Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 442: "Catching Guitar Companies Lying About Guitar Specs"

Host: Phillip McKnight
Date: December 5, 2025
Podcast Theme:
In this week’s episode, Phil dives into the issue of guitar companies providing inaccurate or misleading specs and how he actively verifies and confronts such discrepancies. The show features Phil responding to dozens of gear-related listener questions, sharing industry insights from behind the scenes, and reviewing the latest gear releases and community trends.

Episode Overview

Phil McKnight tackles the problematic trend of guitar companies misrepresenting product specs, both by accident and design. He shares personal experiences where specs were found to be different than advertised, reveals how brands have responded to his findings, and discusses the broader implications for players and manufacturers alike. Alongside this theme, Phil reviews new gear, answers technical questions, talks signature models and gear culture, and gives a transparent window into the realities of the music industry and modern guitar community.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Signature Guitars: Popularity and Sales

Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary Fender Signatures: Phil comments on the release and reflects on Iron Maiden's catalog and his personal favorites.
Biggest-Selling Signature Guitars:
- Steve Vai's Ibanez Jem likely tops sales (“I was at a party once, a gem party… they sold a million gems.” – Phil, 03:21).
- Les Paul – debated if it's a true signature model.
- John Petrucci's and John Mayer’s signature models are very successful due to ongoing color and configuration updates.
- Eddie Van Halen's sales are difficult to track given his multiple company associations.
Signature Model Sales Realities:
- Most signatures experience a fleeting sales spike, unless companies continually reinvent them.
- Many artist models sell in extremely low numbers. “One time I was talking to a company and they go, well, we sold like 40. And I go, oh, this month? And they're like, this year… total.” (09:27)

2. Building and Maintaining a Guitar Community

Advice for Growth:
- “Really don’t worry about growing a physical size of it. Just make sure that the people in it are having as much fun as possible.” – Phil (11:39)
- Moderators are key to protecting the fun vibe from trolls and negativity.
- The regular community differs greatly from “drive-by” viewers who might be less positive.

3. Guitar Pickup Insights

Seymour Duncan Black Winter vs Gibson Dirty Fingers:
- Black Winter is possibly modeled after Dirty Fingers but Phil promises to investigate further.
The Reality of Pickup Variety:
- Despite marketing, there are “not as many different pickups as we’re led to believe” due to design repetition (20:46).
- Most fall into categories: recreations, slight improvements, or attempts at novelty.

4. Gear Advice and Technical Q&A

Scalloped Fretboards:
- Setting up and leveling scalloped necks is discussed (24:38).
- Pro tip: use a regular straight edge on frets, not notched ones for scalloped boards.
Affordable Nylon Strings:
- Don’t cheap out; even basic D’Addario or Ernie Ball nylons beat no-name brands (33:01).
Favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers Song:
- “Can’t Stop.” Streaming has changed how deeply Phil connects with albums (38:24).
Spotify Wrapped and Listening Habits:
- Phil streams primarily via YouTube Premium. His tastes range from Limp Bizkit to Tracy Chapman.

5. Gear of the Week – New Releases and Reactions

[50:07] Gear Segment Begins

A. EVH 5150 III Hypersonic Combo

Key Features:
- 50W digital amp (no tubes), Class D power, based on Fender Tone Master tech.
- Presence, resonance, reverb, noise gate, three true channels.
- Direct out w/ IRs, attenuation like the Tone Master, XLR out, USB-C for firmware updates.
Shock Factor:
- Priced at $1700, made in China, notably more than current tube 112 combos—which are often better value.
“For about two to three hundred dollars the difference, you could buy a two note system or any kind of direct kind of system like that and run the preamp out of this into that and get your irs.” (56:32)

B. Electro-Harmonix Abrams 100 Ampifier

A compact, 100-watt pedalboard-sized Class D amp with added reverb.
$300 price point. Phil questions fan noise, common in Class D amps.

C. Wampler TCD Overdrive

“It’s the OCD circuit but with a three-band EQ… and of course the fact that it’s a Wampler, it doesn’t come with that controversial edge to it.”
Aimed at players wanting the OCD sound, but not wanting to support Fulltone for personal reasons ($199). (1:02:09)

D. JHS Kilt V2 & Vox Micro Super Beetle Stack

JHS – New fuzz/drive based on the Expandora, quickly sold out.
Vox Micro Super Beetle – Mini amp/Bluetooth speaker with a Beatles aesthetic, about the size of a "cookie jar," priced at $400.

