lamp. The lamp will light the room better, and it will create a place to put music/picks/etc.
  
  
• The shaggy rug is in kind of an awkward place. I can't tell if it's new or old. If it's in good shape, I would pull it out and put it to the side of the bed (only if there's enough room to do that without interfering with the office chair).
  
  
• Do you still have a wrapper on one of the candles above your bed? I'm not really sure what's going on here. I don't quite like the shelf above your bed - I'm thinking that a) it's too easy for someone to hit their head during...uh...bed-related activity and b) it seems to split up the beautiful continuity between the white bedframe and white picture frame. I would remove the shelf and move the pictures down just a bit. Where to put the shelf? Hmm. Not sure. I'm open to suggestions from commenters. I would put one of the plants and a candle holder on the nightstand. Think they would look nice there.
  
  
• Why is the floor mirror next to the desk there in one picture and gone the next? Anyway, I would mount this on a door or put it in a closet if possible - the traditional look just doesn't jive with your sleek desk and bed.
  
  Finally, make your bed! It will make the whole room look nicer! Good job, I think this is a really cool room!

1. I really didn't think I had anything that was gray!! But this is! And so is this! WOOO!
   
   
2. The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain. But I've never been there.
   
   
3. Not crazy, but still, unusual, right?
   
   
4. This whole list is for the people and animals that I work with!
   
   
5. If you've seen the movie YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!! There's so much more excitement and detail!! Everything makes sense!
   
   
6. Fifteen cents.
   
   
7. We use this for some of the smaller cats at work!! Put a little treat or some whole fresh catnip, and AWAAAAY THEY GO!!
   
   
8. These. so freaking gorgeous!
   
   
9. Just to see and hear Tom Cruise sing. Or Alec Baldwin sing. Or really, the whole thing goes back and forth from awesome to awesome-er, as long as you don't have a lot of expectations.
   
   
10. If you can hunt for food in silence, the zombies won't know where you are!!
    
    
11. This is on my dream list for the hubs to see. My computer is dead and I have to use the kiddo's. I miss my photo editing software, all my files, etc...
    
    
12. I don't believe this, but I have absolutely NO add-on items on any of my wishlists. wow.
    
    
13. See #11. I'm desperate to have a computer back. DESPERATE!
    
    
14. I could carry a breadbox in this thing.
    
    
15. Totes smaller.
    
    
16. Sandalwood smells incredible.
    
    
17. HEXBUGS ARE MY FAVORITES!!
    
    
18. you have to have an awesome pencil case to go back to school!! Or, maybe this one?
    
    
19. RAoA is my favorite obsession. And yeah, that's on my WL!!
    
    
20. I can't get over how gorgeous, or cheap, this is!! Also, the kiddo has this bookmarked on the Senior Year WL. Absolutely gorgeous. And expensive.
    
    

    BONUS!!
    

    
    Yes. Cherries. need them now.
    
    
    
    

Get a Pick Punch! It's like a paper hole punch but can make guitar picks out of old credit/gift cards. I got one for my husband years ago, before we even started caching, and it's all around awesome. It's just an added bonus that it makes for awesome, super cheap, and likeable SWAG that's actually useful for the finder.

OK, I'm not sure what you're going on about but I'll take a shot, it seems like you're dealing with something like this -

Soooo, lets assume you're not using the x32 digital snake head and just running everything through the back of the mixer.

And also assuming you're not using an a/v DI box and just running the computer audio out of the 1/8 in computer with an rca/1/8 cable.

You mic outputs (xlr) can go into input 1+2.

If I remember correctly, the rca inputs are on the back of the board and something like 'aux in 5-6'

So now you have 4 inputs (mic 1, mic 2, computer Left, computer right)

Assuming you are just using main left and right outputs and one "mix bus" to go to both headphones (and to keep it simple, have that mix bus for the headphones in mono and not stereo)...then, on the back of the mixer your left and right mains could come out of "Out 1" and "Out 2" and your mix bus out of "Out 3"

So now, you have things wired, but how to patch and send the audio to where you want it?

The next part deals with what you need to know to do what you want to.

On your mixer, to the left of your faders, there are a couple of buttons that light up, each below the other. They say something like "ch 1-16" and the next one says "ch17-32" and the next one says "aux in/usb/fx returns"

there are another set of buttons on the other side of this bank of 16 faders and those say something like "group DCA 1-8" and "bus 1-6" and "bus 9-16" Above this group of buttons you'll see another one that says "sends on faders" when you push this one, it flashes red (I think) or is just red.


Also on the mixer, to the right of the LED screen, there are a few buttons that say things like "meters" and "Utilities" and "routing" and "home", etc.

In the same area are 2 buttons with arrows pointing left/right and another 2 pointing up/down

Lastly, on the far, upper right there's and XLR input for a talkback mic and a 4 pin output for "lamp". In that little section there's a button for "talk A" and "talk B' and one that says "view"

OK, now you are sort of familiar with the board and what you need to know.

So, first off the routing. The mixer doesn't know yet that you want output one and two to be your mains or that you want output 3 to be your headphone mix (I'll call this your 'monitor' mix) so you have to tell it.

Hit the button that says "routing" to the right of the led screen. I don't recall exactly what the menu looks like, but you will need to use the left/right and up/down buttons to find the right page to assign outputs. You will know you are on the right page when you see options to assign "output one" and next to it on the led screen a chart listing "main L/C, Mix 1, mix 2, etc"

You will have to use the little rotary wheels to select your outputs, so output one first, and then the other select the Mix left option, and (I think) by pushing in the little rotary wheel buttons you select this option. Then, output 2, mix R, select. Then output 3, mix 1, select.

Also, if you're not getting any audio inputs, your board might be set up to recieve it's inputs via the digital snake head and not via the xlr inputs on the back of the board. So you will want to check this and make sure your inputs 1-8 are coming via "Local" and not "AES'

So now your board is set up to send audio where you want it, now you need to assign the talkback. You don't need and external mic, the board has a built in mic. Find the 'view' button in the talkback section and select it. You will see options for talkback "A" and "B".

Use the rotary wheels or arrow keys in the LED section to select it where your talkback (a or b, it doesn't matter) is sending signal to mix 1 and NOT to main L/R

Also you will want to select whether the talkback is latch or not. Latch means, when you want to use talkback, you hold down the talkback (a or b) button and talk, and when you let go of the button it stops sending. If it's not on latch, then when you press the button it will send audio until you press the button again.

With me so far?

Ok, now lets get your audio working.



shit. I've gotta go. check the manual for further help if i can;t get back to this

I have a slightly newer version of that same guitar (same color and everything) that I bought brand new as my first electric almost 20 years ago. I still have it and really like it. I wouldn't be in a rush to change anything. Just set it up the way you want, play it, and then figure out what needs to be changed. MIM Strats are nice guitars just the way they came and I kind of wish I left mine mostly stock. I even wish I kept the stock pickups as I now think they sound good; I swapped them out for Lace Sensors about 15 years ago and I was never a big fan of them. I wish I kept the originals. I'll probably eventually pick up a set on ebay.

I did, however, just put Fender locking tuners on mine yesterday. I'm really glad I did it because it makes string changes so much quicker and easier. I didn't have to drill any holes and they fit just fine. However, that's not always the case with those. Take one of your tuners off and look on the back of the headstock. If you have 2 little guide holes, in addition to the hole the actual tuner goes through, you should be fine.

The other little thing I did to mine a few months ago is put on a set of Dunlop strap locks. I used the original screws instead of the ones that came with them. I really like these things and put them on my other guitars as well.

See this video regarding pole piece heights on strat pickups. Darrell Braun's channel has a lot of really good stuff on it including a lot of videos comparing pickups and busting some common myths.

So you'll definitely want a guitar stand. Don't put your guitar away, the more you see it, the more you'll want to play it. Grab one of the small clip on tuners, the snarky brand one's are pretty good, and they're dirt cheap. You'll want a string winder too, and keep a couple extra sets of strings around. My favorite strings are the martin SP series strings, very lively tones.

As far as lessons go, while I know a lot of people get a lot out of them, I'd say your best bet would just be finding songs you want to learn how to play, and learning how to play them. These days, you can find a Youtube walkthrough on how to play almost any song. After learning songs you want to play, the abstract concepts of what actually makes up that song will start to soak in. This in addition to learning all your basic chords, and you'll be off and running in no time. The thing I'd be worried about as far as lessons go would be if it ends up feeling like a chore. That being said, it's all up to you.

String winder : https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Accessories-Pro-Winder-Guitar-String/dp/B0002E1G5C

Tuner : https://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN5X-Guitar-Violin-Current/dp/B01H74YV56

My Favorite Strings : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002CZST4

Uno) (Before I begin, sorry, I suck at writing.) Not the most interesting, but one of the craziest. So, one time I was camping with a friend, and this was in a randomly chosen spot in the depths of Michigan woods. We only had a tent, an ax, two knives, a .22, a box of matches and fishing poles. On our way to the site we found a couple carcasses, some rabbits, squirrels, a few deer, and a lot of spots that looked like wild Boars have been through there.

