5 Overrated Gear Trends | Real Guitar Talk

[@JackFossett]

But ya know what's a GREAT trend? Supporting your favorite KZbin guy buy doing your gear shopping through here and supporting his channel! sweetwater.sjv.io/21Y3qM

[@ItsVictoriaG]

5:14 I don’t love locking tuners under the assumption they add tuning stability. I love locking tuners because I’m lazy. I fully admit it.

[@fabclippers2632]

thats what im saying bro

[@bluglass7819]

I like keeping my headstock as light as possible and the locking mechanism adds extra weight.

[@robertlennox3607]

@@drdoom8793 the tuning stability difference is not noticeable. I play strats with trems without locking tuners and I have no problem with tuning stability.

[@foobar476]

@@drdoom8793 Is there any hard evidence that they *do* improve tuning stability? We are being asked to believe that once a string has been bent through a post and winds put on, that slippage through the post is occurring. Better not snip them too close to the post, they might pull clean out!

[@rodrigofriend5759]

​​@@foobar476The strings definitely do slip around the first turn around the post, if not we could just wind strings with less than a turn around the post. The slippage is more of a back and forward type motion, where it slips forward as the string stretches and then slips back, the problem is that it doesn't necessarily slip back into the same exact place. I agree that it doesn't make much of a difference, unless you're doing extreme tremolo stuff

[@AustrianReaper]

Hard disagree on the locking tuners. They aren't there for tuning stability, they are a Quality of Life improvement, and when I pay good money for a pro instrument, I expect it to sound great, play great and also be as comfortable to use as possible. That includes locking tuners. They aren't necessary, but for what they do they are certainly not overrated, and I won't buy an expensive guitar without them.

[@rmaxtpmx]

How are locking tuners a quality of life improvement? They do nothing for tuning stability or restringing if you know what you're doing, and they're heavy and clunky-looking. I swap them out immediately, personally.

[@JustinLazlo]

​@rmaxtpmx It's still quicker to restring with locking tuners which if you break a string at a gig and need to restring could make a big difference.

[@davidmahoney1248]

It's a myth, encouraged by marketing BS, that locking tuners offer better tuning stability. Tuning stability is determined by how well the strings are installed, the setup, and by other factors such as how well the nut is cut, and if it's been lubricated. They do make string changes quicker, and easier, which is what they were designed for. That's it.

[@jjerkamillo]

The most annoying gear trend is definitely budget players spending 16 hours a day on Reddit and Facebook arguing that their $200 Indonesian Strat clone is just as good, if not better, than any American made instrument on the market. It's never the other way around. You never see folks who own higher priced guitars going after the budget players. They should spend less time defending their purchases online and more time practicing/gigging.

[@JackFossett]

I’ve actually done a Real Guitar Talk episode on that very subject

[@jjerkamillo]

@@JackFossett I'll have to check it out!

[@JackFossett]

Here it is: Is Your Cheap Guitar REALLY Better Than a High End Guitar? Real Guitar Talk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXnanZx_o5iCpZY

[@Scott__C]

The one I've really hated is paying a company to have an employee spend their time beating up your guitar. I also hate the whole basically acting like you can't get tones of Fenders and Gibsons out of other equipment, you absolutely can.

[@mortonwilson795]

I just don't get the whole Murphy Lab thing - the more they destroy the finish on a Custom Shop Gibson the more you have to pay? They must be laughing all the way to the bank. I have owned a 1968 LP Custom for 50 years now - 3rd owner - and it has aged gracefully without some dingbat attacking it with nails and razor blades, thank you very much!

[@Scott__C]

@@mortonwilson795 Very cool. Natural honest wear, I'm good with. Phillip McKnight bought a Murphy Lab a year or two ago for like $7k and he had several problems with it and sent it back. Forget that nonsense.

[@Scott__C]

@@drdoom8793 I've owned 30 or 35 guitars. Only ones that were 20-30 years old had wear and all of them have been great to play. I don't buy a car with worn down seats or flakes off the steering wheel. If you like it, great, pay the extra for it, I don't care for it.

[@LuckyHunter-er2mb]

I just came back to playing guitar, after 14 year pause and i was surprised by several things.. The locking tuners looks to me like a solution to issue that never was an issue in the first place, i just don't get it, restringing a guitar is as easy as it gets with any tuners, with exemption being Ibanez's lo pro edge type vibrato... Also, baked neck, don't need that.. As far as small tube amps, i was actually thrilled to see the market full of those, a lot of option to chose from. I remember having wet dreams about a little Cornford Harlequin back then, and it wasn't available in my country. Now i have a Harley Benton 15 that sounds just amazing for some $200. Another thing i've noticed is, there's a lot of cheap and great sounding overdrive pedals available, a lot more than before. What i dislike is the computerized, menu type, plug in the computer type multi fx pedals. Tweaking the guitar sound with computer is where it gets no, no for me.

[@ClNoBody]

I've recently just switched a second guitar to locking tuners. The best feature for me is that you can easily remove strings to mess with pickups and string up easily. Removing strings (especially the high e and b strings) when wrapped is a total pain, sometime literally with finger pricks. I think they are totally worth it and not a hyped trend. Agree, don't think there's any significant tuning stability advantage.

[@Scott__C]

That's the killer feature of locking tuners - quicker string changes and not having to wrap the post.

[@GuyNarnarian]

Dude the only reason to get locking tuners is to make string changes faster and easier. I have never had tuning issues with a guitar that had decent tuners and a well-cut nut. The Kluson-type tuners (cheap or otherwise) where you stick the string in the peg and secure it in a notch are my favorite, because they are as easy to change strings on as locking tuners that have the extra wheel on the bottom.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

One thing that sounds super nonsensical is people banging on about “Fender Strat Killer” then you see a $299 Chinese made knock off with a horrible headstock, cheap wood and terrible colour. Locking tuners create a problem that doesn’t exist with the Kluson style vintage tuners which are the best. Another thing I can’t understand is a guy on a forum saying “yeah, I pulled the trigger on an American Special Strat on Craigslist and I’m gonna put Lollar pickups in it when I get it!” Play the damn thing first.

