David Gilmour actually uses a set of EMG single coils too. They're excellent blues pickups. I don't like their humbuckers much though.

As for the ibanez stuff...they actually make some EXCELLENT classic rock guitars. Its just that, as you and I both know very well apparently, they carved out a niche for themselves as a rock and metal player and have stayed in that vein for the bulk of their lines. They're very versatile instruments even in that range, but the semi-hollows they make are fantastic.

This one for example, I would love to own, although the cocobolo topped version they were producing last year looked better to me. Ibanez :: Hollow Guitars :: AJD91

Its an EXCELLENT compromise between classic sensibility and modern advancement. Classic tonal structure and fixed bridge, classic style pickups etc. But in a better shape with a quick tune tailpiece, etc.

Great GREAT info guys! Appreciate it. Sounds like the Strat or Telecaster may be good fits, and they are definitely on my short list to try out now. I prefer a raw/gritty sound so I'll probably stick with the standard pickups.

Another question- Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson, have you guys found that customers have the same quality issues with Epiphone as they do with Gibson? They have some interesting guitars I'd like to try out, but much more affordable. I just stumbled upon the Epiphone BB King Lucille - which is a fukin' beautiful looking piece of work - and it's listed under $700. Are these just cheaper Gibsons, or do they have their own standard of quality?

Anyway, looks like the next step is to just try some of these out and see which one woos me. Strat, Tele, possibly Dot, PRS (if there are any in the price range), and now Lucilleeee.

Don't count out that ibanez I linked to. You may find that the more modern neck shapes fit you better than the oldschool thick necks. I certainly haven't looked back since I went to a thinner neck.

Oh, my bad... didn't even realize this thread had gone to a second page, so I didn't see your post. I'll definitely look into that as well.

yeah the ibanez artcore and artist series look quite nice

I can vouch for those Wizard II necks. Super fast, but that appeals to my style of playing. Not sure about the blues realm.

The Ibanez Artcore series are excellent guitars in any price range. I prefer the Artcore series, I've found, are much nicer to play than their guitars geared more towards the heavier rock style.

Yeah, but you think you own a £2000 MIK Jem, even though the only MIK Jems were the 555s, which sold for much less. I DID ask you in another thread for some details pertaining to that guitar because if I'm honest I think you're very mistaken about what you actually have.

Unfortunately I haven't had any reply to that post, so I'm slightly sceptical about your opinion on ibanez.

I've been too lazy to reply, actually. The Serial Number is C02060876 and on the back of the neck, just above the serial number, it says "JEM 7V WH".

Good luck with the guitar hunt.

There is a fundamental difference between single coil and humbucker pickups regards the tone they produce. If you go on wiki and read up on them, it`ll explain why...

This youtube video is pretty good for basic advice too...
YouTube - Strat Vs. Les Paul-style PRS

If you are still bamboozled by al this, i`d go into a good music shop (with a solemn pact with the devil that you will NOT buy anything on impulse) and try some axes that are within your budget.

Don`t forget the Amp you use makes a massive difference to the overall tone you get too! I`d recommend getting a terrific Clean channel valve Amp and then using good effects units to add distortion (if thats your thing).... the possibilities are endless, and whilst its confusing, its all part of the fun too. Enjoy the HUNT!