Now I don't know if you know how big wild boars can get, but they get pretty huge, and are also very mean. So, we weren't looking forward to running into any of them. Sadly, you don't always get what you want, and we didn't.

We went out to look for food, and try and get a squirrel or a rabbit for dinner. As we're walking through the woods we here some noises, loud noises, oh great. As we get closer we discover the song to be loud grunting, and we assumed it was mating. But we progressed, because it could be dinner for us.

We get to a sort of clearing and see a pack of boars. They definitely noticed us, but we got closer, bad choice. About 15 yards away they get riled up, and then some start running, most in another direction, but two of the biggest ones and another smaller one decided they would take there chances with us. The smaller one and the biggest one chase my friend, and he hurries into a tree, where they wait for him.

But to my luck the second biggest, who was not much smaller than the biggest, decided to charge at me. I'm a nature guy, so I know my stuff, so I know that boars have thick skin, and the .22 and my 3" bladed knife aren't doing anything. Just then I remember the ax, without hesitation I bring it up over my head, like a good wood splitting formation.

About 20 feet away, the boar is getting closer, and will be to me in a matter of seconds. It's in my reach, and I bring the ax down. fwapp Blood splatters, I feel the ax crush the skull.

And that's the story of how I killed a wild boar with an ax. Sorry about my writing.

Dos) This, this, and this, should equal around $20)

Tres) Cool Story Bro.

Thanks for the contest, and telling me about pooping on your cat.

OK, so my recommendation:

Zoom G1on ($50): http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1on-Guitar-Effects-Pedal/dp/B00IOSJ68C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421777443&sr=8-1&keywords=zoom+g1on

This will give you SO much great stuff. Loads of amp+speaker simulators for recording direct (vox, fender, marshall etc.), as well as loads of distortion, chorus, reverb, echo synth, wah, filter etc. effects that can be linked together in a chain. I have a lot of experience with guitar effects, and this unit is by far the best way to spend your money.

You still need a better way to input from that pedal into your computer. If you want to be able to use stereo effects (recommended), meaning the reverbs will be wider and more spacious, then you will need to go for a 2-channel USB interface. Something like this might work for you:

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1421777678&sr=8-7&keywords=2+in+audio+interface

...however I have no experience with that so I can't vouch for it. You could try to find one a little pricier that might work better, I don't know. Look around for reviews etc., but if that works fine then you should have pretty much all you need to record a good quality sound in Audacity.

For drum sounds and others such as piano and strings, check out this software:

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/sampletank3free/

I use it myself. It should work as a plug-in with Audacity but I haven't tried that myself. Either way it's free and has some good sounds in it.

Here's what I use. Not nearly the best, but it's manageable for the average Joe or group.

Current

• Streaming: OBS Studio (Win 0.14.x)
  
• Overlay: HTML/Javascript w/ StreamControl writing data to JSON and JS polling it.
  
• Capture Device: Startech USB3HDCAP + XRGB-mini Framemeister
  
• WebCams: 2x Logitech C920
  
• Audio Mixer: Mackie Mix 8
  
• Headsets: 2x Audio-Technica BPHS1
  
• Misc: Powered Composite Splitter, Behringer HA400 Headphone Amp
  
• Stream Tools: Nightbot, TwitchAlerts
  
  

  Deprecated
  

• Capture Device: Dazzle DVC 100
  
  BPHS1s are kind of the standard for accessible and reasonably priced xlr headsets.
  
  I was getting decent quality out of my old dazzle before I switched, people just need to learn how to setup their bitrate properly to reduce artifacts and how to deinterlace their capture via amarectv or using the built in obs plugins (I used yadifx4 for the longest time) which do a nice, respectable job. Would I recommend a dazzle? Eh, it produces decent video for the price (got mine on ebay for $20), but has some compatibility issues - if you do a quick search for audio issues with the dazzle you'll find a couple threads. There are workarounds, but it's finicky.
  
  Ideally though, streams should be capturing component video. It removes the need for software/external hardware deinterlacing. The issue here is that you either need a TV that supports component, or a component->composite converter, which I've seen people have performance issues with in the past.
  My current setup uses a Framemeister to upscale the composite signal and handle the deinterlacing, outputting HDMI to the USB3HDCAP. The advantage is that I get to feed straight composite signals to any plain old CRT, which is great because I've been recording out of a suitcase the last few months while I move around.
  
  I build my overlays in JavaScript and HTML; there's a layer of logic that polls a local JSON file written by StreamControl for changes and updates them on the page.
  
  Just taking off on a flight. More info later. (It's later)
  
  Sample with the Dazzle

the donner yellow fall delay is $35 and it's a surprisingly good analog-style (it says analog but I'm almost sure it's digital) delay.

also, I know not everybody's into chorus, but the danelectro fab chorus is an absolute steal at $15. it's probably not gig-worthy, but it's the best 15 buck pedal I've ever heard. I think most people would agree that it's the best out of the danelectro fab series. can't go wrong if you like chorus.

I think my favorite that I've come across is the Fulltone OCD, and of course the Tube Screamer, though that's usually better for boosting an already-dirty signal, if you're looking for a nice crunch. Those two are pretty standard in this kind of music.

I'd also really recommend checking out Joyo pedals - they're a Chinese company that makes clones of American pedals, but at a fraction of the cost. I've got their Ultimate Drive pedal - it's a clone of the OCD, and it's ABSURDLY cheap. Sounds great, even in shootout videos with the OCD on YouTube. Overall, Joyo's pedals are great for testing the waters with certain effects before you shell out cash for high-end stuff, and in some cases, they're just as good.

You can stretch the strings a bit to help keep tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7DxlcE2A2M

The in game tuner has very forgiving leeway I find. You can be +/- quite a bit and it will let you pass the tuning.

Chromatic tuner apps are OK. I personally use a clip on tuner and check it every day to make sure it's on point. You can pick them up pretty cheaply. This is the one I use but there's better ones out there. I find it better than when I tuned by an app on my phone.

I recommend you check the tuning after each song to see if it's still OK and make any adjustments, until it requires none. Then check every few songs, then every day when you first pick it up to play.

Songs with a lot of bends will pull your guitar out of tune quicker too so that's something to keep in mind.

I looked in my gig bag for inspiration - it turns out that I just have way too much shit in there, most of which is under £15. Cheaper DIY options offered where applicable:

• The snark SN2 clip-on tuner. Absolute must-have.
  
• A decent multi-tool
  
• Allan Key Set if the multi-tool doesn't have the right sizes (metric is normal unless you play something made across the pond, but in case you need imperial, and have lots of space in your gig bag)
  
• Dunlop strap locks are a solid addition to any bassist's set-up
  
• Some fret-fast (I'm too lazy and disorganised to get new strings very often - you could just sub a rag and white mineral oil, but this is a convenient little package)
  
• A couple of spare 9V batteries for your bass, or your (more likely your guitarist's) pedals
  
• A fold-away bass stand that you can take to practices, comes in just over budget, but is a good addition and folds up to about the size of a tube of Pringles
  
• Some cheap bric-a-brac like electrical tape, gaffer tape, write-on-anything pens - all good additions
  
• A decent set of ear-plugs to protect your hearing
  
• Foldaway music stand if you ever play with sheet music; alternatively, if you have a car or are near public transport then this guy might be more bang for your buck; light in case you have one and play in dark venues sometimes and bag in case, like me, you're always leaving the house on gig-day carrying too much
  
• Patch cables if you use several stomp-boxes or rack units
  
• Cable ties to stop your cables getting mangled (can always use zip-ties instead - less neat but much cheaper)
  
• A cheap soldering iron is not essential, but it will be good to have one for that odd occasion where you need it - I've actually been in situations where I've saved some poor soul's night (occasionally mine) by having one of these on my person
  
• Owning a padded guitar strap has saved me much back pain over the years.
  
• A decent torch for last-minute backstage repairs and adjustments, lighting your pedalboard, etc
  
  Conspicuous consumerism at its finest, ladies and gents.

I spent a lot of time looking at different boards, including the pedaltrains and ended up building my own. I just couldnt validate the cost for what amounted to a $70+ box with some velcro on it.

I bought two 25"sq plywood boards at home depot and some industrial strength velcro, along with a visual one-spot power supply. All in all i think I spent around $50 for all the supplies i needed, and had the luxury of customizing it to fit my needs and spray painting it whatever color i wanted. For portability, just put some cabinet handles on the sides

All in all I'm pretty happy with building my own, it was a fun DIY project. My only complaint is on the one-spot PS, which works great for everything except my Digitech loop pedal. With that plugged in I hear a weird hiss and the clicks from the built-in metronome even when its off. I ended up running that on its own power cable to fix it.

