That word, "experience", and even the phrase "it's part of the experience" has been set into the minds of consumers by advertisers for a long time. Many brands have used it, including Apple to justify high prices. It all feeds on the consumers deep need, desire, obsession and addiction to being trendy, to the point they will spend any amount of money within their power to possess the product, and this is how they justify it in their mind. As far as music equipment goes, if you're a professional musician, who makes a good living in any variety of ways within the industry, such high priced equipment makes sense.. especially if you're being paid to help promote a brand. .. or if you're a high end collector who purchases specific items as an investment, mostly if you have a knack for knowing which models will stand the test of time/popularity and increase in value over time. .. and yes, even if you just have a passion for a product for any number of reasons as well (such as the craftsmanship).. and you have the money to spend on them. I have been playing since I was 4yo, I'm 55yo now, I have played quite a few very expensive instruments over that time, but I have never purchased/owned one, and not due to lack of means to own one. I've played every price range out there, and I own "a few" low and mid range instruments which look, sound, and perform just as well as any high priced instruments, .. so "no" the brand name doesn't matter at all in a logical sense Any truly talented/skilled musician can sound just as good, and entertain an audience regardless of the brand name on the instrument. The most important part of it all comes down to each individuals personal preference/reasons, neither is "wrong" The "wrong" part comes from those who choose a brand name solely for the social status, and proceed to put down others who don't for whatever the reasons, which is just the way 'society' seems to work.
What an excellent and thought provoking presentation. I'm 74 and on a limited income now. I bought a couple of Tease Guitars because I like Torsten and you folks who demoed them. I've had all the big brands throughout my life and most of it is a head trip and fun. Thanks
I have high-end guitars but I just got a tribute G&L ASAT Classic for 350 bucks. Bone nut, ash body, maple board and neck, US hardware and US MFD pickups, six brass saddles, ashtray bridge. It is a brilliant guitar, streets ahead of a player tele
Great video Jack, well thought out. So many things to unpack here. When I was a kid my parents certainly couldn't afford to buy me a Fender Stratocaster. I was happy just to get a usable guitar. My brother actually gave me a Skylark guitar (JC Penny) from Mitsumoku. Great guitar, dual humbuckers, heavy. I played that through a Peavy Rage 12 watt amp and I had a blast. I could care less what name was on the headstock. I did visit the local guitar shops though and play around with the gear. I was more interested in the pedals and amps and fancy effects processors than the guitars. That was the gear I wanted. I wanted my guitar to sound like Dave Gilmour with all the Reverb and Delay. Fast forward to the early 2010's and I found myself once again bit by the guitar bug. Brands didn't really come into focus until I started playing with a friend as an acoustic duo and I was going through all sorts of guitars to "find my sound" and settled on an Eastman brand acoustic. I went to this iconic guitar shop in Lansing Michigan called Elderly Instruments and played everything in my price range (about $600) and settled on that guitar. Then after a year or so, I decided that "people won't take me seriously as a musician unless I play a name brand guitar" so I bought a Taylor, and immediately sold it because didn't like how it played or felt in my hands (sounded great though). Then got a Martin, spent $1200 bucks on these name brand guitars. Played that for a while. Then one night at an open mic, a friend asked to use my guitar and it was my Eastman. I said "sure". I couldn't believe how good that guitar sounded. I had never heard it from the audience before! I sold the Martin. I just didn't bond with it. Oh, and my experience is, you lose between 1/3rd and half the value of any guitar you buy when you go to sell it, regardless of brand. I sold a Tease strat style guitar recently (the one that's about $120). Sold it for just under $100. Sold a GearIT strat that I got on Amazon for just under $100 for almost $90. Then sold a MIM Strat (with ungraded Fender branded pickups, so you're absolutely right about mods) for $500 (that guitar was worth about $800). But wow do people criticize me when I say cheaper no-name guitars can be just as good as Fender or Gibson. There is a lot of gatekeeping in the guitar community. My best advice, play what you like, what inspires you to play and practice. And if you need cash, sell it locally or take it to Guitar Center (save the seller fees and shipping).
You bring up a great point about being a gigging musician. We do want to be seen with what is considered quality instruments. But we should consider letting our skills shine to prove that some of these overseas made instruments can sound and play amazing. But…. There are times I wonder how much better a Gibson 355 would play in comparison to my Epiphone. It’s gotta be branding.
@@csharp57 It use to be about the sound. How does a Squire Affinity Strat sound like a Fender American Stratocaster? It doesn't. Same with the Gibson and Epipi. It use to be a time when the sound mattered, now it's about other things I guess.
Great topic. I'm saving up for a black Epiphone Les Paul Custom with gold hardware. It's $799. It's got that cool headstock with the 4 triangle shapes - it's a very iconic look. And the headstock of this Epiphone has a very similar "open book" headstock shape to the Gibson. I could get a cheaper black Epi Les Paul, but it wouldn't have those same inlays. Would I pay $150 more just to have those iconic headstock inlays? In this case, yes, because I dreamed of this guitar as a young teen. Would I pay $5,000 more to get the real Gibson version? HELL no. The older I get, the more I'm able to admit to myself and the world what's important to me and what isn't. And it's not always based on money or logic. So then why not get a Chibson? Because I'd rather have a real Epiphone than a fake Gibson. Nothing wrong with Epiphone.
Might want to check out the used market for an Orville Les Paul Custom too. Real Gibson lineage, and you might get lucky and find one for only a little more than your new Epiphone price point. If you’re unfamiliar with Orville, it was a brand Gibson established in Japan in the 80s, producing Gibson designs for the Japanese market. They sat between Epiphone and Gibson USA on the hierarchy. Very highly regarded guitars, becoming collectible in their own right.
I have that exact guitar youre wanting, i had to switch out the pots and switch cuz the chinese ones were horrible and i also threw in new burst bucker pickups i found used on reverb. So i spent an extra 350$ to make it sound like an actual gibson les paul
That's why I asked my luthier to erase the "Fender Telecaster" logo when he refinished mine, we have a bit too much "branditis". Btw, buying a guitar while thinking about its resale value is like getting married while thinking about divorce.
@@JackFossett Yeah hahahaha maybe the example is a bit rough sorry. What I tried to say is that I find it bit strange or contradictory in some cases, at least in mine. If there's something I really like, that it's appealing or inspiring for me I just go for it and buy it despite it's low or high resale value.
This encapsulates how I feel about Rickenbacker guitars. To me, seeing some of my favorite artists since I was young play Ric’s and hearing those sounds made me get into them. Not only for how they look, and the brand but there aren’t many other guitars around that sound like them. Played many knockoffs, but came to the conclusion the only “real” way to get that sound and look was just to buy the real thing.
Great video Jack. I am on a limited income here in New Zealand. I have discovered Artist brand guitars that are very affordable yet better quality than other guitars worth two or three times the price. This brand enables me to own four guitars that I can enjoy instead of just one name brand guitar. Works for me. As for shape, they do sell offset shape guitars but the ones I own are traditional. Thats just me.
From Leo: I worked part time in several shops over decades. I often said if we tied a small cloth bag to the headstocks and had customers try multiple guitars, they would be surprised at what they really liked. Too many people only like the guitars that social circles tell them to like. I am not saying to buy junk, but there are many different makers for every shape and style
Fulltime working muso: the work instruments are a Burny Les Paul, Yamaha Revstar and Squier Jazzmaster. I love quality guitars that aren't investment/collector pieces, but they have to be vibey.
Exactly. I need the design to complement the rest of the guitar. If the headstock proportions are off then I don't want the guitar. Same for a horrid headstock shape (D'Angelico I'm looking in your direction). Heritage guitars might be amazing players and very well built...but that headstock though. I'd need to pay a talented luthier to "correct" the design and proportions.
My favorite Strats have been partscastors with no name on the headstock. I also have guitars by Fender, Gibson and my favorite Hamer. But to me, if it feels good and sounds good to me, it's good.
Let's say you buy a 600 dollar Epiphone and put some 200 dollar Seymour Duncans in there. That guitar now has been devalued to someone looking for the stock guitar. But most people would see the value of the pickup upgrade and make an offer accordingly. Now that does not mean your guitar is worth the new price of the Epiphone + the price of the pickups, but it certainly is not less than the new price of the guitar. I've sold a modded Marshall before which I got 2nd hand. I sold it for the exact amount it costed me to have the mods done by a pro + the 2nd hand price of the amp. Value is in the eye of the beholder.
interesting subject. As a Strat player i never liked the thin neck. One day i bought a Jet JS 400 HSS and put a Dimarzio Super Distortion at the bridge. One volume , one tone and a «beefy» Canadian roasted maple neck for $400 . This guitar become the one i use to play almost while my Fender sleeps in its case . Bonus i play more often since .
Like anything else in life, get the best you can afford. There are many budget-friendly brands/models on the market today, and just a many in between the custom shop/vintage stuff. Something for everyone. And of course, we have a thriving secondhand market to choose from. Shop around. I have a deep interest in the classic American brands and their histories, so yeah, I own a Gibson and a Fender. Definitely matters to me.
I am 77 and squeaked by my whole life playing ONLY original tunes in the U.S, Canada and the UK. I now have 10 guitars that were all bought not for the brand though some are brands that I happened on cheap . I got them because they had good bones. Even in the last 10 years most were around $300.00 USD each, a few I swapped for. All are modded. Most are U.S. or MIJ but I have had a UK and a Canadian guitar. All are over 20 years old . In some cases 30 and 40 years old. The secret is most are models that were not considered cool when new. Like a MIJ Washburn or my Fernandes Native Pro or a Dano made Silvertone. Even a sun yellow Harmony H88 Stratotone Doublet, lol. Heavy solid ash body ,maple neck and sustains forever. All have a cool factor. It is a very rare gig someone does not come up to me and admire my guitars. When and often I take all 10 to a gig. They put on 10 times the show some cheesy flashing lights do. I consider them all tools in my tool box. Does a carpenter or plumber worry about the resale of his hand tools???
I understand people enjoying the brand. I manage to avoid that generally myself; there’s a couple of brands that make a lot of stuff I really like (Ibanez, Schecter for example) but that’s more about the fact that they make a lot of different stuff I like vs the actual name. If I want a chug machine, they both offer that. If I want a more traditional style guitar, they both offer that. The big difference here is that they tend to have fantastic features for really good prices. That matters to me more than a headstock’s logo. Guitars have a price problem these days and the big brands especially (Gibson, Fender, Ernie Ball, etc) don’t really cater to the actual working musician with their price points. But with a lot of other brands, Yamaha, Schecter, Ibanez, Vola, etc., you can get absolutely exceptional guitars for under $1000 these days.
