Know Your Gear Podcast Summary

Episode: Why Players Think 50s, 60s, and 70s Gear Is Better
Host: Phillip McKnight
Release Date: January 16, 2025

1. Introduction & Announcements

Phillip McKnight begins the episode by expressing gratitude to Patreon members, channel members, and live viewers for their support. He highlights the removal of advertisements during live shows to maintain the show's flow, despite the potential financial impact. Additionally, Phillip announces the continuation of the Tim Pierce masterclass promotion, offering a discounted rate of $104 (down from $150) with a 14-day free trial. He emphasizes the value of the rhythm section in the course, stating, "The rhythm section is where I really found it to be super important" (05:10).

New Merchandise:
Exciting news is shared about the launch of new 2025 merchandise in collaboration with Altcolor. The collection includes geeky hats, work shirts, long sleeve shirts, mugs, and stickers. Phillip showcases the new Dickies work shirt, mentioning, "We have geeky stuff. We never had this before. Geeky stuff work shirts. This is a Dickies work shirt." (10:35)

2. Main Discussion: The Allure of Vintage Gear

Question from Fernando:
Fernando poses an "impossible question" about which guitar models most frequently have their stock pickups replaced.

Phillip's Response:
Phillip identifies Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars as the most common candidates for pickup replacements. He notes that early PRS models were often criticized for subpar pickups, leading enthusiasts to upgrade them. Phillip states, "Paul Reed Smith was notoriously known for not having good pickups... the majority of pickups, the absolute least inexpensive pickups I see in guitars on average... they're so close to the quality and how they're made." (15:45)

Key Points:

• PRS Pickups Evolution: Early PRS models used pickups like the Dragons, which many players eventually replaced. Phillip commends PRS for improving their pickups over the years, particularly with the introduction of the 5708S and 5909S models.

• Epiphone and Fender Strats: Similar trends are observed with Epiphone and made-in-Mexico Fender Stratocasters, where players frequently swap out stock pickups for higher-quality alternatives.

• Manufacturing Improvements: Phillip highlights the advancements in pickup manufacturing, noting that modern pickups from various brands are nearing the quality of high-end models from previous decades. He remarks, "They're so close, closer than they ever been... a lot of the old pickups were weak points... now they're as good as most high-end pickups." (25:30)

3. Ron Ellis Pickups Deep Dive

Audience Question:
Ron Ellis pickups are brought up, with inquiries about their high price point and whether they offer value over other premium pickups.

Phillip's Analysis:
Phillip discusses Ron Ellis Pickups, priced around $850 per set, questioning their necessity given the advancements in pickup quality. He shares, "I have never seen a solid ebony neck... Ron Ellis is the epitome of secret sauce marketing." (40:15) He contrasts Ron Ellis with Throwback Pickups, which use American-made magnets, adding significant cost but offering unique tonal qualities. Phillip expresses interest in featuring Throwback Pickups on the show, suggesting potential collaborations and giveaways.

Notable Quote:
"Ron Ellis is the epitome of secret sauce marketing... These pickups are amazing because there's this secret ingredient that's just so magical that no one knows what they have." (42:50)

4. Addressing Listener Questions

Alex's Inquiries:

1. Condition vs. Age of Guitars:
   Phillip critiques the subjective nature of guitar condition ratings, explaining that descriptions like "excellent" or "mint" often reflect the seller's perspective rather than an objective assessment. He advises potential buyers to consider return policies as indicators of honest descriptions.

   Quote:
   "They could be full of it. That's a nice way to say there's a full of shit." (55:20)

2. Trade Offers on Platforms:
   Phillip shares humorous personal experiences regarding unusual trade offers, emphasizing caution when engaging in trades on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

   Quote:
   "It's like bringing a knife to a gunfight. I'm not bringing guitar to a gunfight." (58:10)

J. Smorey Music's Question on Acoustic Guitar Setup: Phillip provides actionable advice on minimizing fret wear for bluegrass players, recommending coated strings, string lubricants, and regular fret polishing to reduce friction.

