Know Your Gear Podcast: "These Brands Are Going Away" Summary

Host: Phillip McKnight
Episode: 389
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Phillip McKnight dives deep into the evolving landscape of the guitar industry in episode 389 of the "Know Your Gear Podcast." Titled "These Brands Are Going Away," the episode explores the challenges faced by notable guitar and pedal companies, discusses industry trends, and engages with listener questions. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Celebrating Milestones and Community Support

Phillip begins by expressing gratitude to Patreon members, emphasizing the podcast's fan-funded nature. He highlights two significant milestones:

• Approaching 400 Episodes: “Today is episode 389, which means we’re 11 away from 400 episodes. It’s a big deal because it has been done with your support” (00:30).

• 20 Million Streams and Downloads: “We’re about to hit a total of 20 million views, streams, and downloads collectively on the podcast” (00:50).

Phillip announces new sponsorship options on Patreon, detailing various tiers and benefits, including exclusive content for higher-tier members.

2. The Decline of Diamond Guitars

A significant portion of the episode addresses the troubles faced by Diamond Guitars:

• Origins and Evolution: Diamond Guitars began as DBZ Guitars, founded by Dean Zelensky and Jeff Diamant. After Dean's departure, DBZ transformed into Diamond Guitars, produced in Korea.

• Current Challenges: “They are blowing out the guitars... These guitars are really being blown out” (10:20). Phillip notes massive discounts on models like the Maverick ($239) and Ravenous ($149), indicating potential liquidation or factory relocation to China.

• Quality Concerns: The shift from Korean to Chinese manufacturing led to downgraded components, such as switching from Grover to locking keys and using more affordable pickups.

• Market Implications: “I think the brand is possibly going away... If the brand doesn't go away, these are the mistakes that really hurt them” (25:15). Phillip speculates that reduced quality and poor marketing strategies have diminished Diamond Guitars' market presence.

Phillip encourages listeners to seize the current deals but cautions about the long-term value and support for these instruments.

3. The Demise of Ross Pedals and Industry Lessons

Phillip shifts focus to the pedal industry, specifically Ross Pedals:

• Ross Pedals Closure: Ross Pedals has ceased operations again, leading to discussions about the sustainability of niche pedal companies.

• Josh Scott's Insights: Referencing Josh Scott from JHS Pedals, Phillip highlights Scott’s transparency about the failures at Ross Pedals: “He said, I don’t know if most companies would ever discuss what they did wrong” (35:40).

• Comparative Analysis: While Diamond Guitars struggled with quality and branding, Ross Pedals increased quality, which ironically led to overstock and financial strain. Phillip notes, “in JHS case, they upped the quality on the Ross pedals and that kind of hurt them” (40:10).

• Brand Resurrections: Phillip discusses the challenges of reviving defunct brands, comparing it to restaurants repeatedly changing ownership to save costs but often failing to maintain success.

Key Quote:
Josh Scott on Ross Pedals’ challenges:

“I don’t know if most companies or any companies would ever discuss what they did wrong and share with you guys” (36:05).

4. Listener Questions and Expert Advice

Phillip engages with several listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice on various guitar-related topics:

• Fender Tone Master Series:
  Question: "Do you think Fender will ever offer a slimmed-down Tone Master Standard for $999?"
  Answer: Phillip envisions Fender possibly releasing a more affordable version once they saturate the current market. He explains the typical “top-down” product development approach in the industry (45:00).

• Favorite Cables:
  Question: "What are your favorite cables?"
  Answer: Phillip shares his experience with DiMarzio cables, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and functionality. He humorously recounts a mix-up regarding the purchase vs. gifting of cables (55:15).

• Guitar Preservation in Varying Temperatures:
  Question: "Leaving a bass and amp in a cabin with temperatures dropping to 40-55°F – is this likely to cause issues?"
  Answer: While temperature alone isn’t a major threat, fluctuations in humidity and dryness can affect the instrument’s neck. Phillip advises storing the bass in a case, keeping it vertical, and being prepared to adjust the neck as needed (60:45).