It used to matter to me back when I was content with stock spec guitars. But I grew as a musician and stock specs stopped doing it for me. So I've resorted to commissioning custom guitars that do what I want the way I want. You simply can't get that from Gibson or Fender Custom Shops. And there's plenty of documented cases of CS guitars having horrible QC. Never happened with the company that's made my guitars. The crafstmanship is second to none and never had any QC problems either. But it's not a household name and they're battling the negative perception left over by the original owner half-assing things.
A guitar that make you happy, is the right guitar no matter what the headstock says. My #1 is a MJT partcaster with a decal that says «Welhaven» aka my nickname. My friend and I basically bought the same guitar, an Eclipse with Evertune and active pickups. He bought a brand new LTD for $2150, I bought a used E-II for $1660. Both are excellent guitars, and we’re both equally happy 😊 ps: People do want the Fender and Gibson logo (or Squier and Epiphone) on the headstock. You can’t even give away a Harley Benton here in Norway. Never seen one in real life. Pps: I also own a Collings 290. Holy moly it’s a nice guitar, it is so nice I’ll probably never bring it outside the house. So we’re back to my MJT partcaster again.
I love Fender guitars, the name, the history, the genius of it’s founder Leo, made in the USA means everything to me. I like other guitar companies too, as long as they’re made in the USA. I also like made in Japan, and some Mexican made guitars. I don’t like the cost of American made though, especially anything custom shop, and especially not Gibson custom shop scam guitars.
I have a decent collection of guitars (mostly mid range price), Out of them all, my #1 go to, the one I grab most often, is a black 2001-ish First Act strat which I bought for my son when he was young from Walmart for $60. It's well built, sounds great, stays in tune very well, and is the most comfortable, and smooth guitar I have ever played. I have a personal joke of "man they must have really screwed up when they made this one.. it's fantastic!" 😂 This is coming from someone who's been playing for 51 years (not all of them on a professional level) 😁 .. and has played all price levels of guitars.
Im a brand guy. Im not into the 'new' stuff unfortunately for me. Probably missing out on a lot of great stuff. But, give me the tried and true! Also like getting a niche guitar (micro-frets. older Edwards or 77 Greco) that has a "wow factor". Great video!
In the past I have purchased guitars and amps for specific purposes. I was a 12-string acoustic guitar player for several years. After retirement from my job in 2011one of the things I wanted to do was play more. I've played at church for well over 20 years. This led to playing a Tak 12 in a gospel group for several years. It was my main axe and I really bonded with that guitar. Mainly because it was my only guitar. As opportunities came along I was asked to play for a musical. A high school production of Anne. It was tough but I really enjoyed the challenge. I have since played for several shows some we got paid some we did not. Many times, the scores in these shows ask or recommend a certain type of guitar. (i.e. steel acoustic, Tele style, semi-hollow, nylon etc.) Directors expect you to match that as closely as possible. I now own 6 different types of guitars that fill that need. Three of them are name brand. One Fender Tele, a 660-12 Ric and a Martin steel acoustic. The other three are a Tak-12, Epi Sharton ii and a knockoff nylon. They are all great at fulfilling the need to cover the job for which I'm called to do. It is typical to have at least 3 of them for a given show in the pit. I enjoy playing them all. So, does the brand make a difference? Yes and no. It is more about finding the right guitar that can cover the need regardless of who's name is on the headstock. As long as I bond with the guitar, and it sounds good is all that really matters regardless of who's name is on the headstock. Sorry for the epistle/ramblings. Great vid Jack.
Brand name means something to me mostly because as you said they hold their value. I had a Mexican made Martin D10E and it was good in fact great and much better than my ability but I traded up to a D18 and don’t regret it. The D18 sounds better and is lighter weight But both would hold value due to the name on the head stock. Would I buy an Eastman? Although the deal they offer has its appeal to me, Not likely mostly because I’m trying to support American companies.
Unpopular opinion... it absolutely matters what's on the headstock! The guitar's got to grab you, simple as that. Its design isn't a moot point - you either want to play it or you don't. It's all about that feeling - the name, the shape, the sound, the build quality, the history, the whole package needs to excite you. Legitimacy is important too, and if the headstock's part of that, it matters.
It matters because the branding and imprinting is doing its job. I look at high priced Gibson guitars and think, why do I want to raise $7000 or more for a guitar that probably won’t feel or play any better than what I have now? I own firearms. As my skill got better I wanted to own the best, so I paid $4000 for a semi custom. After using it for a while, I realized one of my other guns did the job just as well and cost thousands less. But the journey to that knowledge could only come from owning the $4000 firearm.
The best guitar I own is a 6 string bass from Ali express. Its an Ibanez btb clone. It says "Gstyle" on the headstock. I sanded it off. The bass sounds amazing, plays amazing, has incredible tone and sustain, I can't flaw it apart from string spacing being a bit tight. I own esp ltds, Ibanez, squier and Harley Benton. Gstyle is the best. And I sanded it off.
The name on the headstock is indeed important. That's exactly why I gravitate to Sire, these days. Incredible quality/price ratio, and fantastic playability. No need for me to waste my money anymore. I have a few great guitars from the 80s and 90s, but I rarely touch them as my Sires invariably do a better job.
I don't care about the headstock, but the shape matters. However I think it's a matter of taste. I love Les Pauls, but my dream one is blue... Haven't seen any "hero" playing a blue LP.
If I had the money...I'd rather have a Heritage Les Paul than a Gibson Les Paul. I played one in a music store once. And they're gorgeous! And I own a 2008 Epiphone Les Paul. Not as pretty. But play and sounds really nice! And there's lots of other new brands that've emerged now. Too many to mention here. Not to mention what you could build yourself.
I'm reminded of Leland Sklar's "Frankenstein" no brand bass that was made from parts. Almost certainly the most recorded bass ever and still the one he takes to sessions, so it's obviously pretty darned good ! Personally I have three basses, but the one I reach for is the cheapest - a Squier Affinity PJ bass - that I picked up in the store just out of curiosity but bonded with right away because it felt so perfect for how I play. I didn't care about the brand because I knew I'd regret it forever if I left the store without it.
If it plays good, looks good, and sounds good to YOU, then it IS good. I have a Yamaha, a Peavey, a Squier, and a Gibson. People make more good comments about the "Lesser" brands than the Gibson, and they're all good comments. When you put your heart and soul into what you're playing, it comes out. Don't ever put up with crap from people about the name - unless they're willing to buy you a better one.....but they usually stop then.
Great insights. The golf analogy is very apt. I also think about what separates a Fender custom shop guitar from a production line guitar. A lot. And the custom shop guitar is probably closer to a non-Fender boutique copy than a Fender branded production line guitar.
Solid video. It doesn't matter if it doesn't matter. In reality, Gibson and Fender don't always make the best guitars, nor do they provide the best value, but they hold value better than other brands.
You can have your own opinion, but I'd argue that the look and feel of the instrument ar equally as important as the sound, if not more important. The feel and playability allow you to play more easily. The looks draw you in and have you pick up the instrument in the first place. The sound can be changed for the most part. Of course part of the sound is the construction and quality of the parts, but a good setup and some new electronics can vastly improve a mediocre sounding guitar.
The name on the headstock doesn’t matter, but there is a noticeable difference in quality, even between Squier and MIM Fenders. And the quality and sound of the guitar is the deciding factor for me.
You get what you can afford, first a foremost. With that said anyone can get by with a knock off brand. If that makes you happy have at it. I’m a Gibson guy and have been for years. My dad played them. However when we didn’t have money he would play less expensive guitars. When he was doing well financially, he would go back to Gibson. So in my family that was where it was at. On Saturday when I was younger and into my teens we drive into Dayton, Ohio and go to all the pawn shops and look at guitars and amps. I miss those days. To me, when I see a guitar player come out on stage with a Gibson I know he or she is serious because they made an investment. Side note I have so many of big names musicians and UA-camrs switch to a more boutique brand of guitar or amp and say I’m never going back to Gibson or fender, only to find them back at that brand because there is just something that brings us full circle.
Wow, you covered a lot of ground pretty quickly there, Jack. In terms of Fender, the G&L brand which Leo moved to, offers some great competition to Fender. And thinking of Gibson, Heritage does a similar thing in terms of the quality of the "competition". I also think of Epiphone as a separate brand because there are some instruments that don't cross the line between the two - I'm thinking specifically of the Casino, the Jack Casady Bass and others. Still, resale price comes into play and the major brands still hold sway in the market. What you didn't say, but allude to, is that marketing influences us all as buyers. The difference between perceived value and resale value weighs huge in the conversation. I'm no exception. I recently bought a 1997 Fender Telecaster Plus Deluxe v2 because I have wanted one for a long time and I love it. By contrast I have a First Act VW GarageMaster which I consider a "novelty" and I take them both for what they are. - a totally different value if and when I might sell them, and different markets too. They both stretch my imagination and are also sometimes a little frustrating. That all comes down to me and my experience with different guitars. Or maybe it's where they inspire me to play. 😉 Thanks for taking the time to make this video! 😃✔
This video speaks to me. I just ordered probably the most expensive guitar I'll ever own. Yamaha SG1802 gold top. A les paul USA with P90s would be more than twice the price, and I know in my heart which guitar will be better in every way: The headstock won't say "Gibson" tho...
I’m afraid I’m in the “genuine” Fender camp, I’ve had Squiers, but never kept them no matter how good they were. I don’t consider I’m a brand snob though. In fact I have an Epiphone Les Paul gold top & a Michael Messer Resonator which I’m quite happy with, & won’t splash out on a Gibson or National. Here’s one for you, would a Heritage built at Kalamzoo be considered more authentic than a modern Gibson ?, or a Fullerton built Strat more authentic than Corona ? It can get quite silly.
A real accurate statement about being influenced by our guitar heroes. It happened to me purchasing a EPIPHONE Firebird, basically soley on me being a big fan of Johnny Winter. Upon receiving it , I found it took some getting used to. But once I got acclimated to it , I LOVE IT. Can I play like Johnny Winter or Allen Collins???? Not a chance, but the tone is there to enjoy. As for Taylor Made golf clubs,, They are the Whip.
