Guitar Prices Doing What They Did In 2008

[@gshankaran]

In my experience, a better has made me a better player. When I can bend the strings, play pinch harmonics etc with ease, and hearing the full range of overtones and harmonics fills me with satisfaction that I am closer to playing the sound in my head. And gives me the confidence that if I practice more, I will get there. Or in other words, better guitars inspire me to be a better player

[@shanetx81]

Totally agree! My best guitars make me sound better - and I play with much more confidence when they’re in hand. Amusingly, they’re a sub $500 Epiphone and a $4500 (new… I bought used) PRS core, so price isn’t the determiner by any means.

[@misteress3840]

@@shanetx81 i’ve found that, too

[@carlbowman6507]

Yes Yes and Yes. I can't agree more. My playing has improved because I want to play more.It's easier, sounds better, and that lends itself to freedom in creativity.

[@dan197573]

absolutely

[@deanmlshredder]

Sure as hell. That goes double for good tone imo.

[@tzd]

Please just run as many ads as you want. Anything to support your channel, and those who don’t want ads have already subscribed to Premium anyway.

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

Phil... I truly don't know how to enter contests on your channel; not just channel but same with other people's channels. Help!! I'd like to know... I spend a lot of time on your channel. Its all quite interesting. Have you ever reviewed a Levinson electric guitar. I bought one used, from mom & pop store Drumcity Guitarland. It's a Blade produced in Denmark; by Gary Levinson (luthier for over 50+ years). Sorry for the long winded text. Gary B Denver CO

[@PaulCooksStuff]

​@@user-iz6ry2ms6xPhil's usually have a link in the description that either takes you to his website, or a link directly to the draw hosting site (Gleam etc). Dig into the description, which is usually collapsed by default.

[@wildesage4172]

Phil's so transparent with everything on the channel. I love it. It keeps us, as the viewers, interested and involved in the health and longevity of the channel. Instead of getting annoyed with ads, we're glad to see them, because it's good for Phil. Parasocial? Perhaps... or perhaps not. I get a lot out of the videos, so I say it's a symbiotic relationship. 😄

[@BabTheBabs]

What you explained about purchasing behaviour and value from 13:00 to 16:00 is so well explained. As a marketing and sales specialist with more than 20 years experience, I can tell you there are many people who have a hard time understanding this. And it's not about market value or the "if someone it willing to pay the price...", it's even more about consumption psychology. What does buying something brings to someone and why some are willing to pay more for something. I think this 3 minutes segment perfectly demonstrate why so many people follow you. Not only do you have super extensive guitar knowledge, you are extremely good at explaining and simplifying the things you are talking about. That is why you have such a large audience and why they keep watching your content.

[@johnchance1959]

I have never made a purchase because I wanted the item. I have always purchased when I feel I have a need for the item and the price is a good buy. My wife, on the other hand, finds great pleasure in the act of buying. She has repeatedly told me she doesn't even have to purchase the item for herself. As long as she buys the item, she feels happy. Guess she is why sales people earn very high incomes and I am why they simply give up and move on. lol

[@johnchance1959]

If your reply was directed at my comment then it is misdirected. My comment placed responsibility on the buyers not the hucksters.@@BabTheBabs

[@BabTheBabs]

@@johnchance1959 no i totally understand your comment. One thing is that for some reason I had written a much longer reply but only the last part was posted. Then, I know you place tue blame on the people, but my experience as a salesman is that it’s much more fun helping a client that has a precise need than someone who doesn’t really know what he wants and ends up buying for no reason. They shouldn’t leave you alone and instead be happy to help you find the best product for your need. On the other hand, you can’t help the other navigate through their feelings lol.

[@MetalMaineiac]

Personality helps a channel more than any fancy camera or studio, Phil, you're a great example, Baxter and Jonathan at Casino another example, Sean too has come into his own. Robert Baker, Steve from Boston, Anderton's etc etc... The person in front of the camera makes the channel more than anything.

[@seanzinger]

Totally agree about spending more money not making you happier. Learned that the hard way unfortunately. Probably was the happiest with my first few guitars that costed far less than my newest acquisitions.

