No One Will Tell You This About Guitars.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Subject Index 00:00 Intro 02:00 Will the Eastman headstock break like a Gibson? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXrUf5ltjZeke6s 08:20 Mark Tremonti loves his Synergy amps more than his PRS? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmrFhnSFe9usosU 17:00 How 9v Batteries work on guitars 23:00 What is a High End guitar? 30:58 Steal vs graph-tech vs brass 35:17 First winner giveaway! 36:39 Is Taylor Swift The Next Eddie Van Halen? 43:18 What do you think of start up tool kits for repair? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjZqKWtgMxqfdk 54:20 Guitar Of The Week 59:25 Thinning the herd? 1:10:29 2nd Winner giveaway! 1:13:00 The Friedman amps and where I landed 1:15:50 No guitar boxes for you 1:19:00 No Perfect Guitars 1:38:58 Does fret size affect the sound of the guitar? 1:42:50 Reverb using new pricing to make used look like a better deal 1:50:40 Are Murphy Labs guitars worth it?? 1:53:15 Lets loose half my subscribers 1:56:00 Bass Katana is all you need 1:59:00 PSC vs hardwired amps

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

Can't stop looking at that Eastman

[@dexterj5615]

Misspelled steel when referring to saddles I assume you don't mean go lift some from your local gc 😂

[@KevinORourke25]

What I love about Phil McNight is that he is just inherently honest.

[@user-to9jo2oq2f]

find the bass player 🤗

[@misteress3840]

PRS and Music Man have pride. Fender and Gibson don’t give their workers enough time. Lots of workplace labor issues at their US factories if you research it (which I did out of curiosity). Heat, air quality, quotas, etc.

[@dlmyrs]

Spot on observation I believe.

[@jasondorsey7110]

American fenders are like a corvette...it's still a chevy, has typical chevy problems, and in a few years they'll be selling camaros with the same powertrain...but...it looks fast even in park

[@Zoso981]

I know you're right about Gibson. It hasn't improved all that much since the Henry J. era.

[@st3pp3nw0lf86]

Wow that's terrible it sounds almost like a factory. Makes my job on the railroad seem like paradise! This is sarcasm.

[@NotBCT]

@@Zoso981 I beg to differ. It's greatly improved from the Henry J era in the fact that it's not _trying_ to suck, and that the latter days of the Henry J era were a complete dumpster fire. Seriously, though, post-Henry J Gibbys are more or less serviceable out of the box, whereas during the bad times they attempted to sell the poor set-up as a feature rather than a flaw. Not saying they're flawless, there are a few issues (cosmetic) on my current Gibbys that I'd be salty as the Bonneville Flats if I had paid new prices for, but for a significant devaluation hit that someone else took before selling it off to me in order to fund the next shiny new sparkly, it's tolerable. Fender, on the other hand... I feel we've entered the Mirror Universe with them in recent years.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

I prefer power supplies but , I carry spare 9 volt bat0teries and sometimes forget I have them when someone else has one die on them. I enjoy redundancy even when it's useless.

[@PauloFerreira8]

Phil, you are amazing. You're totally amazing, elegant, and honest to the core. I'm a communications expert training communicators and lectures for decades (guitars are my hobby) and its extremely rare to come around an expert with your lever of imppecable explanations and deep level of clarity. Thats why I love your work and your channel.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you for the kind comments

[@jsteele113]

Honestly, just listening to you play that SG was awesome. All the details, specs, etc. Whoopdidoo. You sounded awesome. Just awesome.

[@crucifixgym]

1:52:08 when I got my brand new Gibson LPC in 2001 it looked so new it kinda looked weird. Now that it’s 23 years old it looks amazing with all the wear and aging.

[@danstringer7610]

My wife gave me a 2008 Gibson Les Paul custom Silverburst back in 2009. It is awesome…but I love my Epiphone inspired by ‘59 a little more. The neck is perfect and it is much lighter than the “real” LP. I keep trying to get rid of my Boss Katana 100 and get a Big Boy amp, but everything I bring home to replace it makes me love the Kat more. I know; I’m weird!

[@Zoso981]

I get it, I'm currently playing my me Epiphone IBGC Les Paul Custom thru my Katana 100. My other guitars are getting some rest...

