Know Your Gear Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: No More Room For New Guitar Builders In 2025
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Introduction
In the latest episode of the Know Your Gear Podcast, host Phillip McKnight delves into a wide array of guitar-related topics, ranging from marketplace dynamics to technical tweaks for guitar enthusiasts. As always, McKnight maintains his signature blend of informative insights and engaging discussions, addressing listener questions and sharing his extensive experience in the guitar industry.
Reverb Listings and Guitar Conditions
[00:00] McKnight kicks off the episode by sharing a recurring experience on Reverb, a popular online marketplace for musical instruments. He highlights the limitations in the condition categories available for listings, suggesting the addition of a "Salvage" condition to better categorize damaged guitars.
“I think Reverb needs a new condition. Salvage. Like a salvage title on a car.” – Phillip McKnight [02:15]
He recounts stumbling upon a 2013 Gibson Ebony ES339 listed at a significantly discounted price due to damage—specifically a cracked neck. This discovery leads to a broader discussion on the fair pricing of repaired versus damaged instruments.
Listener Discussions: Broken Headstocks
Responding to listener Frank, McKnight discusses the prevalence of broken headstocks, particularly in brands like Gibson and Epiphone. He emphasizes that while repaired headstocks may devalue a guitar, they often remain reliable after a quality repair.
“If the repair is done well, it's gonna last. And if the situation's right on the guitar, it... makes it a great player condition.” – Frank [10:45]
McKnight also shares anecdotes about famous musicians whose guitars have endured repeated headstock repairs, illustrating that functionality can persist despite aesthetic damage.
Building Your YouTube Channel for Guitar Content
Addressing Buddy's question about offering lessons on starting a YouTube channel or getting involved in the guitar business, McKnight provides a candid perspective on the challenges and rewards of content creation.
“The odds of you making enough on a YouTube channel to pay any kind of real bills is... 1 in 2 million.” – Phillip McKnight [25:30]
He stresses the importance of passion, noting that success on platforms like YouTube often hinges on genuine enthusiasm rather than solely on strategic content planning. McKnight advises aspiring creators to "do it because you love it" to sustain their efforts amidst the competitive landscape.
Choosing Single Cut Humbucker Guitars
Listener Buddy inquires about recommendations for single cut humbucker guitars across various price points. McKnight outlines his preferences, suggesting guitars from esteemed brands like Gibson, PRS, ESP Ltd., Epiphone, and more.
“For a single cut, PRS makes a great single cut. But I don't think unless you look at the S2 stuff, they don't have anything in that range.” – Phillip McKnight [35:20]
He categorizes his suggestions into price tiers, offering alternatives for enthusiasts at different budget levels and emphasizing the versatility and quality of each recommended model.
Discussion on Vintage Guitars and Relic Guitars
In response to Marcus Graff, who references McKnight's previous skepticism about vintage guitars being a "scam," the conversation shifts to the value and authenticity of relic guitars.
“Relic guitars to me are... a finish. It's a type of finish. I think liking a relic guitar is no different than liking a fluorescent pink guitar or a sunburst guitar.” – Phillip McKnight [55:50]
McKnight contends that the allure of relic guitars lies in their aesthetics rather than their intrinsic value or authenticity. He critiques the industry's pricing strategies, suggesting that companies like Fender and Gibson artificially inflate prices based on vintage appeal rather than genuine craftsmanship advancements.
Composite Acoustic Guitars
Listener Tessie Switch asks about the status of composite acoustics under Peavey (PV) ownership. McKnight shares his experiences and insights into composite acoustic guitars, expressing both enthusiasm and reservations.
“Composite acoustic guitars are interesting, but every composite company goes out of business eventually.” – Phillip McKnight [1:15:10]
He recounts his history with brands like Rain Song and Emerald Acoustics, praising their durability and consistency in various environments. McKnight underscores the challenges composite guitar manufacturers face in maintaining market presence amidst shifting consumer preferences and industry consolidation.
Future of Guitar Companies and Market Saturation
McKnight addresses a profound concern voiced by Jason, pondering the future landscape of guitar manufacturers.
“How many new guitars do you think the market can bear? I don't think any new guitars can come to the market...” – Phillip McKnight [1:20:45]
He forecasts a stagnation in new guitar companies emerging by 2025, attributing this to market saturation and the predominance of established brands. McKnight predicts that instead of growth, the industry may experience an "exchange" scenario where new entrants displace existing players without expanding the overall market.
Technical Questions and Answers
The episode also features a segment where McKnight tackles various technical questions from listeners:
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Antique Rocker inquires about tightening claw screws for Floyd Rose tremolos, to which McKnight advises against using speaker outputs for instrument interfaces to prevent potential damage.
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VIM69 asks about cost-effective alternatives to high-end Gretsch models like the White Falcon. McKnight suggests considering Electromatic variants and other brands that offer similar aesthetics at more accessible prices.
“I would say, honestly, if you haven't owned a Gretch by Electromatic, set a timeline, like a year.” – Phillip McKnight [1:50:30]
He emphasizes practicality and personal preference over brand prestige, encouraging listeners to explore options that fit their needs and budgets.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, McKnight reflects on the evolving guitar industry, the importance of sustaining authentic connections with instrument makers, and the role of community feedback in shaping his content.
“The majority of the income I make on YouTube is from YouTube... you guys are literally watching the videos, then it's the patrons and members, then it's my selling my pickups and merch.” – Phillip McKnight [2:05:15]
He teases future content expansions, including deeper dives into eight-string guitars and innovative testing methods, promising continued value for his dedicated audience.
Key Takeaways:
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Marketplace Dynamics: McKnight highlights the need for more nuanced condition categories on platforms like Reverb to better represent the state of used guitars.
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Repair and Value: Broken or repaired headstocks can significantly affect a guitar's resale value, though functionality often remains intact post-repair.
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Content Creation: Success on YouTube requires passion and genuine interest in the subject matter, with realistic expectations about monetization.
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Gear Recommendations: McKnight offers curated advice on selecting single cut humbucker guitars across different price points, emphasizing quality and brand reputation.
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Vintage vs. Modern: The perceived value of vintage and relic guitars is influenced more by aesthetics and brand prestige than by inherent quality differences.
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Composite Acoustics: While durable and versatile, composite acoustic guitars face challenges in market longevity and consumer acceptance.
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Industry Forecast: The guitar manufacturing landscape is likely to see consolidation rather than expansion, with market saturation limiting the emergence of new brands.
Notable Quotes
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Phillip McKnight
“Salvage. Like a salvage title on a car.” [02:15] -
Frank
“If the repair is done well, it's gonna last.” [10:45] -
Phillip McKnight
“Do it because you love it.” [25:30] -
Phillip McKnight
“Relic guitars to me are a finish.” [55:50] -
Phillip McKnight
“If you don't own a Gretch by Electromatic, set a timeline, like a year.” [1:50:30] -
Phillip McKnight
“The majority of the income I make on YouTube is from YouTube.” [2:05:15]
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends and timeless concerns in the guitar world, providing valuable insights for both novice players and seasoned aficionados.