[@Levelheadd]

Thanks Phil, love the Guitar of the Week segment. Need a jingle for it 😂. ✌🏼

[@howardthrust]

Love that "Challenger"! Kind of got the "Danish Furniture" look going on. No binding. No inlays or dots...and GREAT "function"! Been having success "raiding" the Reverb "Affordable Vintage" market, lately. Have found absolutely AMAZING Git's in the $300 - $900 range (many from "Mom and Pop Shops"). Highlights: '80s USA Peavey Milestone 12, a MIJ Charvel Fusion Deluxe (Rainbow Crackle!), and a Walnut-bodied Vantage Avenger 325. All "Keepers"!! 🙃

[@denishaberley2509]

Happy with low-mode advertising. Thanks Phil.

[@gock0w976]

Such a great point around tolerance going down as price goes up. I bought an Ultra Strat new which had some issues, and I had absolutely zero tolerance for that and returned it after 3 trips back to the shop for repairs. Flip side, I've got a bunch of used guitars with some quirks, and I love em.

[@rvaguitars]

That Challenger sounds and looks amazing. Texas Toast rocks!

[@danielhelderman5228]

NOTHING! puts a smile on your face faster than a Metal Zone.

[@scorchedearthdj]

I got one not long ago and enjoy it immensely!

[@angusorvid8840]

I never understood the hate players threw at this pedal. Just as earlier distortion pedals were designed to push amps into distortion the MZ was designed to give amps a more modern kind of distortion, and it delivers that by the bushel. In fact, I have a friend who's a terrific blues/jazz player and he's been using an MZ to boost leads since 1993. He's tried every pedal and the MZ just does what he wants, taking the clean tone he uses for rhythm and boosting it for clear, screaming leads. It's a great pedal, period.

[@NoneOyaBusiness]

Joe Bonamassa does the same thing​ @@angusorvid8840

[@mrwailingguitar]

Like @tzd said, run the ads buddy, nothing good is free and a few ads aren't going to kill anyone, we understand!

[@stratisfied678]

My first Fender was (is) a strat plus, bought new in '95. Sill love the Lace sensors to this day.

[@brianbrazil4426]

Over 50 years I have owned 19 guitars most of them were high end vintage models. I came to realize what suited me best was the size, weight, balance, neck profile and radius of a $350.00 dollar guitar. I didn't need to have the hardware or electronics changed. I was lucky to find everything I needed to feel comfortable playing was there in that one guitar. It's in the profile photo. I've had this guitar for almost 2 years and never been happier playing it.🙂

[@anthonymiller3970]

Those P90s from Dylan Talks Tone sounds amazing on the Texas Toast Challenger 👍🏻

[@misteress3840]

Agreed!

[@brad-guitar-miller813]

Love the TTG Challengers i have a level 3 it is great guitar. The finish on the level 2 and up is what they call the 73 finish nice satin with a classic look.

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

That Texas Toast sounds so warm, full and open, yet twangy at the same time! Wow!!!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Phil you should write a book. You're a ghost writers dream because you're always concise with information, and your opinions are always backed by multiple angles.

[@rickbrooks1956]

I was in a locally owned guitar store last week in Mt. Pleasant SC. They had four Heritage electrics and an assortment of Tajima electrics and a couple of their bass guitars. It was the most eclectic assortment I've seen in quite a while!

[@justinjohnston8729]

41:47 My family owned a bicycle shop for a while and we wanted to carry Treks, Cannondales, Schwinns and many other brands, but those distributors favored a more well established bike shop in town and refused to let us sell their products. I'm not sure if it's the same for mom and pop guitar shops, but bike manufacturers tend to fiercely protect their distributors. Things may have changed a bit since covid, but I think you will still find it difficult to just walk into a bike shop and expect to see all the brands you know about represented in a single store.

[@BabTheBabs]

It looks to be the same for some manufacturer except for Fender, which I've literally seen in every guitar shop I visited in the last 5 years. But then they sell everywhere. I think if, for example, ESP was selling in every guitar shop, they models would gather dust in some of those shops since the brand doesn't appeal to as many guitarists.

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

Never forget, Muddy Waters painted his 50's Tele Candy Apple Red and got a new rosewood-fretboard neck and played that thing the rest of his career -- The Hoss! )He also put black 1 - 10 witch hat knobs on to know his tone and volume settings at a glance.)

