Soo...the point of this is to post cheap stuff that I've found that actually works, or is good for having backups on a budget. I'll update this periodically, but probably only when I'm bored enough to do it...like I am now...
Wal-Mart Yeah, I know...first act guitars, amps that sound like giant IPods, etc...but they do have good emergency stuff, and most importantly are still open when it's gig time and you realize you're missing something. So far we've made runs for: 10/20ft cables with good shielding for under $10 Decent quality straps for a similar price, and ones with pick holders for $15 Fairly long lasting strings for under $4 (GHS, not FA. I've had a set on my guitar for over a year, with no sign of rust) A decent selection of picks for a reasonable(though not great) price Drumsticks. Bad ones, but drumsticks nonetheless. We've made several drumstick runs. Stands...some of them even have dual-guitar stands for like $20. Even more in larger wal-marts.
Rock Steady Straps These things have been great for me. They're very cheap, under $20 last time I checked, but are made very, very well. They hold the strap button well, have awesome friction(helps neck dive immensely), are fairly wide and comfy, and are made of what appears to be thick, heavy cotton with double-ply leather ends.
Rondomusic.com. I'm gonna get flamed for this, but honestly, if you need something to knock around or are on a budget, SX cannot be beat. They have good woods(alder or ash), pickups made to the same specs as Fender's, very good hardware for the price, and excellent customer service. The reso of their stuff is just awesome, as any Agile owner will tell you, and they also sell very good cases and racks, as well as necessities like strings, picks, mics, and other stuff, for good prices. And I'll say again, being a small store and not a hige company, they have excellent customer service. The owner personally answers all emails, usually within a sew hours of recieving them, sometimes even on weekends.
Used Peavey The choice of every church in america for sound equipment, you can find spare cabs/subs, monitors, mixers, even instruments and instrument amps for insanely low prices in most any pawn shop.
Danelectro Pedals Yeah, the little plastic things that look like they'd break if you looked at them funny. They do actually function well,(well, most of them..), and will hold up at the very least until you get a good one. Though it's always good to check the reviews, chances are that if you need an effect for a song, but are strapped for cash, they'll have something, and it'll sound just fine.
I agree, whenever someone is looking for an amp (most likely used) I always point them towards Peavey, they seem to hold up and sound great. Danelectro pedals are also awesome for the price, especially when it's something to try out (my first chorus is a Danelectro, I'm not going to run out and buy an ElectroHarmonix for 10x the price)
I absolutely have to disagree with you on WalMart strings though. I don't doubt that they carry decent stands (I'm waiting for the day someone can mess a stand up) but any set of strings sold in that store are horrendous, whether it be First Act, Gibson... whatever. Don't hold tune, break prematurely, sound horrible, even the wrong gauges!
Can't wait to try out Rondo though.. they have some really sweet looking stuff for insanely low prices.
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