Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode 390: "They Gave Her $250 For A $14,000 Guitar"

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Phillip McKnight

1. Favorite Guitar Picks

Phillip McKnight begins the episode by addressing a recurring listener question about his preferred guitar picks. Despite frequent inquiries every six months to a year, McKnight's selection remains consistent. He outlines his top three picks in order of usage:

• Black Mountain Pick (Least Used):
  "This is literally what is on a pouch, like a pick pouch on my key ring... I find it's just easier to keep a hold of."
  (00:30)

• Dava Rubberized Pick:
  "It's really nice for certain stuff I do. I would use this maybe about 20% of the time when I'm at home."
  (02:10)

• Hurco Flex 75 Pick (Most Used):
  McKnight explains his transition to using a pick after expanding his YouTube channel. He shares an anecdote about receiving EVH (Eddie Van Halen) picks from a meet and greet event, which initially were a mere giveaway but eventually became his primary choice.
  "They feel like a cat's tongue... they're very rough, like sandpaper... it holds my hands really well."
  (06:45)

2. Guitar Flipping vs. Retail Trade: Stories and Insights

A significant portion of the episode delves into the ethics and experiences surrounding guitar flipping compared to retail trading. McKnight recounts personal experiences that shaped his views:

• Story of an Outrageous Trade Offer:
  McKnight narrates an encounter with a Phoenix music store owner who once bought a $14,000 guitar for $250. He expresses his disbelief and questions the ethics behind undervaluing such instruments.
  "Why didn't you just give her the $250? It was totally worth it."
  (15:20)

• Consequences of Underpricing:
  Another story involves a customer attempting to sell a $10,000 vintage Les Paul for $500. Miscommunication led to the store offering $8,000, only for the customer to later discover its actual value and sell it for $2,000 elsewhere. McKnight reflects on how such practices often target uninformed sellers, labeling them as "suckers."
  "I learned that those activities are how those things happen, and you have to be okay with it. And I'm not."
  (24:50)

• Negative Experiences with Trade Offers:
  An early experience where a poorly handled trade offer resulted in McKnight perceiving the item as stolen highlights his reluctance to engage in guitar buying due to the potential for unethical dealings.
  "That's why we didn't engage in it as much. Trades were so much easier to deal with."
  (31:15)

3. Feedback and Interaction with Guitar Center

McKnight shares his ongoing dialogue with Guitar Center, stemming from his critical remarks in previous episodes. He announces an upcoming unedited interview with Guitar Center CEO Gabe, aiming for an honest discussion about the company's future and strategies:

• Podcast Discussion Invitation:
  "We're going to discuss their thoughts of their future. It's going to be an unedited, honest discussion."
  (42:30)

• Critique of Guitar Center’s Future Plans:
  He reiterates his skepticism about Guitar Center's ability to compete with platforms like Reverb and eBay, citing issues like shipping expenses, scams, and the complexity of selling gear online.
  "I feel that the future of Guitar Center is mostly going to be that all these guitar players who bought so much stuff during COVID really need to get rid of it."
  (46:10)

• Guitar Center’s Response and Plans:
  McKnight details Guitar Center’s offer to allow him to videotape in their stores for an instructional video, expressing hope that their trade-focused model will sustain them against online competitors.
  "I think they have an edge on them in the future, in the trade environment."
  (50:25)

4. Guitar of the Week: 1999 GV Gem Floral Gem

The highlight of the episode is the introduction of the "Guitar of the Week," a rare 1999 GV Gem Floral Gem in mint condition. McKnight shares a serendipitous story of how he acquired this guitar without initially planning to purchase it:

• Initial Purchase Attempt:
  In 1999, anticipating the financial strain of his new baby, McKnight decided to buy one last high-quality guitar. He visited a Phoenix music store where he faced a strict no-touch policy, leading to an unpleasant purchasing experience.
  "Shawna says that vibe was not good. It was kind of douchey."
  (59:10)

• Fate Brings the Guitar to Him:
  Years later, a friend named Joe offered McKnight the same guitar as a wedding gift, which Joe never used. After a period of borrowing, McKnight trades his Gibson Les Paul and a gold top for the Floral Gem, only to realize it was the exact guitar he had attempted to purchase years earlier.
  "It's kismet. It's here. How could that be?"
  (1:15:45)

