Mistakes Beginners Make Buying Acoustic Guitars

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[@johne7100]

Suspect that you're now going to have to do a video entitled "How to get your smartphone out of an acoustic guitar".

[@mmccartney6579]

Ha!! :)

[@terryrowland1558]

Underrated comment!

[@michaelcraig9449]

Why would anyone stick a phone in the acoustic hole? That would do no good. He said to use flashlight.

[@CarzorStelatis]

@@michaelcraig9449 At 0:38 he says to use a phone if you don't have a mirror + flashlight.

[@imannonymous7707]

@@michaelcraig9449 to see any damage to braces and kerfing... using the camera

[@michaelst.george8253]

How to tell is a guitar is good. Do you play it? Yes? A lot? Then it's not just good, it's an amazing guitar.

[@ozzy8422]

Would love to see a "How to inspect an used tube amp"

[@gjganotisi]

I thought he did that before... I saw him tapping tubes trying to find which one was ringing

[@ozzy8422]

@@gjganotisi Yes, I saw that too. But is the tube-ringing the only thing to check for?

[@gjganotisi]

@@ozzy8422 not sure... I guess we'll have to wait for Phil

[@rogerowens5669]

There's a lot more than just tapping a tube

[@SDsailor7]

It would be nice if he could show a bad guitar next to a good one to show the differences in the problems.

[@Yessssz]

Might be hard to find a guitar with all the issues on one guitar.

[@RiverOfBlacklights]

@@Yessssz He wouldn't have to use *_ONE_* guitar with *_ALL_* those issues. He could show snapshots of various guitars with various issues to demonstrate and show what people would likely look for and identify as potential problems...

[@P0W3RH0U53]

It's fine, I just grabbed my acoustic guitar and noticed almost every problem he listed. Time to call my luthier...

[@overtonesnteatime198]

Thanks for having that guitar on the channel they are really well made and play great too!

[@johnmcclellan9020]

Phillip is probably the most knowledgable guitar guru on the Internet plus he's just a nice guy and it comes across.

[@roosterross2802]

This is well done, hits ALL the important points. Kudos to Phillip!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Really valuable as always man! Hope to see inspecting a PRS in the future. Love the series!

[@donaldwrissler9059]

For a low to midline acoustic its a good idea to check if anyone altered the bracing. Often lower order acoustics are overbuilt and can respond well to some gentle lightening of the bracing, but sometimes an inexperienced owner can make a mess of it by being a bit hamfisted. Modifying acoustics seems to come in vogue every 5-10 years then goes out of style. Other Inspection ideas: 1. What to inspect differently on a low vs high end insturment 2. Inspecting 80's style shredder guitars 3. Inspecting Neck thru or multi laminates 4. Inspecting and expectations for a small scale custom luthiere Great series Phil

[@souloftheage]

BEST, CLEAR, CONCISE, presentation. Many presenters start with "Hey everyone. I'm Don. Let me tell you my life story now that I'm on KZbin." But this is DA BEST!

[@VladKov]

Great video, exactly what I was I looking for, watched a bunch but this one nailed it!

[@barrypotter5751]

Normally I don't go near the twelve fret this guy would make a great presenter on the antiques roadshow

[@jabberdoggy4444]

Really interesting. I'd be interested in a video where you show examples of the sort of possible problems you talked about in this one.

[@mishunny]

How to tell specifically if a guitar/bass nut is well cut out would be great (and maybe fix in it). Someone mentioned in the last live show, so credit to that person.

[@davesnothere.5528]

Thanks, I learn a lot from your videos.

[@akallio9000]

In addition to checking the strings are at equal heights from the frets when sighting down the neck, you can often see problems with frets popping loose (especially when sighting from the bridge end), the frets should appear to be even and parallel like the ties on railroad tracks.

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Thank you Phil ~ as always, most helpful!

[@rigorhead01]

What an excellent video! You sir, are very knowledgeable and a great teacher! Thank you for providing such amazing information!

