Rhett Shull's Famous Novo Guitar: HONEST Review

[@andrefludd]

Here’s an update!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ2UqpJtq55plas

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Gil yaron. If you want something vintage inspired gil yaron. He cloned a 59 burst he did a refret on which involved removing the entire fret board from the neck. Broad caster and other stuff too. Or eastman les paul copies. Coming from someone who could go get for free an actual 1950s les paul black beauty and has handled 3 actual 58 through 60s bursts. Former neighbor is Elvis costellos guitsr tech and other former neighbor was a sound engineer and recording professional for decades. Anything vintage inspired go to gil.

[@bushleague3472]

Couple points, the Novo does not transmit attack the same way the Gibson does, you dont play it hard because there is no reward. The middle position irreparably sucks because the controls do not give you the ability to blend the pups to taste. Too, if your Pups are wound opposite they will be relatively noise free in the center position, and with the Gibson controls you can get all the tones you need in the middle if necessary... almost like Gibson actually did know what they were doing?

[@christopherweise438]

I love that you were so open to something that isn't your normal or preferred guitar. Made your review more "genuine" if that makes sense? Pickups can be easily swapped out, but having the neck, body, and play ability exactly were you want it goes a long way, and is most of the battle. Very well done Andre. Thanks.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for your comment!

[@JuanValdez24]

Great video. I just transitioned to the American 2 strat with 7.25 radius. That might be a little extreme for you, but I always played flat radius, thin neck guitars thinking they were right for me. I play so much better with a fatter neck and 7.25 radius. I highly recommend people try it. They can be a little harder to get dialed in, but when they are, Holy cow is it comfy.

[@andrefludd]

Sounds awesome!

[@hilaryburrows9487]

I agree. I have a custom tele with a beautiful fat neck, although still 9.5 radius, but I've played a genuine 60's JazzMaster with 7.25, and now I'm interested in the American vintage 2strats

[@shred5]

Great review. You did a great job at being honest and upfront while reviewing a guitar that is generally outside of your regular comfort zone, and in turn finding something new.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@sunlightprism]

Your review reveals how much thought and craftsmanship went into the guitar, well done.

[@pamelaarmstrong3612]

I have a Novo Serus J. (You can opt for noiseless p90s when you order. ) Rock solid staying in tune. So comfortable to play. It’s so light. For me, the body is too big, I’m only 5’6 with small hands. So it looks funny on me I think. But man, so buttery to play. Glad you are enjoying yours.

[@andrefludd]

See, I figured a smaller person might have a different view about the size and what not. Very interesting that they went with such a large body. That guitar is addictive. Now it has me looking at the Miris, I’m a sucker for an F hole and I don’t have any semi hollows…

[@Fatherflot64]

Loved the chef's kiss for the nut cut. This is so important and it's often overlooked. Almost no manufacturer gives you a nut that is perfectly done.

[@oscsmalmoe]

Very interesting video. I love how you zoom in on the details. I have never heard of Novo before but now this is definitely on my wish list. I like vintage guitars and have an old Fender Jaguar but I would love to have something more… “perfect” as well. Perfect when it comes to playability, stability and details but also has charm, personality and “soul”.

[@oldmanzen6682]

Talk about a fantastic, in-depth review of this instrument without any of the sales speak you hear from some reviewers.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you. The only thing I want you to buy is my courses at andrefludd.com/courses ;)

[@baimun]

Loved the review. You mention many of the same points that drew me to the Thorn SoCal R/S. Ron Thorn is now the principal master builder at Fender, but has been building his own guitars for years... and has an attention to detail beyond anything I've ever seen. He pioneered the inlayed fret (no exposed fret ends even on a one-piece neck), mine has a contoured heel and the neck pocket is key shaped so when the neck is bolted on with machine screws, it cannot twist or shift in the pocket. The MannMade bridge and block are cut from one big solid block. The contour around the saddles (Mann co-designed the PRS tremolo) has more meat on the bass side for your hand to rest against. Even floating, it's stable and returns to pitch. Mine was lightly aged in the factory, and even when I sweat on it during long outside gigs, if some paint flakes off, or I ding it on stage... it's like your favorite pair of worn in jeans with the hole in the knee! ☮❤🎶

[@andrefludd]

Love learning! I’m going to look into Ron Thorn. I love people who are good at their job. Thank you!

