How Do You Pick Out Good Guitars, Amps & Pedals?

Here’s a few little things I’ve learned over the years about picking out good gear, choosing the right stuff and narrowing it down.
I’ve made all the mistakes out there! Maybe this will help you on your own gear selection journey.
Thanks a bunch!
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[@guthrietrappmusic]

A lot of people have been contacting me asking where the tip jug link is. Here is the Venmo one - www.venmo.com/u/GTOinc Thanks so much for helping to support this channel! Lots more to come and we can not do it without you! GT (PayPal and all other links in the description below all videos)

[@user-no1cares]

Hey GT, it ain’t the lights, it ain’t the cell phone, it’s you, the music, the stories, the information & the guitar lessons.

[@gr1m0s]

Thanks for keeping it real GT. That’s why your channel is growing. The folks who get it, get it.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that

[@davidsummerville351]

I saw Jimmy Hall with Wet Willie opening for the Allman Brothers in 1973. What a show. He has incredible stage presence. Ricky Hirsch on lead guitar played great. Never forget that concert. 😎🤓

[@DavidBoyd-u7v]

Thanks for helping this 70 year old want to put in the time necessary to learn the guitar! It’s been a passion of mine for a long time and your lessons and honesty are the best!

[@gbarge4]

GT! Last night at the Underdog was crazy! My wife and I came out from Northern California and seeing you was the only fixed plan we had. Came with our dear local friend and great drummer, Jeffrey Perkins and his lovely wife K. I was wearing my In Stereo tee shirt, with hopes you’d notice and laugh. Jack Ruch liked it and I was able to thank him for his fantastic lessons and try my best to express how much it means to we ordinary folks out here to learn from true musicians. Jeffrey and Jimmy are friends so they got a chance to catch up. Mondays at the Underdog sure seem brimming with great music and many fantastic and real musicians there being impressed and trying to take notes. Hope to thank you personally someday. -GB

[@sejuyz]

I ran into this channel because of the algorithm or some shit, but I wanna say that as a begineer/intermediate player, I try to learn all the stuff he shows. "Oh, here's this little exercise I like do"... and all of a sudden I play the exercise and music is coming out of my guitar... or the other video he posted where he breaks it down the basics of learning guitar... man, this content is crazy good. Really appreciate the knowledge you're giving out, Guthrie.

[@ekredel]

That chair, with a decent pair of headphones, is a truly immersive experience 😂😂😂

[@abteenz]

Love you Guthrie! You single handedly keep me interested in practicing! Cheers mate!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great to hear!

[@budbays4588]

My wife was booking gigs for blues festivals back in the 90s (?) and he sent her some blues demo tapes he did that totally knocked me out. Yes, he is a bad ass!

[@bullcrapitis]

"Let's stay on it." Great words to live by.

[@clemclemson9259]

Thank You Guthrie- love the channel, hope things are going well, and you can have a long peaceful prosperous life. you are in a good position

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Much appreciated!

[@ADHD_GUITAR]

Hey Guthrie! I just want to say thank you. Every video you grace us with is riddled with the "right" stuff. You practice what you preach, and your improvisation skills coupled with your fret board knowledge and appreciation for all styles of music make you one of the best at what they do. You have your own style of playing, and you love playing and we can all see that man. So again, thank you for continuously uploading, you bring great information and positive attitude!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I so appreciate that!

[@boomerbendingblueslawyer]

Much love brother keep doing what YOU are doing 🤟🎶

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you, I will!

[@jimrunaway5060]

I know you like to suggest people get their guitars set up. I would say that a person would do well to learn to work on their own guitars as much as possible. I also don’t get into any soldering of electronics but a set up and intonation project is well within anyone’s reach. I think it’s helpful to do your own because you learn so much about your instrument in the process.

[@shawshank1962]

Wow! Great show last night at the Underdog. My wife and I stop by while traveling through town. Guthrie, John Oats and Jimmy Hall! Fantastic show!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

“Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the pretty damned good”. I gotta tell you G, I’ve been going through some personal downs and I latched onto that bit of advice you quoted your friend saying. It helps me stay level headed when the noise gets too loud. Thanks man. Really.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I love hearing that!

