Look for a dealer based in Canada - most of the big online music stores are the same company, you can generally find a comparable price at an independent store (before customs). Get the ESP from your local store, supporting a local dealer does your part to ensure that you will have continued access to quality instruments and a local place to provide your musical gear needs.

As far as the EC-50 / M-50 decision goes, it's pretty much preference - the M has a 25.5" scale and a whammy bar, the EC has a 24.75" scale and a fixed bridge. The M has a humbucker in the bridge and two single coils, the EC has dual humbuckers. I prefer a fixed bridge, 25.5" scale, and dual humbuckers (though I currently play a single pickup setup) - it pretty much comes down to preference and what you are playing.

e: pg3

This post was edited by Zodijackyl on Jul 17 2009 02:58pm

ESPs are great guitars too, but not very versatile at all for a first guitar.

hmm.. so right now its either between the ESP EC-50 or the Gibson Les Paul Special II... $50 price difference, which isnt too bad. but I guess i will go to the store tomorrow and try them both out.

so what do you mean by versatility?

He means the kind of music you can play.
Sure the ESP is less versatile (Mainly metal, rock and such) but it's like 2x lighter than a Les Paul (Which are really heavy usually). But yeah, it's better to go test em both and see what you prefer.

alright guys, I went with the gibson les paul special II (much lighter than the ESP), and the Vypr amp (much cheaper than the roland cube) and good enough for my needs!

thanks for your help!

all together cost me just under 500 at $499.98

This post was edited by BB_MelloYello on Jul 21 2009 03:16pm

your silly bro the ESP's are much much much better quality. But oh well .... lol... when the epi starts falling completely apart you will regret it, but that kind of stuff will come w/ experience.

price was a big factor dude =/

epiphone will last

Meh you sure the epiphone is lighter than the ESP? I'd love to see that

Anyways, good for you, very good choice on the amp!

nice, start rockin' son