[@WeAllFloatHere]

Sometimes you like what you like. I have a fractal FM3 that i was excited to mess around with. Found an amp model i liked and haven’t used anything else in the 2 years I’ve owned it completely defeating its purpose, but it sounds so good 😂 i also build kit guitars and i prefer playing some of them over my 1k+ guitars. Sometimes more money is not better if the “lesser” item speaks to you

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Man Phil, you made some great points on this episode. I tend to miss these things live due to life with kids, work, etc. but I’m gonna comment after the fact. On the subject of guitars and associated quality, at 52 I’ve played a 1000 guitars if I’ve played 1 and to me although they’re not always my taste, ESP makes the nicest guitars I’ve ever played. Whether it’s boutique like Suhr, Knaggs, or Nash which are all 99% fantastic and impressive, the ESPs are just well built and consistent across the board. I’m not talking about the LTD range, which can be very nice and great value but ESP proper are so spot on almost all the time. The E-II is impressive too but ESP is something special. I’ve bought 5 or 6 maybe and I’ve played a ton at Chuck Levins near me here in VA. Many are pointed and wacky in some ways but always feel like something carefully thought out and crafted not just manufactured. Even the line guitars which are built right next to the Custom ordered guitars are just incredible. However, I’m a Gibson guy. Not an apologist but I do vibe with Gibsons and all their imperfections. You do have to dig to find “the right” Gibsons like shopping at a garage sale but when you find it, it’s a beautiful thing. As long as you know what you’re getting it’s going to be okay. Befriend a good Luthier 🤣 Most likely not gonna stay in tune like the ESP but it’ll beckon you to stay up late and play and that’s the goal for me. I’ve sold many a ESP and PRS just because I looked at it more than I picked it up. Sorry for the long winded comment and keep up the great content!

[@howardthrust]

Missed "The Live" AND Friday Viewing Opp 'cause I was playing-in my new MIC eBay "Parker Fly Repro" (found an OUTSTANDING seller) and got carried away! 🥳 My definition of a "High-End Guitar" arrives @ about the same Price-Point as yours...although from another perspective: When the benefit of any further "value-added" feature starts diminishing EXPONENTIALLY, along with an inversely proportional increase in price, it becomes "High-End".

[@jonm1544]

I’ve owned 2 Eastman Les Pauls. Both were excellent instruments but I personally would prefer a Gibson Les Paul studio if I wanted a lower price point. Just prefer the Gibson body shape and finish. That said, I currently own an Eastman hollow body (335 type). I think Eastman hollow bodies are an even better value relatively. For me, this represents the best of Eastman.

[@bandierrez]

I know this from the forums. I don’t relate to the PRS aesthetic. I do know PRS colors fade. The modern eagles circa 2010 turn faded purple from blue. PRS doesn’t consider this a worthwhile problem to address. Maybe they started using a different stain by now.

[@montereycalifornia]

Let's get this guy to 1 million subscribers!

[@stevenpipes1555]

My good friend has an Epiphone Alex Lifeson, as well as a legit Gibson Les Paul. The Epiphone is so close to the Gibson quality wise, that it's almost silly. They are both extremely beautiful!

[@Leo9ine]

1:33:00 From a Honda mechanic - You're right, pre-2020 Hondas are incredibly reliable! But the last few years are not. The newer 1.5 liter engines are blowing up left and right! It isn't just Honda though, no one makes a reliable car right now 😢

[@scottybee33]

What a cool Mark Tremonti video... seems like a super down to earth guy.

[@Mtlatc]

I’m watching the replay but I got you on the MRE hot sauce……..

[@bryanfinkell9022]

Always enjoy Fridays with TKG community. Its a great place to unwind! Thanks so much for your time and efforts and service to our County! Its greatly appreciated! 🇺🇲

[@GregMcFaden]

Hi Phil! That actually looks like an SG Classic. It was a special run from Guitar Center from I believe 2006-2013ish. I had one of the previous runs from 2002-2004 that was an AMS exclusive. The GC run was in Heritage Cherry. The AMS run was Heritage Cherry and Ebony Stain, which was an ebony stain over the Heritage Cherry so it looked like an Oxblood finish. I had a 2003 Ebony Stain and should have never let it go. The only 2 P-90 SG's during that time from Gibson USA were called SG Classics, to get it as a Special you had to go Custom Shop. They stopped making USA Specials in 1998, only to be offered by the Custom Shop. To fill the USA void of a P-90 SG, they came out with the Classic in 2002 as a small run for AMS, maybe some other small shops, and then later as an exclusive for GC/MF. You are correct that the neck is perfect, a good cross between a 50's and 60's. I've only seen a handful Ebony Stains for sale over the years, and the Heritage Cherry doesn't come up often because the neck is that good. Looks like the previous owner also changed out the tuner tips from the white button tips, or the whole Kluson tuners since they would be the same holes. And the truss rod cover would have said Classic. The AMS run sold for $799 and the GC run sold for $899, $999 at the end of the run. I picked mine up from AMS on their dent and scratch special for $519, there was not a scratch on it. I still kick myself for letting it go. Nice to see you have one, it's my favorite version of the SG. A great "Live at Leeds" sounding guitar!

