Know Your Gear Podcast: Episode 403 – Guitar Modding Mistakes / The Fake Guitar Problem

Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Podcast Description: The Know Your Gear Podcast with Phillip McKnight is a weekly show where he answers about 30 to 40 guitar-related questions while keeping it fun and informative.

1. Personal Updates and Patreon Announcement

[00:02] Phil McKnight:
Phil kicks off the episode by expressing gratitude to Patreon members, channel subscribers, and viewers who support the show. He shares personal updates, including a recent trip to California where he visited Guitar Center's corporate headquarters and conducted an in-depth interview with Gabe, the CEO. Phil mentions the upcoming release of this podcast segment exclusively for Patreon patrons.

Notable Quote:
"Busy is good. Better busy than bored."

2. Review and Critique of PRS Horse Meat Overdrive Pedal

Phil addresses a question from Cowboy742 about whether he kept his PRS Horse Meat Overdrive pedal. He explains that despite their excellent quality, he chose not to retain them due to their large size, which conflicted with his minimalist pedalboard setup.

Key Points:

• Pedal Size: Phil critiques the oversized design of PRS pedals, emphasizing the importance of pedalboard real estate.
• PRS Pedals Sound Quality: Acknowledges that the pedals sound great but don't fit his practical needs.
• PRS Marketing Concerns: Phil references Paul Reed Smith's (PRS) initial skepticism about pedals, likening pedals to “video game controllers” and questioning their necessity for making music.
• Quality vs. Practicality: While PRS pedals are high-quality, their bulkiness makes them impractical for Phil's on-stage setups.

Notable Quotes:
"Some products just don't stick... am I going to replace my blah, blah, blah with this?"
"Paul Reed Smith himself... he calls them video game controllers."
"These are all basic quotes that Paul Reed Smith has said."

3. Sad News: Passing of Mark Sampson

Phil shares heartbreaking news about the passing of Mark Sampson, a cherished member of the Bad Cat family. He recounts Mark's significant contributions and the profound impact he had on Phil's work and relationships within the guitar community.

Key Points:

• Mark Sampson's Contribution: Recognized as one of the best amps Phil has ever tried.
• Personal Connection: Phil had plans to collaborate further with Mark, which were hindered by personal family issues Mark was facing.
• Community Impact: Emphasizes the importance of remembering and appreciating those who have enriched the musician community.

Notable Quote:
"It is with great sadness that we must announce that we have lost a beloved member of the Bad Cat family. Our dearest friend, Mark Samson has passed away."
"Mark Sampson was going through some stuff with his dad and stuff."

4. Listener Questions on Guitar Maintenance and Modding

Phil addresses several listener-submitted questions, providing practical advice on guitar maintenance and modifications.

a. Relic Fender Custom Shop Bridge Saddles Rust ([Timestamp Unavailable]):
Question from Mid Guitar:

"I bought a relic Fender custom shop and the bridge saddles and the slug screws are rusted out. Any tips on getting these out or clean them up?"

Phil's Answer:

• Using WD-40: Applies WD-40 with a cloth to loosen rust without directly spraying the hardware.
• Vinegar Soaking: Suggests soaking hardware in vinegar for severe rust.
• Alternative Solutions: Mentions alternative cleaners like Ballistol gun oil and mechanical removal with a Dremel if necessary.

Notable Quote:
"I just use WD40. I don't spray it directly on there. I'll put it on a cloth and kind of wipe it around..."

b. Removing Stripped Screws from Guitar ([Timestamp Unavailable]):
Question from Jesse:

"Phil, the head of the screws was entirely ripped off by the previous owner. How can I get the rest of it out of the guitar?"

Phil's Answer:

• Using a Dremel: Cuts the remaining screw heads with a Dremel tool.
• Using Vice Grips: Clamps vice grips onto the exposed part of the screw from the back to unscrew it.
• Avoid Needle-Nose Pliers: Recommends against using them due to insufficient grip.

Notable Quote:
"I use a Dremel. If you have that, I use it to cut those out. That works for me really, really well."

c. Fixing Flawed Inlays on Gumbridge Necks ([Timestamp Unavailable]):
Question from Antique Rocker:

"Why isn't the podcast updated on High Heart? I have been horrible at getting the podcast updated because of the excuses..."

Phil's Answer:
(This seems to be misattributed in the transcript. It should be about Stumax logo issues.)

