Don't Make This Guitar Buying Mistake
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- Опубліковано 25 бер 2024
- **I'm moving the live to Tuesday for a while. See how it goes there.**
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I really don't like negative titles...but I like bad advice even less...so here we are. I've been thinking about this one because I keep running into it, both for myself and folks asking me in email and messages.
Come and join in with your worst guitar buying advice from over the years.
See you there.
Keith
I saw the chat calling for a "Guitars of Ian Anderson." While I am honored, my collection wouldn't be worthy of the deep dive ;) I was gifted a flute once though!
Love the channel Keith! Liking these interesting topics!
Everyone has an opinion. I have 5 Stratocasters, 2 Telecasters, 1 Les Paul, 1 ES 335, a Custom Carvin and a cheap acoustic. I love them all. They all have pros and cons. They all do their own thing. (Even the multiple Strats…). Remember, when it comes to guitar, this is no rule book or standard. What works for you, works for you… Relax and enjoy playing. 😉
Can confirm amigo!😎👍✨
Spot on, bro. As the old saying goes, "opinions are like assholes... everyone has one!". I buy guitars (in a few cases I built my own) for a myriad of reasons. Like you, I have numerous Strat's, Tele's, ES 335's, Les Paul's, besides several cool acoustics. I play jazz stuff, besides the usual rock and blues, so have a used ES 175. The latest addition was a Les Paul Custom only because I had one in the 70's, sold it and have missed it ever since. Your last sentence "What works for you, works for you"... is the real point. Cheers from Norwalk, CA 🙂🙃🙂
@@kenster865
You forgot the "They stink..." part. 🤣
I was in a local guitar store last Friday and I picked up an HSS strat off the wall. I played it a little and everything about it felt just right. I own an Epiphone Les Paul and an Ibanez RG. I was there because I was bringing my RG in for repairs. When I go back there to pick up my RG, I’m going to buy that Strat. It’s the best playing guitar I’ve ever played. I’m selling my LP to help cover the cost.
I’m 51 and started playing guitar at 13 and I noticed I had a room full of guitars I didn’t play anymore through the years. I sold them all but my Guild D4 (acoustic), Ibanez RG 550, & my Fender Strat is the ones that do it for me! You do you; but share the instruments. Sell them and let someone else enjoy them and find their diamond in the rough!#🎸🔥🤘🏻@Pkelly2453
I love HSS strats. They are so versatile. The humbucker never sounds as good as a Les Paul but they still cover so much ground.
I am a Fat Strat Fanatic. HSS all the way. It's the 'do anything and do it all well' guitar imho.
Good choice . You did not listen to the so-called purists who say only a 3- single coil is a Strat. Play what works for yourself.
@@adrian_V99Thanks, I'm not the biggest fan of the single coil bridge pickup in traditional strats anyway, but I think that the single coil neck pickup is unbeatable for cleans and edge-of-breakup tones.
Thanks! My little sister who passed 2 years ago would be turning 64 this April 1st. Miss her. Happy birthday Kieth, I enjoy your Channel. Jeff
Thanks for sharing that Jeff.
Happy Birthday Jeff !! I played in my church folk group too.😉
I've been playing 40something yrs, and I didn't buy my first "high end" electric guitar for about the first 20. At the time this made no difference, as I was learning and buying different inexpensive guitars (Squire, Ibanez, Washburn, Yamaha, Epi, etc...) to figure out what worked best for me. Eventually, I settled on an ES-335 vintage dot burst, and Strat Std. for small venue, studio & recording work, and I still use only these two today
Love the opening dialog. "we are on our own journey". I'm old and didn't start playing until post pandemic. I really enjoy buying "cheap" Guitars, modding and playing them. Play on!
My take on this as a retired London UK pro is that,...you buy guitars that give you as many different sounds as you need. So l have Strats, a Jazzmaster, Tele's, Les Pauls, one with P90's, a 335, a Duesenberg even, and a lovely Resonator, they are all great guitars that do different jobs. I might prefer using one over the other at home but if l was in a studio and was asked to get a realistic Kossoff sound l'd be in trouble if l had just my strat with me. I love playing ALL of them though. There's not one "bad" guitar amongst them. You're right though Keith, people just love their own gear and maybe are blinkered about the other things on offer or just heed bad advice from others who only like their own gear.
I just love guitars. I recently made my own cigar box two string slide blues machine with no frets. It sounds amazing, l love it, and it cost me about £20 make. It's got so much mojo and just rocks!
