Gibson CEO Is Gone / Guitar Company Reacts To My Review / Is Guitar Quality Bad On Purpose?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Subject Index 00:00 Intro 02:30 Guitar Company Reacts To My Review the video I was talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqqmi2uZiqyUrc0 17:18 Will Sweetwater ever do a in-house brand like Harley Benton? 23:20 Harley Benton is becoming a stand alone brand 29:30 CEO Of Gibson Is Gone 39:49 Is a volume pedal in the effects loop the same as a attenuator? 42:47 Why the neck matters so much to me 48:57 The worst 7 string guitar I ever owned 55:10 The rule I follow when cutting nuts for the gauge of strings and why factories follow it as well. 1:02:40 Why doest Gibson make more classic models in the Epiphone series? 1:13:00 Why I can not buy a post 2019 Gibson Les Paul 1:21:30 Some real talk about the Plek system for guitars 1:32:10 Is Guitar Quality Is Rigged? 1:44:30 Buy once cry once 1:51:00 Check out Plini www.youtube.com/@plinimusic/videos 1:54:10 Intonation issues 1:56:22 The most effective way to change sound of your pickups 2:02:00 Reverend Guitars is a premium brand that has bigger appeal to younger players 2:07:45 How many guitars do you have to order to have a guitar made overseas? 2:11:12 The EVH Iconic 5150 amp

[@onlyguitars]

If you want a fantastic LP style guitar, light and cheaper than a 10lb USA Standard, get an Eastman SB59/v. I sold my R8 because of the Eastman. Loved both equally, and Im good with just 1 LP guitar. My Eastman weighs 8.38 lb.

[@firecrackerheart]

Cesar Gueikian: "SEH"-ZAR, not "SEE"-ZAR - ;) ;)

[@reddsshaker3477]

Sweetwater’s “55 Point Inspection” is STILL a joke. I just took delivery of the new Epiphone “Inspired By Gibson Custom” $1299 ‘58 Korina V, and the action was a full 1/4” high, there were cracks beside the string nut, and there was a crack in the poly basecoat UNDER the clearcoat. That’s 3 strikes alone. Long story short, I emailed my salesperson, arranged a return/exchange, and they promised to do a DOUBLE inspection on the replacement, which they did!….I received an absolutely PERFECT replacement V. Sad that I had to call them out on the first one.

[@TommySG1]

I’ve purchased a few guitars from them now and I feel that inspection comes down to the price of the guitar……sadly. Aka, buy a Martin acoustic for 4 grand and it won’t have the same ‘inspection’ as an ‘X’ series Martin. Or at least not typically, you may get a few rare birds in there time to time.

[@powbobs]

Yeah, the inspection thing is a joke. My Gibson Les Paul came with a broken pickup ring. When I looked closely at the photos of it which I had downloaded I could see the broken ring.

[@dlmyrs]

Boya and Ziki discounting their guitars in stock at Amazon speaks to their intent to fix the issues. Well done on that review, Phil.

[@DavidHBurkart]

The plek info was spot on. If those machines aren't maintained, they will fail. Any "dull" tool will fail expected tolerances. It is only as good as who operates and services the machine itself.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

I paused it at the 'Liars and Cheats' remark. This is one of the reasons I watch. I've been self employed for 25 years and I don't even want to say the percentage of the companies who have lied and cheated. It also usually goes along with incompetence. I would be a rich man if not for liars and cheat which is why I put such a premium on people with integrity. Not just out of respect but as a constant reminder to not cut corners and stay true to core values.

[@wildesage4172]

This, to me, is the standout shining quality of Phillip Mcknight. I feel that I can really trust him to just be real. He doesn't really play the game in the way most other "influencers" do (actually, the way most other *people* do, honestly).

[@brianphelps1183]

Speaking of Guitars made overseas it reminds me of Gibson in the early mid 2000’s having the Epiphone Elitist line made in Japan being discontinued as the quality was better and they were about $1k less.

[@JohnvanCapel]

Re: the Plek machine... Generally when you get a guitar Plek'd, what you've *really* paid for is the Plek service plus a tech setting it up afterwards - and the "tech setting it up afterwards" is the make-or-break part.

