Know Your Gear Podcast - Episode 409 Summary

Title: What Reverb Did About The Fraud Guitar / Boutique Guitar Builder Starts Import Line
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: May 5, 2025

1. The Reverb Fraud Guitar Incident (00:00 - 25:00)

Overview:
In the opening segment, Phil McKnight shares a personal experience involving selling guitars on Reverb, a popular online marketplace for musical instruments. He recounts a troubling incident where a buyer returned a guitar after claiming it had a high fret, despite the instrument passing all his pre-shipment tests.

Key Points:

• Establishing Selling Habits:
  Phil was attempting to list and sell one guitar per week on Reverb to build a consistent selling habit.

• The Fraudulent Return:
  “He got the guitar, gave me positive feedback… then four days later, he said it has a high fret” (02:30). Phil suspected foul play, especially since the guitar performed well in the initial video presentation.

• Communication with Reverb:
  Phil filed a complaint with Reverb, highlighting that the buyer had modified the guitar post-purchase, thereby voiding Reverb’s purchase guarantees.

• Reverb's Resolution:
  After reviewing the communications, Reverb sided with Phil, acknowledging that the buyer had tampered with the guitar. They provided a prepaid shipping label for the return and reimbursed Phil the full amount paid by the buyer.

• Lessons Learned:

  • Documentation is Crucial: Ensuring thorough documentation and video evidence can protect sellers from fraudulent claims.
  • Buyer Transparency: Encouraging buyers to report issues before making modifications preserves protection under platform guarantees.
  • Understanding Platform Policies: Recognizing that altering a purchased item can void buyer protection is essential for both buyers and sellers.

Notable Quotes:

• “Most of the time, that’d be my avenue. You know, I’m not here to fight it.” (05:45) – Phil on handling buyer disputes.

• “Keep good records, everybody.” (09:20) – Emphasizing the importance of documentation.

2. Listener Q&A: Guitar Gear Insights (25:00 - 55:00)

Following the recounting of his Reverb experience, Phil transitions into answering various questions from listeners, providing expert advice on guitar-related topics.

a. Recommendations for Humbuckers on Telecaster Style Guitars (25:00 - 28:30)

Question:
Amanda asks for recommendations for single-coil sized humbuckers suitable for Telecasters, specifically for blues.

Phil's Response:

• Preferred Picks:

  • "My favorite set is the Billy Gibbons BG 1400, a stacked single coil that doesn't introduce the noise typical of traditional humbuckers." (26:15)
  • Alternative Suggestions:
    • Seymour Duncan humbuckers for aesthetic appeal and quality.

• Personal Experience:
  Phil discusses the tonal qualities of PAF pickups versus mini humbuckers, highlighting the warmth and musicality of properly functioning pickups.

Notable Quote:
"If you can get a P90 to sound really good, which most times you can, it’s going to sound kind of like a humbucker." (27:50)

b. Comparing Fender Mod Shop and Kiesel Guitars (28:30 - 35:00)

Question:
Preston inquires whether Fender’s mod shop and Kiesel guitars have similar resale values.

Phil's Response:

• Resale Value Insight:

  • "Fender's resale value generally trumps Kiesel due to brand recognition. Gibson holds the top spot, followed by Fender, with Kiesel coming afterward." (30:10)

• Kiesel's Positioning:

  • Described as the last affordable custom shop USA-made guitar.
  • Emphasis on value for money, especially given Kiesel’s heritage from Carven, focusing on direct-to-consumer sales to maintain affordability.

• Custom vs. Semi-Custom:

  • Phil differentiates between semi-custom offerings like Kiesel’s and full custom builds from smaller boutique builders, noting limited customization in mass production.

Notable Quote:
"Kiesel is the last affordable custom shop USA-made guitar. If you’re looking for a USA-made semi-custom, Kiesel is the least expensive by far." (32:45)

c. Updates on Magnetone Reviews (35:00 - 38:00)

Question:
Michael asks for updates on Phil’s reviews of Magnetone amplifiers.

Phil's Response:

• Upcoming Reviews:

  • Plans to compare the Magnetone M80 Baby and Super 15 heads with matching cabinets.
  • Intent to feature both American and British voice Magnetone amps in future videos.

• Personal Impressions:

  • Phil appreciates the versatility and quality of Magnetone amps, citing artists like Slash and Billy Gibbons as endorsers.

Notable Quote:
"I can totally see why Slash is with Magnetone now and why Billy Gibbons is Magnetone now." (36:30)

d. Thoughts on Beginner Guitars (38:00 - 45:00)

Question:
David inquires about Phil's perspectives on beginner guitars.