[@thelastnic]

I don't think low wattage tube amps are a trend. I think since living arrangements have changed so companies had to change. 1. More roommates 2. Shared walls: apts/condos/town homes 3. People moving back in with parents 4. Houses are built very close and/or zero lots

[@ItsVictoriaG]

Love that with a Princeton Reverb I can have a tube amp experience even in a condo!

[@mikepretorius6350]

My Laney 15/1 Valve Head does it all ,(for me) borderline breakup at low volume, decent Cleans, im sold 😊

[@bernie_smith]

Love my Cornford Carrera.

[@bluglass7819]

I have a couple big amps but my Univalve is pretty much the only one I use anymore.

[@TommySG1]

Agreed, on another note I believe this is also why Ox and Twotone are doing so well selling attenuators as well giving you the option of a headphone of just knocking down the output 🤙

[@Gregorypeckory]

"The people at Woodstock tried to have a good time, despite the fact that Hendrix' pedals weren't true bypass!":)

[@jemwand2530]

So that's why I didn't enjoy Woodstock? I always thought it was the bad licourice laces.... or was that Waynestock?

[@davidlarson4292]

Great topic. I do kinda enjoy “upgrading” guitars with higher quality electronics but it’s really just for fun and probably not absolutely necessary. I think the biggest trend right now has got to be relicing. You see it everywhere. When it’s tastefully done it looks pretty cool, but def not necessary lol

[@JackFossett]

I actually enjoy upgrading wiring quite a bit, I just don’t think CTS pots are the upgrade they’re marketed as

[@GuyNarnarian]

@@JackFossett I think it only makes sense if the pots fail, or if you really dislike the taper for some reason.

[@armybass223]

Great video as usual Jack. Your videos are always time well spent. Thanks for taking the time to make this one!

[@JimMorrisonsBathtub]

I think all trends are overrated. Trying out new things because you think it's fun or it sounds cool is great; buying anything because people are saying it's the thing to do is uncreative and most likely a waste of your money.

[@JackFossett]

👆

[@toliskoskinas]

Locking tuners are mandatory when you are your own guitar tech and you need to change that E string between the chorus and the solo 🤷‍♂

[@jimsalman7257]

Exactly. The reasons for locking tuners are ease of and speed of string changes. Since most guitarists don't enjoy changing strings, I would consider this to be a very useful innovation.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Not needed if you’re gigging, you always have a back up guitar or two ready to go. Change the string on a break if you need that guitar that badly for the encore!😂🤣😂😅😂😂

[@schenker7559]

​@KRAZEEIZATION Absolutely. Besides, if they knew how to properly string a guitar, it really doesn't take more time with regular tuners.

[@mikeb5372]

No it's not! You can have a second guitar for that and you're not going to get anywhere trying change a string in the middle of a song. Not only have I never seen anyone do that on stage but to make such a statement makes it obvious that you're not an actual gigging guitarist. Or you're just making a joke

[@toliskoskinas]

@@mikeb5372 Dear Mike all my comments come as plain experience from sessions and touring since 2003. Furthermore, not every guitarist can afford a 2nd guitar onstage however believable you find it.

[@ComptonSlim]

At age 66 and 2 years into my guitar journey, I have been taken in by locking tuner and small (5 watt) tube amp hype 🤣

[@JackFossett]

Well like I said, I love small tube amps, and locking tuners certainly work well. It’s an issue of the trend and the marketing, not the products themselves.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@JackFossettEven weirder was that brief peavey decade craze, the epitome of the "so bad it's good" concept

[@ComptonSlim]

@@JackFossettI love my Supro 64 Super 1606J BTW

[@6stringcodger450]

Nothing wrong with that! Sounds great that you started something so late! I have over a dozen guitars and only one recent purchase has locking tuners...they work fine, and I can restring it faster and easier. A few years ago there was so much hype about them it was a bit silly.

[@yoitsmegabe]

I use locking tuners for convenience during string changes, it's great for that and I put them on all guitars. I've never heard any difference in pots, I just buy whatever fits the guitar, has a smooth operation, and has a wide taper to the volume.

[@JoeBaermann]

I prefer locking tuners for faster easy string changes and as said, not for tuning stability. Got to second Bourns, because they are smooth to operate, not as hysterical smooth as a SD YJM pot, but smoother than CTS, Gibson and various other pots, which is an advantage when using the volume pot a lot, besides that they are available at other values than 250k and 500k.

[@Brian-cc3kh]

I would like to see a video on your take with the trend toward silent stages, in ear monitors, and direct rigs.

[@thisistimwoods]

Nice video. I'd add the "sofa guitar" - apparently, we just "need" to also have a parlor-sized guitar to "pick up when you're on your couch". I'm sure that spiel has sold many a Taylor Mini and others like it

[@JackFossett]

Great point. I love convenient and comfortable acoustics, but I remember when that was all “the rage”

[@JDStone20]

Tube Screamer and now the Klon, guitar trends are so silly. Only other musicians and then probably only guitar players can tell any difference. Most people hear a Crunch tone, and Clean Tone, and a Distortion/Fuzz/Lead tone. Music listeners care about the actual music being played, and how well it is played. Now one else cares and can tell the difference between any of this that we nerd out about.

[@BenBreard]

I hear you on most of these, but man locking tuners have been amazing for me. I burn through strings and they really speed up changing strings. I never want to go back. I could, I just don't want to. :)

[@tanshaomala]

Same. It's never been a tuning issue for me, rather it removes a lot of time and effort in changing strings. When I was playing a lot over covid I changed strings like crazy so it helped to have locking tuners even on guitars with locking nuts.

[@JackFossett]

Interesting I’m hearing a lot about people using them for string changing convenience- I actually find them more burdensome for string changes. It really all goes back to the method of string winding I suppose.

