Guitars with the Highest Dud Rate

Baxter and Jonathan discuss what guitars generally have the highest rates of being duds or lemons. What ones you can trust ordering online and will be the easiest to get setup.

[@rickmoore52]

I worked for Gibson in the 90's on a final assembly team. So we took the painted guitars, did a final buff, then mounted all the hardware, installed pickups and pots and soldered the wiring, setup the action and intonated. The nut slots were only filed in needed. I was the only person on my team of 6 that was a guitar player, so generally I was more meticulous. Some of my team members couldn't even drill a straight hole to mount the pickup rings or tuners or cover plates. I estimated that only 1 out of 10 guitars that I personally built, would I even consider for purchase. It was an assembly line with a minimum of quality standards. Gibson was selling so many guitars, especially Les Paul models, that they didn't care too much. As a point of interest, in 1994 I was selected to build a custom Les Paul for Jimmy Page to celebrate Gibson's centennial. I must admit it was a beautiful guitar, but I would not have purchases it myself, even at a discount. In my opinion it was a dud. I'm quite sure that Jimmy Page played it once or twice and just stuck it on a shelf or gave it away. Wherever it is now, my name is signed inside. Haha!

[@herickvar8608]

Thanks!

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Great story! Remind me to never buy a Gibson. :)

[@jeffgutierrez8796]

Being able to maintain, set up and intonate your instrument drastically reduces the duds in my opinion. I've never bought a guitar that didn't need some adjustments.

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

Absolutely

[@stitchbiatch3715]

My first guitar (I was 10) was a Harmony from Sears that my parents probably paid $35 for in 1975. What a dud! But I thought it was great because it was the only guitar I ever touched. Strings were an inch from the fretboard, frets were razor sharp. It smelled great though. Probably plywood.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Wow, it sounds just like my first guitar, a Univox. Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffsquires6620]

One has to remember that buying your dream guitar is your dream. For some builders, making your dream guitar is only a job.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

True, but if they like what they're doing, they'll take pride in their work.

[@jeffsquires6620]

@@rosewoodsteel6656 my point entirely, this would be my dream job. Guitars aren't only beautiful instruments but also beautiful pieces of artwork.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I totally agree, Jeff. @@jeffsquires6620

[@davegallagher7428]

This past summer I purchased a Gibson J 185ec rosewood burst. It fit me like a glove and it was a beautiful looking guitar. The action was really high but that could have been fixed with a setup but the guitar was lifeless dead, it was really a drag. I ended up getting a different guitar and it was really nice but then I played a Taylor 414ce Ltd with a sinker redwood top rosewood back and sides. It’s been a while since I played something in a store and I connected with the guitar, thought that it sounded off the charts amazing so I took a bath trading the other new guitar in to get this one and as much as it hurt me financially I’m so glad I have this new Taylor. I think it’s awesome that you guys will play a guitar for a customer and give them your honest feedback, well done!

[@joelhall8438]

Im a long time player, been fortunate to have owned more guitars than I can remember, also worked in a vintage shop for a bit. Played many 50s and 60s vintage guitars. The one thing I have learned is you have to take every guitar as an individual. Regardless of brand, price or age. A guitar is a organic thing, like people no two are the same. Duds and studs can be found across the whole spectrum. As far as setup that is on the various manufacturers. For instance Gibson never sent us guitars with a good setup back in the day. They expected the shop to set them up. Gibson's thought at the time was we can set it up great coming out of the factory but by the time it gets to the shop its going to need another setup anyway.. which is true in a lot of cases. Even Prs , on average came in with a much better setup than other manufacturers but we would still see some here and there that went crazy in shipping and needed a full setup. My advice for people has always been, take each guitar on its own merits, learn to do your own setups. And if a guitar has a serious issue, like a twisted neck , or crooked bridge think twice before buying.

[@azmike3572]

(A twisted neck or a crooked bridge condition is also a serious problem for people, too.)

[@paulcowart3174]

Playing a guitar first is so important My CS Strat is a great looking and playing guitar but I didn't play it first and really all my Strats that I own that I played before buying are just better So I have a great 4K strat to sell It's not a lemon at all but like you said you just never know Jack Pearson loves his Squier and mine(very upgraded) is my #1 besides my old 65

[@ratwynd]

Agree about learning to do your own setup. I would rather do the work myself, nothing against guitar techs, I just would rather spend the money saved on more gear. I have bought guitars that needed major work (neck resets, new bridge, loose joints and binding, etc. I just study it and then fix it. Learn how, get appropriate tools and materiel's and just do it. Got some awesome stuff that way. '63 Epiphone Cabellero acoustic (Kalamazoo, MI), that I restored for example. I also have a sailboat and without learning to fix all the systems aboard, I would never consider (or afford owning) it due to maintenance costs if paying someone. Whether a 10 year old guitar or a new one, they can be just like boats, cars or whatever and need fixing right off the factory floor and without doubt later in their lifetimes, even if rarely used.

[@paulcowart3174]

@@ratwynd my fix it ability does not extend that far I wish though my 69 Gibson 12 and 50's Kay need neck resets Cheers to new gear

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I've never had an issue with PRS.

[@kerbyfab]

Baxter, the hair is looking especially festive today! 🎉 Appreciate you guys, always great insight.

[@stephengrant5332]

Love your shows… I’ve bought 2 guitars from you now, a Marin D-15M & a Taylor GS Mini-Koa. Both are awesome! Looking forward to my next guitar from your shop on one of my trips through Southern Pines. Have a great weekend!

[@Arfonfree]

That's why I've learned to do my own setup. I bought a guitar from my LGS, it was OK, not great. Brought it back after playing for six months for the "free" setup. Hated it after that. So I learned. After finally getting it set up the way I like, it's great.

[@christianhunter777]

Aah, the perils of sleeping late! A quick story for you: It was at Brian's guitars, New Haven, circa early eighties. I was about to do the paperwork on a new '81 or '82 Gibson Explorer in the fall of that year and I was playing it side by side with an unknown (to me) beast, a new Charvel San Dimas from California, a one pickup strat. The Charvel murdered, absolutely killed the Gibson in comparison. I ordered the Charvel and waited three months. When the guitar arrived it was perfection in a hardshell case. I never considered Gibson again, and never would, save for entering a time warp and buying a '60 Les Paul at a pawn shop for three hundred bucks, and you know that 'aint gonna happen, although it surely used to quite a bit!