[@_PhillipMcKnight_]

Above ⬆️

[@_PhillipMcKnight_]

Above ⬆️

[@joesatchton212]

Alternative to full Dremel tools for fret polishing: look up nail salon dremel tools. Lower RPM units, often speed adjustable. Ideal and far, far cheaper than actual Dremels, with the same result. Plus the nail salon tools are slimmer and allow for more precise use.

[@darrell4222]

Great session and discussion. Had to laugh when you said catching a glimpse of the GRETCH hanging behind you puts a smile on your face. I feel the same way seeing the Hagstrom Viking I hung up on my son’s wall for him. If you’ve never tried on, you should. Keep up the great videos.

[@jonscudder759]

I have 3 guitars with lace pickups! Great pickups!

[@I-Libertine]

On my way to drill this morning, and it's so great to get caught up on the weekly show. Thanks for doing what you do. So grateful.

[@ABIGD0NK3Y]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE...JESUS LOVES YOU!!!

[@HowlinTubes]

Great point on the guitar quality vs price point topic. I always dread selling a personal guitar online because so many people don't understand/accept that all guitars should receive a set up, ideally professional, and may have various issues that need some work. It is amazing what an experienced guitar tech or luthier can do for your guitar's play-ability!

[@motokev2727]

Every Tom Anderson I own is perfect. That's is why I love them quality is top notch.

[@ThePedroDB]

Phil, I totally relate to that comment about the "before guitar". I should have stopped spending more/buying guitars after I purchased my Ibanez Jem70V for £600. The 70V was my first Jem and I had nothing to compare it with. I simply didn't realise how phenomenal that particlar example was at the time. 12 more Jems and a Pia later and I still pick up the 70V out of choice. In fact, a Jem JrSP that I bought for £240 (used) and have done some minor mods to is exceptional too - great resonance and I'm resisting a pup swap... Lesson learned. It's all about the individual guitar. Having said all that, I wouldn't have found my beloved Gibson LP Studio HP without having a couple of other Gibsons to compare to and my Parker Fly S2 (Oh Yes... I'm a big Parker fan too!). Maybe the real lesson is that you will lfind the 'right' example of any particular breed?... ...at some point 🤔 It just doesn't have to be the expensive variant 🤘

[@davidepaolo276]

great show once again, Phil! Very happy to hear your dog is doing better :) In regards to pedals: just picked up the Boss BP-1w (Frusciante tone for days!)See you next week!

[@tmeyer2022]

I use the Stew-Mac Fret Polishing Wheels (Green Extra Fine) with a fret guard. You don't need to press down hard. Avoid overheating the fret. Just light preasure and let the wheel do the work.

[@danstringer7610]

I love that “guitar of the week”! Beautiful

[@Sticky_Tea]

The right guitar makes you play better 👍🏻 My most expensive one resonates pretty loud and feels very nice, I always pick it up and play it unplugged Another one just always has a riff in it when I pick it up Some guitars are just fun to play and inspire you Could be 100 dollar, could be 2000 dollar The ratio differs per price point I think there are more crappy cheap guitars than crappy expensive guitars

[@rickbrown3426]

I have a ruff cut mahogany Thinline Tele with Kinman pups and all high quality hardware etc, it’s so much fun and just emits love made by Mike Jacobs. It’s the last one that he built. I’ve never had to do anything to it but change strings and many friends have even borrowed it for studio work it sounds so good. Love your show!

[@d.j.9961]

I grew up playing a mij Westone Spectrum lx (198mbk) & it played perfectly. It ticked my throat & made me cough when I played! It kept perfect tune! My growth came from playing a well sorted guitar that was set up good!

[@eddiejr540]

String tension is a thing…it’s determined at the bridge and nut break angles…thats why I swear that floyds feel “slinkier because there is no break angle…its clamped off at both ends…thats my story and I’m sticking to it!!

[@zacharykim295]

That makes sense to me

[@davidmeinertdecrepidude]

Thank you for pronouncing Valenti's name as it is spelled... that extra syllable you were adding was driving me nuts!

[@BeingHumanReWch]

The most expensive guitar I've got is a Gibson Les Paul, which I picked up for just under $1500. It's my only American-made guitar and it's really nice. But I definitely enjoy my $800 - $1000 Jackson Pro Series Soloists more. And my favorite guitar is an Epiphone Les Paul Classic I got on eBay years ago for about $500. All that is to say: I think it's a lot more important to know what sounds good and feels good to you, rather than buying the highest quality or most expensive guitars.

