Guitar Brands You Can Trust To Buy Online

Baxter and Jonathan talk about QC and what guitars you would be ok buying online vs ones you might want to get your hands on before you play them.

[@electricurinal]

Half of the fun of this show is witnessing you two venture off into the unknown.... that's improvisation... that's rock n roll. Love it.

[@codysroom6303]

And thc lol

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a bunch there! We do need some serious therapy sometimes though:)

[@josephperrigo7008]

Good for morning coffee while I’m doing, you know stuff

[@anonymousanonymous7211]

I whole heartedly agree, ha. These off topic discussions are part of what makes your vids awesome.

[@brandonbock4763]

I’d go farther than half. I always come for the title but end up staying for the chats

[@TVoltG]

It's not the Brands but who the store/dealer would make me feel more trustworthy towards.

[@jhwk1970]

The demise of local music stores has meant the loss of a local guy that could fix problems and serve as an intermediary with the guitar company. The dealer didn’t want to sell products that were a problem nor deal with companies that wouldn’t return his phone calls. The fancy picture on the website doesn’t reflect the crappy product those guys are sometimes sending you. It’s buyer beware unfortunately now.

[@TVoltG]

@@jhwk1970 very true and sad all around. I remember having that great local store to have things done and to buy from. You almost felt like family there after going there for so many years.

[@turellius]

When I listen to Baxter and Jonathan talk, they do get off topic from time to time, but to me it's because they just say what they are thinking and sometimes it's hard to focus. My brain works the same way. I'll be thinking ok I gotta do this or that, then out of nowhere I think of a funny movie quote or something else completely random. I have no issues with going off on random tangents because for me sometimes it's hard to focus on one thing for 10-20 minutes. I love the content and the channel and if I lived in the area, I would be stopping in once a week just to say hi and see what new gear you have that I "need".

[@paulcowart3174]

LoL when that happens it's unscripted so very real good or bad FUN

[@melissahansen-rood86]

PRS (Core and S2 lines) and Taylor are the only guitar brands that I will buy without playing. While no manufacturer is perfect, I have yet to experience a QC issue with either brand (80+ guitars over the past 25 years). I did not love some of the guitars but it was personal preference (tone or feel) and not due to a quality issue. Added: I love the off topic tangents!

[@VixCrush]

I got a bad PRS buying it online. It was used however but it was a lot more dinged up then it was presented to me and it was just a lemon. I think if I had held it before buying it that would not have happened. I want to hold a guitar if it is worth more than say $1000...

[@Stonesguitar]

Can't say that for the S2 McCarty 594. I had to change out all volume and tone potis in the first two months I had it. They use korean electronics for the S2s and it shows...

[@johnstillwell4353]

You don't like the T. Anderson's? I've never played a bad one.

[@thomasbombadil8190]

I bought a LP Special with a wrap around bridge direct from Gibson. It was a flawless transaction - came set up very nicely.

[@jfar3340]

yeah gibson have awesome QC

[@danielhoskins4690]

That was lucky! I’m glad that there are some good instruments coming out of there still. Was it custom shop or Gibson USA?

[@thomasbombadil8190]

It is a USA - one of the olive green ones I am enjoying the heck out of it - the P90’s are good fun! I have a bunch of other guitars - I have been playing for some time - the first guitar I bought new I still have - a 1981 Sonex 180 Deluxe - which feels like a boat anchor now as I coast into old age! The LP Special is about 7 and a half lbs - just a delightful thing. Very pleased.

[@onlyguitars]

I have a 2019 LP Special and is a fantastic guitar! They really did it great with that model in the Gibson USA.

[@jfar3340]

@@onlyguitars yeah i have a 335 its great

[@xy9394]

Sweetwater has always seemed very good.

[@EMN_the_orange]

So has PMT.

[@titanuranus]

Baxter's stream of consciousness thought process (happily aided and abetted by Jonathan) are REALLY what makes this channel one of single most fun (and dare I say it? I dare.) *happening* music channels on the YT. Gentlemen, please carry on.

[@mamulcahy]

They are most entertaining!

[@nickellis2384]

F Cc f.

