6 Rules For TRADING UP and ALWAYS WINNING

[@jafstraycat]

Something else I heard you say before that I have taken to heart is, "It's not an investment if you're not willing to sell it."

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

The amount of times I've been told that is insane and it's totally true. It can appreciate all you want it to but if you never part ways with it...

[@benplayssongs8849]

Best deals I've got are from people who were VERY confident but wrong about what they had. Got a 1960 refinished duo sonic for 1700, except it is 100% original in every way. The shop owner told me "its a refinish because they didn't come in that color(desert sand)". In 1960 they only came in that color. Got a 1950 Fender Broadcaster and the shop owner told me it had the "original PAFs". The pickups are original including the (famously microphonic) tin baseplate bridge pickup.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Confidently stupid people are some of the best people to trade with because they're totally sure to screw themselves and think they screwed you 🙌 their loss is our win! Rock on my fellow Ben 🙌

[@papablue3015]

Trust,honesty, fairness, that's what makes a real man! 😊

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

❤️

[@lukeb2636]

Have been wanting to get into the trading game for a while and am glad i waited a bit to gain more general guitar knowledge. This is exactly the video i needed. Not every guitar being a forever guitar is probably what i needed to hear most. Keep up the great content and energy!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Good luck Luke. Once you get in the groove you'll be firing on all cylinders. It takes a little bit but it's worth it. 🙌🎸🔥

[@hkguitar1984]

Interesting. I can appreciate the whole wheeler-dealer upgrading, that's just not me. Last guitar I traded was back in 1976, I traded my 1974 Fender Mustang towards a new 1976 Les Paul Deluxe. I've just kept all the guitars I've purchased through my life (no impulse purchases, just thoroughly thought out acquisitions that I've stuck with). Lots of good information in this video, thank you Benny. BTW, that '42 Kalamazoo Jumbo is ridiculously cool, most certainly worth your trade.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Oh yeah, that Gibson is the bees knees

[@hkguitar1984]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist 👍😉

[@Aaron78155]

Can’t wait for this video! You’re killing it, Benny! Keep up the good content.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Thanks so much Aaron! 3.5 hours

[@vinniesworld459]

Not into the trading game myself, but definitely some solid advice! I find it so hard to part with any of my guitars...

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

That's one of the dilemmas, having guitars you're actually willing to trade!

[@danielbreaux1842]

I always lose money selling guitars! Or amps. So I refuse to sell them. I will give them away to family and friends. My 1972 Martin D28 recently went to a new family hone, where it will be appreciated for it's family history!

[@linheitzig9227]

Excellent video Benny. Lot's of useful info. Thank you!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

My absolute pleasure Lin! I certainly hope it helps some people 🙌🙏

[@brianh.santos9295]

Very informative video. Well done!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Thanks so much Brian, I'm glad u dug it! If u haven't subscribed yet please do! Good luck with the Emily Wolfe Sheraton!

[@sethboutilier]

Hey benny! I've been subscribed and watching your videos for a few months now, and I just wanted to let you know that I love the videos! A few months ago I started trading guitars with the end goal of getting a nice esp eclipse or a nice 80's jackson. I've managed to get both!! The 80's jackson is actually a early 90's jackson but it looks super sweet and it was part of a pretty limited run. Thank you for giving me the idea to start trading up, I'm super happy with my outcome and owe a massive part of it to you man. You really deserve a way bigger audience than this. Good luck and thank you man!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

❤️❤️❤️ be proud of yourself Seth! That is amazing! I am so honored that I could help be a part of your success. These are the kinda comment that keep me going Seth. Thanks so much brother, please keep in touch and keep commenting 🙌 thank you for being a part of I do

[@MeatSteeple]

Excellent vid! One of your previous 'trading up' videos gave me the motivation and method to acquire most (not quite done yet) of my bucket list guitars, which now fill me with joy. I thought I would never own them, until I saw your vid. Can you have too much happiness? No!! You rock, Benny!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

This makes me so happy to read. I always wonder when I take the time to put these together if anyone is actually using these methods or if I'm just entertainment? The fact that you're getting bucket list guitars tells me that I'm giving good advice and that people are actually employing said advice! What guitars are on your bucket list?