[@bradleyard4195]

25:44 Can confirm, since I'm personally a pretty big fan of Harley Benton. I've bought two of their guitars (a CST-24T for myself, and a resonator as a gift for my older brother after he did my son's eulogy at his funeral), and aside from some setup issues (string height mainly, which took me ten minutes to fix), they're both pretty great guitars. Are they perfect? No, and for the price, I don't expect them to be, but they sound great, they play great, and they look great. That's about all you can ask for.

[@JD-bk6wj]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your son 😢.. Peace and love ❤️

[@daedalusjones4228]

McKnight, you are a man of integrity. I just found and started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago. I play acoustic guitar, almost exclusively. That means that I have no point of reference for a lot of the electric guitars and related gear that you talk about, refer to, or review. So...why do I watch your videos, then? I watch 'em because of who you are. It's a pleasure to hear someone with personal and professional integrity talk about his area of expertise. But even more: it's a pleasure to hear someone with integrity talk about integrity, and about craftsmanship, honesty and accountability in business.... What you're doing (with the investigation into Sweetwater's 55-point inspection, for example) is valuable investigative journalism. It happens to be in the realm of guitars, and businesses that make or sell guitars. But it 's more than that, too. When I was a little kid, an influential book at the time was "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." I remember my father recommending it to me. He didn't ride a motorcycle. But he said that it wasn't really about motorcycles. The motorcycle part was just a vehicle for talking about...things like integrity, he said. I never have read that book. But your videos remind me of that.

[@adam3839]

Modding: You can get great guitar for 300-400 bucks that has great bones, but maybe a cheap switch, tuners or pickups, and for a couple bucks or a couple hundred, depending on the guitar, can be a really great instrument. Plus setup. Which, you can either learn to do yourself, of pay a small fee to have someone else do.

[@Funkybassuk]

Epiphone Casinos are pretty cheap and after a boutique pickup swap, wiring harness installation, pickguard swap and set-up, it’s still 1/5th the price of the equivalent Gibson ES-330. The wood grain, binding and finish are not as good but not a dealbreaker for me.

[@Aeon135]

Yep, also a few sheets of very high grit sand paper - 1000 grit and up - is all you need for breaking in a neck and giving a gentle roll-over on the frets. You can very quickly get that Fender Custom Shop feel.

[@bradleyard4195]

Can confirm. My Harley Benton was $330 shipped. Adjusted the truss rod and saddles and it was good to go. Eventually, I did need to swap the volume pot after it failed, so I put in a much more robust CTS unit. Now, it's great.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

​@@Aeon135 do you know if Phil did a video where he adresses fret sprout on bound necks?

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I Know he uses painter's tape

[@jordanpratt3821]

You have to worry about offending someone for wanting your country to do well.. What a time to be alive.

[@Kyle-fy9kt]

The comment about Reverend is very true. A lot more up-and-coming sorta punk bands with Reverends over the last few years, particularly the bolt-on neck HP models, which fall around ~$1000, which isn't THAT much more than an Epi or Mexican Fender these days. They've done a good job working with/promoting to younger artists.

[@runningwithscissors0911]

As always, thank you Phil. I have been a fan for years and I love ya'. Just LOVE ya'! You are honest, fair, consistent, funny and so very generous with your time, knowledge and expertise. Thank you!

[@tamdsms]

Phillip McKnight! I had my heart set on a "PRS - SE Angelus Custom" acoustic, & tried to order one from Guitar Center, but the order was cancelled by GC because that model had stopped being made, & GC didn't have any more in stock. Online, there were only 2 used guitars left on the market in the entire country, & Sweetwater had one. It's a gem! Kind regards❣

[@braddietzmusic2429]

What great, measured, lucid conversation and perspective. I wish everyone on KZbin was like this, without exception. Great value added from every watch. Thank you so much.

[@shawn_ten_toes]

Reverend guitars are an excellent value. The bass contour control should be on every guitar.

[@wvc5150]

Great show today Phil. Answered several questions I’ve contemplated for a bit. Thanks a lot, love what you do man. Also, that green Adrian Smith Jackson that’s my thumbnail pic is one I’m currently modding with your help. So again, thanks for what you do, I’ve learned a lot!

[@DavidHobgood]

Being a new guitarist and liking knowing what I am paying for before I purchase is a huge help. Thank you.