I will admit that it does matter to me. If Epiphone and Gibson released two identically spec’d guitars, absolutely identical in every way except for the headstock logo, I would buy the Gibson simply because it says Gibson. Not because I think a Gibson is necessarily superior (I’ve owned a lot of them over the years, and some have been real dogs). Same would apply to Fender/Squire. The only reasoning I can offer for this is that my heroes played guitars that said Gibson or Fender on the headstock, so that’s what I want my guitars to say on the headstock too, even if I am paying twice as much (or more) for essentially the same thing. It doesn’t make the guitar any better, it just makes me happier when I’m playing it (poorly).
I have over 25 guitars, ranging in price from $119 to over $2,500. Everything from Leo Jaymz to several Gibsons, a Heritage, a couple Eastmans, a Vintage, several Michael Kellys, a Schecter, a Gretsch, a Hagstrom, a Danelectro, an unbranded LP from Brandon’s Custom Shop, and 2 Tease guitars. I love all of them and have modded most of them to make them uniquely mine and because I wanted to try out different pickups, etc. I have also had some Yamahas, a Sire, several Epiphones, a couple Fenders, and a Squier. Though my favorite brand is Gibson, it’s not simply because of the name or the headstock. They really are fantastic guitars and just have a mojo that the others don’t quite have but some come close, like the Heritage and the Eastman. I just love a great guitar, regardless of name or price. For the money, I will say I agree with you regarding Tease guitars. They are fantastic and an absolute bargain in my opinion. Both of mine were great right out of the box and won’t need any mods anytime soon. Plus their customer service is awesome and you can deal directly with the owner. I’m excited to see how they grow and evolve as a brand.
Great topic! In my opinion, there’s a very practical/technical factual side of the story, and there’s an emotional one. I tend to lean to the last one. Gazing for hours at a Fender catalogue, remembering the smell of the paper and the sheer looks and feel of a red Strat, even just lying there in it’s case…And yes, Hank had one, and Mark too, somewhat a wannabe kind of thing. I have to admit, my Fender Strat Plus from the ninetees plays more smooth and has become a friend for life, my Squier Classic vibe also has it’s charms…Kinda cool to make a statement with that thing. In the end, It must be a thing called ♥️ for 🎸
I never judge a player by the guitars they play. If it sounds good it is good. But, for myself, I want it to say Fender or Gibson on the headstock. I have no reason other than it's what I want.
Everything I own is an iconic American guitar for the reasons you mentioned: resale value and history. Though I've spent so much time trying to sound like my heroes, I hope that one day I can choose a relatively obscure brand and make my own sound/image.
Nice timely conversation topic. Epiphone just announced a gold top ‘55 LP with the open book headstock. Just recently I’ve been gassing for a Gibson LP with P90s. I’m having this internal debate whether to get this new offering, grab a used GT from reverb or just get a r6 brand new. I already own two Gibson LPs, so the brand name thing has been satisfied. I have the Gibson/Epiphone inspired 335, so I know what to expect in terms of quality. But if money is no issue, I’d get a lightly aged Murphy Lab Gold Top. I am 100% influenced by the legends of the guitar world. So much to unpack with this topic.
I think Sire is a good brand to think about with this discussion. They make good instruments at very reasonable prices, but they just don’t have the cool factor of a real Gibson IMO. I totally agree with you that specs and quality come first (one reason I’m hesitant about Fender right now), but “cool factor” is important too, like you were talking about with body shape, etc. The playing experience is both in your hands and in your head. I’ve really been enjoying these “Real Guitar Talk” videos. Thanks for posting this series!
Brand names to me mean absolutely nothing, nor does the country of origin, but only in the context that I can actually try it first and that usually entails a shop where I can really try it out, and another 10 guitars either side of it. Historically I’ve only bought 2 new guitars of the 11 I own, the rest were second hand and were chosen from a pool that extended from basically cheap to 3 times what I was prepared to actually pay. The one that actually worked in my hands and spoke to me, that’s the one I’d get every single time - if it was way over budget but THE one, I’d pay down what I had and go back again and again and again and keep looking, never once did others speak to me in the same way and eventually it’d end up on my stand with a deeper history behind it. The very idea of selling it on for cash has never crossed my mind, I’d sooner gift it, or trade it to another person for whom that same guitar became their “the one” . Our tastes change inevitably, space is limited as is storage, so you rehome them eventually- then go buy another one.
Great video, I grew up in the early-mid 90's and no one had nice guitars (green day, nirvana, offspring). I have nicer guitars than all the bands I loved as a teen. My heroes played pawn shop instruments and I have three Gibsons.
The history and Americana is more important to me than one individual player. I love the Reverb Nerdville episodes. Joe B is a much cooler guy than he lets on to be in my book.
The ones who have convinced themselves it doesn't matter will continue to believe that. The ones who have convinced themselves it does matter will continue to believe that.
I have a Eastman T486GB = Gibson ES335 and would say it is a way better guitar than a real Gibson ES335 is at a 1/3 the cost. The name on the headstock does not make it a better quality/value guitar. I love Gibson guitars but I don't have Gibson money and lets face it their quality can be kind of ify at times. To me Eastman quality/value is better IMHO.
Eastman, for me, are 'the new outlier' brand. I predict Eastmans from their first few years, esp. the SB59/v and some of the other hand varnished models, will become the unicorns of the future . . . maybe not quite '50s Gibson level but close! Time will tell 😅
I've no doubt that Eastmans are well made and they have a good reputation but how do you know it's better than a Gibson if you "don't have Gibson money"?
Awesome video. First, personally, no., the name on the headstock does not matter to me and I’ll tell you why. My favorite rock guitar player is Brian May and he made his guitar out of pieces of scrap found around the house and it turned out to be better than anything that fender and Gibson have ever put out. I do like playing guitars that some of my guitar heroes have played, i am not alone in this and so that’s why we go for the body of the guitar, not the name brand. Would a Gibson les Paul be awesome? Of course, but for the struggling musician who first gets into guitar, a $3000 Gibson is just not an option and so they go with an epiphone or some other budget guitar. Resale value, you are correct that if you spend good money on a guitar you can sell it for good money too but let’s look at this a bit further. First, let’s say you spend $2995 on a Gibson j45 and then sell it for $1800. You also have an epiphone J45 that you bought for $749 and then sell it for $500, which one took the biggest loss? Obviously the Gibson so even though getting $1800 for a guitar sounds good on paper, when you take in the $1200 loss it doesn’t sound too appealing. Now for your hypothetical question, about the guys making a fender strat exactly like the ones form the 50s vs a strat made now from fender which one would be authentic? If we’re talking about using the same woods, down to the exact same tools, i would say the ones making the copy would be more authentic than the modern strat. Does it make it legit? Absolutely not, it’s still a copy but your question was which one was the more authentic not the legitimate one. I could reverse the question and take a regular Strat now and ask if i could claim it to be a 1950s strat? No i can’t because it is not made to exact specs as those were. Ultimately ore people are concerned these days with the name on the headstock and i get it, those names carry a legendary status that no other guitar brands could match BUT i always think that some of my favorite guitarists used cheap copies or lesser known guitars to make amazing music and it turned out excellent for them. I would also Ike to point out that the very first actual les paul guitar was not a Gibson, it was an epiphone and why do I hear people complain that an epiphone is not worth the price as it’s too expensive but don’t say anything about Gibson’s $5000 or even $10,000 guitars? If you are a seller, you care about the name on the headstock, if you are an actual musician, you don’t.
It really doesnt. Ive owned quite a few guitars including lower end Gibson and Fenders. Some higher end acoustics (£1000 range) All the guitars i have now all cost under £500 except the Cort (£600). Vintage V6 strat. A great guitar. Vintage VSA 500. Cort Yorktown. Ovation Super slim Celebrity Elite. I love them all and the fact that they are not as fashionable as the big names is very apppealing.
This goes way back in time and still is valid “ do want a copy or the real thing “ even if the copy is a stellar guitar. For instance Ibanez back in -70th was a poor man’s Porsche. I’m glad things has changed. I believe back in the days headstock names were more important. I have both American strat and les Paul but I just play my Sire H7 it’s worth every penny with some rather small adjustments. You’re right about what you’re saying 👍
I bought an IYV semi-hollow body for $180. Frets ends not sharp. Intonation good, neck feels good, finish was surprisingly very good. and ...sounds good. Am I happy with it? Yes. Gig it all the time. Resale- I would be lucky to $100 but hey, it works for me. Played a couple of used Gretcsh streamliners at GC and fret ends were jaggy but played ok and cost more than twice what I paid for the Vietnamese IYV. In conclusion, play what you can afford and sounds good to YOU. Like buying store brand food vs. a national brand.
Like those more modern California style headstocks. Small and sleek looking, somewhat minimalist in a sense. An artist that inspired me to play has a similar style headstock that’s why I went for that shape. Gibson and Fender as popular as they are didn’t have what I was looking for l, so I went a different direction and im glad I did Individualism seems to be dying these days, just because a certain brand is popular doesn’t mean it’s for you
If you are a "guitar player" and the goal is to play guitar then it doesn't matter. I am like you in that I like to mod my guitars so if I start out with a $300 guitar there is no big investment that I need to worry about getting back. I am a strat guy and I have several that I have spent more on the pickups than the guitar itself and even with that they will keep up with or exceed the "name" guitars for about a third or less of the price. One thing that was missing from the discussion was that you can buy vintage stuff for a good price because it is modified, and better yet you don't have to worry about doing more modification to it ruining it's value. My advice is to just try a lot of guitars and when you find one you like buy it. The guitar I have been playing the most lately is an off brand guitar I found at a consignment shop for $75... plays in tune, stays in tune, extremely balanced tone... I am not going to say "Hey just buy one of these" but there is an awful lot of "lightning in a bottle" available these days if you take the time to look for it.
I go through these loops of feeling like I want to buy a Gibson because, well, it's a Gibson (they go really hard on marketing for this sort of thing). And I really like the idea of buying an American-made instrument (because economically responsibly made instruments is important to me, too). And I think any of these more historic companies will lean heavily into their history as guitar makers, and how their products fit into the hands of the most earth-changing musicians over time. I think that alone is a huge mover in this whole talk. Even more so for vintage or vintage reissue guitars: "hey, own the exact kind of instrument that put this model/company on the map decades ago!" It's a powerful scheme.
Look into the used market, also ones with consmetic defects or dings. Show floor models. Also, things like the LPJ or SGJ. Some years they are real nice. Tribute models are nice also.
