[icemanliddell]

This one? http://www.music123.com/Dean-EVO-XM-...tYZS426QkBOwPA

or this one?

http://www.americanmusical.com/item....%20GSA60%20BT#

Classical was my background but quit indefinitely. Now I want to play again, since I was inspired by the guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson.

I would be focusing mainly on blues, jazz, and some rock. And I want to have my own electric guitar without having to break the bank.

Characteristics I'm primarily looking for--good sustain, smooth fretboard, lightness, durability, smooth finish. I was looking for a Squier Stratocaster before, but I changed my mind after reading lots of poor reviews.

The way I see it, the Ibanez resembles a strato, while Dean resembles a tele+other vintages. Which is better?

Oh yeah, both guitars are lacking pickguards but should they matter?

[RichC123]

Well, both of them are pretty low end in my book. But, for what you are looking for, I would probably go with the Ibanez over the Dean. The problem with guitars is that you get what you pay for almost every time.

[Seano]

Ditto the above poster. The Ibanez seems the mor versatile and would probably last longer.

[Seano]

Oh and don't read reviews. Go to a Store and try things. The worst reviewed guitar may feel the best to you.

[KingSnake]

Ibanez's low end shit is ussually decent for the price.

[icemanliddell]

But there are other lower ends. And I'm just starting, anyway. Hate to admit it, but I love the feel of Squier. I like the weight and smooth fretboard of Dean. The bolt-in design is pretty unique because the bolt is in an angle, while most bolts are box-like. As for Ibanez, I'll have to try it again, because the salesman plugged it in a good amp and forgot to let me play the instrument. I want to try it on a cheap amp.

I have no immediate plans to join a band. Of course I have to buy more expensive shit for studios and live shows. For now, I just want to explore.

[LightsOutMikey]

in that case, go with the ibanez. i started out on old ibanez gs, they're pretty good for that price range.

however, judging from what you wanna play, i'd totally recommend this:

http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-Les...r-i27928.music

extremely decent axe for an extremely decent price, handles really sweet, and sounds pretty good for rock, blues and jazz (given the price range)

[MadFistWilly]

Yeah, my first electric was an Ibanez and it worked out well, but I think it really comes down to personal preference.

[childrenofbodom]

i always been a lifelong esp guy, so i would recommend trying one of those out.

[ghertr]

definitely the ibanez. the squire is trash, unless you want to go to the trouble of replacing the pickups.