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

I vibed the eff out of this one! I'm glad you were pleasantly surprised!

[@johnmclaughlin763]

I play mostly the blues. And rhythm in my church. I’m far from a guitar expert or tone chaser. But I am all about playability and cool looks. Very simplistic. But I do collect guitars. Recently got a fender Japanese aerodyne strat and a schechter cali classic. Maybe not blues guitars but they almost play themselves. So I’m not the guy that buys vintage style stuff usually. But I think based on this video I’m gonna buy a novo. These are unreal videos!

[@whssy]

Not surprised you're bonding well with that type of vibrato. If you like quiet pickups and you don't mind going along the "put it together yourself" route - if you can find some, perhaps consider the Hofner 513 blade pickups from the 1970s. They're the quietest most hi-fi sounding pickups I have. Interesting you are a flat wound guy. I've had two guitars where the strings were so squeaky that flatwounds were the solution. Yet on others, the exact same strings don't squeak. Both the guitars I had that problem with had microphonic pickups. I ended up selling one of them on. Still have the other and it still has flats.

[@andrefludd]

Very interesting. Never heard of those pickups. I’ll have to do some research. Thanks!

[@jordanshrago4209]

You should check out a Suhr JM Pro with noiseless P90s. Offset body, I prefer the TOM bridge for tuning stability, stainless frets, locking tuners. It’s amazing and based on your feedback in the video I think you would love it.

[@Jonnydrums413]

Great review! Very curious about your thoughts on Rivolta compared to Novo. Been debating on getting multiple cheaper guitars or just getting another Novo. Also still waiting on that Mayones update, is that still happening?

[@andrefludd]

Yep, they still have to mail it back. They are changing tuners, nut, mild fret work, plek, and a refinish.

[@Jonnydrums413]

@@andrefludd Woah! That is some customer service right there. GGs to Mayones.

[@nugeforprez]

Really glad I came across your channel from that parker vid. Wondering, what is your experience with abasi guitars? Cheers and keep doing what you're doing!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you! I’d love LOVE to try one. And I probably will eventually, but until then I can’t say much besides they look really awesome.

[@UnitedEffect]

Instead of changing pickups because of the noise factor, would you consider using an Electro-Harmonix Hum DeBugger or some other brand of hum eliminator? I'm having some noise issues with the pair of Lollar P-90's in my Forshage Orion when using just one pickup. I absolutely love the tones of these P-90's, it's one of the reasons I chose the guitar over another Orion with humbuckers. So.. seriously considering the EHX pedal. Best regards, Glenn

[@VixCrush]

Sweet. My number 1 was a Parker Fly throughout the 1990s.... I no longer have it which is a bummer and now my number 1 is a prs cu24... It kinda blows my mind that you have 8s on that.

[@andrefludd]

Yep. 8's on everything solid body. I will throw a 45 and 35 on the E and A sometimes though.

[@kennethmeeker6369]

There made from materials very close to old fender teles from the fifties pine bodies and quarter sawn maple all roasted and then hand picked for weight . They definitely ring loud and resonate against the body . Massive head stock more mass more sustaine

[@andrefludd]

Tons of sustain and resonance that is for sure!

[@reddsshaker3477]

Parker guitars are cool…..until the frets start falling off of the neck. Lol. They’re epoxied to the surface, not pressed in. I’ve had a few come through my repair shop with frets in a ziploc baggie.

[@JohnWellings-mz2ue]

Great review , the approach wanting everything perfect, and looking at details I'd never even thought of. So very good, review. As you said at start .not like any other review on KZbin? Thanks

[@firstname_rene]

jumping into this price range have you had a chance to try a Collings Guitars 470 JL? or others... off set wise their 360 is a fun take

[@andrefludd]

Not yet but I’d love to in the future.