If youre interested, i used this guide as my basis although my board looks totally different, its angled more with a hollow middle to run all the cables, and a hole out the back for the plugs. Definitely get the industrial strength velcro if you do, i can flip my board upside down and nothing moves at all.

Ok so by the looks of it he's got the effects pedals covered, I would go for something else and let him get anther pedal on his own. These are my recommendations that will benefit his current setup.
This is a nice expensive version of this and this is a midway between the other two. These are power conditioners they will help his equipment operate more efficiently and quieter and will last decades(you can use them for home theatre use as well)
I would also recommend nice cables like these they are lifetime warranty. Here's another very useful maintenance kit that will last a very long time. If you pick the 110$ furman you can get all three.

Better uke setup, still cheap:

• Lanikai 21-T. This is a tenor uke, around $120. I love mine. The strings that come on it shouldn't, so next...
  
  
• Worth brown strings. These really helped my fingerpicking. $12.80, but the strings are cut long enough for two full sets. Crappy or dead strings will not help you develop your ear correctly. Being out of tune will also prevent your development, so next...
  
  
• Snark SN-2 tuner. About $12.00. Finally, you need something to play...
  
  
• The Daily Ukulele is great, and can be used to practice your rhythm playing or to develop fingerpicked versions of classics (lots of Beatles in here, and an easy uke arrangement of California Dreamin'). At a more advanced level, try Learn to Play Fingerstyle Ukulele Solos. If you have not really gotten into fingerpicking, starting this book will be a big revelation: you suck, because you can't play freaking Twinkle Twinkle Little Star the way the author arranged it (anyway, that's where I started). Learning these will be a long process, and you will probably want to make many detours, through scales practice, finger exercises, and music theory, but your playing (even for strummy things) will start improving enormously.
  
  I'll also assume that, since you are a Redditor and know what's up, that you don't need to be told to get a metronome like the Korg MA-30.
  
  So borrow a couple of textbooks instead of buying and set that money aside; that should be about enough to get all of this. Or save money some other way... A friend of mine had a serious Starbuck's habit. I don't think he even realized it, but he was dropping $5-$10 every day at Starbuck's and whining about how he had no money. Coffee at home and two months later, his first uke.
  
  Last, strumming... practice the living crap out of your strums. Count out loud. Use a metronome. Write down the patterns. Speaking and writing the strum patterns is important, drumming them out with your hand (off the uke) is also important. You need to think of the strum as a rhythm that's independent of your uke, like this magical, ideal, Platonic rhythm, and you with your poor wooden uke and your sad meat fingers have to try to mimic it; anything you can do to understand the rhythm better -- whether or not you do that thing on your uke -- will help improve your strum.
  

If its ok that its a tad bit over $10
or
New strings

I've really been wanting to commit myself to learning how to play an instrument and the uke seems like an easy place to start! I'm in the process of saving up for a good uke and these would definitely help me succeed!

I want to learn something new.(:

The title made me cringe, you can just ask for help, no guilt trip needed. :)

So, I think art and textiles are what you're missing here to give your room some warmth and personality. Your room doesn't really say anything about you, what are you into? What colours do you like?

For art you don't need to spend tons of money - hit up sites like society6, etsy, deviant art, etc and grab some prints that speak to you in some way. I would use either of the long walls you have to create a nice gallery wall of a few prints you like. Pick up cheap frames from IKEA, Walmart, discount-store-of-choice, keep the frame colours the same (all black/white/birch/whatever) to keep the collection cohesive.

Use what you have already for additional interest - hang that guitar(s? Is the blue thing on top of the armoire also an instrument?) with a guitar hook.

Textiles like bedding, and curtains will also personalise the space and can be a place where you go big and bold with colour if that appeals to you. It's also possible to recover your chairs with a new fabric, again something that would make it potentially more 'you'. The contrast of traditional furniture with spunky fabric is stylish and a good way to keep it feeling more modern.

Definitely get a new overhead light, and perhaps a desk lamp as well. Well-designed rooms have more than one source of lighting, so you can change it up for the task at hand.

If you want to go for the bonus round, think about picking up a plant or two to give the space some life. Google low-maintenance plants if you have a black thumb - there are plants that can withstand a fair amount of neglect but still bring some green into your world.

The most important thing is to find stuff that you like - you can be advised to pick this colour or that colour, or this print or that painting, but if you don't like them, what's the point?

I have a bottle of Dunlop Formula No. 65 Polish and Cleaner, it does a fantastic job. My guitar has a similar finish to yours and after wiping and buffing it for a couple of minutes it looks like it just came out from the store. I usually do it when I change the strings.

You can get the whole set for $20 on Amazon. You might as well get a bottle of lemon oil for your fretboard, it makes it a lot smoother and nicer to play. The Dunlop one is the cheapest last time I checked, but you might get a better deal by getting a bigger bottle of mineral oil which is pretty much the same thing.

Also read the instructions on the bottles, you don't want to damage the finish of your beautiful guitar.

• Wall-Mount your Guitar - It will not only free up floor space, but it will also act as a focal point / art piece, incorporating your love of music into the design of the room. [Here] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CX4GLE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) is the hook I use for my guitar, only $5 on Amazon.
  
• Store the L-Shaped Straightedge Above Your Desk - Install a peg board and hang it there like [this] (https://cdn.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ikea-skadis-pegboard-tools.jpg).
  
• Store the Workout Ball Up High - Get your workout ball out of your way by storing it up near the ceiling. Something like [this] (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/82/8d/cd828d8a03c95dbd4ca962d3737f3fa3.jpg).
  
• Decorate the Ledge - Add some picture frames, plants, or other decor to the ledge. You want to achieve lots of height variation. So put picture frames of varying heights like [this] (http://grindbase.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/how-to-decorate-a-bedroom-wall-ledge-bedroom-collection-how-to-decorate-a-big-empty-bedroom-wall.jpg), or plants that hang down like [this] (https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fe/fb/9b/fefb9b9e4731f20ca47ddf9d695500ec--plant-shelves-plant-ledge.jpg?b=t).

Yeah. I got mine off of smile.amazon, and I'll say I was pleasantly surprised by it when I added it to the signal chain. I had watched a few reviews on YouTube, and it was getting a really positive vibe about it, so I just pulled the trigger. Same thing with the Mini-Spark. Didn't go for the bigger Spark because I didn't really need much tweaking for a clean boost, and that saved me about $30 in going that route. Sometimes simpler is better.

I have this one and while it's a little awkward, I've never had any problems with wear yet. It cuts all the gauges I use easily.

I wouldn't say a string winder is a game changer, but it's definitely nice to have, and the cutter is better than using a Leatherman multi tool (which was my previous string cutter). If you have a traditional acoustic with the bridge pins I bet it helps a lot with that too. It's super cheap though, so it's hard to justify not having it.

From left to right, the boards are the Tan Tien, Dervish Sama, Icarus, and the Boosted Board. Tan Tien and Dervish Sama are more of my cruising boards with the Icarus a carving board. I mostly ride the Dervish and my wife rides the Tan Tien (since it's smaller). Also bought and returned the Loaded Overland (didn't like it as much)

The stands are the guitar stands from Amazon mentioned here a lot. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LBKFYUO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I tried out different trucks and wheels and found the orangatang 80a to be the best for me (same as on the Boosted Board). The 2 on the left have Caliber II trucks. I like the Caliber trucks since they spring back to neutral position quickly which is great for cruising and is very stable. The Icarus is meant for carving so it has looser Paris v2 trucks. I tried the 80mm Orangatang Kegal wheels on these boards and always managed to get wheelbite (and thus crashing) so I went with 70mm wheels and can ride without worrying

Nose and tail guards also from Amazon. Highly recommended as these went flying into the curb a few times and no damage to the board: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XGJ8PHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hope this helps!

You're right, the instrument does not factor in as much as one's interest. Totally right.

Of the packages listed, the first Yamaha one for $159 looks very nice. You'd definitely get more than your money out of it. Yamaha has a great rep. for longevity.

I own this Rogue for $79 and love it to death. I taught Grade 6 and students were allowed to play whenever they wanted - it never got any rest from students or teachers.
I'd get this Snark tuner, this guitar strap, these strings, this string winder, and finally this stand. Oh, and these thin picks.

That gives you a grand total of $119.24. I've either owned or used all of these products and can vouch for them.

Now, the other thing I'm thinking of... there's this instructional book on Google Books, where you get the first 64 pages for free. It's a great resource, but the name escapes me. If I think of it, I'll write back. I hope this helps.

Regarding #2:

What I've been doing for the quarter of a century I've been playing (god knows I should MUCH better than I am) is pulling the string and creating a bend about 1" past the tuning peg.