[@stillobsolete]

I had a 2018 Junior and loved it, except the neck profile "60's Slim" is extremely flat. Just FYI. It's a beautiful guitar and it sounds good. I believe the only difference between 2018/2019 is the 2018 had the throwback logo w/ "Only a Gibson is good enough" banner on the back of the headstock.

[@G.A.Godwin]

the SG is an SG classic. They were/are amazing guitars that flew under the radar for years!

[@Bliggick]

I thought that too. The previous owner would have had to replace the "Classic" truss rod cover with a plain one and the white button tuners with keystones. The first ones had an ABR-1 bridge and a cream switch tip. Later ones have a Nashville bridge and a black switch tip.

[@guitarman11000]

Mine sounded harsh. I even put SD pickups in it, and it still sounded bad.

[@jtrocker9976]

Mark said he was using the Synergy combined with his signature amp. However you are correct, the MT100 has a noisy effects loop.

[@ripley7t429]

PRS has a history of effects loop issues with a couple of the high gain amps. Look at the Archon loop issues. After mine went back to the factory, it came back quiet as a church on a Monday morning.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Humans Being is a favorite of mine, too. It has some deeper special meaning for me also

[@avjake]

We absolutely need a Break Neck competition. I hear what you're saying about Gibsons being iconic, but the only one I really desire is the Modern. The definition of "high end guitars" are guitars that I am unwilling to pay for. Most any mid-range guitar can be set up to sound and play as well as a high end rig (see 'Sharpen my axe').

[@stevenheinje181]

Sometimes you can’t detect it, but then you take it out and over time you miss it. Compressors do that for me.

[@tonybowen455]

1:11:30 That is incredible, Chad!

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Wow no crap I just traded, THIS WEEK, for my first ever SG, and it's a 2004 Special Faded w/Pearly Gates clones by Tiki-Man Pickups. Almost exactly the same guitar as yours, also acquired by trade. And I'm blown away btw basically a sub-$1k custom shop.

[@p.s8950]

I have American and MIJ Fenders, PRS, Godin, Ibanez, G&L Fullerton and love my Reverends But I just picked up a used Harley Benton TE20 HH tele for cheap !!! and its become my daily player. So Im very dubious of "high end" equipment. Thanks 4 the vid.

[@lorincowell6944]

P-Rails in my Tremonti SE.

[@anonymouslyominous33]

Right now , great solo

[@DonaldMerrit]

About the batteries on a guitar, if you install a switch because forget to unplug it, will you remember to switch it off?

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

For me, "low end" is under $400 and" high end" is above $900. I try to buy guitars discounted into the "low end". I only buy to fulfill a need for features. I define a "bargain" as being resalable for more than I paid. Every guitar i have kept falls within that definition. This philosophy applies to "everything" (musical and beyond). Only the price range varies.

[@ValiRossi]

Cholula is awesome. I get a plain Chick Fil-a and put Cholula on it.

[@MarceloCep1]

I would pay $700 for that guitar. Even up to $800! It looks amazing, is super cool, and I know it has been well cared for.

[@KyleLaulo]

1:15:50 Guitar Center gives me boxes all the time. Also, the dumpster behind Guitar Center usually has boxes.

[@okayestguitar66]

MREs with Tobacco?! Lucky you, I had to suffer through gen 1 MREs! So bad! 😂😂😂

[@GuitarZombie]

concerning flaws... the neck is my most important

[@SnakePool]

I thought Mark Tremonti was using the MT100 on this newest tour?

[@marzarnold9039]

Another good episode. Keep up the good work everyone. Much appreciated!