[@JustinLazlo]

​@JackFossett I mean this respectfully but I don't understand how they would make the process more burdensome? Is it just the time unlocking them then locking them again? I can't imagine that taking longer than having to wind around the post.

[@deanallen927]

Excellent video, very well done. I'd only add that my problem with the whole small amp thing is people saying that's the only kind you should have, and large amps are pass'e, too loud, need to be gotten rid of and all this other baloney. I have very different amps for various occasions and they all get used. Thanks for doing this one.

[@otherGuise]

On true bypass/ buffered bypass / hardware "bypass". If you use active pickups Boss buffers hit you with a 5-15% amplitude drop (non-waza) each pedal. So if you have a switching system adding 3-4 pedals into a loop you'll hear a volume drop or rise as you add/remove the pedals in unison. Additionally, some pedals (chorus ensemble) and some mfrs (mxr) use a hardware bypass. In a few cases this causes some phase rotation in your bypassed signal or accidental portions of the pedal to be on when the pedal is not activated. True bypass is absolute pure Satan for causing the rise of boutique 300$ buffers, but it does give some simplification when troubleshooting pedal board issues.

[@acetechnical6574]

The thing everyone on the inside misses about locking tuners, and something you actually hit on a bit (but not fully) is that the majority DO NOT wind them right. The majority have criss-crossed wrapping, going over and under the string hole at seemingly random, 18 layers deep winding around the peg, and a light tug on the string makes it go flat by 3 whole tones. Locking tuners 100% help this, simply because the way they work precludes all the extra langth getting wrapped around the peg. If you have the SLIGHTEST idea how to actually do it, they are pointless.

[@simondevine1657]

I use a 15 watt fender pro junior to gig with , but it’s for practical reasons as I have back problems, so it’s easy to cart around. Plus it sounds great

[@89digits59]

Agree with all your points - the one thing that I would like to mention is that - The Jeff Beck Stratocaster should be the default Stratocaster, it has the rolling nut, locking tuners, noiseless pickups and the fact the Jeff Beck was the ultimate Stratocaster player - he addressed the shot comings of the Stratocaster, and they should be available in both rosewood and maple fretboard versions, apart from that all guitars should use stainless steel frets by default.

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

Beck sounds terrible to me. To listen to clean vintage tone from Jack and tell me why it doesn't sound better kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpS1lZKoaNGLj6M

[@waynekerr67]

Scalloped frets. Gotta have those 😂😂

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Not really. All the shortcomings of the stratocaster were addressed by Leo Fender himself when he started G&L. Improved pickups, bridges, construction...Not catering to nostalgia and being stuck in the past.

[@benspeeds]

Man, it's truly hilarious to read the back and forth in this comment section! The internet age is THE AGE of incredibly strong opinions, that's the only certainty going on here. I admit, that I am totally psycho about finding guitar sounds, so I don't think i'm better in any way, but I have admittedly lost interest in the term "guitar tone" altogether. I just say guitar sounds because the endless use of the term "guitar tone" gets on my nerves.

[@graemero5532]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino G&L are just far better instruments than Fender, and cheaper.

[@geezberry8889]

for a period of about 5 years everyone and their grandmother had a POD, then everyone was fascinated with the orange tiny terror.

[@JackFossett]

I luckily missed the pod craze.

[@thesjkexperience]

@@JackFossettmissed both. 🎉. Not going to buy modelers either.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

I still have mine, it still works and you can't tell when I use it in recordings, because your average listener doesn't care as long as the guitar tones are appropriate for the song and are mixed well.

[@sgbh8874]

Josh’s take on the POD is very positive. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fInHqKahqa2UbM0si=ZsQm4bW-9qFSVU9Z

[@davezoradi]

I 100% was hit by both. POD XTL and then made the jump to Tiny Terror then to Dual Terror. I do still have the Dual as it does have a great sound, but at 30watts full, it barely makes that micro amp. It’s just the same lunchbox design (although I had a guy on a forum make me a full MDF tolex wrapped case for the DT and it now doesn’t look at all like the dual terror)

[@goodtimefolkrock]

as an acoustasonic strat owner who plays out solo with a small pedal board and looper I want to say that the acoustasonic sounds best direct thru a p.a. system . the single coil pup and the piezo pup both sound equally fantastic and balanced as opposed to using 2 amps and an a/b switch......it's designed for pa systems

[@SebastianS72]

You're right about locking tuners. I have a $400 Epiphone which plays awesome. One and a half years ago I had it at a luthier to change the frets because of tropic climate issues. We changed them against inox frets. Beside that we bought a new nut which he filed down just perfectly. Since that I have never ever had tuning issues at all anymore.

[@faethe000]

I bought a 57 champ based on your videos and geeze I love that amp. Years later, it's still played every week.

[@comment.highlighted]

I always replace my tuners with Locking tuners for string change convenience. Even my Floyd Rose Locking guitars get locking tuners 🙂 I hate having to wind strings 🤷‍♂️

[@sweezyjackson4935]

Guitar players listen with their eyes and wallets not ears. Tone woods Boutique "hand wound" pickups Vintage over priced pedals Boutique pedals Dumble amps Vintage tubes Boutique amps Any guitar string "trend" Are all over rated hype to justify ridiculous prices and guitar players eat it up and waste their money.

[@stefanfyhn4668]

Scatterwinding is not something the pickup manufacturers do just for fun. Tone wood simply means wood used to make instruments. So yes, "tone wood" matters. You don't make instruments of wood that aren't good for instruments like construction grade pine. That isn't tone wood. But mahogany, ash, alder etc are tone woods

[@sweezyjackson4935]

@@stefanfyhn4668 You is a sucker and im sure you waste a lot of money buying into the hype. Search youtube and youll see people make great sounding guitars from pallet wood and scraps and other non so called tone woods. Also look up cheaper pickups that sound great. Youll see the truth about the stupid hype guitarists waste money on. People like you are making over priced manufacturers a lot of money haha. Sucker.

