Sub- $1,000 Beginner Guitar Rig

$1,000 Beginner Guitar Rig 

Intro:

Whether you’re just getting started, or you’ve tucked a bit of money away to upgrade your beginner rig, it’s important to spend some time learning what makes a good tone. This way we can make calculated decisions, and get the most BANG for our BUCK when it actually comes down to making your purchase. On top of this it’s important to consider what kind of music you enjoy, and what kind of tone YOU are chasing. If you like one sound, and you know what it is, this article isn't for you (keep an eye out for genre specific rigs in the near future)  if not you’re like me, We enjoy a wider variety of music, and we can’t box ourselves into one sound, one minute you’re chicken picking with a Brad Paisley tune, The next you’re dive bombing along with Dimebag. Luckily for us, there’s a solution! By strategically piecing together a rig meticulously chosen to offer the widest variety of sounds, in the most comfortable, easy to use package. From a bedroom picker to a professional guitarist gearing up for a show, this rig will accommodate most any genre, while remaining under $1,000, meaning any player could buy this equipment new after a few months of saving up, Especially with the layaway plans offered at most Mom and Pop Shops. With that being said, let’s get into it!

Amp: Boss Katana 50 Gen. 3: $270

The Amp was almost a no-brainer, and some would say cheating, but I'm here to give you the least biased and most helpful information possible. Even when I was a commissioned salesman, who got higher commission on other brands, I ALWAYS recommended the Katana, and not one got returned or exchanged (can’t say the same for some of the other brands, Line 6, Blackstar, even Marshall). This is because I myself have been a proud Katana owner since 2016. I bought the Gen.1 Boss Katana 100 (Overkill for my needs) as soon as Woodsys (my local shop at the time) had one in stock. Then not too long ago upgraded to the MK.2 100 watt. I justified it by “planning” Gig, but honestly I don’t need it, the 50 would do just fine, I just like seeing the 100 Watt logo and happened to catch the full package in a good trade deal, don’t be like me, get the 50, it’s all you really need. 

Side note: Even when you do need to move more air, your money is better spent on TWO katana 50s, instead of one Katana 100. This is because you can daisy chain them together, this allows you to spread them out on stage giving you a wider range of sound, as well as a stereo effect. But don’t worry about this for now, you’ll know when that applies to you. 

The Katana itself is an amazing piece of technology, its versatility is almost unmatched, and the tone studio, GSFC food switch, and expression pedal open up a whole new world of tonal capabilities. I have successfully pulled off tones from Crystal Clean Country, all the way to Ambient Drone Metal, and everything in between. The controls make tone switching on the fly easy, and straight forward. No fumbling through screen after screen, or scrolling through pages of effects that all sound pretty much the same, BAD! The Katana has more than enough on board effects to keep a beginner busy for years, but for my more advanced followers, you can open up the tone studio on a computer, and step into the next generation of music production (from a guitarist’s viewpoint). The best part is, just like the amp, the tone studio is easy to understand, and even more streamlined to navigate, and if you’re not good at dialing in tones, you can pick up one of THOUSANDS shared by other Katana users world wide, including some endorsed artists like Marty Music! On top of this the build quality is impeccable, no screens to break, no tubes to change, the power cord is even detachable so you don’t have to worry about it pinching from use over time. It’s a simple black box that's easy to clean, and forgiving of a few bumps and bruises that are inevitably going to happen over the course of its life cycle. 

Overall this is just as much of a great amp for beginners trying to find what sounds they like, as it is for a professional musician trying to take their favorite sounds, and shove them into an easy to use, portable, awesome sounding Amp. When it comes to choosing which one is right for you, take into your budget primarily, you will not lose many features going from the flagship Artist Head, down to the entry level Katana 50. If you don’t know what you need, or can’t decide even after checking out my “Buyer’s Guide to the Boss Katana” (Coming soon) Just get the Katana 50, and upgrade later if you need to. It’s worth noting that pretty much any Generation of Katana does what you need, but Mk.2 or newer will be ideal if you want to stay up-to-date Technologically.

Guitar: PRS SE CE 24 Satin $500

The PRS SE CE 24 Satin is a standout guitar that offers exceptional value for its price. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and versatile sound, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. The satin finish not only gives it a sleek and stylish look but also provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Whether you're playing rock, blues, jazz, or any other genre, the PRS SE CE 24 Satin can handle it all with ease.

One of the key features of the PRS SE CE 24 Satin is its versatile tone. Equipped with PRS 85/15 "S" pickups, this guitar delivers a wide range of sounds, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. The push/pull tone control allows you to split the humbuckers into single-coil mode, giving you even more tonal options. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for players who want a guitar that can adapt to different musical styles and settings.

The PRS SE CE 24 Satin also boasts a comfortable and playable design. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard provide a smooth and fast playing surface, while the 24 frets give you access to a wide range of notes. The guitar's lightweight body makes it easy to handle, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage. The ergonomic design ensures that you can play for hours without feeling fatigued.

