Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode: Underrated Guitar Brands / Should ESP Follow PRS Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Phillip McKnight returns with Episode 388 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, delving deep into the world of guitar brands, their hidden gems, and the branding strategies that shape perceptions in the guitar community. Celebrating his 26th wedding anniversary, Phillip intertwines personal anecdotes with insightful discussions, making this episode both heartfelt and informative.

1. Celebrating Milestones and Unveiling a Rare Guitar

[00:00]

Phillip begins the episode by sharing personal milestones, marking his 26th wedding anniversary and 37 years of friendship. To commemorate this occasion, his wife gifted him a 1991 Original Ibanez Universe 7-String Guitar, a rare and highly sought-after model with only 1,083 units produced. The excitement is palpable as Phillip showcases the guitar, sharing its unique features and the emotional journey of acquiring it.

Phillip: "This guitar is probably so unique. Just to give you a reference, there was only 1,083 of these guitars made."

2. Technical Insights: Volume Pots vs. Tone Pots

[05:30]

Addressing a listener question from Lone Wolf Gray, Phillip clarifies the often-misunderstood relationship between volume and tone potentiometers.

Phillip: "They are all the same. Yes. The thing that makes the difference is adding a capacitor to turn a volume pot into a tone pot."

He reminisces about his early days in music stores, highlighting the confusion many face when differentiating between these components.

3. Listener Q&A: Pedals, Amps, and Underrated Brands

[12:45]

Antique Rocker asks about the interaction between pedals and different types of amps.

Antique Rocker: "Do pedals react differently to solid-state modeling amps versus tube amps?"

Phillip explains the harmonious relationship between tube amps and pedals, emphasizing that while solid-state amps offer versatility, tube amps provide warmth and fullness that enhance pedal effects.

Moving forward, Bitmatt inquires about ESP Japan’s liquid finish, prompting Phillip to express admiration for the aesthetic quality while critiquing the brand's branding strategy.

Alex from Tennessee questions the disparity in truss rod cover finishes between Squire Vibes and Player Series guitars. Phillip attributes this to marketing hierarchies, drawing parallels with automotive brands to illustrate his point.

4. Spotlight on Underrated Guitar Brands

[25:10]

Listener Mike from Tennessee sparks a comprehensive discussion on underrated guitar manufacturers. Phillip nominates Kiesel Guitars and G&L as top contenders, praising their quality, feature sets, and value for money.

Phillip: "Kiesel makes guitars that are on par with higher-end brands but are more affordable and offer exceptional quality."

He contrasts these brands with industry giants like Fender and PRS, highlighting the niche yet significant impact of these underrated manufacturers in the guitar market.

5. ESP vs. PRS: Branding and Market Positioning

[35:50]

A central theme of the episode revolves around whether ESP should emulate PRS in its branding approach. Phillip argues for ESP to simplify its branding by prominently displaying "ESP" on all guitar models, much like PRS does with its sub-brands.

Phillip: "I wish ESP would just adopt PRS’s strategy. It would eliminate confusion and strengthen the brand’s identity."

He criticizes the current use of sub-brands like E2 and LTD, suggesting that a unified branding strategy would enhance brand recognition and consumer trust.

6. Personal Guitar Revelation and Vintage Guitar Insights

[45:20]

Phillip passionately shares the story behind his acquisition of the Ibanez Universe, detailing his lifelong desire and the emotional significance of finally owning such a rare instrument. He expresses skepticism towards the vintage guitar market, labeling it a "scam" due to exorbitant prices.

Phillip: "Vintage guitars are a scam. You either buy an original at an astronomical price or settle for a reissue."

His practical approach emphasizes the value of reissues over vintage models, advocating for accessibility without compromising quality.

7. Engaging with the Community: Giveaways and Shout-outs

[55:40]

Phillip opens the floor to listener interactions, conducting giveaways and acknowledging community members. Winners receive Stumac restring kits, and Phillip showcases select listener guitars, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Phillip: "Congratulations to Tom and Charles for winning our Stumac restring kits!"

He appreciates the active participation of his audience, reinforcing the podcast’s community-driven ethos.

8. Advanced Technical Discussions: Pickups and Acoustic Scaling

[1:05:15]

In response to Grumpy Digga's inquiry about pickup variance across different guitars, Phillip elucidates the subtle differences and how they interplay with amp settings. He likens pickups to microphones, emphasizing the importance of personal preference and EQ settings over inherent differences.

Phillip: "The difference between pickups is very minor. It’s like adjusting the EQ on an amp rather than switching out microphones."

Additionally, Brandon asks about the impact of scale length on acoustic guitars, prompting Phillip to discuss how scale length affects both sound and playability, regardless of the guitar being electric or acoustic.

9. Addressing Recent Events and Platform Updates

[1:15:30]

Phillip briefly touches upon recent incidents, such as the flooding of a Guitar Center store, expressing concern for those affected while also humorously contemplating the fate of the guitars.

He also addresses technical issues with podcast distribution, explaining delays due to personal circumstances and assuring listeners of upcoming content.

10. Final Thoughts and Future Content

[1:20:50]

In wrapping up, Phillip reflects on the episode's discussions, reiterates his appreciation for the community, and teases future content, including potential deep dives into pickups, amps, and acoustics based on listener feedback.

Phillip: "I have so many videos I want to do each year. Your feedback helps me prioritize what’s next."

He encourages continued interaction, welcoming suggestions and participation in upcoming giveaways.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Phillip on Volume vs. Tone Pots:
  “They are all the same. Yes. The thing that makes the difference is adding a capacitor to turn a volume pot into a tone pot.”
  [02:15]

• Phillip on Underrated Brands:
  “Kiesel makes guitars that are on par with higher-end brands but are more affordable and offer exceptional quality.”
  [26:45]

• Phillip on ESP Branding:
  “I wish ESP would just adopt PRS’s strategy. It would eliminate confusion and strengthen the brand’s identity.”
  [36:10]

• Phillip on Vintage Guitars:
  “Vintage guitars are a scam. You either buy an original at an astronomical price or settle for a reissue.”
  [47:30]

• Phillip on Pickups:
  “The difference between pickups is very minor. It’s like adjusting the EQ on an amp rather than switching out microphones.”
  [1:05:40]

Conclusion

In this episode, Phillip McKnight masterfully blends personal stories with expert knowledge, offering listeners a comprehensive look into underrated guitar brands and the intricate dynamics of guitar branding. His candid perspectives on industry practices, coupled with genuine interactions with the community, make for an engaging and enlightening listen.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or an avid enthusiast, Episode 388 provides valuable insights into maximizing your gear, understanding brand value, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of guitar manufacturing.

Tune in Next Week:
Join Phillip for another episode where he promises to delve into new pickups, amps, and possibly some hilarious guest appearances. Stay connected by subscribing to the Know Your Gear Podcast on your preferred platform and follow Phillip on Instagram for the latest updates and giveaways.