Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode 397: More Guitar Companies Merging And 2025 NAMM Gear

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Phil McKnight

1. Introduction and Merging of Guitar Companies

Phil McKnight kicks off the episode addressing early riser questions from listeners. The primary focus is on the recent mergers within the guitar industry, particularly the consolidation of Novo and Fano under a British company, as well as Iconic Guitars teaming up with former Fender Custom Shop head, John Cruz.

Key Discussion Points:

• Novo and Fano Merger: Phil reflects on his earlier prediction (timestamp [00:10]:00) about the decline in guitar manufacturers by 2025, attributing it to market saturation and the necessity for companies to merge to sustain post-boom.
• Iconic Guitars and John Cruz Collaboration: Phil discusses Iconic Guitars’ partnership with John Cruz, highlighting Cruz’s expertise from his tenure at Fender and the potential positive impact on Iconic’s product quality and market presence.

Notable Quote:

"When there's less people, at least you might have a shot. That was the term I used. That's actually the analogy."
— Phil McKnight [00:15:30]

2. Impact of Industry Boom and Market Saturation

Phil delves into how the recent guitar boom led to excessive production and high sales volumes, which eventually necessitated mergers among boutique manufacturers to navigate the post-boom market challenges.

Insights:

• Market Awareness: Many boutique companies were initially oblivious to the market trends, buoyed by high sales during the boom, but later realized the unsustainable nature of continuous growth.
• Strategic Mergers: Phil uses the analogy of “doors and people” (timestamp [00:18:20]) to explain why being among the first few companies to merge can be advantageous for survival in a dwindling market.

Notable Quote:

"Everyone is doing better, right? How do you know? One of what you're doing is what you've generated and just the mark or what is just the market."
— Phil McKnight [00:12:45]

3. Listener Questions and Technical Discussions

The episode transitions into a Q&A segment where Phil addresses various listener inquiries related to guitar maintenance, gear recommendations, and technical aspects of guitar equipment.

a. Website Usability and Major Brand Sites ([00:45:00])

• Question: Does Phil think major brand guitar maker websites are horrible?
• Answer: Phil expresses a neutral stance, noting that platforms like Sweetwater and Guitar Center offer well-organized and user-friendly websites, though his preference leans towards Sweetwater for its concise layout.

b. Epiphone Prophecy vs. Fishman Fluence ([01:10:30])

• Question: Is the Epiphone Prophecy Olive Tiger Burst the best deal at $649 compared to Fishman Fluence or other models?
• Answer: Phil suggests that while the Epiphone offer seems attractive, models like Ltd and Charvel provide different tonal characteristics that might better suit individual preferences, emphasizing that these guitars are fundamentally different "animals" in terms of design and feel.

c. Sustainiac Pickups vs. Others ([01:35:50])

• Question: What makes the Sustainiac pickup different from other pickups?
• Answer: Phil explains that Sustainiac pickups offer unique sustain capabilities, enhancing an amp’s sustain without significantly altering the original tone. He refers listeners to his YouTube videos for an in-depth analysis.

Notable Quote:

"There are a lot of great pickups out there, and there's a lot of great unique pickups out there."
— Phil McKnight [02:15:05]

4. PRS’s New Product Launch and Pickups

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing PRS’s (Paul Reed Smith) latest product releases showcased at the NAMM show, with a particular emphasis on their new DMO (Dynamic Musical Open) Pickups.

Key Points:

• New DMO Pickups: Phil reviews the features and sound quality of PRS’s DMO pickups, comparing them favorably to vintage pickups like the 8515s. He praises their enhanced musicality and dynamic response.
• Satin Finish Core Guitars: PRS introduced a satin finish core guitar with the new pickups, available in various colors. Phil speculates on the pricing, estimating around $3,500, and notes the enhanced aesthetic and playability.
• Industry Marketing Strategies: Phil commends PRS’s effective social media and guerrilla marketing tactics, highlighting how their innovative product naming and design appeal to both vintage and modern players.

Notable Quote:

"It's like attaching flavorful to your food. We came up with a new food. It's very flavorful."
— Phil McKnight [02:05:40]

5. MXR’s New Pedal and Other Gear Releases

Phil covers additional gear launches from the NAMM show, including MXR’s new chorus pedal inspired by the classic Rockman chorus, and Synergy’s new 20-watt head equipped with impulse responses and modular capabilities.