[@natashanyxx9486]

I’ve bought 3 guitars from Casino, and these guys have sent me a great guitar every time. Don’t hesitate to buy a guitar from Baxter or Jonathan and the crew. 💜

[@stop736]

THANK YOU!! I’ve always assumed that Casino would of course take care of you really well. But you’re the first person that I’ve heard talk about their experiences with Casino Guitars. Thanks for this post Natasha! I appreciate it!!

[@subzero308]

thinking about buying a Lefty 62' 3 tone burst CS from them. only problem is I'm in jersey and the guitar isn't for purchase online sadly lol.

[@tacdoc8736]

I love the videos, even when a disjointed train of thought completely derails mid topic. I wholeheartedly approve of the Boba Fett & Dune discussion. I’d love to do business with y’all, but the nearly 2 hour drive, & some solid small local shops have always taken me down a different path. While I’d prefer to support a smaller business, every time, sometimes availability is the reason I purchase from a larger company. The not so thinly viewed digs at Sweetwater seem a little unfair. Yes, I get that they were bought by an investment group/conglomerate recently, but I haven’t seen any difference in the high level of customer support & service they provide. Their inspection may not be of the quality your local tech would provide but it’s far better than any other company of that size. It’s also my experience that any issues with them are quickly & seamlessly resolved. I also appreciate that they do employ real musicians, like my rep, & a friend who just accepted a position there. That’s more than can be said for the local Guitar Center.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a bunch for the love there and we’d love to see you one day:) And yes, fortunately Sweetwater is still onboard with great service and we really do hope it stays the course! All the best to you and yours and thanks for joining us!!!

[@mikecorey8370]

Where was the dig at Sweetwater? Didn't hear that at all. Sweetwater is great, for now. But history says they won't be as great for long. They are now corporate. GC used to be great. Now, they aren't. I'm lucky. I've got 2 great privately owned stores by me. They are who I deal with. In May, I'm going to Fayetteville and will be stoppng by Casino. In 2 years, We're moving there and Casino will be my store. I appreciate honesty over anything else.

[@tonepilot]

Huh. Didn’t hear Sweetwater mentioned at all.

[@hankemery-coffeehousemusic1162]

I actually love when Baxter gets off topic! You guys are awesome!

[@MashaT22]

Brands should be held more responsible because they put dealers in the line of fire - dealers shouldn’t have to do all the QC checks for all these brands AND guarantee the quality of the guitars AND pay expenses related to return shipping, restocking, etc. They should be able to get guitars into their inventory from brands with the confidence that nearly all of the guitars will meet and exceed the standards. Dealers should still check the guitars and make sure they are setup before selling them because customers deserve knowing their guitar is playable out of the box. Dealers sadly can’t depend on brands and obviously don’t want to upset their customers and/or lose money by selling poor quality guitars, so it just makes good business sense that they take the time to take extra steps for QC even though they shouldn’t have to. Ultimately, dealers end up losing out more than anyone. If a customer isn’t happy with QC problems and wants to return the guitar, the dealer may be losing on shipping expenses even though the brand should foot that bill (the customer and dealer surely shouldn’t have to when the guitar wasn’t properly inspected by the brand). Here’s my thing. If Sweetwater can manage to inspect and setup guitars on such a large scale and guarantee the customer’s purchase in case there are still issues, every dealer should be able to figure out a similar methods to check and setup guitars as well. Above all, the brands themselves should take a lesson from Sweetwater’s QC/setup methods because it would improve the quality of guitars leaving their factories.

[@seanbrooks2583]

dealers should demand more from their vendors.

[@AbcDino843]

In a way they are, I've passed on a Gibson many many times.

[@paulcowart3174]

Agreed and to add to that point if the SOP was to send it back 1/4 of the stock would head right back IMO there is going to be a glut of 400 dollar guitar's out there soon Actually already starting The push is to guitars in the 2K range Will be interesting to watch LoL 😂 I've got several to sell myself

[@jfar3340]

@@AbcDino843 gibson are ones of tthe best guitars on the market

[@mikecorey8370]

The thing is, it pays for the store to check things out. Less expensive in the long run, and happier customers. Sweetwater does NOT set up guitars. People take it for granted they do with their 55 point inspection thing. They don't.

[@donaldwalls5809]

I love how you guys go off the rail off a bridge and in the river. And still cover the topics.

