Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode 414: The Pitfalls of Moding Guitars

Release Date: May 24, 2025

Host: Phillip McKnight

Introduction

In Episode 414 of Know Your Gear Podcast, host Phillip McKnight delves deep into the complexities and challenges associated with modifying guitars. Throughout the episode, Phillip addresses various listener questions, shares personal experiences, and offers valuable insights into the world of guitar modding, marketing strategies in the pedal industry, and the dynamics of content creation.

1. JHS Not a Dumble Pedal Mistake

Timestamp: [00:05:30]

Phillip begins by addressing a question from Fausto about the JHS "Not a Dumble" pedal mistake. He explains that JHS inadvertently cloned the wrong version of the Dumble pedal, leading to the discontinuation of the original and the focus on the newly cloned version.

Phillip McKnight: "So if I get the situation correctly, the Not a Dumble pedal was made by mistake... They thought they cloned the one, they actually cloned the other one." ([00:05:30])

This incident highlights the importance of quality control and awareness in product development within the pedal industry.

2. Marketing Strategies in the Pedal Industry

Timestamp: [00:12:15]

Phillip discusses the evolving landscape of pedal marketing, emphasizing how companies like JHS have mastered the art of consistent product releases and effective marketing without heavily relying on external influencers.

Phillip McKnight: "The key to success with pedals is always have a pedal out every four months... 90% of the sale is based on the name." ([00:12:15])

He contrasts traditional marketing methods involving prolonged product launches with modern strategies that leverage platforms like YouTube for rapid product dissemination.

3. Independent Content Creation vs. Sponsored Content

Timestamp: [00:20:45]

Exploring the challenges of independent content creation, Phillip shares his approach to balancing sponsored and unsponsored content. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and providing genuine value to his audience.

Phillip McKnight: "I have no qualms about sponsored content... independent content is hard to do." ([00:20:45])

He critiques the financial viability of relying solely on sponsorships, advocating for a diversified content strategy that includes both sponsored and self-driven projects.

4. Experiences with Small Luthiers and Pickup Manufacturers

Timestamp: [00:35:50]

Phillip opens up about his ventures into the pickup business with Blackstock Pickups. He recounts positive and negative experiences with small luthiers, highlighting the necessity of thorough vetting to avoid partnerships that could harm his reputation.

Phillip McKnight: "Over time, you start realizing... I've worked with luthiers who've been the most horrible experiences of my entire life." ([00:35:50])

He advises listeners to support local luthiers while exercising caution, stressing the importance of reliability and quality in these collaborations.

5. Giveaway Announcement: Fender Guitar of the Week

Timestamp: [00:50:10]

Adding excitement to the episode, Phillip announces a giveaway for a limited edition Fender Stratocaster. He details the guitar's specifications, including its sandblasted ash body, chambered design, Seymour Duncan JB and 59 pickups, roasted maple neck, and locking tuners.

Phillip McKnight: "Please enter to win this beautiful $2,000 Fender USA guitar." ([00:50:10])

Listeners are encouraged to participate by clicking the provided link and entering their email addresses, with the winner to be announced on June 6.

6. Listener Questions and Phillip's Insights

Throughout the episode, Phillip addresses a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice and sharing his personal experiences.

a. Amp Discussions

Timestamp: [00:55:30]

Listeners inquire about amplifier setups, including the use of specific pedals and microphone configurations. Phillip shares his preferences for amplifiers like the Backstage Plus and discusses the practicalities of using affordable amps for budget-friendly guitar videos.

Phillip McKnight: "When it sounds good, it's not because it's going through an expensive amp." ([00:55:30])

b. Strings and Pickup Preferences

Timestamp: [01:10:20]

Amanda asks about string types, prompting Phillip to consider creating a comprehensive episode on strings. He recaps his existing content on various string types and emphasizes the subjective nature of string preferences.

Phillip McKnight: "I've done flat wounds, tape wounds, pure nickels, coated strings... You'd have to go through the catalog." ([01:10:20])

c. Organizing Guitar Parts

Timestamp: [01:20:40]

Aaron Daniel seeks advice on organizing guitar parts for repair work. Phillip recommends systematic categorization using trays and bins, stressing the importance of keeping different potentiometer values separate to avoid confusion during setups.

Phillip McKnight: "You want them in different drawers because it's just a mistake waiting to happen." ([01:20:40])

d. PRS SE Custom 24 Setup

Timestamp: [01:35:55]

A listener asks for budget-friendly recommendations to practice setting up a PRS SE Custom 24. Phillip suggests utilizing knockoff PRS guitars for practice but cautions about differences in bridge specifications that could affect the setup process.

Phillip McKnight: "I would almost suggest if you do that, then you gotta kinda put the purest bridge on something I would just learn on the PRS SE." ([01:35:55])

7. The Pitfalls of Moding Guitars

Timestamp: [01:45:30]

Returning to the episode's central theme, Phillip outlines both the advantages and disadvantages of modifying guitars.

Advantages:

1. Customization: Creating a personalized instrument tailored to specific preferences.

   Phillip McKnight: "You essentially are going to have a custom instrument made to your specs and liking at a price that is considerably less than having anyone else do it." ([01:46:00])

2. Skill Development: Learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience through the modification process.

   Phillip McKnight: "It's an experience like just doing it is something to do... get yourself away from things that are bad habits, like maybe screen time." ([01:46:45])

Disadvantages:

1. Financial Loss: Modifications can reduce the resale value of the guitar.

   Phillip McKnight: "You can literally go, I made a guitar and I modified it... you're going to sell this guitar for two or three." ([01:48:15])

2. Potential for Errors: There's a risk of damaging the instrument during modifications.

   Phillip McKnight: "You might screw it up. But I always tell people that is part of the journey..." ([01:48:50])

Phillip emphasizes the importance of weighing these factors before deciding to modify a guitar, advocating for informed and careful approaches to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

8. Final Thoughts and Advice

Timestamp: [02:00:00]

Concluding the episode, Phillip offers wisdom on guitar ownership and maintenance. He encourages listeners to prioritize playability and enjoyment over the allure of expensive equipment.

Phillip McKnight: "There's something freeing about a guitar that you can just play freely. It's really nice." ([02:00:30])

He advises embracing the learning process inherent in guitar modifications and repairs, highlighting the personal growth and satisfaction that come from overcoming challenges.

Notable Quotes

• On Pedal Marketing:

  "Pedals are more about marketing than a legitimate product anymore." ([00:13:45])

• On Supporting Small Businesses:

  "I think you should support local luthiers. I think you should support small businesses, but vet them." ([00:36:20])

• On Guitar Modding Risks:

  "If you don't reverse the modifications, you're going to lose your money when you sell the guitar." ([01:47:10])

• On Learning Through Mistakes:

  "Sometimes getting yourself into a jam, into a problem, and then learning to get out of it is the best absolute thing you could ever do." ([01:51:00])

Conclusion

Episode 414 of Know Your Gear Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of guitar modding, balancing enthusiasm for customization with cautionary advice about potential pitfalls. Phillip McKnight's candid discussions, backed by personal anecdotes and listener engagement, provide valuable guidance for guitar enthusiasts considering modifications. Whether it's navigating the complexities of pedal marketing or understanding the risks and rewards of modding guitars, this episode serves as an informative guide for both novice and seasoned guitarists alike.

Remember to subscribe and enter the Fender Stratocaster giveaway by clicking the link below!

This summary is crafted to provide a detailed overview of the episode for those who haven't listened, capturing key discussions, insights, and notable quotes with proper attribution.