[@MeatSteeple]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Hey Benny. So far, I've unloaded 10 guitars and a handful of pickups and stomp boxes to get 4 Gibson's that I've wanted for decades. What remains on the list is just one item (for now); getting a killer telecaster. I still have a stable of about 35 axes, with 6 of those being collectable.

[@younkinjames8571]

Honestly your best video yet. Were about the same age and ive only recently began playing this game a little bit. Very helpful and relatable. Kudos to you man. Youre crushing.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on James, I hope this helps put some perspective on what I do so you can do the same thing! I appreciate you watching and taking the time, my friend. Here's to some badasa axes in your near future 🙌

[@markstiffler6898]

Great advice and words to live by, unless you see something really cool..... :) That Southern Jumbo is da Bomb! And UDAMAN!!!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on mark!!! That southern jumbo is the ultimate conquestQ

[@chrish.4067]

Good stuff on trading. Treat people nice. Also, dont deal with mean people who can't be bothered to be polite.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You can but just know who you're dealing with and always make sure YOU have the upper hand! Thanks for watching, please subscribe and join the madness

[@unstable.musician]

Well, this came out at the perfect time. Thank you, Benny 💜

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

My pleasure, hope it helps? You starting to trade up?

[@unstable.musician]

Yes actually, trying to trade up a Schecter Van Nuys Traditional right now, hoping to find a 90's or early 2000's Fender@@TheNeuroticGuitarist

[@ianfralen4838]

Love this kind of content man! I'd be really interested to see a video of you out in the wild trading up. One of those 'paperclip to a ferrari' videos would be a cool concept. Like getting from a Squier to a custom shop kind of things.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Most trades I do in confidence or mostly by mail lately, so unless I staged them like pawn stars I doubt you'll see me in the wild in that capacity. Would be super cool though, I'm w ya! I appreciate the input Ian, keep it coming please

[@TheJeffcurran]

Good one Benny.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Thank you good sir 🙌 I even put some math in there!

[@michelleneeds4165]

I got an ad just after your numero Uno, it had three very different words to stop and make you think. They were "Kitty says Yum". Just one of those weird coincidences of the KZbin algorithm haha.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Well, did you click on it Michelle? Did the kitty say yum???

[@sunnyshine4016]

I have a couple of questions about the buying/selling game: 1) are there any guitar brands that you just ignore as you are looking for the deals? (Do you look at Squier Strats, or D'Angelico premiers, or only at gear that will clearly appreciate in value?) 2) are there any artist's signature lines that you avoid because you dont care for their music, attitude, style? 3) are you as open to buying/selling new gear as you are to vintage? 4) any color schemes or woods that you avoid, or is everything fair game? Just curious- i hate maple fingerboards and turn away at the words "John Mayer" in any context.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

1. I predominately stick with prs, gibson, and things I know. It's not to say I'm not open minded to other gear, but I have focused myself predominately in those directions so unless it's one of the brands I dig I tend to stay away. No interest in squires, esp, schecter, etc. 2. I'm not really into signature guitars in general so I don't really go for them in the first place 3. I like new year and I'm absolutely open minded to it but I def vibe more with vintage 4. I am open to any color bring it on

[@sunnyshine4016]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist it makes sense, with your 1st guitar being a Les Paul. That's definitely where the money's at. So, when you go a surfin' the webs, you're looking for deals on your target brands, but not actual models, colors, or features? It sounds strange to me because I am a sucker for a black guitar or any of Gibson's pre 60's sunbursts with the amber rising up from the black and burgundy. I don't spend much time looking at 'natural' finishes or monochrome reds, blues, greens, etc., but any Les Paul with cream binding on the body, trim, and fb is a showstopper for me. Are there any unusual Brand/model/features that you would like to see? What would Benny's signature B/M/F look like? Les Paul with a fanned fretboard? Butterscotch Telecaster with Rosewood fingerboard? A white BB King Lucille w/ maple fb? I keep seeing a harp guitar at the edge of frame; any other odd or interesting acoustic instruments? Any zithers, ukuleles, or accordions? Thanks for your time, Benny- great channel, great content!