[@davidgriffin6395]

I was a small contractor for several years and my father owned a TV store for over 30 years and then went to work as salesman for his suppliers gather. So to say my father talked about this stuff a lot is true. Much of it was very inspiring and and a lot of it in opinion comes with a good customer focus approach. That I act with integrity and that's just the way you do it with every customer. I don't step on the toes of comfortable d and I surely don't bad mouth then even if they were not good or bad either. I just get I think I do the best you can get for those price print. Butt I sent a customer of mine over to Home Depot, because they were my supplier and I booked and said oh they try to steel job yet them no. Jokingly because this guy was really a cool guy he owned a company worth over 70 million. But I smiled as they went to the store. I knew there was a good chance they would try and snag the job. They tried and her laughed and didn't even come back wanting to renegotiate. Which they have been known to do. Which, is not a good way to do business in my opinion. Anyway, I like your show. And I just purchased an interesting guitar. It's an Eastman AR 372CE ARCHTOP 3 COLOR SUNBURST. IT LOOKS SO MUCH LIKE THE ES 175. It also has a laqure finish and plays great. I got it used for$600 and it's in perfect condition with a hard shell case. I really was looking at that Vietnamese made the three letter name LPN or something. I would have probably got the the Ibanez even the George Benson's are great. So are they 300 dollar ones.

[@randykalish7558]

Phillip, you could be a consultant to every guitar company and I would trust that you would keep the unique character of each one and reach the epitome of each guitar concept.

[@scottdahlberg4890]

I am Kansas and have thought of doing this. LOL!!!! I do have a Firefly and I love it. Left handed options are slim. Great work Phillip.

[@mikes9759]

Always a great show! You pretty much started the show off with the big reason I started following you and I have said it on here before! You tell it like it is and don't pull any punches no matter what the circumstances and you don't stand for the cheaters and liers! I did see the video about the Amazon guitars! And the response from them. It so nice to see these days because most of the stuff is negative!! And about people getting ripped off!

[@bc454irocz89]

It's me Phil, I'm laughing because my $2500 les pauls bridge was drilled wrong and won't intonate

[@JeffSealePhD]

The PRS DGT SE is a perfect example of the overseas factory not being handcuffed by the parent company. That guitar is FANTASTIC and it''s because David insisted it meet his high standards.

[@slick51]

I wholeheartedly agree. I own guitars from 200 dollars to over 5 grand, and my DGT SE punches way above its class. I can't think of anything I'm disappointed with.

[@guttedEwok01]

Lol all the Indonesian PRS guitars are fantastic, nothing to do with Dave Gresham

[@victorbeebe8372]

Import tax in some countries is really high. Thailand used to have 200% tax.

[@traineecanuck]

Switching string gauges you can also get 1/2 sizes. I use 8.5 gauge on my strat and it’s the sweet spot for me and didn’t affect setup at all.

[@dw7704]

I get the neck thing. A guitar could be perfect in every other way, but if I don’t like the neck, I wouldn’t buy it Fortunately I like most necks, but I do like some more than others

[@travist444]

As an odd sidenote about the over seas imports, I see it kind of funny because for guitars it's USA or bust, but things like Violins or Flutes it's okay that they are made in Italy or something and it's an amazing instrument.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Hi Phillip, I agree if a guitar neck doesn't feel comfortable to play then I won't buy the guitar. No matter what it sounds or looks like. I have to be able to play it without having to struggle with it. The more guitars I've owned the more I've learned that every guitar has it's good and bad points when it comes to comfort. I've owned about 20 different guitars from 7 different companies. I've learned that the neck profile & radius, the weight and balance of the guitar all have an affect on the stress you have when playing. The look of the body and finish might look attractive and the pickups might sound great, but if it hurts your hands, arms, neck and back to play them you most likely either won't buy it or you won't keep it and play it much.

[@ratwynd]

Bought a new brand name Indonesia made guitar in the $800 price range about a month ago. Local mom-n-pop shop where I have bought previously several new guitars. Shop had 4 of the same model. Only one of the 4 had the nut height cut down properly out of the box. I bought that one. Was there again yesterday and the other 3 are still on the wall. The one I took home only needed string height adjustment at bridge. Intonation was spot on. First guitar is some time I have not had to do a real setup on a new axe.