E. Community Deals Recap

Friedman mini-heads and Boss TU-3 tuners were the sales leaders.
Synergy 20-watt heads also sold surprisingly well.

6. Tools, Repairs, and Tech Advice

Spot Leveling Frets:
- Phil compares the new German “Fritzer Fret Shaper” to alternatives like the Fret Kisser. Prefers quality, precision tools for paying customer work.
- “You use what you got because it’s what you got. If you have a budget of $10, you’re not buying Stumac. I’m sorry, it’s just not gonna happen.” (1:19:51)
Sweetwater’s Repair Facility:
- Full shop with 6 PLEK machines, refinish and advanced repairs available; video tour teased for upload.

7. Guitar Companies Lying About Specs

Industry Trend:
- Many established companies are caught mislabeling fretboard radii and other specs, often to simplify production.
- Phil’s meticulous measurements and “scorecards” have forced brands to quietly update their websites. Now, he screenshots specs for evidence.
- “In every video, when I say, ‘this is what the specification is,’ and if it’s different than what the manufacturers say... notice how there’s a screenshot of the manufacturer’s website? It’s because I’ve been caught at least twice... where I told you, hey, here’s what it is. It’s really this. The manufacturer goes in and just changes their website to what I said.” (1:54:25)
- Memorable Moment:
  - “Almost all the manufacturers ship the guitars with 2 millimeter action off the 12th fret... That is not a coincidence. There’s no coincidences in these videos I’m making.” (1:52:24)

8. Listener Guitar Surgery & Setup Questions

Fret Out on 7.25" Radius Strat:
- Phil carefully explains “fretting out” on bends, how modern builders quietly flatten radii for fewer returns, and why a PLEK setup works wonders on rounder fretboards (1:46:35).
- Draws hilarious “fretboard cross-section” diagram to illustrate string path and fretting-out issue on steep radii.
Wraparound Bridges:
- Debates on tone, sustain, intonation realism, and Paul Reed Smith’s “church bell” analogy.

9. BC Rich Warlock Saga

Backstory on Video and Manufacturer Response:
- Guitar Center sent Phil a gunslinger for review—guitar arrived with issues, was fixed on-camera.
- BC Rich saw the video and proactively offered to send multiple guitars and detailed explanations of their ongoing QA efforts.
- Reveals the warlock deep dive video is coming out soon and offers candid thoughts on dealing honestly with brands.

10. Industry Lawsuits & News

Gibson vs. DiMarzio Over Trademarks:
- Gibson is petitioning to dissolve DiMarzio’s claims to “Double Cream” and “PAF,” without attempting to claim them directly.
- Lawsuit for damages ongoing, now moved to New York.
- “The amount of conversations I’ve had in 442 episodes about Gibson and lawsuits is just, it’s mind-numbingly bad.” (2:06:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Community Growth:
“This is a job of fun for a thing of fun… We’re here for a couple hours to get the hell away from the real world… This is your time away from that.” (12:54)
On Signature Gear Sales:
“There’s a benefit to having that experience with you, you know, giving you information, feedback. I think some of the best... Almost all the gear I love the most is signature product because of the fact that there’s an artist who actually tweaked it and put it, put it into use and found a weak spot in it or a weirdness in it.” (10:20)
On Industry Opacity:
“I’ve been on a dozen, so one a month, with a manufacturer discussing the fact that they got caught with specs that weren’t what they said... The brand calls me because they go and check their numbers and... the manufacturer who built these for us did this.” (1:54:25)
On Cheap Tools:
“If you have a budget of $10, you’re not buying Stumac... But can you do it? Yeah. I’ve done a full setup on a guitar using just Dollar Store tools.” (1:19:55)
On Approaching Brands:
“I’m really pleased when a company instead of actively is trying to work against the channel. I don’t need them to, you know, fawn or do anything but just nice when a company's like, hey, we’re working to make this better.” (2:13:38)

Episode Timeline (Timestamps, MM:SS)