Once I put the string in the hole, I use my right hand index finger to hold the string down and use a string winder to get the first full wrap around the peg and then I pull it taut and guide the additional wraps under the initial one. I generally get 2-3 wraps for the low E through G string, and a handful more for the B and high E string.

For my Strat, I bought the Fender locking tuners and they were SUPER easy to replace. For my teles, one came with the vintage style tuners and I installed them on the other. I use the above methods when restringing my Les Paul or PRS.

The string winder I linked makes things SO much easier and I've yet to have it mess up on me. Plus, having the built in string cutter is nice.

Number 1 tip. Get yourself a clip-on digital tuner. Something like this.

Take the time to make sure you're in tune.

When you tune a stringed instrument, it's generally a good idea to be "tuning up", so you start with a lower pitch and tune up into the correct pitch. It leads to a more stable tuning.

As far as playing, I'd play on just one or two strings for a little while, feel out the notes. Play it pizzicato, which means plucking with your fingers, for now.

Put on some simple and non-cluttered blues or jazz and try to find some notes. It's easier than you think. Have some fun!

Looks like a presale leading up to black friday. I would assume that you'll probably find better deals closer too or on black friday.

However while taking a quick glance I did come across some Joyo Pedals that are a pretty good price right now; most of them are under $30.

These 2 stuck out in particular, as I've owned them in the past and they're pretty good quality pedals. Especially when considering the price point, they're well worth it.


Joyo Vintage Overdrive


Joyo Ultimate Drive

I just put these (amazon.com) in my American telecaster yesterday. It was a zero modification drop-in and took about 5 minutes. I've heard that mexi strats take the same tuners.

I can confirm that the nut is 10mm. This never happens, but I grabbed a 10mm wrench out of my toolbox randomly without knowing the nut size and it fit perfectly. It was like winning the lottery.

I have had this one for almost a year. It's pretty solid and fun to use. It doesn't come with the 9V power adapter it needs though, so if you don't already have one you need to get one for like 5-10 bucks. It is also the epitome of not too fancy, which could be a detraction. I definitely recommend it though, it's probably the best deal on the market.

Wow! Thank you so much. Sound/audio is definitely the most difficult thing to understand in my opinion for those starting out and people like you are amazing for spending the time to help. Sorry, I'm just really grateful as this will help immensely!

That all made perfect sense to me & was super helpful. Now that I know that, I do actually have a few more questions.

1. How can I have the commentators hear each other? I have Audio Technica BPHS1's.
   
   
2. Right now I only have two headsets but I want to updgrade to four. Reason being is I want to be able to have tri-casting & then myself to have my own headset. With my own headset I'd want to be "God" and only send sound to be heard to the commentators headsets but NOT to the house nor the recording going on my computer. How is that possible?
   
3. Is there any general YouTube guide/text guide on how to handle and understand everything a mixer has?
   

Honestly the best thing you can do is grab a friend who has been playing for a while and have them play anything you're thinking about buying. There should be some takamines and yamahas on your local craigslist, their lower end offerings are good bang for the buck. Then have your friend go to a music shop with you and have a guitar tech set up the guitar. While you're there buy a clip on tuner and a humidifier.

Biyang Tri Reverb is $60 and amazing for the price

Behringer DR600 is pretty solid too

That being said, I had really good luck pairing the Biyang with:
Donner Yellow Fall Delay when I was in a shoegaze project.

Cheers.

Definitely a tuner, and some spare strings, nothing worse than when one breaks and you can't play for a few days! I think these are the strings you probably want:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DAddario-EXL110-3D-Regular-010--046-Electric/dp/B000EEJ91I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473760707&sr=8-1&keywords=d%27addario+10-46

A metronome would be good too, although you can just get an app for that on your phone...

A stand for the guitar would be good, too.

Oh, and a string-winder and string cutter:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Planet-Waves-Pro-Winder-String-Winder/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1473761366&sr=1-1&keywords=string+winder

I'm not sure the plectrum holder on your wishlist will work on the guitar you've chosen... I think it will only work on acoustic guitars, because it hooks onto the strings at the headstock, which are spaced differently on electrics.

Also, definitely don't get that Behringer PB1000. That's just the board for you to put pedals on, and doesn't have anything on it itself. The amp you're looking at already has some effects on it, so it's probably best to not bother about any more effects for the time being!

My dad hates cards because he says its a waste of paper BUT he loves me and movies so we always get together and see a movie and hang out on Fathers Day, since I was old enough to see a movie without ruining it.

My dad loves music, mostly guitar, and I think this would be just PERFECT for him <3

for Father's Day!

"dirt" pedals are overdrive, fuzz, or distortion pedals because they 'dirty' up your signal

if you're okay with waiting, used is always the best to go in terms of cost. if not, here's a small list of cheap, simple pedals that work

delay:

tc electronic the prophet


joyo d-seed


boss dd-3

joyo delay

donner yellow fall analog delay

reverb:

mosky spring reverb

tc electronic drip

caline snake bite

behringer dr-600

chorus:

mxr analog chorus

joyo classic chorus

biyang chorus

danelectro fab chorus

volume pedal:

ernie ball

boss fv-50h

power supply:

cs7

mxr iso brick

here's a cheap/basic place to start. since you're going simple, most pedals you come across will honestly work with what you want you want to accomplish, it's mostly down to your budget. if you're looking used, you can't go wrong with MXR, boss, and EHX pedals, they're usually everywhere on the used market

First, sorry for bad english.

I think you misunderstood the noise canceling feature, your headsets cancel noise from getting into your ears, not your microphone.

I live in a very busy avenue in my country, and i have a similar problem. Mic was picking up cars and stuff from the street. Your best chance to avoid this noise is getting the mic closer to your mouth, reduce the volume (or sensitivity from your mic) and speak louder. thats why i prefer headsets instead of regular desktop (or tripode) mics.

if reducing the volume and getting the mic closer doesnt work, you probably need a better mic.

After searching for a long time i find the best price-value "noise cancelling" mic is the audio Technica BPHS1. But it isnt usb (it is xlr) and you need a audio USB interface to use it in your pc. This headset is designed to use in sport breadcast, in very loud enviroments.

Link to the headset:
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-Broadcast-Stereo-Headset-Dynamic/dp/B003D87JI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412137022&sr=8-1&keywords=bphs1

Description:
Created especially for on-air news and sports broadcasting, announcing & interviews, this rugged stereo headset offers natural, highly intelligible and focused vocal reproduction, closed-back circumaural (around-the-ear) ear cups to seal out background noise, and a high-output dynamic microphone mounted on a flexible gooseneck boom. The headset's microphone has a cardioid polar pattern tailored for pickup of speech with maximum voice intelligibility over a wide range of frequencies. It is more sensitive to sound originating directly in front of the element, making it useful in reducing pickup of unwanted sounds. The flexible gooseneck boom swivels for easy positioning on either the right or left side.

Link to the audio interface I use:
http://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-AudioBox-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B00154KSA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412137064&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+box+usb

After switching to this headset i cant hear almost any unwanted noise. I even apologise for a loud truck of something but people cant hear anything :).

But be carefoul, the speakers arent that good as others gaming headsets, but i think it is the best solution for your problem.

Hope it helps! Sorry again for bad english, im still learning a lot of stuff and my keyboard doesnt helps :c.

It’s actually a cheap $12 guitar mount, purchased from Amazon.com. It was suggested to me from a video or blog I encountered, which listed it as one of the best accessories for Boosted Boards. It’s a guitar stand, but it works perfectly for Boosted Boards. Link to the product on Amazon is below...

Top Stage Pro Universal Guitar Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBKFYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_brJ2CbZ7RCJ55

If you're saying what I think you're saying. You're trying to capture the games audio along with the party chat audio and have the headset mic send audio to the mix as well. But do you need to be heard in party chat? I've never tried that, I've always used a separate mic, the only pair of headphones I've ever seen that was pretty bizarre for a set up was a pair of Audio-Technica BPHS1 the same pair Seananners uses. Sorry I couldn't help you much but you may want to re-think your set up structure so that it doesn't drive you crazy. Best of luck!

Came here to talk about Joyo Pedals. I purchased the Ultimate Drive in June and have been really happy with it. They're currently going for $29.99 new.

These pedals have a bit of controversy around them, when a company passed them off as $170 boutique pedals.

Either way, its basically a Fulltone OCD clone, which is a nice sounding overdrive pedal.


Also, if this pedal is truly being used for science, you may also want to consider the technical differences between distortion and overdrive pedals. Again, I don't know if this is relevant to you or not. Joyo makes distortion pedals too. Some consider the differences negligible.