[@mattheweastel129]

Brilliant advice here. You can be looking at a decent tech bill if work needs to be done on bracing or frets, so good to know what you’re getting into before you buy

[@mras402]

Thank you Phillip for the informative video!

[@tommytramp]

GREAT INFO THANK YOU !!! You should do one for vintage acoustic guitars ,yes ,all the things in this vid would probably apply, but it would still be fun the old ones have no truss rods You Rock brother!

[@zaz4667]

Awesome video! Thanks Phil!

[@stanburtt]

Thanks for your no nonsense videos, they are great. How about guitar issues - which ones are signs of age and acceptable vs problems that require rectification.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

Thank you for inspecting my guitar. I have exactly the same model. Nice affordable guitar from 🇨🇦

[@hijmestoffels5171]

The guitar is an ‘Art & Lutherie’, an affordable brand of Godin guitars from Canada. It is made from Canadian wood species.

[@jaypooler9765]

@@hijmestoffels5171 mine is like that but with a pkup..I just replaced it with a Taylor 414 ce willcut lmt ed.....but thinking of getting back out for G and other open tuning..

[@The-11]

Great info Phil! Can you do Tele and PRS too please?

[@thombat999]

I want you to know I was speaking with another beginning guitarist who was looking to buy a used acoustic. I liked you vids on this subject and recommended it to him. Thanks for this vid.

[@young1939]

Thanks. That is the same kind of guitar I have. I bought it new and it has been great.

[@subbbass]

great video Phil! thanx a lot!

[@sak7530]

Very helpful videos Thanks. How to inspect a tube amp. Maybe a few different kinds.

[@TatianaBalashova]

Thank you very much! 🎸🙏 priceless video for a newbie

[@richarddavenport8751]

Love seeing the A&L. I bought a Cedar in the mid 90s ... love it. As I recall it is all Quebecois Northwoods woods

[@johnfry5041]

Thanks, this was very useful.

[@pulpdoc02]

Another great video. Thanks

[@martinturner1796]

? Could you do a future video on how to recognise quality components as opposed to those that might need replacing, e.g. pickup selector switches, pots, jack etc. Cheers Phil

[@charliequatrano5780]

Great idea!

[@brittsmith8260]

Hi Phil, did I miss the link for the PDF inspection list? Or as we used to say, the PMCS sheet.

[@Fuff63]

This is very helpful, thx!

[@myronbriggs1018]

Answer in short: 1) u love ❤️ playing it. 2) it sounds good. 3) it stays in tune.

[@simon_patterson]

Very good video. So useful!

[@xxxxyz854]

I get the bubbles out of flat tops by using a pressure inducing clamping system, internal and external humidity and time. Took out the bubble in a 12 string tuned to standard tuning for 42 years that qualified for a neck reset. Use your head and think outside of the box when looking at used guitars that have a belly or a bubble. Some great guitars come out of dumpsters. Titebond glue is a great product that makes a bond stronger than the wood itself.

[@chakalaka3960]

I own an Art and Lutherie similar to yours, what a stellar guitar.

[@kumarapatch1234]

Iv got one as well great guitar

[@DonaldMerrit]

I guess I'm going to have to chime in here...I also have a 20 year old art and lutherie classical parlor guitar and it is a Tone Machine!

[@alwoods9977]

I have an Art & Lutherie 12 fret parlour guitar and a Norman B20 six-string dreadnought (both are Godin products). Great sounding guitars. I am particularly impressed by the tone and sustain of the parlour guitar. Both had neck separation that was fixed by tightening the bolt holding the neck on.

[@RobSmithSporty]

Just came across this video. Great info!

[@mwpv11]

Hi Phil, did you ever do a review on wireless guitar systems? I am toying with the idea of buying one but they all seem to have conflicting reviews of which are good and which are not so good. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch and keep up the great work you do!

[@peter_castle]

The pdfs in the description are for the electric guitars, not the one shown in the video.

[@danielmiller6605]

Thank you for explaining what major problems the average guitar can have.

[@VgoRob]

How to inspect a Gretsch would be nice as they are sort of halfway between a Les Paul and an acoustic and they have the added difficulty of the Bigsby.

