Sorry if this threads in the wrong section but .....

I want to spend about 300-350 pounds on a guitar and I've narrowed my search right down to the YAMAHA RGX A2 and the PRS SE SOAPBAR II.

Which one do you think i should go for?
Or are there any others at about the same price which are obviously better?

Many thanks for the advice :) ash.

The only advice I can give is to try them, and everything else you like the look of within your price range. I've found in the past that some models just don't feel comfortable in my hands despite having had good reviews. You really need to play them through a rig similar to your own as well - otherwise you won't necessarily get the same sound at home as you did in the shop.

Take a look at the user reviews on www.harmony-central.com
It may not help you make a decision, but it provides entertaining reading.

I have to agree with deadheadfred.

Years ago my mate got bought a genuine Fender Strat by his parents. It wasn't half as good as the Ibanez copy another friend had. Also, as said, amplification is crucial.

look here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=164597)

I would say, if I had that much money to spend on a guitar, I'd personally go for something second hand from ebay (possibly a tokai or some other sort of high end les paul copy) - as long as they're treated well there's no practical difference between a new and older guitar except for price and you almost always get more 'bang for your buck' on the second hand market. That's a good price range to be aiming at, you should be able to get yourself a nice guitar - don't forget amplification as mentioned though!

A lot of it is down to personal taste too, I've never really got on with non-budget yamahas myself - owned a Frank Gambale signature that cost me nearly a grand second hand and just plain didn't like it, although it looked beautiful - and always thought you might be paying for the PRS name with the SE series, but that's just personal opinion and as said it's best just to play them and see what feels and sounds nicest.

I'll go along with the recommendation from Crayfish that you try some of the Tokai models - they're excellent pieces of kit for the money. I think Electro in Doncaster are a Tokai stockist, and the UK distributors are based in Anston.

I tried some of the PRS models a few years back, and didn't particularly like them. I then played a Patrick Eggle Berlin Pro, very similar to a PRS but around £500 cheaper at the time, and fell instantly in love.

Two very different guitars!

If restricted to these two, I'd go for the PRS for its simplicity and the fact that it has fretmarkers on the front of the neck, I bought an electric with only side markers and couldn't get on with it, I had to get inlays put in which cost about £50.

I like the unusual shapes of some of the Schecter guitars in Sound Control.

I bought a £200 Ibanez electric guitar in 1984, I still play it at home and it's on it's 2nd fretjob, check them out too.

Play them, and buy the one you like the most. Judge them on what they sound like and not their reputation.

What are you into? What sound do you want?

If it's crunchy metal, maybe try a Jackson. I'd love a Flying V (any decent make, as long as sounds good) but no money and no space left...

I've got a Fender Jazzmaster for sale, brand new, never been played, for sale for £300. It cost £700. Pics and advert in the For Sale section.

Get yourself one o' these (http://www.acousticdisc.com/dawg_photos/11.dawg_earl.jpg) and you'll be the talk o' the town.

Cheap jacksons aren't bad, I agree. I play a good one, had it a few years and I still look at it and think it's beautiful. Not that I'm saying I don't need many, many more guitars, but y'know.

Tokai was voted the best guitar copiers a few years ago, I bought a Fender Squire a couple of years ago and my mates think the action etc is better than the original strat, although the pick ups could do with a bit more grunt.
I bought my son an Ibanez road series about 10 years ago and he wouldn't sell it for anything. I've been playing for 51 years, don't buy for looks or anything you haven't tried, you could be dissapointed.

Cheap jacksons aren't bad, I agree. I play a good one, had it a few years and I still look at it and think it's beautiful. Not that I'm saying I don't need many, many more guitars, but y'know.
I got a Jackson - it was £350 about 10 years ago and it's metalicious. But now I need more banjos. Well maybe just one more. A Gibson.

Buy Guitar Hero 2 on PS2 (soon to be ported to Xbox 360 I hear), cheaper and easier to learn.

:shocked: :o I just recommended a Sony PS2 exclusive?! :help:

Buy Guitar Hero 2 on PS2 (soon to be ported to Xbox 360 I hear), cheaper and easier to learn.
But nothing like the real thing and completely useless in the real world.

How about a nice mandolin?

How about a nice mandolin?

Ooooh - why, do you have one for sale?

How about a nice mandolin?
If it was a Gibson 'F' style. Can't beat those mandolin chops in bluegrass.

Yep, its a brand new Fender Mandolin. Sunburst in colour. £90.

Seriously? I'm well tempted, but can't splash out till after Xmas.

As am I. But same financial situation as BG! Not till after Christmas i'm afraid...... :mad: