The Best And Worst Guitars Of 2022

[@PhillipMcKnight]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/phillipmcknight11221

[@donbergerud7804]

What is skillshare??

[@zaz4667]

I really like that Sweetwater story about Sweetwater security telling Sweetwater Staff you were on the floor at midnight taking apart a guitar and they said to let you do your thing! Excellent!

[@JoshuaC923]

😂😂😂 it really is

[@paradiswest4395]

Great story

[@metallsnubben]

The utter disbelief those guards must have had haha

[@alanpettibone]

I actually bought a bunch of stuff from Sweetwater after hearing that story… told me that the people running that place are guitar geeks too.

[@54fighting5]

I recently made a minor purchase from Sweetwater (a 3 pack of strings) of around $15. Now I had bought a few things over the years, nothing that would qualify me as a "great customer" but I was blown away that my rep (who I had never spoken to) called and asked if I was happy with my purchase. A $15 PURCHASE! We ended up chatting for 4 or 5 minutes about Sweetwater, their training, playing music etc and he invited me to call him if I was ever up that way and he would set up a tour of the facility. AFTER A $15 PURCHASE! That made such an impression that I think in the future I will forego a 5 or 10% savings elsewhere and call Sweetwater just because of their customer service.

[@CarolDailey]

Thank you so much Phil! As a new old lady guitar player, I soooo appreciate all of your great content. Warmest holiday wishes to you and yours!

[@maspesasmasperras5554]

What guitar do you play Carol?

[@desvega5849]

Though we may not have all said it, we love what you're doing Carol

[@CarolDailey]

@@maspesasmasperras5554 I have a PRS SE HBII Piezo and an Emerald X30.

[@daa5249]

@@CarolDailey What, no Jackson?

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

That's awesome Carol. I sometimes doubt how much I can really improve as I'm almost 28, and I got back into guitar not long ago, but seeing things like this always makes me want to try more!

[@arocketgal]

Phil I bought the Eart Tele, the Yamaha Revstar, the AIO Wolf LP (which was an excellent version) and the Taurus Servo pedal from Poland. Last year I bought the D'Angelico Excel EX-DC Semi-Hollow with Stop-Bar Tailpiece all due to your detailed evaluations. I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM! You have NEVER steered me wrong. They are all flawless and I couldn't be happier. So, I pay attention to your recommendations because you do a GREAT job. Thank you for all of your thought and effort in each video. It makes a difference for us out here without your technical knowledge. We need someone we can trust to be objective and honest. You do that for us. Thank you!

[@aaronwebb1548]

10:46 "Klos Apollo" and the Keisel at 11:14 are listed under the chapter for "Epiphone 59" Thanks for the vid Phil, I always enjoy these year end videos.

[@frankorobinson1540]

The thing i like about this channel is his absolute complete honesty on the products that he views and test for us.the real world 🌎 playing and the indepth reviews of the product has really help me make a decent choice on my first guitar 🎸 sence the 1980s ,thanks Phil for all you do.peace.

[@realkylehooks]

Kemper for the win. I got one a couple months ago from Kansas's bass player Dave. The tone I get at love shows is phenomenal. No stage noise from amp. No mic bleed. Just pure tone coming from the mains

[@Lefty-Guitar-Enthusiast]

"stage noise" is why I love playing. Its just not the same without a speaker thumping behind me. To each his own

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

Yeah, Kemper for the win. Josh from JHS did all his pedal demos and such like normal for a whole damn year but plugged into a Kemper instead of his actual amp and fooled everyone because he just filmed like he normally would when using the tube amp. He even made a video a year ago saying Kemper sucks before tricking all the viewers for a whole year

[@schlep4730]

Looking forward to another year of Know Your Gear and the 2023 year and favorites. You are one of the best out there Phil !

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Happy new year!

[@schlep4730]

@@PhillipMcKnight Same to you and your family.

[@GuitarJeff]

Hey Phil if you were not aware, Tim Pierce has some amp profiles from his personal amps you see him surrounded by for free in his lessons. Since you are a subscriber, you should try some of those. Way improvement of stock kemper profiles.

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

I own two of the guitars you mentioned! I've got the Epiphone R9 and the EART headless, both are amazing IMO. The headless is the perfect sofa guitar and it has become my number one player.