[@bassdale17]

so glad you choose a guitar most students would choose.

[@cymbalsplus]

Always check the battery compartment to make sure there’s no damage from a leaky battery. I always make sure that the truss rod works.

[@ISU2047]

Hey Phil! I know this isn’t related to your video but I’m looking at buying ampeg bass cabs, what is your opinion on a full stack 4x10 + 1x15 versus a single 8x10 cab? I’ll be using the ampeg portaflex pf800 head. I like the idea of having 2 cabs to use one on each side of the stage but the 8x10 has a big reputation. Thanks!

[@slidey1000]

My guitar is awful, always plays the wrong notes and never in time either

[@venderstrat]

You probably need to inspect it with a mirror.

[@maplebones]

Your timing belt may be broken, or loose.

[@kevinfitzpatrick8088]

Probaly needs blinker fluid

[@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren]

Try another player.

[@wendystarita7996]

Have you tried replacing your fingers? Try it using breakfast sausages.

[@alexmurphy5289]

I'm really hesitant to buy used acoustics because of the wood and fragility with them, appreciate this video

[@Select12]

Hey Phil, long time lurker, 1st time commenting. Do one on how to spot a counterfeit. And dust off your acoustic before making vids! Peace and love~

[@nealhere]

Great video and way fun on 1.5x speed. You have great energy

[@audiophileman7047]

I couldn't find the acoustic guitar pdf document. Is it available. Thank you, sir! 👍👍👍

[@thecatladytm7172]

Yo thank for this, helps out with maybe needing to do some repair on my Yamaha FG400 since it's a hand me down and probably needs it. There is some minor "bubbling" under the bridge and a lot of fret wear, not enough for those huge divots though, some of them just seem to have gotten really flat over time. Overall it plays well despite these issues and I can't exactly ask my parents "hey can i have a new guitar" when I have a fully functional (albeit a bit beaten up) one already, lol. Once I get a job and save up money I think I want to repair this one instead of just buying a new one anyways since I really like it. Oh and question: if you want to store a guitar for a long period of time should you loosen or completely remove the strings? Thank you!

[@BoatersMarineSpply]

Phillip, Great video well done. Where can I get a copy of your check sheet pdf. Don't see it below. Cheers Rick

[@rootrriddr6181]

Me personally would check out the sides and the back, maybe tunability, sustain, tone, does it sound like a bucket, barrel, ect.

[@terrylstarks]

I’d say how to inspect a PRS, but the way their built you don’t have too! Thanks!!!!!!

[@brianharbut4054]

Excellent! 👍

[@INDYOSKARS]

Luvly Danoelectric hanging on the wall thar.

[@cobain_92]

10:20 That's one nice looking *brdige* haha. Great video! Very helpful

[@davidlavalley7654]

Have you read or seen "The Brdiges of Madison County"?

[@johnspalding3842]

Great video, as usual, but where's the PDF checklist? You don't say it's for patreons only.

[@timcurran4222]

I have a BC Rich dreadnought acoustic I bought from Bernie Rich in 1975. I play it frequently. I’m pretty sure Bernie built it before he started having his acoustic guitars made in Korea. Do you anything about this series of guitars. When Bernie started making them? HowI can value the guitar. Thanks, Tim Curran

[@someoneelse.2252]

I don't have a flashlight. Is it ok to use a candle?

[@TheBigGrifter]

I love that you used a Canadian guitar. Im Canadian, and have that guitar, and two Simon & Patrick.

[@terrysaling3673]

I just got a Yamaha CS1M Parlor. Have played it quite a bit this week and I'm thinking about returning it. The action is pretty high and my hand cramps up after about 30 min. I hate the Elixer strings but if I change them I can't return it. I don't care for the neck at all but the guitar sounds great. I've learned my lesson. I'll never buy another guitar without playing it first. I think the old Yamaha FG75 I played for years ruined me for all other small acoustics.

[@MrLawrence1950]

Hey Phil how about how to inspect a Gibson Moderne original. Thanks!