[@danwilson9530]

I got a Jackson Rhoads Custom new in 84, so I know the amazing Charvel quality you’re talking about, but today I dare say a standard production Charvel Strat is comparable to a Gibson USA Explorer considering that San Dimas factory is long gone, Grover sold it all off and a few of those old Charvel builders are in Fender’s Custom Shops, not in China where today’s standard production Charvels I believe are coming from. Most of today’s Jackson’s are crap compared to mine.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

For years I avoided Charvel Guitars and just wrote them off until I got one a Trade in when I was wheeling and dealing, it was the Limited Edition 1888 Superstock with DiMarzio Super Distortion Pups, I was blown away by how good it was, the neck with rolled Ebony Fretboard! I've been a fan of Charvel ever since!

[@t3hgir]

@@danwilson9530 Charvels lower priced stuff is made in Mexico where MIM strats used to be made i believe. I have a 2019 charvel pro mod tele and it feels like a 3 grand guitar neck and fretwork wise

[@danwilson9530]

@@t3hgir MIM is good. I’ve had a few MIM Fenders and was not disappointed.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@t3hgir My local Fender dealer is also a Charvel dealer. Charvels aren’t really my thing except for the fact that they offer more Hardtail Strat options than Fender. I’ll say that any of the Charvels I’ve played in that store are every bit as good as the higher end Mexican Fenders which I love. I’ve played a couple that were absolutely outstanding.

[@wakjob961]

Three of the most impressive Les Paul's I've ever played all said 'Edwards' on the head stock.

[@Panic42000]

I doubt that.

[@BobaFettBountyHunter]

@@Panic42000 You don't really doubt that.

[@billspmaxx6490]

There is always one of you

[@Panic42000]

@@billspmaxx6490 Thanks!!

[@Panic42000]

@@BobaFettBountyHunter Sure do genius!

[@electricurinal]

I had a guitar I thought was a dud (2022 Gibson LP Classic). It was heavy, but they all are. And it had very muddy tone. I've had other LPs over the years, and this one was very muddy even for a LP. Changed pickups... helped some. Then one day I noticed the Tune-o-Matic saddles were not notched properly... i could see daylight between the string and the saddle. I had a good diamond nut file kit so I used it to shape the notches to match the strings. WOW! Totally fixed it. It's got bright chimey harmonics jumping out all over the place... even with the neck pickup... it's amazing. It's still heavy tho... haha. Often a dud is indeed a poor setup... even if you think you have it set up... the smallest thing can make a huge difference. Check your Les Paul bridge saddles, folks!

[@tonym2513]

Dude. I’m going home to look at mine right now. It sounds amazing, but maybe it could be even better. Thanks for the remind.

[@brooksroman2918]

Wow, now that’s a piece of setup/QC that I have never even considered before. Add that to the toolbox!

[@nellayema2455]

Good save!

[@MatthewBaron]

Gibson: QC problem? Just stick it in the Demo Shop.

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

Oh Boy do I got some stories about buying one from demo shop. False advertising for sure. Came out with worse issues than advertised.

[@randallslonaker3413]

Great topic! I now own two Reverend guitars: a Six Gun HPP and a Sensei. They are fantastic! Reverend guitars are made in Korea, and set up and receive a final QC at their Toledo, Ohio headquarters.

[@shawn_ten_toes]

I picked up a Reverend Bob Balch signature a few years ago, and it has become my go to player over my Gibson USA's and Fender American pros. I'd buy another reverend any day.

[@robertjudson7750]

My Reverend Double Agent OG is my go-to guitar. As a lefty it is near impossible to meet a potential new guitar in person. Purchased from a brick and mortar shop on reverb. It came out of the box perfect and ready to tear a venue down to the studs 🔥🔥🔥 they make great instruments.

[@JoshMarzolf]

I have a Reverend Super Rev that looks cool, sounds great, but I hate the neck. It feels like it was dipped in a plastic coating. Glad you guys have had a better experience.

[@treignsinblood]

@@JoshMarzolf green scrubrite pad.? takes it down to a matte feel

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@robertjudson7750 I’ve seriously thought about getting a Double Agent, and I also like the Pete Anderson Eastsider especially the baritone version.

[@rodgerflood7190]

I enjoyed your show from the Rusty Nail Jonathan . Glad your show went well . Cheers

[@rotaryrotary4227]

I bought a custom shop les paul a few years ago from an online retailer. It was a great playing beautiful guitar but it was missing the growl I was looking for, I wanted a bit more out of the pickups. I think this is where shops like yours shine. If I ever decide to spend that kind of money on a guitar again (doubt it), it will be in person at a shop where I can try them out and make sure it’s the one for me.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

you need an artist model with hot pickups in the Les Paul to get a decent growl.

[@TeensierPython]

Just put a pedal on it?

[@davepatterson4774]

I had a Gretsch Double Jet that I got online, new, for a great price. I soon learned why. The bridge would pivot any time the Bigsby was even looked at, which would throw it wildly out of tune. The silver lining is, with the money I got for it from Guitar Center I was able to buy my first Greco directly from Japan. It is amazing!

[@imijofsoul-ajimiexperience7164]

Congrats Johnathan well deserved!!

[@analtarofnothing69]

Reverend have a great track record, and their system of having them all made overseas but then going through their US 'factory' for a full check and setup (then individually signed-off and hand-signed by the tech on the back of the headstock!) weeds out all the duds. That seems to be the ideal way to keep things consistent and prices as low as possibe.

[@ripley7t429]

The comment about setups is right on. I have known several builders and masters. One individual in particular loves really high action. Don't know why, but it is just that way. I have gotten a few guitars, USA Jackson in particular that was way too low. Best playing guitar out of the box, Fernandes FGZ-550, 1996.

[@michaeldaffern7815]

Yes, setup is massive.

[@davescott1494]

Love you guys, keep up the friendship, one like yalls is rare. Also you two make sense in a muddled guitar market. I trust your judgement for the most part. Great job.

[@Fuzzybunny-ki1cw]

what is a "yalls"?

[@castleanthrax1833]

@@Fuzzybunny-ki1cw It's American for "you all". He's referring to Baxter and Jonathan.

