Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode: Outdated Thoughts On Cheap Guitars

Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Description:
In this episode of the Know Your Gear Podcast, Phillip McKnight addresses a variety of guitar-related questions from his listeners, offering expert advice, personal anecdotes, and in-depth discussions on topics ranging from guitar acclimation to the intricacies of truss rods. Additionally, Phillip highlights a special "Guitar of the Week" and shares updates about his ongoing projects and community initiatives.

1. Opening and Announcements

[00:10] Phillip begins the episode by expressing gratitude to his Patreon members, channel members, and viewers for their support. He acknowledges the moderators and provides details about the benefits of joining Patreon, including access to bonus podcasts, live shows, and exclusive clinics.

“I want to thank the moderators for helping each week... the channel members and the patron for supporting the podcast for 418 episodes."
— Phillip McKnight [00:10]

2. Listener Questions

a. Acclimating Guitars Post-Delivery

[02:30] Listener: Nicholas
Question: How should I acclimate my new Mad Cat Telecaster after it has been exposed to high shipping temperatures?

Phillip's Advice: Phillip emphasizes the importance of allowing guitars, especially those with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, to acclimate to room temperature before unboxing. He recommends waiting until the exterior of the box reaches room temperature to avoid rapid temperature changes that could cause finish issues or neck movement.

“The main reason they do this is it's really for nitro lacquer. That's the biggest problem."
— Phillip McKnight [04:15]

b. Truss Rods in Martin and Taylor Guitars

[10:45] Listener: Dexter
Question: Are Martin and Taylor guitars no longer including truss rods, and does adjusting them void the warranty?

Phillip's Analysis: Phillip clarifies that Taylor guitars still include truss rods and provide instructions for adjustments without voiding warranties. He expresses skepticism about claims that adjusting truss rods on Martin and Taylor guitars would void the warranty, suggesting that such assertions lack a solid legal basis.

“Nowhere does it say that if you attempt to do this on your own that it voids your warranty."
— Phillip McKnight [12:00]

c. Carol K and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[18:50] Listener: Antique Rocker
Question: Why is Carol K refusing induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite her record of top 40 hits?

Phillip's Response: Phillip praises Carol K's immense talent and contributions to music, highlighting her consistent use of standard Ibanez basses instead of custom models. While he doesn't provide a definitive reason for her refusal, he underscores her deserving place in music hall of fames.

“Carol K was... a very talented musician...she always has like the run of the mill, off the rack looking Ibanez."
— Phillip McKnight [19:30]

d. Headless Guitars and Neck Profiles

[25:20] Listener: Litvae
Question: Concerned about the thin neck profiles of headless guitars.

Phillip's Thoughts: Phillip discusses his preference for medium to thicker necks on headless guitars, sharing his experiences with Kiesel's neck variations. He acknowledges that not all headless guitars have thin necks and appreciates the efforts of manufacturers to cater to different player preferences.

“I prefer the medium to thicker necks on the headless for sure..."
— Phillip McKnight [26:00]

e. ESP Eclipse Truss Rod Issue

[35:10] Listener: Feels F, E, L, S
Question: My ESP Eclipse has a loose truss rod. Do I need heavier strings or is there a fix?

Phillip's Guidance: Phillip explains the difference between dual-action and single-action truss rods. He advises checking if the truss rod is dual-action, which allows adjustment in both directions. If not, he suggests potential fixes like screwing the truss rod back on or consulting a professional.

“You should have a dual action truss rod and you should be able to turn it the other way without any concerns."
— Phillip McKnight [36:45]

f. Old Guitar Strings

[40:00] Listener: Fast Eddie 333
Question: Are guitar strings aged 15-20 years still good?

Phillip's Advice: Phillip notes that the usability of old strings depends on their storage conditions. Vacuum-sealed strings are more likely to remain in good condition, whereas unsealed strings may become crusty and unplayable.

“If they're vacuum sealed, it's possible that they are still perfect, like brand new."
— Phillip McKnight [41:20]

g. Neck Heel Truss Rods

[50:00] Listener: Dr. My Balls with a Z Itch
Question: Are there benefits to having a neck heel truss rod?

Phillip's Response: Phillip explains that neck heel truss rods, especially the spoke wheel type, offer ease of adjustment but require modifications to the guitar neck. He expresses a personal preference against them unless the guitarist is committed to keeping the guitar long-term.

“I am not a big proponent for having the truss rod at the base of the neck on an electric guitar."
— Phillip McKnight [51:30]

3. Updates

Nuno Bittencourt's Padauk Guitar Issue

[60:15] Phillip discusses his recent purchase of a Nuno Bittencourt Padauk guitar, highlighting a cosmetic issue with the locking nut sticking out. He shares his frustrations with customer service from the retailer and Washburn, detailing his attempts to seek a resolution.

“They sanded the neck down a little too much, and now that's sticking out."
— Phillip McKnight [61:00]

“My resolution was a 10% discount would be nice from, from the manufacturer side..."
— Phillip McKnight [62:45]

4. Guitar of the Week

Gene's Seven-String Kiesel Vader Guitar

[75:00] Phillip introduces a heartfelt segment about a seven-string Kiesel Vader guitar donated by a listener named Gene, whose son Nate has passed away. He describes the guitar's features, including its neck-through construction, maple and walnut wood, and abalone inlays, emphasizing its emotional and musical significance.