• Personal Significance:
  McKnight expresses deep sentimental value for the guitar, noting its appreciation in value over time and its place as one of his cherished instruments.
  "I have no plans to ever sell it... It's just a special thing to me."
  (1:20:30)

5. Listener Questions and Technical Advice

Throughout the episode, McKnight addresses various listener questions, offering technical advice and product recommendations:

• Fixing a Loose Output Jack on PRS Standard 24 SE:
  "You can use Purple Loctite... get yourself a quality output jack and replace it."
  (1:25:00)

• Recommendations for Vintage Guitar Builders:
  When asked about builders akin to Kiesel that offer more vintage builds with specific specifications, McKnight acknowledges the challenge due to Kiesel's unique position in the market.
  "I cannot think of a single builder in the United States that will build semi-custom guitars as, at that price point, that fast as Kiesel."
  (1:30:15)

• Advice on Retiring Vintage Guitars:
  Responding to a query about when vintage guitars should be retired from playing, McKnight opines that most vintage guitars have already become collectibles rather than functional instruments.
  "Most of them are already that now, from the playability and mechanical standpoint."
  (1:35:50)

• Discussion on Marshall Amplifier Availability:
  A listener's concern about the scarcity of UK-made Marshall amps in the U.S. leads McKnight to theorize that Marshall might be shifting production overseas, drawing parallels with Ampeg's past manufacturing changes.
  "It feels like they gonna move production to Vietnam or China."
  (1:40:10)

• Trading Guitars with Setup Fees:
  Addressing frustration over stores charging setup fees when trading guitars, McKnight advises businesses to incorporate such fees into the product pricing rather than adding them separately.
  "Just change your prices. Discount out of your price what they're going to charge."
  (1:45:30)

6. Closing Remarks and Announcements

In his closing statements, McKnight reflects on the rapid responsiveness of companies monitoring his podcast and reiterates his commitment to providing honest, experience-based advice to his listeners. He also teases the upcoming Guitar Center interview and encourages patrons to engage with new content.

• Announcement of Upcoming Content:
  "You'll see that by Monday because the patrons are all seeing it and giving feedback on it."
  (1:50:00)

• Final Thoughts on Customer Experience:
  McKnight emphasizes the importance of businesses focusing on positive customer experiences without burdening customers with internal issues.
  "If you don't know that stuff, it's not about you. It's about providing a good experience for paying customers."
  (1:55:20)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "They feel like a cat's tongue... they're very rough, like sandpaper." — Phil McKnight
  (00:30)

• "Why didn't you just give her the $250? It was totally worth it." — Phil McKnight
  (15:20)

• "It's kismet. It's here. How could that be?" — Phil McKnight
  (1:15:45)

• "Most of them are already that now, from the playability and mechanical standpoint." — Phil McKnight
  (1:35:50)

• "I cannot think of a single builder in the United States that will build semi-custom guitars as, at that price point, that fast as Kiesel." — Phil McKnight
  (1:30:15)

Key Takeaways

• Consistency in Gear Choices: McKnight maintains a steadfast preference for specific guitar picks, valuing durability and comfort over frequent changes.

• Ethical Considerations in Guitar Flipping: Personal anecdotes reveal McKnight's discomfort with undervaluing instruments, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in guitar trading and flipping.

• Engagement with Industry Giants: His forthcoming discussion with Guitar Center aims to bridge gaps between independent insights and corporate strategies, reflecting the dynamic nature of the music retail industry.

• Value of Vintage Instruments: McKnight underscores the shift of vintage guitars from functional tools to collectibles, emphasizing their preserved value and limited playability.

• Practical Advice for Musicians: From technical fixes to purchasing strategies, McKnight offers actionable advice backed by personal experience, catering to both novice and seasoned musicians.

• Consumer Advocacy: Emphasizing positive customer experiences, McKnight advocates for businesses to streamline their services without imposing hidden fees, enhancing overall satisfaction.

This episode of the Know Your Gear Podcast offers a blend of personal stories, industry critiques, and practical advice, making it a comprehensive listen for guitar enthusiasts seeking both entertainment and insightful commentary on the world of guitars and music retail.