MILLENNIALS PURCHASE HABITS regarding GUITARS with George Gruhn

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[@brianfromoregon2244]

Louis, you never stop impressing with the quality content you produce. Wow

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thank you Brian! Truly appreciated!

[@christopherkelley3185]

I am captivated by the pockets on Mr. Gruhn's shirt. I bet he could fit two fantastic sandwiches made on thick bread in those pockets. Excellent.

[@johnnyx9892]

Probably full of ca$h

[@daddydothang8635]

I would love a fantastic sandwich on thick bread, preferably with Duke's mayonnaise.

[@AllanGildea]

Thank you both so much. Mr Gruhn is a superb communicator. Every word counts, he shares expert insights with clarity and refuses to rush. A masterclass in communication, let alone the market for guitars.

[@willwetherell7265]

The Jordan Peterson of the guitar world.

[@g.k.dickenson9259]

I 100% agree regarding Gruhn.

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

Jordan Peterson is a cringey joke

[@jimbrew4529]

My first guitar was a clunky Harmony in 1964, until I upgraded to an expensive Guild in 1973. The last two guitars I've purchased were Asian made instruments, under $600. I couldn't be happier with the quality and playability. It's a great time to be a guitar player.

[@jonhelmer8591]

Well said Jim, I bought my first guitar in 1977. I'm constantly shocked by the high quality of what snobs would call "cheap guitars"

[@rhllnm]

Baby boomer here (not the rich kind). All the guitars I envied as a kid were hanging on the wall at Sears. My last two guitars were an inexpensive Epiphone Les Paul Special and an inexpensive Recording King parlor guitar. Happy with them both.

[@youtubesucks1499]

Spot on. I bought a Guild in 1974 for $649.00

[@DaveWestGuitar]

The Hamer Vector that I picked up for 600$ is Indonesian made. It had no quality control issues. The Fender USA I just received after a year on backorder had maxed out saddles and a very very low action with the bridge floating at like a 30 degree angle off the deck. In short, it was confirmed by my local dealership to have a neck pocket too shallow by about 3/32”. The USA Fender was triple the cost of the Indonesian Hamer and is being replaced hopefully by something in tolerances.

[@1337wafflezz]

indeed. solid engineering principles and CNC is a helluva gift to mankind

[@wankchung6268]

Great interview. That brought back a lot of memories that were spot on with George's story. I started playing bass in 1964 using a friend's Zim-Gar and soon after persuaded my folks to buy me a Framus. Just like Bill Wyman. For the next few years me and other budding musicians in the neighborhood exchanged instruments freely for practice, jams and gigs. It wasn't unusual be be separated from your axe for weeks at a time while it passed through several hands. It's remarkable that we never lost an instrument in the process. But the quality of the Kays, Harmonys and Hagstroms I played during that time were less than stellar and we just didn't know any better. Except for the few lucky studs who sported Gibsons and Fenders. Now I own all low end models from Schecter, Ibanez, and Epiphone that I've reworked, upgraded and modded. This old boomer is a happy camper.

[@nomadman123]

Great interview and feedback. In the mid-seventies I had some guitars that were fairly uncomfortable to play. Over the last 20-30 years I acquired a couple of nice guitars that keep me happy. I retired 2 years ago and with the pandemic I was stuck at home so one of the things I did was to see what kind of electric guitar I could get for a bottom dollar price. I bought an Epiphone LP from Amazon for $225, a Travel guitar from my local shop for $200, a Glarry S-style from a dealer in the States for about $100 and a Harley Benton S-style from Germany for about $200. Other than a set-up, a new set of strings and some fret work, I didn’t sink any money into them. Other than the Harley Benton, they’re all very good guitars. My 12 year old self would have loved any one of them.

[@steveg219]

Obviously this Mr Gruhn knows guitars, but he really seems to understand the changes in society and the economy too!

[@epiphoney2]

He's right on the American family working more than ever before but people definitely aren't living in smaller houses. The average American house has grown by over 1,000 square feet since the 1980s.

[@PMUP2016]

Actually Mr Gruhn nails it!