[@ramencurry6672]

If possible I’d like to see Phil and his wife come talk about off topic stuff.

[@misteress3840]

Yes

[@davesuchy4712]

That Texas toast guitar is freaking amazing!

[@pedroleal7118]

I agree Phil about thec MT-2, still use it to this day, looks like it will stay in the pedalboard.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

Since I'm always looking at the the fingerboard. I wouldn't miss having side dots. Smaller marks are best - maybe diamonds, or small trapezoids, or circles or rings or moons or... - but contrast is the key.

[@robertcarlson5411]

Thanks Phil for all the information!

[@zacharykim295]

Appreciate all the marketing talk Phil. Really good advice here

[@KyleLaulo]

That copper custom strat is beautiful!

[@tobymearing8407]

the price point/issues segment is great "it doesn't give me any joy" is bang on. i'm not a good player. i play budget stuff and have a lotta fun. once in a while i see something amazing but it's boutique. if it turns out to be a dog, there is no joy at all. i recently fell for pedal pawn pedals - £650 worth - 3 pedals in 3 weeks, which i could ill afford, but OMG! they are fantastic and the joy is HUGE!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

80% of everything I ever learned was on my first electric guitar. A blood red KAPA Continental guitar through a $25 '65 Fender Bandmaster covered in cigarette burns.

[@TheGreenKnightErrant]

I have an American pro II telecaster with a rosewood neck and Seymour Duncan antiquity pickups in it with a custom light relic it's awesome of course to pickups and the relic were done afterward

[@timelwell7002]

The Texas Toast Challenger looks and sounds beautiful, especilly on the neck pickup using clean tones. Out of interest, how much does it weigh please..? And is it a 25.5" scale length like a tele?

[@alex241]

@Philip McKnight DANG!!! Missed the live episode! I wanted to ask about pricing on Silver Sky SE's. Seeing lots of "Mint" condition samples discounted into the low $600's. Look like brand new being sold as used. Do you see this pricing continuing or should we take advantage and buy now. Thanks for a fantastic channel!!!

[@HowlinTubes]

22:30 - Amen! Ditto for amps, at least once you get to a certain level of build quality.

[@johngonzales8224]

top wrapping will still feel slinkier. reason being is it increases the length of the strings. that is a big difference it is not just break angle it is string length as well. flying v with string through body feels better then stop bar version.

[@woodsey52]

Went with my best friend to Guitar Center to help him find an electric guitar. Every guitar under $1500.00 I played was terrible. When you tuned them with a tuner no two cowboy chords were in tune. If you got E in tune then D was out. If you got D in tune then G was out. Seems all the nuts were too high. Finally found one of those "10 for 15" custom shop telecasters. It was the odd looking double cut tele which I kind of liked because to was so different but still a tele. Thing is this thing was in tune in every chord anywhere on the neck. My friend bought it and loves it. Don't understand why factories can't build their guitars to play in tune. It is troublesome for new guitar players when they can't play simple cowboy chords that are all in tune.

[@jfrankcarr]

Almost all "Mom & Pop' guitar/music stores I've gone to in my life have had awful customer service, awful prices and awful attitudes.

[@mikedr1549]

Phil - run the ads!! You deserve to get paid and sitting through some ads isn't a big deal. Also - agree on diminishing returns on higher priced guitars but wonder - what is THE current magical price point for the best value? Also - the ONLY reason I go to my local Guitar Center is to check out their used guitar selection.

[@thebahana]

I got a 2019 Mexican made Strat modded with P90s in the 600s. Very happy with it.

[@nekot9274]

The thing I font get is a big shop in Switzerland called boullard. They are between 15% and 30% priceyer than anyone else BUT they are the biggest in the country...go figure...

[@anthonyalfredyorke1621]

Great show Phil, I would think the best selling artist Guitar ever is either THE BEATLES one from the 1960s or THE HELLO KITTY one . I know there not ' REAL GUITARS " but in the same way the best selling car of all time is THE RED & YELLOW kids car . PEACE AND LOVE TO EVERYONE ❤❤.