I have owned lots of epiphone sgs, from the cheap ones to custom shop ones, I have even owned a pro. My Gibson SGJ and Gibson SG TRIBUTE are by far superior in the hand... My sgj was a floor model with finish issues and some scratches... got it for 420 dollars. Best money I think I ever spent on a guitar. I no longer own any epiphone sgs. I dont hate them but I only got so much money. Epiphone and squier hold about as much value on the used market as a gibson or fender. If you are a serious musician get at least one gibson. If you are a student or just messing around, get the epiphone. If you are getting a LP or SG make sure to get the one with all the tone and volume knobs.
Ive owned a few epiphone LPs, and one gibson LP studio. The only LP I still have is a studio LT. Got it for 200 bucks out the door. Floor model on sale. I play sgs more than lps, but I still like having one around.
To me, the brand does play a part in liking a guitar. We shop with our eyes just as much as we do our hands when it comes to instruments. Guitars are not the anamoly. Pianos, saxophones, drums, trumpets. Any musician has a preference and a predisposed notion as to what is "good". Saying that one of my all time favorite guitars was a parts caster strat that I put hours into working on. Sold it to build another thats in the process of being built right now.
Since Leo sold the company, all guitars sporting the Fender name are simply copies. Deal with it. G&L are more closely related to the last 'real' Fenders.
You're correct. Music is always about the feel. It does help if the chunk of wood stays in tune some what. I had a Hagstrom that ws beautifully playable as was a DeArmond. Def getting another one.
It matters more if they don't come with headstocks... On a few occasions I got tempted by the HB guitars. But having read about their occasional QC issues and the CERTAINTY of drama wrt the returns and exchange processes, I opted for a Jackson that I could buy locally. Do I prefer the features on the HB more? A bit, but not enough to sway me.
I’ve got a couple Squiers/Epiphones in the collection. They’re tools. They don’t inspire me in the same way the top tier axes do. And from a practical standpoint, they always seem to have more issues. You can upgrade the heck out of them, until they’re nearly as nice as their big brothers, but then you’ve spent nearly as much as a higher end instrument, still have the S or E on the headstock, and still have limited resale. But if you find one that speaks to you, that plays and sounds great, more power to you, get after it.
Great topic & thoughts. Ironically, I've been playing my Gretsch Historic Series 3140 this week, which always sounds and plays amazing, but I've always wanted a "real" Gretsch. Come to find out the serial # on my guitar indicates it's an early model of that series, and made in Japan! But I'm still pining for the "real thing". I think my biggest hangup on any cheaper guitar is the thick layer of poly finish. I'd probably care less about where it was made if the finish wasn't poly. And yes, I realize that even "real" Gretsch models today use poly.
Best Squiers about 10 years ago were as good as Fenders. But Gibson always held a distance with Epiphone. They could make better Epiphones, but it's just a strategy.
My Heritage (made at the Gibson Kalamazoo MI shop on the same equipment that made all those famous 59 burst) and it is my best playing and sounding guitar, my number one! BUT, it never gets all the ooohs and aaahs like my Gibson Les Paul Cardinal red with black appointments, it’s a sharp looking and playing guitar. Then there my most played (on a daily bases) guitar which is an Epiphone Ghost Horse Explorer because it’s got a Floyd Rose I never have to tune it, I don’t HAVE to put it in a case because it’s poly which would survive a small explosion oh and… yep, it plays great!! They all play great, all with very different perceptions of value
This is a great thought provoking series. Resale was never a thing for me. I'm pretty sure I could sell my '68 Custom for quite a bit and maybe my 2 '92 Sadowsky's but in no rush as long I'm still recording with them. I'm happy to have 2 Gibsons, a nice Japanese made Gretsch, an early '80s FGN Strat with Roland GR 300 (that still works perfectly!) and 2 '70s Yairi acoustics but I also have a few 'budget' Epiphones with 'good bones' I bought with the intent of modding them to my tastes. I wouldn't buy a new Gibson these days due to cost vs. what they offer. I would love to have a couple of the Eastman line - I tried the SB59/v & a Juliet and they are on my wish list. And yes, I would love a vintage Rick 12 String and a couple of other vintage name brand items but who wouldn't? I guess I fall in the middle - some brand loves and some not so 'desirable' - they all have a job to do for now.
If you can afford it, yes! If not, no! I Al my guitars are between $359-1200 , mid priced.??? Love them all! I wouldn’t trade my Epiphones, esp ltds, PRs SE’s for higher priced “ authentic “!
my first guitar is an epiphone les paul special and i’ve tried my friends epiphone sg. i would love to own the inspired by gibson guitars one day and get 98% of the real thing for a fraction of the price
Brand name matters if their QC is there. I’ve recently experienced that a $2600 Vintage II 70’s Tele, never should have left Corona. Now it’s in my bedroom with a bent shaft on a tuning key, glue all over the f hole, and wood chips throughout the case. Absolutely disgusting. So does the name on the headstock matter? Maybe not so much anymore. Great topic Jack.
I mentioned this in another comment down below - Fender is really struggling with QC. They’re also overpricing their new lineup. But Gibson still takes the heat. I think it shows how successfully they’ve managed to market themselves as the hip “player’s brand” that are somehow untouchable.
$150.00 T-style kit with $400-$500 worth of upgraded electronics and hardware may not ever provide a return on the dollars spent, but I enjoy playing this first kit guitar that I built as much as playing my Fender's and Gibson's. I don't plan on ever selling any of my guitars again & this kit guitar I call the DIYnocaster would be the one I would grab in case of fire. 60 years ago when I was young the name on the headstock mattered.
Certain materials and specs matter beyond the brand name. Got a first run CV tele ... pine body,brass saddles, maple neck ... definitely affects the sound. Same with a Les Paul style guitar. Beyond specs , it's a matter of opinion as what's "better". Seems a disingenuous argument ignoring an instruments specs to justify buying brand names. Original V's, Les Pauls, 80s MIJ Squiers.... were all looked down on for years, now they're valuable because a good instrument will have value.
Ya know the interesting thing is though, even those have been branded now -- I think young players (and even a lot of older players) would be as likely or even more likely to buy a Brian May guitar, or one of the Frankenstrat replicas, then to make their own
My first brand name guitar was a Fender and it was awful, as it played bad had a finish defect which they tried to blame me for, bad experience all around. I worked really hard to get it. So it sat in case (this was pre reveb) and I only played the Peavey, which I already had and was a fraction of the price. So I'm pretty averse to brand name guitars. I've owned several other budget guitars since then, and they've all been great or only need minor work done. The opposite of the resale is finding pretty good gear off brand gear. If you find something you like for say $300, even if its unsaleable you might lose less than selling you brand name guitar into a rough market. As the most you can lose on a $300 instrument is $300 (its its truly unsaleable, which is rare) and your money in a savings account can be in your hands faster then trying to sell something in a hurry.
I bought a Fender because I know they make a good guitar. That's it. I would be completely happy with a non-branded guitar. I have never sold a guitar. The value after I have bought it is not at all a concern.
I have a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster as well as an ES 335 copy and a thinline tele copy and a strat copy. Of the copies, only the ES 335 is any good at all. (It's a Harley Benton if you're curious) However, the best playing, best sounding guitar I own is an explorer copy that I built from a kit from Precision Guitar Kits. I used only high end components equal to or better than Gibson (mostly better than) and it ended up costing me half what a new Gibson explorer would have.
I like having the real deal, but my favorite guitars to play are the ones I built. Resale value should play a role in most guitar players choices though.
Brand names are all about manipulating a society which is easily manipulated/influenced based on a deep need, desire, obsession and addiction to being trendy/cool, fitting in and being liked, and being able to profit greatly from it. The type of people who'll pay more money for a pair of pre-worn/ripped jeans for a ridiculous price just because they're trendy and present social status.. People are paying ridiculous money for pre worn/damaged guitars from the factory now, which is absolutely ridiculous. .. and Apple fans (iPhone, iPad, etc..) The type of people who tend to pick on, insult, shun those who don't follow trends for whatever reasons.. It basically comes down to being a follower in general society, where the only people who truly benefit form it all are the owners, and celebrities who promote/sell the products
Honestly, to me it's because I (probably, haven't got tested) have a OCD of sorts. What I mean by that is that while I love Ibanez guitars for their ergonomy, if I play eg. Slash music, I feel like I'm missing out if I don't get a LP (be it Gibson, Epi or Japanese brands like Edwards etc.). Even though I'm 99% confident that tone comes mostly from the pickups and other differences including the different scale length won't make a difference big enough to justify getting a particular guitar, it still bugs me. But your video was great, I had an idea of buying an expensive guitar but I'll get Ibanez instead of Gibson.
Depends on the person. There are good quality guitars that do not have Fender or Gibson on the head-stock but it is prestige and also resale value. I look for ergonomics because if not comfortable to play I won't play it, and then the finish and small touches: fretboard, neck, etc.
The only people who focus on brands are other musicians. The typical audience could care less, unless the guitar is visually flashy. When I played a Gretsch White Falcon, people noticed
What matters most is that the player bonds with the instrument because this allows the magic to happen.
Should it? No. Does it to me? Yes. It’s part of the playing experience for me.
It just does😂
Same here
That word, "experience", and even the phrase "it's part of the experience" has been set into the minds of consumers by advertisers for a long time.
Many brands have used it, including Apple to justify high prices.
It all feeds on the consumers deep need, desire, obsession and addiction to being trendy, to the point they will spend any amount of money within their power to possess the product, and this is how they justify it in their mind.
As far as music equipment goes, if you're a professional musician, who makes a good living in any variety of ways within the industry, such high priced equipment makes sense.. especially if you're being paid to help promote a brand.
.. or if you're a high end collector who purchases specific items as an investment, mostly if you have a knack for knowing which models will stand the test of time/popularity and increase in value over time.
.. and yes, even if you just have a passion for a product for any number of reasons as well (such as the craftsmanship).. and you have the money to spend on them.
I have been playing since I was 4yo, I'm 55yo now,
I have played quite a few very expensive instruments over that time, but I have never purchased/owned one, and not due to lack of means to own one.
I've played every price range out there, and I own "a few" low and mid range instruments which look, sound, and perform just as well as any high priced instruments,
.. so "no" the brand name doesn't matter at all in a logical sense
Any truly talented/skilled musician can sound just as good, and entertain an audience regardless of the brand name on the instrument.