[@trappedinamerica7740]

@@epiphoney2 bigger houses? I don’t think so what I see is more people cramming into apartments. Imagine being an adult and sharing a room With someone you aren’t in a relationship with? Yes that’s happening more and more

[@sundial6919]

@@trappedinamerica7740 around here americans are losing their status and mexicans w large families have the larger homes and big fine cars

[@vassili87]

@@epiphoney2 I'm from Italy, I don't think any of guitar vendors I know has his level of knowledge. Not only of music instruments, but as you said: about economy too.

[@sassycat]

Mr. Gruhn's guitar knowledge could fill a library, I would love to hear an extended interview with him in the future. Terrific video and thanks to you for it, TK! 🤘😎🎸

[@That52TeleGuy]

I think the one point that was missed about the 60’s is the Beatles literally had such a major influence on the boomer generation that most all of us suddenly wanted to play an instrument. This craze funded a demand for inexpensive affordable instruments and many were bad. I can’t say I ran into many being thrown away but more likely passed on from beginner to beginner. My first guitar literally fell apart which was just a very cheap acoustic. Second one was traded and thus started a constant upgrade cycle of buying and selling for 50 years now.

[@deanallen927]

George was one of the ones that made Guitar Player Magazine a more "legitimate" source of information than may ever be again. Those were the days.

[@jesusfreakster101]

Late Boomer - play every weekend and I’ve come to appreciate how technology has improved guitars. It seems to me at this point in time you get more bang for less bucks, which benefits the young players. Having said this, there is something magical about high-end guitars, especially well - cared for rigs of old. I play a Chinese b-stock Alvarez as practice rig to keep fingers nimble, and having 1000s of hours on it I have become quite attached to it. …it’s what could afford at the time.

[@randymiles904]

I'm a gen x'er, and I love the import market. I mod and setup my own instruments. I like being able to get the shape I want, with a pretty good paint job, and putting the work in myself, and having exactly what I want. If I custom ordered a big name guitar with my specs, it would be several thousand dollars. With affordable alternatives, I can have a GREAT guitar, with EVERYTHING I want for under a grand. Easy choice.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Mr Gruhn’s Mind and Grasp of Economics Culture , Reality and common sense is Astonishing. His communication skills are better than 99% of people you see today. And George ain’t no spring chicken!!! The young generation today has much to learn🇺🇸

[@sundial6919]

Theyve gotta learn more than old generation that gave our country to invading illegal aliens 😅

[@welcometothejazz]

Out of the few guitars I have, my favorite is my cheapest model, an Indonesian made Schecter bought for about $500. Gruhn speaks the truth, you don't need to bleed your wallet dry to get funky.

[@mars6433]

$5 says that if Joe Bonamassa played a Michael Kelly single cut, with a Gibson logo, live, 100% of us couldn't tell the difference.

[@thetonekingofficial]

lol

[@Scott__C]

Well, Bonamassa might endorse them too. He seems to have endorsed about any product there is. ;)

[@toddflowers8052]

@@Scott__C That would be Johnny Highland ! ;-)

[@KidNato]

Shut up boomer! 😉

[@TheDogPa]

Or Joe could stop playing and none of us would notice either...

[@toddflowers8052]

'I always enjoy listening to George ,thank you TK !

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thank you Todd!

[@TheGuitologist]

Cheap guitars in the 60s were much less homogenized. The instruments had character. The student market today is boring and filled with nothing but copies. As for ‘sounds better’. I would challenge that. Most Harmony guitars had DeArmond electronics, which sounded pretty good on the whole. Consistency wasn’t always there. Danos had great pickups in them. All pots were CTS or equivalent American stuff across American brands. Valco pickups were also very nice. As for acoustics, many Harmony acoustics are very playable, some are after a bit of work. But they are usually great sounding guitars. Woods are all solid. Kay’s had baseball bat necks, but still were playable after some work usually. It’s true about neck set angles. Those weren’t always right, but you can compensate for it usually without a full reset. While it’s true that a student will on average get a more playable instrument out of the box today for less money, there’s a clear trade off in character. I’ll take an old Kay, Harmony, Valco or Dano any day over what’s coming out of the Far East today.

[@mars6433]

I disagree, but, everyone says I'm GRUMPY, sooooo........