[@64_Commuter]

Texas Toast Guitars are primo. And, so are Matt and Chris. Go buy one; you won't regret it. And, yes, 10" fretboard radius.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

I prefer two volumes and two tones, and a blend knob.

[@robbramwell512]

Hi Phil! Great Show! I want to tell you about two Fender Player Strats with ebony fretboards. I thought these’s guitars would be heaven. Wrong! I’ve never seen guitars with so many Dead Spots or Dead frets? The notes don’t ring out? They play flat, dead like. So, I thought I’d get them PLEK’d. That only made the problem worse! I actually can’t believe this! I took 5 guitars, two Fender Strats, two Sterling Cutlass CT-50’s (which played great) and an Epiphone ES-339. After being PLEK’d they all have dead frets and dead spots. Any suggestions? I only took the guitars to be PLEK’d to see if they could be even better. Boy, was I wrong. Any suggestions?

[@SILVERxCHRONO]

Hi phil! I asked a question during the live show but you missed it so im hoping you get to answer this next week. I recently bought a Gary Levinson Blade Rh4 in Honey for an absolute steal, i found it in my local shop for 300 dollars! Its a 10/10 instrument for me and its really beautiful. Just wondering if you've ever worked on or played one before? Thanks!

[@wyatttompk]

I got about 3 ad breaks in 30 minutes with 2 ads each break. I don’t mind it though, I can skip them and the channel deserves the revenue and circulation.

[@nik1954]

I came to an inheritance of hundreds of thousands of dollars and I'm still looking for that $99 great guitar

[@DoctorEnigma01]

If you have a technical or mechanical aptitude, or even wood working I strongly suggest doing your own luthier work, there are countless videos on KZbin if you don’t like to read, most of you I don’t even have to tell you, you’re already doing your own work

[@VintageRadius]

I always miss this live! The price of kids... :) Look forward to watching!

[@tommythiel9268]

Quick question Phil do you prefer the music nomad nut files over the stewmac diamond files ? I'm trying to invest in my first set of good nut files but I'm conflicted on which ones to buy the music nomad are much much cheaper but have no warranty

[@bradlivey7867]

you can get a small time builder to build a custom for less then a standard les pual these days ive had custom work done for less then the price of a epi look up Hansen customs outta Canada all there guitars are less then 2k ive got a custom tele made in ukrain during the war and it was sub 2k as well

[@taibidavide]

So, better wait that prices go down or do you think we are already at the lowest possible? My dream guitar is still stable in price (Les Paul Black Beauty historic 57). Will it go below 5K sooner or later?

[@breft3416]

I think if you are starting out, the journey is, after getting a base of skill, finding your own playability and tone. The art and look is the next step along the way. So, start out with a basic cheaper instrument.

[@jeffmancuso2715]

I have many guitars, the only ones that I want to go back to are the ones I’ve let go. I’m gonna buy them till I can’t play or look at them.

[@brianbrazil4426]

Since last year the prices on mid priced guitars were raised from $599.00 and $799.00 to $899.00 to $1,000.00 in some cases higher. Mid priced guitars have been moved up to another level. They're no longer in the mid hundreds.

[@caseymuzio7609]

I have the angelico fulton ls premier 12 string for a budget guitar is amazing

[@bradrehn1007]

The "single brand" aspect (regarding the MM Petrucci model) was my first thought.

[@electricurinal]

On the Fender Am Pro II stuff. I have a strat and a jazz bass. And I have late 90s American Standards too. There is no doubt that the Pro II bodies are slightly scaled down. They are noticeably thinner... its almost as if they put the body model in MS Paint and scaled the body down 5%, then built the body that way. It was the first thing I noticed the second I pull them both out of their boxes.

[@thepeopleschoice431]

This is true, but I see it as a good thing because it balances really well.

[@electricurinal]

@@thepeopleschoice431 I saw it as shrinkflation. LMAO.

[@musicartguy1]

Used prices are coming down a LOT. I just purchased a gorgeous Kaisel PB4 bass made in 2023 on Reverb for $1070 with tax and shipping. That is a $2,200 bass. And I am seeing huge markdowns all over. People are either hurting, there is too much used inventory, or both.