[@ratwynd]

Followup: What I had purchased in the above referenced was a Yamaha Revstar RSS02T with P90s. There today and all the P90S were gone and I took home a Humbucker version because I like the P90S version so well. Just needed bridge lowered also.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

I play an Aria Pro 2 a 4 string though laminate bass. It's beautiful but needs 2 plastic covers either cream or black I don't care. I finally used a small amounts of hot glue to holed the pickups in place while staying away from the coil windings! I repaired TVs

[@elevenAD]

10 years ago i purchased a Harley Benton Flying V for $89 plus shipping lol, i fixed the 2 high frets, gave it a set up, replaced the pups and it became one of my go to guitars. It was a pre lawsuit direct copy, i loved it so much that the following year i went out and purchased a Gibson V 120, the guitar the Benton was copying, my thinking was if the Benton is this good well the real thing should blow my mind! 10 years later i still have and love both but i also still play the Harley Benton more!

[@MitchMichelleOfficial]

First of all, I am a sweetwater customer so they’re analytics are spot on. Secondly, thank you for the boya & ziky info. I would definitely buy one after your comments. Once I have a need 👀 😅 whenever that will be 😉. As to weight: I’m 63 and I completely relate. My 2 cents: I’ve been buying the new squier 40th because they’re _super_ light. And well made imho. But I have discovered that if I strap my les Paul or H535 HIGH on my body, the weight is not _as much_ a factor. Again IMHO and great video!

[@BobEstremera]

Phil, you are such an incredible straight shooter and an honest and decent guy. That's why I watch you. You are so damn refreshing and fun to listen to and watch.

[@stephenfoley1261]

Would love to try a Harley Benton but post covid shipping to Australia has gone thru the roof.

[@alangreenway6695]

My favourite Sweetwater video was the one where they guy doing the review was wearing a Sweetwater t-shirt and a shirt over the top of it, and the entire video the ‘Swee’ and the ‘er’ were covered.

[@jonathanbaggs4275]

😂

[@MrArtist1971]

Love this guy. Just straight up honesty. Thanks Phillip!

[@suchin8524]

I have a number of guitars in various price ranges but I nearly always reach for my second hand £150 Ibanez RG first. Price is always secondary to a guitar that "just feels right". Just my opinion. Thanks for another great video Phil.

[@ESR66]

Buying two GuitarFetish Slick guitars in the near future.

[@kirkbolas4985]

I recently purchased a Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50. It’s a tad more than 1/2 the price of a Fender Player series Strat and yet it’s as good if not a better quality instrument than the Player series.

[@muzicman1952]

I LOVE PLEK machines... I've had five of my guitars PLEK'd and they ALL play and feel great.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Phil 😎 cheap guitars RULE!!! 🎶 Yamaha FS-700S ⚓️ Epiphone EL-00 🤠 G&L ASAT Classic ♨️ Epiphone J-45 ⚓️ ‘07 Squier Strat ❤️ set up & maintained ok they sound great > The marketing around expensive guitars is insane… 🎶 I don’t buy it … literally 😎

[@trevorgill3560]

“How busy are you?” was great in the intro!

[@Za7a7aZ]

An Aria Pro II PE-R80 these guitars are gold...If I ever am lucky with money that guitar is high on my list..Just looking at it makes you feel it will be a good guitar

[@rogerdat7807]

I finally found a great LP Standard 60's style. I owned and sold three LP's and played a bunch over decades never finding the magic one, except my friend's 70's LP that plays and sounds like butter. I brought this up because I went to put Straplocks on it and found several things on this dream LP Standard which bummed me out: 1) Under the stock strap buttons there was no felt. They were cranked down and the finish was cracked pretty good under both buttons. How much does that little felt washer cost?!?! On a $2400 guitar, this was a lame discovery. At least both cracks are under the buttons and not spread out. 2) Each stock strap button had different sized screws both diameter and depth. One screw was a cheap zinc coated screw, and the other stainless. This may seem minor and it actually is, but NOT from Gibson's bread and butter model!! Whatever, I added the felt and the guitar still feels, sounds and plays great! FIX YOUR CRAP GIBSON!!

[@musicisfree91]

Speaking of Epiphone making versions Gi[sons, I really wish that Epiphone would make a P-90 LP Standard. I know that Epiphone makes a Les Paul Special with P-90s, but what I want is a gold top Standard with P-90s. There are some off-brand alternatives that'll look at, but if Epiphone made one, I'd have bought one already.