[@WeAllFloatHere]

I have a 98 Gibson SG special (limited edition with ebony fretboard 🙏🏻) that i got when i was like 13 as my first really nice guitar. Scooped it used for 400 bucks with a Duncan 59 in the bridge about 15 years ago. I had it up on the wall and the anchors gave out, and the only thing that broke its fall was an old dean ML i had… found it laying face down on the floor with no damage whatsoever. That thing is still solid to this day. Not all Gibson headstocks are the same lol

[@davidsteinberg8024]

I have a '72 SG-200. Back in high school when i was young and stupid i let it slide to the floor while leaning against an amp. No damage. People diss the no-angle Norlin headstock, but its strong.

[@danpeabody5687]

Phillip in the greater Phoenix area. If you wanted a top notch fret crown and level as well as an over all set up done where would you take your guitar? I’m in mesa

[@bradconklin2878]

"Will the Eastman headstock break like a Gibson?" Allow me ... Yeah. It's f*&^%ing wood. Drop it or abuse it and it may break.

[@drdoom8793]

Tobasco is vinegar based! Wont go bad, just shake it up if it separates!

[@carlosenriquemorales187]

Hi Phil I have a question for you. With locking Tuners, when one changes the strings can you still "Stretch" the strings like you would with non locking tuners?

[@matthewdeheus3124]

I've had customers bring in new Murphy Lab and Custom Shop guitars hoping a set up would save them and their issues were more signficant than that. The worst expensive guitar I have ever gotten in was an Ibanez Paul Stanley Iceman. Sometime I feel like they make these guitars assuming someone is collecting them and not gigging them.

[@TumbleweedRancher]

Possible Chad already had some of those legos, but good job either way!

[@guitar_gnome]

Having owned Gibson's, it's given me the perspective that Epiphones are just fine.

[@brianh4625]

I'm curious whether the love affair with the Ampliphonix and Gain is over. The only time I've seen it in frame recently was when Phil hauled it out during his recent interview with Taylor Cox.

[@foggyblues13]

Humans Being is a killer song!!!

[@jondonnelly]

To me, high end is different for each brand. A Gibson Les Paul Standard is about $3K, a PRS core is about $5K and high end Fender starts about $2K. ✌

[@georgeperillo6421]

Thanks for the update on Bruce Egnater. Changing out the original input and output transformers for Mercury Magnets was my best move. My Egnater 40 head is by far the best sounding and versatile amp that I've ever owned.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

Pro tip for buying your wife a gift... go to an ATM and tske out the cash. If she asks what the cash was for, tell her you got a deal on something for paying cash (a guitar if that wouldn't cause a fight😂). Then present her with the gift when you planned to give it to her.

[@chancemiller9340]

BASS Katana! “Wow! That’s great bass!!” -Loraine Newman 4/17/76

[@rokkrrofficial]

Yes! Humans Being is my favorite Sammy-era VH song, too!

[@LuftysSpacedock]

I found the topic about the "Highend Pyramid" really interesting! Here's why: A $2+k bass guitar I had on backorder at SW fianally came in, and I was on the fence, so I asked my rep how many they got. He said 4. I was like woah, SW only got 4? I guess this explains it! Thanks Phillip!

[@Michael.Jamie.Foxxworthy]

1:08:45 Mic drop!

[@Halfaloaf599]

You’re a true OG Phil, I really enjoyed the guitar of the day segment.

[@shaunhughes2]

The stacks of cash in your Lego studio had me cracking up 😂

[@chrisfit]

Super underrated VH song!

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

I mean didn't Danelectro on the famous 59 use a steel nut? Malmsteen uses Brass and so does Paul from PRS. I think it comes down to What you perceive sounds better. Personally I like a titanium nut and Titanium saddles especially for acoustics depending on the alloy its as light as bone material and is highly scratch resistant still fragile like bone but you can't have it every which way when it comes to metals.

[@DNYS8N]

I suck at trading losing much to get little. 2017 Epiphone pro 400 $400 bucks Reverb. Shorted switch, $125 set up, still something off switched pick ups and work 325.00. 850 bucks when I could of just got a Charvel. Bought guitar at pawn shop $200, added pickups, set up, and needed major fret work $600 Again $800, ended up selling $500. On and on Friend no longer playing gave me Ibanez $1,299 free. I guess it evened out

[@benallmark9671]

Ads are out of control on the replay IMO.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

I noticed it more than usual. I think he said a few weeks back he's experimenting with the latest KZbin settings to see what effect each has on the views and drop off rates. Yt took away a lot of the creators fine grained control over ad quantity and placement - now there's just a high/medium/low toggle with no real indicator of what each means. The previous system was also a mess in that when the vid is published, yt would initially max out the ads, and every creator would then have to go in manually after it's gone live and tone it down. I don't know if that's changed in the new system.

