Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 415 Summary
Title: Why doesn't Sweetwater and GC have a Harley Benton Type Brand
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Introduction and Announcements
Phillip McKnight kicks off Episode 415 of Know Your Gear Podcast by expressing gratitude to Patreon members and viewers, emphasizing their vital support in making the podcast possible. He announces an exciting giveaway: a $2,000 limited edition Fender Ash Telecaster featuring chambered, sandblasted ash with a roasted bevel neck, equipped with two Seymour Duncan pickups and a hard shell case. (00:04)
Quote:
"Next week is the last day. June 6th. We're giving away a two thousand dollar limited edition Fender Ash Telecaster that's chambered, it's sandblasted ash with a roasted bevel neck." – Phillip McKnight (00:04)
Privacy Concerns and Contest Details
Phillip addresses a concern raised by a patron about the protection of email addresses in the giveaway contest. He clarifies that the service used for the contest randomizes email entries to ensure impartial winner selection and that neither he nor the service sells email addresses. This transparency aims to reassure listeners about their privacy.
Quote:
"No, we do not sell email addresses. You pay for the premium package. You own the email addresses." – Phillip McKnight (00:04)
Listener Questions and Discussions
1. Guitar Scale Length and Lo-fi Guitars
Question: Karen asks about swapping lo-fi guitars like Dan Electro with concerns about shorter scale lengths.
Phillip’s Insight:
Phillip reassures that most players adapt well to shorter scale lengths (e.g., 24.75" or 25"). He explains that scale length differences do not significantly impact chord formation or playability for most guitarists. Adjusting string gauges can further mitigate any slight variations in feel.
Quote:
"Most players do not interpret the shorter scale as being dramatic to them. It's not like it's going to be super foreign to you." – Phillip McKnight (00:04)
2. Soldering Issues and Techniques
Question: Randy inquires about difficulties in desoldering switches on a Stratocaster due to high soldering temperatures.
Phillip’s Advice:
Phillip outlines three key tips for effective desoldering:
- Use Solder-to-Solder Connections: Pre-lubricate the soldering iron with solder to ensure better heat transfer.
- Choose the Right Soldering Tip: A larger, flathead tip disperses heat more effectively than a pointed one.
- Be Mindful of Solder Type: Lead-free solder requires higher temperatures and can be more challenging to work with.
He also warns against overheating components, which can damage potentiometers and other parts.
Quote:
"Always make sure you make a solder to solder connection... use a larger tip to disperse the heat out better instead of focusing it all in one spot." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
3. PRS vs. Fender Custom Shop and Brand Stigmas
Question: Sean Brooks asks why PRS has a "dentist/lawyer" stigma, unlike Fender Custom Shop.
Phillip’s Theory:
Phillip suggests that PRS guitars often resemble "fancy furniture," leading to perceptions of them being instruments for affluent professionals rather than traditional musicians. Despite their high quality and craftsmanship, the aesthetic appeal may alienate some players, contributing to the stigma.
Quote:
"I think they look like fancy furniture... PRS has a special award... I have churned more PRSs than any guitar in my entire life." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
4. Modeling Amps and Guitar Tone Uniformity
Question: Jeremy comments on modeling amps making different guitars sound the same and seeks Phillip’s perspective.
Phillip’s Response:
Phillip agrees that modeling amplifiers can homogenize guitar tones due to their design to achieve consistent sound profiles. He suggests using boost and compression pedals to restore some of the dynamic interaction between the guitar and amplifier, enhancing tonal variety.
Quote:
"The whole point of a modeler is to give you a perfect sound... One thing that people hate about modeling technology is they make everything sound perfect, which is sometimes not a great sound." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
5. String Breakage Concerns
Question: Multiple patrons, including the host himself, report unusual string breakages with D’Addario strings.
Discussion:
Phillip shares his personal experience of multiple string breakages and explores potential causes such as manufacturing defects or material inconsistencies. He notes that despite the majority of listeners not experiencing this issue, it raises concerns about string quality.