[@kwemo4276]

I'm in the same boat. I've been looking at the Harley Benton copy for a long time and it's the cheapest guitar I will have bought which scares me a little. I think this goes to what he said about companies wanting to keep the prestigious models behind a giant paywall. Also, the way the epi is going right now, their version of it would still end up being 1500 dollars like their other inspired by Gibson line. But I'd loooooove a 500 dollar Epiphone Theodore. I'd buy it immediately

[@TheAshleywiggins]

They did.., called it "57 "les paul. Great lil guitar ,I had one.

[@musicisfree91]

@@TheAshleywiggins Exactly, they did. I'll end up getting one, but I only see one or two on Reverb at any given time. I'd rather buy a new one if I could

[@JesseMoto]

I bought the latest version of the squire vibe 50's tele from Sweetwater 1 year ago and last week the two top frets came out and i had to bring it it guitar center so they could fix it. No extreme heat, no major temp changes. Guitar center was like wow, that's crazy. Not sure if that's on Sweetwater or Fender

[@SUPER8_GUITAR]

Regarding the necks.. i've found the more time I've spent playing the less different neck profiles seem important. At some point I adapt while playing and then forget. Totally different when i was a beginner.. changing to a different neck profile felt horrible.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Same here, I have vintage archtops with club necks all the way to Ibanez wizard necks. I can switch back and forth pretty well.

[@daedalusjones4228]

I don't know if you would ever make a video about this: I have an acoustic guitar that my parents gave me in the 1970s. It's a Ventura V-12 guitar, "designed in USA, built in Japan." It's very difficult to find any info about this guitar online. I could swear that mine has a solid rosewood body. The turners on it are incredible. Smooth as butter. Have never felt tuners like that on any other guitar. Would love to find out any info at all about these Ventura guitars made in Japan in the 1970s. (There's a Ventura V-1600 for sale on Reverb right now. The posting says that it's Brazilian rosewood. But the price is just $1500. And there's a Ventura V-12 on Reverb, for something like $300. Again, I could swear that mine is solid rosewood. The sound is sublime.

[@tlkshowhst]

Plini is incredible. Beautiful melodies and great use of dynamics. Troy Wright’s drumming enhances even more.

[@markstarratt3998]

Phillip. Long time listener; first time caller. Thanks for correcting what I've so often thought was annoying. Playing a lower / budget priced guitar through a premium amp is not a great real world demo. Looking forward to future viideos with the economical combo.

[@timchalmers1700]

I work when the show goes live, so I love getting the replay. Always great content.

Phil, this was an excellent show. Very informative with many topics that were addressed and given answers to the viewers! Great show!!

[@tommyhoffman4587]

Spent $700 on Harley Benton fusion tele,with tweed case and shipping,taxes in Philippines ,still worth it,killer good guitar!

[@RedCloudServices]

This is difficult for me to say because I grew up in Annapolis where PRS has this little tiny shop where my mom would take me to fix my strat however no kid “needs” a $2,000 guitar. I always remind them: most of your favorite rock albums were made with cheap guitars.

[@ldfox11]

Hay Phill, I got the Epiphone 1959 that I had Plek'ed from Sweetwater, not happy. First I had issues on the Epiphone side, ground from tail-peace not soldered, and when I checked the toggle switch, one of the wires came lose when barley touched. The wires on the pots have thin insulation and there's noise. Second, the Plek, frets are perfectly level but the fret ends are rough. I expected the fret ends should be better than the average Epiphone, not. I think the Plek job made the fret ends worse. Should I contact Sweetwater?

[@bullyakker]

I have an 80's strat, neck was twisted. Asked a shop if their Plek would correct it. They said "Easily!" Liars... (Also, early days of the Plek and likely a stoned person at the controls) I got my money back as it would have cost them more to repair the damage to the frets. I used that money to buy some decent tools and pulled the frets, sanded the board to 12" (was 9.5"), refretted it, sanded, crowned, polished etc... Cost me the same but I knew if I had the proper tools I could easily do the job and then have the tools for any other or a friends' guitar. Been doing 10-12 fret jobs a year plus set ups etc ever since on the side.

[@disenchanteddad7759]

As someone with a Gibson Custom Shop SG on order, due in a year, I hope Cesar's team does some R&D and start making the '64 SG Standard Reissue more (forgive the pun) "authentic" by fixing the horn tapering.

[@Blackflag9661]

Harley Benton is hands down the best bang for your buck. I bought a TE 30 for 89 bucks off their site, fits incredible right next to my Gibson, and Kramer.

