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Hello everyone, What advice can you offer a beginner electric guitarist looking for a multi-effects unit? I am aware of Boss ME25, Digitech RP55, Line 6's Pod 2.0 and Pocket Pod, Zoom G2.1Nu and Behringer's V-Amp 3 and X V-Amp. I want it for practice, not for stage use, to learn about effects. I wil...

Thanks everyone. I think I'll start off playing around with a few Boss pedals - reverb and chorus, maybe tremolo. The Blackstar amp has distortion, so that is covered.

What is the best way to start delving into the world of electric guitar effects? I have a Fender Strat and Blackstar HT5 combo amp, and want to start playing around with basic effects such as reverb, distortion, tremelo, chorus, wah etc. Am I better to buy a few specific pedals, or a multi-effect un...

I tried a few guitars, and have today ordered an American Standard Strat from Rockshop, along with a Blackstar HT5 5W combo amp. Thanks for all the good advice. Now I just have to be patient and wait for it to arrive!!

Great advice, thanks very much everyone.

Thanks - same problem with TradeMe - lefty Strats are like hen's teeth.

Thanks.
The problem with trying them out is that I'm a lefty, and I can't find a shop with lefty MIA Teles and Strats to play with.
Re artists - I like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Robert Cray, ZZ Top ... all Strat players, I think ... hmmm

Thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier questions about importing guitars from the US, and American vs. Mexican Telecasters. I am now at the stage of ordering an American Standard Telecaster or Stratocaster from a NZ supplier, and I'd appreciate some more advice. For a relative beginner who w...

Thanks everyone. I would only go down the import path if the cost saving was really significant.

Since posting the question, I have got some really good quotes from NZ retailers, so I'll probably stay local.

Thanks everyone, great information.

I'm finding some really good prices at NZ stores for MIA Fenders, so that might be the way ahead if I can find one I like.

As a newbie, am I wasting my money if I buy a new American Standard Telecaster instead of a Mexican one?

Can anyone tell me: - Of a US guitar retailer who is prepared to freight guitars to NZ? None of the ones I have asked will freight outside the US. - Is NZ duty payable on imported guitars, as well as GST? - What is the best US freight firm to deal with? - Are there any traps for young players to be ...

I settled on an Ibanez Troubadour T35 from MusicWorks (on sale at $600).

Has anyone got a Laney LA35C 35W acoustic amp that they can comment on? Thanks again.

Thanks everyone. Your comments are very helpful.