[@ksgant]

I watched this episode, and I heard the part about having friends over to try out the Gibson, Heritage, and Eastman Les Pauls. But then he said they brought out this other brand and it blew them all away. What was that brand/guitar?

[@cb-ez7pz]

Knaggs

[@ksgant]

@@cb-ez7pz Thank you!

[@Halfaloaf599]

Another excellent show! Sadly missed the stream, and I am looking forward to the Heritage video. Not fair pulling out the Naggs.

[@GuitarGearGyan]

I literally have a mountain of discarded pedal comparison videos and cut down a lot of pedal videos after that. Easier to do guitar or amp comparison videos. Also, there are not enough views to justify the purchases.

[@jakeqwaninne8502]

i think a lot of players are buying stuff on credit, and let me tell you, credit cards seem like free money , and people , especially guitarists , with real OCD , like myself, just don't give a fuck about how long it's gonna take to pay that off, so long as i have that piece of gear , who cares about credit, luckily that was a brief stint, and my wife killed that habbit quick, but for the most part, befor i had credit cards, i used to just work and trade stuff out, and lay away was a big help, but ya, most of the younger players i know use credit cards, and man is that easy to do with the onset of internet shopping

[@nimblybimbly4002]

I watched that other video with Tremonti. Sounds like his relationship with PRS is generally not as solid as before.

[@hawkcrossfamily]

I really like Human Beings as well! The guitar playing is great, it's a banger. The lyrics are kinda silly, but it still works. It hits. I think Sammy opened up VH. Not everyone liked it but we definitely saw different sides of Eddie thanks to Sammy. Not as hard of a party band, but I really think they have more depth with Sammy. Some didn't like that, I really liked it. I think they were great with both singers.

[@alangreenway6695]

R.E: High End Guitars. I think in general any company that offers different price points tends to offer 3 tiers- Top, Middle, Bottom, any more than that is far too confusing (think Trainers/Sneakers). When you look at Gibson that equates to Epiphone, Gibson USA and then Custom Shop. Same set up with Fender, similar to PRS. Those tears across brands make not entirely line up in cost, but they create a system that gives people with different spending power a place where they feel comfortable. Maybe Custom Shop only exists to make the middle tier seem reasonable in pricing and gives an option to people who want to have something only the few have.

[@DonaldMerrit]

Tall frets definitely have an impact because pressing too hard on a tall fret can put you out of tune. My son has a Gibson Studio Les Paul with taller frets and if you press too hard it will go Out Of Tune. Some heavy-handed players can't adjust to the light touch needed to play on tall frets.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I have Graphtech saddles on a few guitars and I love them. It sounds to me like they add a whispery quality to the sound of your guitar!

[@jfrankcarr]

"Thinning the herd" usually means (a) my spouse is complaining about how many guitars I have, or (b) I need money for my dream "forever" guitar that I'll be selling in 6 months for my next "forever" guitar.

[@mikeomatic9905]

Or in my case, moving to a smaller place.

[@Tiago_007]

You described my problem to a T. And it cannot be stopped.

[@rockinchairboogie3222]

Hey Phil, I normally watch live on Fridays but I was out of town so I'm watching now (Sunday Aug 18th) and about every 5 or 10 minutes, I get a KZbin ad.

[@vaiisgod8]

2500 and up is high end 1000 to 2000 is mid grade

[@djlehara]

And GOOD starts around $200 @ MYCHEAPAXE. LOL

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

I like big frets and I cannot lie....🤣

[@CarolLove-u7l]

So basicly you are saying that the 10 top grading system is BS. Save the money and get a non 10 top . It will still be purty and play great!

[@thisdyingsoul76]

Anything that is Gibson style right down to the angle of the headstock will have similar issues to Gibson. If you want the sound of a Gibson but can't live with the possibility of a headstock break, look for a Gibson style guitar that does not also copy the angled headstock.