[@DMSProduktions]

@@mars6433 YOU SUCK! ;oP

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks for weighing in bud! I wish I could comment on those brands, but sadly, I've never tried any of them. Thanks for the input! \m/

[@AnnihilatingAngel]

At 53, I grew up in the shitty beginner guitar Dark Age: the lousy local shop had the Kays, and the even worse No-Names; the only good-playing instruments of reasonable cost & quality they had were Peaveys - and in the late '70'-early '80s they were simply hideous to look at....

[@mattrogers1946]

100% spot on! I wouldn't trade my 60s Harmony Rocket for a room full Chinese guitars.

[@iniquity7]

he was dropping so much knowledge on you that ur camera had a seizure and couldnt take it anymore

[@Spidouz]

OMFG! Very awesome interview... Mr. Grunh definitely knows guitar history, but also understand perfectly the world we’re living in, the changes in society, economics, production, etc... It’s great to see someone like him that actually has the balls to say it how it is without the fear customers would run away to go buy something “cheap”. So many people in the industry feel obligated to justify the price of expensive products, very often by claiming so B.S. arguments. So it’s very refreshing to hear Mr. Grunh. Thank you both!

[@skintslots]

KZbin's algorithm sent me here and this is a fascinating conversation with a wise old gentleman.

[@DeeTee79]

GG is definitely a fountain of knowledge and I love listening to him talk guitars, especially the history of strats.

[@57stratkat]

I've owned around 75 guitars over the years, buying my first back in the 60"s. Of all of them, both expensive American-made guitars and cheapo import guitars, I have to admit that some of my favorites cost less than $300. The quality of guitars coming from overseas now makes it difficult to justify the cost of American-made guitars. With gas hovering close to $5 a gallon, many are looking for a quality instrument at a reasonable price. Pickups are easy to swap. If the build quality is good......I don't care WHO made it.

[@JimmyRadloff]

💯

[@mikem668]

Seems like this guy missed the boat on the Boomers during the pandemic. The way I understand it is Boomers who'd put on hold the guitar dreams started buying like crazy. No idea about Millennials.

[@fullclipaudio]

You might think differently if you had to tour an instrument; if you had to change its strings every day and then beat the hell out of it for an hour or two. That is when a better grade of wood makes itself known. That is when that top grade ebony fingerboard is nice to have. Also, the insane finishes with layers and layers of protection seem to last these American made instruments decades while on the road. Nitrocellulose ages beautifully as well as the binding and that binding also adds a layer of protection to the instrument. I agree with you that if you are not going to abuse the instrument then it doesn't really matter. An import is probably better because you can swap out tuners and pickups and it doesn't hurt the value of the instrument.

[@fullclipaudio]

@@mikem668 The market went insane. The value of my collection nearly doubled during the pandemic. New Gibsons cost and arm and a leg and many are back ordered to god knows when.

[@mikem668]

@@fullclipaudio I agree. I was part of the insanity. I bought an amp last fall. My guy said I could probably sell it for more than I bought it by Christmas. He suggested we modify a cheaper guitar to copy a guitar John Mayer uses with Dead and Company. I said what the hell, it's an adventure. And though I'd rather take a trip to Paris, this isn't bad. I agree with his point about quality cheaper guitars. Though I'm old enough to have bought cheap vintage stuff. But I have to think that old guys, locked in their houses, drove prices up. I hope that doesn't dampen a new age of great guitar music.

[@violinmiata]

In a nutshell we live in a global economy. We are blessed with having a bazillion price points on the same model of guitars and we get to buy what we think we want and can always spend more. We also have resources to upgrade what we have like never before, from humble upgrades to fancy boutique parts. This is a golden era.

[@Gene_Cali]

Don't forget thanks to KZbin, we have many willing to donate time and skills to also teach us music lessons and how to play our favorite songs. Good Vibes.

[@utssavshanmugam1587]

What about Gen X? It's weird that they're overlooked so much.

[@guitarcrazyusa]

I’m guessing Gen X is lumped into the Millennial group

[@RJD0314]

Yes this video is one of many examples I've noticed where GenX is either ignored altogether or lumped in with boomers. I don't think its by accident.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

My first guitar was a Kay, borrowed from a friend. It went out of tune every 30 seconds, was difficult to play, and didn't sound very good. My fingers literally bled on the fingerboard and I wouldn't stop. A couple months into it I had saved up enough and bought a Martin DC1E for $800. It seemed a fortune at the time, but wow! It stayed in tune for a week at least, was smooth to play, and sounded beautiful. Now I have higher end Martins that are clearly above that first one, and I love them! But I'll always appreciate stepping up to a 'real' guitar. I wore those frets out over the years!