[@patrickyates4708]

Hi Phil, love the video, but the linked .pdf is for a Strat, not acoustic guitar. Could you link the acoustic guitar .pdf you show in this video. Thanks!

[@gtr1952]

Did I miss the bridge plate? Make sure it's not loose or cracked and the string ball is not sucked up in the pin hole? Just thought it might be worth mentioning. JMHO of course.. --gary

[@iancostigan5047]

Where can I download the PDF? I can't find the link in the description?

[@simon_patterson]

These guitar channels rarely actually put the "link in the description below". Rhett Shull is the same - it's almost never there when he says it is!

[@greenmanalishi6086]

yeah great idea, but he forgot the PDF .... Might have to screen capture the image I guess ??

[@anthonytindle5758]

I've been playing a marlin squire since 84 and it's been really versatile for me I can't comment on the quality of guitars as my hearing isn't as good as it used to be, I've always played with a clean sound my guitar is an 83 squire so if pos can you grade this guitar and specs for me?

[@galemonifahmusic]

thank you

[@Zilegil]

I’m sure you possibly have a Tele video in the works I’m sure a lot of the Strat stuff is appropriate. But it could still be relevant

[@flekkzo]

How to inspect a Jackson Soloist, aka neck through + Floyd rose.

[@souloftheage]

Simply buy mine for $699. I guarantee you it's perfect.

[@Casiyounadatube]

Where is the PDF? Thank you

[@GarysGuitarsUSA]

At some point Godin (makers of A&L) decided to put a "belly" into their acoustics, the theory being that if one is going to happen anyway, why not calculate it into the design. So a little bump on this guitar would be normal.

[@nicopineapples3238]

I read in the Taylor magazine (wood and steel) that the top of an acoustic is never supposed to be flat. They wrote that if the top is flat, the guitar is too dry.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

The top is almost never flat and I live in one of the driest climates in the world. So I wanted to focus on the top lifting, more than the top sinking. Best way to think of it is to much of a hump in either direction is not going to be good.

[@suegates5]

🚩 Suffering from Dead notes just past 5th fret. I did the String check, press E at First, then down at bottom, and see if there's Any movement.. NOPE! Turned Truss rod tiny bit 4 times. Think need to go further. I hate having to spend $75,since it was this way right after the Set Up( I knew nothing). I'm a hurting mess Good to see you

[@samhunt9380]

I know mine is good. It's an Australian Maton exactly the same as Tommy Emmanuel uses. He can do more with his than I can. but it still sounds the same. Thanks for the vid.....

[@elijahbohmann9487]

How to inspect the Epiphone Les Paul special electric guitar, 6 string

[@markpatterson2507]

If you like the sound and enjoy playing it....then it's good

[@sigsaur6452]

I’d like to see you do a inspection tutorial on a Taylor 214e-SB if you get a chance. I’d really appreciate it if you do.

[@jccooper8325]

Could you do an evaluation on a Gibson es 335 thank you

[@billythekid2281]

Please do how to inspect an Ibanez RG!

[@dobbsguitar]

Some guitars are made with a curved top which actually strengthens the top. On these guitars the way to tell if the bridge is being lifted is the area in front of the bridge will be depressed.

[@rogersadler4989]

how to inspect an archtop would be good to

[@matthewmcclure3181]

