hey everybody. i've played bass for awhile and recently made the switch to guitar about a year ago. I have a Godin Freeway classic which I love. Recently I've gotten into playing in open C and I'm really enjoying it. I've been entertaining the possiblity of acquiring a second guitar so I can keep my Godin in standard and the second one in C. My question is, what guitars would you recommend for playing mostly metal/dev type stuff? I've been looking at the esp ltd m series and I like how they look and what I've read but I haven't had a chance to try one out. The maximum i'm looking to spend is $500 but would prefer to be in the 250-450 range if possible.
Thanks for any suggestions, I'm relatively new to the world of guitars so I'm open to anything.

Maybe an Ibanez RG7321 to be able to tune to GCGCGCe!

You could just buy the LTD version of Devs guitar is you want to really get closer to that sound. You could probably find one of those used for around what youre looking for. Its a pretty fine guitar, definitely well suited for what youre looking for. Only catch is that you wont have a neck pickup to play on, rather just a bridge and middle.

Also, consider looking into a Fender Standard Stratocaster for more of the Terria sound, or an LTD EX400 (a little more expencive) for something closer to pre-Alien SYL as well as Ocean Machine (I think, not entirely sure though).

Maybe an Ibanez RG7321 to be able to tune to GCGCGCe!

I agree. Ibanez necks are great, and you can always upgrade the pickups later, but those models are a good stepping stone towards the higher end stuff. They may not have the best components out there, but you can end up with quite a good guitar if you upgrade 1 part a month, be it a pickup or a volume pot.

The LTD version of the Stephan Carpenter guitar is of course a great choice too.

thanks for the suggestions guys. all those seem pretty nice, ill have to keep my eyes open next time im at guitar center and try em out. is it difficult at all to transition from 6-string to 7? hadn't really considered it until seeing that ibanez.

Get the Ibanez 7 used and throw in some EMG 81/7 bridge, and 707 neck. if you get all used, you might be able to get away with 500-600 range.

You could always go with a used Schecter that has the EMGs as well. They do mainly mahogany woods on their 7s and they sound great.

If you want a 6 string, get any used Ibanez RG (maybe a 470 or a 560)and throw in the EMG81s or 81/85s. You could probably get away with under $400 if you look in the right places.

500-600 dollars is really cheap for a guitar. My first recommendation would be to keep on saving and buying a custom shop Gibson.
I'm not a big fan of Ibanez guitars. I've only played two of 'em that I liked. The neck and sound are too thin. There's no sustain at all. They're good for metal, but that's it. I wouldn't play any different genres on an Ibanez, not even on the semi-acoustic series.
But... I see that you want to play metal. That's cool, but I would definitely go for a guitar that can do more than just metal. A Les Paul is a good deal. EMG pickups are not really my thing, but if you like the loud, active output, go for it. I personally think it misses body. Some good humbuckers, and a Tubescreamer can get you the same, if not, better sound.
I don't recommend starting on 7-string. They're like 12-string acoustic guitars; nice to have next to your 6-string. Let your fingers and wrists get used to a 6-string first. Learn all you can on that, and then, if you still want to, switch to 7-string.
So, erm.. what kind of guitar? ... Well, I'd really go for a versatile guitar to start off. You shouldn't limit yourself to only metal. Go to your local guitar store, play some Gibsons, Ibanez's, Fenders, etc, and try to find a guitar that plays and sounds nice enough for you.
Sometimes the shittiest, cheapest guitar will have a great sound and play like a king. London City guitars are a good example. They're cheap, look like crap, but have a great sound.
Anyway, good luck, and we're all anxious to see what you'll purchase.

I've been starting to think maybe its a better idea to start saving up more instead of going for a cheapish guitar. I guess constantly looking at all those beautiful instruments made me a little anxious to dive in.
But who knows, maybe I'll stumble across one in my range that just feels right. I appreciate you guys taking the time to offer your suggestions, I'll let you know what develops.

Good advice: Buy used

Good advice: Buy used

I second that... BUT, always try to try before you buy.

Good advice: Buy used

I second that... BUT, always try to try before you buy.

Seconded. Nothing beats the disappointment of buying a guitar youve never played only to find out that its not comfortable for you or doesnt sound the way you envisioned it

500-600 dollars is really cheap for a guitar. My first recommendation would be to keep on saving and buying a custom shop Gibson.
I'm not a big fan of Ibanez guitars. I've only played two of 'em that I liked. The neck and sound are too thin. There's no sustain at all. They're good for metal, but that's it. I wouldn't play any different genres on an Ibanez, not even on the semi-acoustic series.
But... I see that you want to play metal. That's cool, but I would definitely go for a guitar that can do more than just metal. A Les Paul is a good deal. EMG pickups are not really my thing, but if you like the loud, active output, go for it. I personally think it misses body. Some good humbuckers, and a Tubescreamer can get you the same, if not, better sound.
I don't recommend starting on 7-string. They're like 12-string acoustic guitars; nice to have next to your 6-string. Let your fingers and wrists get used to a 6-string first. Learn all you can on that, and then, if you still want to, switch to 7-string.
So, erm.. what kind of guitar? ... Well, I'd really go for a versatile guitar to start off. You shouldn't limit yourself to only metal. Go to your local guitar store, play some Gibsons, Ibanez's, Fenders, etc, and try to find a guitar that plays and sounds nice enough for you.
Sometimes the shittiest, cheapest guitar will have a great sound and play like a king. London City guitars are a good example. They're cheap, look like crap, but have a great sound.
Anyway, good luck, and we're all anxious to see what you'll purchase.

I like your choices in guitars here but he's looking for the Dev type sound. For cheap prices there are many used Ibanez guitars on the second hand market in great condition and although the stock pickups suck and the sound of EMGs may be lacking in mid range and warmth to some people's taste, that is a good way to go for getting close to a Dev type tone at minimal cost. I don't think it would be that affordable to go a Gibson and Fenders are terrible for that metal tone. Ibanez + EMGs = affordable metal tone for quick fix.