What Guitar Would I Buy For $500 In 2024

[@Clambelly]

What is the waiting period all about ? FBI background check ? You are buying a guitar not an assault weapon ...

[@PhillipMcKnight]

The State calls it Pawn Clearance, it is to make sure the items are not stolen and are held so police can check against stolen reports

[@hellodrjeckyl]

Next, they'll be making you fill out a 4473 for trade ins 😂

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Would you feel different if all your guitars ended up at a string of guitar shops about two hours drive from your home? I for one am glad there are SOME safeguards when a guitar disappears from the collection.

[@NoBrakes23]

@@hellodrjeckyl High capacity humbuckers? Straight to jail, scofflaw!

[@playdelay]

Depending where you live, the city may have stricter pawn laws than the state.

[@guitarbobification]

That dude at the counter is at every guitar center I have ever been to LOL

[@rustyfenders101]

Slam!!! Emotional Damage!

[@captnb8036]

They have cloned their employees to save on labor. It's the future

[@TexasDog3]

Clones.

[@mark.guitar]

He's even made it over the Atlantic to England!

[@chrism1990]

Yeah he is. Seems we all wear a uniform of some sort.

[@two50ne77]

Guitar Center and Total Wine a match made in heaven

[@leehanson1416]

Building of questionable decisions...

[@rynomclaughlin1595]

The GC in Sacramento is next to a Total wine too, opposite sides of this store

[@mylerism]

@@rynomclaughlin1595 yep, and next to each other in Roseville as well

[@vocalion9519]

Been there. Done that. I like to mix up the order.

[@leehanson1416]

@@mylerism North of Houston, the new GC is next door to a Spec's, kinda a Texas version of Total Wine.

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

With that case... I think you made a good in store trade! Compare that to the hassle of putting those guitars on the net, waiting for a buyer, then packaging and shipping... hoping it all goes smoothly... VS... getting a great upgrade in trade with $500 in cash! Cool video Phil!

[@texanfournow]

This. Hard shell cases have, like everything else, gone up in price. I would guess it's worth $100 by itself. So good deal becomes great.

[@lancomedic]

That is the nicest most fully stocked Guitar Center I have ever seen in my live. I also have never seen a PRS in a Guitar Center. The GCs I have been in all look like K-Mart when they were in their last week in business.

[@peterbutlien1335]

I was in the Ft. Lauderdale store this weekend. They have a PRS section with about a dozen SE models displayed and a few amazing American models locked in the "High Rollers" room. At least 4 of the SE models were on sale for less than $600.

[@rikkousa]

Read my mind

[@kel5944]

I think Louisville, KY has PRS. It is very well stocked with guitars.

[@scotcherton]

I snagged a fantastic Se Custom 22 semi-hollow used at my local GC for $600 out the door price.

[@peterbutlien1335]

@@scotcherton i almost pulled the trigger on a McCarty SE. Took all i had to resist.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Phil, this was a very fun video, and honestly, a must watch for guitatists looking to get into their first real upgrade and are limited on funds. The only drawback is a lot of folks don't have a guitar-minded spouse like Mrs. McKnight to point you to the right deal 😂😂

[@Dzamora612]

You can clearly see she knows her stuff 😂

[@tattoofthesun]

I wouldn’t support private equity- guitar center is owned by Aries and Bane who have loaded the company up with debt and forced it into bankruptcy in 20’

[@koreyarmstrong456]

The craziest thing in the video to me was $2,000+ guitars at head level that you can grab and play. Here in Seattle those mofos are up high or locked up

[@94SexyStang]

Your store will change soon, They are renovating the stores and making expensive guitars accessible. They just did this to my store about one month ago.

[@metalliholic]

I think that’s a recent change. At least it was at my GC

[@HeathenRenegade]

I think they changed that in October. They swapped some of the cheaper stuff with whatever was on the top and added a centerpiece stand thing where a few guitars would just be in the middle where amps would usually be (that's in the video I just don't know what to call it). Did that at all the GCs in the Atlanta area (there are like 5 or 6).

[@pondhoppertv]

They did the same thing in Wichita... a new initiative from the CEO to put the better guitars in reach of the cusomers.