Maybe a lesson there for all of us.
With you on that, I have mainly functioned as 'a producer who also plays guitar', since the mid 80s and still own a good number of guitars going back to my first, a 1968 LP Custom I bought when I was 18, my Strat in '81, my Sadowsky NYC HSH in '92 and my most recent Duesenberg Starplayer . . . and quite a few odd ones in between. More often than not I would buy something 'for the project' if I felt it needed it and didn't have something that felt right. They're all 'good' to me, from the cheapies to the dearest.
I’m 62. I started as a bassist. Switched to a Les Paul. Played rhythm for a few years. Then went back to bass. I got a 92-94 Japanese jazz bass. Over the years, I got that bass to emulate almost every bass tone I could find. It was straight into an amp. I learned that tone was entirely in my hands. Adjusting tone and volume pots…. Then I joined an Iron Maiden tribute band. Getting a precision bass with Steve Harris pickups and a badass bridge. Learned to use my right hand like Steve. Nailed his tone. No efx. I’m retired now but strong spiritual playing memories.
I agree. The tone is in your hands. Too much foo foo in the way these days with most guitar players. But hey if thats what makes them have fun doing this, well so be it. But once i found my Travis Bean TB1000S, i had EVERY tone in my head when i played it thru a Fender Twin. ;-) All in the hands ;-)
If a guitar inspires you to advance you playing to a new place it is the right guitar... 75 dollars or 7500 it does not matter
Ain’t that the truth …
No guitar is worth $7,000.
I wore out many 45s and 78s ,playing on my parents console stereo, listening and trying to play the right notes, in the late 50s and early sixties. I learned to listen carefully.
I knew that my Les Paul Custom black beauty was the guitar for me because l found tones l'd been searching for so easily, on both pups, with different tone and volume roll offs. It just seemed easier and when it was played with gain at volume it was epic. I just needed that guitar. ❤
Yup, bought my 68 LP Custom in the early 70s from a friend when our band started gigging - it was my only guitar till the early 80s when the band broke up and I started doing a lot of studio work . . . still have it.
I used to think I needed one of everything, until I realised what I wanted was a Tele, and something with a reverse headstock. So, I sold my LP and SG, which had stood collecting dust, and happy days!
Happy birthday, Keith and thanks!
You look great for 64 … 56 here ! Cheers and I’m not a strat guy I have 1 hard tail strat… my new and old wish that I’m trying to get to is a 65 ventures mosrite … keep it up
Love the five watt world platform. Great talk today. Very true.
I subbed to your channel recently and I have to say I really enjoy your deep dive into various guitar history … it’s always well thought out and rich in detail 👍🏻👍🏻
The promise of a meditational break! Yes!!! Well said!!!
For "myself" purchasing a guitar usually involves what I want/need for a particular project I'm working on. I have played now for over 60 years. I have over the last 5-6 years had the opportunity to play more on different projects, along with my weekly gig at church. Latest purchase is a US made Tele I purchased from a collector. It is a really nice guitar and I well be playing for a high school musical. (Playing in the "pit" always kicks my butt.) The coolest thing about playing for HS productions is we get to play with a mix of experienced musicians and students. BTW I also teach guitar and have had my students watch "You're not listening" vid. One of your best! Happy Birthday Keith.
I had a ten pound Les Paul for 8 years. My left clavicle no longer sticks out.. it’s squished. 45 years of straps probably didn’t help…. Lol
I love my Harry Kolbe-modified Champ 12, my solid-state 40-watt Fender Bassman Compact, my Strymon Flynt, and my Fulltone FullDriveIII. I also love my mint 1997 Fender Stratocaster Plus.
Great commentary, Keith! Keep on delivering!
Interesting story: I started selling off some of my guitars, and I started to ask myself why. Turns out the answer was partly your channel, and your minimalist aesthetic. I asked myself if I was making myself happy, or whether I was selling them off to impress you (or people like you). So I determined that having lots of guitars just flat-out makes me happy. I've pretty much achieved equilibrium, with 12 electrics, a bass, a mandolin, three acoustics (yes, I need all three😊), an ukulele, and my violins (my main instrument).
Not ragging on you at all, just agreeing that no one can tell you what guitars, how many, how few, you should have. I realized what makes me happy, and what works for me economically.