[@matthewmacdonald9851]

To a certain degree, I concur with all your statements. Especially acoustic-electric hybrids. In an attempt to do everything well, they hardly do a passable job at anything.

[@WSzafranski]

I think that locking tuners for a lot of people are desirable not because of the tuning stability but for the fact that it is much easier and faster to change your strings. You don't spend time on winding the strings. That's it. None of my guitars have them though and tbh I'm not gonna go out of my way to "upgrade" to them. Maybe my next guitar will have those.

[@officialWWM]

Locking tuners aren’t necessary but I still love them, cause I hate changing strings and it makes the job much quicker and easier! Also, I love my Accostisonic and I use it exactly as you described because I hate the electric sounds but it’s awesome for solo acoustic gigs. Much easier to play than a full sized acoustic.

[@ryv6659]

I think we're confusing "trends" with preferences. Nothing is necessary but it could be preferred. Especially if you play live at all. Almost every upgrade I've made wasn't due to "trends" but an issue I came across while playing live or even with others. Locking tuners are amazing, for example, and I swear by them. I play other guitars without them but there is a difference. Pedal bypass can be helpful depending on the pedal. Especially in moments you want to cut thought without issue. So again a preference but not a necessity. I spent many years playing crap gear. Once I started upgrading there was a huge difference.

[@503punxoioioi9]

Hey Jack! Review an Orange amp sometime! I recently got a Orange Crush 12 off Craigslist for $50. It sounds as good as my Supro Blues King 8 I paid $300 for. It obviously sounds different, but very impressed. Have a great day!

[@aminahmed2220]

Awesome video have a wonderful day Jack also i enjoy the guitar talk video to be honest ❤😊

[@robraaiii]

In my “only a few budget guitars” beginner phase, I was convinced that locking tuners were essential. I thought I would get a guitar that had them and I would love it and install them on all my guitars. While they turned out to be ok, I found I like the vintage style split-post tuners better.

[@stevenhickcox7288]

Thank you for this list! Stainless steel frets? Both nickel and steel have advantages and disadvantages, and guitar companies aren't simply choosing nickel to save costs, especially in midrange and higher guitars.

[@mortonwilson795]

I have been playing for 50+ years and still have no clue why stainless steel frets are a 'thing' . . . they don't 'wear' right? So by the same logic we all need poly finishes because nitro 'ages' . . . confused 😅

[@JSaltyfabricator]

⁠they don't wear, and they genuinely feel slicker. The trade off is that they are more labour intensive to level and crown. And they are hard on luthier tools. But yes, longevity and feel are the reasons to get them.

[@mortonwilson795]

@@drdoom8793 It's not a question of "wanting to stay in the past" - I have guitars going back a bit '57 Hofner, '68 Custom, where the frets have been 'played in' and they're very comfortable for me. As I understand it SS frets don't 'yield' over time so not sure about that - I'd be open to try them but no real need right now. As far as 'pretending there's no benefit' - I am not pretending anything - never tried 'em, no real desire or 'need', but open to give them a shot . . . no big deal. 'Benefit' is pretty much open to interpretation depending on what you want / need from anything . . . it is not an absolute.

[@brostoevsky22]

The CTS pots and orange drop upgrade really only proves worthwhile on import guitars and many of the newer ones come with them. If I had a Gibson Les Paul, I'd simply make sure it had a good setup, proper cut on the nut/replace it if necessary and of course Schaller strap locks. Gotta protect that foldable headstock.

[@kid-hudi]

People have huge misunderstanding about what locking tuners are designed to do. If you use them according to their design they aren't stupid (go figure). Locking tuners aren't for tuning stability (directly). People tend to think it's like a floyd rose locking nut or something and that it prevents anything from moving ever after you tuned it up. That's not it. They are kinda for tuning stability just in another way though. They're to minimize the number of wraps needed around the peg to hold the string at tension. As strings stretch under tension the winding on the strings open up and separate. Think of a fist and spreading your fingers apart. The thinking is that the fewer the wraps around the peg, the less wasted string is beyond the nut that can stretch apart and slip your tuning. It doesn't hold tune by just locking your string in place or whatever. It holds it in a way that allows less wrapping and gives the string less of an opportunity to stretch itself out of tune. Secondly, it makes restringing easier. I noticed this switching over to vintage. While vintage strings are neat and clean they're prone to slipping off the peg until you can get the slack wound up and string up to tension. Its awkward and easy to fumble with. Locking tuners you just cut basically to length with a little slack lock it down and now you can walk away without turning the peg and the string stays where it is on the peg completely unwound. Whereas I still need to hold the string in the vintage peg until I get some turns on it. It just makes restringing easier. I know someone will cry that it's not hard to string a vintage. I KNOW. I have vintage and use them exclusively. It's not hard. But it's definitely easier to string a locking tuner.

[@janvanzuilekom]

What I’ve learned over the years is that simplicity is the key to a good tone , less is better and even the Klon which is now kinda the holy grail didn’t work for me , buying gear is exciting , check reviews is fun but be aware that whatever the gear is , there is no guarantee that you like it .

[@6stringcodger450]

Relic trend. It reminds me of other manufactured collectables. (beanie babies, collector plates, baseball cards etc.) If you want an old guitar, buy one and keep it for 20 years, take it to bars, weddings, outdoor gigs...it will get there on its own. You will have a guitar with a story to go with the scars it's earned. Not a fake prop.

[@GuyNarnarian]

Some of these "heavy aged relics" are so over the top you will not get there in 10-20 years. The only benefit to a relic is the "feel" and if you like the look. You can easily get the same feel by sanding down the back of your neck, but I would not even do that on a set neck or otherwise unless there was barely any finish on it anyway. You would need to drag the guitar behind a Mac truck for years to get a guitar with Poly to look like a heavy relic.

[@WizDawg]

Just let people like what they like, grandpa.

[@6stringcodger450]

@@WizDawg I guess its ok for wall art or part a costume etc. Just feels like false valor, like a rub-on temp tattoo or a counterfeit antique.