[@daveduffy2823]

Not in Cherry Hill. All the cheap ones are on the floor. The expensive ones on the wall and the used are all in the back.

[@tombuck]

I’ve rarely related to a video more than this. “Let me find something totally reasonable…” Smash cut to “I’ve never played a $3300 Dean like this before!”

[@dandylion6]

This guy did a great job. If you’re patient, this is the experience I have had. I traded a bunch of stuff I didn’t need and walked out with stuff I did “need,” with the store still making money from me. Works for us all.

[@auston]

This is the Tempe guitar center, dude is sick. Bought a jazz from him the other day.

[@thatnorwegianguy937]

That's a solid fart 14:11 . Oh, and great video Phil! 👍

[@1yoshi426]

That's the bridge sound most bass players like to chase. I play almost on the neck though so mine don't tend to sound really gassy

[@Sticky_Tea]

😂😂😂😂 it's a laugh out loud fart

[@Jonathan-L]

Let me guess, you planned it and were there in the store to deliver it?

[@MegaManX7]

I thought the exact same and came to find this in the comments. Thank you

[@soundpitchblack]

Omg laugh so hard at this even after knowing it was the bass

[@Olorcantus-2024]

Hey Phil, The Atlas C1 headstock protector is now available! Thanks!

[@TheSmokeofAnubis]

You absolutely 100% chose the right guitar, it sounds beautful 👌🏼 and that store is AWESOME!

[@jimwoodard64]

Good trade. Having been on the other side of the desk at GC a few years ago (part time), I know that to double check used offers, our company policy was to do average eBay sold listings and give 60% from there if the customer wasn't happy with our initial offer. Reverb was not on the table because of their fees and other things. It looked like you got treated fairly, store was clean, and the interaction was good. Overall, great video and closer to what I experience as a buyer/seller at GC in Virginia Beach.

[@shanethackeray1988]

The fact that you can go in and trade guitars that you no longer want is totally cool, in the Australian State I live in all music stores have to have a “ used guitar license “ to sell your second hand guitar. It is total BS that you can’t trade but only put on “ consignment “ which the store takes 30% from your asking price. The very very few second hand dealers give you sweet FA as a trade. Walking in weeks later to see your antique Aria, Gibson, BC Rich hanging in the racks for almost brand new or outrageous prices is also pretty heart breaking.

[@Allagi22]

Guitar Center in the U.S. offers 50%-60% of what the guitar is worth for sale or trade doesn't matter which one. Sometimes less depending on condition and what make the guitar is. So while it is nice to have a readily available buyer, you will never ever get more than 60% of what that guitar would typically sell for.

[@ChrisEck13]

​@@Allagi22that's basically true, however there is one aspect you're not considering. Most potential buyers are willing to pay more for a used guitar at GC than they would to a private seller. The protection that a buyer has when buying from GC, or another reputable retailer, has value. Someone is willing to pay more to know that if there's any issue they find, or even if it just ends up not being what they want, they can just return it for a full refund. So usually you end up getting about 60% of what they'll sell it for, but it might be around 70% of what you could sell it for.

[@williamphillips24]

That's interesting, what state are you in? In the past I've done straight trades in Victoria.

[@michael1]