“This is neck through... the fretboard has been stained brown, obviously with black diamond inlays."
— Phillip McKnight [77:30]

“I believe somebody's gonna. It's gonna work out. Let me play it and then we'll go."
— Phillip McKnight [80:00]

Phillip plays the guitar, showcasing its sound and quality, and shares his plans to incorporate it into his recording project while seeking a suitable home for it in the future.

5. Additional Segments

Editing and Content Creation

[85:00] Phillip delves into his video editing process, highlighting the time-intensive nature of producing his deep dive videos. He explains his approach to maintaining flow and engagement, emphasizing the importance of the video’s introduction in capturing viewer interest.

“An average deep dive video is two hours of footage total... that's how the edit works."
— Phillip McKnight [86:15]

Selling Guitars and Emotional Attachment

[95:00] Phillip shares personal experiences related to selling guitars, discussing the emotional challenges of parting with instruments that hold sentimental value versus those he no longer uses.

“If the neck got broken in the shipping... they're all newer in force."
— Phillip McKnight [96:40]

Strap Locks Discussion

[105:00] Responding to a listener’s question about strap locks, Phillip details his preferred systems, including DiMarzio clip locks and Dunlop strap locks. He demonstrates how they function and explains his reasons for favoring particular brands.

“I use DiMarzio clip lock straps... if you see a dimargio strap hanging, it's dimargio."
— Phillip McKnight [106:20]

6. Announcements

Sales on Sweetwater Gear Exchange

[120:00] Phillip announces an upcoming initiative to list his personal guitars on Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange throughout July. He explains the collaboration with Sweetwater and plans to document the selling process, aiming to provide valuable insights to his listeners.

“For the month of July, I'm listing my personal guitars on the Gear Exchange on Sweetwater."
— Phillip McKnight [121:00]

Gravy vs. Grits

[130:00] In a lighthearted segment, Phillip discusses his personal experiences with grits, addressing listener opinions and sharing humorous anecdotes about his initial unfamiliarity with the dish during his time in the military.

“Grits are fine. They're fine."
— Phillip McKnight [131:45]

7. Closing Remarks

[140:00] Phillip concludes the episode by thanking his listeners for their support, teasing an upcoming deep dive titled “This Expensive Guitar Has a Huge Design Flaw, Not a Defect,” and encouraging fans to subscribe and join Patreon for exclusive content and benefits.

“If you’re learning something or having a good time, don’t forget you can subscribe for free and help this channel..."
— Phillip McKnight [141:30]

Notable Quotes:

1. “The main reason they do this is it's really for nitro lacquer. That's the biggest problem."
   — Phillip McKnight [04:15]

2. “Nowhere does it say that if you attempt to do this on your own that it voids your warranty."
   — Phillip McKnight [12:00]

3. “Carol K was... a very talented musician...she always has like the run of the mill, off the rack looking Ibanez."
   — Phillip McKnight [19:30]

4. “I prefer the medium to thicker necks on the headless for sure..."
   — Phillip McKnight [26:00]

5. “You should have a dual action truss rod and you should be able to turn it the other way without any concerns."
   — Phillip McKnight [36:45]

6. “If they're vacuum sealed, it's possible that they are still perfect, like brand new."
   — Phillip McKnight [41:20]

7. “I am not a big proponent for having the truss rod at the base of the neck on an electric guitar."
   — Phillip McKnight [51:30]

8. “This is neck through... the fretboard has been stained brown, obviously with black diamond inlays."
   — Phillip McKnight [77:30]

9. “An average deep dive video is two hours of footage total... that's how the edit works."
   — Phillip McKnight [86:15]

10. “I use DiMarzio clip lock straps... if you see a dimargio strap hanging, it's dimargio."
    — Phillip McKnight [106:20]

11. “For the month of July, I'm listing my personal guitars on the Gear Exchange on Sweetwater."
    — Phillip McKnight [121:00]

12. “Grits are fine. They're fine."
    — Phillip McKnight [131:45]

Key Takeaways:

• Guitar Care: Proper acclimation of guitars post-delivery is crucial, especially for models with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, to prevent finish and structural issues.

• Truss Rod Insights: Understanding the type of truss rod (dual-action vs. single-action) is essential for maintenance without voiding warranties or damaging the instrument.

• Emotional Value of Guitars: Guitars often carry significant sentimental value, and decisions about buying, selling, or donating them can be deeply personal and emotionally charged.

• Quality vs. Price: The market has evolved, with affordable guitars now offering quality that rivals older, more expensive models. The emphasis is shifting from price tags to the longevity and personal connection players have with their instruments.

• Community Engagement: Phillip actively engages with his listeners, addressing their concerns, sharing personal stories, and fostering a supportive community through platforms like Patreon.

• Upcoming Projects: Listeners can look forward to Phillip’s initiative to sell guitars via Sweetwater's Gear Exchange and his upcoming deep dive on a high-end guitar with a design flaw.

This comprehensive summary captures all vital discussions, insights, and personal reflections shared by Phillip McKnight in this episode of the Know Your Gear Podcast. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a newcomer, the episode offers valuable information and a glimpse into the nuanced world of guitar maintenance and appreciation.