[@Henry_scott]

henry_scott23

[@RichBriere]

As a Fender Rep my number one tool was my hygrometer. Here in the Northeast humidity levels are the number one cause of fret sprout ( no relation to Brusseld sprouts ). A guitar that left the factory in perfect shape during cold,dry weather can become firewood in 24 hours. My studio in Massachusetts drinks 3 gallons of water every 24 hours now. #waterme #nosteam # Bassilicious

[@KimSE4]

Roasted necks any good round your way? That help at all?

[@chadwicks_guitar]

Personally, I enjoy when Baxter gets off topic. It’s like flying from New Jersey to Long Island with a layover in Sydney Australia. You didn’t mean to go there but it was a fun time.

[@robertfaber3839]

Major appreciation to Sweetwater. Bought a squire vibe 70s strat online from them.. my very first big online purchase. Nervous as hell, but it came in 4 days and out of the box was like a jewel! There was a copy of a 50something checklist for before shipping, and that thing was PERFECT. SW are my go-to for anything I can't get at my local store.

[@mikeorr7567]

I have bought 2 guitars from Sweetwater. Both guitars were perfect and required no adjustments.

[@jfar3340]

squier? big purchase?....

[@MrWumbologist]

For some people that is a big purchase, yeah. I certainly can't just spend hundreds of dollars whenever I want

[@jfar3340]

@@MrWumbologist lol really?...

[@MrWumbologist]

@@jfar3340 Yeah. The medium per capita income in 2019 was roughly $34k. I make a little bit more than 16 an hour. If you're economically better off than that good for you but not everyone in this country shares your fortune

[@kurtisr2339]

For me, Wildwood and Sweetwater have a 100% positive QC track record. That may not hold up forever but I'm confident that they'll right any wrongs, so the prospect doesn't give me any heartburn.

[@paulcowart3174]

Yes Sweetwater is good The Tone king amp I bought blew a power tranny Brand new expensive amp Very disappointed but Sweetwater is taking care of it from what I can tell Waiting to hear back from TK or BAD to get the final word and the resolution

[@kurtisr2339]

@@paulcowart3174 that's heartbreaking--though only briefly, let's hope! The wait will center entirely around logistics--whether SW has a replacement on hand or has to wait for an item/invoice from TK, I'd think. Can't imagine the transformer isn't covered under warranty. The wait sucks though. Fingers crossed for a speedy process.

[@paulcowart3174]

@@kurtisr2339 Thanks man... Boutique Amp Distributers is who assembles them along with Friedman...Morgan and some others under that umbrella BAD Well I could see if the PT went south after a number of year's but after maybe twenty hours of actual play time We shall see but my Sweetwater salesman says he has my back so feel ok It started with bad line noise after 8 months or so but like I said maybe 20 hours I have a lot of vintage amp a so usually play them but was looking for something light weight and w attenuation for gigging with instead of the older amps Never happened before w ALL my old stuff Anyways thanks for listening to me vent lol but yes after 45 years dealing with tube amps this has never ever happened and all bought used and the first new amp since the 90's and boom Disappointed to say the least but Sweetwater has been good about it

[@dtyndall11]

I bought my first guitar from Wildwood last week (Gibson Les Paul, $3000) and it came with a pretty noticeable gash in the rosewood of the sixth fret. Not sure how this passed their or Gibson’s QC. Not a good first experience.

[@paulcowart3174]

@@dtyndall11 Ouch....if you ever go to sell it Ding 500 bucks right there I'm thinking Hope not

[@AbcDino843]

Regarding Gibson, if QC was such an important issue to them for so long, yet they still have such obvious issues with it, maybe it's time to consider incompetence of the leadership.

[@MrKaufmana1]

Having worked in the industry, I would like to say this, directly to Baxter; I manufacture beskar armored pants, and our QC is top notch. If I can do it, so can those people at that company that rhymes with Bibson.

[@dlmyrs]

Love the banter even off-topic. It’s just like sitting around bs’ing with friends. Makes your channel so enjoyable….funny but still learning a lot.

[@bruceselenka7181]

Come for the guitar talk. QC. Stay for the steak in a briefcase! Why are we here? Oh yeah, guitars. QC. Maybe Fender. QC. Wait a second...let's talk pizza. Get strings from a guitar store. Hey, let's go to Walmart. I love how you guys stay on topic. Very entertaining.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I have never had any issues with the PRS I've bought online, and I bought them used. They are the only brand I feel 100% comfortable with buying this way.