00:00 Opening, listener intros, theme preview
02:41 Iron Maiden Signature Guitars & Best-Selling Signatures
08:33 How (and why) artist models get made and sold
11:39 How to build and protect a guitar community
17:11 Fun new gear: mini amp arrival
20:46 Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups discussion
24:38 Fret leveling and scalloped boards advice
33:01 Nylon string brands advice
38:24 Phil’s favorite Chili Peppers song; music streaming habits
50:07 Gear of the Week: EVH Hypersonic & others
56:32 Tube amp vs. digital modeler EVH comparison
1:02:09 Wampler TCD OCD-based pedal & JHS Kilt v2
1:09:40 Mini Beatles Vox amp/speaker
1:14:02 Recap of last week’s best deals & gear trends
1:19:51 Tool talk: Fritzer Fret Shaper, repair quality standards
1:23:57 Sweetwater’s repair shop and upcoming video
1:46:35 Fret “fretting out” on vintage radii, industry “flattening” trends
1:54:25 Brands changing specs after being “caught” – screenshots for proof!
2:06:41 Gibson vs. DiMarzio, industry lawsuit fatigue
2:09:00 BC Rich Warlock story: honest reviews & manufacturer dialogue
2:13:38 Dealing with friendly vs. adversarial guitar companies

Episode Closing

Phil wraps up by thanking listeners for another year, celebrating the Cortech Factory tour video hitting a million views, and encourages everyone to appreciate honest gear talk, community spirit, and the shared escapism the show provides for musicians.

For Listeners

Phil’s Approach:
- Always measures and reports the real specs, not just what the brands claim.
- Encourages community participation and feedback.
- Sees honest engagement with brands as a rare (and welcome) surprise.
Memorable Touch:
- Phil often shares behind-the-scenes realities: e.g., how companies respond to criticism and how YouTube/online culture informs the modern guitar world.

Next Episode: Tune in next Friday for more gear talk, questions, industry revelations, and real-world advice.

[For a detailed review or revisit, check the above timestamps for individual gear segments and hot topics.]

Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 442: "Catching Guitar Companies Lying About Guitar Specs"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Signature Guitars: Popularity and Sales

Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary Fender Signatures: Phil comments on the release and reflects on Iron Maiden's catalog and his personal favorites.
Biggest-Selling Signature Guitars:
- Steve Vai's Ibanez Jem likely tops sales (“I was at a party once, a gem party… they sold a million gems.” – Phil, 03:21).
- Les Paul – debated if it's a true signature model.
- John Petrucci's and John Mayer’s signature models are very successful due to ongoing color and configuration updates.
- Eddie Van Halen's sales are difficult to track given his multiple company associations.
Signature Model Sales Realities:
- Most signatures experience a fleeting sales spike, unless companies continually reinvent them.
- Many artist models sell in extremely low numbers. “One time I was talking to a company and they go, well, we sold like 40. And I go, oh, this month? And they're like, this year… total.” (09:27)

2. Building and Maintaining a Guitar Community

Advice for Growth:
- “Really don’t worry about growing a physical size of it. Just make sure that the people in it are having as much fun as possible.” – Phil (11:39)
- Moderators are key to protecting the fun vibe from trolls and negativity.
- The regular community differs greatly from “drive-by” viewers who might be less positive.

3. Guitar Pickup Insights

Seymour Duncan Black Winter vs Gibson Dirty Fingers:
- Black Winter is possibly modeled after Dirty Fingers but Phil promises to investigate further.
The Reality of Pickup Variety:
- Despite marketing, there are “not as many different pickups as we’re led to believe” due to design repetition (20:46).
- Most fall into categories: recreations, slight improvements, or attempts at novelty.

4. Gear Advice and Technical Q&A

Scalloped Fretboards:
- Setting up and leveling scalloped necks is discussed (24:38).
- Pro tip: use a regular straight edge on frets, not notched ones for scalloped boards.
Affordable Nylon Strings:
- Don’t cheap out; even basic D’Addario or Ernie Ball nylons beat no-name brands (33:01).
Favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers Song:
- “Can’t Stop.” Streaming has changed how deeply Phil connects with albums (38:24).
Spotify Wrapped and Listening Habits:
- Phil streams primarily via YouTube Premium. His tastes range from Limp Bizkit to Tracy Chapman.