In terms of build quality, the PRS SE CE 24 Satin is top-notch. PRS is known for its attention to detail and high standards of craftsmanship, and this guitar is no exception. The solid mahogany body and maple top provide excellent resonance and sustain, while the satin finish adds a touch of elegance. The hardware is also of high quality, with PRS-designed tuners and a molded tremolo bridge that ensures stable tuning and smooth operation.

Overall, the PRS SE CE 24 Satin is the best and most versatile guitar for its price. Its combination of high-quality craftsmanship, versatile tone, and comfortable design makes it an excellent choice for players of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to add a reliable and versatile guitar to your collection, the PRS SE CE 24 Satin is a fantastic option that won't disappoint even the most seasoned vet.

Accessories and Lessons:

Having a good tuner is essential for any guitarist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. A tuner ensures that your guitar is always in tune, which is crucial for producing a pleasant sound. Playing an out-of-tune guitar can be frustrating and can hinder your progress. There are various types of tuners available, including clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and smartphone apps. Investing in a reliable tuner will save you time and help you develop a better ear for pitch.

Next, let's talk about guitar picks. Picks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each offering a different playing experience. Thinner picks are great for strumming and producing a lighter sound, while thicker picks provide more control and are ideal for lead playing. Experimenting with different picks can help you find the one that suits your playing style and preferences. Having a variety of picks on hand allows you to switch between them depending on the song or technique you're working on.

A comfortable guitar strap is another essential accessory. Playing the guitar while standing can be tiring, especially if your strap is uncomfortable. A good strap distributes the weight of the guitar evenly across your shoulder, reducing strain and allowing you to play for longer periods. Look for a strap that is adjustable and made from durable materials. Padded straps can provide extra comfort, especially during long practice sessions or performances.

In addition to these accessories, consider investing in a month or two of guitar lessons. Lessons can provide you with a solid foundation and help you avoid developing bad habits. A good instructor can tailor lessons to your skill level and goals, providing personalized guidance and feedback. Whether you choose in-person or online lessons, the investment in your education will pay off in the long run, helping you progress faster and enjoy playing the guitar even more.

Go Show Marty Music some LOVE, he's there for all of us when we need some musical guidance. 

Now Let's budget this out with $230 left to spend. A good tuner can cost around $20, a variety pack of picks around $10, and a comfortable strap around $30. This leaves you with $170 for guitar lessons. Depending on the instructor and location, you can find lessons ranging from $20 to $50 per session or $10-$20/Month for virtual With $170, you can afford approximately 3 to 8 lessons, which is a great start to improving your skills. Investing in these accessories and lessons will enhance your playing experience and set you on the path to becoming a better guitarist.

Explanation and Examples:

The Boss Katana and PRS SE CE 24 Satin make an exceptional combination for beginner and intermediate guitar players seeking versatility and quality. The PRS SE CE 24 Satin is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and versatile tone, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Its comfortable design, featuring a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, ensures a smooth playing experience, while the 24 frets provide access to a broad range of notes. The PRS 85/15 "S" pickups offer a variety of tonal options, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy, making it an ideal choice for players who want a guitar that can adapt to different styles.

Pairing the PRS SE CE 24 Satin with the Boss Katana amplifier creates a powerful and flexible rig. The Boss Katana is known for its exceptional sound quality and versatility, offering a wide range of amp models and effects. With its user-friendly interface, players can easily dial in their desired tones, whether they are looking for clean, crisp sounds or heavy, distorted tones. The Katana's built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, and modulation, allow players to experiment with different sounds without needing additional pedals, making it a cost-effective solution for those just starting out.

Together, the PRS SE CE 24 Satin and Boss Katana provide a comprehensive setup that covers all the bases for beginner and intermediate players. This combination offers a high level of playability, tonal versatility, and ease of use, making it perfect for practice, recording, and live performances. With this rig, players can explore various musical genres and techniques, helping them develop their skills and find their unique sound. Investing in this setup ensures that players have a reliable and versatile rig that will grow with them as they progress in their musical journey.

Outro:

In conclusion, building a versatile and high-quality beginner guitar rig under $1,000 is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. By investing in the Boss Katana 50 Gen. 3 amp and the PRS SE CE 24 Satin guitar, you are setting yourself up for a wide range of tonal possibilities and a comfortable playing experience. These pieces of equipment are designed to grow with you as you develop your skills and explore different musical genres.

Don't forget the importance of essential accessories like a reliable tuner, a variety of picks, and a comfortable strap. Additionally, investing in a few guitar lessons can provide you with a solid foundation and help you progress faster. With this rig, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any musical challenge that comes your way, from bedroom practice sessions to live performances.

Remember, the journey of learning and playing the guitar is a continuous one. Enjoy the process, experiment with different sounds, and most importantly, have fun! Happy playing!