[@dksdeathwish666]

Probably one of the main reasons why I fell in love with yous guys videos is because it’s like a mini comedy special while also talking about amazing guitars. Let the people who whine about it continue to do so. What you guys do makes you stand out from every other channel. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@chiba131]

PRS is the only brand I'm 100% comfortable buying unseen. Got a Strat from CME, that was excellent and no problems. Thought buying a new Fender (direct) would be OK but it arrived with a smashed pickup switch due to poor packaging and a weak-ass case. Lesson learned. Love the channel, guys, keep it up!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

First time watching your channel. It’s a good thing I have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I was able to follow along.

[@westoole1]

Continue the off-topic rambling musings! Ignore the folks who are way too serious. It’s freakin KZbin bro…calm down! Great job boys 👍

[@johnfox2727]

I would definetly buy another Deusenberg guitar without having to worry about QC. Built to perfection!

[@sammelchi]

This channel is great because I like guitars, Star Wars and have a low attention span

[@jonathan6480]

I watched this video before buying a used Les Paul on eBay. Thanks!

[@JiminTennessee]

I’ve bought one guitar online and all I can compare it to is like purchasing a pair of shoes online. Sure hope it fits :)

[@davedavid7061]

yeah shoes online is kinda an S-Show

[@matthewh6119]

The squirrels 🐿 in Baxter’s head are entertaining!

[@electricurinal]

I have purchased online 5 brand new guitars of over 1800 dollars from reputable manufacturers (Fender, Gibson, PRS) in the last 24 months and every single one of them had major flaws.... one i could live with so I kept the instrument, and 4 that were mission critical and I returned them. Been playing and buying guitars since 1988 and I've never seen such junk come off the assembly lines.

[@kdrake777]

Just curious, from a big box store or a good dealer?

[@AbcDino843]

Interesting, I've had the opposite experience. I bought two PRSs, a Suhr, a USA Charvell (Fender) and a Nash, and they all have been fantastic.

[@electricurinal]

@@kdrake777 One from a local store, 3 from Sweetwater, and one from AMS. I kept one of the Sweetwater ones... a US Pro Stratocaster.

[@albertlorenzo655]

What I heard. QC but remember time in in storage and warehouse. They don't check it. Before it's goes out. To customer. Then it's up to you. To go through pre-planned red tape. To deter you. So they look go. But your talking about. Top dealer sellers. Who have a REP to up hold. Like you. Thank you for your time .

[@synonyx]

Out of 15 guitar purchases in the last 12 months, Gibson unfortunatley had the worst QC. out of 5, Three of them had issues. Oddly enough, the lower end models were the two that came perfect out of the box!

[@DavidHBurkart]

The Tributes have been outstanding

[@synonyx]

@@DavidHBurkart That's what they were! Tributes (LP/SG) and they were FLAWLESS!

[@paulcowart3174]

@@synonyx Really ?? I might have to look into one of those lol the older I get the heavier the LP is Can't really complain it's 8.4 lbs Man I've had some late 70's early 80's that felt like 12 lbs for real

[@synonyx]

@@paulcowart3174 Yeap my tributes are great!

[@jaybe813]

Wow, that has not been my experience with them.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Wow that went off the rails. That’s why I like this channel

[@misteress3840]

Love the sidebars. Second channel? Not the biggest sci-fi/Marvel dude but I’d enjoy listening to you guys talk about your shows, movies, or whatever. Great chat and good fellows.

[@caseylee12]

11/26/22... I just bought a Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster on Amazon for black Friday weekend. And it says "pick this box last" ON THE BOX!!! That means it was the last box on a pallet of guitars. AND ITS FANTASTIC!!! ...Guess I got lucky!

[@reikbar]

The whole vibe of this show is what a guitar shop should be like. Two people talking about guitars and getting distracted by kobe beef and McDonald's. There is very little chatter like this with the customers at a Guitar Center. Keep it up.

[@DeathMetalGuitar]

Tom Anderson Guitarworks/ John Suhr Technologies - without question - QC second to none.