[@Pon-farrLovin3]

Jazz guitarist Lenny Breau started playing a custom made seven string in 1982

[@matthewmorin7016]

I wish sweetwater would start a in-house brand.

[@BonkeyMucket]

Sam Ash had their Brownsville New York line. They had one guitar called The Impala, that I really loved. I've played some interesting Michael Kellys too. I like the '59 Thinline that looks like a nice player for around $300. I had a few Jay Tursers for a short time. They looked pretty.

[@tomfoolery2082]

I bought a new gibson lp goldtop deluxe w/case in 1977 . Was a great deal . Thx Patty

[@JosephCompton66]

I love mine. Having a hard time finding a tremolo sound I love

[@MorningNapalm]

If you don't care about your dishwater's design, you have never owned an IKEA dishwasher. I had one which came with my kitchen, and I HATED that thing with an absolute passion, it could just do nothing right. Everything I put into it couldn't find a good place to stand, so things were just wobbling all over, all the slots were the wrong size, my two sizes of bowls were all awkward everywhere, and the washing was very poor, it was just so awful. Finally one day I bit the bullet and paid 1500 for a good Miele dishwater, and I have never, ever regretted it. Everything I own finds a good spot in that machine, the washing is amazing. I am seeing as-new colours on some of the things I have cycled through it, which I haven't seen for years. Clearly the people who designed that thing were passionate about it, and they did an awesome job. I am thankful every time I open the door and put something in, that is how big a difference it made, and I have had it for 2-3 years already. So yeah, I care more about guitars than dishwashers, but don't knock those people. It is like any field, there is a big difference between good and bad.

[@diegomahoudeau934]

I love this show, don't stop doing it. Btw can I suggest you to do a review on the PRS SE Hollowbody II? Maybe even a comparison video with the Piezo one.

[@conoranstiss2385]

He did a few years ago. He liked the guitar so much he sold it because it was too close in quality to the core model. Lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/npnIoXuXfpKeoKs

[@MrRafaztar]

Thank for answering my brief question 😅 appreciate it. I watch here every week 😊

[@tjh780]

I've purchased three guitars from Sweetwater. Paid for setups on each. Two came flawless, one was a bit of a mess. Interesting enough, the worst one was the most expensive.

[@josephlarrisey3521]

Got myself two new guitars this week a Epiphone SG Standard and an Ibanez RG6003 Love them both

[@mvenuti1980]

Phill totally called me old! Of course, so do my friends… I didn’t buy my first Les Paul until 39, so he may be right! I for one am happy they stopped the weight relief. It’s an excuse for worse wood. My 9 hole 1985 Custom is still 10 pounds, and my 2021 R8 is 8 pounds.

[@matthewgonzales3970]

Necks and weight relief: I've been playing 40+ years and I used to love the big necks on Gibsons. Now, with raging Carpal Tunnel and the start of arthritis, I have become a staunch advocate of the Charvel speed neck and the Gibson 60's slim taper neck. I owned a Charvel Model 4 in the 80's and loved it. But I gravitated later towards fat and round necks. As I started to struggle, I noticed I could play my SG Jr all night with little issue. Same with a 2012 LP with the 60's neck and weight relief. Then I grabbed a Charvel DK 22 SSS off the rack at a store and could not put it down. So, I lived Phil's prophecy out and sold the LP and regretted it when I had to buy the same guitar again! Long story short, my main workhorses are the Charvel and my 2012 Les Paul with both 60's neck and weight relief. My hands can handle long sets and long sessions with those two. And my SG Jr. Is my favorite for jamming at home. Hopefully, those guitars will extend my career. I HAVE noticed less numbness and difficulty since I went to thinner necks. Getting old can be a b***h.

[@brandonanderson2066]

Neck is the most important part too me. In fact, I can own two of the same model guitars and if they have different neck carves they are two different guitars to me

[@stoneysdead689]

I thought the plek also checked the nut slots and the bridge placement- as well as leveling the frets. Not that they can move the bridge or anything but- I thought it still checked to make sure it was placed in the optimal position and that the nut slots were cut to the optimum depth. Imo they really dropped the ball with the Plek machine- it could do so much more than what it does. There's no reason it shouldn't level, crown, and polish- each fret. Check the nut slots and cut them any deeper if need be- if not then it should tell the tech exactly how much they need raised. When it's done- as long as the nut was already cut properly- all you should need to do is set action and intonation- done. If the nut was cut too deeply you might have to shim a nut but- that's it. And the bridge should be designed so that it can be adjusted from side to side so the plek could check for optimal placement and you could adjust accordingly. The saddle adjustments should already be enough to compensate for distance from the nut. And each guitar should come with free lessons from Steve Vai, a Super model who's feeling frisky, and a free tank of gas. The collective has spoken, make it so.

