Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode 402 Summary Title: PRS Challenges Builders To Make A Guitar At Home Depot
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: March 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 402 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, host Phillip McKnight delves into a variety of guitar-related topics, addressing listener questions, sharing personal anecdotes, and showcasing the "Guitar of the Week." The episode is marked by an engaging blend of technical insights and personal storytelling, maintaining its signature fun and informative tone.

Listener Questions and Technical Discussions

Fretwork in Guitar Manufacturing

• Question from Gary: Inquired about how manufacturers like PRS (Paul Reed Smith) handle fret ends, specifically the use of semi-hemispherical frets.

  Phillip's Response:

  • PRS rounds off their frets using a specialized tool, the Stumag Fret Tang Nipper, to create a smooth, semi-hemispherical edge (00:30).
  • This technique enhances playability but can potentially cause strings to roll off if not executed properly.
  • Phillip plans to release a short video demonstrating this process on his Instagram and YouTube Shorts (04:15).

Fret Height Measurements

• Insight from a Patron Member: Suggestion to include fret height measurements in video analyses.

  Phillip's Response:

  • Initially hesitant due to variability in fret heights post-manufacturing and leveling processes.
  • Acknowledges that different brands handle fret heights inconsistently, affecting player experience.
  • Highlights PRS's exceptional consistency, estimating a 90% perfection rate in fretwork (10:45).

Wiring in Guitars

• Question from Jay: Asked about achieving neat and tidy wiring in guitars.

  Phillip's Response:

  • Recommends using mini zip ties (around 2.5mm wide) for bundling wires, sourced from local hardware stores or online.
  • Advises against excessive heat shrink tubing, emphasizing ease of maintenance with zip ties (31:20).

Mounting Fender Professional 2 Necks

• Question from DJB: Inquired whether a Fender Professional 2 neck can be mounted on a standard 4-bolt body without compromising the neck.

  Phillip's Response:

  • Affirmative, explaining that Fender typically designs their neck mounts to be compatible across different models.
  • Advises ensuring screw holes align properly and provides solutions like doweling and redrilling if misalignment occurs (35:50).

Heavy Gauge Strings on Guitars

• Question from Moreloud.com: Concerned whether using heavy gauge strings (16-60) on a Fender Custom Shop bass could damage the instrument.

  Phillip's Response:

  • Generally safe if the guitar is well-constructed, but advises using a neck with a strong truss rod.
  • Mentions that while uncommon, some setups require higher tension, and customization may be necessary (46:10).

Guitar of the Week: Music Man Kryptonite Green Seven-String

Phillip introduces the "Guitar of the Week," featuring a bold and unconventional Music Man seven-string guitar in "Kryptonite Green."

• Features:

  • Body: Multi-scale, stainless steel 24 frets, ebony fretboard.
  • Neck: Roasted flame maple, asymmetrical design for comfort.
  • Pickups: Herbie ball pickups, cryogenically frozen for enhanced tone.
  • Design: Unique contoured neck finish, non-traditional aesthetics likened to a "Peavey logo brought to life."

• Personal Anecdote:

  • Phillip recounts his experience acquiring the guitar after initially reviewing a prototype at Sweetwater.
  • Shares a humorous story about Music Man representatives' reaction to his review, leading to a lack of further communication (22:30).

• Performance:

  • Demonstrates the guitar's sound using a Steve Morris Engel amp, highlighting the versatility between bridge and neck pickups (38:55).

Notable Quotes:

• "You've got to bundle everything up neat with zip ties; it's essential for maintenance." (31:30)
• "PRS engineers obsess over every detail, making their fretwork almost creepily accurate." (10:50)

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Grandfather's First Pitch at Dodger Stadium

• Phillip shares a heartfelt story about discovering his late grandfather's signed Dodger baseballs and uncovering his grandfather's spontaneous act of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium.

  Details:

  • Grandfather was the mayor of a small California town and had to step in when the governor couldn't attend.
  • An article revealed that Phillip's grandfather threw multiple pitches to finally get one over the plate (45:00).
  • This legacy is cherished in the family, with each member possessing a signed ball (43:15).

Office Transformation

• Reveals that his current workspace is actually his daughter's former bedroom, redesigned to accommodate his guitar collection and maintain a "Friends" themed décor (08:45).

Notable Quotes:

• "This room looks like the decades I've been in here, but it's actually my daughter's old bedroom transformed into my office." (08:00)
• "Even though it's a tuner nipper hanging behind me, some people think it's a garden shear!" (05:30)

Upcoming Interviews and Plans

Meeting with Guitar Center CEO

• Phillip announces an upcoming interview with Gabe, the CEO of Guitar Center, scheduled within the next ten days.

  Context:

  • The meeting follows a previous episode where Phillip critiqued Guitar Center's new plans, leading to a direct invitation for discussion.
  • Expectation to explore Guitar Center's future strategies and improvements (50:00).

Gear Recommendations and Advice

Planet Tone Pickups Inquiry

• Question from Litvay: Asked about the legitimacy and pricing of Planet Tone pickups, which are touted as US-made but are priced significantly lower than brands like DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan.

  Phillip's Analysis:

  • Investigates the claims, comparing Planet Tone to similar companies like Bootstrap Pickups.
  • Concludes that while the pricing is feasible for small-scale, home-built operations, potential buyers should verify authenticity and quality (40:20).
  • Encourages transparency and communication with manufacturers for credibility (41:30).

Fender Meteora and Similar Body Shapes

• Question from Russell: Seeks opinions on Fender's Meteora guitars or similar angular offset shapes.

  Phillip's Response:

  • Describes the Meteora's design, comparing it to the Fender Novo series.
  • Appreciates the unique aesthetics and potential increase in value due to limited production (54:10).
  • Expresses interest in conducting a deep dive on the Meteora (56:45).

Additional Highlights

Guitar Center Store Closures

• Discusses recent closures of Guitar Center stores in California, expressing curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming interview with the CEO to gain more insights (51:30).

Community Interaction and Feedback

• Phillip emphasizes the importance of listener feedback and suggestions, encouraging the audience to submit questions and topics for future episodes.

  Notable Mentions:

  • Encourages patrons to participate in bonus podcasts and coffee hangouts for more in-depth discussions (15:50).
  • Shares experiences with community members, including greeting former students and reading Super Chats from live interactions (60:00).

Conclusion

In this episode, Phillip McKnight masterfully navigates through a plethora of guitar-related topics, offering valuable insights and fostering a sense of community among listeners. From technical expertise on fretwork and wiring to personal stories that add depth to his character, Phillip maintains an engaging narrative throughout. The introduction of the "Guitar of the Week" segment showcases his passion for unique instruments, while upcoming interviews promise further engaging content. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected, submit questions, and participate in the evolving discussions that make the Know Your Gear Podcast a go-to resource for guitar enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• "The beauty I see is not in the aesthetics but in the craftsmanship and functionality of the guitar." (52:15)
• "Buy what you love when the price is right; don't rush to deal." (55:30)

This summary captures the essence of Episode 402, highlighting key discussions, listener interactions, and personal anecdotes that define Phillip McKnight's approach to sharing guitar knowledge.