[@chunk4572]

I need to trust the dealer more in the event that there are any issues. I've got news for you, I've ordered PRS, Gibsons, and many others that have had QC issues and there really isn't any excuse that they were not caught earlier in the process. Personally, I trust Sweetwater, Wildwood, and CME but I am sure there are many others that can be added to that list.

[@theguitarfather1837]

I got couple lemons from Sweetwater,... cpl of the worst QC issues Ive ever seen came from Sweetwarer

[@quitthecircuit]

Baxter rants are why I watch these videos. Thanks y'all!

[@JD-nh7vb]

Bought four PRS guitars online and not a bad one in the bunch. No issues at all with these.

[@Pe0plEateR]

I love it when Baxter goes off topic. It's guaranteed, but you dont know when or what will trigger it.

[@davedobson9801]

Jersey Mike's is awesome!!! Try the cheese steak, it's fantastic.

[@RobThesman]

Some of the big stores' QC isn't much beyond Baxter's description: Strings? Yep - ship it. I bought a MIM Player Jazzmaster from a big store not named Guitar Center a couple of months ago. Ordering & shipping were flawless. When I tried the guitar, buzzed from around the 5th fret up. Check the relief - negative relief. OK, I can fix that. No harm no foul. Fix it, still buzzing. Get out my straight edge. The frets from around 9th up are like a rollercoaster. 14th fret is shorter than Everest but taller than K2. Looked at the nut - whoever cut the nut was having a bad day. Anyway, trip to the local awesome repair shop & a couple hundred $ later, all is well. But, that guitar should never have left Fender without tweaking & the retailer's QC inspection was useless. All in all though, I will say by and large the guitars I've bought online have been perfect or near perfect. Especially PRS & Taylor, who are

[@2Gandalf1]

While QC is important, what is more important is the concept of QA, quality assurance. This is the concept of preventing defects before they happen, not just inspecting it I. This is not easy to do or set up, but in the long run saves the company time, money, scrap and pissed off customers. You still need QC, but a robust QA program is far superior. This is put in place through product and manufacturing design to limit defects.

[@joaopaulolopes5280]

On or off topic… love me some Casino Guitars KZbin content

[@bbowersock1]

Builders, take a note from PRS. It doesn't go out until it's RIGHT!

[@johnroznovsky212]

Off topic makes these videos worth watching. Fun + learning

[@joshloggins3298]

I have to give props to Sweetwater and CME. I was nervous about buying online, but both guitars I purchased from them came safely and no issues. Someday I will buy from Casino & Wildwood, once I get more space haha. Baxter’s demo of the AM Pro 2 Jazzmaster was awesome! And I probably buy one of those from Casino…

[@joshloggins3298]

I also love when Baxter & John go off topic! Haha it’s good to hear them goof off and be themselves

[@StratBurst92]

I have been a Sweetwater customer since 2008 and never had a disappointment with my purchases.

[@mikewendeln5218]

I love the off topic as much as the on topic. Beskar for all!

[@draven782]

My advice as a long time SW customer...Buy local whenever you can. My last guitar purchase with them was such a disaster I cancelled everything which included my SW credit card. I will never buy from them again. I purchased a new $ 1999.99 American Original Strat that was so out of alignment (neck) within the neck pocket that the high e string was almost completely off the fret board past the 12 fret. So much for both Fenders QC and SW 55 point inspection.

[@vedder10]

Funny that you say that because myself and so many others in the comment section rave about Sweetwater. Their customer service is legendary at this point. Not to mention their upfront disclosure with any flaws and detailed pictures. You might have been that rare person who fell through the cracks.

[@draven782]

@@vedder10 Customer service has always come through but it seems now its a 50 50 chance the guitars may have to be returned because of QC issues. I am no longer willing to take that chance. There are more customers out there like myself. Seek and you shall find.

[@davidlangley5594]

In Australia can't recommend Port Mac guitars enough for online ourchase. Great service, great set up.

[@Henry_scott]

henry_scott23

[@t3hgir]

I've bought a Jackson, Charvel and Ibanez guitar (also an Ibanez 5 string bass) online with no issues!!!

[@johnfritz15]

One of my favorite things is when you guys swerve off topic. Keep it up.

[@drivenmad7676]

I love when you get off topic. It makes me smile 😃

[@IPLAYLOUD]

You guys should carry Reverend Guitars. Every one is perfectly set-up before shipped from Toledo.