As a guitar enthusiast and musician, I like the idea of having a fulltone OCD clone, into what some consider to be Fender American clone. There's a bit of a poetic irony there. A chinese manufactured duplicate installed into a chinese manufactured duplicate. Also, I'm not knocking chinese made guitar equipment, if anything I'm a fan.

edit:format, sp, add context

• Clip on tuner - Convenient and useful on all of my instruments.
  
• Seat belt guitar strap - Love the feel of that fabric and how smooth it is on almost any clothing. Mine is a Levi's model with a click belt buckle, I don't think they make it anymore.
  
• Guitar Wall Hangers - These things save so much space, and make my office look so cool. A wall of six guitars and two bass just looks awesome.
  
• iRig + Garage Band for iOS - This is my go to practice setup and music writing tool. I used to have a fairly complex home studio setup, but most of it got sold off once I got the iRig. Not because it's just as good, but because it's so much faster to set up and use.
  
• Stick on pick holders - I've got one of these on all of my heavily played guitars, and they're really handy. Most of my guitars are battered so I'm not worried about finish, otherwise I use a strap pick holder.
  
  

Just use beefy drywall anchors. You just screw them into the drywall and then screw the screw into it, super simply to use and you can get ones rated to 75lbs just to be super safe.

I used these hangers and they work perfectly well.

get this one Snark tuners are the be all end all of tuners unless you want to get into electric guitar pedals down the road. Every guitar store I have been to carries them, I'd be surprised if they dont around you, plus there's always amazon.

Mine is the blue one, but as long as it supports guitar you're fine, I think the black is the newer model or something.

Snark is the way to go! Welcome to the world of guitar :)

One of the best cheap gifts I have received as a guitarist is a PickPunch. You can make your own picks out of old gift cards and old credit cards. It is awesome!!! They will never need to buy picks again.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FIFM14/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_2SsDAbP0CA12R

If you're down to get into modeling, I would recommend the Zoom G1OnX as a good first pedal. I have a full pedalboard myself, but the G1On (not the G1OnX) was my first pedal that really taught me a whole lot about what different pedals sound like and how they stack. Plus, you can get a whole lot of sounds at a fraction of the cost that is also much more portable than a full pedal board. Obviously won't sound as good, and hopefully you outgrow it soon, but I think it's a great place to start.

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1on-Guitar-Effects-Pedal/dp/B00IOSJ68C

Regardless of if you have perfect pitch I would recommend buying a tuner so you can check yourself without needing to ask people on reddit haha. They’re pretty cheap, I would recommend this one

I'd recommend checking out a Joyo Vintage Overdrive, they're $30 and there are tons of reviews online.

I own their Ultimate Overdrive and I think it's amazing, honestly I think it's one of the better pedal values out there right now.

In this article he says his fav pedal is his "Golden Eagle"

Golden Eagle

So it looks like a Klon Clone. Basically a transparent overdrive. Nearly every pedal maker has a Klon Clone (based on the Klon Centaur Circuit).

Just randomly listening to some of his songs on spotify it sounds like he uses Compression, Overdrive, and may some slight Delay. I'd say that's a pretty good place to start. If you like that kind of music those pedals should work for a lot of it.

Some starter pedals I can recommend that'll do those things:

Compressor: Kokko Comp

Overdrive: EHX Soul Food

Delay: Mooer Ana Echo

Power Supply: One Spot

hang a an old steel guitar with something like this? or perhaps a banjo or mandolin may even fit in with the decor better. also, is that a recessed light at the top of it? i think its a really fantastic space that, if used correctly, would really make the area "pop."

Happy Birthday ! My favorite birthday was when I was 17(3 years ago) A couple of friends and I ditched school and went to eat and then to the park just hung out for a few hours that day :) this would make changing my guitar strings so much easier :D

Strat all the way for the Chili Peppers.

I'd recommend Squier Classic Vibe since they come with proper AlNiCo Pickups, so it'll sound great, and the main problems are the input jack and gloss neck. The neck is completely subjective, so you might actually dig that, and a new input jack is like $15 max, and it's about as easy as it can get when it comes to soldering. Even if you pay someone to do it for you, you'll still save money over what you would pay for a MIM Strat.

The one that looks the most like John's main Strat is the '60s Classic Vibe

If you have the $600, I'd say put locking tuners on to make string changes eaiser, a new nut for tuning stability and tone on open strings, and a good input jack since Squier's are notorious for their loose input jacks.

I think it's this one- I bought it in anticipation of getting my board soon. So while I can't say how it holds up with a BB on it, it definitely seems pretty sturdy and like it will do a great job.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LBKFYUO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478089479&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=top+stage+pro+universal+guitar+stand&dpPl=1&dpID=41ri7%2BXS7LL&ref=plSrch

This is more of a stocking stuffer but one of these - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002E1G5C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417904591&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

I love mine. It has a winder, clipper and an acoustic pin puller. Kind of a Swiss Army knife of string winders.

What about a headset like

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-Broadcast-Stereo-Headset-Dynamic/dp/B003D87JI2/

Mike Dell seems to like his.

I bought a Zoom R16 for a friend and he loved it.Get a headphone preamp and you would be set.

!

I'd say not immediately. Get this onespot daisychain pack. It will be super solid and can handle a fair bit of expansion, then when you have a better idea of what your permanent pedal setup will be you can upgrade to a power supply that will fit your needs.

Here's a list of basics that I bought recently to give you an idea:

Feeler Gauges

Hex Key Wrench Set

String Action Gauge

String Winder

Contact Cleaner for Electronics

Neck Rest

I already have various sized screw drivers, but if I didn't that would be on the list as well.

The above would be enough to do a basic setup: adjust truss rod, adjust action, get into the guts and clean the electronics. Everything will fit in a beat up old shoe box haha.

Along with YouTube videos, this book is a good reference guide. It has everything from basic repair and maintenance information all the way to repairing a broken neck or trying to repair a messed up truss rod.

You really just need to shake it off really well in your shower using a snapping motion with your wrist like cracking a whip. Then it can sit on the flat side of the handle with the knot up. That being said, I do like to hang my brushes to display my gear so I found this on Amazon and cut the arms down a bit to fit the brush. The arms are adjustable width so they will fit pretty much any brush handle: https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Hanger-Holder-Mount-Display/dp/B005CX4GLE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529878926&sr=8-4&keywords=guitar+hanger+wall+mount&pldnSite=1

I'm thinking about buying a mic for discord, maybe streaming (emphasis maybe) and am leaning towards a dynamic mic because I've been told that they're better for reducing background noise vs a condenser.

If I get a dynamic mic with XLR out, what would be the okayest way to hook it up to my PC with acceptable input levels? At the moment, I'm considering this headset with the mic connected to the PC via this XLR to USB cable. Will that combination work ok, or should I be looking at something else?

The other thing I'm considering is this USB stand-alone mic and having game sound through my speakers.

I apologise is this isn't the right place to ask.

Standard tuning going from the thickest to the thinnest string is E-A-D-G. If you think the E string is too deep compared to the rest of them, play the 5th fret of the E string along with the open A string. The notes should be the same if tuned correctly and should resonate. If you hear a kind of "pulsing" beat sound then they are not tuned correctly to each other.

If you're looking for a new tuner, I'd recommend this. I have one and in terms of accuracy and ease of use it blows other chromatic tuners away.

If the strings turn out to all be tuned correctly and you still feel like your E string is a little looser than you would like, you could invest in a heavier gauge set of strings. This would help to maintain the string tension and make the deeper strings less floppy.

i agree with /u/cursethedarkness/ so i have a few suggestions for ideas

also, go vertical for your guitar

You will get a more room in your wardrobe once you fold things properly. Keep all your grooming products in small basket

Keep all your paper organizer, again go vertical.

your wallet, glasses, keys, bags and jacket should go on one of this by the BD door. (i used to take them with me to my room and lose them all the time)

Whats bothering you about the wire basket? it looks like a lot bulky items not properly arranged and small boxes/packaging. If you would get other areas organized im pretty sure you wouldnt need to have that in the room.

Also, can you stack the bookcases? it would save you much more room.

Question, do you have any love for dvd, cds and old games? would you miss them if gone? we live in a digital age so there is that to think about. If you really want to keep them consider moving them to above the wardrobe maybe, if they are not regularly used there is no need for them to be in such an accessible place.

EDIT: crap, i just read you are bone-broke, sorry ... well, even old boxes are good for organizing and avoiding the floor raising clutter piles.

Others will probably chime in with ideas about fixing your intonation which is probably (partially) your problem but what helped me was changing out the factory strings and putting on a decent set of new ones.

Also; don't trust the in-game tuner; it's far too generous and forgiving even though the game itself isn't. Either get a headstock tuner (any of them, even the super-cheap ones seem to work better than the in-game one); or an in-line tuner.

Typically, they'll be sold in sets of 6, but some vendors, like stewmac or warmoth do sell them individually. I would just replace the whole set and take the opportunity to upgrade to locking tuners, if I were you. I'm a big fan of this Fender staggered set.