[@scorchedearthdj]

You always make excellent shows. I love your commentary and insights. Thank you!

[@jameskesler1930]

Re Sweetwater, I purchased a Cordoba classical guitar from them and when I received it, the frets ends were so sharp and unfinished I couldn't believe it. I called them on it, sent it back, and they blamed me for improper humidification, charging me to sort of address the problem. Wasn't even very good after paying for repair.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Missed the live, had to work. Thanks for all you do, Phillip!

[@tracyd1175]

Love Sweetwater. I've gotten 2 guitars from tbem. PRS Se acoustic and a LTD ESP. right now I have a Epiphone Les Paul Muse in my cart. I always turn to your channel for guitar stuff.

[@stephenmaestas6426]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😂 MIM Fenders stand out because they look too good! Telling it like it is is why we love you Phil.

[@CagedPaps]

The building overseas vs USA is quite an interesting one. To me the best guitars I've owned have been made in Japan, I can find plenty of finishing issues on my PRS Silver Sky as an example. The S2 range doesn't make sense to me, sure you might not have a veneer but it's basically an SE put together in the US and you pay more... Maybe it's a status thing of not wanting SE on the headstock. The classic guitars like the strat and Les Paul are the most bizarre ones, any guitar maker on the planet can make them when compared to the USA standard model what are the differences? Cheaper hardware and cheaper wood choices. That's not build quality (yes I'm aware there's very cheaply made ones out there). These big companies have done pretty well with protecting their brands and creating the impression US made is the top. Else we'd see more growth than we are from brands like Cort and FGN. As in, brands from the factories - they don't have the right name on the headstock and they don't have your favourite KZbinrs or artists playing them. It does make me wonder what other influence these brands have. I'm not suggesting they put pressure on retailers, I don't know. I do remember Andertons promoting the EastCoast brand and in the launch video they had one that was clearly a PRS custom 22/24 copy. That never made it to the store... Did someone ask them not to sell them? I don't know but when you look at the current range of SE guitars and how the standards have been improved this year - nicer finishes etc it does seem like a reaction to the affordable guitars out there that look a lot like PRS.

[@MrInfinite43]

FGN is a damn good example. People pay thousands of dollars for their old JVs. Im a firm believer they need to rebrand the name.

[@bradconklin2878]

Wait a minute ... American Idol isn't totally on the up and up??? They use backing tracks?!? How can I go on? (Love, Nuno)

[@void0094]

Please review that Rickenbacker 360 in the background, it looks amazing.

[@bstoner1300]

I played Plini for a rap/hip hop enthusiast and he was jaw-droppingly impressed and started listening to Plini lol

[@krissmith2396]

heavy les paul is where its at sonically. If you have back or shoulder issues get a custom lite. all my les pauls are 9-10 lbs. I can only dream of owning a 12 pound les paul custom.

[@DavidHBurkart]

I thought the Catalyst was quite good in the Boya & Ziki video. I thought it spoke for itself. Good on ya Sweetwater.

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

I hope the new Gibson guy does something about the QC and pricing. I've been wanting to buy a new Les Paul 60s Standard or Ebony Custom for a few years. The prices are just too ridiculous. I also can't see why you can't get a black 60's Les Paul Standard, in Australia. It's ridiculous. I'd buy one tomorrow. Also, how about a purple burst Les Paul? Why TF can't Les Paul Standards come in some decent colours. All of the Standards are red, orange and yellow, with the occasional blue or green. It's a bit boring.

[@Bob48]

Hi Phil...2 things to add; First , I picked up 2 Harley Bentons this year on a lark..one solid mahogany acoustic (CLA_15m) @ 360$ , and a B stock ash Strat @ 168$. Both are amazing. Strat is as good as my PRS or Player Tele . I loved the Martin acoustic model but I dont have 2100$ to drop on it, being retired now and on a fixed income. It might be a bit hard on the market for a while perhaps if Sweetwater handles this brand and some folks clue in to how good some of them are. One caveat..be prepared to address some fret sprout and a bit of setup improvement...probably not for beginners.. Btw.. Sweetwater rocks!! A few years ago I bought a Peavey 20W Classic there and saved about 80$ including duty and shipping to Montreal Canada. They are happy to deal and are the nicest folks. Yours is the best guitar site out there Phil...thanks for all the videos. I was a newbie 4 years ago...you have taught me so much.