@@Allagi22 For many people it'll be a lot less hassle than trying to sell it privately or, otherwise, just leaving it gathering dust or even throwing it away. Similarly for buying too, if a guitar is cheap it barely seems worthwhile trying to save a few quid buying it used privately given the potential for issues. Whereas if the guitar is expensive I wouldn't want to take the risk buying it used online. I mean, buying guitars online from stores carries enough of a degree of risk in itself given some of the QC issues, let alone from ebay or reverb. The UK is particularly poor for buying guitars. We have a couple of guitar stores down in the South East which, for most of us, would need a day trip to visit - and you're more or less booking an appointment if you want to try something specific as the bulk of their business is online - but these stores do have stocks of pretty much everything - at least most brands, at all price points covered. A few other chain stores which have reasonable stocks online, but you're still only going to have a very small selection of guitars in store. e.g my son lived briefly near PMT in Oxford and I was stunned to see they had a Pia in it - I've never been in a guitar shop in the UK that had anything of that price range in before - but they had 1 Pia, no choice of the colour or anything, and I could have a got a couple of other Ibanez, one revstar professional - you know, if you want the experience of playing the guitar before you buy it, and you want to pick the brand, the model and colour? That experience barely exists. Most of the independent stores it's like a Revstar standard is about as pricey as they go. Although some may stock a wider range of Fender. Most can't sell Ibanez. If you want a beginner guitar or relatively cheap £400-600 range they've probably got a couple, but very little mid-high end. If people go in these stores it's to buy a cable or some strings - and they close down all the time. My town had 3 or 4 different people trying to start music shops with that kind of stock range and they all failed after a few months. So that leaves online stores. Where, of course, you can't try anything and you don't know what you'll get delivered QC wise until it lands on your doormat. We do have good consumer laws in respect of returns - but most of us buying a guitar presumably want a guitar not a lot of hassle sending parcels backwards and forwards across the country - so I'd much sooner pick a store that you can trust to curate the instruments and only send out good ones rather than the more common online people who send you the box straight from the manufacturer and it's pot luck whether there are QC issues or not. Even if you can send it back. I've probably spent the last 5 years wanting a new guitar but not actually reaching the point where I've made a decision and bought one. I guess that's mostly because the process of looking at guitars online, watching reviews, weighing up cost and how much I want to pay etc, perhaps waiting for a sale is entertaining enough. Once I pick something and buy it I'll be stuck with it - or sending it back - and none of the guitar manufacturers or retailers seem that interested in selling me a guitar or making it easy for me to try their guitars. If the industry is struggling to sell guitars I'm not surprised - of course, if they're not struggling then they probably don't care about putting in any effort to get my money - but I'm sure I can't be alone. The one guitar store I did visit - as I said PMT in Oxford, one telling thing was that, in the flesh a lot of guitars looked a ton better than they do in photos - i.e A lot of finishes I'd seen on guitars and I thought "These colour schemes are awful" IRL were really good - so the online experience is kind of marred even more by the limits of video and photo technology to recreate what the instruments are like.

[@shanethackeray1988]

@ Qld, nobody here will do a straight trade, consignment yes. The time it takes to sell then 21 days cooling off before you get your cash and they take 30%. There is only one licensed “ second hand trader” in Brisbane ( Vince ) he is great but only offers FA and resells at retail or above. I’ve taken some very cool well maintained guitars in with realistic expectations on price and have been offered insulting prices only to return a month or so later to see them at 150% more than I was offered.

[@McMagpie]

Dude, at 7:05 that was my listing of the epi SG that i sold on Reverb!! 😂😂 Never knew a pic i took would be used on a channel i watch all the time!! Ryan's Guitar Bazaar!!

[@Guitarpch1]

That guitar center puts mine to shame

[@sonnymoon1970]

seriously.. last one I went to was in Palm Springs and it had the look of a business trying to crawl out of bankruptcy...

[@miamibeachshadow]

Here in Miami I think we have the worst one in the whole country.... prove me wrong!

[@sonnymoon1970]

@ we’re going to need a r/badguitarcenter subreddit

[@joep1551]

Think this is in NJ.

[@guicey2035]

the one near my house is the 2nd smallest in the country 😢

[@Karveyheitel]

Truly riveting video… also love the fact that you plug in and play all of these guitars . It’s super fun for the viewer 😊

[@MotorcityBart]

I don't have a problem with Mexican made Stratocaster's. If I had a chance to pick a foreign company that makes them, I would definitely lean towards Japanese market. I fell in love with your channel. I'm a 54 yr old fan from Detroit Michigan, nothing makes my cruise down I-75 South bound more enjoyable than checking out the latest content. I wish you and yours the very best. Happy Thanksgiving to all group members, 🍻.