Your main concern will be the ferrule diameter. You want it to match the holes in your headstock, or at least not be bigger than the hole, or else you'll need to drill them bigger. Slightly smaller is not a major issue, particularly with the set I linked to, because of the dual stabilizing pins on the back that make the machine sit quite stable, but do require drilling holes for them on the back of the headstock. Most other tuners have a single stabilizing screw, which may or may not line up with the drilled holes on the back of your headstock. If the tuner(s) you end up with do not line up with the pre-drilled holes for the stabilizing screws, just pre-drill some new ones. Do not screw into your headstock without a pre-drilled hole.

capo is pretty useful. a string winder like this one is also useful for removing the bridge pins when you change strings.

This seems like a gimmick to me, and a waste of money. If you want to give your musician friend a practical, cheap gift I recommend these.

It's 11 bucks shipped and it works better than any tuner I've ever used. I mean just check out the reviews. I have a large collection of stringed instruments and this thing works on virtually anything I clip it too. I've even started tuning drums with it.

Hi, Its the dunlop guitar maintenance kit. It has fretboard cleaner,fretboard polish, body cleaner and polish and string cleaner. The body polish is carnuba wax and I love the smell. When ever I change out the strings on my guitars I give them a polish. Makes them shine and look amazing. Link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-6500-System-Guitar-Maintenance/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549816208&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dunlop+guitar+maintenance+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=41o4YWSKUOL&ref=plSrch

I'd pick up a cheap snark tuner for around $10. The online/app ones are fine, but it's really, really nice having a dedicated one handy right next to your instrument at all times.

While I totally agree. This is ultimately the same as daisy chaining and will still give you some noise. I would like to point out that it isn't "way cheaper"

Here is a one spot kit for 28 bucks https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RNB720/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467162959&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=one+spot+power+supply&dpPl=1&dpID=512O0YtGQRL&ref=plSrch

Here is the agptek for 36 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HH62VB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467163002&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=agptek+power+supply&dpPl=1&dpID=51S%2BfzRko%2BL&ref=plSrch

For an additional 8 bucks you get the added benefit of a 12 and 18 volt power supply in a not convenient package.

I got one of them, knowing it was not isolated, to clean up my board. It is way easier to keep tidy with this then the one spot. Especially of you aren't using all of the plugs.

DUDE! I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION. GHS make this product called "fast-fret". I clean my strings before I play with this and they feel really new always, if you keep it up. Sound diminishes over time; but at least I get more time to play.

http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC

You can use a guitar stand to prop it up in a corner. I got one from Amazon for around 8 bucks, although it seems to have gotten a bit more expensive. Fit my Ownboard W1 without doing anything to the stand itself. I also think it's a pretty awesome way to display your board at the same time :D.

Sorry for the double up comment, but if you're really interested in a kit, here are each of the tool's they'll give you

Feeler Gauge

Allen Wrench Set (this is actually more comprehensive)

64th inch ruler

Straight Edge (For judging neck relief/bow)

Mini Screwdrivers

String Winder (with wire cutter)

Compare to $60 dollars

$100:(http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Essential_Tool_Kits/Basic_Setup_Kit.html)


This actually seems like a solid deal, but you can get all of these at a hardware store for less and not pay for shipping and wait around for it.

I'm not seeing an amp in that picture, just an acoustic guitar. Any way, if you want to use your amp's distortion then put your time based effects and modulation pedals in the effects loop. All dirt pedals should go to the front of your amp regardless. If you are only going to use pedals for distortion then you could run everything straight into the amp. Try both combinations and see which one you like best.

Building your own pedalboard is a great way to save money. Lots of us do it here and if done right will be as sturdy and functional as any board you can buy off the shelf. It may be worth getting the cheaper One Spot power supply and daisy chaining your pedals until you outgrow it. That OneSpot Pro is a great, affordable power supply but might be overkill if you start out with only a few pedals. Once you have bought everything on your list you need to assess what the current draw is for each pedal and then determine what size power supply will cover your needs.

I would also recommend one of the Onespot combo packs They're pretty much the best cheap way to power pedals.

Check out the Zoom G1on. It has headphones out, and it sounds pretty good. It has amp models as well, so you can play through a Vox AC30, Fender Twin, or even an Orange stack.

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1on-Guitar-Effects-Pedal/dp/B00IOSJ68C/

Wow the price soared on the one I used. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LBKFYUO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'm using this one for my Inboard that is 15~16 lbs with battery in. NO sign of tipping over. I think Koowheel is also ~16 lbs so should work fine. I got mine for ~10 bucks, but it's soared since then. But really, any other ones should work fine too and if it doesn't just return say it can't support your instrument. XD

You will want to grab an overdrive pedal. Misha puts one in the front of the amp, and he cranks the volume, and drops the gain. Here's a video where Misha is demoing his pedal, but you can get a good sense of how to use the tone. If youi want a decent, cheap pedal check out this Joyo.

If you're using a modeler, you can find a number of his presets out there (in particular, he shares a lot of the tones for his Axe FX).

Here's my input along with links to products.

1. Put the bed on risers to add storage space.
   
2. Make a headboard for your bed. If you're handy, this can be done cheaply. If you're not handy, you can buy one for a reasonable price.
   
3. Can the dresser and the desk be swapped? If so, put the desk next to the bed so that you don't wake up to a wall to your right and so you can look out the window while working at your desk. The desk can also serve as a bedside table.
   
4. Mount the monitors on the wall to free up desk space. Here are a couple options - two singles and a double.
   
5. Re-do the shelves. They have a very garage feel. Some cheap board from the hardware store to even out the sides would make a real difference.
   
6. Put at least a picture above the bed on the side that's to your left while sleeping. It should be longer than it is tall. Scenery is good. I have this in my bedroom and I like the effect.
   
7. Mount the guitar on the wall.

yep

my students like this brand for an entry level looper:
https://www.amazon.com/TC-Electronic-Ditto-Looper-Effects/dp/B00AZUAORE

i really like them because it makes my students victims of their own bad rhythm and intonation, and gives them immediate positive reinforcement when they make improvements. :)

funf

vier

drei

zwei

eins

Thanks for the contest, I love your hooties! :3

Pretty sure Santana uses a Tubescreamer.

You can pick up a Joyo Vintage Overdrive - a pretty faithful clone of the Tubescreamer - for around $30 dollars here on Amazon.

Turn down the tone knob on your guitar a little bit. Try different pickup combinations - not sure if your guitar is a strat style or les paul style, but switch between them.

I think you'll get pretty close by turning up the mids a bit, keeping the bass low but not too low, and the treble medium with your tone knob down. Experiment! Use your ears, and trust them.

Santana is also going to get a lot of his "sound" from the way he plays the guitar - phrasing, pick attack, blah blah blah, so don't expect to be right on immediately. Keep practicing and you'll get there!

I love Snark tuners. They're awesome and cheap

http://www.amazon.com/Snark-13-JQCT-G3R2-SN-1-Tuner/dp/B003VWJ2K8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1369762112&sr=1-1&keywords=snark+tuner

I would like the game Red Orchestra. This lets you make your own guitar pick out of old plastic cards. I thought it was quite cool for people who can play the guitar to make their pick look like whatever they want.

Go down your local pawn shop and get an inexpensive (not cheap) acoustic guitar. Bring someone who knows something so you can avoid the garbage that's out there. I bought my first acoustic that way for $70 and still have it. Head on over to the guitar reddit, there are tons of resources available for free. Get a stand and a decent tuner. Keep the guitar/stand in the room you spend the most time in, then it's easily accessible, you can pick it up anytime, if just for a few minutes. Tune it up every time before you play. For a hundred bucks, give or take, and some stick-with-it-ness, you can have a lifetime of enjoyment.
Here's a decent, cheap tuner.
http://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN1-SN-1-Tuner/dp/B003VWJ2K8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318088803&sr=8-1

Although they're a bit on the pricier end depending on where you shop, the Audio-Technica BPHS1 headsets are awesome. They're practically the golden standard for semi-pro broadcasters at this point. I've had great experience with them both indoors and out.

Thanks for your input! Did you happen to buy your all-in-one online? And do you know the company you bought it from? Someone in the comments suggested the "D'addario all-in-one" from amazon, but after reading the reviews multiple people have said that the wire cutter barely makes a dent in the strings. So it basically is useless in being able to cut through the guitar strings and their guitars looks like acoustic (from the pics they posted). I'll link you the product down below.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Eg5iDb87RY7Z1


Any help would be appreciated!

You say that like having a gaming headset and having a pair of headphones that produce good quality sound are mutually exclusive.

If you even did a little research you'd find that all of the respected headphone (audio technica, beyerdynamic, sennheiser) brands also produce headsets for a variety of budgets.