[@WizDawg]

@@6stringcodger450I’ll agree with you on the extra heavy relic stuff, but I don’t mind the light aged stuff. I don’t like brand new shoes or jeans. I like them to be worn in a little. It’s kinda of like that to me. I don’t like sparkly shiny humbucker covers.

[@mutantboy8888]

I own a 90 Les Paul Custom that has Real Schallers from that time. It holds tune better than my 07 Standard with locking tuners.

[@JackFossett]

I’ve had multiple guitars with locking tuners, good brands, that didn’t hold tune and weren’t even particularly fast to restring. Changed the nut, changed to regular tuners, no more problems.

[@midnightmix2692]

Locking tuners are great if you want to eliminate string trees by having them staggered. That way you eliminate a point of friction and you get better tuning stability

[@cageliner]

I have a few guitars that I modified, but generally for aesthetics, two for a pickup change and two with vibrato added. I don't seek out particular bits. As far as the list goes: I have mostly small amps that I bought used and or cheap. Easy to move around, generally few controls. What bypass my individual pedals have is irrelevant. Locking tuners are a waste, but I know of some players who always replace their tuners with lockers. I have none. CTS are a known brand so that's what I buy, because every place sells them. Acoustics do the same things as electrics but differently. I'm no lead player but I can play rhythm on either.

[@paulvigos115]

All correct. Especially the one with the locking tuners I used vintage tuners on my 52 tele. It never gets out of tuning only a micro tuning from time to time Even the old skool tremolo of fender is much better than present. Good maintenance only necessary Small tube amps on the other hand are necessary but only in certain cases. In some recording situation I use my Gibson goldtone ga5 les Paul junior amp 5w because it has a certain tone. To me the proper thing is to have a small tube amp but not being used all the time. Unless you only play in a bedroom and is just for fun

[@randrothify]

I love the CTS pots and orange drop capacitor madness😅 It’s spoken about as if they are some rare magic commodity when you can pick them up for as low as six bucks a pop and install them yourself if you know what you are doing. Meanwhile, Epiphone, Fender, and others go on talking about them in their marketing like they are magical fairy dust to partially justify a $500+ up charge on the next higher model in the line.

[@willdenham]

I still have can't remember what buffered, true buffered non-buffered even means and could care less. Never paid for locking tuners, have had same tuning issues with them that I've had with non.

[@cautiousoptimist1926]

What would I add? P90s, 8's, Novo, Collings, and you can get any tone from a Tele.

[@Scott__C]

Yeah, when SRV was alive, people didn't jump on getting 13s on all their guitars, although people said high action and heavy strings helped tone. Yet, all kinds of people were using light strings and low action and had great tone.

[@taloujazz9504]

Real strap locks, I just use fender strap blocks in black or red (rubber rings). Plug an amp in stereo?

[@Mechanixscott]

I don't really care about all the riff raff. I'm just glad I can take care of my instruments and for me my gtx50 does everything for my needs and plenty beyond. I'm just happy to have what it takes to make my electric play well if I do the work on the end that counts, that's just putting the fingers on the guitar and having some sort of organized thought process long enough to get some satisfaction out of the whole process.

[@123uzuz]

The worst trend is youtubers making guitar trend videos.

[@JamieToddBand]

I'd like to see a guitar that sends a small shock to the fretboard when too many pentatonic licks are played. (through a small boutique amp).

[@rmaxtpmx]

CTS pots are fine if you need to replace a broken pot. I'm with you on Bournes. They're not only good quality, but they offer an improved playability experience.

[@chickenbites8877]

I currently feel compelled to buy an expensive 1-2K small tube amp for home use, but secretly deep down I think the positive grid spark sounds way better at bedroom volumes than and of the pricey real tube amps I’ve heard… so I wonder about the psychology of me still wanting to dump limited funds into something I don’t really need.

[@JackFossett]

Like I said, the thing I have a problem with is the "trend" -- I do love small tube amps, but when everyone says you need one and companies all market them to death, thats when it becomes an issue. As a product themselves, they're very cool and very usable, but you're certainly right to question your own motives for buying. I have to check myself like that too -- do I really "need" this, or am I just rationalizing all the reasons I want it?

[@trebleboost7]

Oh I remember the other point I agreed on. Buffer vs. True Bypass. I think Brian Wampler had a good expose on that. I think what might confuse the issue is ‘analog dry through’ which is a feature I find useful for time based effects - but it doesn’t always work and some AD is better than others. My H9 for instance is very good conversion with very low latency. On the other hand, to get the Cloud sound on my Cloudburst it sounds better to me all digitized.

[@Scott__C]

Yeah, all the things people say like that in pedals etc. that you HAVE to have but then in the next breath saing you really need vintage this or that when they'll be noisier, less reliable etc.

[@trebleboost7]

@@Scott__Cwhich reminds me of the argument for ‘hand wired’ and point-to-point amps versus circuit mounted. From discussions with people in the know the circuit mounted’ can be more consistent, less noisy, cheaper usually, but just not as easily repaired. Not arguing either way but just against ‘fixation’. The ‘stand by’ switch is another good one from what I now understand. At least from the standpoint of tube protection.

[@Scott__C]

@@trebleboost7 Dave Friedman has said both are good. Also, Psionic Audio has said they both are good if done properly and hand wiring can be terrible too, it's no magic bullet. Like anything, if it's done properly it'll be good, if not, it'll be bad.

[@jroobz]

the guitar looking cool is more important than its sound. it's hard to buy a bad guitar these days, or one that can't be made to play well, so buy the best looking guitar

[@JackFossett]

Funny - I’ve been thinking about tackling that very subject in this series. We actually buy guitars more for their looks than their tone.

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

Absolutely. 👍

[@NintenDub]

Yea that's true, but you gotta have some kind of idea. Though I personally think if a young or new player wants to be like,say, John Mayer....you keep a strat as far away as humanly possible from that bastard!!! Hand em an sg or sumthing, and say here ya go bud, make new sounds or a new path instead of being a clone

[@steveturner6770]

All guitar shops should have a long mirror, so you can see how it looks when you’re wearing it.