[@eddiejr540]

Dr. Andre…just stumbled on your channel…loved the vid…I totally resonated with everything…delivery and presentation…perfection!!!!!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you, Eddie! That means a lot :).

[@Mk14Mod0_]

You should check Kauer Guitars if you can find one around.

[@andrefludd]

Gonna be hard to find for sure.

[@Allison_Chaynes]

I really enjoy your soft style of playing. It's got me practicing it.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)!

[@CMW648]

You should try out a fender American pro 2 telecaster. The playability and fit and finish is fantastic and the tone is a tasteful blend of modern clarity and vintage warmth and grit. Easily the favorite guitar i own.

[@andrefludd]

I will eventually!

[@martyshwaartz971]

Always thought these were just another guitar trapped in the 60s, but going on their website they offer SS frets and compound radius? Might have to work some overtime and save for one of these 😅

[@andrefludd]

Yep! Modern spec classic design

[@keithsmith9889]

I also suffer from poor electricity guality but I have had great luck with noise suppression so maybe before you swap pickups try something like this there are plug in styles also but that's the cheapest example I could find.

[@andrefludd]

I’ve tried all the tricks over the years haha. But I appreciate the tip, Keith!

[@liamgallagherrr]

hey what is that little stand for the guitar while your sitting and playing called ?

[@andrefludd]

Performaxe!

[@donly8408]

Also, that Rivolta with the natural is something I've had my on for a bit too. Now, I definitely have to subscribe.

[@andrefludd]

I'll get that up Friday and perhaps a comparison of the two next Friday to put a bow on this rivolta/novo saga.

[@donly8408]

@@andrefludd NICE!!! looking forward to it.

[@Lordofmrak]

It is interesting you are able to function in day to day situations with that extreme need for perfection... It is really hardcore.

[@andrefludd]

It is a gift and a curse. I've learned to not project my weird quarks onto other people and I do a good job of hiding it from most lol

[@Lordofmrak]

@@andrefludd It is great for reviews, because you are talking about details no one else would care or even notice. And well, about the curse part...

[@donly8408]

So, I stumbled on this video somehow and I'm so glad I did. So many things to unpack. I'm definitely a fan of Rhett Schull. I'm interested in getting a Novo Serus. Also, I see you're in Jersey City, and I'm also in NJ. The guitar holder mechanism is totally intriguing. Dope content. Keep up the good work.

[@andrefludd]

Love from NJ, brother. Thank you for the support!

[@scottketterer1672]

I really like your take on the Novo as you've stated that you're more of a modern guitar player. I also bought a Novo, but I'm not a player of super modern guitars. That being said, there is something about these Novos. I love the Olympic White, it looks great.

[@andrefludd]

I’d actually prefer a different color but it plays so good idc haha. Thanks for the support.

[@reagangundersen3490]

Love the video! Just a thought, even though you like modern guitars, have you ever tried a Fender Mustang or Jaguar?

[@andrefludd]

Not for an extended thorough review. Just here and there. I love all offsets.

[@reagangundersen3490]

@@andrefludd I personally love offsets, from your review in almost thinking it would be interesting to see what you thought of A Fender Jaguar Classic HH. Great tuning, blend modes for two pickups between single coil and full humbucker sounds, high pass cut switch, on off for neck and bridge. I'd think you dig it, well, hopefully, we are all different ✌️

[@locky828]

Hmmm nickel frets and a gigbag for $5000. I’m not convinced

[@heikoschwammle4650]

the strange, quaky sound in the middle might be because the pickups are out of phase🤔

[@zxexrxox]

What's the thing you have at the bottom of the guitar?

[@andrefludd]

Performaxe, check the channel there's a review.

[@blueslawyer]

I love your point on relics.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@markemmerton5350]

Site says "Sold out" if trying to buy a Select.

[@andrefludd]

I guess they aren't available right now.

[@teachmeguitar4149]

Hey andre. Whats that attached to the bottom of your guitar?

[@andrefludd]

Performaxe, linked in the video description.