[@quadrant_G]

Great advice Guthrie, thanks! That guitar and amp sound beautiful!!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like it!

[@briancook4941]

Guthrie, I love your 'down to earth' approach to music and life in general. Inspired me to get back on my guitar, so my mandolin is sulking, but, hey, that's the blues. Much appreciated from the UK

[@neastguy]

I agree.. keep it simple.. every time I have tried a multi-effects unit I always end up hating it.. fiddling around looking for sounds.. big waste of time .. great stuff GT..

[@jkey2u815]

I'm missed an index finger (accident at a young age) the lower action seems to help in my situation. In my late 60s now always looking for ways to compensate shown in lessons. Play for pure enjoyment. I so enjoy your love of guitar playing to good gear purchasing practices. Thanks Guthrie.

[@ccaputa]

Nashville Amps is great. I took my 1966 Fender Vibrolux Reverb there for some new tubes. They cleaned up everything, replaced what was needed, and the amp is awesome again.

[@LeeHoMusic]

Man.. I Iove your videos. Real, informative and inspiring. No editing fireworks.... thank you. 👍👍👍

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@nomindnow]

Man, I love your channel and just stumbled over the Uncle. My favorite stuff at the moment. Am a student on a yearly plan at your Artistwork… but it seems I need another year to get all that stuff. Anybody here want to boost your learning? Get Guthries Class! Sadly I missed your gig last year in Murcia, Spain. Damn! Hope you be around again some day! Keep the vibes!

[@26dannyman]

the things you say are just gold! Awesome cause i like to learn something new everyday! thanks!😊

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@alstrummer2446]

The breakdown you showed starting at 4:50 just kind of melted me. Wow and thanks.

[@guitarplayer5932]

appreciate you guthrie , keep up the great work, im in north canada im going to make it down there one day soon and watch you play, youre 100 % right about picking out gear, my fav guitars i knew instantly they were great for me i didnt have to work at it

[@bwitt4673]

Thank you so much Guthrie. Been playing for years but certainly no where near I would Love to be. I Love playing when I can find the Time. You are so very inspiring my Friend. Would Love to be a tenth of what you can do. I wish you the best and will be praying God will open Doors for you. Your sincerity is so evident. ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸✝️

[@lecholatap]

Love your approach as a less is more player! I’m glad I’ve found your channel. You’re playing and style is inspiring.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@JasonCaron-qv3cp]

Thanks for everything you do GT. I learn so much whenever I watch these YT vids and on ArtistWorks. You are my favorite teacher ever (all subjects).

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Wow, thank you!

[@deadpatriot8047]

I will never understand how your ear for bends is literally the best I’ve ever heard.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Man, thanks a bunch!

[@kylebollendorf4856]

Ron Popeil said it best, “Set it, and forget it”. I can’t stand f-ing around with selection screens or secondary functions. Thanks for your advice and articulating your gear philosophy. Love the minimalist approach, just focusing on the musicality with a good base Fender blackface tone 👍👏

[@scottycasteel]

Completely with you on option anxiety in pedals. I love simple.

[@khayward60]

Thank You, you're definitely challenging my music theory. I agree with you about guitars. I go one more and that they find you! Like old cars

[@Squareheaddude]

I like those tips Guthrie! The other day I tried a guitar and it felt nice immediately. Then I tried another one and it just didn't click. I thought that was just guitarist mumbo jumbo. But I felt it! It's real and I believe it!

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

Great video! Always love the topics and lessons you cover. And you’re proof of the true working guitarists/musician. You are definitely not guitar poor. You are specific in the tools you want to get the job done for your music. I love that! Keep reminding when you’re going to be in the NY area for the Bitter End. Have to come out and see you live. 🎸🙏🏾

[@jammer6893]

Hey Guthrie! I saw your show Monday night. I was the guy at the bar with the Gators hat. You guys were awesome! Jimmy Hall and John Oates were a special treat. Wife and I loved it! God Bless!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Very cool!

[@Blues40]

Keep em comin Trapp! You’re a legend in my eyes. 👊🏾

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Appreciate that!