😊
Great story. I currently own 24 guitars (electric, acoustic, bass) and I have owned over 63 guitars the last time I counted (a few years ago). To me it's more about having options, learning luthier skills and enjoying the variety. For me, I play better than I intended when I started and I always love having options. It took me more than a decade to realize I am mainly a collector and a modder (similar to Ryan from 60 Cycle Hum) and being known as a player is secondary. I like playing out but that isn't my main focus.
Do what makes you happy (like you discovered). One thing someone else told me about all the guitars I used to own is that I have a well rounded education on different makes and models vs what most guitar players have. That turned the whole thing on its head in a good way.
I had just a Yamaha acoustic then a les Paul tribute fell into a sg special helped a friend out for a 92 lp studio Gibson helped another friend and got a t310 tele by epiphone and fell into a 50th anniversary 54 stratocaster I love them all couldn't choose between the studio, strat,or the epitele says alot for the 310 but all are exceptionally playable picking any type and just play I even beat on a sqire and a Jackson 7 whatever moves you is the right one❤
One of the things I like about your channel is the emphasis made on it just being your opinion (and to be kind). You emphasize that is not to say someone else’s opinion is wrong. They are just different. I liked your comment and I think I have paraphrased correctly - if you like the guitar and want it (I’ll add and can afford it) then buy it. I have more than I need but do enjoy playing each one.
I enjoyed “listening” to this live session! Being a member of your Patreon community is a great investment!
BTW - I would love to hear about Heritage Guitars as they are a spinoff from Gibson. Does Goden have a big enough following?
I did just purchase my first 5 watt amp... FYI.. I love it.
So true. And that mind set permeates the pick up / speaker / amp areas as well. Being fortunate to own many of each, I can say this....the overall signal path (and that is everything) matters. The same pick up in different guitars WILL sound and perform different. And so on and so on. That is why you always see one person trash a pick up, and the very next person will say its great. Guitar playing is so nuansed, you have to just dive in and figure out what works for you. I got to the point where I no longer buy mainstream guitars, I make them now, just so I could, of course, make them my way, to my ears. Glad I did. I learned a lot in the process, and highly recommend it.
Damn, I missed it this week. Heading to NY tomorrow. Now I have something to watch on the plane. I hope all is well Keith.
Keith, You are a legend, love your work, love your approach to music and guitar. I appreciate and value what you contribute to the art. 🤙🏽
Happy Birthday Keith! 5 watt is the best , thank you!
This is so cozy on a Tuesday
Happy Birthday!
Great job, Keith. I'm about 4 years younger than you but started playing at about the same time. I'm in total agreement with you. I have a bunch of guitars (21, sort of a fortuitous accident), and the "5" are all represented, one way or another. Two BIG mistakes I've made: 1) buying before playing/on line..... I've bought 4 guitars on line. 3 we're home runs, one was horrible. 2) when that deal of a lifetime comes up, GET IT. I had a chance to buy a 1964 Stratocaster.... the real deal... in the early 1990s, for less than $1000.00.... and I passed on it being a responsible husband and parent ... 😢
The best guitar is the one you love to play, not impress people, I have a Fender Stratocaster, a Epiphone SG, and a Les Paul jr copy with P90 pickups, and I love the distinct sound of each of them, it's what makes them fun for me, just play what you got.
This is why I love your channel. It's inspiring to hear someone say ,"Do what you feel and not what I feel." Too often we hear the opposite.
I have been a Tele guy most of my life...got a Les Paul just to round out my options and love it...but the Tele is still my go to guitar. Always thought about a Strat but never found one that spoke to me, until last week and I bought it. I was afraid your video would tell me I did something wrong but it sounds like I did it just right.
I love the minimalist philosophy not just with guitars, but all things..but it's always tempting 🎉
Amen. I’ve done it so many times and always regret it.
I tried to like many guitars, but I go back to my Les Paul in the end. It's just what I like to play and hear.
And that’s where it’s at.
Another GREAT Video! I feel about Les Paul guitars as you do for Strats. I do have one Gibson which is an SG, but that is all I want much less need from them. I am a Fender/Gretch guy, and bought the guitars I wanted based on my own needs and not to impress anyone... but myself! Enjoy your time away... see ya when you get back... ! 🐺
Happy birthday 🤠 I love your show.
Hi from Japan Keith, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your knowledge and common sense.
