Know Your Gear Podcast: Episode 398 Summary

Title: Fenders Now Being Made In Indonesia / What’s New From NAMM 2025
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction and Acknowledgments

Phillip McKnight opens Episode 398 by expressing gratitude to Patreon members, channel subscribers, and viewers for their support. He highlights the advantage of having fewer advertisement interruptions, allowing him to dedicate more time to content creation without the extensive ad integrations typical in other podcasts.

NAMM 2025 Highlights

1. Fender’s New Standard Series Made in Indonesia

Phillip discusses Fender's latest release—the Standard series guitars now manufactured in Indonesia. Priced at $599, these guitars raise questions about quality and differentiation from Fender’s Squier line.

• Key Points:

  • Design and Features: The Standard series includes models like the Butterscotch Telecaster with specifications such as a nine-and-a-half-inch neck radius and medium jumbo frets.
  • Quality Concerns: Phillip questions whether these models are merely rebranded Squires or represent a new level of craftsmanship.
  • User Experience: He shares his personal anticipation to review the guitars once they arrive, aiming to provide in-depth analysis and comparisons.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (12:45): “If you didn't see the Fender right there, this looks like a Squire to me.”

2. Marshall’s New Amps and Pedals

Marshall introduced a modified JCM900 studio head, now available in England and boasting a reduction to 1 watt. Additionally, they launched a series of pedal models emulating their classic amps.

• Key Points:

  • JCM900 Studio Head: Priced at $1,300, it offers selectable wattages (20W, 5W, 1W) with real spring reverb, catering to studio and bedroom players.
  • Modded Amps: Marshall’s foray into modified amps, including a 1959 model priced at $3,700 and a JCMA 800 modified for $3,300, signifies their attempt to innovate without compromising their legacy.
  • Pedal Line: Despite skepticism, Phillip acknowledges the appeal for pedal enthusiasts, noting the unique offerings despite questionable pricing strategies.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (18:30): “The JCM 900 is something I can maybe use in the bedroom and something different than what I already have.”

3. PV’s New Gear Releases

PV introduced new amps and extension cabinets, particularly the "Go Back" and "Decade Two" models, along with their signature pedals.

• Key Points:

  • Amp Innovations: The "Decade Two" amp, endorsed by Joshua from Queens of the Stone Age, has gained popularity, although availability remains limited.
  • Pedals: PV’s pedal offerings mimic their amp sounds, priced at $150 and manufactured in Vietnam, sparking mixed reactions regarding value and quality.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (25:00): “It's really interesting. Like I said, really cool.”

Studio Update

Phillip provides an update on his studio renovations, explaining a two-week hiatus dedicated to upgrading equipment, including switching to Rode wireless lapel mics. Technical issues with the new mics caused delays, but the studio is now fully operational with enhanced video quality and faster production capabilities.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (32:15): “I'm ready for the new studio and the new stuff, and I'm excited about it.”

Listener Questions and Expert Answers

1. Truss Rod Adjustment on Stratocaster

Question: How to adjust the truss rod on a Stratocaster to fix a back bow?

• Answer: Phillip explains the difference between single-action and dual-action truss rods, emphasizing the importance of using the correct tools to prevent damage.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (35:20): “Always use the correct tool that fits into the truss rod... the main thing is not to strip them with the wrong tool.”

2. How Many Guitars Do You Need?

Question: How many guitars should one own?

• Answer: Phillip humorously suggests that no one truly needs any guitars, emphasizing that owning multiple instruments is a matter of personal passion rather than necessity.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (40:00): “The answer is none. No one needs a guitar.”

3. Marshall's Acquisition by a Chinese Private Equity Firm

Question: Thoughts on Marshall being acquired and its implications.

• Answer: Phillip discusses his skepticism about the acquisition’s impact on Marshall’s brand quality, expressing cautious optimism about their new product releases.

4. Harley Benton Hollow Flash Guitar

Question: Thoughts on the new Harley Benton Hollow Flash signature model.

• Answer: Phillip shares insights into an attempted collaboration between Badlands and Harley Benton to create a signature model, highlighting the complexities and eventual fallout due to royalty disagreements.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (50:30): “That would have been a huge, lucrative opportunity for the Badlands guys.”

5. Gateway Telecaster Recommendations

Question: Recommendations for a gateway Telecaster with no budget constraints.

• Answer: Phillip recommends Fender’s American Standard or American Professional Telecasters, praising their design based on common player preferences for neck thickness, saddle types, and pickup voicing.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (55:10): “Think of it like Fender's way of taking what the average player likes and giving it to them.”

6. Using Amp-in-a-Box Pedals for Bass

Question: Can bass guitars be effectively run through amp-in-a-box pedals, and what are the downsides?

• Answer: Phillip speculates that while FRFR cabinets can handle bass frequencies, the speaker’s frequency response might limit low-end performance, potentially causing issues with very low B notes.

7. Labels Subtly Indicating Manufacture Origin

Question: Why do companies prominently label products as "Designed in USA" instead of "Made in USA"?

• Answer: Phillip explains that such labeling aims to appeal to consumers’ preferences, often masking the actual manufacturing origins, which are typically in countries like China, Indonesia, or Vietnam.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (60:45): “They put 'Made in USA' as prominently as possible... it's a way to signal quality without hiding the manufacturing location.”

8. Decline of Taylor Electric Guitars

Question: Why have Taylor electric guitars not achieved the same success as Gibson?

• Answer: Phillip attributes Taylor’s limited success in electrics to market focus and lack of signature artist endorsements, contrasting it with Gibson’s strong presence despite fewer product lines.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (65:30): “It's hard to pull off multiple lines of product. Very few companies can do it successfully.”

Technical Issues and Studio Enhancements

Phillip shares his experiences with technical challenges during studio upgrades, including issues with Rode wireless mics and the subsequent solutions. He underscores the importance of robust equipment for producing high-quality content.

Closing Anecdotes and Future Plans

In the concluding segments, Phillip recounts a humorous mishap involving a guitar build during the pandemic, leading to the accidental creation of Blackstock pickups. He explains how increased demand prompted him to expand his pickup business, balancing it alongside his YouTube responsibilities.

• Notable Quote:
  Phil (75:50): “The Blackstock pickups are a giant accident. It's a massive accident.”

Phillip wraps up the episode by teasing upcoming content, including reviews of new NAMM products and channel improvements, while thanking listeners for their continued support.

Conclusion

Episode 398 of the Know Your Gear Podcast offers comprehensive insights into the latest guitar gear releases from NAMM 2025, particularly focusing on Fender’s new manufacturing strategies and Marshall’s innovative products. Phillip McKnight adeptly addresses listener queries, providing expert advice grounded in personal experience. The episode also delves into his entrepreneurial journey with Blackstock pickups, illustrating the blend of passion and practical challenges in the guitar industry. Overall, the episode serves as a valuable resource for guitar enthusiasts seeking detailed information and thoughtful discussions on current trends and products.