Quote:
"Reducing friction is huge. That makes a big difference." (1:05:30)

5. Industry Insights: The Future of Amp Manufacturing

Christian Daring's Two-Part Question:

1. Premium Brands Adopting Affordable Models:
   Phillip predicts that premium guitar brands like D'Angelico will continue to introduce more affordable import models to capture a broader market. He explains the business model shift towards imports due to lower overhead costs and higher sales volumes.

   Quote:
   "The inevitability of a premium brand making an import, a more affordable import model is eventually that's the only thing that exists in the import model." (1:15:40)

2. Building Custom Series Like Gianiro:
   Phillip expresses reluctance to engage in building custom series like Gianiro due to the complexities and potential for public scrutiny. He emphasizes the importance of thorough vetting processes when working with smaller companies.

   Quote:
   "When you build with newer companies, you have to do so much vetting process... I don't want to do anything wrong because you can help them, which is great, and you can hurt them, which is not great." (1:22:15)

Sean Brooks's Question on Vintage Gibson and Fender Eras: Phillip discusses why certain eras of guitars (mid to late 50s for Gibson, mid-60s for Fender) are highly prized, attributing it more to the association with iconic artists rather than inherent quality differences. He theorizes that the allure stems from the genuineness of the artists' performances without modern studio enhancements.

Quote:
"Why we love it so much because there was no trickery that we know of in the studios... the players who made amazing music with them." (1:40:55)

6. Practical Advice & Recommendations

Guitar Mounting on Drywall:
Phillip advises against using standard anchors for hanging guitars on drywall, recommending high-quality anchors or alternative mounting solutions like fiberboard for secure placement.

Quote:
"Don't use the anchors that come with string swing or in... Get the good anchors. Go to Home Depot and get real anchors." (1:10:05)

Humidification for Guitars:
Addressing concerns about guitars going out of tune when hung on walls, Phillip explains the importance of maintaining proper room humidity. He recommends using quality humidifiers to prevent wood from drying out, citing his own experience of maintaining 42-50% humidity.

Quote:
"I would get a humidifier. I use a cold misty humidifier. It's not special... trust me, you need one if you're in a dry climate." (1:18:45)

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Phillip wraps up the episode by reiterating the romanticism associated with vintage gear, emphasizing that the legendary status of 50s, 60s, and 70s instruments is largely driven by the iconic artists who used them. He encourages listeners to appreciate the historical and emotional connections to these classic instruments rather than solely focusing on their technical merits.

Final Quote:
"You love the musicians who use them and made amazing music with them. And I have a theory... it's mostly the artists. Artists drive all of this." (1:45:20)

Phillip thanks his audience for their continued support and invites feedback on new merchandise and future content formats, promising exciting developments in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes

• "The rhythm section is where I really found it to be super important." — Phillip McKnight (05:10)
• "Ron Ellis is the epitome of secret sauce marketing... These pickups are amazing because there's this secret ingredient that's just so magical that no one knows what they have." — Phillip McKnight (42:50)
• "They could be full of it. That's a nice way to say there's a full of shit." — Phillip McKnight (55:20)
• "Reducing friction is huge. That makes a big difference." — Phillip McKnight (1:05:30)
• "The inevitability of a premium brand making an import, a more affordable import model is eventually that's the only thing that exists in the import model." — Phillip McKnight (1:15:40)
• "Why we love it so much because there was no trickery that we know of in the studios... the players who made amazing music with them." — Phillip McKnight (1:40:55)
• "Don't use the anchors that come with string swing or in... Get the good anchors. Go to Home Depot and get real anchors." — Phillip McKnight (1:10:05)
• "I would get a humidifier. I use a cold misty humidifier. It's not special... trust me, you need one if you're in a dry climate." — Phillip McKnight (1:18:45)
• "You love the musicians who use them and made amazing music with them. And I have a theory... it's mostly the artists. Artists drive all of this." — Phillip McKnight (1:45:20)

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of why vintage gear from the 50s, 60s, and 70s holds a special place in the hearts of guitar players. Through in-depth discussions, listener interactions, and personal insights, Phillip McKnight illuminates the enduring legacy and appeal of classic instruments and gear.