[@blastmasterparker6358]

Phil u really cover some great subjects and wide variety , great stuff , now if I could get inspired to play more 😅

[@ivanrosemusic]

Must say that I have not had great luck with recent Bad Cat and Supro amps, hope they have been better quality and more reliable for others

[@styrenebuilds6851]

There was in band in the 60s that said 'You can't always get what you want"

[@FrankRemley]

My local mom-and-pop is the same: no returns. Too bad, so sad. They will make free neck adjustments for one year so that’s something(?)

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

1:02:43 Despite time being a constraint, I would be absolutely *elated* if you ever did a more in-depth review of Lace Pickups. I have long been a fan of what I've heard of their stuff; unfortunately, most of the demos on KZbin suffer from either lackluster video production, audio quality issues, or questionable demonstration methodology. I have a Red/Silver/Blue and a Gold set, but to be able to hear Emerald, Purple, Light Blue, and/or a Hot Gold set would definitely help sway whether it was time to finally commit real money to a project based on a Lace set. The Fender Strat and Tele Plus models from the early nineties are still the guitars of the future... they're just thirty years old.

[@georgewilliams6571]

Thanks!

[@linvesel]

Cheap and boutique segment sales up. $700-$1800 segment collapsing. If that is not one of the signs of middle class collapse, not sure what is. And at this pace, I’m either gonna keep building myself or hope for a god used deal. Last option is the Thomann/HB route (threw up in my mouth a little bit).

[@Gr8FriknApe]

Agree. I LOVE art and history. That said, I will not buy museum art and or instruments with expensive art on their bodies or a musical history. That's for "snobs" that need public attention IMHO. I buy SOUND. Damn the torpedoes and the haters man ... full speed ahead. You don't have to explain yourself to negative peeps. Enjoyed your video. Thanks.

[@MrScrofulous]

Your Gretsch IS pretty. I have a blue/purple Hot Rod and a new Paisley Black Penguin which is a whole different level of stunning. I agree that budget guitars are fine until you get used to premium level instruments.

[@CunningStuntsGoFast]

i got a 1993 strat plus in natural ash since 1995 , recently i tried to sell it but its not a wanted guitar nowadays for some reason

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

John Petrucci's Ibanez JPM guitars were way cooler than his Music Man guitars, imo.

[@jonscudder759]

The view of my guitars hanging on the wall behind me while I go to work on zoom meetings makes me happy every day!

[@pads-zr9ln]

The uk maybe a healthcare system with a state attched but we have quite good consumer rights, especially when buying online

[@tigeraudio]

Neck profile on AMII strat is SO thin. Can’t understand why fender doesn’t make THICK necks.

[@BretAmes]

Phil said something about a Telecaster with a Floyd Rose being Crazy? Do you think he meant it's 'Fun Crazy' Crazy Good' Or Crazy Bad' (kind of)? - I am in the process of doing it to my Squier Affinity 😁 Does anyone here advise against it for any reason? It's Done now anyway, but I'd love to know other's thoughts ♥

[@jobckts682]

I Scored a Great Reverend, at Local store.Avoiding SamAsh $ale, G.C. & Reverb burn.

[@JonClemence]

"AI is a C+ student." Couldn't agree more! I use it as an assistant, but I never trust it to deliver a final result.

[@GuyWhite-tt5my]

I have a set of Hot Wheels in a partscaster and I damaged the neck pickup can I put a single coil in its place

[@vkelly1975]

Thorpy Peace keeper is the ultimate light overdrive. If you get a chance check it out 🇬🇧❕

[@miquelmarti6537]

I got a Cabronita clone and a Fender amp 50w just for 300€ in total. In the 90's I had to invest several thousands just to get something similar. Some cheapo brands are much better than the typical Mexican counterparts from some decades ago. They have a smooth diapason, ringy tones and rich harmonics. What else can you ask?

[@brettbunke9096]

Low mode is Geat man KZbin premium is 18.99 a month now

[@LiteralApe]

I still got recommended the video in the algorithm. Try low mode a bit longer phil

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

EHX: 'Soul Food' and 'Satisfaction Fuzz' (guess what THAT is) are cheap, fantastic, and cover huge amounts of ground.

[@motokev2727]

Mom & Pops back in the day (1990s) in my area would give you store credit if you wanted to do a return.

[@alangreenway6695]

I would imagine Chet Atkins has sold a few artist models for Gretsch as well, especially in 60 odd years.