“My Strat is another arm, it’s part of me. It doesn’t feel like a guitar at all. It’s an implement which is my voice. A Les Paul feels like a guitar and I play differently on that and I sound too much like someone else. With the Strat, instantly it becomes mine so that’s why I’ve welded myself to that. Or it’s welded itself to me, one or the other.” Jeff Beck
I feel like that about my strat too. However, I feel like that when I play my LP too. I wouldn’t choose between them. Id rather gig the strat though
Can't fault Jeff there...considering he has played both remarkably well!
I saw Kansas at the Villanova University (Pennsylvania) Fieldhouse in or about 1975 for $2.00, the price of a general admission ticket. We were in the balcony looking down onto the stage. Kansas was amazing!!!
Happy Birthday, Keith.
I am very much a child of the 80's - grew up on all things hair metal and am a massive fan of Edward Van Halen.
You'd think my collection would be all super-strats equipped with whammy bars - but it's almost all fixed bridge single-cuts in various flavours.
The reason I even own multiple guitars is that I have them all in different tunings.
To be fair - there was a very large gap of no guitar playing - before I picked it back up a few years ago when nearly 50.
I still feel I'm in my learning phase of finding out what I truly like - so I'm happy to pick things up second hand as they show up. I just haven't got the hang of selling things off yet. (LOL)
You mentioned the haunting reverb on two rocks amps. I haven’t played a two rock but in my option I own a hand wired Swart atomic space tone and it not only features all tube reverb but also all tube tremolo. The reverb on the swart is the most haunting sounding reverb l have ever heard! I recommend checking out the atomic space tone. It has a retro design similar to a 1950’’s Gibson GA amp. I would suggest trying one.!it’s rated between 18-22 what’s which isn’t a massive amount of power but you can certainly get away with being able to keep up in a small club/small group setting especially when mic’ed through the house system. Plus the swart isn’t a really heavy amp. It’s a smaller combo with a single speaker. I recommend trying one out.
Keith, I’m 67 and started playing when I was 10. With many breaks in those years. For me I judged what was right for me by how it felt in my hands. The neck thickness and style, the weight, the shape of the body and how it felt sitting or standing. I don’t get into names on a headstock or what everyone else is playing. I go by how it sounds to me. And aesthetics play into it as well. About the only guitar I have that’s been based on what someone else played is my telecaster that I turned into a clone of Keith Richards Micawber. My ears aren’t good enough to tell the subtle differences that most people talk about. If anything I see more differences in amplifiers and speakers.
As a senior beginner I love learning about the iconic axes and brands through sites such as this one. I have approached guitar purchases from a budget brand approach which is allowing me to try different guitar types/styles. So I have a Squier Tele and also a Strat. A Yamaha Pacifica Super Strat, and Artist brand Les Paul with stacked P90’s, and 335 style with humbuckers guitars. I also have Artist Acoustic OM and a classical with WR Cedar top. This approach works for me for the least outlay.
Wishing you a very happy birthday Keith from a channel member born the same year as you, 1960!
I have been a die-hard DeArmond player since they were first imported to the US. , people look at them and go What is that? I have owned dozens of them. I own both Gibsons and Fenders and I like them but the unknown DeArmonds have stolen my heart. If you have an opportunity, you should try one out. Love your channel...
I bought a DeArmond M75T about 25 years ago - great sounding guitar, really fun to play
I play a Squier Affinity Strat that I did my own basic set up on, a Squier 60s Vibe Fretless Jazz Bass, and surprisingly, a very nicely restored and very playable Gibson/Baldwin bolt-on Les Paul (Epoch headstock) with a String Butler installed to alleviate the tuning issues. All these are great sounding guitars to me, and I keep them in great shape. So, I appreciate this video being put out.
Thanks for sharing your time. I enjoy your channel. I've owed hundreds of guitars, amp and pedals. I wish I was that guy who could be happy with one guitar. But as a guitar need I buy and sell searching for the ones that move me and inspire me when I play. After 50 years of playing I know what I like. Fortunately I play out and can fund my GAS habit. To each his own I say when it comes to gear. So many decisions and such little time. I do feel having a tele,strat,les paul and acoustic has stood the test of time for a reason. There's so many others too. Play them all till you get what you want and need
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Keith also have a fantastic vacation ❤❤😂😂😂😂😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I've pruned waaaaay back. I have a Kiesel 8 string Vader and an Eastman Romeo thinline archtop. Covers all my guitar needs.
Solid video, thanks! Great points and very applicable to settings beyond guitar, human nature idiosyncrasies at their best and worst lol. Always good to be cognizant of these dynamics.