[@teachmeguitar4149]

@@andrefludd thanks a ton

[@RockwithJesus]

Why does the Black Guitar make me think of Guitar Hero, the video game 😊

[@googaboogaloo]

You should check out Collings too. Even if it’s just in a guitar shop.

[@andrefludd]

I’d love too. Hard to find since they are a bit more pricey.

[@googaboogaloo]

@@andrefludd yeah I’ve only ever seen them in one guitar store. Also their Waterloo line of acoustics are my favorite acoustics ever.

[@brendansapp1426]

Check out K-line they make some really cool guitars

[@hawedehre]

😂 To me the relic discovery is the most obvious thing ever. I regret a bit not buying the custom shop Strat, so I still have to worry about scratches.

[@frodeleirvik]

Absolutely great video. Convincing and honest. I suppose a Novo is not for me (short guy with small hands...), but then again it's way out of my budget and I think it looks awful.

[@adrianmarquez2489]

But perfection is always subjective

[@bradleyclosson5042]

Your should try an original American Kahler flat mount trem. It ticks all the boxes you are wanting in a trem system. Best trem I've ever played. I have one on my aluminum 1978 Kramer DMZ 2000. You do have to use tremelo reinforced strings in those trems. I would recommend the silk wrapped GHS reinforced Boomers. Also if you are getting into the traditional guitars you should check out an Eastman. They are way better quality than Gibson at a very decent price. No simple traditional guitar should cost more than $1500. $5k is laughable for that guitar. Even a local luthier could build your a killer custom guitar for half of that.

[@andrefludd]

Yea 5k is really for the crazy paint jobs. I’d never pay for paint personally

[@bradleyclosson5042]

@@andrefludd don't fall for these marketing schemes

[@leinonibishop9480]

is it possible the pickups are out of phase with each other in the middle position? i don't know much about it but sometimes people swap the magnets to be out of phase to get that more bluesy nasal sound in the middle position. since you bought this used maybe it was messed with, or maybe Novo offers that as an option on their pickups?

[@andrefludd]

They might be! Not sure to be honest

[@jeffwithajay42]

Great video mate 👌

[@andrefludd]

Thanks Jeff!

[@StephenScottGuitar]

I disagree with you almost all the time, and I still enjoy your videos.

[@robertclarkguitar]

enjoyed this ...A LOT. great video.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@darbymckilkannoncaid3279]

Just for the record, Novos are considerably cheaper when ordered from Novo

[@darbymckilkannoncaid3279]

18 months 3200 w/customizations. that's the story with my voltur

[@andrefludd]

Yea I get to that in the video eventually haha

[@MultiSpeedr]

Great Vid Andre, I am not quite so demanding, but all of those points make sense...

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@susanholt56]

Andre, my husband says for you to get a Friedman Vintage T / with P90's............If you don't have access to one, reach out....

[@andrefludd]

Your husband has great taste! I don't own a Friedman but I've tried one. Great instruments.

[@BladeDoomer86]

Also, i had to do a double take when i read that thing about stats and users skipping after 5sec of playing 🤣 really tells a lot about today's world and how we can't appreciate the small stuff anymore.. Wasn't industrialization supposed to give us MORE leisure time 🤭

[@andrefludd]

Exactly! I’m still working on getting more leisure myself.

[@Winterfell1066]

Great review.

[@andrefludd]

Glad you think so!

[@WholeLottaBulldog]

That look @ 14:20 😂

[@jonkomatsu8192]

Okay. I just gotta say: You're content is terrific! I mean, I watched your entire video all the way through, beginning to the complete end, no skips or fast forwarding as I do most other creators, enjoying it all. And just let me say, you are a great reviewer as well. Subbed. Done. 🤙🎸

[@andrefludd]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate it!

[@JTHeidrick]

Wow. This video totally makes Rhett Shull's videos completely validated. I just got a Novo, and yes, it really is THAT good....As far as comparison to vintage: YES, it does compare very well against any vintage Gibson or Fender. This is very much like a vintage guitar. Buy a Novo, and DON'T buy the budget version. Get the one you want!

