Know Your Gear Podcast: Episode 404 - "Buying Expensive Gear Because Of How It Makes You Look Vs Sound"

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Phillip McKnight

1. Introduction & Personal Update (00:00 - 10:00)

Phillip McKnight kicks off Episode 404 by expressing gratitude towards Patreon members, channel members, and viewers for their support. He shares a personal anecdote about experiencing sudden hearing loss in his right ear since February 24th. Phillip recounts the symptoms, including a "plugged" feeling, intense pressure, and ear leakage, which led him to seek medical attention. Despite initial treatments with ear drops and antibiotics, he still grapples with mono hearing, affecting his ability to engage fully in the podcast.

Notable Quote:
"I hear myself in my own head louder than I hear anything else."
— Phillip McKnight [04:35]

2. Q&A Segment (10:01 - 40:00)

Phillip addresses a series of listener-submitted questions, providing detailed insights into various guitar-related topics.

a. Veneer Application on Guitars (10:15 - 15:30)

Question from Dave:
"Can I just glue on the veneer on my build by hand and clamp it?"

Phillip advises that while vacuum machines are preferable for applying veneers, especially on guitars with complex contours, it's feasible to glue and clamp veneer on flat-top guitars like the Explorer using clamps and wood blocks. He emphasizes ensuring even pressure to prevent imperfections.

Notable Quote:
"If you're a home person doing it and you're doing a flat top, yeah, don't worry about having the bag. It is necessary, but it's more of a luxury."
— Phillip McKnight [12:45]

b. Sitar Harmonic Issue on American Pro 2 (15:31 - 20:00)

Question from Alan:
"My American Pro 2 does an annoying sitar harmonic sound when playing the open E string. What could it be?"

Phillip identifies the likely causes as improperly cut nut slots—either too wide or incorrectly angled—resulting in insufficient string seating. He provides step-by-step troubleshooting tips, including replacing the string, using a paper wedge to test slot width, and adjusting the nut angle with sandpaper or a nut file.

Notable Quote:
"It's not a hard problem to figure out."
— Phillip McKnight [17:20]

c. Supporting the Channel (20:01 - 25:00)

Question from Shaq with a Q:
"What's the best way to support your channel?"

Phillip outlines multiple ways to support the channel, emphasizing that watching videos to the end, liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing are crucial. He explains the financial importance of YouTube views and Patreon memberships, noting that Patreon offers a more direct form of support with a stronger community interaction.

Notable Quote:
"A lot of channels are like, I don't make anything on YouTube. That's true. Very, very few channels make anything on YouTube."
— Phillip McKnight [22:10]

d. Battery-Powered Amps Recommendations (25:01 - 32:00)

Question from Zach:
"What are your favorite battery-powered amps?"

Phillip shares his top picks:

• Black Star Fly: Praised for its sound quality at an affordable price (~$59).
• Spark Go: Noted for its Bluetooth capabilities and versatile settings, though he prefers the Black Star Fly for tone.
• Spark Mini: Favored for its superior sound among small amps, despite its higher price (~$229).
• Yamaha THR32: His preferred practice amp for clean tones and manageable pricing (~$600 with wireless unit).

He cautions about constantly fluctuating prices and recommends purchasing during sales.

Notable Quote:
"If you're looking for the lowest price battery power amp, I would say it's the Black Star Fly. That one... still one of my favorite sounding for that price point."
— Phillip McKnight [27:45]

e. Parts Casters Valuation (32:01 - 35:00)

Question from Cameron:
"What are part casters worth?"

Phillip expresses skepticism about the resale value of guitars assembled from parts. He explains that while building guitars from high-quality parts can result in excellent instruments, the market typically values complete, branded guitars higher than just the sum of their parts. He notes that customized builds may not fetch the original cost when resold.

Notable Quote:
"In my experience, it's almost worth more if you break it back down to parts."
— Phillip McKnight [33:15]

f. Fret Potentiometer Issues (35:01 - 38:30)

Question from Sound Erasers:
"On my last couple of builds, my tone pots don't work. What could it be?"

Phillip attributes the problem to potential faulty potentiometers, especially when purchased in bulk. He recommends testing pots with a multimeter and assembling the wiring externally before installing them into the guitar to isolate issues. Additionally, he advises ensuring proper installation to avoid grounding problems caused by shielding paint or flexible wiring.

Notable Quote:
"Test your pots with a multimeter and see if that's the problem."
— Phillip McKnight [36:50]

g. Recommendations for Adding Poker Chips to Guitars (38:31 - 40:00)

Question from Inshu44434S:
"What do you think is more similar, a Strat Tele or a Les Paul 335?"

Phillip discusses the similarities between guitars, emphasizing that the Les Paul 335 and Les Paul models sound almost identical, whereas Stratocasters and Telecasters have distinct sounds. He shares insights on how subtle modifications, like adding poker chips, can affect guitar functionality and discusses potential methods for such modifications.