The most important part of it all comes down to each individuals personal preference/reasons, neither is "wrong"
The "wrong" part comes from those who choose a brand name solely for the social status, and proceed to put down others who don't for whatever the reasons, which is just the way 'society' seems to work.
What an excellent and thought provoking presentation. I'm 74 and on a limited income now. I bought a couple of Tease Guitars because I like Torsten and you folks who demoed them. I've had all the big brands throughout my life and most of it is a head trip and fun. Thanks
I have high-end guitars but I just got a tribute G&L ASAT Classic for 350 bucks. Bone nut, ash body, maple board and neck, US hardware and US MFD pickups, six brass saddles, ashtray bridge. It is a brilliant guitar, streets ahead of a player tele
Boom! Good for you! 😃
Great video Jack, well thought out. So many things to unpack here. When I was a kid my parents certainly couldn't afford to buy me a Fender Stratocaster. I was happy just to get a usable guitar. My brother actually gave me a Skylark guitar (JC Penny) from Mitsumoku. Great guitar, dual humbuckers, heavy. I played that through a Peavy Rage 12 watt amp and I had a blast. I could care less what name was on the headstock. I did visit the local guitar shops though and play around with the gear. I was more interested in the pedals and amps and fancy effects processors than the guitars. That was the gear I wanted. I wanted my guitar to sound like Dave Gilmour with all the Reverb and Delay. Fast forward to the early 2010's and I found myself once again bit by the guitar bug. Brands didn't really come into focus until I started playing with a friend as an acoustic duo and I was going through all sorts of guitars to "find my sound" and settled on an Eastman brand acoustic. I went to this iconic guitar shop in Lansing Michigan called Elderly Instruments and played everything in my price range (about $600) and settled on that guitar. Then after a year or so, I decided that "people won't take me seriously as a musician unless I play a name brand guitar" so I bought a Taylor, and immediately sold it because didn't like how it played or felt in my hands (sounded great though). Then got a Martin, spent $1200 bucks on these name brand guitars. Played that for a while. Then one night at an open mic, a friend asked to use my guitar and it was my Eastman. I said "sure". I couldn't believe how good that guitar sounded. I had never heard it from the audience before! I sold the Martin. I just didn't bond with it. Oh, and my experience is, you lose between 1/3rd and half the value of any guitar you buy when you go to sell it, regardless of brand. I sold a Tease strat style guitar recently (the one that's about $120). Sold it for just under $100. Sold a GearIT strat that I got on Amazon for just under $100 for almost $90. Then sold a MIM Strat (with ungraded Fender branded pickups, so you're absolutely right about mods) for $500 (that guitar was worth about $800). But wow do people criticize me when I say cheaper no-name guitars can be just as good as Fender or Gibson. There is a lot of gatekeeping in the guitar community. My best advice, play what you like, what inspires you to play and practice. And if you need cash, sell it locally or take it to Guitar Center (save the seller fees and shipping).
You bring up a great point about being a gigging musician. We do want to be seen with what is considered quality instruments. But we should consider letting our skills shine to prove that some of these overseas made instruments can sound and play amazing. But…. There are times I wonder how much better a Gibson 355 would play in comparison to my Epiphone. It’s gotta be branding.
@@csharp57 It use to be about the sound. How does a Squire Affinity Strat sound like a Fender American Stratocaster? It doesn't. Same with the Gibson and Epipi. It use to be a time when the sound mattered, now it's about other things I guess.
Great topic. I'm saving up for a black Epiphone Les Paul Custom with gold hardware. It's $799. It's got that cool headstock with the 4 triangle shapes - it's a very iconic look. And the headstock of this Epiphone has a very similar "open book" headstock shape to the Gibson. I could get a cheaper black Epi Les Paul, but it wouldn't have those same inlays. Would I pay $150 more just to have those iconic headstock inlays? In this case, yes, because I dreamed of this guitar as a young teen. Would I pay $5,000 more to get the real Gibson version? HELL no. The older I get, the more I'm able to admit to myself and the world what's important to me and what isn't. And it's not always based on money or logic. So then why not get a Chibson? Because I'd rather have a real Epiphone than a fake Gibson. Nothing wrong with Epiphone.
Might want to check out the used market for an Orville Les Paul Custom too. Real Gibson lineage, and you might get lucky and find one for only a little more than your new Epiphone price point. If you’re unfamiliar with Orville, it was a brand Gibson established in Japan in the 80s, producing Gibson designs for the Japanese market. They sat between Epiphone and Gibson USA on the hierarchy. Very highly regarded guitars, becoming collectible in their own right.
I have that exact guitar youre wanting, i had to switch out the pots and switch cuz the chinese ones were horrible and i also threw in new burst bucker pickups i found used on reverb. So i spent an extra 350$ to make it sound like an actual gibson les paul
That's why I asked my luthier to erase the "Fender Telecaster" logo when he refinished mine, we have a bit too much "branditis". Btw, buying a guitar while thinking about its resale value is like getting married while thinking about divorce.
In hard times, I would sell a guitar. I would not sell my wife.
@@JackFossett Yeah hahahaha maybe the example is a bit rough sorry. What I tried to say is that I find it bit strange or contradictory in some cases, at least in mine. If there's something I really like, that it's appealing or inspiring for me I just go for it and buy it despite it's low or high resale value.
This encapsulates how I feel about Rickenbacker guitars. To me, seeing some of my favorite artists since I was young play Ric’s and hearing those sounds made me get into them. Not only for how they look, and the brand but there aren’t many other guitars around that sound like them. Played many knockoffs, but came to the conclusion the only “real” way to get that sound and look was just to buy the real thing.
yep
Great video Jack. I am on a limited income here in New Zealand. I have discovered Artist brand guitars that are very affordable yet better quality than other guitars worth two or three times the price. This brand enables me to own four guitars that I can enjoy instead of just one name brand guitar. Works for me. As for shape, they do sell offset shape guitars but the ones I own are traditional. Thats just me.
From Leo: I worked part time in several shops over decades. I often said if we tied a small cloth bag to the headstocks and had customers try multiple guitars, they would be surprised at what they really liked. Too many people only like the guitars that social circles tell them to like. I am not saying to buy junk, but there are many different makers for every shape and style
no truer words have ever been speaked..
Fulltime working muso: the work instruments are a Burny Les Paul, Yamaha Revstar and Squier Jazzmaster. I love quality guitars that aren't investment/collector pieces, but they have to be vibey.
Revstar - hands down the best value guitar available.
I prefer a quality made guitar over the headstock brand-name. If the guitar shape feels good in my hands, I like it and buy it.
It shouldn’t but it does. It’s a testament as to how powerful marketing is. Great video as always!
Does it matter what it says on the headstock? No. Does the shape matter? Absolutely.
Check out Paoletti Guitars. They might change your mind.
Neither Brand and Shape does not matter as along as it is a quality instrument!!!
Exactly. I need the design to complement the rest of the guitar. If the headstock proportions are off then I don't want the guitar. Same for a horrid headstock shape (D'Angelico I'm looking in your direction). Heritage guitars might be amazing players and very well built...but that headstock though. I'd need to pay a talented luthier to "correct" the design and proportions.
Shape somewhat but pickup configuration and bridge.
My favorite Strats have been partscastors with no name on the headstock. I also have guitars by Fender, Gibson and my favorite Hamer. But to me, if it feels good and sounds good to me, it's good.
Let's say you buy a 600 dollar Epiphone and put some 200 dollar Seymour Duncans in there.
That guitar now has been devalued to someone looking for the stock guitar. But most people would see the value of the pickup upgrade and make an offer accordingly.
Now that does not mean your guitar is worth the new price of the Epiphone + the price of the pickups, but it certainly is not less than the new price of the guitar.
I've sold a modded Marshall before which I got 2nd hand. I sold it for the exact amount it costed me to have the mods done by a pro + the 2nd hand price of the amp. Value is in the eye of the beholder.
interesting subject. As a Strat player i never liked the thin neck. One day i bought a Jet JS 400 HSS and put a Dimarzio Super Distortion at the bridge. One volume , one tone and a «beefy» Canadian roasted maple neck for $400 . This guitar become the one i use to play almost while my Fender sleeps in its case . Bonus i play more often since .
Like anything else in life, get the best you can afford. There are many budget-friendly brands/models on the market today, and just a many in between the custom shop/vintage stuff. Something for everyone. And of course, we have a thriving secondhand market to choose from. Shop around.
I have a deep interest in the classic American brands and their histories, so yeah, I own a Gibson and a Fender. Definitely matters to me.
well balanced discussion!
I am 77 and squeaked by my whole life playing ONLY original tunes in the U.S, Canada and the UK. I now have 10 guitars that were all bought not for the brand though some are brands that I happened on cheap . I got them because they had good bones. Even in the last 10 years most were around $300.00 USD each, a few I swapped for. All are modded. Most are U.S. or MIJ but I have had a UK and a Canadian guitar. All are over 20 years old . In some cases 30 and 40 years old. The secret is most are models that were not considered cool when new. Like a MIJ Washburn or my Fernandes Native Pro or a Dano made Silvertone. Even a sun yellow Harmony H88 Stratotone Doublet, lol. Heavy solid ash body ,maple neck and sustains forever. All have a cool factor. It is a very rare gig someone does not come up to me and admire my guitars. When and often I take all 10 to a gig. They put on 10 times the show some cheesy flashing lights do. I consider them all tools in my tool box. Does a carpenter or plumber worry about the resale of his hand tools???
I understand people enjoying the brand. I manage to avoid that generally myself; there’s a couple of brands that make a lot of stuff I really like (Ibanez, Schecter for example) but that’s more about the fact that they make a lot of different stuff I like vs the actual name. If I want a chug machine, they both offer that. If I want a more traditional style guitar, they both offer that. The big difference here is that they tend to have fantastic features for really good prices. That matters to me more than a headstock’s logo. Guitars have a price problem these days and the big brands especially (Gibson, Fender, Ernie Ball, etc) don’t really cater to the actual working musician with their price points. But with a lot of other brands, Yamaha, Schecter, Ibanez, Vola, etc., you can get absolutely exceptional guitars for under $1000 these days.