I wanted a Gibson 335. I ended up buying a Yamaha SA-1000 simply because I liked the way that it sounded better. Put a Bigsby on it and used it as my main axe for years. Not a night would go by without some dude in the audience say to me "nice 335" despite the guitar was labeled Yamaha on the headstock plain as day. People want to believe what they want to believe.
I like where your coming from ,we are all on our own journey. Mine started at 10 and continues at 74. Many guitars many amps, lots of effects. Many changes of styles and taste. It all makes up who we are. Today I play a lot of accustic and slide. The big gigs are gone but I still like to enjoy my guitars.
Really fun rant. Insightful. It dawned on me (duh!) that I wonder which guitars my favorite players are using for parts/tracks that I know like the back of my hand. The answer is, as you point out... it really doesn't matter... they still sound exactly like themselves, whatever the instrument and setup. Mostly. You nailed it.
I have 3 electrics, Gibson LP standard, early Fender Stratplus 1991 & and a player Tele with locking tuners, also installed a ultra string tree. i feel i a made good choices and enjoy them all. Lately i have been playing the Tele mostly it has really grown on me. I wouldn't mind installing fender 4th gen noiseless pups on my tele.
Re: PRS consistency: Paul (the P in PRS) says go to your local music store and buy the "one" that speaks to you. I expect the the neck shape is real close one to the next, and even the neck set. They work hard to tune all pick ups the same..... but Paul effectively admits they are not exactly the same.... the wood is always different and ultimately, he wants you to be happy with his product. SO if you spend some time with a few, you arev more likely to love what you bought.
PRS guitars are truly amazing. I just bought a Mcarty 594 thin line. It’s amazing.
OMG! Such brilliant and articulate gems of advice. Yes, we have two ears and one mouth and that means we should listen twice as much as we speak. Totally agree and finding instruments that feel right for each of us. BTW, you look great for 64! Happy Birthday!🎂🎉
Watching after the stream 5 watt is a history channel and it a way of thinking ...at the end of every short history I remember hearing "the most music from the least gear"
I'm actually watching this video on the morning of my 64th birthday, so for your upcoming 64th, Happy birthday, and welcome to the club 🎉!
Happy birthday Keith.
A Gretsch and a Vox AC15 or AC30 and your set.
So funny, SRV has been in my top three. I met him on the Texas Flood tour, have seen him six times, have more guitars then I will admit, but have no interest in strats. Can’t explain that at all.
Same. Absolutely love SRV. Other than my Tele I have all humbucker guitars, some with coil splits, even my Charvel San Dimas “Strat”. I’ve played Strats but I guess they’re just not me.
I definitely go along with the idea of finding what's right for us individually and not being driven my the crowd. The wonderful thing these days is that high quality guitars are so much more affordable than when I started playing in the '70s, so it doesn't break the bank to experiment. I've found some totally unexpected gems that way - and also realised that some guitars that I'd assumed would be a perfect fit just aren't meant for me. A perfect example for me is finally getting a Jazzmaster - something I'd passed over all these years - but the affordability of a Squire J. Mascis model made it worth a punt as a "birthday-present-to-me" ... and... Oh my goodness! I'm smitten! 😎
I have found that one good Tele is all I need, along with 4 amps and a half-dozen acoustic guitars. 😮
I loved what you said about the 5 guitars everyone should own videos. I saw that video and was completely deflated as a guitar shopper for my first electric in decades. Most people can’t afford or really have the time to play 5 guitars. At the same time I see what he was saying and did learn something from it, so…
Agreed. Always chase your own tone, being more or less indifferent to what others are doing. It’s good to listen to what others are doing, but always noting what works for you, discarding whatever doesn’t.
Keith, Happy Birthday 🎉🎂🎊 Sir!!! I play both bass and guitar. My two main basses are Ibanez headless (a 4 string and a 5 string) and my three main guitars are three seven string headless (a Kiesel, a Strandberg, and an Ibanez). The reason why is because I have MS and headed instruments put more of a strain on me physically. I find these instruments sound as great as my Fenders, Squire, and Warmoths. I still use my headed basses and guitars from time to time, but I am very happy with my five headless instruments. Be blessed 😇 from Alexandria, VA.
i heard a story about Robin Ford and Larry Carlton switching to the others Dumble's ... if true, demos the truth of subjectivity and what works for individuals. Same goes for guitars... dont forget how to talk with people. not talk to people. Major reason i dont do GP etc boards. 'nother good vid Keith! Gonna go meditate now ...