[@andrefludd]

Do you currently own other vintage guitars? I’d love to hear a bit more in terms of what you like about each?

[@JTHeidrick]

@@andrefludd I could give a course on vintage guitar differences--I have played so many over the years. The 1950s Fender guitars are truly high quality. It is amazing that there is almost nothing like a guitar from the 1950s that can be beat. Compare nearly any 1950s Fender guitar to a modern one and the 50s is better. Can you say that for a car? A refridgerator? Even soap? That is what is most amazing about 1950s and 1960s quality guitars. They did it right. But if like the Serus J, you would absolutely love a 1950s Jazzmaster. No doubt about it.

[@rstats2127]

@@JTHeidrick do you mean a 1959 or 60’s Jazzmaster? The first production year of the Jazzmaster was 1959 although it was introduced at the 1958 NAMM show.

[@qwertpoiuy430]

@@rstats2127 when people say 50s vs 60s in guitar talk they usually mean the late 50s vs late 60s, for the case of the jazz master the 50s are probably better labeled as 58-61 and progressively turns into the 60s style the later it gets on the decade

[@thefamilydog6392]

What is this ? Hideous guitar club?

[@fundymentalism]

Bruh the best part of having a relic/beat up guitar is that you can play it, travel with it and just enjoy it and not stress if it gets scratches etc.

[@thecrankedamps]

Why are people making a celebrity out of this Rhett guy? How many records has he sold? 😂

[@joejohnson8966]

WE dream of modern perfect guitars. Thank you for the video, Sir. Expertly made. 7:48 Smart, there is definitely too much playing. To my brain, 10 sec max or I just zone out. 10:16 Philip Sayce is bae 19:54 😂 31:20 oooooooooooh, it's always a mystery with your videos. Love it.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks, Joe! I appreciate the support! I’ll keep them coming haha.

[@C0nnie]

i share your idiosyncrasy in regards to noise. that probably damned me to forever hating single coils lol

[@gregmock6808]

Brilliant twist on the relic theme.....I have never been a fan of them but your video did show the value in a guitar not depreciating with cosmetic flaws..makes sense....I like my guitar scars to have personal stories behind them...my own journey

[@andrefludd]

I do too! I think it’s good to at least have a couple guitars you don’t plan on ever selling. Like owning Vs leasing a car.

[@norseman61]

Whenever I see a video with Rhett playing his Novo, that tone blows my mind… even through KZbin and computer speakers. And it’s one of the few instances where LOUD sounds good. This video of yours is excellent, and I love your open-mindedness and unexpected adoration of this guitar. I hope you continue to be pleasantly surprised by some more vintage-style guitars. I look forward to it!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

And it's Rhett's HEAVIEST guitar weighing about 9 pounds, even more than his Les Paul - but still his favorite guitar!

[@juanvaldez5422]

Shull is a pretentious shill … isn’t he one of the tubers that touted the Boss Craptana as the ‘bestus amp ever !’ 🙄

[@hilaryburrows9487]

I ordered a Select (3 months wait) Novo, after a friend brought his round, here in Australia, and I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I went ahead and mine arrived early January. Like Andre, I have never played so much guitar since I got it, it's just so damn playable and did he mention the weight? made of pine and so light. I'm not 6 foot tall as I'm a woman, yet this is the most comfortable and easy to play guitar I have ( I have a few )

[@dlmyrs]

Loved the humor and “I didn’t mean it to sound that way” looks. Great review! Really cool you found a guitar that keeps you up at night playing (I’ve seen your daily schedule regimen” video and that really must be a special guitar. Sell me the Night Fly to defray the cost (lol). Thanks again, Andre.

[@andrefludd]

It’s really hard to describe certain guitar features without sounding that way haha. Thank you! Yes, I am actually considering selling a few. I have a good 5 more weeks to decide if i want to keep it.

[@dlmyrs]

@@andrefludd nice to know you have time to decide. But it’s great you have a guitar keeping you up at night.