It used to matter to me back when I was content with stock spec guitars. But I grew as a musician and stock specs stopped doing it for me. So I've resorted to commissioning custom guitars that do what I want the way I want. You simply can't get that from Gibson or Fender Custom Shops. And there's plenty of documented cases of CS guitars having horrible QC. Never happened with the company that's made my guitars. The crafstmanship is second to none and never had any QC problems either. But it's not a household name and they're battling the negative perception left over by the original owner half-assing things.
A guitar that make you happy, is the right guitar no matter what the headstock says. My #1 is a MJT partcaster with a decal that says «Welhaven» aka my nickname. My friend and I basically bought the same guitar, an Eclipse with Evertune and active pickups. He bought a brand new LTD for $2150, I bought a used E-II for $1660. Both are excellent guitars, and we’re both equally happy 😊 ps: People do want the Fender and Gibson logo (or Squier and Epiphone) on the headstock. You can’t even give away a Harley Benton here in Norway. Never seen one in real life. Pps: I also own a Collings 290. Holy moly it’s a nice guitar, it is so nice I’ll probably never bring it outside the house. So we’re back to my MJT partcaster again.
I love Fender guitars, the name, the history, the genius of it’s founder Leo, made in the USA means everything to me. I like other guitar companies too, as long as they’re made in the USA. I also like made in Japan, and some Mexican made guitars. I don’t like the cost of American made though, especially anything custom shop, and especially not Gibson custom shop scam guitars.
I have a decent collection of guitars (mostly mid range price),
Out of them all, my #1 go to, the one I grab most often, is a black 2001-ish First Act strat which I bought for my son when he was young from Walmart for $60.
It's well built, sounds great, stays in tune very well, and is the most comfortable, and smooth guitar I have ever played.
I have a personal joke of "man they must have really screwed up when they made this one.. it's fantastic!" 😂
This is coming from someone who's been playing for 51 years (not all of them on a professional level) 😁
.. and has played all price levels of guitars.
Im a brand guy. Im not into the 'new' stuff unfortunately for me. Probably missing out on a lot of great stuff. But, give me the tried and true! Also like getting a niche guitar (micro-frets. older Edwards or 77 Greco) that has a "wow factor". Great video!
In the past I have purchased guitars and amps for specific purposes. I was a 12-string acoustic guitar player for several years. After retirement from my job in 2011one of the things I wanted to do was play more. I've played at church for well over 20 years. This led to playing a Tak 12 in a gospel group for several years. It was my main axe and I really bonded with that guitar. Mainly because it was my only guitar. As opportunities came along I was asked to play for a musical. A high school production of Anne. It was tough but I really enjoyed the challenge. I have since played for several shows some we got paid some we did not. Many times, the scores in these shows ask or recommend a certain type of guitar. (i.e. steel acoustic, Tele style, semi-hollow, nylon etc.) Directors expect you to match that as closely as possible. I now own 6 different types of guitars that fill that need. Three of them are name brand. One Fender Tele, a 660-12 Ric and a Martin steel acoustic. The other three are a Tak-12, Epi Sharton ii and a knockoff nylon. They are all great at fulfilling the need to cover the job for which I'm called to do. It is typical to have at least 3 of them for a given show in the pit. I enjoy playing them all. So, does the brand make a difference? Yes and no. It is more about finding the right guitar that can cover the need regardless of who's name is on the headstock. As long as I bond with the guitar, and it sounds good is all that really matters regardless of who's name is on the headstock.
Sorry for the epistle/ramblings. Great vid Jack.
Brand name means something to me mostly because as you said they hold their value.
I had a Mexican made Martin D10E and it was good in fact great and much better than my ability but I traded up to a D18 and don’t regret it. The D18 sounds better and is lighter weight
But both would hold value due to the name on the head stock.
Would I buy an Eastman? Although the deal they offer has its appeal to me, Not likely mostly because I’m trying to support American companies.
Unpopular opinion... it absolutely matters what's on the headstock! The guitar's got to grab you, simple as that. Its design isn't a moot point - you either want to play it or you don't. It's all about that feeling - the name, the shape, the sound, the build quality, the history, the whole package needs to excite you. Legitimacy is important too, and if the headstock's part of that, it matters.
So you drive a Ferrari?
It matters because the branding and imprinting is doing its job. I look at high priced Gibson guitars and think, why do I want to raise $7000 or more for a guitar that probably won’t feel or play any better than what I have now?
I own firearms. As my skill got better I wanted to own the best, so I paid $4000 for a semi custom. After using it for a while, I realized one of my other guns did the job just as well and cost thousands less. But the journey to that knowledge could only come from owning the $4000 firearm.
The best guitar I own is a 6 string bass from Ali express. Its an Ibanez btb clone. It says "Gstyle" on the headstock. I sanded it off.
The bass sounds amazing, plays amazing, has incredible tone and sustain, I can't flaw it apart from string spacing being a bit tight.
I own esp ltds, Ibanez, squier and Harley Benton.
Gstyle is the best. And I sanded it off.
@@erestube I'm not saying it needs to be a luxury item
The name on the headstock is indeed important. That's exactly why I gravitate to Sire, these days. Incredible quality/price ratio, and fantastic playability. No need for me to waste my money anymore. I have a few great guitars from the 80s and 90s, but I rarely touch them as my Sires invariably do a better job.
I don't care about the headstock, but the shape matters. However I think it's a matter of taste. I love Les Pauls, but my dream one is blue... Haven't seen any "hero" playing a blue LP.
If I had the money...I'd rather have a Heritage Les Paul than a Gibson Les Paul. I played one in a music store once. And they're gorgeous! And I own a 2008 Epiphone Les Paul. Not as pretty. But play and sounds really nice! And there's lots of other new brands that've emerged now. Too many to mention here. Not to mention what you could build yourself.
I'm reminded of Leland Sklar's "Frankenstein" no brand bass that was made from parts. Almost certainly the most recorded bass ever and still the one he takes to sessions, so it's obviously pretty darned good !
Personally I have three basses, but the one I reach for is the cheapest - a Squier Affinity PJ bass - that I picked up in the store just out of curiosity but bonded with right away because it felt so perfect for how I play. I didn't care about the brand because I knew I'd regret it forever if I left the store without it.
If it plays good, looks good, and sounds good to YOU, then it IS good. I have a Yamaha, a Peavey, a Squier, and a Gibson. People make more good comments about the "Lesser" brands than the Gibson, and they're all good comments. When you put your heart and soul into what you're playing, it comes out. Don't ever put up with crap from people about the name - unless they're willing to buy you a better one.....but they usually stop then.
Great insights. The golf analogy is very apt. I also think about what separates a Fender custom shop guitar from a production line guitar. A lot. And the custom shop guitar is probably closer to a non-Fender boutique copy than a Fender branded production line guitar.
Resale value is huge. How many guitars have had to been sold due to circumstances.
Solid video. It doesn't matter if it doesn't matter. In reality, Gibson and Fender don't always make the best guitars, nor do they provide the best value, but they hold value better than other brands.
if it sounds good then it is good, no matter what brand
You can have your own opinion, but I'd argue that the look and feel of the instrument ar equally as important as the sound, if not more important.
The feel and playability allow you to play more easily. The looks draw you in and have you pick up the instrument in the first place.
The sound can be changed for the most part. Of course part of the sound is the construction and quality of the parts, but a good setup and some new electronics can vastly improve a mediocre sounding guitar.
The name on the headstock doesn’t matter, but there is a noticeable difference in quality, even between Squier and MIM Fenders. And the quality and sound of the guitar is the deciding factor for me.
You get what you can afford, first a foremost. With that said anyone can get by with a knock off brand. If that makes you happy have at it.
I’m a Gibson guy and have been for years. My dad played them. However when we didn’t have money he would play less expensive guitars. When he was doing well financially, he would go back to Gibson. So in my family that was where it was at. On Saturday when I was younger and into my teens we drive into Dayton, Ohio and go to all the pawn shops and look at guitars and amps. I miss those days.
To me, when I see a guitar player come out on stage with a Gibson I know he or she is serious because they made an investment.
Side note I have so many of big names musicians and UA-camrs switch to a more boutique brand of guitar or amp and say I’m never going back to Gibson or fender, only to find them back at that brand because there is just something that brings us full circle.
For resale value… yes. Absolutely.
Wow, you covered a lot of ground pretty quickly there, Jack.
In terms of Fender, the G&L brand which Leo moved to, offers some great competition to Fender. And thinking of Gibson, Heritage does a similar thing in terms of the quality of the "competition". I also think of Epiphone as a separate brand because there are some instruments that don't cross the line between the two - I'm thinking specifically of the Casino, the Jack Casady Bass and others. Still, resale price comes into play and the major brands still hold sway in the market.
What you didn't say, but allude to, is that marketing influences us all as buyers. The difference between perceived value and resale value weighs huge in the conversation. I'm no exception. I recently bought a 1997 Fender Telecaster Plus Deluxe v2 because I have wanted one for a long time and I love it. By contrast I have a First Act VW GarageMaster which I consider a "novelty" and I take them both for what they are. - a totally different value if and when I might sell them, and different markets too. They both stretch my imagination and are also sometimes a little frustrating. That all comes down to me and my experience with different guitars. Or maybe it's where they inspire me to play. 😉
Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
😃✔
This video speaks to me.
I just ordered probably the most expensive guitar I'll ever own. Yamaha SG1802 gold top. A les paul USA with P90s would be more than twice the price, and I know in my heart which guitar will be better in every way:
The headstock won't say "Gibson" tho...
Brands matter when they got patented parts (Strandberg necks, Fender Noiseless pups, Aritides Aruim molds) not available on other guitars.
I’m afraid I’m in the “genuine” Fender camp, I’ve had Squiers, but never kept them no matter how good they were. I don’t consider I’m a brand snob though. In fact I have an Epiphone Les Paul gold top & a Michael Messer Resonator which I’m quite happy with, & won’t splash out on a Gibson or National. Here’s one for you, would a Heritage built at Kalamzoo be considered more authentic than a modern Gibson ?, or a Fullerton built Strat more authentic than Corona ? It can get quite silly.
A real accurate statement about being influenced by our guitar heroes. It happened to me purchasing a EPIPHONE Firebird, basically soley on me being a big fan of Johnny Winter. Upon receiving it , I found it took some getting used to. But once I got acclimated to it , I LOVE IT. Can I play like Johnny Winter or Allen Collins???? Not a chance, but the tone is there to enjoy. As for Taylor Made golf clubs,, They are the Whip.