Enjoy the time off!
Awesome video! I love a my Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls and Strat which is a Classic Series Fender Strat. Had lots of others which was driven by GAS but now I’m happy with what I have. The key is just to play and practice more on what feels good 👍
My go to (at the moment) is my Gibson LP 50s Standard (2022 model) with Epiphone ProBuckers 1&2. I don’t know why, but I just prefer warmer pickups. The BurstBuckers were way too bright for my playing which is mainly… no, exclusively at home 😂
I’ve become A guitar minimalist. I had a ton of gear over the last 43 years of playing in my case, and I’ve actually had my gear acquisition syndrome basically shut down with a Pair of PRS and a Kemper into powered monitors or the effects return of a Suhr Bella for live performance. I’ve slowly sold off gear and upgraded to a couple of dream guitars that make me happy and are a joy to play. I used to think I “needed” one of everything, now I’ve found what works for me, what has my tone and makes me want to play and be creative. I’m blessed that I can afford the gear I want, I can use software to wire music I like, and have had opportunities to share music with friends and large audiences.
Got a Squire Strat years ago. Handed it down to my Daughter, who sings and plays guitar. Early this year, got myself a Hybrid MIJ Strat and was blown with the Craftsmanship, the finish, feel and most importantly the Tone. This was my first sub $1,000 purchase for a guitar. Worth every penny.
Happy Birthday, Keith. Bless you brother and you always deliver exceptional content. Thank you.
HA! Happy Belated 64th B-Day!! Trust me, you don't look anywhere close to 64!! IMHO having a full head of hair really helps in that regard, Keith. I've been bald and/or balding since I was 19. We've chatted a tad in the past but don't know if I ever mentioned that I'm now 72 and quite healthy, more or less. Check this: I had my first guitar lesson at the tender age of 10 in 1961. Having said that, I didn't start getting serious until 1964 after hearing the Stones 'Satisfaction'. That did it!! So... that translates to 60+ years of playing guitar. It has given me more joy and pride in accomplishments (bands galore, including 20 years in a pro blues band) than anything else in my life, and that, my friend, is saying a lot. Cheers!!
Teles just feel right to me - the neck, the scale, the minimal fuss, the dead-solid tuning stability - so I went with one traditional and one deluxe and started focusing on better heads/amps/effects. Sold the bluesbird, the LP, the ES, the acoustics and the not-loved amps and effects that were gathering dust. Cleaning house felt really good...
I’m at the point where even though there’s a ton of guitars I’ve never tried, I’m happy with what I have. Now I finally fell down the pedal rabbit hole and I need your “most amount from the least gear” reminder! I just wanna try all the different sounds and effects. Right now I’m lusting after a Hologram Microcosm or Chroma Console.
But honestly, money is better spent on lessons. I changed from Fender Play to Paul Gilbert’s ArtistWorks course in December and I am really enjoying it.
10:35 it’s totally validation and confirmation bias. Especially because 1. Guitars are expensive but they’re not a “need.” It’s not like a car where you need to have one (depending on where you live). So you feel like you have to justify what you have and that the money you put in was worth it.
But you’re right! It’s totally about what you need for your style and your journey. I feel like I say this every time I comment on your videos - the violin world is so different. Once I got my 2004 Albert Topa, not once did I ever say, “wow, I wish I could have that instead” or “okay, what’s next” - nor did I ever try to convince anyone that my violin was better.
Is it because (at that level) they’re not mass-produced?
11:31 Exactly! IT’S ABOUT YOUR PLAY STYLE. My violin is loud and boisterous and has a beautiful lower register. It matches my flamboyant playing style (which is influenced by my loud personality and naturally loud speaking voice, I think.)
So if someone is a really light touch player who loves playing floaty, ethereal high parts in seventh position on the E string, my violin would probably lack something for them. But as a violinist who looking back would probably really enjoyed viola if I got over the whole “viola is the Nickelback of the string instruments” joke (and started later than age 6 when I knew what a viola was), it’s perfect for me.
I’m not saying my violin is a Guarneri, but it’s more Guarneri than Stradivarius, ya know?
I thought you were going to say emotionalism was the mistake when buying a guitar. Your wisdom on listening was spot-on. When I buy a guitar I think about what I want. Part of that is covering the technical bases; single coils, humbuckers, P-90s, etc. Build quality is another factor. Emotionally, I consider appearance including shape and finish. I’ve never bought a guitar because someone said I needed it. I do value the opinion of others, especially folks such as yourself, Rhett Schull, and others on social media that can convey why they do or do not like particular guitars. Thanks again, keep up the good work.