Here are a few examples:

Beyerdynamic

Sennheiser

Audio Technica

You can use grade 0000 very light steel wool to clean your fretboard. I personally use GHS Fast Fret to finish cleaning the fretboard and give it a nice shine and smooth feeling.

Edit: downvotes? Classic /r/guitar lol.

Loop pedals are cool, you can use them to record a little bit of yourself and then play along to it.

I have this: https://www.amazon.com/TC-Electronic-Ditto-Looper-Effects/dp/B00AZUAORE/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484912706&sr=1-5&keywords=ditto+loop

And it's awesome

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-Broadcast-Stereo-Headset-Dynamic/dp/B003D87JI2

I know your max is $300, but hold out longer and go with these. They are sturdy, high quality, and will be well worth the investment. We have 5 of them lol

Although this video is mainly for acoustic guitars, I found it very helpful when learning to change strings. I'd also recommend you get a string cutter/winder like this one and multiple guitar string packs, since there is a good chance you'll wind up with a string that snaps 10 minutes after you put it on. Personally, I prefer D'addario strings with a gauge of 10-46, but keep in mind that changing string gauge may require some adjustments to certain components of the guitar.

I guess things I enjoy. Hobbies, experiences, things like that. That's why my music is one of the centerpieces of the room, instead of waiting until I had more space. I have trinkets from travelling around, some currency from foreign countries I could frame, that kind of thing. I was considering hanging my Les Paul guitar on the wall, with either somthing like this hanger or this horizontal one. I also have a little acoustic guitar like this.

Music, life experiences, could be the two main things.

Hey to help lighten the budget load you can get a more affordable power supply. Since he only seems to be playing at home a Truetone 1 Spot Combo Pack will surely be enough to make due until his next major upgrade. It's only $30.

Also take note that some Pedalboards have their own on-board power supply as well. Example

Guitar Wall Mount, for my guitar with no stand.

Thank you so much for doing!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Happy Zambambo

This works great, and I don't have to worry about chipping nice dikes

Bought this for my brother who is into music and guitars one year

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Punch-Original-PROCESS-PRIORITY/dp/B005FIFM14

It's actually surprisingly good fun to use

I got this Joyo Ultimate Drive for $30. You don't need much else, if it's really just low volume bedroom practice. For awhile I was using it as a boost for whatever distorted amp sound I had dialed in, and it fattened up the tone. But now I crank up the gain and put it on the clean channel and prefer it to any of the amp's drivers or amp channels, sounds more natural, less digital, a lot warmer.

that was easy

Space for picture with dog -found one
I must go to my family house to procure said dog picture.

Edit: terrible picture of me, but you can see my dog pretty good!

Get this. It turned my rosewood fret board back to brown. It was white with dust. This kit is pretty awesome.


http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368930336&sr=8-1&keywords=dunlop+cleaning+kit

I would be very happy if I got this! Quite Interesting

yeah, people who are starting out often buy them together along with this [tuner] (http://amzn.to/1oKEfl4) , which seems to be pretty popular. If you are a complete beginner you can also check out [this one] (http://amzn.to/UBcWO2)

These are great and are cheaper than a good pair of fingernail clippers:

https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Winder-String-Cutter/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=pd_sim_267_28?ie=UTF8&dpID=41bSgDct7YL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=JHKQARMWPCC0VJSCH0SZ

I believe it's the Audio Technica BPHS1

I own a pair myself, the mic quality is fantastic. The audio quality is pretty damn good too.

You'll need some sort of DAC though, as it uses an XLR microphone connector and 6.25mm jack for the headphones.

This is a great cheap unique gift for a guitarist: http://www.amazon.com/Pick-Punch-The-Original-Guitar/dp/B005FIFM14

Congrats on the chair no matter how you end up in it. Lead is the most fun thing to play IMO.

Second what the other user said. Very much warm down if this is a HS or college band that rehearses daily.

It’s been a while since I played lead but always remember to warm up a few high notes, too. I would always do more standard warm up stuff and not go too high. It always made the first few runs feels stiff or out of tune.

Also would suggest getting one of those clip on tuners (like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H74YV56/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KVVBCbF52XJ5H ). I clip mine on my bell to watch tuning. Upper register stuff can be hard to hear for me. This one is on sale for like $8 right now.

Disclaimer: I was never that amazing of a lead player but I studied under one hell of a lead player who had lots of good tips.

Still a work in progress, but this is my current "budget-ish" setup:

ernie ball volume pedal jr > donner tuner > donner compressor > mxr m-80 d.i. + > ibanez phat hed od/dist > joyo vintage phase > danelectro fab chorus > joyo analog delay > donner yellow fall analog delay > Hartke HA2000/Genz Benz 2x10

I glue pick holders to the back of the headstock of most of my guitars:

Mic stand pick holders also work, I keep some on my music stand.

And of course then there's the tin.

Basically, I have picks everywhere, but the pick holder glued to the guitar is the best option.

I just purchased a Joyo JF-01 for $16 dollars used off of amazon. The reviews looked pretty decent so I decided to give it a shot. Thanks for the input.

Has nobody heard of the wonderful string winders and cutters? So nice and convenient.

https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Winder-String-Cutter/dp/B0002E1G5C

Wow. Want to hear something really ironic? He was looking at that second Fender you linked just a moment ago when I showed him a violin I wanted off of that website. I'm so sneaky. I knew he'd end up on the bass section. He was looking at it for a while (I have to walk by his computer to get anywhere).

As for the amps, I'm thinking that Fender or Acoustic one. And I also looked up that cleaning kit you were talking about, I think I might have found it. http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W This one?

Also, he means a lot to me. The only family he has left lives halfway across the country and his friends are all back in Houston. He moved out here on a whim when I asked him to. I know he misses the things he left and especially his bass. He talks about it a lot. SO it's not hard to ask him these random questions without it looking suspicious :P

If you don't have these things:

Dunlop Trigger Capo, (clip-on?) tuner, string winder/string cutter/pin puller this thing, and a set of new strings. If you don't change them often, grab DR Dragon Skins; they're coated with a super-thin nylon coating, like Elixirs, but not as noticeable. They also last forever.

TC Electronics has a line of pedals for $50 coming soon, I would probably save for one of those myself. Remember that every time you add a pedal, you add at least one cable!

http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC

This stuff is amazing and makes the fretboard feel soooo good.

A Guitar pick holder for all my guitar pick holding needs! Which is ALOT! I mean just look at that shit! God-damned grace from heaven!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002OOMU8/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl/189-3267167-4993132?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3NXTE4W6NMVBT&coliid=I9L5XO77RCWGF

No pet, but enjoy this monkey.

@(^O^)@

bkev covered mute strings well.

Regarding online tuners, they are fairly accurate.

If you want to buy one, I've been using Snark SN-5 which is easy to see in bright lights, and is only about $10.

but you can get by with the Snark SN-1 which is a little over $8 just fine.

With these, the battery lasts a long time, and you don't have to go online to tune-up. Just clip it onto your guitar and go.

There are plenty of others as well. Check them all out.

Pro tip: use a guitar stand like this. It works great and is only 10 bucks

I use fast fret for string cleaning and its great. i have four acoustics and sometimes won't play my 12 string for a month at a time, this stuff takes the rust right off and they'll sound bright and new again.

There are a bunch to use. I use Dunlop System 65 and a clean cotton cloth. It hasn't failed me yet. The cleaning spray will help with the back of the neck, and use the lemon oil on fretboard (note: DO NOT USE LEMON OIL ON THE TELE's MAPLE FRETBOARD) and wipe off the excess. If the fretboard is really cruddy, use a clean, damp cotton cloth and a bit of water to loosen up the grime, then let it dry and apply the oil.

Second the ditto. It's very minimal and is true bypass. It's great for practicing a home but is totally something you could play out with. Plus it's only $100.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZUAORE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-ixfvb0NXYKER

im a snark enthusiast. (mm super tight®)

Here are my accessories in a backpack I take to every gig:

• Snark Tuner
  
• Sansamp Bass Driver DI
  
• Two extra 9V Batteries
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Herb Wong's Jazz Fakebook
  
• Two cables (I should be carrying two more)
  
• Pen
  
• Blank sheet music
  
• Strepsils (I sing)
  
• Two sets of earplugs
  
• Folder containing repertoire and lyrics of our set
  
• Extra set of strings
  
  I hope this helps!

Just to piggyback off this, Planet Waves makes a nice little combo tool that includes a string winder, string cutter, and bridge pin puller. It's pretty cheap, and I use it all the time! Here's a link.

Right now, what's holding my pride and joy is a La-Z-Boy from the mid-90's. When my wife's not sitting in the chair, the guitar gets the $15 special from Guitar Center. Upright tripod style.

Those little A-frames suck, IMHO, if we're thinking of the same thing?