[@VidMashUp]

Yalls?

[@chunk4572]

I have ordered several guitars over the last 2 years from the big 3 (Fender, Gibson, PRS) and quite a few have had QC issues, mainly fit and finish. If you are unable to play it beforehand, make sure you order from a reputable retailer that stands behind their products and offers a no hassle return policy.

[@216trixie]

Examples of fit and finish problems?

[@chunk4572]

@@216trixie Scrape marks on binding, nuts not cut correctly or barely at all, tool marks on fingerboards, paint flaws, etc.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@216trixie Nut cut so high not even a capo can close the gap at 1st position. Requires major work to get the guitar to playable action.

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

I have two PRS SE's, one core and one CE and each are luckily perfect. My Gretch is o.k. just needed fret end work, which I did, and a bit of the paint on the bond crosses over into the binding with the neck meets the body. I bought a Les Paul, but it took 4 tries before I got one without an issue, whether it was a finish problem (like bubbling), wood grain with unsightly black marks, or hardware broken. The last one, although the fret work is a bit shaky ( the nubs are not rounded over smoothly), is the best of them. I figured that was more of something I can easily fix myself. It played great, so that was the one.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@itsalwayssomething7490 Dark marks in wood grain are simply mineral deposits. All wood grown from dirt will have that.

[@vegashdrider]

I’ve never personally had a guitar couldn’t make play really well, I’ve had to repair it replace the nut many times or just do a complete set up or install a new pickup but they all turned out great, while there’s certainly no doubt duds exist I don’t know why people don’t learn the basics of guitar set up and repair

[@chucklee347]

You're the only other person I've heard say that. I know there are badly built guitars with no hope. Doesn't matter what you do it'll never be a good player. But over all. Man I think with a little care and some a little more than a little you cam make about anything decent if not great. But some people man it don't matter what you give them here's an example I personally know a guy for years now that has sent back 78 guitars to Amazon. Over about 9 years. 78 there's no way you can tell me he's that unlucky. I saw the email they sent him thanking him for past purchases but told him that did want to conduct anymore transactions with him for him to find another dealer. Now that's insane. Some people you can't and won't ever please. They are out there.

[@traviscarroll5762]

My Epiphone Dot (335 clone) had a faulty tone pot out of the box in 2014 or so but was set up beautifully. Sometimes random stuff just doesn't work right with cheap parts.

[@DS-nw4eq]

I have an MIM Martin that required some work. Now that it’s set up right, it’s great. Had a road worn vintera Strat that I ordered from somewhere in the Midwest with an absolutely dead neck/nut issue.

[@lisawisdom1174]

All quiet on the western front was an amazing film . The your show here is amazing guys . I've never had a guitar that stays in tune , must be my playing style lol

[@rogertinker1813]

Guys I have not had a dud and I do my own set up. my reason go comment is when I can i Starr my saturday with your video, I ŵas also the non sports guitar kid in high school which worked out good for me I'm 60 years old and have d made a living though sometimes meager with playing and fixing guitars , no regrets here, thanks for the informing and humorous videos you make

[@davidharding200]

The fit and finish on the 3 x 2021 Gretschs I have is very good, but all needed some minor set up which I was able to do

[@dksdeathwish666]

Great video boys. At my current job, we’ve gotten in so many Squiers that played gorgeously, better than a lot of MIM fenders, even some US fenders. I still have yet to have a good experience playing a Gretch. Hahaha. All PRS lines are pretty exceptional usually. I’ve played some duds for sure. But it’s all good! Also, Baxter, Smile is absolutely bananas. You should DEFINITELY watch it with your wife! Hahaha

[@ashleyspeake3168]

I have only bought one guitar sight unseen. A Gretsch 6120 Duane Eddy signature model. It came set up out of the box fantastic. Quality was awesome. The only issue it had was a very small scuff on the binding of the neck, that buffed completely out. All in all I was extremely satisfied. Granted this is a high end guitar and the lower priced Gretsch's may not be as reliable.

[@thefounding5879]

I appreciate that with more money spent odds are in a person’s favor that their purchase is going to be better. I know this from experience. With that being said, my favorite guitar to pickup out of the 10 I own is the cheapest one I have purchased. 5220 Gretch in Jade Gray. One of the cheapest Gretch guitars available. I got it on sale and spent $100 having it adjusted with a fret dress and new strings. It is right there with my favorite Adidas, my favorite sweatshirt, you get the point. Enjoy your Gretch! I bet it is awesome!!!

[@TheMightymolar]

I bought a low- end Gretsch last year and the quality was perfect. I think they must have tightened their standards, because all the reviews of Gretschs over the last few years have been great.

[@cubano100pct]

I have seen some videos of Jake Workman flat picking and wow what an amazing player. He is the lead guitarist for Ricky Skaggs. I was introduced to him, by a video that Rhett Shull did "This Guy Is A Living Legend".

[@TommySG1]

I just purchased a new Martin ( 000-15SM) and I just popped out the saddle and sanded it down and it plays beautifully. If you’re afraid to do it yourself just bring it to a pro then but I’ve had great luck with Martins thus far…. Knock wood ( pun tended lol ) 😂

[@NoCoverCharge]

My white falcon which had been my dream guitar …. It totally lived up to the hype …I love it …I’m waiting on my Novo to get here let you know how that goes

[@ladyluckdrums]

I have watched you guys for years and never realized you are in Southern Pines. Hello from Ashe county!

[@michaelgarner4200]

Good advice not to give up on a guitar too quickly. I was about to send my Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster back to the nice MFs that I bought it from when I decided to search the forums a little deeper. I had read about how to adjust the saddle but it was not working for me. I discovered that I needed to use a tiny 1.5 mm hex driver and the screw was deeper than I expected. I was going to take my refund and add an additional $1,000 to buy a similar Fender. I may take me time and eventually upgrade components on my Jazzmaster but I dont have to spend anything right away and I certainly don't have to spend it all at once. Thanks guys!