[@supergoat94]

I bought my first PRS from Amazon, an SE Standard 24. Luckily it was setup great and is one of my favorite guitars in my collection.

[@richardmerriam7044]

I've bought several Squier basses and guitars online and they needed setups, which are expected. Still sealed in factory boxes, I would have played live with them at least once. That says a lot about factory QC.

[@el0blaino]

This was fantastic. Thufir Hawatt as a Jedi. Maybe make him Thufir Hiwatt!

[@picklesnips3378]

To answer the question of the thumbnail, any brand past the 400 dollar mark is going to be decent but it’s the setup they receive (or don’t receive) that makes all the difference. I’ve played custom shop gibsons in a crappy store and hated the guitar but honestly it wasn’t gibsons fault. It was the store who let the strings go dead and hadn’t intonated the thIng in god knows how long. I also love the fact that the videos aren’t even addressing the actual question from the thumbnails half the time and still….STILL some of the best content I’ve watched! Boys maybe you should invent beskar strings????

[@michaelogden5093]

A topic worthy of discussion. Big distributors that make a big deal on their pre-sale inspections pass along obviously messed up stuff too.

[@Shiloh7377]

Your not alone Jonathan, they wouldn't let me in those places either. But on tha same token I wouldn't wanna be In those hells.....

[@shawnmagee2640]

“The guitar has strings. All six…..hell yeah!” I spit coffee on that one.

[@jayseb]

I was on the hunt for a GOOD Gibson LP Standard. Took me about 10 years to fall on it. Tried a bunch through the last decade, looked around and just took my time... I always have time for a nice instrument. One day I got lucky, it just clicked and bought it on the spot new. Now one thing. It has issues. Honestly, the pickup switch doesn't stick up correctly and other little things here and there, but the neck is spot on. After 40 years of playing guitars, this is a rare thing at Gibson (standard line). Great videos, cheers.

[@Wildirishgerry]

Love when you guys go off topic!

[@TheOlesarge]

"Baxter and Jonathan talk food... and a little guitars" LOL!

[@robertprice5039]

Yes, I bought a guitar from a online store with a 50+ point checklist, and the intonation was very off, and the saddle screws were very loose. Must have been a Friday at 4:45pm when they were checking the guitar out.

[@Ryanvatz]

Here for the guitar talk, stay for Baxter’s tangents.

[@thebradleymusic]

My family growing up always called Captain D’s “Captain Disease!” 😆

[@kogabear1]

First question I ask when going to a music store is show me the ones you have already checked over and set up. Also I’ve had better expectations buying from Amazon because I know right out of the gate that it needs a set up.

[@georgejasper8794]

I love the sidebars! You always have great content, but the other stuff is fun. And go Nashville!

[@vegashdrider]

The whole steak performance by Baxter was hilarious, personally I’d rather do that ginormous steak in Texas that is free if you eat it all, I wouldn’t have a prayer but I’d have a killer doggy bag to take home

[@CasinoGuitars]

God bless you for that:) thank you for enjoying my shenanigans and man if you could eat it all…all the power to you there! Amazing:)

[@vegashdrider]

@@CasinoGuitars all the power to you guys, keeping the culture alive, you entertain me every day 👍🏻

[@b1j]

Elephant in the room: gone are the days when you could go to a guitar shop and play 3 or 4 D-18s or J-45s. So we have to buy online. After an excellent live conversation with the good folks in Bozeman, I got my J-45 from Music Villa. I’d go back there in a heartbeat. Setup was perfect. It even arrived in tune. They discussed the shipping route and considered humidity and temperature conditions along the route to my house at that time in November. Plus, they threw in a t shirt, which I wear proudly, and a full Humidipak. ( I have since seen that my humidity here (Bay Area) keeps all my acoustics at around 49% RH naturally.