I will admit that it does matter to me. If Epiphone and Gibson released two identically spec’d guitars, absolutely identical in every way except for the headstock logo, I would buy the Gibson simply because it says Gibson. Not because I think a Gibson is necessarily superior (I’ve owned a lot of them over the years, and some have been real dogs). Same would apply to Fender/Squire. The only reasoning I can offer for this is that my heroes played guitars that said Gibson or Fender on the headstock, so that’s what I want my guitars to say on the headstock too, even if I am paying twice as much (or more) for essentially the same thing. It doesn’t make the guitar any better, it just makes me happier when I’m playing it (poorly).
I have over 25 guitars, ranging in price from $119 to over $2,500. Everything from Leo Jaymz to several Gibsons, a Heritage, a couple Eastmans, a Vintage, several Michael Kellys, a Schecter, a Gretsch, a Hagstrom, a Danelectro, an unbranded LP from Brandon’s Custom Shop, and 2 Tease guitars. I love all of them and have modded most of them to make them uniquely mine and because I wanted to try out different pickups, etc. I have also had some Yamahas, a Sire, several Epiphones, a couple Fenders, and a Squier. Though my favorite brand is Gibson, it’s not simply because of the name or the headstock. They really are fantastic guitars and just have a mojo that the others don’t quite have but some come close, like the Heritage and the Eastman. I just love a great guitar, regardless of name or price. For the money, I will say I agree with you regarding Tease guitars. They are fantastic and an absolute bargain in my opinion. Both of mine were great right out of the box and won’t need any mods anytime soon. Plus their customer service is awesome and you can deal directly with the owner. I’m excited to see how they grow and evolve as a brand.
Great topic! In my opinion, there’s a very practical/technical factual side of the story, and there’s an emotional one. I tend to lean to the last one. Gazing for hours at a Fender catalogue, remembering the smell of the paper and the sheer looks and feel of a red Strat, even just lying there in it’s case…And yes, Hank had one, and Mark too, somewhat a wannabe kind of thing. I have to admit, my Fender Strat Plus from the ninetees plays more smooth and has become a friend for life, my Squier Classic vibe also has it’s charms…Kinda cool to make a statement with that thing. In the end, It must be a thing called ♥️ for 🎸
When I started playing guitar was 2004 and I had the Fender 50th anniversary Stratocaster catalog. I practically remember every page.
It doesn't matter what the headstock says, but the way the instrument was constructed and plays does matter.
I never judge a player by the guitars they play. If it sounds good it is good. But, for myself, I want it to say Fender or Gibson on the headstock. I have no reason other than it's what I want.
Everything I own is an iconic American guitar for the reasons you mentioned: resale value and history. Though I've spent so much time trying to sound like my heroes, I hope that one day I can choose a relatively obscure brand and make my own sound/image.
Honestly? It matters to me.
No. but like a nice shirt, or comfortable pants. Shapes and aesthetics are important to reflect what one's character are.
Nice timely conversation topic.
Epiphone just announced a gold top ‘55 LP with the open book headstock. Just recently I’ve been gassing for a Gibson LP with P90s. I’m having this internal debate whether to get this new offering, grab a used GT from reverb or just get a r6 brand new. I already own two Gibson LPs, so the brand name thing has been satisfied. I have the Gibson/Epiphone inspired 335, so I know what to expect in terms of quality.
But if money is no issue, I’d get a lightly aged Murphy Lab Gold Top.
I am 100% influenced by the legends of the guitar world. So much to unpack with this topic.
I think Sire is a good brand to think about with this discussion. They make good instruments at very reasonable prices, but they just don’t have the cool factor of a real Gibson IMO. I totally agree with you that specs and quality come first (one reason I’m hesitant about Fender right now), but “cool factor” is important too, like you were talking about with body shape, etc. The playing experience is both in your hands and in your head.
I’ve really been enjoying these “Real Guitar Talk” videos. Thanks for posting this series!
Brand names to me mean absolutely nothing, nor does the country of origin, but only in the context that I can actually try it first and that usually entails a shop where I can really try it out, and another 10 guitars either side of it. Historically I’ve only bought 2 new guitars of the 11 I own, the rest were second hand and were chosen from a pool that extended from basically cheap to 3 times what I was prepared to actually pay. The one that actually worked in my hands and spoke to me, that’s the one I’d get every single time - if it was way over budget but THE one, I’d pay down what I had and go back again and again and again and keep looking, never once did others speak to me in the same way and eventually it’d end up on my stand with a deeper history behind it. The very idea of selling it on for cash has never crossed my mind, I’d sooner gift it, or trade it to another person for whom that same guitar became their “the one” . Our tastes change inevitably, space is limited as is storage, so you rehome them eventually- then go buy another one.
Great video, I grew up in the early-mid 90's and no one had nice guitars (green day, nirvana, offspring). I have nicer guitars than all the bands I loved as a teen. My heroes played pawn shop instruments and I have three Gibsons.
The history and Americana is more important to me than one individual player.
I love the Reverb Nerdville episodes. Joe B is a much cooler guy than he lets on to be in my book.
The ones who have convinced themselves it doesn't matter will continue to believe that. The ones who have convinced themselves it does matter will continue to believe that.
I have a Eastman T486GB = Gibson ES335 and would say it is a way better guitar than a real Gibson ES335 is at a 1/3 the cost. The name on the headstock does not make it a better quality/value guitar. I love Gibson guitars but I don't have Gibson money and lets face it their quality can be kind of ify at times. To me Eastman quality/value is better IMHO.
I just got my third Eastman. No desire to buy a Gibson.
Eastman, for me, are 'the new outlier' brand. I predict Eastmans from their first few years, esp. the SB59/v and some of the other hand varnished models, will become the unicorns of the future . . . maybe not quite '50s Gibson level but close! Time will tell 😅
I've no doubt that Eastmans are well made and they have a good reputation but how do you know it's better than a Gibson if you "don't have Gibson money"?
Awesome video have a great weekend Jack my best friend ❤😊
Fan Bois will fan boi
Awesome video. First, personally, no., the name on the headstock does not matter to me and I’ll tell you why. My favorite rock guitar player is Brian May and he made his guitar out of pieces of scrap found around the house and it turned out to be better than anything that fender and Gibson have ever put out. I do like playing guitars that some of my guitar heroes have played, i am not alone in this and so that’s why we go for the body of the guitar, not the name brand. Would a Gibson les Paul be awesome? Of course, but for the struggling musician who first gets into guitar, a $3000 Gibson is just not an option and so they go with an epiphone or some other budget guitar. Resale value, you are correct that if you spend good money on a guitar you can sell it for good money too but let’s look at this a bit further. First, let’s say you spend $2995 on a Gibson j45 and then sell it for $1800. You also have an epiphone J45 that you bought for $749 and then sell it for $500, which one took the biggest loss? Obviously the Gibson so even though getting $1800 for a guitar sounds good on paper, when you take in the $1200 loss it doesn’t sound too appealing. Now for your hypothetical question, about the guys making a fender strat exactly like the ones form the 50s vs a strat made now from fender which one would be authentic? If we’re talking about using the same woods, down to the exact same tools, i would say the ones making the copy would be more authentic than the modern strat. Does it make it legit? Absolutely not, it’s still a copy but your question was which one was the more authentic not the legitimate one. I could reverse the question and take a regular Strat now and ask if i could claim it to be a 1950s strat? No i can’t because it is not made to exact specs as those were. Ultimately ore people are concerned these days with the name on the headstock and i get it, those names carry a legendary status that no other guitar brands could match BUT i always think that some of my favorite guitarists used cheap copies or lesser known guitars to make amazing music and it turned out excellent for them. I would also Ike to point out that the very first actual les paul guitar was not a Gibson, it was an epiphone and why do I hear people complain that an epiphone is not worth the price as it’s too expensive but don’t say anything about Gibson’s $5000 or even $10,000 guitars? If you are a seller, you care about the name on the headstock, if you are an actual musician, you don’t.
It really doesnt. Ive owned quite a few guitars including lower end Gibson and Fenders. Some higher end acoustics (£1000 range)
All the guitars i have now all cost under £500 except the Cort (£600).
Vintage V6 strat. A great guitar.
Vintage VSA 500.
Cort Yorktown.
Ovation Super slim Celebrity Elite.
I love them all and the fact that they are not as fashionable as the big names is very apppealing.
Yes! My ego will only allow Fender, preferably USA and Gibson USA. Just makes me feel I’ve the real deal in my hands.
This goes way back in time and still is valid “ do want a copy or the real thing “ even if the copy is a stellar guitar. For instance Ibanez back in -70th was a poor man’s Porsche. I’m glad things has changed. I believe back in the days headstock names were more important. I have both American strat and les Paul but I just play my Sire H7 it’s worth every penny with some rather small adjustments. You’re right about what you’re saying 👍
I bought an IYV semi-hollow body for $180. Frets ends not sharp. Intonation good, neck feels good, finish was surprisingly very good. and ...sounds good. Am I happy with it? Yes. Gig it all the time.
Resale- I would be lucky to $100 but hey, it works for me.
Played a couple of used Gretcsh streamliners at GC and fret ends were jaggy but played ok and cost more than twice what I paid for the Vietnamese IYV.
In conclusion, play what you can afford and sounds good to YOU.
Like buying store brand food vs. a national brand.
Like those more modern California style headstocks. Small and sleek looking, somewhat minimalist in a sense. An artist that inspired me to play has a similar style headstock that’s why I went for that shape. Gibson and Fender as popular as they are didn’t have what I was looking for l, so I went a different direction and im glad I did
Individualism seems to be dying these days, just because a certain brand is popular doesn’t mean it’s for you
If you are a "guitar player" and the goal is to play guitar then it doesn't matter. I am like you in that I like to mod my guitars so if I start out with a $300 guitar there is no big investment that I need to worry about getting back. I am a strat guy and I have several that I have spent more on the pickups than the guitar itself and even with that they will keep up with or exceed the "name" guitars for about a third or less of the price. One thing that was missing from the discussion was that you can buy vintage stuff for a good price because it is modified, and better yet you don't have to worry about doing more modification to it ruining it's value. My advice is to just try a lot of guitars and when you find one you like buy it. The guitar I have been playing the most lately is an off brand guitar I found at a consignment shop for $75... plays in tune, stays in tune, extremely balanced tone... I am not going to say "Hey just buy one of these" but there is an awful lot of "lightning in a bottle" available these days if you take the time to look for it.
If you swap out your stock pickups, pots, caps, tuners and pickguard, does it still matter what it says on the headstock?