[@JustChiminin]

I remember bleeding all over my old Harmony. Young players today are much better off with current entry level instruments and video instruction.

[@lauratanner8475]

Yep you would spend half your time tuning and the other half playing out of tune 😆

[@lauratanner8475]

@@JustChiminin Young players starting out these days, aside from having better instruments also have the benefit of the internet , specifically you tube. My nephews been playing for about two years and is better at fifteen than I was at twenty, when I had been playing for almost ten years! It's awesome and sickening at the same time 😆

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

@@lauratanner8475 that's awesome! I'm using that...

[@lauratanner8475]

@@blessedwithchallenges9917 👌😉👍

[@chokkan7]

I remember walking into Mr. Gruhn's shop in Nashville in the early '80s (he didn't have a beard then, he looked exactly like his picture in GP Magazine), and I asked him a question about an instrument. He looked me up and down in distaste, then just returned to reading the newspaper without responding. I had $2K in my pocket at the time, and had come to deal, but wasn't willing to deal with that much attitude from anyone, so I left. Haven't felt a pang of regret since.

[@charlesbolton8471]

I had similar experience in the store myself in 2017. Except that he wasn’t involved. The three employees who were working on the main level of the store all ignored me that day even when I directly asked them a question. They looked at me as if I was bothering them and then went right back to their computer screen. I drove down the street to Carter Vintage and spent my $2,500 there on something I liked better. In the years since I’ve spent over $10,000 total at Carter Vintage and not a dime Gruhn’s. I live relatively close to Nashville so I have been in Gruhn’s a few times since, and the attitude was exactly the same every time.

[@FIGGY65]

@@charlesbolton8471 . Charles, My Grandfather (who’d be 106 if alive today) taught me from at about 13 (I’m 56 now) to always spend my money and do regular business where “I feel appreciated.” I have done that very thing my whole life: It can be a Doctor or Dentist, or the auto parts store. If I get negative vibes or poor service, I never return. I thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@jerroldshelton9367]

I had that exact experience on three separate occasions and made a solemn vow after "strike three" to never patronize his shop again.

[@darwinsaye]

Why does everyone only ever talk about Boomers and Millenials, completely disregarding the entire generation between them - Gen X, and the present Gen Z, the oldest of whom are now in their mid 20s?

[@drzecelectric4302]

Thank you! We are the forgotten generation

[@ioodyssey3740]

Nobody cares.

[@robinmiller7958]

As the owner of several Indonesian guitars this interview did not surprise me having started out in the mid sixties with Harmony and other low cost brand guitars that were simply awful. As a working musician I still find it strange when people rave about Fenders from the seventies which by and large had many shortcomings. Never kept one more than a year or two and finally gave up on them until the 90s.

[@philodonoghue3062]

I’ve got top of the line ‘Tribute’ guitars manufactured and crafted in Indonesia - with its centuries of woodcrafting and (sustainable) tropical woods - including my semi hollow G&L Telecaster ASAT Tribute Special

[@denomdemon]

I'm blown away by the Minnie Pearl poster and the two plates used to print it.

[@danescottstephens]

I've been in music retail, wholesale, and manufacturing most of my professional life and George is 100% correct.

[@richardmcpike]

No need to interrupt someone comprehensively answering all the points in your question(s)- well done for listening, encouragingly and letting George share his expertise with us all - great job both of you 👍

[@lauratanner8475]

I've had piles of yard sale specials from the sixty's seventys eighty's before my first real guitar, a Gibson SG from the ninety's. The quality of inexpensive guitars today is far superior to those of yesterday and even rival some mid level and higher end guitars.

[@whitepepper8365]

In my opinion George Gruhn is a national treasure, the coolest man alive, and my personal Jesus.

[@carmineredd1198]

jesus never existed neither did god, just made up bullshit like santa claus

[@vmat1000]

Great Vid. I want a Harley Benton LP GT P90.