[@Joke1Time]

I actually have a Mexican made and USA made strat, love both but tbh the Mexican made is just better for the price, I want to add a Japanese one to my collection too :)

[@edgelite]

Motor City Guitar in Waterford is way better than Guitar Center any day. I was just there on Black Friday :) And I live 8 hours away in Canada. My brother thinks when I go to Waterford I'm going to visit him but I'm really there to visit the store :)

[@TooManyTeles5664]

Loved the video and I agree that GC has a sweet spot in the market with the ability to trade, the 10% off on new after a trade, and a great return policy on anything used or new. BUT, they really need to lean into the Used market and upgrade their web presence with better pictures, better descriptions, and also require year of manufacture AND weight. So many times I've seen something on their used site I want but the pics are terrible, I don't know what year it is (can't see the serial number) and I don't know what it weighs. Calling the store is not always possible when I'm browsing late at night. By morning, the urge to buy has passed...

[@hawkcrossfamily]

I can say my local guitar center had a huge used selection, mostly at Reverb prices. They had high priced guitars, freely accessible, whereas previously, they would be locked up. I think they are changing for the better!

[@philliplaclede6269]

I like this. Every guitar player has some gear around to go play the trade game at guitar center with. Something I do often myself

[@wheels845]

Always a joy to watch and learn from you.Thanks Phil & Wife

[@buddhamus]

That Telecaster Deluxe is my dream guitar. I think you got a great deal. I've never been good at negotiating trades.

[@misteress3840]

Pitbull Audio! San Diego/ National City CA. Love those guys. 10 years ago I had $500 they steered me to Yamaha Pacifica. I still play it a lot. They told me about Schecter “Strats” (Nick Johnston) and Eastman hollybodies. Which I bought and love. Great place. No bs.

[@dragan4658]

They gave you pretty close to the actual values and the asking price of the tele deluxe was a fair asking price. Phil, you definately picked the right guitar in choosing the tele deluxe. I am looking for a used one either made in Japan or USA, amazing guitars! Great video with useful information as always!

[@isologuitar996]

You also got an awesome hard shell case with it - which you'll sell and end up with an even deeper discount!

[@joeb8383]

I HATE, with a capital H, people who separate guitars and their original case.

[@allstopblue5717]

@@joeb8383100% agree.

[@Peterbrendanalbert]

Used case... Mint or not.. What we reckon? 50? 60?bucks..

[@f1rebreather123]

​@@joeb8383then again, if its staying in your studio and you don't have much space to store cases then it isn't as bad. But for gigging, you've gotta keep that hardshell.

[@JimVincent]

@@joeb8383 My local EZ Pawn THROWS AWAY THE CASES!!! I've never walked out of there with a case, but I've considered dumpster diving. The last time I was there, the garbage truck had just pulled out, so I was too late.

[@rayshawnrayborn6624]

Just picked up a Pro II Tele Deluxe myself. That axe is a real hidden gem! She sings like no other. Hold on to it and never let go

[@mrjadsetts]

Great deal. I literally played that guitar a few weeks ago and nearly took it home that day!

[@RackhirTheRed]

The Guitar Center in my area is horrible. You have to search for an employee and then put up with their obvious disgust at having to actually help anyone. Asking for a discount? Forget it. You feel lucky that they don't yell "No soup for you! "and throw you out of the store. What really sucks about it is that both mom & pop shops in my area closed down during covid so Guitar Center is the only music store around me within a reasonable driving distance. And it's still over an hours drive one way.

[@PeterLangowski]

The fact that the guitar came with a nice hard case made it a steal. Makes me want to trade in a few of my guitars and do the same thing.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Mrs. Phil has a great eye for guitars! I was hoping you would nab the black one she spotted. This was a lot of fun. Thanks.

[@jleighwolfe]

My eye went right to that one when he entered that section, too.

[@WilliamFeryll]

That deluxe tele is a good pick up on trade with the cash! great job and a realistic look at what most players will upgrade to.

[@Russell_Optics]

I think you made a good deal for sure. That black Telecaster is one of my favorites because of the comfort cuts. I have one Tele without the belly cut and it pokes my ribs, and another with the belly cut that is leaps and bounds more comfortable to play. The ultimate Tele would be a thinline with comfort cuts, but I understand why they don't make one.