[@dmisiraca]

non solid body guitar is 5000$ worth, only if we are thinking in inflation terms!

[@TimothyJBerry]

Excellent review! I really enjoyed this video. It is also awesome to hear the insights of a person of color when “guitars” are so often seen as a White male passion. Thank you!

[@STSGuitar16]

Never played one, but I just gotta say I can’t stand how they look. That deep, wide grain wood they use makes every guitar look like it was a hunk of wood cut out of an old crappy kitchen table. Maybe they have some that are smoother, but all the ones I’ve seen have just been a turn off for me. I’d love to try one out though.

[@andrefludd]

I love the look!

[@stevenpipes1555]

I KNEW IT! I knew you were gonna love that guitar. I absolutely fell in love with one in about 20 minutes in a music store. I hated the color and somehow that made me love it even more. I completely understand what your trying to convey about the neck as well. It feels ultra rigid and stable, plays effortlessly, and has the charm of an old hand carved walking stick thats been used and loved for years! Its connected to majic from the past.

[@andrefludd]

You were right, Steven! I also don’t like this aged Olympic white color. But idc haha

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@andrefludd The one that i played was a tomato soup'ish kind of color. Im no fan of red in general, especially not that shade, but i cant stop thinking about it ever since!

[@lomoholga]

Very insightful I’ve been kicking around the idea of a new (to me) Jaguar due to the short scale length (24 vs 25.5 inches), and obviously a Jaguar isn’t in the same class as a Novo, it was good to hear the vibrato stays in tune acceptably For me, if I buy another guitar it has to be different enough to warrant the purchase, and not just ‘oh this has humbuckers’ or whatever- and I think a 24 scale length is much different than a fender 25.5

[@andrefludd]

as I go down this new rabbit hole, I’m pretty sure a jaguar style guitar with the scale length is coming.

[@caiusmadison2996]

​@@andrefluddAVRI series, because the cost is within same as this Novo, amd it's also super high quality. Discontinued now, but better than the new series is by landslides. I returned only one fender in my 41 years on earth, it was a new American Vintage Jaguar. It was completely unplayable. Why? Classic bridge. Has multiple saddle groove per saddle, an exceptional uninformed boner for Leo Fender in terms of design(we all get one mistake right?) Anyways, the solve was to place a Mustang bridge in the Jaguar, because it's go one Grove and is far better at being at usable height with the floating bridge system. Funny how the top of the line models, both had to seek help from the bottom of the line model to work properly, eh? Using a Mustang bridge actually is better than a Mastery(I know it sounds crazy but hear me out) as the master has sharp as flip designs to those unsightly saddles. If you FloyRose cray with it, the strings will hit and get damaged by those sharp corners. Also, the Mustang bridge 1:1 is exactly the same in terms of what the smooth action feels like, and the saddle grooves are exactly in line with the original intended middles grooves lining up correctly to the nut and all. Anyways, hope this helps, from a Fender Fanboy who owns all makes(including the bases) amd all transition models from any era of Fender. Im a collector that has a Trogley passion for literally having a museums amount of hands on guitar history. This is my suggestion, contrary to Mike Pluisheen, the new models are superior. They simply do what the true Vintage never did.

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

I just think any guitar isnt worth that much money!!!!!

[@andrefludd]

That's a fair opinion!

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

I have some issues with the design of Novo guitars. I'm convinced that they sound great and play like a dream. But I think I would hesitate to spend 5,000 dollars on an instrument that looks so odd.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I'm not a musician but I do like the idea of modern, well thought out, instruments.. Guitars that stay in tune.. well.

[@andrefludd]

Me too!

[@yormajesty]

Have watched many of Your videos, but not until You said You have 8's on that Guitar, did I feel compelled to Subscribe, You're My New Guitar Fraternity Brother.