[@stephencook7720]

I had a mid-2000s Martin, new; somehow it never got to the comfortable feel and sound of my 70s Guild, sat in the closet, so I parted with the Martin; it just didn't have the draw for me. Expensive lesson. Conversely, I got a beat-up natural maple Univox HiFlyer for $25 at a flea market, tremolo dropped into the body, missing bridge. Fixed it up almost no cost (I had a spare tune-o-matic and the tremolo fix was easy). The tuners are lousy, but that beast has the sweetest neck action on any electric I have ever seen. People can't believe how precise and low that action is. Truly 1 of a 1000, with a bit of natural relicing to boot.

[@Irg1570]

I have to be in the right mood when I visit music stores. Many guitars are not set up to my taste when they are on the wall. I always have to remind myself to look past that when deciding if I like a guitar or not. I have tried guitars and hated them. Then, came back to them on another visit and like them a lot more simply because I was more patient with how they were set up and knowing that I could change that if I decided to buy.

[@azmike3572]

Good for you to admit that patience was necessary for your search.

[@msspi764]

I had a Seagull S6. Inexpensive guitar, never got it set up right. Sold it to a young player who loves it. I have a Taylor. A little tweak of the saddle and some fret work was all it took to make it shine. It even impresses the bluegrass players who don’t immediately scoff at the name on the headstock. It’s the fit, the guitar, the setup, and the player all have to fit.

[@ditch1776]

I've been listening to y'all for a couple of months, only this episode did I catch your semi local (bout a hour away)

[@markkozielec2200]

I bought a Silver Sky that was shipped from Florida to NJ, on the coldest day of the year. When I got it, you could see 3 lines in the finish that looked like cracks. After a few weeks of having it in a temp controlled room, the 3 lines disappeared. The only way they were visible was with a black light. Also, one of the caregivers that took care of my mother in law, who had ALS, was related to the owners of Martin, through marriage. I tried really hard to butter her up for a job, but to no avail. All she could offer was a pretty serious discount in a luthier program they had. It was too far. I would’ve moved to the Poconos for a job there though. Incredibly nice of her to try though.

[@Dirge4july]

That’s not on the manufacture tho. They can’t control if someone makes a boneheaded decision like that.

[@markkozielec2200]

@@Dirge4july Never said it was. The point was that it went away, for some reason, once it was in a controlled environment. I never blamed PRS, or the company I bought it from.

[@inquisitor4635]

I have a satin maple neck Mexi-Strat from the mid-nineties with 3 single coils. I did the action, intonation and put on a set of 9s tuned down a half step and it is the best guitar I have ever owned. I have an effects unit with a "humbucker" effect that satisfies my need for "Gibson" tones.

[@Angel-fz8dr]

half step down with 9s? Dude...

[@curtisy6234]

@@Angel-fz8dr he probably did that because he read Van Halen did that or something along those lines LMAO

[@EHCreative]

I have a 2020 Les Paul Special that i had been lusting after for a long time. Every review of these sound great. No complaints about the build quality but it just has no life when you plug it in... I usually just put it back in its case hoping it will sound better next time... Going to try to swap out the pickups and then if that doesn't change my mind its going on reverb....

[@Angel-fz8dr]

Does it sounds good unplugged? If yes, then you can change the pickups, if no, no need to waste your time and money, sell that donkey.

[@EHCreative]

@@Angel-fz8dr yeah actually pretty lively and resonant. That’s why im so surprised how bad it is plugged in.

[@Angel-fz8dr]

@@EHCreative might be the pots?

[@drippinglass]

I have a 2023 in TV Yellow. It has a few finish blems. Nothing major, a speck of black dirt in the binding, a dark portion where the neck meets the body, and black overspray on the headstock. But it plays and sounds great so I can’t complain.

[@jackcarter5364]

For me, the most consistent style of guitar I have had issues with are Fender US strats across all their flagship lines. Not so much with fit and finish or physical defects and flaws, but setup. I haven't been able to have one set up, or set up by my self to where I can play it and like it. This applies to both the traditional 9.5" and more contemporary 12" radius versions. I suppose I do not have the magic touch for those, whereas I can set up a tele, a jazzamster, and any of their basses without issue. Conversely, I don't run into this problem with other makers' takes on strats - be it Music Man, G&L, or Schecter. I don't know what the disconnect is. On factory duds, my black SG Modern was the most problematic. It's a CME exclusive finished as a black beauty: -Promo photos for it show it having a pickguard. It did not have a pickguard, and was not drilled for one. -It was supposed to have push/pull coil split for each pickup. If it did, it wasn't noticeable or was incorrectly wired. I'm leaning more towards the latter, which is the next reason. -After about two weeks, the neck pickup stopped making sound and the bridge pickup was intermittent. I opened the back plate and whoever did the wiring and cleanup did an awful job. The leads were not cut to a shorter length, sloppy globs of solder on all pots, all around poor work. Another interesting observation was that the selector and jack were not Switchcraft, just some unbranded pieces. I was always under the impression Switchcraft hardware was always used in Gibsons. -The neck isn't set at the right angle, so the strings contact the back side of the bridge. This can be remedied with lighter strings and/or raising the stop bar, or top wrapping. A common issue, but it's still something that should need to be remedied for in the 2020s. This guitar was purchased as a means to do some alterations to the electronics by choice, not by necessity. This was earmarked to be a nod to Al Di Meola's black LP custom with the Dual Sound pickups and wiring. It still became that, but on a shorter timeline than desired. Surprisingly, the paint was and top coat was good, along with the fretwork and nut. Plays great now, but left a bad taste in my mouth for Gibson that I haven't experienced prior to this purchase. Kind of turned off from the brand's product.

[@thebenefactor6744]

I spent hours on my strats too. I had this epiphany when, once I was done with the topside stuff, I went around back and fooled around with the anchor screws for the tremolo springs, and voila, it was like spraying Dristan up the guitar's nose. All of a sudden the thing could breathe. So I replicated the procedure on the other one (american) and got similar, if not quite as dramatic results as on the first ( mexican).

[@edschnurr1851]

I finally got my Yamaha rev star after waiting since April of this year but I am happy to get it

[@zeusapollo8688]

Rev is a pretty awesome guitar

[@alexrharvey7]

My experience with a dud was when I bought my first Les Paul, a Classic, and it came with a poorly cut nut that caused the low E to fret out. Gibson told me it was a setup issue and wouldn't take it back so I had to send it back to the dealer for a replacement. The new one is great but that soured my taste in Gibson. I still own six though 😂

[@JuxtaCrucem]

Doh!

