Know Your Gear Podcast: "How Much Does a Good Guitar Really Cost"

Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Know Your Gear Podcast, host Phillip McKnight delves deep into the perennial question that plagues both novice and seasoned guitarists: How much does a good guitar really cost? Joined by a series of listener questions, Phillip navigates the complex landscape of guitar pricing, quality, and personal preference, offering invaluable advice for guitar enthusiasts at every level.

Defining a "Good" Guitar

Phillip begins by addressing the fundamental misconception surrounding guitar pricing. He challenges the notion that price directly correlates with quality, emphasizing that "a good guitar is what guitar is right for you" (12:45). Instead of setting a fixed price range, Phillip encourages listeners to focus on their personal needs and preferences.

Key Points:

• Price vs. Quality: Phillip argues that price often serves as a comfort zone rather than a true indicator of quality. He shares his personal journey, noting how his perception of a "good" guitar evolved over time.
• Personal Checklist: He advises listeners to create a personalized checklist of features that matter most to them, such as tuning stability, neck comfort, and desired pickup configurations.

Notable Quote:

"If you walked into a store or if you played a guitar and it hit every single thing on that list, but only cost $200, is it a good guitar? I'm going to argue it is a good guitar. In fact, I'm going to argue it's a perfect guitar."
— Phillip McKnight (12:45)

Listener Questions and Responses

The episode features a series of listener-submitted questions, each tackled with Phillip's characteristic depth and practical wisdom.

1. Reliability of $300 Guitars for Beginners and Intermediates

Question by Wick Sounds (00:04:30):
"How reliable is a $300 guitar for a beginner or intermediate player?"

Phillip's Response: Phillip emphasizes that a $300 guitar can be more than adequate for beginners and even intermediate players. He highlights the importance of quality over price, suggesting that many guitars within this range offer excellent playability and sound.

Notable Quote:

"Prices tend to be comfort zones more so than reality. So what I mean by that is somebody's gonna go, a good guitar is not good until it's $500... But that’s just my opinion."
— Phillip McKnight (00:15:20)

2. Best Asian Manufacturers for Consistent Quality

Question by Grubby:
"Which of the Asian manufacturers do you consider to have the best and most consistent quality?"

Phillip's Response: Phillip discusses the variability in quality among Asian manufacturers, noting that consistency has improved but still varies significantly between countries like Indonesia, Korea, and Japan. He currently favors Indonesian-made guitars for their machine-focused production, which ensures higher consistency at competitive prices.

Notable Quote:

"If you pick up a guitar made in Japan and Korea right now, you'll know you're going to have a really good instrument... Made in Indonesia, maybe not as reliable."
— Phillip McKnight (00:35:50)

3. Buzzfeed and Tuning Systems

Question by Tom Anderson:
"Can you explain the Buzzfeed and tuning system?"

Phillip's Response: Phillip explains that the Buzzfeed system involves a compensated nut to improve intonation, similar to the Irvana nut system. He advises caution and recommends consulting a professional technician before attempting any modifications.

Notable Quote:

"The buzzfeeding system... another way to give you perfect intonation. It's our journey for perfection."
— Phillip McKnight (00:50:15)

Gear of the Week

Phillip introduces the "Gear of the Week" segment, spotlighting the Marshall Vintage Reissue Blues Breaker Pedal. He demonstrates its versatility by running it through his Fender Princeton amp, highlighting its ability to blend the mid-throaty tones of a Marshall with the scooped mids of a Fender.

Demonstration Highlights:

• Clean Tone: Minimal gain settings showcase the pedal's subtlety.
• High Gain: Increased gain reveals the pedal's edge, suitable for blues and rock genres.

Notable Quote:

"When I'm playing this through a Fender amp... I get that sound that I really like, which is that kind of the bigger notes with the less gain."
— Phillip McKnight (01:10:45)

Navigating the Gear Market

Responding to a question from T Side about a discounted Ibanez PF offer, Phillip analyzes the current gear market. He explains that the influx of inventory from major brands like Gibson and Fender has led to overstock and subsequent discounts, creating opportunities for savvy buyers to snag quality instruments at reduced prices.

Key Points:

• Inventory Surplus: Major brands have flooded the market, leading to competitive pricing.
• Buyer Opportunities: Increased deals are available as retailers seek to clear excess stock.

Notable Quote:

"There's too much product out there. The market is soft and it's overstocked. They’re sitting on more inventory than they want to be and they're going to want to move it."
— Phillip McKnight (01:25:30)

Trade and Value Strategies

Phillip shares strategies for maximizing value when purchasing guitars. He advocates for creative trade deals, especially when retailers are reluctant to reduce prices further. By trading unwanted gear for desired instruments, buyers can achieve better value and enhance their collections efficiently.

Key Points:

• Trade Deals: Leveraging existing gear to negotiate better deals.
• Store Strategies: Understanding how larger stores handle inventory and utilizing that to your advantage.

Notable Quote:

"Be creative and inventive is what you're what I'm saying. You got to be creative with a trade."
— Phillip McKnight (01:40:10)

Maintenance Tips

Question by Michael:
"How do you polish the frets on a lacquered fretboard?"

Phillip's Response: Phillip advises against DIY fret polishing on lacquered fretboards due to the risk of damaging the finish. Instead, he recommends consulting a professional technician to ensure the job is done correctly without compromising the guitar's integrity.

Notable Quote:

"Maybe that's something to take to a legitimate tech to have done because you don't want to mess with your neck."
— Phillip McKnight (01:55:40)

Conclusion and Future Content

As the episode wraps up, Phillip invites listeners to submit their suggestions for future deep dive videos. He highlights the importance of community input in shaping the content of the Know Your Gear Podcast, ensuring that the show remains relevant and valuable to its audience.

Closing Remarks: Phillip reflects on the abundance of independent, non-sponsored content he's produced, noting its positive reception and increased viewership. He encourages listeners to actively participate in the show's development by providing feedback and topic suggestions.

Notable Quote:

"This was the highest amount of non-sponsored videos I've done in the last three, four years. So feel free to give suggestions."
— Phillip McKnight (02:10:55)

Key Takeaways

1. Personalization Over Price: The definition of a "good" guitar is subjective and should be based on individual needs and preferences rather than price alone.
2. Quality Variability: While Asian manufacturers like those in Indonesia offer consistent quality at competitive prices, always research specific brands and models.
3. Market Opportunities: An oversaturated gear market creates opportunities for buyers to find quality instruments at discounted prices.
4. Maintenance Caution: Professional assistance is recommended for tasks like fret polishing to avoid damaging the instrument.
5. Community Engagement: Listener input is vital for shaping future content, ensuring the podcast remains aligned with audience interests.

Further Resources

• Music Nomad Tools: Phillip recommends the Music Nomad Safe File for fretwork, praising its performance despite competitors offering better warranties.
• Pedal Recommendations: The Marshall Vintage Reissue Blues Breaker Pedal is highlighted for its versatility and quality sound.
• Trade Strategies: Phillip shares personal anecdotes on successful trades, emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness in purchasing decisions.

Tune in next week for more guitar insights, gear reviews, and expert advice on the Know Your Gear Podcast with Phillip McKnight.