[@nerfnerfification]

I love the el cheapos for their ability to let me try out a particular model or style, get an idea of what a high end one would be like and whether I would like one. For example many years ago I bought an Ibanez copy of a Les paul recording model - liked it so much I got the Gibson original eventually. Same with the firebirds - an epiphone one led me to get a Gibson. Also they let you have isntruments that you may never afford normally as you would not use them enough to justify the high price - again I have an epiphone 1275 doubleneck which was one sixth of the price of a Gibson original. I don't use it often but not much else will fill the gap.

[@churchofrocknroll39]

Excellent video ....do it again and show us the rest! Of gruhn!!!

[@harrytuttle8161]

I just bought a Ortega Family RCE131SN for $300.00 , Flawless construction . Nylon String Classical with a slimmer neck , can I play ? no , but I can strum all day . Guitars like motorcycles are works of art .

[@charlesbolton8471]

If you are still in Nashville you should go talk to Walter Carter at Carter Vintage Guitars. It is an absolutely amazing store!

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

Like always TK you are the best! You interview the most knowledgeable people and ask questions that get interesting answers. I always love your interviews, keep them coming!

[@guitarnutbolinuli5788]

Build your own; I built 2 electrics for about $700 each and they are every bit as good as a $1500 Fender. Additionally, Indonesian guitars, in my experience, are excellent.

[@GermanGreetings]

A wise man talking. Thanks to both of you !

[@TheBoomtown4]

Harmony gold foils (de armond) pickups sound pretty killer. Hard to beat those on a squire.

[@rfg9486]

Thank you for creating and sharing this video, and the opportunity to hear Mr. Gruhns wisdom, what an amazing man

[@stuartmattingly9681]

Nice interview. Great guest! I am in gen X territory and dreamed of Martins, Gibsons, and Fenders most of my life. However mid-level production guitars have improved so much, I find it hard to justify $3000-$6000 for a guitar I would hesitate to take out of the case. I have a $700 Alvarez MD60BG that has tone that goes on for days. I have had many Martin players who are shocked with the quality and sound. Don't get me wrong, I still may buy a D-28 or a J45 or even go the Custom or Boutique route. Just wanted to give a shout out to the mid-level.

[@BenCoombs]

Great interview!! George is such a treasure, thanks for doing this TK!!

[@Wheelhouserocks-ue1vn]

Such a cool video. Thanks for sharing TTK!

[@aurozappa305]

The classic vibes are killing it !!!!

[@geraldwest3428]

A local maker Orangewood Guitars seems to be doing well with guality affordable guitars.

[@John--]

Cheap guitars now vs even the 90s-00s are so much nicer. I bought an EART Strat copy for $200 and it plays amazing. Stays in tune like a champ too.

[@j.dragon651]

I have played for over fifty years. I own a few guitars I paid 250 for and they kick butt. I just bought an Eastman "335" clone. I have owned two Gibson 335s over the years and this is just as good, if not better for one third the price. I remember the cheap guitars back in the day, they were CHEAP. Even the cheap ones these days are playable and I could use one on stage in an emergency. I am not sure I could say that back in the day.

[@monsirto]

... Just received a TE-90QM from Thomann, arrived faster than most local deliveries and other than the usual new guitar issues (action etc), it was immaculate . I'm rating this "deluxe" HB as close or equivalent in quality to my Squier Contemporary HH Strat. Oh yeah ......and it was about the price of a mid range bottle of champagne.

[@DMSProduktions]

GREAT interview Louis! \m/

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thank you DMS \m/

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

That first question was right on the mark.

[@rustyshimstock8653]

I love this advice. Mr. Gruhn is not a guitar snob. The sort of people who buy instruments at his shop are not interested in cheap guitars. One thing you may lose by buying a $75 Glarry Strat is re-sale value. But if you love your cheap strat and use it a lot, you may end up as a customer at Gruhn Guitars later in life.