[@JohnGretta]

Just want to thank you for this timely video. I recently sold three guitars to buy one keeper. Was comparing an Eastman 59v to a Gibson Les Paul60s and this idea made me realize the Eastman would only be a placeholder because I really want the Gibson. Both great guitars, but I’ll spend the extra to get the one I really want. Kudos to you!👍

[@bluglass7819]

I’d love to see you get some Kauer and Dunable guitars in your hands. I love seeing these smaller guys find their place.

[@HPPrintervx4p5q]

1:16:45 a box for 15 box?

[@wwland]

That particular guitar is a Gibson SG Classic. He removed the truss rod cover and put on a blank one. I have the exact guitar and I hope to never part with it.

[@shawn_ten_toes]

Yes, to the clear tobasco sauce. Ive seen it many times.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Regarding Synergy (and since you like a Bassman amp), would be cool to compare the Synergy BMAN module to the Fender Bassman ToneMaster amp when it comes out.

[@smeagle3295]

As far as the hot sauces go, it depends on what you are putting it on. Tabasco sauce goes particularly well on seafood/stuff with lemon juice, cholula/Tapatio on Mexican food, franks red hot on wings, Louisiana hot sauce on most southern food, etc. Just like with guitars, sometimes you can use the same one for almost everything, but one will probably work better than the rest for whatever particular task you’re using it for.

[@thelensmanize]

I'd die for one of those evh taylor swift shirts

[@216trixie]

I agree with you about tops on the guitar. I usually prefer a solid pastel color

[@davidkornblatt851]

The next couple of AI revisions will change how great the Plek machine will be the future.

[@madscientistdave]

Put the "Eric Clapton circuit" into a pedal at the beginning of the signal chain and run it of a power supply and keep the batteries in the drawer or use them in your garage door opener like god intended. That's what I do and it works. If you like StewMac as much as Phil does (and I do) they have a kit for such a pedal and it has to be heard to be believed.

[@cpk313]

A Eastman is built beautifully but the headstocks are like Gibson's

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

Do you really trust a seller to be fully transparent? If a liar tells you they're not a liar, are you going to believe that? Never trust and always verify - until the party has gained your confidence (but still verify).

[@justcruisen67]

ugghhh yes...MRE's

[@AtypicalPaul]

Kiesel Greg Howe GH3X or music man cutlass HSS cutlass BFR sparkle blue ? Hmmmm

[@Pearljam9977]

I'm I'm totally having a brain fart I watched a show every week I watch all your videos and for some reason I can't remember what the email address is to send in for the contest with the know your gear stuff

[@PhillipMcKnight]

[e-mail]

[@Pearljam9977]

I figured it out right before you replied thank you it sent in

[@ripley7t429]

I am also a Catalyst lover. I love Boss pedals, was even using the BF2 for years as a mid-boost (old trick). I have burned through Mesa, Marshall, Voodoo, Boss, GK, and down the list. Eventually I will probably graduate to THU or something for just in the home. No more gigging. Katana was fine, I prefer the Artist 100. I am moving to Asia, so everything but two guitars must go, and I will decide on the amp issue once I am settled there. Concerning the guitar market and makers, One thing you cannot replace is being able to play 2 or 3 of the same model in person. I have ordered many online over the years, seems like a 50/50 keep/throw back rate. Too bad the small stores are all disappearing. The differences between the same model, demoing two or three is striking.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I had a Cort from the 90's with a quilt maple top. Pretty sure it was a veneer, but it was a great guitar. Tone-wise, I had people hear the demos from my band at the time and argue that I was playing a Gibson Les Paul. But I think your theory of how great guitars with real figured tops will have flaws while the flawless tops on cheap guitars are more common. My Cort had tool marks in the top. Very small and you had to really look closely, but it was there. I remember when Fender models in the 90's used "photo flame" tops. Basically a print of a flame top under the finish to create the look without using the actual wood. They looked great, but on looking closely, tbey were all identical except maybe tbe colour... mind you, I think they did this in both high end and budget lines.

[@ge1saman]

Who is that that announces the show?

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Phil's wife iirc

[@ge1saman]

@@PaulCooksStuff thought so. Thanks

[@scottanderson2879]

Sg Classic

[@concernedcitizen939]

Would love to see you do a full assessment of a Novo guitar. Maybe one of the Jazzmaster-y ones that seem to be their most popular.

[@fdre3wsd]

Lotta good info in this one

[@isaacroche3223]

❤Van Haggar❤ 1)Don't tell me 2)Humans being 3)Judgement Day