My suggestion would be a looper pedal. Extremely fun to play with and practical practicing tool.

https://www.amazon.com/TC-Electronic-Ditto-Looper-Effects/dp/B00AZUAORE

Top Stage Pro Universal Guitar Stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBKFYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FL.UzbZFXXAA6

$11 from Amazon. It's perfect for the board.

Fender Locking Tuners. I believe they are Schaller, but made in Taiwan. Fender has some sort of arrangement with Schaller so they can make Schaller locking tuners and strap locks in Asia. The locking tuners for instance are made in Taiwan and they are amazing quality.

[This is my cheapest)[http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0002OOMU8/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=171RUC5APS3KD&coliid=I1LIOVRT8TCOR6]

15

Thank you for this contest! =)

What is your favorite musical instrument?

Ideas related to guitar:1) Framed guitar poster: https://www.popchartlab.com/products/a-visual-compendium-of-guitars 2) for $200 you could buy a nice additional instrument like a ukulele or a mandolin 3) Guitar hanger http://amzn.to/2vt0pC0 4) Bullet journal for playing notes.

You could wipe them down daily with GHS fast fret. It's a little expensive on Amazon so I'd recommend going to a store to pick it up. It helps clean the guitar strings and keeps them fresher longer. I've read online that the liquid in there is just wood/mineral oil so I've been reusing the applicator with that liquid and haven't noticed any difference.

This one works perfectly for me
Top Stage Pro Universal Guitar Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBKFYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iKOFAb3FZ3NG7

I've never used one, but I've always thought that the pick punch sounded pretty cool.

Might not be bad if he's constantly losing picks.

I use this GHS string cleaner I love it

http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC

Please get a winder that can cut your strings too, you probably will save 30 minutes each time you restring.


Like this one:


https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Winder-String-Cutter/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=zg_bs_486419011_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NGEJQ5ZMA5KDMGHPMJYY

You want a Snark. I prefer to tune by ear (use a tuning fork for the reference) but I got a snark for noisy environments. Best I've ever used.

People keep telling me to watch this movie...I guess I should...

Warm Hugs

Yay for not losing guitar picks, for under $5!

If s/he's a guitarist or bassist: stands, straps, new strings, picks, string winders, cleaning kits. A more "novelty" gift is this thing (I have it and it's pretty nice).

Instruments under $50 are rarely good, except maybe for small percussions.

My friend used to cut up milk cartons in the shape of picks, he thought the thickness was perfect. He got one of those guitar pick hole punchers and now has hundreds of picks.

You should be wiping your strings/neck down with stuff like this before and after you play.

I basically can't remember the last time I put on new strings. Though to be honest, I only ever really did that if I had a gig or was starting a big studio session.

The guitar pick maker seems to be a hit this year. Maybe some sort of cooking gadget for infusing herbs and spices? Or a cool cookbook geared towards whatever their favorite food is?

If you have a guitar or other string instriment, then this tuner is really awesome! I bought one for my boyfriend this past christmas and he uses it constantly.

Replacing the tuning machine on a strat is one of the easiest things imaginable. They're just slid through the hole and secured with a nut on the topside, sometimes with an extra screw from the bottom to keep it from spinning in the hole.

It may be difficult to source a single tuning machine but now's as good a time as any to upgrade to a set of locking tuners.

Buy This I've seen it for as low as $20.

Forgive me if I'm misunderstanding your post but please don't do what you were thinking about doing.

Edit: I understand now. I imagine you can integrate the wall wart in your board somehow and do what u/TheKBRT suggested and use an extension cord for a clean look.

I use a guitar wall hanger and love it!

https://www.amazon.com/String-Swing-CC01KOAK-Hardwood-Studio/dp/B0002GLCRC/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments

First I would suggest getting this book , its a great reference for maintaining and doing a setup on the guitar .
http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-3rd/dp/0879309210/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372530336&sr=1-1&keywords=guitar+repair

And maybe this to clean the guitars
http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372530451&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=dadario+guitar+cleaning

FOr plain strings, it's not a problem to replace one. However, when you get to the wound strings - new strings are so much brighter replacing one creates a really obvious tonal imbalance.

You should get yourself a string winder - a model with bridge pin puller and string clipper built in. That covers most of what you need to change strings in one tool.

Like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/Planet-Waves-Winder-String-Cutter/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=asc_df_B0002E1G5C/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292964781544&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9268416846519880433&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002249&hvtargid=pla-343873428460&psc=1

A tuner is the single most important device you will ever own.

FTFY

Because honestly, you don't need to drop more than $20 on a tuner.

These are really great and minimal if you can put a couple holes in your walls.

As for the guitars, maybe look into getting some guitar wall hangers so that you get those off the floor? Plus it would look cool and fill up some wall space if your room is sparsely decorated.

Shower caddies help with organizing the personal hygiene stuff.

I use these for wall mounting, the work pretty well:

http://www.amazon.com/String-Swing-CC01K-Hardwood-Studio/dp/B0002GLCRC/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1372438077&sr=1-1

hmm...This is cheapish, Snark SN5 Tuner I'm a musician and this would come in handy....This contest made giggle because my brain turned it into a song based off of I feel like Dancing.

I have bought some "String Swing" wall hangers for a few guitars and even a Ukulele (I know they are much lighter) and they seem very well built. The wood is good quality and it comes with drywall hangers. Sans hanging on them with your own body weight, they would hold just about anything.

I agree. You can never really have too many packs of strings. If he doesn't have a Snark tuner yeat, I highly recommend them.

There is a tool that you can pick up (usually for under $10 U.S.) that can make the job much easier. Here's one example: https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Winder-String-Cutter/dp/B0002E1G5C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506764045&sr=8-3&keywords=String+winder

Many other manufacturers make them as well, and any guitar shop will have plenty. This handy little tool will help you pull the bridge pins, wind the strings (it's more tedious than you might expect if you have geared tuners), and cut the excess string. If your daughter sticks with her ukulele for any length of time, these things are just short of an absolute necessity.

I am also a Combustion player. The Dunlop 6500 system is the best cleaning system I've used.

If you're looking at a tubescreamer, check out the Joyo Vintage Overdrive. It's an inexpensive TS clone that sounds exactly the same as a Tubescreamer, in fact it has the original chip in it that many people say is better than the current Ibanez reissue.

Sits fine just have to invert the board to fit, or else the kick tail hits the floor.

Top Stage Pro Universal Guitar Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBKFYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-5CXzbG8M1PW9

Multi gauge. http://www.amazon.com/Estone-String-Action-Measuring-Luthier/dp/B00HTUAX1K

Pick punch, make picks out of credit cards and such.

http://www.amazon.com/Pick-Punch-The-Original-Guitar/dp/B005FIFM14/ref=zg_bs_11967641_68

Maintenance kit http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-System-Guitar-Maintenance-Kit/dp/B0002E1H9W/ref=zg_bs_11967641_80

iRig http://www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia-Studio-Quality-Guitar-Interface/dp/B00BIRR1TC/ref=zg_bs_11967641_85

Or

Cheap or used interface like a Line 6 GuitarPort, UX1, Behringer U-Phoria UM2, ETC

I prefer the rubberized foam guitar hangers. 1/3rd the price. I've got two of these and they work great.

Guitar Hanger Hook Holder Wall Mount Display - Fits all size Guitars, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, etc. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B005CX4GLE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_.asxwbAGB15DF

I first taught myself guitar in the early 70s. (yes, I'm old)

I bought a guitar from my buddy for five bucks, went to the music shop and got some strings, a basics book with a lesson on tuning and a few songs in it and a pitch pipe. (I don't recommend a pitch pipe, get yourself a chromatic tuner like the highly rated Snark http://www.amazon.com/Snark-Instrument-Clip-On-Chromatic-Tuner/dp/B003VWKPHC/ref=pd_cp_MI_0.)

Pick out a two chord song like Jambalaya and work it to the bone using C and G7. Then advance from there. Try to start with something simple like that first.

Youtube can be a terrific resource, but, for me, keeping it simple in the beginning made it doable.

YMMV

Any bass/guitar player is always happy to have another one of these. And they're only $10.

Oh, and another stand can always be used.

My favourite pickups in a fat Strat are the Seymour Duncan JB and two Lace Sensor Gold. The JB is great for any style and the Lace give you close to a regular single coil tone while remaining totally noiseless.

Lately my go-to amp has been a Vox AC15. I have a few amps to choose from but the Vox stands out for me.

For dirt I like the Joyo Ultimate Drive or Fulltone OCD. I also use a tc electronic Spark Booster to push the amp a little harder. I use a tc electronic PolyTune 2 tuner. I rotate the rest of the pedals on my board somewhat frequently.

Buy this $12 tuner from Amazon. It costs something like $30 from Guitar Center so don't get it there.

Add one of these $7 combination string winders and cutters. Just do it. You'll thank me.