[@baabaabaa-El]

Rule 7: Never trust a hippy!! That 42 Jumbo mate!! Well done Benny...bugga the museum, they can have it later!👍

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You bet, when I'm done getting my hands all over it!

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Number 5: ❤️👍

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on Dave, I appreciate u taking the time ⏲️

[@srogers500]

Had a similar situation with a Strat Ultra I bought from my brother in law. Nothing Fender about it, but it definitely was a combination of correct-looking, complete garbage parts. Even had the limited edition paint job and correct serial number. Looks beautiful, plays trash. I've been using it to learn about guitar repairs while fixing it up. It's not going well.😁

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Haha, oh man, I get it! That warmoth in the video is actually a great guitar, it's just a lie. No serial on it or anything so it's way more obvious now that I have a clue. Headstock isn't quite right either. You live, you learn! 🙌

[@scottbogfoot]

I cannot part ways with any of my guitars. They're a lot like pets. I have 30ish, which is way too many for me, they take up too much room, everytime i bought one i worked hard to save for whereas im not wealthy, i even have ones ive never opened the case since ive bought other than to get seeviced by my tech. They even continue to cost me money because i have extended warranties on all of them. But with all those negative things they are for different reasons some ofvthe most valued yet least valuable things i own. Id love to buy some used guitars but i wouldn't trust my ability to spot a good one or worse a potentially bad one. Cheers😊

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Take a peek at this video when it drops, I think you're gonna have a wealth if info to expand if you choose to! Rock on, my friend, and thank you for your continued support 🙏

[@Shiznitt_]

Words of wisdom 🙏 Would be cool to see some of your guitars get reviewed and documented by Trogly

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Why?

[@Shiznitt_]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Could help channel growth since he has such a large following & wouldn’t hurt to get mentioned. He has a large collection as well so it could be a good opportunity for trade if there’s anything of interest 🤷‍♂️ But always dig your videos man keep ‘em commin! 🤘

[@TheJeffcurran]

@@Shiznitt_ His followers are the types that Benny mentions. They have no knowledge.

[@newmexicosaint]

Great advice! I’m curious tho…is that room over insured?

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

It's def insured, I think "over insured" is the wrong term. Properly insured.

[@petersouthwell5971]

Lol... I bet the Warmoth kicks ass :)

[@petersouthwell5971]

To your defense brother man. Strats are way easy to spoof because they are just parts casters end of the day.. So unless your going to take the guitar apart and inspect all the parts.. How would you really know the body said warmoth.. if you just looked at the neck. Warmoth is really quality as well.. So it's not going to look cheap. Might even be better then the Fender (Well lets be real.. The warmoth parts ARE BETTER)... But they wont have the sell cost of a Fender for whatever reason.

[@petersouthwell5971]

Also.. Need to say some cool words for the Poor guys at Warmoth man.!! THey're company is SO Misunderstood. Dude.. Warmoth parts are the bomb. They blow fender away. Parts are superb. But.. For whatever reason... They got the what I call "Carvin/Kissel" effect. Guitars that should be considered collectable because they're far and above.. But somehow.. The re-sellers market is un reasonabley unkind to. Yet those idiots will buy a piece of poop 1958 strat for $60,000. Go figure.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I love it. It's def as high quality as a custom shop, it's just the value of it that's not

[@angelinathedrifter]

I kow not about Six Golden Rules...but Ben❤ i swear on Buffalo's Butt😂 u gave us titbit' on ur song n hid te rest of 80/ ...is it some kind of new hide n seek' games 😂 bring it on ,fella' we are all ears🤘 Rock on

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I'm working on 4 new lost symphony songs as we speak, stay tuned!!! Thank u as always Angelina, u rock!