[@joshuahek4564]

Not gonna lie, I'm a bit envious of your Parker Fly collection. I wanted one so bad in the late '90s. I saw David Bowie in '98 on the Earthling tour. His guitarist was using a carbon fiber fly. Such a good show, I never understood why those guitars never really took off.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Extremely expensive for a brand new instrument. Several makers do this, like RKS. Totally unbelievable instruments, yet their price tag was enormous for the era(Parker fly MOJO was 4k in 99'... that's half way to custom shop from the big 2, or exactly enough to get a handful of great American Fenders or a couple Gibson then. That's likely why, because in terms of a guitar that shreds and does it all, a Parker was indeed an amazing guitar. I had a friend in high school who had one. I was jealous, but he was jealous of my vintage 69 Red Competition Mustang, which was the real deal.

[@nigeldaddyo]

I played a couple Novo guitars a couple years ago. Nice, but definitely not 5K nice.

[@andrefludd]

Totally get it

[@nigeldaddyo]

@@andrefludd to be fair, maybe they weren't the best two examples. guitars at any price point can be hit or miss. my two favorite guitars are Suhrs, but years before I got them, I thought Suhr were overrated dogs. why? I played a bad one in a store one day. it weighed a ton and was pretty much lifeless. I think we both know the lesson here.

[@johnw5734]

The photo of the Ventures playing Stratocasters inspired me to start playing guitar. I wonder if the same thing would have happened if they were dressed like Fred Flintstone playing Novo guitars.

[@KennethKassabian]

I just watched a video on the manufacturing of Novo guitars. No doubt they are made with care. My issue is that there appears to be little innovation there. They take some of this and a bit of that and amalgamate a guitar. Say what you will about PRS, their original line of guitars were original. Yes, now they make a strat and a tele and a Les Paul. The original Custom and Standard guitars were different from anything Fender and Gibson were making. And the quality was untouchable. I’m not seeing that here. I’ve built 15 guitars from scratch. We’re talking lumber. The toughest step is the finish. Novo sprays on a few coats of lacquer and distresses it. That ain’t worth $5k. That’s my $0.02.

[@susanholt56]

Friedman Vintage T with P 90's....Be sure to get a pre-2022 model. Grover left Friedman in 2023 and there is a quality difference in my opinion. I have 2 Vintage T's, both relic red, one with P90's and the other with buckers, not too hot buckers but they sound really good. Once you have a Friedman Vintage T with P 90's you will never let go........

[@jhobaugh45]

Big guitar works for lanky guys...Rhett is also a longer human, I think? Love the clarity of information and openness about your own preferences. Learned a lot from your channel only a few videos in.

[@narupickles7982]

Neck profile. That's it. Everything else is preference. Bro you trippin on the shine of the frets. SERIOUSLY. It's freakin easy to do that, grab some sand paper. How are we suppose to feel the neck being hard. CANT ONLINE. Thick neck, how are we suppose to know ONLINE??? Here's a trap, you get a guitar that's made to your specs, then you want to find another guitar with the same spec. But you'll just accept this guitar even though it didn't match the specs of your first guitar, then you'll buy another guitar. Don't watch youtube videos, go to your music store and try them all. How can you tell the feel of the neck profile ONLINE. you cant.

[@jaygallamore562]

Just discovered your channel and really like your approach and format for guitar reviews. I prefer more traditional guitars and after watching other players positive comments about Novo guitars, including Rhett Schull’s, I am seriously considering purchasing one. Thanks for your observations and thoughts. Regarding your epiphany on relic guitars, if you ever scratch one of yours and decide to sell it you can list it as lightly relic-ed and ask for top dollar.

[@pgprog]

