Know Your Gear Podcast: Episode 416 Summary Title: Behringer Went To Far With The Klon Clone (The Klon Scam) Host: Phillip McKnight Release Date: June 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 416 of The Know Your Gear Podcast, host Phillip McKnight delves deep into the world of guitar gear, addressing a plethora of listener questions while sharing personal insights and experiences. The episode is rich with discussions ranging from guitar clones and business models to personal anecdotes and gear recommendations.

Main Topics

1. Behringer and the Klon Clone Controversy

Phillip opens the episode by addressing concerns surrounding Behringer's replication of the Klon Centaur pedal, a revered piece of guitar gear known for its distinct overdrive sound.

• Trademark and Consumer Protection: Phillip asserts, "I believe trademarks are to protect consumers." He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing genuine products from clones to prevent consumer confusion.

• Quality and Business Models: Discussing Dana Electro guitars, Phillip highlights their focus on quality over price, stating, "I like that they make a quality guitar and I like that their back end logic is more important." This approach contrasts with companies that prioritize customer acquisition over support.

• Behringer's Approach: Phillip examines Behringer's clone pedal, noting its striking resemblance to the original Klon while critiquing the lack of distinct branding. "I think they look a lot alike. And I think they look too close alike." He questions the ethical implications of such replicas and their impact on the market.

2. Listener Feedback and Personal Anecdotes

Phillip shares a heartfelt segment addressing criticism over his remarks on gravy, recounting his childhood experiences as a latchkey kid and his aversion to certain foods like Kool Aid due to nostalgic associations.

• Balancing Humor and Honesty: "I feel bad since you guys reacted so negatively. I don't drink it because to me, it tastes like melted Jello." Phillip uses personal stories to connect with his audience, illustrating how past experiences shape present preferences.

3. Dana Electro Guitars and Business Insights

Phillip delves into the business strategies of Dana Electro, appreciating their commitment to quality despite higher price points.

• Customer Support Over Acquisition: "Instead of spending all their money on customer acquisition, they spend their money on customer support." He applauds Dana Electro for focusing on sustaining customer satisfaction rather than merely expanding their customer base.

• Factory Production Insights: He confirms that Dana Electro guitars are predominantly manufactured in South Korea, ensuring quality while maintaining competitive pricing. "They make the majority of those guitars in that South Korean factory."

4. Guitar of the Week: Nuno Bittencourt N4

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the Nuno Bittencourt N4 guitar Phillip recently acquired, highlighting manufacturing issues and customer service interactions.

• Quality Control Issues: Phillip describes defects such as the neck pickup falling into the body and the nut excessively protruding. "The neck is too narrow, so it's not the nut width on the Floyd Rose nut." He shares his correspondence with the retailer, seeking a discount due to these faults.

• Personal Experience with Nuno Guitars: With over a decade of ownership, Phillip reflects on the inconsistencies among Nuno’s guitars, emphasizing that "every guitar comes with a flaw." He balances his admiration for the brand with the practical challenges posed by manufacturing variances.

5. Listener Questions and Gear Recommendations

Phillip addresses various listener inquiries, offering expert advice on topics such as pickups, amp maintenance, and guitar organization.

• Pickups Comparison: When asked about Bill Lawrence L500XL pickups, Phillip expresses dissatisfaction, "I absolutely do not love it." He underscores the importance of matching gear to individual playing styles and needs.

• String Maintenance on Floyd Rose Systems: Explaining the intricacies of Floyd Rose tremolos, Phillip clarifies misconceptions, stating, "Once you set up a Floyd Rose, it's pretty much in tune forever until you break a string or change the tuning."

• Organizing Guitar Parts: Providing practical tips, Phillip shares his organizational system using plastic organizers and categorizing parts based on usage and condition, ensuring a neat and efficient workspace.

Notable Quotes

• “Competition grows you, makes you grow strong.” (02:15)
• “I like pressure. It's just a thing.” (05:45)
• “Every guitar comes with a flaw.” (35:30)
• “If you're trying to to make a living on YouTube, it’s extremely tough.” (58:20)
• “What matters is trust the consumer is protected.” (1:12:50)

Conclusion

Episode 416 of The Know Your Gear Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of guitar gear complexities, ethical considerations in manufacturing, and the importance of quality and customer support in the music industry. Phillip McKnight effectively balances technical discussions with personal narratives, providing listeners with valuable insights and fostering a sense of community through interactive Q&A segments.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming live clinics on Patreon, where Phillip offers hands-on guidance and deeper dives into specific gear topics. The episode concludes with updates on giveaways and a preview of future content, maintaining engagement and anticipation for the next installment.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a curious enthusiast, this episode provides a nuanced perspective on the gear you love and the industry that shapes it.