[@JackFossett]

@@steveturner6770 AMEN

[@rodrich1644]

IMO, small tube amp are the only thing that will keep tube amps alive. 100W stacks? That's the dinasour.

[@JackFossett]

I love small tube amps - I’m not suggesting they’re obsolete or unnecessary, I just didn’t like the marketing or player trend.

[@DoomLatveria]

*roars in dinosaur* I love my 100 watt setup...

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I don't get why some people demand that guitars have stainless steel frets... sure, I'm not a touring shredder, but I've never worn down any of my frets.

[@mikepretorius6350]

True that, but i had a Crafted in Japan Strat, beautiful guitar but those frets wore down in 6 months, only guitar i had that problem with

[@timoconnell]

Phew! I thought Jack was going to come after my robo tuners. /s

[@JackFossett]

I wouldn’t dare

[@danieljaymeshansel5086]

One thing we should keep in mind is there’s nothing wrong with companies jumping on a trend and making products that are currently trending. It’s always good to have more selection of brands and sounds as a consumer. More choice is always good for us the consumers :)

[@jazzman1954]

Only the best music was made when players had very limited choices.

[@RulgertGhostalker]

I got a 5 watt tube amp for recording, but I made it as loud as possible ( so it can do a touch more than recording ) like sometimes I will actually practice with my positive grid spark go, ( just to save tube mileage ), but my 5 watt hits about 109db and it's a lot more fun when I set that up.

[@janolesen8938]

If it sounds good it is 👍in my opinion you start with a good instrument, and then you get a good eq pedal. This will save you a lot of money 😊

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Best argument for a small tube amp like a blues junior is they take up very little space, great for the home based player, they are light, amps can weigha ton so the ease of movementis great, they are a bit more budget friendly as a home based player I don't want to spend 1500 on an amp so Blues Jr kind of ticks alll the above boxes

[@JackFossett]

I was actually referring more to smaller, even lower wattage amps than the blues junior. Little 5 watt amps and things.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

​@@JackFossettagree

[@chocolatecookie8571]

1. Kiesel custom guitars 2. Locking tuners 3. TC Electronics Clip On Polytuner 4. Cheap guitars 5. Signature Artists products, for example Slash Signature Les Paul, Metallica pickups, and the list goes on and on.

[@trebleboost7]

Great Points. I can relay to 4 of them. (1). That 5 watt Epiphone and cabinet was my first tube amp setup and it worked well for what it was! Then moved on to Nighttrain G2 combo for 4CM, and now Synergy system 30-watt head with the new Z-Wreck module. (2). I like locking tuners for fast and easy string changes. (3) agree a the Accoustisonics. They fit a very particular type of live performer. I’d rather have an electric with a piezo. That said the Godin nylons are fantastic but I would not put them in the same category. (4) I forgot point 4 LOL, but don’t have any experience with orange drops et al.

[@elrockandrollero]

Any question of stability aside, locking tuners facilitate string changes for anyone. And sure if you know what you're doing, are getting the winds right, you won't have any stability issues related to that, but will you get those winds perfect 100% of the time? Maybe you will- I don't know. I can tell you for certain that I will not ! 😆 So quality locking tuners remove that as a potential problem totally and make a string change super-easy- why fight that? All that aside, I do enjoy your videos- thanks!

[@JFrit67]

As for true bypass, Josh Scott said it best. A combination of both true bypass and buffered is probably a good idea.

[@trebleboost7]

I think the Strymon Trifecta for P&W is slowly being dethroned. Maybe. Never really understood the fixation to use up so much pedalboard real estate for essentially a few textures.

[@JackFossett]

The Holy Spirit flows through reverb. The early church fathers knew this.

[@graemero5532]

Seen so many fads, but the biggest lie is only tube amps give good tone.

[@JackFossett]

Totally on board with that

[@jasondorsey7110]

Johan Segeborn has showcased many analog solid state amps that are capable of sounding better than they get credit for

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

If you look at new solid state amps like the Laney Foundry amps, they sound every bit as good as a tube amp and they're not modellers either. And a lot of people are sort of rediscovering things like the Rockman, Gallien Krueger MB amps and maybe we might see the Sansamp PSA-1 and the Marshall JMP-1 again at some point.

[@Scott__C]

Dime used a solid state Randall for a long time and people praised his tone. Also the Roland JC-120.

[@JackFossett]

I love Johan. Great player, fun channel, and impeccable sense of fashion.

[@Michel-r6m]

Just follow (read up on) a trend and make up your own mind based on experience of your own and others. There is no right or wrong only than buying something you did not need but just wanted. This goes in the synth world as well, every other year something is hyped and after release the items are on the used market (good indicator if a trend is working or dying). My advice is to at least three or so months just watch reviews and then a review after serious usage.

[@edwardcornish5086]

Nitro cellulose paint looks good and ages beautifully but as a must have for “authentic tone” in my opinion it’s an over rated trend. Also gonna add transparent overdrive to the list

[@dwocelot6913]

The worst trend by far is guitar players talking about 'their tone'. It's the mother of all the other silly trends. Hendrix didn't obsess over 'his tone'. He played. As did all the other greats. And that doesn't even touch upon the fact that in a live setting, no one in the audience can tell the difference.

[@thesjkexperience]

Jimi did obsess. It’s why he was on the creative edge with pedals and amps.

[@dwocelot6913]

@@thesjkexperience I respectfully disagree. Those things are not the same. He was sonically adventurous, yes, but he certainly wasn't obsessed with 'his tone' the way players these days are. He played a Strat from any year available. He didn't modify the guitars. He played through a Marshall stack, unmodified, because it was loud enough to play large venues unmiked. He played through everyday cables. No buffering. His pedals were noisy as all get out, which would freak out the contemporary tonehounds to no end. I could go on.

[@Santaheckler]

Tone is for famous people, not for bedroom players.