5. Gear of the Week – New Releases and Reactions

[50:07] Gear Segment Begins

A. EVH 5150 III Hypersonic Combo

Key Features:
- 50W digital amp (no tubes), Class D power, based on Fender Tone Master tech.
- Presence, resonance, reverb, noise gate, three true channels.
- Direct out w/ IRs, attenuation like the Tone Master, XLR out, USB-C for firmware updates.
Shock Factor:
- Priced at $1700, made in China, notably more than current tube 112 combos—which are often better value.
“For about two to three hundred dollars the difference, you could buy a two note system or any kind of direct kind of system like that and run the preamp out of this into that and get your irs.” (56:32)

B. Electro-Harmonix Abrams 100 Ampifier

A compact, 100-watt pedalboard-sized Class D amp with added reverb.
$300 price point. Phil questions fan noise, common in Class D amps.

C. Wampler TCD Overdrive

“It’s the OCD circuit but with a three-band EQ… and of course the fact that it’s a Wampler, it doesn’t come with that controversial edge to it.”
Aimed at players wanting the OCD sound, but not wanting to support Fulltone for personal reasons ($199). (1:02:09)

D. JHS Kilt V2 & Vox Micro Super Beetle Stack

JHS – New fuzz/drive based on the Expandora, quickly sold out.
Vox Micro Super Beetle – Mini amp/Bluetooth speaker with a Beatles aesthetic, about the size of a "cookie jar," priced at $400.

E. Community Deals Recap

Friedman mini-heads and Boss TU-3 tuners were the sales leaders.
Synergy 20-watt heads also sold surprisingly well.

6. Tools, Repairs, and Tech Advice

Spot Leveling Frets:
- Phil compares the new German “Fritzer Fret Shaper” to alternatives like the Fret Kisser. Prefers quality, precision tools for paying customer work.
- “You use what you got because it’s what you got. If you have a budget of $10, you’re not buying Stumac. I’m sorry, it’s just not gonna happen.” (1:19:51)
Sweetwater’s Repair Facility:
- Full shop with 6 PLEK machines, refinish and advanced repairs available; video tour teased for upload.

7. Guitar Companies Lying About Specs

Industry Trend:
- Many established companies are caught mislabeling fretboard radii and other specs, often to simplify production.
- Phil’s meticulous measurements and “scorecards” have forced brands to quietly update their websites. Now, he screenshots specs for evidence.
- “In every video, when I say, ‘this is what the specification is,’ and if it’s different than what the manufacturers say... notice how there’s a screenshot of the manufacturer’s website? It’s because I’ve been caught at least twice... where I told you, hey, here’s what it is. It’s really this. The manufacturer goes in and just changes their website to what I said.” (1:54:25)
- Memorable Moment:
  - “Almost all the manufacturers ship the guitars with 2 millimeter action off the 12th fret... That is not a coincidence. There’s no coincidences in these videos I’m making.” (1:52:24)

8. Listener Guitar Surgery & Setup Questions

Fret Out on 7.25" Radius Strat:
- Phil carefully explains “fretting out” on bends, how modern builders quietly flatten radii for fewer returns, and why a PLEK setup works wonders on rounder fretboards (1:46:35).
- Draws hilarious “fretboard cross-section” diagram to illustrate string path and fretting-out issue on steep radii.
Wraparound Bridges:
- Debates on tone, sustain, intonation realism, and Paul Reed Smith’s “church bell” analogy.

9. BC Rich Warlock Saga

Backstory on Video and Manufacturer Response:
- Guitar Center sent Phil a gunslinger for review—guitar arrived with issues, was fixed on-camera.
- BC Rich saw the video and proactively offered to send multiple guitars and detailed explanations of their ongoing QA efforts.
- Reveals the warlock deep dive video is coming out soon and offers candid thoughts on dealing honestly with brands.