[@benlogan430]

A badly cut nut is not a dud. That can easily be fixed. Set up is pretty normal and always has been I’d image. But, ya it stinks to have to do a set up on an instrument you just get. It’s time to jam!

[@brandonbrinegar5316]

If you spend that much on a guitar it is expected that it is set up proper....very frustrating when your epiphone les paul plays better than your gibson.

[@kernjames]

In 1978 I bought a Gibson L6-S Midnight Special 1974-1979. I played in Bar bands with it and it seemed to work okay, except for the going out of tune on occasion. The guitar had a great sound, with P-90s. The way the guitar was designed may have caused the tuning issue. The neck and the body have some bend to them where they meet. The P-90s are just beautiful on recordings. Nowadays I use strings that are 10s or 11s, instead of 09. With heavier strings the tuning issue isn't there. The action is still great on it. I have worn the finish off of it in a few places. For 250 dollars, I think I got my money out of it. People want over a thousand dollars for them on Reverb.

[@Rogijimbex]

Bought a Gibson SG '61 Maestro Vibrola model. Interesting you mentioned SGs in your comments. It's stunningly beautiful - sounds terrific and won't stay in tune. It also has a subtle ringing sound (like miniature sleigh bells for lack of a better way to describe it). I won't go into all the details but I'm on my third SG in this transaction, which I'm finally keeping. Sweetwater did everything possible to make this right...including taking the other two back - Pleking, setting up etc. - on two of them. Back and forth via FedEx. The problem persisted on each instrument. This one I have now also has that ringing sound in places but is better. I'm convinced there is a manufacturing issue because I have four other Gibsons from various eras - none of them do this. I guess it's good to hear I'm not alone in thinking Gibson is producing substandard instruments .....at devastating prices.

[@Panic42000]

I have the same guitar and it has non of those problems. Maybe you should learn how to set a guitar so you don’t have those problems.

[@Rogijimbex]

@@Panic42000 Glad to hear you don't have the issues I described. I do set up and build my own guitars from kits - have 32 electrics right now - each set up and working....me doing the setups - . If you recall, however, I mentioned Sweetwater had set up and plek'd these SGs so there was no need for me to set them up again. All three still had the problem after all their attention trying to fix things. I think you missed that point. You lucked out with your SG Ben - and your comment is well taken if not a touch condescending.

[@fraggerron]

I have a Carvin that just rings like a bell beautifull guitar and set up from the factory was just like butter

[@buddylobos5277]

My Ibanez acoustic problem with the under bridge PU. Turns out the foil was folded over on top of itself when made. My Telecaster barrel bridges and intonation adjustments.. Also, Martin's In the dry SW lack of humidity. Stay moist. ( a Prince song?). But many top cracks. Even on my Eric Clapton signature 000-28 Martin. Minor top crack along top front seam. Not a cheap guitar. It got me thinking about a Rainsong carbon guitar. Anyhow great post. Thank you.

[@nickmendlik5788]

I feel like I have had a couple of duds over the years. I remember I got a Squier J bass that had dead frets on the first string towards the upper end of the fretboard. I managed to fix it by inserting a guitar pick inside the cavity between the body and the neck. I also have a MIM Martin that has what seems to be a dead g string that buzzes and does not have the sustain of all of the other strings. I got it professionally set up, but to no avail. I have been lucky with all of my higher end guitars, though I did get a Fender CS Tele Deluxe with a damaged body at one point (idk if it happened during manufacturing or shipping but that’s how I received it). I’m not convinced it’s a dud though, as it didn’t affect playability at all, but I ended up replacing it with an identical one w/o body damage and I have no complaints.

[@firecrackle]

just got a silver sky se and Im surprised with it got through. I think I'm sending it back and waiting for another one to come in. shipping played a part, box was banged around but, qc check in maryland sent to texas then to new york had it a week it still hasnt settled. Bought a eart headless to check out and out of the box awesome no setup needed (from california). ding on back of neck and a little sanding missed also neck. The price I payed for it dont care. Ordered a second one it was so good

[@ASM881]

The best bass I ever owned is a Players Series Fender P-Bass from Mexico. It plays like a dream. I’ve had much more expensive Basses but nothing feels like that P. It plays like butter and it sounds like, well, it sounds like the soul of Rock n Roll.

[@bradleyblauvelt1572]

I love my Mexican P bass. It’s the best. I had a Gibson thunderbird and a 4003 rickenbacker and that p bass beats them both

[@brian770]

only guitar i ever got new that did not need a setup from the factory is a ESP, was literally perfect out of the box.

[@bigkahuna100]

Not sure if you have heard of Todd Sipes, but he is a small builder in South Carolina that makes handmade custom guitars. He is doing a giveaway on Sweet T Guitars, and didn't know if you could feature one of his builds too, to help him grow his shop.

[@paulhendershott667]

I picked up a Martin 000-15M through Sweetwater in 2021. It has been the most perfect guitar experience I've had yet. I'm not sure if it came out of Martin that way or Sweetwater just did a spectacular job. On the other hand I purchased a PRS Hollowbody II Piezo around the same time. This was like the most beautiful guitar I ever owned but the darn thing would never stay in tune - EVER. I tried everything (that I knew about) to fix the problem including locking tuners but it didn't solve anything. I eventually decided to sell it and picked up a Slash Epiphone LP. That came direct from Sweetwater with no extra setup and has a dream to play and stays in tune. I did a very very lightly filing down the B & G nut slots and that was it.

[@bbrotherton6345]

In my early years, I owned 4 '58-'59 LP Jrs. Only one was playable with a trimmed neck. But, it was very unstable. A couple years ago, I bought a new LP Jr. tribute. Smaller maple neck! I added "Pearly Gates". Fantastic! Plays and sounds incredible! 7 pounds! Get one!