Quote:
"I have not broke a guitar string in a decade. And now I broke, like, four in a period of, like, three months." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
6. Guitar Brands and Retailers Dynamics
Question: Litvay inquires about the potential bankruptcy of Earthquaker Devices and the state of the pedal industry.
Phillip’s Insight:
Phillip discusses the slowdown in the pedal market post-boom and categorizes companies into those doing fine, those sitting on reserves, and those struggling or fearful of potential downturns. He emphasizes the importance of adaptable business strategies in a changing market.
Quote:
"They have three camps... they're not doing well, they're doing okay, or they're slightly paranoid." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
7. Guitars of the Week
Segment: Phillip introduces the Washburn Nuno Betancourt Padauk as the Guitar of the Week. He shares his personal attachment to the model, details its specifications, and discusses an issue he encountered upon receiving it—a protruding Floyd Rose nut due to incorrect screw lengths.
Quote:
"There is something wrong with it... I think they're using the wrong screws for this pickup." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Giveaway and Feedback
Phillip expresses gratitude for listener support, highlighting the role of Patreon members. He encourages participation in ongoing giveaways and discusses future content, including a deep dive into the new Kiesel Kyber Guitar, which was unexpectedly delivered during the show.
Quote:
"So, you guys know it, it was my door. Somebody handed me a Kyber guitar. I'm just going to do something for you guys." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Firefly vs. Mitchell and Affordable Guitars
Discussion:
Phillip critically examines why major retailers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center lack a brand comparable to Harley Benton. He theorizes that big retailers may avoid featuring affordable yet high-quality brands to protect their existing brand lines. He praises brands like Firefly for their direct-to-consumer approach, which allows them to offer high-quality features at competitive prices by eliminating retailer markups.
Quote:
"Firefly does it because they go direct, they don't have to add in a secondary seller. They keep their marketing budget low." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
New Kiesel Kyber Guitar Unboxing and Review
Phil receives the new Kiesel Kyber Guitar, designed to be ergonomic and lightweight, priced starting at $1,550. He provides an initial overview of its features, including stainless steel frets, a maple fretboard with a roasted maple neck, and a balanced design with a reduced weight.
Quote:
"The Kevin is a new model from Kiesel. It's a little more ergonomic, smaller body, thinner guitar body, and it has a base price of $1550." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Luthiers and Artistic Guitars
Question: Antique Rocker asks about unique, art-based guitars from luthiers like Tracy Cox and Languiduck.
Phillip’s Opinion:
Phillip admires the craftsmanship and artistic value of unique guitars but notes they aren't his personal preference for daily play. He appreciates them as works of art and acknowledges their place in the market for those who value aesthetics alongside functionality.
Quote:
"I think they're cool. It's just not my bag. I'm more of a traditional player." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Bass Amplifier Controls Placement
Question: Randy inquires why bass amp manufacturers place controls on top instead of the front.
Phillip’s Response:
Phillip speculates that control placement is based on practicality, functionality, and cost. He suggests the top placement may accommodate bass players' tall stature and ease of access when bending over to play.
Quote:
"They probably put controls on top for functionality and cost-efficiency." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Marshall Studio JTM vs. Studio Vintage Amps
Question: Charles seeks Phillip’s thoughts on Marshall Studio JTM and Studio Vintage amps.
Phillip’s Viewpoint:
Phillip respects Marshall amps but prefers alternatives like Friedman for their versatility and tonal quality at comparable or higher price points. He criticizes the limited control options in some models and suggests supplementing with pedals for desired sound flexibility.
Quote:
"They are good amps. There's nothing wrong with them. They just didn't fit my needs, which is... I prefer Friedman." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Nut Lubrication and Guitar Setup
Question: Aaron Short Music asks about applying nut lubricant to high strings on a Stratocaster.