[@anthonyalfredyorke1621]

Another great show Phil, your show always makes me laugh. Your restaurant story made me smile . Here's my story when I was about 45 I was on a subway train in London & it was fashion week which is when there are huge fashion shows in central London, I am standing in a packed train when I noticed a very attractive young woman keeps looking & smiling at me first I look round to see if there's any one else behind me , there wasn't so I'm thinking " well you might be old but you've still got it!! " P.S I never had it !! When the the woman who is still smiling & looking at me says " excuse me would you like my seat " at that moment all my illusions were gone and I got off the train at the next stop & waited for another train . Old age & dad rock will get you every time 😂😂😂. PEACE and LOVE to EVERYONE.

[@mtmusicgear]

It’s odd the things you choose to not share with your viewers. I’d love to know the company that sent guitars to other KZbinrs in an effort to dilute your opinion. The guitar industry is light on truth-telling, transparency and accountability. You can help! Thanks for all you do, Phil!

[@sqlb3rn]

Guitar Center called me at 7AM the other day, lol...

[@tjtowberman65]

As everything, the plek process is only as good as the program data input and the person that enters the correct guitar spec for the Plek program to run, although a great luthier can do a great job.

[@roofkorean6948]

Gibson and Epiphone both have had Alex Lifeson LP models with the ghost piezo floyd rose system that sold like crazy but they always discontinue it. I don't get it. They finally made a new ruby one that's a standard production model but it doesn't have the piezo system (and they made it more expensive somehow lol. Less features, more money). The previous one was the holy grail of combos; Les Paul Body, humbuckers with coil split options, and a ghost piezo floyd rose system and 2 output jacks. It's so versatile. Why do they hold back the other version if it was so popular. If it's too labor intensive then just raise the price to compensate. They clearly have no problem doing it even when there's no justification for it (like the ruby model). But no, they just make it unobtainable instead. It's stupid. Side question, does anyone know of an affordable luthier I could ship a McCarty 594 SE and a piezo-loaded floyd rose system to and have them install it? Basically make a PRS version of that model I mentioned above. I'm no expert, I don't trust myself to do the piezo upgrade with the wiring and I don't know anyone local. Any recommendations?

[@coffeedudeguy]

My China made Squier Standard Strat from 2002 was actually pretty good for the price at the time, and that got me into a Fender Blacktop Strat and then a Meteora many years later. But I also got a used PRS Custom 24 in that time, and that thing is leaps and bounds above those, especially the neck

[@jordantaylor1988]

Every time I tune in, I learn something new!

[@RCGreven]

You should look at Maybach if you want a light Les Paul. My Lester 59 is 7.5 pounds non weight relieved. Nitro finish, bone nut, very nice playing.

[@vmangobob]

La Quinta... Spanish for "Next to Denny's".. not my joke but stayed in a bunch of La Quinta's that were next to a Denny's.

[@fredstevens799]

me too! LOL!

[@mondojellykings]

Have you ever heard or heard of the Egnater SW-45? It was a hand wired amp Sweetwater carried for a limited run that they commissioned Bruce Egnater to build for them. Great all purpose tube amp. We use 3 in the Mondo Jelly Kings for studio & live. A Sweetwater product. ;) Cheers

[@alpeterson]

Have you seen Gibson’s prices?? Greed is still hurting the guitar world over there.

[@dart3407]

Back in 2019 I bought a EVH Wolfgang WG Standard from Sweetwater. The inspection was never done. It was a one off, but still... a bit exasperating. OVerall I've had great experience with S.W.

[@FranzJosephLP]

A very GOOD & INFORMATIVE SHOW!!! Thank you Phillip!

[@avjake]

That new hat logo is excellent! Except the font color should be roasted maple (just kidding). There was a live commenter that said "No guitar will make you play better". But a properly set up guitar can help you play better. I know this from personal experience. Also, my Gibson Tribute in honeyburst cost less than a U.S. Fender and is built better, in my opinion. Love the satin finish.