• Choosing Between High-Quality Guitars and Amps:
  Question: "Do you prefer a high-quality guitar and a lower-quality amp, or vice versa?"
  Answer: Phillip prioritizes playability and comfort over the instrument's tonal quality. He prefers investing in a guitar that feels great and pairing it with a good amp to shape the desired tone, rather than compromising on playability (80:20).

5. Giveaway and Community Engagement

Phillip announces a giveaway of a limited-edition Nickels 1966 Fuzz Overdrive pedal, linking it to community participation. He showcases a winning entry from John Mesa, sharing the heartfelt story behind the prize and the special connection between Phil and John (70:10).

Key Quote:
On the significance of community gifts:

“John sent me this beautiful gift... It’s one of the most cherished gifts I’ve ever received in my life” (72:30).

6. Industry Insights and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Phillip interweaves personal stories and industry insights:

• Phillip’s Interaction with Phil X: He recounts a memorable encounter with Phil X, demonstrating the universal challenge of dealing with internet trolling despite professional success (95:50).

• Collaboration with Kiesel Guitars: Phillip praises Kiesel’s commitment to quality and fair pricing, sharing his excitement about ordering new guitars on sale (110:35).

• Strategic Buying Tips: He offers strategies for saving money on high-value instruments by negotiating directly with sellers, avoiding unnecessary fees, and being creative with purchasing methods (90:05).

7. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Phillip wraps up the episode by discussing upcoming projects and listener requests:

• Future Content: Plans to create a video comparing G&L Z-coils with traditional noiseless single coils, pending collaboration with G&L (130:15).

• Acknowledgments: He thanks various listeners and acknowledges the support from his wife, Shauna, who manages much of the podcast’s logistics (125:40).

• Personal Updates: Phillip shares personal milestones, including his daughter’s burgeoning interest in horror movies, leading him to watch "Terrifier 3" despite his reservations (100:50).

Conclusion

Episode 389 of the "Know Your Gear Podcast" offers a blend of industry analysis, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. Phillip McKnight effectively highlights the struggles of guitar and pedal brands like Diamond Guitars and Ross Pedals, providing listeners with valuable insights into the factors that influence a brand's survival and success. Through engaging storytelling and interactive listener segments, Phillip not only informs but also fosters a strong sense of community among guitar enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “We’re gonna hit a total of 20 million views, streams and downloads collectively on the podcast.” (00:50)
• “He said, I don’t know if most companies or any companies would ever discuss what they did wrong and share with you guys.” (36:05)
• “John sent me this beautiful gift... It’s one of the most cherished gifts I’ve ever received in my life.” (72:30)
• “I’d prefer a nice playing guitar and a good sounding amp than a really great guitar and a not-so-great amp.” (80:20)

Timestamps:

• 00:30 - Milestone Announcement
• 00:50 - 20 Million Streams
• 10:20 - Diamond Guitars Price Cuts
• 25:15 - Potential End of Diamond Guitars
• 35:40 - Josh Scott on Ross Pedals
• 36:05 - Transparency in Brand Failures
• 40:10 - Comparing Diamond and Ross
• 45:00 - Fender Tone Master Series Question
• 55:15 - Favorite Cables Discussion
• 60:45 - Storing Instruments in Varying Temperatures
• 70:10 - Giveaway Announcement
• 72:30 - Significance of Community Gifts
• 80:20 - High-Quality Guitar vs. Amp Preference
• 90:05 - Strategic Buying Tips
• 95:50 - Encounter with Phil X
• 100:50 - Personal Anecdotes on Horror Movies
• 110:35 - Collaboration with Kiesel Guitars
• 125:40 - Acknowledging Shauna’s Support
• 130:15 - Future Content Plans

Note: This summary excludes time spent on advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the content-rich segments of the podcast.