[@BrundonC]

Martin QC on my CEO-7 was crap. I just got a ceo 7 a few weeks ago and there were deep marks from a string winder, the finish flakes and discolors on the headstock just by being touched. There was buffing compound all over the fret board, the binding on the back didn’t connect, there were a bunch of little things that bugged me, but when I played it, it was instantly MY guitar and I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. It’s just got that mojo

[@adiamondforever7890]

Bought a Korean Strat copy for a cheap shipboard guitar. Found out why it was so cheap, nut kept cutting the high E string before it was tuned up to scale. Found a small kerf saw to ever so slightly clean the slot to fix it. Still didn't fix the 7.25 radius neck that I still have trouble with 40 years later, but a new neck for them is nothing. Have fun

[@Kraatzman]

Jake Workman is who you are referring to in the video. I used to take lessons with him long before he was well known in the industry. He can play just about any style of music as good as he plays Bluegrass.

[@mitchellstrauss5117]

It would be really nice if you included more coverage of acoustic guitars, where distinguishing the best from a batch is even more challenging... what is the best way to audition an acoustic guitar since most of the sound projects away from you? thanks... I can testify that a set-up makes a nice difference... I own a choice Collings 0002H that was more difficult to play than it should have been... after a set-up with a luthier it was a night and day difference... the Collings was set up initially to faculty specs, but as you stated there was room to drop the play a little bit, which in turn made a significant difference for a fingerstyle player...

[@greendayray]

I always ask if I can adjust the action and basic setup of any guitar I’m interested in before I buy it. Also, if a guitar sounds great without being plugged in, it usually sounds great through an amp. Just because it’s electric doesn’t mean it should sound lifeless unplugged

[@richardthomas9198]

Every guitar should be gone thru and set up after A month or two of playing it and letting it acclimate. In maybe 1993 I bought a brand new American standard strat. It was gogeous, three tone burst with a maple neck 800 bucks . , I got lucky, it t was really a great guitar. Gary Smalley rip sold it to me at a music store in Jax FL. He worked on Skynyrd and 38 specials guitars. He told me play the heck out of it and bring it back in a month or two. And I did just that, we hen I picked it up I wouldn't have believed it if you told me. It played better, sounded better like it was a different guitar. Wow it what a difference, Gary really knew his stuff and it showed. He has passed on, I hope he found Duane, Ronnie and Allen, Gary Steve and Leon and the rest of the old gang, westside is still the best side, may they all be happy as nd thanks to all of them for making this world a better place.

[@donaldbrown4711]

If your Gibson is having issues staying in tune, buy a string butler. It really helps.

[@moconnell1000]

On a related topic, maybe you guys could talk about how to find a good Luthier. Their are several people in my area advertising as guitar repair that just have no idea, but also, a couple amazing craftsmen that can do great work. Finding the later and avoiding the first is not always easy.

[@zeusapollo8688]

I have it good with a couple of great techs. I give them food and booze to keep em sweet

[@pharmerdavid1432]

@@zeusapollo8688 If you have to give them food and booze on top of paying them, they are the wrong luthier.

[@1alb]

PRS critique I bought a ‘Moon White’ PRS SE Silver Sky… It is plagued with problems; a screw to adjust the bridge saddle fell out and the bridge fell apart while playing on the couch, consequently the thread was stripped due to low quality. A tuner jammed up and could only be moved after spraying with DW40. The neck is unstable, the action changes from day to day and it won’t stay in tune. Also, the high E string is prone to breakage (a common problem according to some PRS sites) - I never break strings! The tremolo block also doesn’t allow for normal string changes as the strings get jammed in the block and require being pushed out with a long nail or something similar (never had this issue on any other guitar.) The guitar, in total, has had no more than several hours playing time, it has never been gigged, it is a massively inferior/faulty instrument - The PRS Australian distributer has been given the guitar, but as yet have not, and don’t look like they’re going to do anything about it? It’s been 7 weeks? I’ve been a pro player for over 30 years and never encountered anything like this. I would never trust a PRS SE to do gigs/sessions with this guitar without a backup (of a different guitar.) From all accounts the American distributers are far better at addressing issues. As a professional musician for over 30 years, this is the worst guitar purchased experience I’ve had, the worst guitar I’ve owned, and the worst service by PRS representatives.

[@waltjames407]

Had a LP Studio that had a straight neck that would not bow at all under string tension, could never get it set up right. OTOH, I mail-ordered my first USA Strat sight unseen and it's probably the best guitar I've ever owned.

[@victorycrosby4896]

I'll try better Grey tape and NON generic Elmer's glue and if I can fit another screw in the neck slot it may sound better afterwards.

[@BrundonC]

I just bought an SG standard last week. Finish is damn near perfect. However, the fretboard has some nasty marks on it around fret 15 where they scraped the binding down to make the nibs and they hit the fret board. Little pieces of wood were flaking off, and there are choppy lines on the fret board from being scraped. The overall guitar isn’t very resonant in hand either. Feels kind of like a cheap epiphone. Just doesn’t have that “thing” I’m looking for. I expected better for $1800

[@nellayema2455]

I bought an SG Standard in late 2019. It had issues like yours. I really liked the guitar, so I got an RMA and sent it to Gibson. Within 2 weeks I got it back and they did a great job fixing the issues. Granted, it shouldn't have left the factory like that, but Gibson's Repair and Restoration group did an awesome job. Remember guys, sending it back to the retailer and hoping the next one is fine isn't your only option.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Duds are often based on expectations…my Ultra Tele nut handles a .09 high e just fine, but warbles with a .10. The rest of the guitar is magic, tho. It’s not a dud. Guitars are based on such simple technology, that things like that are small things to me. It came with .09s on it, so I can’t expect the factory to know it’ll warble for on a .10. And it’s a simple fix.

[@everynotecountsofficial]

I bought an American vintage ii 1961 Strat which has some gap in the neck pocket. When I posted a video of it on my channel, I think some people concluded that it had a quality control issue (ie was a dud) but the guitar is well intonated, the neck feels straight, has good sustain, feels great, and sounds great. Unless a guitar has an actual symptom of not playing well, I think a lot of aesthetic issues can get a guitar inappropriately lumped into the “dud” category. Don’t get me wrong, the price you pay for a guitar should ensure a good fit and finish. That’s just a different issue than being a “dud.”

[@michaelgreen5206]

Loving my 61 American Vintage ii Strat and it was set up perfectly from Fender, too! This is now my #1 axe!!

[@michaelgreen5206]

Conclusion; it's a keeper!!

[@medicusofthedamned]

I got a fiesta red one a few months ago and the quality is outstanding. It somehow blows all the custom shops I’ve played out of the water.