[@jerrysolonsmith8471]

I just added "on a buffalo's butt" to my list of things NEVER to say..... right up there with "what's the deal (dill) pickle"

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

@@jerrysolonsmith8471 😅

[@pamelaarmstrong3612]

Great video. Just don’t have the confidence to be a good trader. Can I just hire you? 😂

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

You can! I've def helped many people find great guitars, it's one of my skills!

[@kellybates1972]

I had a guy GIVE me more money for a guitar than I was asking. He told me I had it under priced and gave me the difference. Still get the feels when I think about it. Awesome guy. I was able to buy my first tube amp because of him.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Rock on kelly, there are some badass people out there. Being good to people and karma are the real thing! Make sure you keep the good energy going and clearly you'll never forget what that feels like! Thanks for watching

[@bmint]

I’m not a troll but I see how my comments may come across.. i am sorry!

[@bmint]

I must say it.. if your playing the trade game.. avoid strats!

[@bmint]

They get mismatched and customized or personalized too much!

[@bmint]

Avoid bolt on guitars entirely!

[@bmint]

Fender and squier make a set neck telecaster.. avoid Stratocasters..

[@bmint]

Always sweeten the pot! Straps, Chords, cases, pedals, amps.. they all seeeten the pot!

[@bmint]

Same people you see on the way up are the same people you’ll see on the way down..that is only if your stuck in rut.. change up your style, try something new.. meet new people!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I think you missed that point: when I say the same people on the way up as there are on the way down I mean be good to people because when things are going well you'll see those people and when things are going back life will still have you cross paths with a lot of those same people so if you're shitty to them they'll remember that. If you're good to them, they'll remember that.

[@bmint]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist😂 yes I do remember them all.. every guitar I had and still have was traded on a bad deal, they all needed a pot or a new jack input or had a pickup ground not connected, or the dreaded twisted neck.. I’m good with my trades, I honestly have not met any one who is as honest as myself! 😂 that’s sounds so narcissistic 😢😂

[@bmint]

That’s my good traders karma.. every guitar I have after my repairs, is worth much much more than the guitar I had before it..

[@bukwok]

i trading my iphone to latest one, losing money every times, god dammit! joke aside , for a non guitar collectors like me, buy a guitar you really like, dont make it like a investment , just play and have fun i guess, gibson guitar resell value always good compared to other brand.

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

It all comes down to your motivation. If you're just looking to play and have fun this video isn't meant for you. Buy a guitar and just rock! IPhone are the biggest ripoff! The whole thing is a giant scam lol

[@ceadudz1786]

Imagine changing your strings every 6 months 😭💀

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I am constantly changing strings lol

[@ceadudz1786]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist probably a part time job with that nice collection you got there! Lol

[@t_rent247]

that you could sell for a car. mic drop

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

🎸🔥🙌

[@JohnKlopp]

Those all your guitars? Dude, you have a serious problem, you need more space!

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

I've moved since this video. I have more space. subscribe and join the madness

[@benwright6330]

. but do you have to yell? Or tell you what, just yell all the time, so that way I can turn it down to where it's listenable. Pick one, loud or quiet, quiet I'll turn it up to where I can hear. Your going from near whisper to flat out yelling so I'm turning it up, turning it down, turning it up. Please. Be Consistent.🛫🛬💥🛫🛬💥🛫🛬💥🤷

[@TheNeuroticGuitarist]

Ben, that's how I talk online, hyper dynamically. If you don't like it then I encourage you not to watch. That's who I am and it's not gonna change. I'd make an apology but I'm not sorry.

[@benwright6330]

@@TheNeuroticGuitarist ok Buy!