electric guitar so I can hear myself when

Question:But I also want to be able to quietly play in my apartment without bugging my roommates. I could probably spend around $500, what would you suggest?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: But I also want to be able to quietly play in my apartment without bugging my roommates. I could probably spend around $500, what would you suggest?

Stay away from Ibanez, they are trash. I like Takamine myself but I understand the ones below 500 aren't as good sound wise. I would go to the guitarcenter and play a few until you find one that sounds ok plug in and acoustic. Sometimes, on the cheaper models just something as simple as changing out the tuners makes a world of difference.

look at the ESP Xtone series for semi hollow bodies.

I would say a Fender Stratacoustic or Telecoustic. Those are pretty cool.

Ibanez does have some killer Acoustic /electric guitars.
In a wide variety of colors too.

Have a look for yourself...

www.guitarcenter.com
www.music123.com
www.samedaymusic.com

Good luck