[@BAMozzy69]

All Manufacturers QC only states that as far as they were concerned, their guitar was 'OK' when it left the factory and should be checked by the Retailer to ensure that their stock is at the quality the Customer expects. As a customer, my 'contact' is with the retailer so I expect the retailer to ensure that the product they 'ship' is up to the standard I expect. It's up to them to ensure the 'stock' they got from the Manufacturer was up to standard and up to them to ensure that the 'customer' is 'happy'. I didn't buy a Gibson from Gibson or PRS from PRS, I bought from the retailer so its up to the retailer to ensure that what they send to the customer meets their 'expectations' otherwise they will be required to 'fix/repair/replace/refund' the customer. That's why the retailer is important to the QC process too. They should be checking to ensure they receive the 'right' quality of stock to sell, and that it leaves the store as 'described' and expected Quality. The final QC check should be performed by the customer anyway - but when it comes to buying online, I expect the QC of the manufacturer to only count for the 'time' it was at the Factory which could be month's, years before and hanging around the store, being messed with by customers and picking up little scratches/dings being sold as 'New' and then blaming the factory QC...

[@cwodragon]

I've been very fortunate buying guitars online. Most of my purchases have been through Reverb and all the guitars were good quality and as advertised, but it is nice to play a guitar before you commit to buying it.

[@TroyLeonardO]

I build studios and furniture etc, yall are making me think about building guitars...💡

[@prf5139]

I have purchased 3 guitars from Sweetwater including Core PRS. All have been perfect, Good set-up and clean. I am afraid to try anyone else because of the horror stories. I recently received another guitar as a gift, Guitar Center was the vendor and it clearly came off the wall. It was a non-trem piece but came with the trem bar. Clearly the wrong hardware package.

[@scourge34]

Sweetwater is my go to. Bought an Ibanez in December and it was excellent. Excellent service also. Can't recommend them enough.

[@scourge34]

Side note, the guitar is not the only thing I have purchased from them by far.

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

My brother bought a Les Paul, and it took 3 tries to get one that didn't have issues. I bought a PRS SE off Sweetwater and while there was never a cosmetic issue, I did have a problem with the pots, which they replaced. I haven't had the problem on my second one. My Silver Sky was perfect out of the box. I have a Gretch (made in China) and it had a tiny cosmetic problem that you wouldn't notice without really looking for it. I did end up changing the pots, wiring, swapped the pickups for TV Jones, and replaced the tuners with Gretch locking tuners. Every guitar company is capable of having QC issues, but some have much more than others. I would gladly take a chance on a PRS online, than I would a Gibson online.

[@marktestoni6483]

Good call on Star Wars evolving into Dune

[@rejr.1496]

I bought a new, in stock Jackson from Musicians Friend. They sent me a beat up demo from one of the Guitar Center stores without notifying me. It was poorly wrapped in worn out bubble wrap and stuffed in an oversize box. After it had been kicked all the way from California to Alabama it looked like a hog's ass sewed up with barbed wire. Buyer beware.

[@josephperrigo7008]

I’ve bought several new guitars the past couple of yrs( been playing for over 40yrs) and I’ve never seen issues with wood that’s not cured enough for guitars until these past few yrs. wood that’s not cured causes fret sprout among ten other things. I have 2 pricey fenders I’ve purchased that would literally cut your hands in the winter time if I didn’t know how to fix on my own. EVH Frankie? Massive fret sprout. Gretsch baritone? Massive fret sprout. I seriously think that you shouldn’t have to spend 4K to get a neck that you don’t have to work on every time the humidity drops below 35% in winter. Have a 2020 Ibanez premium made in Indonesia that has zero fret sprout and feels as smooth as all get out, came that way right out the box, been hanging on the wall in all types of humidity changes and stills plays great (although Ibanez really not my thing) hmm? Come to think of it fender makes gretsch and EVH, maybe a pattern here?

[@paulcowart3174]

I see what your saying.....too many too fast being made IMO Your story is similar I've been playing 45 years and recently picked up two new ones recently So about 7K at the big 2 Luckily no issues with the guitars living in central FL But the story about the issues gets me thinking for the price of one I could DIY a roasted body and neck Premium components and finish Strat style I would have a monster if a guitar for 2.5 Max I just might have to try that I'm more of a Fender guy anyways

[@josephperrigo7008]

@@paulcowart3174 no doubt in Fla you have more of a high humidity issue. But up north here in winter can be rough on guitars, especially acoustic guitars. Now manufacturers are implying that fret sprout isn’t a warranty issue, who knows man? It’s a pretty easy fix and honestly I usually polish the frets, do leveling and what not myself so it’s not it’s not the end of the world for me but for a newbie it might just be a deal breaker and they give up.