I'm also a big David Grissom fan. Ever see Storyville? Boy, I love that band and saw them countless times. Living in Texas, it was easy to see them a lot, them being from Austin. Love your videos Keith. Always good stuff.
Viva, Aries!
Viva Horoscope!
Viva the chain of command.
Tell the boss, there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues!
I didn't go to work...told the boss I was sick.
I am only here for amusement...try my work-repellent.
Will you still need me?
Will you still feed me?
When I'm 64?(in 9 days!)
Talking or listening are the same thing, I think.
I only want to be on the right path...
which can only be done by not-seeking-it!
If that is true...then throw a rock at it.
The rock will land back in your own hand!
Happy Birthday, friend!
Thank you!
KC
The problem with buying for reasons of belonging to a perceived community is that deriving meaning from being a part of that community can become part of our identity. If we have relatively few connections, disagreement about things like gear can then feel like an attack on our identity. It's the same deal with your college professors - I'll bet some of them have few connections outside of work. You see it most with some football fans (soccer to you Americans) for whom supporting their team is literally like a religion, and any decision against their club or team is an outrage.
Well grounded and rounded individuals don't do this. If one reads this and it feels like preaching from a chair, it isn't. I've also experienced and come to terms with those emotions. The thing to do is make more connections. Music can help with this!
Just ordered a shirt and a mug after watching a video yesterday and missed the 20% offer. Saw it after I purchased!!
Good time to play When I’m 64. Happy Birthday!
The biggest mistake: "Buying ourselves into a sense of belonging"
-Keith Williams, 03-26-24
Going to keep this one in my pocket. Thanks Keith
I wanted to love my SG and previously my Les Paul. They looked cool, sounded great amazing with 57 Classics but they didn't feel right. Bought a Player Plus Strat because wanted to experiment with single coils and just loved it at first strum and I never thought that would be the case, ever, because I've never been attracted to Strats. Ended up buying an HSS because I wanted to have a humbucker on the bridge. Couldn't be happier and baffled at the same time :)
My favorite guitar is the one I can’t put down.. the one that keeps me creative and inspires me. .
Than I go to the guitar shop to buy strings and I see it.. she’s so beautiful!
And I take her home and the fricken journey starts all over again 😂
Over and over… life is good 😊
Totally agree. Just because your guitar idol plays a certain model or year’s model doesn’t mean it’s the best guitar for YOU. Play everything. Even check if another of the same model is stored “in the back”. Every instrument is unique, even if built by the same person
Welcome to this side of the world. Enjoy your vaccation!
I saw the Grissom with Mayall and Coco performance on ACL when it originally aired…early 1990s (?) … it was amazing and I still think of it sometimes. He killed. ACL was just so amazing for seeing great guitar players in those days.
I own two Juniors and three Specials. You're damn right you should buy guitars that you love!
My journey was about pleasing me, 30 years of reading guitar gear mags, while I had just 2 guitars, then add some funds, & lots of time after my partner passed away ….and I just wanted to find what was right for me, have fun swapping/buying parts and adding to each guitar anyway they needed it, In short, use the knowledge I’d gained from past and present, (about effects pedals too, I’m glad all I had was an overdrive 😀 back in the day!) [I recently Plex’d 2 guitars another sonic revelation!😳] and after buying like 6, mostly after watching a particular review, I know what I like, it’s a particular tone from a humbucking equipped guitar, what I’ve learned is, at most I need 3 guitars 1 with a trem, 2 without, wrap around bridges, big frets, a medium C carve and Seymour Duncan’s I’ve learned odd things, like changing from plastic nut to Bone, or stock writing versus cloth covered and hi quality switches pot and jacks makes an incredible tonal change. But I can really only play one to my satisfaction, my Revstar, I changed most of its parts, but the build quality, fretwork!(especially when compared to its cheap original parts) is just soo good, beats the PRS, competes with my ‘66 SG I bought in my 30’s, simply because the Yamaha has a neck PU, I don’t play my 1 PU guitars anymore
So it’s been fun, but why keep what I don’t play, I recently bought a switch so I could jump from one to the other, but a month later and I just play the Revstar🤣. Great show, I don’t understand validators either😳 weird, I’ll only admit I bought them hoping to have a jam partner, so it’s not showing them off, just have g a guitar good enough that they didn’t need to bring theirs! Sigh…. Covid kinda trashed my plans, and I’m basically a recluse now. But I sure play a lot better🤣🤣
Paint with the colors you love! I got off the wagon. I haven't bought a brand name electric in nearly 20 years. Im fortunate enough I could buy nice vintage or modern stuff, yet, I KNOW what I like/love and im also fortunate enough to build what I love. The sad fact is, most of us do our best, or most creative work relatively early in our journey. And we do it on the worst gear we will own (typically) as most of us have little money to get the "good" or fancy stuff.