[@hudsonrilke]

Interesting. GC seemed pretty fair and open. I think the only difference I would see if it were me, I’d be more specific on what type of guitar I was after but appreciate you were making a video

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

I'm glad you got that Tele! Good eye Mrs McKnight! Surprised by what you got for the Harley Benton, wasn't sure if they hold any resale value. The price for the Epi SG was disappointing, but I think overall you made out pretty well!

[@alvinalcid5617]

I think they gave him the price for a bolt neck model, surprised he didn't call them out on it.

[@jeremymiller6933]

It looks like you worked yourself a pretty good deal. I've been trading a lot of stuff to GC in the last few months as well. Your point about 50-60% of what they sell it for is spot on. If you're ok with that, go for it. Especially for trading for new stuff with the sales tax reduction and the 10% off. A few times, I had to trade stuff in that isn't easy to sell and they just take it. It never hurts to politely ask if there are any discounts. Sometimes there is. A lot of people can benefit from this video.

[@kevin_lanthier]

That's a nice GC. Way bigger than my closest one in Bellingham WA for sure, but also looks like it has way way more inventory than any of the Seattle area ones I've been to. Nice tele!

[@GatorBait_Studio]

very good input by Mrs KYG. Very helpful and I would have felt the bonus of the hardcase made it totally worth it, great video guys, Merry Christmas

[@JeffSeale]

You can never go wrong getting a tele!

[@tymstewart]

I think you got a great transaction! ❤ Thanks for the fun and informative video! I love the guitar you chose. Great upgrade from 3 different foreign made guitars to 1 american made one.

[@dwc7325]

Never seen the inside of a Guitar Center besides my local one. Now I know my Guitar Center SUCKS!

[@budborcky1723]

Same here - The one in Delaware has horrible selections and looks like a storage shed with mounds of unorganized boxes of random stuff. 1/2 the acoustic room's guitars have missing strings or very old ones that you couldn't get a good feel. And if you found a decent one, good luck getting a salesperson to help you. I started buying from Sweetwater after my last experience in 2018. Too bad for them, I bought a ridiculous amount of instruments and equipment over covid....

[@robertnilsson8213]

Cool video Phil. No, i think you made a great deal for sure. And with the vintage tweed-case i mean come-on. I love both the Tele Classic Vibe 60's and the Tele Deluxe model and i love those cases (got 2 of them). Congratulations to a really good swap Phil! ~Rob in Sweden🎸

[@mazukakai]

Definitely came out ahead. When I worked @ GC Nashville, it was known as "The Cool Guy Discount"

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

Some employees at GC I've met have been amazing over the years, even giving me their one month purchase discount etc. Really some great people. I guess we all love the same thing.

[@ParsoJr]

Well done, sometimes we get “cheaper” guitars because of how good value they are - then after a while we just want the real thing. I have a Tele deluxe and it’s the guitar I play the most. Incredible instrument 🎸

[@hotcakesman]

I loved the channel before Shauna started helping. However since she has been helping the channel is super leveled up!

[@aaronclarkproduction]

Great video Phil - thanks for this timely information. I did the same thing today trading 3 Squier basses and a Harley Benton guitar for a mid-tier Yamaha Revstar (plus I owed some added cash to make up the price difference). My room is cleaner and I have a nice new guitar to enjoy!

[@StavrosECC]

I like the trade, USA Tele Deluxe...solid.

[@KnuckleheadStuey]

Yup

[@caseylee12]

..."we got really close". But you gotta count the case, too! A nice hard case is $100-150. And I love the tweed, so for me, that sweetens the deal! I did the same thing at GC 1 1/2 years ago. I traded 3 guitars for one used MIK Fender FMT HH telecaster and I got $150 in cash. Great video!

[@j.jester7821]

Your reaction at the Fender princeton price is the same as mine. 1400?

[@Bastion71]

For me, you definitely went the right way. Telecaster Deluxe is definitely on my list. Sounds like you got a good deal on the price, PLUS the trade in values ends up being a nice deal on what is probably a great guitar.

[@crazyturkturk1733]

i always thought total wine next to guitar center was just a my area thing, so funny to see this isn’t a one off

[@Hulkhoagie1]

You and me both. Thought it was an NJ thing

[@LumaTo]

I'm surprised as well lmao.