Notable Quote:
"They sound so similar to me. So they sound similar to me."
— Phillip McKnight [39:45]

3. Guitar of the Week: Shyji LPV8 (40:01 - 60:00)

Phillip introduces the Guitar of the Week, spotlighting the Shyji LPV8, a high-end guitar renowned for its craftsmanship. He describes its features in detail:

• Construction: Two-piece African Mahogany body with a maple cap, mahogany neck, and a 12-inch radius fretboard.
• Pickups: Equipped with Seymour Duncan '59 pickups.
• Hardware: Features a Godo GE10 3B bridge and locking tuners made in Japan.
• Finish: Polyurethane finish with options for honey lemon flame and non-flame.
• Accessories: Comes with a high-quality case, switch tips, a pick tray, and a custom printout.

Phillip discusses playing the guitar, noting the smooth feel of the frets and the guitar's elegant design that blends Gibson-esque aesthetics with ESP-like playability. He emphasizes the guitar's quality and invites listener feedback on the Shyji LPV8.

Notable Quote:
"It feels like ESP. It feels very EGgedown style. It doesn't feel like it looks like a copy of a Gibson."
— Phillip McKnight [50:30]

4. Discussion on Amplifiers & Equipment (60:01 - 1:15:00)

Phillip delves into various amplifier-related topics, comparing traditional amps with modern modules and discussing personal preferences.

a. Synergy Modules vs. Real Amps (1:05:00 - 1:10:00)

Comment from Rich:
"How do you think Friedman modules compare to your real Friedman amps?"

Phillip acknowledges that while Synergy modules faithfully emulate real amps, he personally prefers the authentic sound and feel of the actual amplifiers. He highlights the challenge in conveying subtle differences to listeners, as the nuances may not translate well in recordings.

Notable Quote:
"Do I prefer the real Friedman to the Friedman synergy module? Yes. Do I prefer the real Saldano to Saldano module? Yes."
— Phillip McKnight [1:07:55]

b. Yamaha THR Series Discussion (1:10:01 - 1:15:00)

Comment from Doctor:
"Yamaha THR5 vs THR10 vs PG Spark Mini."

Phillip compares the Yamaha THR series, emphasizing his preference for models that don't rely heavily on apps. He praises the THR32 for its clean tones and notes the practicality of not integrating smartphone controls, which can be distracting.

Notable Quote:
"If you don't like apps, I would definitely go with the Yamaha stuff."
— Phillip McKnight [1:13:30]

5. Supporting the Channel & Future Content (1:15:01 - 1:30:00)

Phillip reiterates ways listeners can support the channel, particularly through Patreon. He explains the benefits of Patreon over YouTube memberships, such as better interaction and lower fees. Additionally, he discusses future content plans, including deep dives into specific guitars and addressing equipment modifications.

Notable Quote:
"Patreon to me is more conducive to the community environment that I build over on Patreon, which is more interaction with you, the people who care about the channel."
— Phillip McKnight [1:20:45]

6. Conclusion & Final Thoughts (1:30:01 - End)

Phillip wraps up the episode by thanking listeners for their support, highlighting the success of a recent interview with Gabe, the CEO of Guitar Center. He shares his perspective on the shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online sales, expressing skepticism about online retailers attracting new customers. Phillip encourages listeners to continue voicing their opinions, suggesting that collective feedback can influence industry practices.

He signs off by expressing his intention to return the following Friday, hoping to regain better hearing by then to deliver more comprehensive content.

Notable Quote:
"The internet has not made any new customers. They are taking guitar customers. They're taking them, they're not making them."
— Phillip McKnight [1:28:15]

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Challenges: Phillip’s hearing issues add a personal touch, highlighting the human aspect behind the podcast.

• Expert Advice: The Q&A segment provides valuable insights into guitar maintenance, customization, and equipment selection.

• Community Engagement: Phillip emphasizes the importance of community support through Patreon and active engagement.

• Gear Spotlight: Featuring the Shyji LPV8 showcases high-quality instruments and encourages listener interaction.

• Industry Insights: Discussions on amplifier modules vs. real amps and the evolving retail landscape offer listeners a deeper understanding of the music gear industry.

Recommendations for Listeners:

• Support the Channel: Consider becoming a Patreon member to directly support Phillip’s efforts and gain access to exclusive content.

• Engage with Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes to receive expert advice tailored to your guitar-related queries.

• Explore Featured Gear: Check out the Shyji LPV8 if you're interested in high-end guitars with unique craftsmanship.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with Phillip’s upcoming content on amplifier comparisons and gear modifications for comprehensive knowledge.

Thank you for tuning into Episode 404 of the Know Your Gear Podcast!
Stay tuned for more informative and engaging discussions every Friday afternoon.