[@blackfender100]

Great show thanks T K Mr Gruhn is a very knowledgeable And cool guy.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

TODAY is the golden age of guitar manufacturing. MANY guitars manufactured offshore are extremely well made and fully professional grade - and can be had for $500 or less. I've had American-made Gibsons, Gretschs and Fenders, but these days my personal favorites are a Breedlove D/MMe acoustic and an Indonesia-made Fender FMT HH tele. A young man I know was preparing to record his first CD, and asked if he could play my Breedlove just for fun - and wound up recording the entire CD with it, and not his expensive Gibson. MANY pro electric players own expensive vintage electrics, but now leave them home and gig with guitars like my FMT tele. What I found as an older player who finally had the money to buy guitars I yearned to own when I was younger and poorer, was that without the need to impress anyone, what sounded and worked best for me was more important than a brand or price tag...

[@glenkepic3208]

Here before but again. I recall George G's "Rare Bird" GP column from the late '70s on. I remember Teisco's at Thrifty's starting at like $39.95 in the late '60s. They looked great but played cheap, My first electric was a Teisco Audition, yes Gold Foils, 13 or so set of LaBella Flatwounds,,,gotta get tough ;) Thing is now, good guitars are so affordable....ok, close out, but $75.00 for a CSB HSS S type. Good guitar. This was 10 years ago. FireFly such,,,,just don't let them get stolen from your door step.

[@carmineredd1198]

i bought a teisco del rey in the 1990s for $40 from a guitar store it had a hummingbird pick guard and ugly tulip horns and 2 single coils a roller bridge and whammy bar

[@migalito1955]

For a guy who had the opening line I don't follow low end guitars, only high end he sure knew a bit more than nothing about them.

[@bobholt105]

Great interview! I love to hear knowledgeable people speak uninterrupted. 👍👍

[@rockandrollmd541]

"Gear Dump" is a common ad title on facebook marketplace. Lots of family men under 40 have to sell their prized gear to make ends meet.

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Sacrificing mojo mainly. Great video brother! 😊👍📹

[@mars6433]

I need to do a "HAMMERED" video of you. he he he

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

@@mars6433 woah! Hammered! What er!

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

@@mars6433 I love the one of Robert and the henning one 😊👍 see if you can find somewhere I say water!

[@mars6433]

@@Chinaguitarsceptic Too late. HA!

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks buddy!

[@chubjason1431]

Just old school wisdom, man I miss my dad and grandpa, the pleasure was mine, thank you sir

[@monmixer]

Let me note that Gibson, Fender and Martin all have value lines of guitars today.

[@ericfricke4512]

Love listening to Gruhn!

[@PaulIsbell]

I prefer Carter Vintage but Mr. Gruhn is very knowledgeable.

[@roncarter2188]

Nice video on the past and present market for the producing of guitars, good insight, summed up well.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks Ron

[@richardstratton]

Hmmm….All do respect to Mr. Gruhn; why does he not recognize the largest guitar manufacture in North America? LaSiDo - Robert Godin’s company has been building wonderful budget instruments made from North American materials for many years. Marketed under several names, the most well known is Seagull. He pioneered the bolt on acoustic neck that was later adopted by Mr. Taylor.

[@anthonymorales842]

So true they are excellent instruments. The also have the extended neck dovetail joint complex that greatly reduces the fingerboard rise at the body joint. Very impressive company

[@mackk123]

They do a good job on the fretwork while so many manufacturers are hit and miss.

[@pmscalisi]

My 1976 Mossman has a bolt on neck.

[@richardstratton]

Bolt on neck acoustics have been around since the 1930s…

[@jamesmoore3694]

i be 64 and i finally got my les paul. it is a iyv les paul that cost me less than 170 from amazon. i have no complaints. it plays nicely. smiles from mt hood

[@sofiodotcom]

And now two years later and the pickups and electronics are now getting better..... student model guitar these days may be the gem you treasure... but aesthetically---eh, not so great. That is the last component---if you step up a but you get the aesthetic too. think sire, shiji. Not sure if I like it but the cheap guitars have blurred the lines on quality demarcations we used to clearly see

[@AnnihilatingAngel]

I remember Gruhn from his Rare Bird columns in the '80s "Golden Age" of Guitar Player magazine. Never heard him speak before; he does so with an expert's precision.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

About 5 years ago I bought a used 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. It was not cheap. My wife was not happy. I'm thrilled every time I play it. My mid-30's son was a MUCH better player than me but he was in no position to by an expensive acoustic. We paly together often. I bought him a used Martin 2005 D-18 GE. He plays it near every day and loves it. He makes me beer (he's a brewer). It was worth the extra money to buy top of the line.