[@scottkidwell3601]

After 40+ years of playing guitar and bass, I have a routine I go through when trying out a new guitar. I also have a fondness for pawn shop guitars. Sometimes it's more about the hunt than the actual instrument. In my recent collection, I've been striving to not duplicate pickup configurations and focusing on the quality of the instrument. I know pretty quickly if a guitar feels right in my hands. If not, it goes right back on the rack. Not that I'm a good player, but I sure enjoy making and playing music

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

you are great man! and a great man! thanks for doing these Guthrie!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you like them!

[@dejaliloquy]

Incredible man! I'm not much of a Gibson guy but maaan you make that sound good

[@summerbreezebandnz]

More excellent exercises and really pragmatic thanks GT

[@Bond-dy6cb]

You make it real; thanks for all the kick ass help! 💪🎸UDOG show was incredible!

[@abradfordajb]

Thank you SO MUCH for playing at less than light speed. AND, for playing an intro chord pattern that i actually understand.

[@wdbuchner]

Thanks GT! Love your music, lessons and taste in nice hats!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

My pleasure!

[@briannacery9939]

Thanks for the pedal suggestions!

[@acousticmountains7948]

Love your arrangement of Angeline the Baker. I was watching a video of one of your sets from a year or two ago. I’d like to say that, you are the kind of guitar player that I listen to often because of your sincere versatility of musical styles. Your version of Patricia is exceptional! You cover some incredible musical ground!

[@aricenciso459]

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve researched a guitar only to spend 10 seconds with it, hit and open G chord and say noooope! I honestly think the instrument picks you!

[@Donny_A]

I setup my own guitars. It is tedious but I like doing things myself. With the right tools you can get it exactly how you want it if you have the patience.

[@bigdavedave9865]

Great advice on the gear Guthrie 👌😎

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jethlin2020]

Just got my tickets last night for the Bitter End Show in July. Really looking forward to it. See you there.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you!!

[@randallturner7176]

Keep up the good work! I get a lot out of your content. Thanks!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@jimsams4568]

I generally agree with the 5 minute rule. The exception is a Dumble Style amp. It took a week of fiddling with knobs until I was happy.

[@stillwateracoustic]

Nice. I don't play really expensive guitars and learning more and more to work the tone between with guitar and amp (and use only boost at times straight into the amp with minimal pedalboard) . Using volume knobs more to have headroom to turn them to full when I want to push the amp a bit more - so was interesting to hear that you put your to full always. Acoustic has been more of a challenge thought. I love my Guild acoustically but took time and pedals to get to where I am happy with the acoustic amplified. Anyways, thanks for the vids. One day will I will come to Nashville and catch you playing somewhere.

[@PIPA1302]

Thank you Guthrie, for sharing the knowledge, greetings from Spain..

[@peppyharley6901]

Amen! Great preaching! So true!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@tombstoneslim7070]

One of my favorite Jimmy Hall projects was what he did with good ole cousin Greg Martin called “The Mighty Jeremiahs”. If you have not heard it, find it!! Killer stuff!! Always appreciate ya sharing with us!!

[@Tbear79]

Agree on the pedal stuff. If it can do too much or has too many options, it's going to take you that much longer to find what you want from it. 3 knobs and a switch is about my limit. Recently fell in love with the tele for the same reason.

[@leemcintyre3943]

Hey Brother. I'm guilty of watching a great vid and not commenting or hitting "LIKE' . `Circumstances! Like watching at night before I fall asleep. You're appreciated and I dig everything.!!!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@portsideguitar1981]

Good advice as always. Your guitars all sound great; not the tools, it’s the carpenter. 🤘🎸

[@mikebeesley66]

Hello Guthrie, love the channel and your playing. You didn't mention the guitar you were playing and I'm curious what it is and why you like it. But maybe I've missed it somewhere else on the channel? You're a top bloke. Best wishes, Mike (from England)

[@MrFrogman54]

I’ve been watching your interviews that you did with Otis Gibbs, really good stuff.

[@leechild4655]

Saw that too last night. Otis is good. On his own he`d talk your ear off but as the interviewer he almost never speaks. He`s a good ol boy too.