I bought my guitar back in 1980 which is 50$ Japan 1972 Aria SG. It is played countless times on records and gigs. I broke the neck and body repaired it cost me a lot more than the initial price and still playing after 45 years. It has magical low output humbucker pickups. It is still my only guitar although I can easily spare the budget for 5000$ custom LP.
So my guitar journey started at 10 years old so it is my 50th year also. I lasted a lot of years with a Sigma I played in folk group at St. Patrick’s church and my LP Firebrand, which I bought with the first $600 I earned at McDonalds when I was 16 years old. I also built my first amp from an old tube stereo and speakers. It was many years later when the sigma had just deteriorated from neglect that I bought my first Martin C series. Later, close to my 45th birthday I bought my dream guitar which was a Taylor 12 string because back in the folk group days that 12 string players were cooler. Then things went a little crazy. Replaced the C series martin with a GPCPA1 which is my favorite guitar to play. Then I got a Strat because I had some money and it was a strat (which I got a Jimi Hendrix strap for). All was good. 4 guitars, a Martin 6 and Taylor 12, a LP from 1980 and a Strat. Then the bug hit me. I started buying stuff (mostly stuff sub $800) that would be “in essence” the tone of the more famous guitars. Then there was a cheap epi 335…and then A Danelectro 12 because I couldn’t justify a rick. Then I got an epi SG to get a guitar with P90s, and then the Dragon telecaster just because it’s cool. Then I got the tonewood bug for acoustics and needed a rosewood dread, a 00 hog and a maple small body. Then a Danelectro longhorn bass. Then a Casino, then a gretsch 5420. Along the way I got some amps, pedals and other equipment. There is a certain amount of fun picking which guitar(s), amp, effects and combination of instruments I use for my next cover on UA-cam. Looking back I could get by with my GPCPA1, my LP and my bass. Okay maybe I’d keep one of the 12s. But really I could reduce the total by 75%-80%. In the end I enjoy all my guitars and some get used a lot less than others. However I will say I would not trade being able to do this for another hobby.
I think a great guitar is one that is nice to look at comfortable to hold and play. I can get the sound I want by pickup changes, caps and amp choices. I don't use pedals.
For me it was never about getting what will impress anyone else. It is about what I thought I needed or wanted. An example of this is me thinking I HAD to have a Martin. Wasn't that THE "cowboy" guitar? Well, I could not afford the one I wanted, so went with a Fender dreadnaught. It worked fine, but didn't "feel" right. It always threw my shoulder out a bit. And then I went and played the Martin I thought I wanted... and not only was there the shoulder issue, I hated the neck profile.
Well... I also played some Taylors. I had avoided them because.. well... they were not dreadnaughts. But holy crap, they felt GREAT! So I have several guitars, but my Taylor 314ce ltd is my go to. It's darn near the only one I play now. It is what I both truly needed, but also now my want. Plus I don't strum or play bluegrass... I am a slower finger stylist (which I didn't think I would be... but here I am). And the Taylor is PERFECT for that.
This has applied to pedals, and other things not even guitar related in life. What we often think we want or need isn't what we truly need or want in the end.
Irrelevant comment … but I was surprised to learn you are going to be 64 this year and I used to think you are probably in your early 50s. You look fabulous and goes on to prove guitar happiness is a thing and keeps you younger inside out . Keep up the great work and here I was thinking I am in my late 40s ; when am I going to do all the things I want to do with my podcast and my band? You inspired me . Thanks again for the fun channel . I love the streams 🤘🏽
I couldn’t relate to or agree more with this sentiment, perfectly stated!!! Those dudes who comment all negative have one thing in common I’ve noticed: they’re all terrible players or don’t play at all! 🤦♂️🤣💯🎯🎶 Watched the Yamaha guitars video yesterday, the amount of homework and passion you put into your videos is unmatched, thank you for your commitment to All things music and guitar! 😉👏