[@scottielambert9312]

I have found two electrics and experimented with setting them up. It has been far more rewarding than buying an American made guitar. If I had my druthers I would love an American made strat and used to purchase/play these beauties. I have to pay exorbitant rent now, I still love paying. The old stuff still has some life in it. And the craftsmanship involved in some old siverstone stuff is great. Love Kay as well

[@frankfarklesberry]

It's a great question, and Mr. Gruhn is certainly an expert at vintage guitars. But he openly stated he doesn't follow (examine?) $199 Firefly's and Harley-Benton's, etc to assess their merits, so unfortunately we didn't gain a valuable, technical opinion. That's too bad. I would have loved to hear it. I also think that Mr. Gruhn may be dated in his understanding of today's current market, buyers, and the effect of the internet. Every late baby-boomer (early 60's) is buying these inexpensive guitars up like crazy. They finally have a chance to play them as they ease into retirement, and the high-end Gibson's and Fenders are perceived as a "want" vs. a "need". Anyone can set up and sweeten a guitar these days with the help of the internet, and the production methods just keep getting better and more cost-effective.

[@vayperguitars4034]

Great interview awesome info

[@danielsalisbury245]

George Gruhn belongs in every Hall Of Fame associated with 20th century music.

[@Bobbyjoeloverod]

Dollar stores, Walmart, and liquidation outlets are all symptoms of a permanent under class in our society. George understands how this poverty extends to guitars as well.

[@pmscalisi]

I like visiting those places because I’m cheap.

[@vanrozay8871]

The Harmony models labeled as "steel reinforced neck" WERE awful. As I recall, they had tailpieces instead of glued bridges and probably plywood tops..But the large model Sovereign was pretty good; clear sounding, rich bottom, playable and tunable. Overall, I agree with George; my Indonesia-made Washburn retro parlor is damn good, and my Blueridge parlor, made in China, is very fine for not much over $1000. And with all the solo builders able to charge many thousands for custom instruments, a friend says we're living in "the golden age of lutherie." Which is a treat.

[@jeffthompson1869]

I have some student guitars from the 60s and there is a sound you get from them that you can't get from modern guitars - and I think it is because they were NOT built well. I also have a number of guitars and bases that I have collected from the last 15 years - ALL under $200 each - I have 4 models I purchased on sale for $99 and one I just picked up brand new for $75. I have played instruments of friends that are well over $1000 and a couple that were priced between $3000 and $4000. I do not hear a difference in sound - and I am good at adjusting guitars well to get good intonation and playability. My suggestion is to buy a good cheap guitar - and put the rest of your money into a great sounding amp. If you are dealing with acoustics - well-known names in the business have student models that rival the best Martin's or Taylor's. I have an Ibanez Pro Dreadnought - all I did was change the plastic nut and bridge pieces with bone - which on Amazon cost $6.50 at the time - and these days possibly as high as $12 bucks. A good set of phosphor bronze strings - and the sound that comes out of it is outstanding and comparable to a Martin. George Gruhn is a legend in the guitar world and a place to go when in Nashville - but unless you have a nearly unlimited amount of income - you may well find that you have buyer's remorse by buying an instrument with a pedigree of people who played it - and when unloading the guitar find that it is difficult to get your money back out of it moving forward. There are just not as many people who feel they need a high-priced instrument as there used to be to get the sound that they want or need from their instrument.

[@smeerdude]

awesome interview Louis, always enjoy your content.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Good interview. Gruhn is so smart about the guitar market. I had a few of those crappy early Japanese guitars in the early sixties. The first good ones were Yamaha FG folk models, of which I still have a 69 FG 110. It stands up well next to my old 59 Martin 00-17.

[@chuckshipley9917]

I wanted to finally learn to play a 5-string bass. After looking through my used options, I decided to go with a 5-string Glarry Gib ( Ibanez ripoff). $137 to my door in 3 days, and it is an excellent instrument. I will eventually swap out the pickups for Bartolini's and perhaps a different Bridge later on, but it's a great Bass.

[@pmscalisi]

I did that with my Glarry 5 string jazz bass copy. The neck needed a little fretwork and the upgraded electrical didn’t require much labor to get everything to fit together. It’s really a nice bass now and only have about $350 in it.