Phillip’s Guidance:
Phillip recommends applying a small amount of lubricant near the nut and retuning the string to distribute it evenly. He emphasizes that lubricant acts as a temporary fix to identify if the setup requires a more thorough adjustment.
Quote:
"Lubricant is just a band-aid for the problem... It helps you see if polishing the nut slots is necessary." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Direct Sales vs. Retailers: PRS and Fender Dynamics
Discussion:
Phillip shares insights from an interview with Gabe Meehan, CEO of Guitar Center, where Gabe expressed disinterest in competing with affordable online brands like Firefly. Phillip argues that affordable brands deliver excellent quality-to-price ratios by bypassing traditional retail markups, challenging Guitar Center’s stance on competition.
Quote:
"Firefly does it because they go direct, they don't have to add in a secondary seller. They keep their marketing budget low." – Phillip McKnight (Various Timestamps)
Conclusion and Final Remarks
Phillip wraps up the episode by thanking listeners and Patreon supporters. He highlights upcoming content, including a deep dive into the Kiesel Kyber Guitar and interactive live clinics available for $10 Patreon members. He encourages listeners to engage with the community, play guitar, and enjoy their musical journeys.
Quote:
"If you're curious about the new Kyber and Deep Dive, I hope you guys check it out." – Phillip McKnight (End of Transcript)
Notable Quotes
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"Don't screw yourself over. Ego. That's the only good advice I could ever give." – Phillip McKnight
(Timestamp: Various) -
"Everybody's overusing it. If you go to what they have, almost nothing." – Phillip McKnight
(Timestamp: Various) -
"I just really believe that companies have watched more of my deep dives than probably any other YouTube channel." – Phillip McKnight
(Timestamp: Various)
Key Insights and Conclusions
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Direct-to-Consumer Brands Thrive by Cutting Margins: Brands like Firefly succeed by eliminating retailer markups, offering high-quality features at competitive prices.
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Retail Giants May Struggle to Compete with Affordable Brands: Phillip theorizes that major retailers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center avoid stocking comparable affordable brands to protect their existing brand portfolios, potentially missing out on capturing budget-conscious consumers.
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Quality Control Remains a Challenge: Even reputable brands can experience manufacturing oversights, as evidenced by Phillip's experience with the Washburn guitar's protruding nut and incorrect screw lengths.
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Personal Setup and Maintenance Are Crucial: Proper guitar setup, including nut lubrication and addressing hardware issues, significantly impacts playability and tuning stability.
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Community Engagement and Transparency Build Trust: Phillip’s open discussions about his experiences, including gear issues and industry insights, foster a trustworthy relationship with his audience.
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Evolving Market Dynamics Require Adaptability: The pedal and gear market faces a slowdown post-boom, with companies categorized into thriving, staying the same, or struggling. Adaptability is key for survival.
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Support for Small Businesses is Valued: Phillip appreciates and supports small brands and luthiers, acknowledging their unique contributions despite personal preferences leaning towards more traditional gear.
Recommendations for Listeners
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Participate in Giveaways: Engage with the community by entering contests like the Fender Telecaster giveaway for a chance to win premium gear.
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Regular Guitar Maintenance: Utilize nut lubricants appropriately and consider professional setups for new guitars to ensure optimal performance.
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Explore Direct-to-Consumer Brands: Investigate brands like Firefly for quality instruments that offer excellent value without hefty price tags.
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Stay Informed on Market Trends: Follow industry updates regarding brand dynamics and market shifts to make informed purchasing decisions.
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Join Live Clinics: For Patreon members, participating in live clinics can provide deeper insights and personalized advice on gear setup and maintenance.
Know Your Gear Podcast continues to serve as a comprehensive resource for guitar enthusiasts, blending technical advice with candid industry commentary. Whether navigating gear maintenance or exploring market trends, Phillip McKnight offers valuable perspectives to empower musicians of all levels.