[@MightKillDawn]

Because you need a drink after either what you spent or what you were offered for your trade in

[@youllhavefunhere]

Thats hilarious. I guess the same demographic

[@cliffberry]

For me it’s Michael’s or Hobby Lobby which makes it convenient to drop off the wife while I browse.

[@jasonian328]

Completely understand this exact playing field, I found that being patient, saving money and NOT going to guitar center I was able to get the guitar I wanted (Fender American Stratocaster two-tone burst) thru platforms like reverb, FB market place and OfferUp. GC is so overpriced and at times overwhelming if you know what I mean.😊

[@eddiekim]

Phil, you did amazing on that trade+cash! That's probably the perfect Tele for my taste, didn't even know that model existed. Now I'm going to have to start looking for that model

[@cambian]

Good job! The wheeling and dealing is part of the fun!

[@TheSammyreynolds]

I think you did very well.

[@BobSperber]

my favorite thing about this video is seeing quick takes on so many different guitars all at once. BTW happy to see the Strat Plus callout - LOVE MY ‘88.

[@sirthom3275]

The next store should be music-go-round.

[@j.jester7821]

I would have bought that SG from you.

[@sajasafosajasafo8207]

that's what I going to say! maybe I need to show up at GC with about $500 cash and troll the trade counter and get good deals. LOL That SG looked super nice and Squire 40 year too.

[@jeffreyRfike]

I would take that trade every time. Nice to get the Fender case too! A lot of people dog GC, but I've never had a bad experience selling/trading there, they've always been more than fair, if that changes, it's easy enough to wait and sell private. Thanks for another great one!

[@VanessaPayne-k1w]

_Freed from the stress of a 9-5 job, and built a 230k safety net in just two months, enabling me to own a lovely home and pay off my mortgage-_ *thank you, Stacey Neal Brooks*

[@人justsaying]

I keep seeing different commendations about this Stacey, she must be really good for people to speak so highly of her.

[@VannyTy]

Nice meeting someone who also work with Stacey, she's the only one I could trust, she got me proflts of 14,OOO with a little start up of 2,5OO and ever since she has been delivering.

[@IanTakahashi-lo4gb]

Stacy Brooks has really set the standard for others to follow, we love her here in Ontario Canada as she has been really helpful and changed lots of life's

[@Bryannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

She is really a good investment strategist. I was privileged to attend some of her seminars. That was how I started my cry’pto investment journey

[@HeuoDhgjl-o7t]

Can someone Share her info please 🙏 I’m interested

[@traviswaynedoyle]

This was fun, thank you for producing and sharing!

[@usacool88]

Way nicer guitar center than the ones in Virginia & Maryland.

[@Shogunai87]

That’s facts the ones in VA suck

[@RayC234]

@@Shogunai87 If you are referring to the store in VA Beach yeah it does suck at least it did the last time I was there.

[@Shogunai87]

@RayC234 the ones in Richmond are not great are the ones I’m referring to. The one in Chesterfield, I have a horrible experience everytime I go

[@caprisun6]

@@RayC234agreed. I saw the pedals case in the video and I was like wow thats nice simething like that here would be useful.

[@JohnSummers-v2m]

Excellent video! and for what it's worth, I'd have also picked that Tele Deluxe. The GC employee you encountered was polite, professional and more knowledgeable than the central Ohio store we have. Unfortunately, the local Sam Ash has closed permanently and I had found they (Ash) were much more flexible on their trade values. Of course, it goes without saying that could have contributed to the closing, lol. Good job and be sure to thank your better half for spotting the Tele!

[@cliffberry]

Tempe GC, my old stomping grounds. Haven’t been there in a hot minute since I moved to Nashville. That was a nice trade. Don’t forget to swing by Ted’s Hot Dogs for lunch!

[@TS-Music-57]

I've only traded in one guitar at GC over the past few years. It was a new, PRS SE Pauls Guitar when I bought it and got 60% of market value on a trade towards a USA Les Paul. I was/still am happy. Good video for those unfamiliar with trading in a guitar via GC.