10. Industry Lawsuits & News

Gibson vs. DiMarzio Over Trademarks:
- Gibson is petitioning to dissolve DiMarzio’s claims to “Double Cream” and “PAF,” without attempting to claim them directly.
- Lawsuit for damages ongoing, now moved to New York.
- “The amount of conversations I’ve had in 442 episodes about Gibson and lawsuits is just, it’s mind-numbingly bad.” (2:06:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Community Growth:
“This is a job of fun for a thing of fun… We’re here for a couple hours to get the hell away from the real world… This is your time away from that.” (12:54)
On Signature Gear Sales:
“There’s a benefit to having that experience with you, you know, giving you information, feedback. I think some of the best... Almost all the gear I love the most is signature product because of the fact that there’s an artist who actually tweaked it and put it, put it into use and found a weak spot in it or a weirdness in it.” (10:20)
On Industry Opacity:
“I’ve been on a dozen, so one a month, with a manufacturer discussing the fact that they got caught with specs that weren’t what they said... The brand calls me because they go and check their numbers and... the manufacturer who built these for us did this.” (1:54:25)
On Cheap Tools:
“If you have a budget of $10, you’re not buying Stumac... But can you do it? Yeah. I’ve done a full setup on a guitar using just Dollar Store tools.” (1:19:55)
On Approaching Brands:
“I’m really pleased when a company instead of actively is trying to work against the channel. I don’t need them to, you know, fawn or do anything but just nice when a company's like, hey, we’re working to make this better.” (2:13:38)

Episode Timeline (Timestamps, MM:SS)

00:00 Opening, listener intros, theme preview
02:41 Iron Maiden Signature Guitars & Best-Selling Signatures
08:33 How (and why) artist models get made and sold
11:39 How to build and protect a guitar community
17:11 Fun new gear: mini amp arrival
20:46 Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups discussion
24:38 Fret leveling and scalloped boards advice
33:01 Nylon string brands advice
38:24 Phil’s favorite Chili Peppers song; music streaming habits
50:07 Gear of the Week: EVH Hypersonic & others
56:32 Tube amp vs. digital modeler EVH comparison
1:02:09 Wampler TCD OCD-based pedal & JHS Kilt v2
1:09:40 Mini Beatles Vox amp/speaker
1:14:02 Recap of last week’s best deals & gear trends
1:19:51 Tool talk: Fritzer Fret Shaper, repair quality standards
1:23:57 Sweetwater’s repair shop and upcoming video
1:46:35 Fret “fretting out” on vintage radii, industry “flattening” trends
1:54:25 Brands changing specs after being “caught” – screenshots for proof!
2:06:41 Gibson vs. DiMarzio, industry lawsuit fatigue
2:09:00 BC Rich Warlock story: honest reviews & manufacturer dialogue
2:13:38 Dealing with friendly vs. adversarial guitar companies

Episode Closing

For Listeners

Phil’s Approach:
- Always measures and reports the real specs, not just what the brands claim.
- Encourages community participation and feedback.
- Sees honest engagement with brands as a rare (and welcome) surprise.
Memorable Touch:
- Phil often shares behind-the-scenes realities: e.g., how companies respond to criticism and how YouTube/online culture informs the modern guitar world.

Next Episode: Tune in next Friday for more gear talk, questions, industry revelations, and real-world advice.

[For a detailed review or revisit, check the above timestamps for individual gear segments and hot topics.]

Catching Guitar Companies Lying About Guitar Specs

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Summary

Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 442: "Catching Guitar Companies Lying About Guitar Specs"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Signature Guitars: Popularity and Sales

2. Building and Maintaining a Guitar Community

3. Guitar Pickup Insights

4. Gear Advice and Technical Q&A

5. Gear of the Week – New Releases and Reactions

[50:07] Gear Segment Begins

6. Tools, Repairs, and Tech Advice

7. Guitar Companies Lying About Specs

8. Listener Guitar Surgery & Setup Questions

9. BC Rich Warlock Saga

10. Industry Lawsuits & News

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Episode Timeline (Timestamps, MM:SS)

Episode Closing

For Listeners

Summary

Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 442: "Catching Guitar Companies Lying About Guitar Specs"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Signature Guitars: Popularity and Sales

2. Building and Maintaining a Guitar Community

3. Guitar Pickup Insights

4. Gear Advice and Technical Q&A

5. Gear of the Week – New Releases and Reactions

[50:07] Gear Segment Begins

6. Tools, Repairs, and Tech Advice

7. Guitar Companies Lying About Specs

8. Listener Guitar Surgery & Setup Questions

9. BC Rich Warlock Saga

10. Industry Lawsuits & News

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Episode Timeline (Timestamps, MM:SS)

Episode Closing

For Listeners