I go through these loops of feeling like I want to buy a Gibson because, well, it's a Gibson (they go really hard on marketing for this sort of thing). And I really like the idea of buying an American-made instrument (because economically responsibly made instruments is important to me, too). And I think any of these more historic companies will lean heavily into their history as guitar makers, and how their products fit into the hands of the most earth-changing musicians over time. I think that alone is a huge mover in this whole talk. Even more so for vintage or vintage reissue guitars: "hey, own the exact kind of instrument that put this model/company on the map decades ago!" It's a powerful scheme.
Look into the used market, also ones with consmetic defects or dings. Show floor models. Also, things like the LPJ or SGJ. Some years they are real nice. Tribute models are nice also.
I have owned lots of epiphone sgs, from the cheap ones to custom shop ones, I have even owned a pro. My Gibson SGJ and Gibson SG TRIBUTE are by far superior in the hand... My sgj was a floor model with finish issues and some scratches... got it for 420 dollars. Best money I think I ever spent on a guitar. I no longer own any epiphone sgs. I dont hate them but I only got so much money. Epiphone and squier hold about as much value on the used market as a gibson or fender. If you are a serious musician get at least one gibson. If you are a student or just messing around, get the epiphone. If you are getting a LP or SG make sure to get the one with all the tone and volume knobs.
Ive owned a few epiphone LPs, and one gibson LP studio. The only LP I still have is a studio LT. Got it for 200 bucks out the door. Floor model on sale. I play sgs more than lps, but I still like having one around.
To me, the brand does play a part in liking a guitar. We shop with our eyes just as much as we do our hands when it comes to instruments. Guitars are not the anamoly. Pianos, saxophones, drums, trumpets. Any musician has a preference and a predisposed notion as to what is "good". Saying that one of my all time favorite guitars was a parts caster strat that I put hours into working on. Sold it to build another thats in the process of being built right now.
Since Leo sold the company, all guitars sporting the Fender name are simply copies. Deal with it.
G&L are more closely related to the last 'real' Fenders.
You're correct. Music is always about the feel. It does help if the chunk of wood stays in tune some what. I had a Hagstrom that ws beautifully playable as was a DeArmond. Def getting another one.
It matters more if they don't come with headstocks...
On a few occasions I got tempted by the HB guitars. But having read about their occasional QC issues and the CERTAINTY of drama wrt the returns and exchange processes, I opted for a Jackson that I could buy locally. Do I prefer the features on the HB more? A bit, but not enough to sway me.
I’ve got a couple Squiers/Epiphones in the collection. They’re tools. They don’t inspire me in the same way the top tier axes do. And from a practical standpoint, they always seem to have more issues. You can upgrade the heck out of them, until they’re nearly as nice as their big brothers, but then you’ve spent nearly as much as a higher end instrument, still have the S or E on the headstock, and still have limited resale. But if you find one that speaks to you, that plays and sounds great, more power to you, get after it.
Great topic & thoughts. Ironically, I've been playing my Gretsch Historic Series 3140 this week, which always sounds and plays amazing, but I've always wanted a "real" Gretsch. Come to find out the serial # on my guitar indicates it's an early model of that series, and made in Japan! But I'm still pining for the "real thing".
I think my biggest hangup on any cheaper guitar is the thick layer of poly finish. I'd probably care less about where it was made if the finish wasn't poly. And yes, I realize that even "real" Gretsch models today use poly.
Best Squiers about 10 years ago were as good as Fenders. But Gibson always held a distance with Epiphone. They could make better Epiphones, but it's just a strategy.
My Heritage (made at the Gibson Kalamazoo MI shop on the same equipment that made all those famous 59 burst) and it is my best playing and sounding guitar, my number one! BUT, it never gets all the ooohs and aaahs like my Gibson Les Paul Cardinal red with black appointments, it’s a sharp looking and playing guitar. Then there my most played (on a daily bases) guitar which is an Epiphone Ghost Horse Explorer because it’s got a Floyd Rose I never have to tune it, I don’t HAVE to put it in a case because it’s poly which would survive a small explosion oh and… yep, it plays great!! They all play great, all with very different perceptions of value
This is a great thought provoking series. Resale was never a thing for me. I'm pretty sure I could sell my '68 Custom for quite a bit and maybe my 2 '92 Sadowsky's but in no rush as long I'm still recording with them. I'm happy to have 2 Gibsons, a nice Japanese made Gretsch, an early '80s FGN Strat with Roland GR 300 (that still works perfectly!) and 2 '70s Yairi acoustics but I also have a few 'budget' Epiphones with 'good bones' I bought with the intent of modding them to my tastes. I wouldn't buy a new Gibson these days due to cost vs. what they offer. I would love to have a couple of the Eastman line - I tried the SB59/v & a Juliet and they are on my wish list. And yes, I would love a vintage Rick 12 String and a couple of other vintage name brand items but who wouldn't? I guess I fall in the middle - some brand loves and some not so 'desirable' - they all have a job to do for now.
If you can afford it, yes! If not, no! I Al my guitars are between $359-1200 , mid priced.??? Love them all! I wouldn’t trade my Epiphones, esp ltds, PRs SE’s for higher priced “ authentic “!
my first guitar is an epiphone les paul special and i’ve tried my friends epiphone sg. i would love to own the inspired by gibson guitars one day and get 98% of the real thing for a fraction of the price
Brand name matters if their QC is there. I’ve recently experienced that a $2600 Vintage II 70’s Tele, never should have left Corona. Now it’s in my bedroom with a bent shaft on a tuning key, glue all over the f hole, and wood chips throughout the case. Absolutely disgusting. So does the name on the headstock matter? Maybe not so much anymore. Great topic Jack.
I mentioned this in another comment down below - Fender is really struggling with QC. They’re also overpricing their new lineup. But Gibson still takes the heat. I think it shows how successfully they’ve managed to market themselves as the hip “player’s brand” that are somehow untouchable.
You are so right. Thank you.
$150.00 T-style kit with $400-$500 worth of upgraded electronics and hardware may not ever provide a return on the dollars spent, but I enjoy playing this first kit guitar that I built as much as playing my Fender's and Gibson's. I don't plan on ever selling any of my guitars again & this kit guitar I call the DIYnocaster would be the one I would grab in case of fire. 60 years ago when I was young the name on the headstock mattered.
I like my eart guitars from amazon. I am still learning and its great for me. Maybe get fancy in future but fancy guitars aint making me better.
Sound good, play WELL
Certain materials and specs matter beyond the brand name.
Got a first run CV tele ... pine body,brass saddles, maple neck ... definitely affects the sound. Same with a Les Paul style guitar. Beyond specs , it's a matter of opinion as what's "better".
Seems a disingenuous argument ignoring an instruments specs to justify buying brand names.
Original V's, Les Pauls, 80s MIJ Squiers.... were all looked down on for years, now they're valuable because a good instrument will have value.
I grew up deeply admiring Brian May, Van Halen and Steve Morse. So for me what was really important was to build my own guitar. 😅
Ya know the interesting thing is though, even those have been branded now -- I think young players (and even a lot of older players) would be as likely or even more likely to buy a Brian May guitar, or one of the Frankenstrat replicas, then to make their own
My first brand name guitar was a Fender and it was awful, as it played bad had a finish defect which they tried to blame me for, bad experience all around. I worked really hard to get it. So it sat in case (this was pre reveb) and I only played the Peavey, which I already had and was a fraction of the price. So I'm pretty averse to brand name guitars. I've owned several other budget guitars since then, and they've all been great or only need minor work done. The opposite of the resale is finding pretty good gear off brand gear. If you find something you like for say $300, even if its unsaleable you might lose less than selling you brand name guitar into a rough market. As the most you can lose on a $300 instrument is $300 (its its truly unsaleable, which is rare) and your money in a savings account can be in your hands faster then trying to sell something in a hurry.
I bought a Fender because I know they make a good guitar. That's it. I would be completely happy with a non-branded guitar. I have never sold a guitar. The value after I have bought it is not at all a concern.
I have a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster as well as an ES 335 copy and a thinline tele copy and a strat copy. Of the copies, only the ES 335 is any good at all. (It's a Harley Benton if you're curious) However, the best playing, best sounding guitar I own is an explorer copy that I built from a kit from Precision Guitar Kits. I used only high end components equal to or better than Gibson (mostly better than) and it ended up costing me half what a new Gibson explorer would have.
I like having the real deal, but my favorite guitars to play are the ones I built. Resale value should play a role in most guitar players choices though.
It is called branding and helps with status and resale value. Does it sound better is another thing. What matters to me is that I enjoy the guitar.
What do you think of the Les Paul Traditional 2008-2012. Yeah or nay. Im vexxed, but I like it for abt $2k
Brand names are all about manipulating a society which is easily manipulated/influenced based on a deep need, desire, obsession and addiction to being trendy/cool, fitting in and being liked, and being able to profit greatly from it.
The type of people who'll pay more money for a pair of pre-worn/ripped jeans for a ridiculous price just because they're trendy and present social status..
People are paying ridiculous money for pre worn/damaged guitars from the factory now, which is absolutely ridiculous.
.. and Apple fans (iPhone, iPad, etc..)
The type of people who tend to pick on, insult, shun those who don't follow trends for whatever reasons..
It basically comes down to being a follower in general society, where the only people who truly benefit form it all are the owners, and celebrities who promote/sell the products
Honestly, to me it's because I (probably, haven't got tested) have a OCD of sorts. What I mean by that is that while I love Ibanez guitars for their ergonomy, if I play eg. Slash music, I feel like I'm missing out if I don't get a LP (be it Gibson, Epi or Japanese brands like Edwards etc.). Even though I'm 99% confident that tone comes mostly from the pickups and other differences including the different scale length won't make a difference big enough to justify getting a particular guitar, it still bugs me. But your video was great, I had an idea of buying an expensive guitar but I'll get Ibanez instead of Gibson.
I have 2 Epiphone SGs and they rock!!!!
Depends on the person. There are good quality guitars that do not have Fender or Gibson on the head-stock but it is prestige and also resale value. I look for ergonomics because if not comfortable to play I won't play it, and then the finish and small touches: fretboard, neck, etc.
The only people who focus on brands are other musicians. The typical audience could care less, unless the guitar is visually flashy. When I played a Gretsch White Falcon, people noticed
So;: is a G&L a better Fender than a Fender? Hmmm.....