Highlights:

• MXR Rockman Chorus Pedal: Designed to emulate the iconic Def Leppard Rockman sound, this pedal focuses solely on chorus effects, maintaining high fidelity without additional delay functions.
• Synergy’s Modular Amp Head: A versatile 20-watt head that allows users to load different modules for varied tonal options, priced competitively at $1,400 with potential for used modules at lower costs.

Notable Quote:

"Having it on a foot pedal is just even cooler. And the fact that they got the look right, because like, you put that on your pedal board and you'll look down and go, yeah, it's the Rockman chorus."
— Phil McKnight [02:25:30]

6. NAMM Show Reflections and Personal Insights

Phil shares his personal decision to no longer attend the NAMM show, prioritizing resource allocation towards creating in-depth content for his audience instead of participating in trade shows.

Insights:

• Content Quality over Trade Shows: Phil believes that investing time and money into producing detailed product deep dives offers more value to his listeners than attending the NAMM show.
• Shift in Marketing Focus: He emphasizes the importance of factory tours and unique content that can’t be replicated through trade show appearances, aiming to deliver exclusive and comprehensive information to his audience.

Notable Quote:

"It's just not a great, you know, look. Plus, you know, think about this, I just found out the other day... that's what we're putting our efforts into is more factory tours."
— Phil McKnight [03:05:15]

7. Additional Listener Questions and Advice

Phil continues addressing diverse questions from listeners, ranging from gear maintenance tips to recommendations for specific guitar models suited for various needs.

a. Using Amp Simulators with Blues Junior ([03:30:00])

• Question: Can tonex hx stomp UA deluxe modify the output of a Blues Junior to simulate other amps?
• Answer: Phil affirms that using amp simulator pedals with the Blues Junior is feasible, recommending running the amp as clean as possible for optimal results.

b. Inventorying and Insuring Gear ([04:15:45])

• Question: Would a video about inventorying and insuring one's gear be worthwhile?
• Answer: Phil demonstrates Reverb’s inventory feature, explaining how it can help track gear value and assist in insurance claims by maintaining accurate records, including serial numbers and purchase details.

Notable Quote:

"If somebody calls me and says it's stolen, then we'll deal with it, whatever issues."
— Phil McKnight [04:20:10]

c. Best Guitar for Small Hands ([04:45:30])

• Question: What is the best guitar for small hands with a small-scale neck to alleviate hand pain?
• Answer: Phil advises individuals experiencing hand pain to personally try guitars in-store, emphasizing the importance of neck thickness, action, and overall feel rather than solely focusing on scale length or neck width.

Notable Quote:

"It's just putting your hands on instruments and it will speak to you."
— Phil McKnight [05:00:50]

8. Final Thoughts and Teasers

Phil concludes the episode by thanking his listeners and highlighting upcoming content, including enhanced video quality and more in-depth gear reviews. He teases the introduction of new "geeky stuff" videos, promising greater frequency and specialized features to better serve his audience’s interests.

Notable Quote:

"We're now able to make twice as many videos, so if that's the case, that's going to be just right there, epic."
— Phil McKnight [05:30:25]

Conclusion

In Episode 397 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, Phil McKnight provides an insightful analysis of the evolving guitar industry, spotlighting significant mergers like Novo and Fano's unification under a British company, and Iconic Guitars' collaboration with John Cruz. Through an engaging Q&A session, Phil addresses diverse listener queries, offering expert advice on gear maintenance, equipment choices, and industry trends. The episode also features a comprehensive discussion on PRS’s latest product launches and reflections on the shifting focus from trade shows to in-depth content creation. Phil's blend of technical knowledge, industry insights, and personal anecdotes delivers a rich and informative experience for guitar enthusiasts eager to stay informed about the latest developments in the guitar world.

Highlighted Quotes:

1. "When there's less people, at least you might have a shot. That was the term I used. That's actually the analogy."
   — Phil McKnight [00:15:30]

2. "There are a lot of great pickups out there, and there's a lot of great unique pickups out there."
   — Phil McKnight [02:15:05]

3. "It's like attaching flavorful to your food. We came up with a new food. It's very flavorful."
   — Phil McKnight [02:05:40]

4. "Having it on a foot pedal is just even cooler..."
   — Phil McKnight [02:25:30]

5. "It's just putting your hands on instruments and it will speak to you."
   — Phil McKnight [05:00:50]

6. "We're now able to make twice as many videos, so if that's the case, that's going to be just right there, epic."
   — Phil McKnight [05:30:25]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 397, providing guitar enthusiasts with valuable insights into industry mergers, gear recommendations, and Phil McKnight’s expert advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of guitar equipment.