One thing to add, primarily related to vintage acoustic guitars (pre WW II). The likelihood of finding a guitar made before 1940 in pristine condition (that hasn't already had repairs) is extremely low. But don't fret (pun intended). If you find an old guitar that speaks to you, there's no reason to pass on it simply based on the current condition. You do need to factor repair cost into the decision though. Many of the typical damages like binding separation, holes, cracked bridge, split in the soundboard/back, worn down nut, etc. aren't that expensive to repair. Fret replacement and fixing a cracked headstock can get a bit more costly, and a neck reset is not cheap. For these last few issues, make sure the guitar you are considering buying is worth the investment of these repairs. There are only a few types of damage that make me shy away and they are mostly related to variables that can impact tone. The first is a cracked neck or fretboard. One of the main draws to vintage guitars is the quality of the wood, so having to replace with modern components is not an acceptable option for me (might be fine for you though). The other deal-breaker is damage to the internal bracing. In my opinion, the bracing is where a lot of the magic originates. There are a few other miscellaneous things I want to mention that don't really fall into the category of repairs/setup. Make sure you are clear on whether the guitar is an investment or for playing. Understand what factors will devalue the guitar from a collectors perspective before you jump into changes/modifications. Personally, I buy guitars to play them and don't consider the future resale when I have them altered or repaired. However, this isn't out of ignorance, so I recommend getting educated on this issue. Next, make sure you fully understand the string tension tolerance of the guitar. I don't mean "mathematically", simply make sure it can handle steel strings and the highest string gauge it can take without risk. Just because a guitar was designed for gut strings doesn't mean you can't use light gauge steel strings, but do your homework first. The last thing I want to mention is don't fall in the trap of becoming a tonewood snob. Yes, old growth Brazilian Rosewood is wonderful but even a guitar made from Birch can sound great if it was well made. I think it's the attention to detail and luthier mastery of these hand-crafted guitars that makes them special. Over the years I've purchased close to 40 guitars built between 1845-1936, most of which needed some form of repair and setup. Every single one of them is playable and most of them sound outstanding. I've yet to have buyer's remorse when buying a vintage guitar.

[@brent_s]

How to inspect a tube amp please

[@josephramosreyes8050]

I've got 2 guitars which both of them has a crack on the upper X brace when i bought them..both of them has a bit dead note on the 9th and 10th fret A string and on 4th fret D string..iwonder why string got dead on that specific frets ?

[@foxki6071]

Hi, if I'm considering to buy a new acoustic guitar from the store, and they will give me the guitar from the presenting wall, should I do these checks too? or believe they did all the checks and it's really brand new?

[@davidholm645]

All of the quality acustic I have seen have approximately 2° curve on the top, i have built 8 martin D-28 style guitars and as per stewmac plans the braces have a radius,(25') I made a radius dish for top and back, 25' and 15'

[@btrentrps5818]

what about tone and quality differences?

[@raymonblodgett4537]

I have a Fender T-Bucket electric acoustic and it started to have a buzzing sound on the low E & A string when strummed open. I think it is coming from the top and a strut but not sure, maybe needs some glue or shim? Any thoughts on how to fix this? I am going to remove the strings and check better in the sound hole.

[@mariocostache9019]

Please do inspecting a prs

[@yggy6750]

And where is that PDF?

[@earlycuyler2295]

Ive got a very old kay acoustic. I need some help getting it playing again.

[@PedroDavidMoran]

Great channel! Thumbs up Philip !!! See you around

[@endorphinstudios2023]

Hey, you should do more Slick guitar videos. For acoustic guitars, try the Hohner A+ series. Hard to find. Not expensive. They are well built acoustic guitars. Some have one piece tops.

[@jasonsytsma9367]

Iv had this guitar for over 20 years and it still sounds awesome. Its survived our super dry winters and our very humid summers. Its been great in that uneven radiating heat of campfires while also tolerating the dampness and dew of the shadows in the cool darkness. It has handled 100s of those accidental knockdowns from the pets or the careless that bumped it from its resting place. Its vibrant and has amazing tone with effortless volume. Volume is very controlable and available and the bass is pure gold. There was minor intonation sharping while climbing the neck on mine and the strings were bit elevated from the fretboard initially, but both of these traits were well within the realm of correctionable/improvable ..... via subtle adjustments. Others that have played it while passing it around have always complimented its sound and its obvious presence when compared to whatever other guitars in the group are being plucked at the time. This guitar is the one that seems to stay in play for whatever reasons. Absolutely no regrets with it

[@vodkaone1053]

What was the make?

[@jasonsytsma9367]

@@vodkaone1053 it is an Art and Lutherie, Wild Cherry, made in Canada

[@JDin17603PA]

Phil, Surprised you did not mention checking the intonation.

[@Loner_Kun]

How to inspect Electric Guitar in general