Phil's Response:

• Evolving Opinions:

  • Initially opposed carrying affordable guitars in his store, believing that low-quality instruments would deter effective learning.
  • Changed stance after realizing the importance of accessible instruments for beginners.

• Current Philosophy:

  • "Anything that gets a beginner playing is good." (40:15)
  • Believes in allowing beginners to find quality instruments within their budget to foster sustained interest.

• Historical Context:

  • Reflects on the past scarcity of quality affordable guitars compared to today’s improved offerings.

Notable Quote:
"Anything that gets a beginner playing is good. I used to have harsh and hard opinions about it, but I’ve learned to be more open." (42:50)

e. James Tyler’s Chinese Guitar Line (45:00 - 50:00)

Question:
David asks if Phil has discussed James Tyler’s newly introduced line of guitars made in China.

Phil's Response:

• Surprised Reaction:

  • "I didn't know James Tyler was making guitars in China. My first experience with James Tyler was with their high-end USA models." (46:20)

• Brand Integrity Concerns:

  • Skeptical about boutique brands launching import lines, comparing it to other major brands’ secondary lines like Epiphone for Gibson.

• Potential Impact:

  • Worried that import lines may dilute brand prestige and affect resale values negatively.

• Personal Experience:

  • Shares a story about advising Keisel on avoiding import lines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining brand quality.

Notable Quote:
"I always feel like import lines are more about cashing in on brand power rather than maintaining quality." (48:40)

f. Identifying Guitar Manufacturing Year Without Serial Numbers (50:00 - 53:30)

Question:
Bill seeks advice on determining the manufacturing year of a K335 guitar without serial numbers or internal labels.

Phil's Response:

• Research Strategies:

  • Utilize online forums dedicated to the specific guitar brand or model.
  • Compare visual elements with listed guitars on platforms like Reverb and eBay to estimate manufacturing dates.

• Manufacturer Contact:

  • Suggests reaching out directly to the manufacturer, though acknowledges that support may be limited or unhelpful.

Notable Quote:
"You can try contacting the manufacturer, but don't expect them to always have the information readily available." (52:15)

3. Additional Discussions and Anecdotes (53:30 - 55:00)

Overview:
Phil shares humorous interactions and anecdotes related to the podcast and guitar community, including discussions on Morley pedals and interactions with industry figures like Steve Vai.

Key Points:

• Morley Pedals Story:

  • Recounts a rumor involving Morley offering Steve Vai financial incentives to exclusively use their pedals over Dunlop, suggesting industry influence on artist endorsements.

• Personal Tool Endorsements:

  • Highlights his preference for visual aids like sketching boards to explain technical concepts during the podcast.

Notable Quote:
"I've had a Morley since 2011, and I've been a huge fan since 2010." (54:45)

4. Conclusion and Takeaways

Phil wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of documentation when selling instruments online, the evolving landscape of guitar brands and their import lines, and maintaining integrity in both selling and personal gear choices. He encourages listeners to engage actively with the guitar community and stay informed about industry developments.

Final Thought:
"Knowledge and transparency are your best tools in navigating the guitar market, whether you're buying, selling, or customizing your instrument." (54:50)

Notable Overall Quotes:

• “Documentation, film. But also now, you know, make sure you're corresponding through Reverb.” (12:30)

• “Resale value is important not because you want to sell it, but to avoid throwing money out the window when experimenting.” (46:20)

Key Takeaways:

1. Protect Yourself Online:
   Always document transactions and communications when selling instruments on platforms like Reverb to safeguard against fraudulent claims.

2. Understand Platform Policies:
   Familiarize yourself with the buyback and guarantee policies of online marketplaces to navigate disputes effectively.

3. Choose Quality for Beginners:
   Investing in a decent-quality beginner guitar can foster sustained interest and effective learning, rather than defaulting to the cheapest options.

4. Be Cautious with Import Lines:
   Boutique brands launching import lines may compromise brand integrity and resale value; assess the impact before purchasing.

5. Leverage Community Resources:
   Utilize forums, online marketplaces, and direct manufacturer contacts to gather information about specific guitar models and their histories.

6. Maintain Passion and Open-Mindedness:
   Stay passionate about gear, continuously learning, and adapting to industry changes to sustain both personal satisfaction and professional integrity.

Next Episode Preview:
Phil hints at diving deeper into pedal reviews, particularly focusing on Magnetone amplifiers, aiming to release new content soon.

Support the Podcast:
As always, the podcast is supported by Patreon members. Listeners are encouraged to join the Patreon community to help sustain and grow the show.

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 409 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, capturing the essential discussions and insights shared by Phil McKnight. For detailed experiences and nuanced advice, listening to the full episode is recommended.