I've been playing bass for quite a while now, and think I want to mix things up a bit and learn guitar.

So..what's a nice guitar capable of playing AGM? And what effects go well with it? I already have a decent amp.

I can spend up to $1000, maybe 1400 or so even.

Thanks.

I think it doesnot depend much on the guitar! You can use effects to achieve particular sound, in my opinion.
I love my Ibanez JS, it's good for distorted and clean sounds.

Why spend so much?? A decent Epiphone goes for about $300 - $400

Schecter and Dean make some decent guitars for under $500.

You can also put better pickups in a less expensive guitar, too.

I'd spend the extra money on a decent Amp Modeler/FX unit, like a Line 6 POD or something similar, maybe the new BOSS ME-20.

Go to a decent music store and try out some different guitars. Sit with your eyes shut and have someone hand you different guitars - How does it feel, sound, etc. You may be surprised that some cheaper guitars may sound and feel better than the more expensive.

When Steve Vai was making one of his records, he said he wanted to go out and buy a vintage Strat with a budget of $5,000! But he ended up buying a $300 Squire Strat because it just sounded and felt better than the others.

Don't be fooled by price and brand names. You've got to try it out yourslef.

Actually, I'm looking into a low-budget guitar myself, and am curious to get some suggestions -

anyone have any non-brand name guitars that they're happy with?

I've played the same Yamaha solid-body Tele-style with DiMarzio pickups for twenty years now, but I need something different, maybe a Squier Fat Strat, or Epiphone SG.

And did L'Etranger ever decide on a guitar himself??

I agree w/ both Dimaension X and Symptoms

I would say that nowadays Schecters are the way to go for a quality, but affordable instrument. They have a great sound and feel without breaking your wallet.
Also B.C. Rich used to have some cheapies that work great. In the Musicians Friend catalog they used to have the B.C. Rich Warlock Bronze for $99, I use it as a second guitar and it's perfect. You also should decide whether you want a Floyd Rose tremolo or not. Unless you are going to use the whammy bar for alot of dives then you probably don't need one, often times they are more trouble than they are worth. If you plan on playing live then you might need an FX pedal (or rack unit w/ a pedal) but if you just want to play at home or record then a Line 6 pod or rack FX without the pedal would work.

The best idea for Guitars and FX is to just go to a music store and try them out. Try and find a good store with employees who are not car salesmen and who know what they are talking about. Then play through everything you can and after that decide what works best for you. Some people simply buy things because of a brand name and some brand names are actually worth it, and some most definitely are not. Make your own choice. Don't pay for a name.

I've heard great things about Agile guitars for being cheap and good quality.

Finally bought a Black Schecter Omen 6. $299.00 US.

Liked it WAAAYYYY better than an ESP LTD EC100QM (their Les Paul copy).

Also tried the more expensive Schecter Damien 6 and couldn't tell the difference. Why pay more?

my freind ! get the cheapest cinese made electric guitar u can find and a basic amp........and first make up ur mind as to what kinda avant garde experimental metal you wanna play.......its all in the hands and the mind...the effects are just minor tools

try playing along to somehting that is NOT FROM A ROCK OR METAL scne...like any folk / traditional music from ay area u like...or some jazz..........
just a thought

Yeah, do definitely get yourself a jazz/blues guitar. Metal distortion = overrated.

But I mean, if ya wanna impress the chicks, BC Rich Warlock is the only way... or maybe not!

Didn't Paul Westerberg say "those pointy guitars 'll give ya VD."

My Schecter Omen 6 is made in China, and set up in the US, hence the cheaper price. Either way, you've got to sit and try out any guitar first. I tried out three or four or the exact same make and model before settling on the one I bought. The others just didn't feel right.

If you do want to just by the cheapest, yet decent guitar possible, try one of those First Act guitars (available in Wal-Mart, Target, Toys 'R Us). Yeah, they are cheap, but for the very inexpensive price, you get a "decent" guitar. You can always adjust the action, change the strings, tighten things up.