[@Bigfoot-px9gj]

After losing at least one guitar a year to theives over the years, I bought a Squier Affinity Fat Strat HSS in 2002 for $200. Then I replaced all the wiring, pickups, etc. with quality stuff. I ended up with a guitar that sounds great, plays great, but theives (being unskilled in the art of thinking) see it as a cheap guitar and never had any interest in stealing it. I've been playing that guitar for 22 years now.

[@johncollins5552]

Todays affinity strat body will be made of supersoft poplar or basswood that wont survive 22 years in one piece unless it just sits on display😂

[@f1rebreather123]

Just depends on whos palying it. Some people take really good care of their guitars​@@johncollins5552

[@tarragonadreamin]

Good choice Phillip. That Tele sounded gorgeous.

[@bellywitchproductions2183]

Zimm's Guitars

[@atticus9577]

I think you did well Phillip. Always like the fender tele deluxe. I remember being in junior high school and my older brother bought a new '74 Deluxe. Notice the salesperson said you had to wait 21 days to pick it up. I had to wait for an entire month and that was a Guitar Center too. Interesting video. Thanks for taking us along.

[@allanflippin2453]

That's the quietest Guitar Center I've ever seen! It's always been deafening when I tried to shop at one.

[@autoneurotic]

What an absolutely beautiful Guitar Center. I haven't been in the one in my area in about 4 years. I'm tempted to check it out now, especially now that Sam Ash no longer exists. And lastly, I think you got a great guitar and got your money's worth.

[@hos316]

Can't quite see IKEA in the reflection on Phil's sunglasses, lol

[@mwcarde]

I have traded a lot of guitars at local shops in my area and at two Guitar Centers and I may have some insights that could be helpful. 1) Know and understand GC's or your local guitar shops condition ratings Mint, Great, Excellent, Good, and Fair (look them up online or browse their site and take note of the condition ratings). While it is subjective make sure your trade is in its best shape by ensuring you know where if any dings/scratches are, fret wear, the guitar is clean, setup, and everything is working as it should. 2) Know the most you should/could expect for your trade. In top condition as noted by someone else below at GC that would be 60% of current Fair Market Value (FMV). At your local guitar shop understand if they are licensed to sell your guitar manufacturer, such as Gibson. If they are not licensed, you may be able to get a higher trade in value. In my area one of the local shops is not licensed to sell Gibsons so I can get 65-70% of FMV for those trades at that shop. Do your homework and look up as best you can the same guitar's asking/sold price at Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Reverb, eBay etc. Including the color and fingerboard, Butterscotch Blonde with a Rosewood Fingerboard may fetch more than a Blonde with a Pao Ferro Fingerboard of the same make and model. 3) Bring print outs from the various sources to help support the value you believe the guitar is worth. In my area I have had great service from Guitar Center when working on my trades and find them fair. Vintage guitars though should be handled differently. NOTE: I am not affiliated with, nor have I ever been employed by Guitar Center and these are my opinions based upon my experience.

[@CraigAWhelanJr]

You totally got great value with that trade. Thanks for the upload.

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Guitar 🎸 Guy 👦 nice video 📹 and workmanship the new one looks Stallionish 😮 love all the ones sold

[@Somenite]

Good upgrade. My experience with guitars over the decades has been pretty much in line with the concept behind this video. 1) Buy a used Gibson or Fender American and it's hard to lose money as they hold their value well after the initial depreciation is taken by the person who bought them new. 2) Buying used from somewhere like GC with a good return policy can cost a bit more than a private seller but eliminates a lot of risk. Also, there are deals to be had in the GC used section as shown in this video. 3) Cheap import guitars are great and it's not like the old days where you had to spend money to get something that played reasonably well. However, quality of quantity is still the way to go and it's worth spending a few extra bucks for a guitar made by a top manufacturer as they will be a little better, hold resale value and most people will have a bit more pride in ownership and want to play it more often.

[@AdventureWithTravis]

Love that you were able to do this video

[@mikestroud9969]

Thanks buddy this was super cool 😎👍👊🎸

[@serbianhammer]

3:17 If you can get past the giant headstock this guitar is pretty cool. It's very comfortable to play.