Phil addresses a concern about the accuracy of the Stumax logo on their website, which features incorrect fret markings on the guitar neck. He explores potential reasons, including marketing oversight or artistic license, and considers contacting the company for clarification.

Notable Quote:
"It was just like artistic license. Whoever they did had messed it up."

5. Discussion on Fake Guitars and Guitar Center Practices

A significant portion of the episode delves into the prevalent issue of fake guitars in the market, particularly focusing on Gibson and Fender models. Phil criticizes Guitar Center's handling of counterfeit instruments and shares his experiences and insights into detecting fakes.

Key Points:

• Prevalence of Fake Gibsons: Phil posits that Gibsons are the most commonly faked guitars due to their high value.
• Impact on Consumers: Emphasizes how fakes deceive uninformed buyers, leading to financial loss and dissatisfaction.
• Guitar Center’s Role: Reveals that Guitar Center's corporate operations accumulate fake Gibsons in their mock stores, raising concerns about their inventory management and authenticity checks.
• Phil’s Investigation: Details his process of identifying fake guitars through physical inspection and correspondence with manufacturers.

Notable Quotes:
"They're cloning everything. They try to, you know, they try an angle every way they can."
"If you don't learn yourself, you're an idiot."
"Fake guitars are... something that steals money."

6. Interaction with the New Guitar Center CEO

Phil discusses his recent interview with Gabe, the new CEO of Guitar Center, highlighting the company’s responses to his critiques and their new strategies to combat issues like counterfeit guitars.

Key Points:

• Corporate Strategy: Guitar Center has built a mock store in their warehouse to strategize without disrupting actual store operations.
• CEO’s Reception: Gabe, the CEO, addressed critiques calmly, explaining their plans to improve without defensiveness.
• Future Collaborations: Phil expresses interest in future discussions and deeper dives into Guitar Center’s practices.

Notable Quote:
"They took it with merit and explained either why they're gonna fix it or why they're not gonna fix it."
"Every criticism was... yeah, they. They took it with merit."

7. Listener Super Chats and Community Stories

Phil engages with various super chat messages from listeners, providing tailored advice and sharing relatable anecdotes.

Examples:

a. Glen Miller’s Les Paul Classic Dual P90 ([Timestamp Unavailable]):
Question:

"I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic Dual P90. I really want a humbucker in the bridge. I was thinking about routing for DiMarzio P90 Super Distortion. Thoughts?"

Phil's Answer:

• Routing Considerations: Explains that routing is necessary to install a humbucker but cautions about potential devaluation.
• Modding Philosophy: Emphasizes non-destructive, reversible mods to maintain guitar value.
• Personal Experience: Shares personal regrets about modifications affecting resale value.

Notable Quote:
"There are only two kinds of guitar players when it comes to guitar buyers, okay? Ones who buy originals and one who buys copies."

b. Zach’s Neck Size Query ([Timestamp Unavailable]):
Question:

"What is the best neck size and scale length for someone with smaller hands?"

Phil's Answer:

• Neck Shape Over Size: Highlights the importance of neck shape and feel over mere size.
• Scale Length Recommendations: Suggests smaller scale necks like Music Man or EVH Wolfgang series.
• Playing Comfort: Advises trying guitars in-store to assess comfort and fit.

Notable Quote:
"Neck shape is really important, more so than neck size."
"Hold guitars... just hold them for a second. Just sit there with it. Think about it."

8. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content

Phil wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of understanding guitar gear, maintenance, and authenticity. He teases upcoming deep dive videos and encourages listeners to engage with the Patreon community for exclusive content.

Notable Quote:
"Thank you for your time and Know your Gear."

Conclusion

In Episode 403 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, Phil McKnight adeptly balances technical discussions on guitar maintenance and modding with poignant community news and personal anecdotes. From critiquing the practicality of PRS pedals to addressing the heartbreaking loss of Mark Sampson, Phil ensures listeners are both informed and emotionally connected. The in-depth conversation with Guitar Center’s CEO further enriches the episode, providing insider perspectives on industry challenges like fake guitars. Engaging with listener questions and super chats, Phil offers practical solutions while fostering a sense of community among guitar enthusiasts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about guitar gear, seeking honest reviews, and navigating the complexities of guitar ownership.

Note: Due to the limited presence of timestamps in the provided transcript, only a few notable quotes include timestamps.