[@ap7498]

Thanks for the video! Just subscribed after being a freeloader for a few weeks.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks for the sub!

[@peohannesson8743]

Love your playing but most of all the honesty in your videos. Being 50+ I really don’t want to waste time on unnecessary gearsearch or scattered ’cool licks’. Your foundation-focus is just the ticket for this old Swede. Keep up the good work and enjoy your well earned masterlevel and the gigs🤩 I’ll be checking out your courses come summer👍🏻

[@johnhardy1269]

That was an epic night.

[@BradCS356]

Would be great for your trio to hit the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA at some future date when you are up north again!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

That would be cool!

[@DLain9]

Thank you GT!

[@TMCMR]

83 thousand and growing. Jimmy Hall is the man. Will you be posting some of the Underground set with John Oates and Jimmy. Thx brother

[@fostever]

Hey sir, just want to say your channel has inspired me-jammed at Rosa’s Lounge here in Chi Town tonight / was leading with harmonica- they put me on lead guitar- amazing set - was nervous as hell-more for lead than harp - afterwards all nerves flew away😆

[@midnighthour4299]

Spoken from experiance. Nice work. Its simple things like Fender amps dont start working until they are on 3 at least, that newbies dont realise, getting the right size amp for the job etc. Your doing a great job, keep it up.

[@Sammywhat]

The other day you commented seeing Jack Pearson, Tommy Emmanuel and David Grier. You mentioned Jack hadn't been out and about for almost four years! And you mentioned he was showing his age... so when I saw the thumbnail of Tommy and David jamming, I thought that was Tommy and JACK!! HAHAHA!! I'm like, DANG! FOUR years of hard time, Jack... 😂 No offence David, (He's a beautiful man!) I just laughed at my near-sightedness!! Too funny. Thanks for sharing that btw. Those boys can PLAY!! Wow. Tommy is from another planet. I'm convinced of this.

[@paulmcconnon7596]

Guthrie , I love your approach to gear. Keep it simple and concentrate on creating great music from your hands. Yes I get that everyone should aim to have great tone, but at the end of the day having shit loads of gear is not going to make you play any better , it might inspire you to play better but there is no substitute for hard work and practice. Having a lovely clean tone, and a half decent guitar is such a great building block, after that the fretboard is your playground. If we put more time into working on our playing and less on gear everybody's musicianship would greatly improve. The gear will come through time. Thanks for all you do GT.

[@idahodad1]

I wonder if a video explaining how to set up a pedal board as far as lining up the pedals for the best sound would be interesting to folks. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Coming soon!

[@abradfordajb]

btw ... i totally agree with you about recognizing gear that "works" for me. Some players, like Jack White for one, says that he likes to "fight" with a guitar. I don't. It has to "feel" and "speak" to me really quickly. Of course, we can grow over time to REALLY fall in love with a guitar, but at first, it already has to "be" there, or it's a no-go. Same with pedals too.

[@Todd_Connelly]

My dad bought me a brand new 335 back in 1976. About 15 years ago the neck twisted. I still play it, Gibson won't honor the warranty without the purchase receipt... bummer, but still love that guitar

[@obnoxiousguitarist]

It might pay to try Gibson again. I know they have new management now.

[@joevideo5672]

I had a Distortion+ back in the early 70's. 2 knobs 1 stomp switch. Wish I had that today. It was built like a tank.

[@artielukas888]

very warm tone in the intro

[@onlyinasheville]

For anyone wanting an incredible value acoustic, check out the Recording King Dirty 37. At $172 w/tax included, it blows my old Gibby off the stage (the Gibson is great BTW). I knew it was the one when I first picked it up, within 10-seconds! You're right about that G, when it's good you know it immediately.

[@MdriscollIRR]

Hey Guthrie, next time you’re playing NY, come on down to The Philly suburbs. Maybe play a gig at the Ardmore Music Hall. It’s a smaller venue, I saw uncle Larry there when he played with Trigger Hippy. I know myself and other area music fans would love to hear your Trio.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Yea man! I played there many times with Jerry Douglas and John Oates over the years.