[@everynotecountsofficial]

@@medicusofthedamned that’s awesome! Congrats, and thanks for watching!

[@ejmachuca9355]

Squier FSR models. The ones I have purchased needed a lot of work to make them playable.

[@gtr1952]

I've been on the hunt for an SG for a couple years. There is one over Jon's left shoulder that is not on your web listing?? I think I'm also getting talked into buying a Silver Sky SE! So many people rave about them, that's unusual. Worst case I could do some routing, mod the pick guard and put humbuckers in it. 8) Thanks, --gary

[@ericwilleke6613]

Love what you said about us bluegrass pickers. Love my 3 banjo killers

[@thelastnic]

the dogs hitting kids was funny, loved this video and how you guys just went off the rails so much, very entertaining

[@LeanBackMac]

I have heard it many times if you want a Gibson that stays in tune buy a PRS. I searched for my Gibson and even with it being everything I wanted I still never jived with it. Every PRS I have picked up from SE's to core's are great. Not to say lemons don't exist but I have just found more Gibson's and martins with issues than any others I have owned or used.

[@jfrankcarr]

A lot of "duds" come down to very picky buyers of expensive instruments that use this as an excuse to hide their buyer's remorse when a $4000+ instrument doesn't drastically improve their playing or tonez..

[@u563rick6]

Nah, my Jackson totally skipped fret leveling. There’s nothing picky about that, frets need to be leveled.

[@t3hgir]

@@u563rick6 USA, MIJ or Import?

[@jjgdenisrobert]

If you pay 4K for a piece of wood, you have a right to expect some QC…

[@t3hgir]

@@jjgdenisrobert true! but in my experience as a tech, specifically when I worked at a Guitar Center you'd see lots of older guys (that couldn't play worth a damn) claim their new USA gibson or fender had something terribly wrong and someone at the factory clearly had it out for them...

[@216trixie]

@@u563rick6 if the shoe fits

[@MichaelBethke-ni6zb]

I have "learned" about the setup on my guitars. This is something I had not known about. Michael

[@marcel-jt3dy]

Misread the title as GUITARS WITH THE HIGHEST DUDE RATE. if you could make a video on this please do.

[@NewPraetorianBlues]

That bluegrass comment is so true, every time I hear a guitarist in the wild, I get self-conscious. I was at the Martin factory and a dude was playing bluegrass in a small playing room. I walked in, heard that, widened my eyes, and quickly turned away lmfao

[@texhaines9957]

Popeye's bought out Church's Chicken which was the best in my opinion. As for Martin guitars, if you buy from a quality shop/store they will check the setup or charge it if you have specific needs.

[@davidevans3175]

I bought a John Cruz '57 Strat directly from the Custom Shop, built to order. John and another person involved sold me on the 10/56 neck, which I had never heard of. It took 18 months to get it. I hated it. The 10/56 neck - which Fender used in October 1956 - is a weird shaped hard V with a multiple radius. Like a deformed baseball bat. I sold the thing on Reverb and bought a 2006 Martin HD-28V, which is phenomenal.

[@Nightshade1881]

So was it a dud or you just didn’t like it?

[@sgd5k292]

My first good guitar (after a Silvertone to start on) was an original '52 Tele. It had a "V" neck and I really disliked it, especially after playing my band's lead guitarist's '63 Strat. The tone was great, but since I was a young buck, I wanted to bar everything and that neck did not work as well. Wish I still had it, tho!

[@cageliner]

Nylon is fine as a nut material, but it's hard to work with. Files won't put a mark on it - you have to start it with nut saws and finish with abrasive cord. The problem is that Gibson can't cut a nut properly. The neck angle and tuner placement doesn't help, either. The nylon that Gibson used to use back in the old days is no longer manufactured but it's a very close formula these days. Setups on used guitars can be wonky, and I can set one up myself, but it's nice to buy one that doesn't need it. Of the 20 guitars I have, the only dud is a Chinese rip off of a Korean bass, using some of the Korean parts haha. The only way to lower the action is to remove the strings and file down the vertical metal plate that serves as the bridge. I have not done that yet.

[@GuitarMav]

I have and have owned guitars in all price ranges and their are duds and gems in all. Have to try before you buy.

[@toddbarlow5355]

I live in a remote area and have ordered several guitars to be delivered. Never had a Fender dud that couldn't be addressed with a good setup. I've learned not to order Gibsons online. Three have had terrible nut jobs. I have to play them in person.

[@user-zc5uj1qr9w]

I played a ton of new Fender Tele's in shops and none felt right to me. actually kind of bad most of them in the $1,000 range. Tried a G&L Fullerton ASAT and no comparison. wound up buying one on reverb and its perfect. every G&L I've played in shops since have been amazing compared to fenders. Do yourself a favor and try one if you are looking for a Fender. I've owned a few Fenders from the 80's and 90's and wish I still had them.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎

[@shanewalton8888]

I ordered a Gretsch this spring but the music store ended up sending it back because it arrived with too many fret issues.

[@drothberg3]

I think the Bluegrass player you're talking about, played for Ricky Skaggs, is Jake Workman. Bluegrass players are badasses without looking like badasses.

[@edwardbelcher8612]

Guitars that I would never buy sight unseen: Gibson, B.C. Rich, and Dean. I have had really bad luck with those brands a few times each when buying from online sources. Brands I have never had issues with: Schecter, PRS, and (believe it or not) Epiphone. Might just be my luck of the draw but that's how it has worked out for me.

[@Panic42000]

You should add fender to that list. The last two fenders I bought online were awful. I bought a new 2200 hundred dollar fender esquire 75 anniversary online it was probably the worst setup I’ve seen on a guitar. The high and low E strings would not stay on the fretboard. The strings were a mile off the fretboard. The volume and tone knobs were loose in the case. It was just terrible.

[@billmcginnies1002]

I’ve never had a dud PRS. Gibson is another story. My first 335 just wouldn’t stay in tune. My current 335 is temperamental. I’ve purchased several Gibson Custom guitars, and two of them had nuts that should have never passed inspection. ALL of them had necks that needed a truss rod adjustment every time I pulled one out of the case for the first 10 years. That’s not a bad nut; that’s not properly drying the wood. Out of two Fender Custom, I had a Telecaster that was a lemon. My Stratocaster is fantastic. In the 1980’s I had two Martins that sounded great, but they were so difficult to play (plus the intonation sucked) that I switched to Taylor. Never had a bad Taylor.