[@Pandamasque]

@@dwocelot6913 Hendrix's tech even made him custom sets of strings with hand-picked guages FFS! The only reason he didn't have 30 pedals on the stage is that there were only a handful available and he jumped on every effect he could get his hands on. Same with Jimmy Page, who modified his Supro in the '60s and then modified his stage Marshalls with high-end tubes in '72.

[@dwocelot6913]

@@Pandamasque I'm aware of all this, but it's absolutely Nothing like the modern 'tone' obsessed players. In the interest of not taking over Jack's comments with a pointless back and forth, I suggest we agree to disagree.

[@schenker7559]

Lots of good points, but what you said about locking tuners was the big one for me. If people would learn to properly string their guitars, they would see how unnecessary they are.

[@JackFossett]

Thanks for that, I’m getting lambasted for locking tuners in the comments 😂

[@schenker7559]

​@JackFossett I got your back mate! 😂

[@Andyanddiana467]

Locking tuners are good for fast string changes, but in terms of tuning stability, they’re unnecessary. Proper restringing technique is waaaaay more important, as well as a properly cut and lubricated nut.

[@ShaggyRogers-fm5sc]

another interesting thing i found, I have a Taylor 814 sound lovely, and an Epiphone J-200 EC significantly cheaper, played them both for my girlfriend, she liked the way both sounded, I could hear a big difference, she did not, until i pointed the differences out, but she still loved the sound of the cheaper guitar just as much as the expensive one.

[@shakarocks]

Most people do acoustic/electric wrong. Piezo should go to its own processing/direcdt and the electric side should go to a guitar amp. They can be combined but it should never be through a dedicated electric amp. The Hamer Duotone is still one of the best at this.

[@costasarantidis4499]

Why speed up string changes? That's the most Zen part of taking care of your guitar, I enjoy it!

[@csb65536]

My I ssue with trends is the term “need”. It drives me nuts when you hear people use that term rather than “opinion”. It’s so over used..incorrectly. When the guy that plays through an amp that has a Volume control only says “One knob is all you need”..no, based on that analogy all you “need” is a way to power the amp on. Why do you need the volume control, does the guitar have a volume control? Others claim two knobs is all you need (volume, and tone). So, let’s go one step further…you don’t “need” an amp…just throw a mic in front of your acoustics and run it through the PA. One pedal is all you need…1 watt is all you need….you play rock?…A 100watt vintage Marshall amp and two 4X12 cabinets and a good set of ear plugs is all you need…You all get my point. I play a lot of different styles of music, so I have many different guitars for the style of music…I don’t “need” them all (unless it’s my wife asking). I have multiple amps (currently all are tube amps) that I play through. I tried playing my hollow body jazz guitar through and amp the had only two knobs…I couldn’t get the tone correct (sorry dwocelot6913) for my tastes, but it did function for the purpose in which it was designed. Anyway it was a great video…all guitar players “need” to watch this!…Lol

[@tomfoolery2082]

Speaking of need , Don't think I réàlly need much of it . There's always a different way to do things and if it's better or not it depends on who u ask . At least thts my thinking .

[@renebauch9316]

Regarding locking tuners i would put them on all my guitars if they don't come stock with them. String changing is just so much faster and for me it's an evolution in guitar technology.

[@ditchgator1]

Oil in paper caps...!!! GOTTA have 'em...😊🤣🤣🤣 😎✌👍❤🖖

[@CustomTele52RI]

As a die-hard tube amp fanatic who has even built one from a kit, the most irksome trend to me is "vintage" amps. I can *somewhat* understand the appeal of a well-worn vintage guitar from an artistic standpoint. And there's nothing like the feel of a neck that's been played for > 50 years. Or so I thought until I got a brand new Danocaster in 2014 :o) - it's absolutely NOT true. But when a post-CBS Fender 1966 Princeton, which is NOT a fancy amp (I own and like a new Fender '68 Princeton I got for $850 used, which still seems a little steep for how simple it is), sells for > $6,000 . . . THAT irks me! But you know what *really* burns my ass?? A flame about THIS high . . . 🔥😅 Party ON, Garth!

[@JackFossett]

Whether or not a vintage or modern amp is good or not to me just depends on the amp - kind of like music. A great song is a great song no matter when it was written.

[@salg1386]

A gear related trend especially at a certain douchey gear site (TGP) is bashing a certain company for copying a pedal but praising another company for copying, like the praise Suhr gets for copying Fender

[@JackFossett]

Guitar Internet forums. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.

[@antonyfaulkner8649]

Another trend... Boutique is Better. The logic seems to be "If it costs more, it must be better". TGP is strewn with examples such as "Recommend me a Proco RAT clone, but better". Bizarre.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I am Not a Fan of Road-worn or Relic guitars. I feel you should put your own "Dings & Scratches" thru: practice, playing & Gigs. I am kinds-OCD, and like my guitars to be Pristine (it motivates me) when they Look Brand New.

[@Metro_Gnome]

Intotally agree. Even as soemone withba godin multiac steel SA. Its not the hybrid youre referring to ....bc i have a really good synth

[@crsantin]

A trend is something that goes away. I don’t think small tube amps are a trend. The market has changed and the smaller amps are very much established in the industry. They won’t be going away like a trend fades away.

[@JackFossett]

The marketing trend and player fad did go away, and they settled into being a regular product geared towards just those who will actually use them.

[@gelosoriano]

Tube vs combo Analog vs digital And why would i pay more for a artificially relic'd guitar?

[@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist]

I have a small tube amp for home use, it's a Fender Champ. If someone wants to argue the Fender Champ is a 'trend' then be my guest...

[@JackFossett]

No one is arguing that 🤷‍♂️

[@GoofieNewfie]

I would put locking tuners on my acoustics if I could. Just so much easier to change strings. Absolutely a must have for me

[@JackFossett]

I mean… can’t you? Why not?