[@JediJkB81]

Guitar poor is subjective I’d imagine. I always enjoy hearing you play that Gibson and with that guitar alone, I’d say you got it all. I have two electrics but I could be more than happy with my just Gibson Les Paul Special.

[@we3we8]

Always Blessed by your music and teaching. Maybe try a saddle stool.

[@billconley6246]

I want to add to the positive feedback. I learn something important each time I watch.

[@guitarshredonscientology]

Great stuff Guthrie!..Do you give one on one in person lessons in nashville?

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Yes I do. Just email [e-mail]

[@stephonwilliams8890]

This is pretty much how I feel about pedals 3 knobs. If i hear something I don't like I've never been able to dial it out no matter the knobs

[@benjaminbarnett3696]

That opening chord sequence sounded a bit like Peace Train. Good advice as always on gear. KISS method 👏

[@jamesadams1064]

I love my Delta King 12. And my Tele.

[@skintslots]

I'd also say that if an electric guitar sounds resonant acoustically,not plugged in,then it's going to sound great with an amp and effects attached.

[@VonBluesman]

I wish you had Reverend Billy F. Gibbons commenting on this subject. I think he wrote the book on how to pick out good guitars, amps, and pedals. 👍😂🎸😎✌️

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I’m from Mobile and Jimmy Hall and Jimmy Buffet is required cover songs for any cover band . I’ve heard many drunk singers belting out Keep on Smiling. I look forward to your videos. Come for the lessons stay for the life advice and stories.

[@tetsuyama5116]

ThankQ again GT ! Ground truth ! Cheers from Thailand ! 😎🇺🇸🇹🇭🇺🇸⚓️🎸✅☕️🤠😸😎

[@RTGuitar10]

Those vintage are "so much better" that "it takes a long time to your ears hear the difference".

[@jasonpitts8395]

Thx Guthrie for sharing your lessons learned. Another thing about guitars is the price. Vintage stuff is way too expensive, in my opinion, for someone that isn't a professional musician. With that said how would a blue collar man find a good guitar that isn't in the 1964 ES330 realm? Are there any particular years or brands that are not vintage that are better than new?

[@rogerelton6791]

WHAT WOULD BE COOL ALSO GT , IS ,,,,,,,,,,,FOR YOU GUYS TO FILM YOUR VISIT TO BERKLEY, AND YOUR CHAT WITH THE STUDENTS ,QUESTIONS AND ALL THEY WILL LOVE THAT WHAT BLAST.

[@brownsfan7753]

Love this!!!

[@stevelang3109]

Hey Guthrie, Any stories on how you came to own your 335 or Tele or acoustic instruments? Did they just sound good on first take? Seems some proper TLC can bring instruments up to good or better... Best

[@randylyon2772]

Hi Guthrie, I always enjoy your videos. I have a question. Do you ever get burned out playing guitar? If so, how do you overcome it? I practice every day and I am just burned out. Thank you

[@clemclemson9259]

same here. I had to put it down for a bout 10 days been playing 30+yrs I guess we all hit those points.....

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Not really burned out… but it’s good to take a few days off if you need to. It shouldn’t be forced or feel like work at all. Ever. Learn a new song or something fun and easy. Keep it light.

[@danielmargolis3210]

@@guthrietrappmusic. I agree. Sometimes a new tune will rekindle the flame.

[@richpesce]

Bro, you crack me up. The Halo will do everything but drive you to the grocery store and back!!

[@davidsummerville351]

Andy designed it that way! 😁

[@bobs_backyard]

I would recommend looking into the Keeley Eccos also, it seems as a precursor to the Halo. Very musical.

[@travelbydragonfly]

Hey Guthrie: Do you think a tube rectifier adds to the tone quality of an amp?

[@j.schaefer5622]

The last time I bonded within 6 seconds with a guitar, I was like: wow what a cool guitar. It says take me… On the back of the headstock it said CC#24… Gibson Collectors Choice Nicky. I asked the store owner for the price. It was the most expensive new guitar in the store. I realised my wife would kill me, if I spend that much on a guitar… I bought a PRS Hollowbody, not that expensive but a solid player.

[@joeinterrante7873]

Sir do you have any opinion of the Paul Rivera era of fender amps? Thank you