Bro, you got me on that one. I’m a big guy 6’4’’ 250lbs and small body are great but they don’t look good on me. I understand why Hetfield and Mustaine play V and explorer they are 6 and higher. The neck too my Les Paul Tranditional got a baseball bat and I love it.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Vintage Fender is not that great after 65. It took a dive immediately after his departure as owner, but it was like they on paper kept him as an advisor, but in reality they didnt listen to the input, and made dumb cost cutting changes, destroying the original quality. This means unless more classic Fender owners dont allow current Fender to get measurements and check electronics and the design dofferences in the same looking hardware which is due to manufacturing changes in the processes in which the parts are made, we will continue to miss that quality, cause its no longer available. That said, Ive found oerfect guitars off the wall from Current Fender, so maybe it is a lie. If Fender, and current Vintage reissue which is similar price to this guitar at worst case scenario, choose 2008-2013 era, thats the last good modern Fender era. Those instruments are ridiculously quality and are tent imes the axe youre gonna find from the past in terms of the condition, i mean the relics from the real era are likely in terrible condition, amd would not be to your liking. Plus, Strats didnt have a 5 way blade until modern Fender era, so a 3 way blade for 3 pickups, and no inbetweens without jamming the switch, just so you know if ya didnt already. Many are unaware of this poor design choice of the originals.

[@kuyaemil2077]

By far the best review on youtube in my opinion! Since no one has ever done a proper deep dive into what makes their guitars great or better than most vintage styled or vintage inspired modern guitars out there. Your review just reinforced my interest in getting one eventually. More power to your channel! Thank you for doing this review!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@jldkrank]

I'd be interested in a review of Lucky Dog Guitars from you. They seem like this but more specifically fender style.

[@The-Vibrant-Photography]

interested in your take on "Iconic" guitars like what Joshua de la Victoria plays especially with their vintage style guitars with modern necks

[@markwarner5554]

"Charm" is guitarist code for "hideous".

[@TJJJJJJJJJJJ]

2:07 bro I hear you RE the Unwanted string noise!! It’s annoying AF when you are in studio settings. Instead of tape, I use a frett wrap (for behind the nut) and cut up sponge 🧽 for the bridge / trem gap and springs in the back cavity. Compress the 🧽 when your setting it in and it will give you a bit of tolerance for any movement from temperature change etc

[@michaelvarney.]

Guitars are not investments… well… not investments in anything but your happiness. They are not purchased to hold value, but to produce value. I love my relic fender custom shop because I do not fear a scuff or a scratch or ding… and it is not a cheap guitar… but my wood library PRS has me in fear of a ding… and that detracts from my enjoyment. Yes, it’s mental, but it is a hinderance for me in completely enjoying my guitars like I should.

[@shanesonksen1515]

The great strength and charm of the best guitars are their imperfections. Chasing perfection and "noiselessness" in a guitar seem so counterintuitive to me. Also, not being a perfectionist with rolled edges is funny to me also. I'm wondering if your perfectionism is just auditory and not with touch. I'm the opposite way, I would rather the neck and rolled frets be smooth and buttery rather than having noiselessness from the guitar wherever those noises be.

[@archeryandstuffwithstevela3423]

I used to be very OCD about noise, I would replace single coil pickups with stacked humbuckers, P90's with stacked humbuckers. Now 30 years later, I've restored everything to it's original state, because I realised that nothing sounds as good as the original single coils and P90's. I just turn off the volume between playing parts. Some artists are very good at this. In a band mix, noise is hardly noticeable enough to worry about.

[@andrefludd]

That’s true. In the context of a band these noises aren’t an issue usually but since I play mostly solo it’s really annoying

[@michaelmarchei8539]

Just get a vintage jazzmaster. FFS with all these remakes of classics.

[@keithsmith9889]

And I would love to see you go the other route a cheap version of something you always wanted.. I love the harley benton build guality is pretty good and honestly a lot better than you would expect at there prices.

[@andrefludd]

Well I have a less expensive version of the Novo, the Rivolta I’ll be showing Friday!

[@darkestfugue]

interesting guitar, but not my kind of guitar, i need more than 21 frets and gigging wise splittable humbuckers are the way i go, and i can understand it has a cool looking factor to it if i saw someoone else rocking it, but for me its ugly as hell, for 3 and a half grand i could think of a lot of alternative options guitar wise guitar wise, in fact i sold 3 guitars recently, 2 of them being a parker fly supreme and parker fly mojo and bought a brand new PRS custom 24 with the 8 tone selector, its very nice

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

This, equipped with Filtertrons is my dream guitar. I've only ever played one, and that was years before I ever heard of Novo.