[@xamislimelight8965]

I usually try to get from places with real pictures. Musiciansfriend is okay in twrms of deals, but you have to be extra careful with what you order from them. Sweetwater takes pictures of what they have, which more places need to do. Especially if it has a lam top or something like that

[@ThisOldGuy3]

I have bought 3 guitars from the Gibson Demo Shop on Reverb and have been pleasantly surprised with all 3 of them. 🤘😎🎸

[@Schiemannguitars]

My favorite parts are the off topic topics. They are the best!

[@RByrne]

I find most brands will have something they could improve on. I find Fender to be the best. I've never had an issue with one. PrS SE is pretty good, but some of the finishes I've seen have things like bubbles in the clear, haze spots and orange-peeling. Especially with the Burl wood tops. Schecter is awesome. As for places to buy from, in Canada, I've had no problems with Long & McQuade, Steve's Music, or Guitar Works. As for American, I like Music Zoo or Sweetwater. All of those do at least a superficial check and a quick clean of the instrument first.

[@mountainmanmusic3846]

Hey Johnathan! 3x Covid guy here!!!

[@wgolden3]

I watch this BECAUSE Baxter goes off topic :D

[@caiusmadison2996]

Reverend. Pure Salem. Both send perfect, to your door.

[@kowalguitarlife9119]

Oh yes boys definitely Tempe afraid to venture up some of the best times on the show or when you guys do that it's absolutely awesome don't sweat the haters they're always going to be there we love you man the both of you

[@CraigGriffiths]

Rockpool in Sydney does a good steak. Great quality control (to stay on topic).

[@Simulacrum7]

I, for one, prefer when you go off topic!

[@cantstartafire]

Ha! Wanted to pick up a PRS SE Zack Myers semi hollow for my son for Christmas and they have one at GC so I went to take a look. The "f" hole was a very sloppy cut with lots of little splinters and the cavity showed some glue, white paint and sawdust. Of course it wasn't set up. I asked the GC dude if they set it up and they said "yeah, we take it out of the box and set it on the wall". Needless to say, GC in my town will not be getting much love from me. But I still can't buy on line. Gotta play em first man. Too many variables. It just blows my mind that they can't be bothered to setup or even tune these relatively expensive things.

[@conorfurlong]

I love the idea of the people at casino guitars getting into a jam in the middle of a customer calling up asking about a guitar. 😂

[@arinc.545]

Casino could sponsor the Dune SpiceBurst Les Paul. Pair that with a Navigator amp, and you're ready for the far future.

[@beatmasterbossy]

Egyptians carved from huge blocks Jonathon's beard stones. Bronze age, Stonehenge.

[@NoCoverCharge]

Rockin the denim jacket …nice

[@agreenr6915]

Sweetwater seems safe for midrange guitars. Only complaint I have is they arrive they're in drop D. As for second hand and higher end guitars I'm fortunate enough to have a great local shop that also has their own website and ships across the US. If you want to check them out just look up Ish Guitars

[@ratwynd]

I have bought several higher end guitars from distant shops, All went well, but I always actually talk to someone if it is possible. Bought a very nice Backlund Rockerbox direct from Eastwood, but they also sell in some shops. Great setup out of the case. My go-to 'bucker guitar. Bought a Cole-Clark Fat Lady II 12 string from Gruhns in Nashville based on their photos and a phone call with them. Perfect, in stock and my alternative choice was a Martin with a long wait. Very happy with that one too, it is a keeper. Key is to know the seller reputation for doing good QC and setups.

[@johnstillwell4353]

The Sweetwater QC is pretty tight.

[@TheBluesBox]

I took a plunge and bought from a US retailer for shipping to the UK (model wasn’t to be found in the UK). The guitar (Reverend) was perfect. Really nicely set up out of the box. But the shop sent it from the USA to UK in just the basic guitar box, no box within a box or any further packing. So it did get a dent by the lower strap button. Kept it anyway got a few £££’s back, but never understood why they sent it like that, they even said it was enough packing (clearly it wasn’t). But love the Reverend. Glad I took the risk. Fenders are still a bit hit and miss, poor fret finishing on a few I’ve seen, would always want to see it first, don’t get me started on Gibson! Cheers guys… all the best with the vids.