[@DrScrambles]

I just quit working at Guitar Center, and I have to say, Fender has become the new Gibson. Gibson QC has been getting better, still not the best, but getting better. Fender on the other hand, ALMOST every guitar has horrible fret sprout. There is no perfect company, especially coming out of covid era guitar. Just bought a Taylor 414ce before I left GC. It shipped straight from the distribution center with a lacquer chip in the sound hole, but it sounds so much better than most 414s, that everyone I worked with agreed, just take the QC flaw cause it sounds so better than most Taylors.

[@doc_matter]

What state do you live in? Cold one? I see fret sprout when there is temperature/ moisture change during shipping

[@nikolaus2688]

The highest dud rate in terms of dead tonewood so far I have encountered in telecasters. I love the idea of a telecaster, but so far I have never found one I could fall in love with, that was even remotely affordable. I've loved cheap Strats, cheap Les Pauls, cheap PRSes, even the odd cheap jazz box or Selmer style ... but I've never found a Tele I actually wanted to take home.

[@caiusmadison2996]

That's me. I've found one in 29 years a guitarist. I like their tone, I like their look, I despise the neck feel. It's more squared than a Strat profile, and it's noticed in my case to detriment. Only one Anniversary model from 96', a Tobacco Burst, was ever to my liking.

[@0burrus]

Just have to try each one out in person

[@DavidLiraOfficial]

When I grow up, I wanna work at a guitar shop just like this. I’m 28 years old and all I care about is writing and playing guitar and I am absolutely OK with it. Actually I love it.

[@mike3f0]

I have owned Gibsons since 1967...SGs, LPs, Vs, Specials...I just plan on replacing the pickups, nut, and tuners and then doing my own setup on them. That's never changed. I believe they are as good and usually better now but, I still plan on changing those parts, and, I can live with that. Fenders have inconsistent wood and some just eat certain frequencies, ie. resonate too much, causing dead spots. This cannot be fixed except by replacing the body. Every brand has it's glitches.

[@glenkepic3208]

I always played a guitar acoustically first. This goes back to '76 with a year old Strat. now, 4 Epis, '20 LP Jr that i love (Thanx SW :), G400 like new but bought 'used' in '08 or so. Thank goodness, it hasn't needed anything. LP Std Plus from '07, bought new. Man, i'm playing it a few weeks ago thinking it's my favorite guitar (one of 14) and it quits working. Pull the output jack and the cable had broken. It was cut too short. I'm thinking splice job but the guitar deserves better so will get it fixed later. Don't get me started about the IBG FireBird. Not the guitars fault.

[@Heavymetallord1]

I had a 2006 Gibson Les Paul Studio that was a dud, it had a nice sound and looked good... But nothing I could ever do would ever make that neck play and feel nice

[@williamnichols6253]

I saw that 40th anniversary squire jazzmaster at the local GC, obviously it just got released, looked like it been hanging on the wall for 10 years. Frets on the higher half of the neck were corroded, literally a layer of rust. Thre were dings in the body, like quarter sized dings. Weird white powdery film on the rosewood of the fretboard. It already had that ring of black residue at the bottom of the headstock on the back from hanging on something. It looked exactly like a guitar that you'd be souped to find used for $300, knowing that you could clean it up. But for $600 no way man.

[@Nightshade1881]

🤣dude the way you explained that brought instant memories of my local guitar centers and Sam ash! All have guitars that look like that

[@andrewbecker3700]

The white specs of stuff on the fretboard is just dried buffing compound. If you're seeing that on a guitar, it means the strings are probably original and nobodies done even a basic set up or wipe down since it was built. Almost all sub $500 guitars have frets that will tarnish basically overnight, if left hanging on a stores display wall. If you expect a $300 guitar to be flawless and ready to go for you, your search will be long.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Cause that's what these 40th anniversary models are, $300 guitars marked up double with cheap gold hardware.

[@billmcginnies1002]

@@andrewbecker3700 RCC

[@robertarcher4308]

I purchased a PRS Custom 24 SE and I was having tuning issues with the guitar. I thought maybe if I replace the tuners, which are OK, but not great, and had a set of the PRS SE locking tuners put on the guitar. The guitar maybe held a tuning slightly better, but I was still having issues. I ended up having the guitar looked at and it turns out the nut was cracked and someone tried to fix it with super glue. Ultimately I had a TUSQ nut put on the quitar. I am lefty and I have to usually buy guitars online from a dealer. I won't say I would have caught this if I had been able to try it beforehand, but I've bought two Gibsons and they were were perfect (one was in person, the other was online). I have also had poor luck with Taylor. I bought a 2009 314ce and within a couple of months the Expression 2 system died. I waited a while before following up with customer service and they basically blew off my inquiry. To fix the issue I went to an authorized Taylor repair shop and after speaking with the guy he told me the Expression systems are garbage. I looked it up online and there are lots of threads about the Expression system. Once I figured out what I wanted the repair shop put in a K&K piezo system to replace the non-working Expression system, which cost me nearly $400. I regret buying the Taylor due to the poor customer experience and for a guitar that was probably overpriced to begin with.

[@mstave]

How'd your SE do after adding the TUSQ nut?

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

Funny you say that because i've fixed nuts myself (MIJ Fender from 80s, and a squier contemporary jag) albeit very amateurly and I have tuning stability for days. I dont know if it is an expensive guitar bias where you see issues more clearly as you expect perfection for the price.

[@robertarcher4308]

@@mstave Hi Matt, it's much better now. I am reluctant to use the bar, but I play the guitar much more than I did prior to having the nut swapped out.

[@robertarcher4308]

@@MrDream-zm1pw Not sure, it simply could have been a bad nut with the PRS I have. Gibson during the Henry J era was using plastic nuts even on the company's expensive guitars, which wasn't right. Eventually I did replace the plastic nut on my LP, which I bought new in 05 with a bone nut, but I had the guitar for 10 to 12 years. The repair shop told me he hated that Gibson used plastic nuts. Now I believe the company uses TUSQ nuts.

[@frankhoxsey1177]

One man's dud could be another person's amazing guitar.