[@estanochebien]

Let me add, I have a 189. Tagime Strat that is actually my favorite player. I've been buying guitars for 50 years. Also have a 289. Precision Bass which I can't tell the difference from all the Fender Precisions I've owned.

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

I’m a boomer who has ALWAYS bought mostly cheap electric guitars and pricier acoustics. But we’re in a golden age of good inexpensive examples of both now! CNC etc has nade for much higher quality at low prices. Is my Epi. Advanced Jumbo acoustic as good as my 1903 Martin? Of course not! But for $220 new, it is a playable, good sounding tracking and performing guitar. As for electrics, some of the best playing, greatest sounding, most fun guitars I own were either cheap new (Epi. Wildkat), or used (my 1958 Danelectro U1, bought 40 years ago for $100). I often change things, like the terrible Dano bridges, nuts, and tuners, so they end up costing a bit more, but all in all very cheap. I just spen $800 on a brand bew Fender Tele with 2 humbuckers with coils splits (i.e. really not a Tele at all, IMNSO), and it is friggin’ GREAT right out of the box! No setup needed, gorgeous to look at, easy to play, great sounding!

[@zaz4667]

YEAH that was great TK! Do a video on real cheap guitars! Would be interesting to see where they come from too! Like California, Silver-tone, Spectrum, Austin. Even no name guitars with no brand on them! Where do they come from? Do all the no name copy ones come from the same China factory? Its all definitely interesting! Hope you do more!

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks Za Z. I see lots of people cover real cheap guitars. I've thought about it, but am hesitant. Let me give it some thought :-) ...

[@edcherry9282]

My first electric was a Domino 335 copy..then I upgraded to a red plastic hagstrom ( which was actually a great little guitar,I wish I still had it)

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Now is the Golden Age of Guitars.

[@luckysevens.AltRock8]

The king looks like hes going to fall asleep

[@tjnugent62]

I love George, but he is not much for short answers. He is an incredible salesman and a very sweet man. Glad to know him.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

I would like to have heard this gentleman's comments on guitars assembled in Mexico. This was a very good information shared here. Thank you!

[@EclecticHillbilly]

I just bought a used Mexican Strat and I love it.

[@mackk123]

MIM's are a standard good guitar. I have a few though where the neck pocket is much too tight and it cracked the paint, woods perfectly fine.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I have a Girard acoustic guitar, bought it brand new for $150 changed the factory stings to D'Addario and it's quite good to be honest. Chinese built guitar

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Great commentary and analysis by Mr. Gruhn.

[@fredcummins2625]

Speaking of lower standard of living., let's get to the base of the o verseas import market. Lacks real wood through-out. Ive seen some necka w 4 scarf joimts and scrap maple? or mahogany? Used as a lanimat for the neck ? Indonesian sourced guitar s have provided me with the Fender MI Mustang crafted in 2019 msrp under $200.00 w which Im pleased to use often.

[@vbros7]

The dream interview - ask one question and listen for 11 minutes...

[@outdatedgear5036]

Great video man. Very informative for people who want to get into playing. I have people ask me what’s a good first guitar? This info would be a good baseline.

[@stevehogan8829]

Very Cool TTK. Thanks for this interview and thanks for letting him talk and share hsi knowledge.

[@jamesstewart8054]

Great video. George Gruhn is exactly right. Cheers James.

[@MetalHeadHippie]

Nice Chat. Thanks Louis.

[@thetonekingofficial]

Thanks MHH

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

Just for my own personal experience, I would definitely say he’s right. I haven’t noticed a very big difference between the $500 guitar and the guitar that cost $1500. However, there is a big difference when you get up around $3000 as far as quality generally goes. The $500 of what your money gets you as a Guitar today it’s far better than it was 20 years ago.

[@wataboutya9310]

That dude is one clever cookie!

[@guitarzan2626]

Been dabbling in guitars for 40 years. Some old guitars simply play themselves. There is a reason for the hefty price.

[@TheMotorcityfive]

Price is very relative. Cheap guitars can become "expensive" and vice versa. There is a big part perception in the price . What you need is a guitar that connects with you, and only you! Guitars are not made to look at or put on your wall, they're meant to be played