[@MrBrian4109]

I just got a used PRS SE 594 double cut in faded blue in great condition for $599 free shipping on Reverb. And I love it ! There are some incredible used buys right now.

[@tankdarla637]

I love this type video. Them Epi SGs bring about $200 on a good day. Great stuff Mr McKnight. I think you got a decent deal, I would have done the same, that tele is killer.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Great choice in my book. Exactly what I would have done, almost. I would have had to keep the Epiphone and just added cash but I understand why you didn't. Nice vid !

[@byron3710]

You made a good deal. You got a fair trade for 3 guitars you no longer had a use for and ended up with a sweet guitar, you really like. That's a win in my book.

[@ricardoneves5094]

cool video Phill! great seeing you GC trade works, and a different than being in your studio. i would enjoy more videos like this

[@mjc4art]

Great video. And as someone who’s not good at wheeling & dealing, very informative to watch. Thanks!

[@richarddwyermusic]

I think you got a stand-up deal on your trades and a great upgrade. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jbrad9040]

awesome video and I think you scored with that sweet tele with case!!! Goes to show you Guitar Center can give you a decent deal on a trade.

[@freddyb7519]

Interesting vid dude. Given the number of guitars you already have and the fact that the trade-ins were "inexpensive budget" guitars (for lack of a better term) I'd say ya did ok on the trade as long as you love the feel and sound if the Tele. Five bills out of pocket for an American made that holds its value seems not too bad to me. I was shocked at the price of the black Gilmour MIM strat you showed on vid as I saw one just a few years ago for $599. Prices are stupid and inexcusable.

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

I recently sold a deluxe just like that one same color and everything. You will LOVE it once you plug it in. They sound so good.

[@timvanboening9432]

That’s pretty good. I’ve bought and sold many items to GC, and more often than not I was hosed. I also was impulsive and didn’t do my research, so it’s on me. This last time, I sold an Epiphone Valve Junior I had been playing through for a decade. I had upgraded it, given it three channels and reverb, an attenuator, whole thing. I looked at sold prices and looked at what could I get for the price they’d give me. I ended up with a ‘98 Fender Deluxe 112 amp. It isn’t a tube amp and make folks hoot and holler, but it is a surprisingly killer solid state amp that has decent tone and can get LOUD. It’s got Fender tone that can be dialed in to be warm and authentic. I made the deal and am 100% happy with it.

[@jamesquirk8656]

Well done - the Tele Deluxe is an awesome guitar.

[@davidbuldini8385]

Great job Phil!!

[@chadwicks_guitar]

I bought that same MiM HSS for 700 brand new a few years ago. Great guitar, gave it to my nephew as a graduation present.

[@DesertDweller1]

I sold them my 2016 MIM sunburst that I bought new from Sweetwater. It lived in a hardshell case under my bed, and in the closet its entire life. I played it on stage with Steve Vai in 2018 at the Big Mama-Jama Fundraiser he had in Hollywood. I got $250 for it this past summer 🥴 Best part was when the second rep came to take a look at it and said "who set it up for you?" I said "I did it myself" he said "Wow, it's a perfect set up, feels really good."

[@mikecarreca7864]

Hello Philip, I think you made a great trade and with a hardshell case. Great deal 👌

[@RolandDelacroix]

Pretty cool to see your process, and cool to see GCs prices arent terrible.

[@martinmartin8871]

I love that model. If you want, Put in Lollar Wide Range Single coils. You'll have glorious sound! The only Lollar's that i love.

[@jaymarble5282]

This is a great video, thanks for posting it! The trade idea is a great way to downsize several guitars at once. Mrs. McKnight is very patient...and she spotted the new guitar first!

[@daleonov]

1:25 What is this strat with humbucker in the neck, tele (?) pickup in the bridge and binding? It's in the middle row, at the very left. Never seen one like it! Some sort of signature model? Edit: oh, it's also at 2:36

[@JoeBat95]

Dude i love Tempe. Get some strings and a Cutwater Mango Margarita right next door @ the total wine. Also really enjoyed seeing your recently gifted 7 string at Danes.