[@rmaxtpmx]

First of all, if you want them on your acoustic, get them. There are plenty of 3x3 options. Second, of they didn't look so big and stupid while adding unnecessary weight, the few seconds saved in string changes might be worth it. I have a set during in my closet that I swapped out for slotted tuners on my strat. I didn't understand how that design gets overlooked so much. Same concept, really.

[@lesbois53]

I have not played a tube amp for many years. I am playing solo full time, and all I have used for the last ten years in a Cube Street Ex with a cheapo ( I have a few) Digitech RP 55 processor into the front end on the Acoustic Guitar position, even though I only play Kramer 1980’s electrics. Floyds decked. They rock! I would not even know what buffering or true bypass are. Who cares! When I am onstage, I just turn on the amp and go for it. Sod pots, and capacitors. My Kramers have Seymour Duncan jbj’s in them. Amazing stuff! Don’t over analyze your sound and tone. You will never find your Nirvana. Somewhere near is good enough for me!

[@jazzman1954]

There are people who want to be musicians and people who are into gear. It’s often two totally different things. The gear heads bore the shit out of me.

[@aaronbolinger2468]

I agree with all but your last (A/E hybrid guitars) example. Here's the reality of being in the micro niche of players who needs it. Trying to survive as a musician means playing (live) at any opportunity. Fill-in work for an oldies band, acoustic duo, assorted genres, and LIVE SHOW demands. Venues get pissy when there's more than 30 seconds of down-time between songs. You can't be swapping guitars all the time, and need the Swiss Army Knife of tones to pull this nonsense off. But it gets worse -- have short fingers, and be chasing those tones. At the moment, all the better hybrids are 25.5" scale length, and mostly 22 fret models. I'm trying to find a boutique builder where I can get the 24.75" scale length on a 24 fretter, that has not only the coil split on the buckers, but the piezo under the bridge AND a Ghost MIDI pickup with the 13 pin out. (Sometimes you gotta turn your guitar into a sax, or trumpet, when these modern songs are primarily keys + a frigging horn section.) Yeah, if you sit at a campfire and strum cowboy chords, grab the Hummingbird and do that. But what you call a "trend" amounts to a micro-niche of mad scientist guitar players that need 2 octaves to go from tenor to alto sax without having to remember the crazy settings of the GR-55 you have pared with a Rockman for the 80s tone, alongside the Boss GT-100. Our lives can be complicated as musicians. It ain't a "trend" till you see Gibson with some contemporary "signature" line of guitar that looks like a 21st century version of the LP Recording model. If they'd do an uptick of the "Supra" from 2013, I'd be on it like white on rice. But neither the Emerald, T5z, Acoustasonic, Godin, etc. are what I am looking for. All get my "close but no cigar" award. Best I can find is a 90s-era Carvin AE-185 -- but that still lacks the MIDI part.

[@JackFossett]

That’s actually my point though - there is a group of players who absolutely use them to all of their advantages, but the “trend” of it suggested that everyone needs them.

[@pitbullguy5884]

and Piezo pickups. Roasted maple necks Reliced guitars Flamed maple veneer tops 10 million switching options Hideous paint combo platters

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Nice feature. What ISN'T a trend is playing in clubs and having to use smaller and smaller amps. You can look at ANY guitarist chat room and find the woe of having to turn down the WHATEVER. And now we have all these modelling things to allow to play at ANY volume. I regard the small low watt tube amp as- due to factors and forces outside of us- an idea whose time beyond the bedroom and living room has come, more than at any other time since the invention of tube guitar amplifiers 80+ years ago. I think clubs and listening audiences want the amp that is 5-15 watts. I hear this on EVERY side of the environment- as guitarist, as non-guitarist, as soundperson, as live music bar supporter doing absolutely nothing musical AT ALL. Every day, the Princeton Reverb is a more and more viable gig anywhere club level amp in the way it never could have been 10, 15, 20 years ago. You know this. I know this. We all know this. It's time to rethink low wattage tube amps. The acoustic/electric hybrid thing: My reality is that I already know the signal needs to be split into two different acoustic or electric signal chains. No surprise, and it should never be a surprise when you understand how an electric guitar amp is uniquely voiced and heard, versus almost any other amplification system of any other instrument. And also not a surprise, we have small compact boxes to accomplish JUST that electric/acoustic duality- see the modelling amp comment, above. I would be in that "select" group of players because I double acoustic/electric, but mostly electric. While I don't have a piezo acoustic/electric hybrid right now ($$$$) that is the ideal guitar for me. NOBODY even in the band gives a shit that the acoustic/electric hybrid effort looks like a Tele, or an acoustic, or something in between. They just know the sound. That's what is important, and they're actually right. It's THE SOUND. For me, that comes with playing the parts right, and idiomatically. I think the time for acoustic/electric hybrids, particularly on the non-guitar processing side (again see above, Kemper, live music culture, bandstand volume, etc...) is an idea who's time has come and makes those much more viable than they ever were. The TECHNOLOGY of the piezo in the guitar was never flawed- it was always about the rest of the signal chain, and the plethora of guitar signal units, amped or ampless, fixes that conundrum NOW. Although they are not gear "trends", there are still in 2024 pressing questions that need resolving- musical mysteries of the universe, you may wish to explore and shed some light on: If DCR and the output of the pickup expressed in Kohms is absolutely of NO consequence to the kind of sound a pickup makes, as some (usually players on forums and NOT pickup manufacturers) are willing to die on the argumentative forum hill arguing against DCR disclosure because they claim such numbers say NOTHING about the way the pickup sounds, then WHY do the major manufacturers (and minor/boutique builders) of pickups continue to publish that information in effort to inform the customer(s) on a pickup by pickup and comparative basis internally against their own line of products and other brands in the marketplace? As a related question, why do manufacturers of whatever kind usually (but not always) NOT publish the resonant peaks of the pickups they sell? I do believe that metric WILL tell you EVEN MORE about a pickup's sound, when combined with the consideration of now industry-standard DCR metrics. Thank you for your consideration and food for thought!

[@Kazwell111]

I agree with everything you said!!

[@sidvicioux]

very good and meaningful list.