[@davewalton7401]

Hey Phil. Have you ever reviewed Hard Luck Kings? They're out of California. I recently got one of their Southern Belle Baracuda models. It's a semi hollow body tele style. I paid for the pro setup also. I love this guitar and it's become my main guitar now. They have several models that mimic a strat or less paul,etc. Would like to see a review by you. Happy holidays and keeps those reviews comin in the new year.

[@csnide6702]

Cool.... About 3 years ago I played at a great party in Michigan and a guy let me play through his Bad Cat amp( I had no idea what model it was)..... It sounded FANTASTIC.... i then went out and got one that wasn't as good and sold it right away .... but great to see and hear how happy you are with yours ... Like you say on your channel - not all of the same products give the same results , but i will be trying another to chase that tone... !

[@stephanematis]

Your interview with Ola Strandberg was everything I hoped for. He needs recognition as a modern progressive, inventive and technical guitar maker, not just a headless guitar guy.

[@rtylerjames]

Hey Phil! The PRS Fiore is definitely more the PRS spec silver sky. I honestly don't see them bringing out another silver sky line. BUT I could see them bringing out a budget Fiore and/or a rosewood fingerboard Fiore.

[@Gene_Cali]

Thank you for this informative look at musical offerings from a diverse list of companies. Even though I have decades of Buyer/ Purchasing work experience, I have never bought a guitar based on future investment potential. Excellent channel.

[@MaTTheWish]

Phil McKnight, nicest guy in the business. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas brother.

[@johnnytruck2009]

Very cool being a part of 2022. That was really fun to do with you. Thanks mate!

[@AttackOfTheFries]

Really looking forward to more Sharpen My Axe, and really bummed I didn’t jump on a Valiant bass! Great year of videos thanks, Phil!

[@danthegeetarman]

Look forward to these year end videos every year. Always enjoy these. One thing that always stood out to me that maybe you’ve already addressed is why you didn’t end up reviewing the Sire S7 strat? Curious if there was any specific reasoning or if it’s just something you just never got around to. Lastly, wonder if you can make a video of techniques that help floating tremolo guitars stay in tune and maybe a video about guitars that are stubborn when it comes to intonating them. Seems like those are my biggest struggles with non-evertune guitars. Anyways thanks again for all the great videos this year. We really appreciate them 🙏🙏

[@The-11]

Great year and I'm sure next year will be even better w/ the announcements you've been hinting at. What happened to the Ibanez you bought at Sweetwater?

[@bartlettpsj]

I love that you love your Kemper and that you do appreciate its strengths and weaknesses. Once you add a Kemper Kabinet (or Kones to a cab like I did) you might not even need to use amps!

[@jaygallamore562]

Thanks Phillip, I have learned a lot from watching your videos. I want to comment on Sweetwater and the Yamaha Revstar guitars. I continue to support my local music store but Sweetwater has become my go-to source if I need something quick or the local store doesn’t have a product I want. Their customer service and having a dedicated, knowledgeable sales engineer is the best! After watching several on-line reviews on the Revstar including yours, I ordered one from Sweetwater then waited. When it arrived I was amazed at the quality of the guitar for the money. It is my first P90 guitar and I absolutely love it. I don’t buy guitars based on just one person’s review but instead, I evaluate several reviews and so far this approach has worked well for me. Keep up the good work!

[@prophet8photo]

Phil, I’ve been watching your podcast for years and I definitely feel like I’m part of this community. I know exactly which products you reviewed and ignored and I respect it. The company in question should know that we are a community. We respect the fact that you’ve never been a shill for anyone. I thought your unboxing review was pretty accurate and it disappoints me that someone let their ego become a stick up their backside. I appreciate your professionalism, and I appreciated they did not adorn your wall for well over a month of podcast lol

[@JoshuaC923]

Another great year Phil! Keep up the great work

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Please check out a Rivera Clubster Royale Recording amp.. I have the 25w 6v6 version stocked with NOS tubes and it is so glorious! Like a modded blackface fender went out on a date with a modded Marshall or something (Lead channel). Absolute tone monster. I have the head andI run it through a 2x12. Super articulate distortion and spanky cleans. Built in reverb tank. Paul Rivera is a legend in the Fender amp world. Love your reviews!

[@bluesthing7490]

So glad to hear you say you play your SG daily because I remember when you had never even owned one and you were mainly a Fender guy. Iwas in love with the Les Paul until I got one. They are the best-looking guitars to me but very uncomfortable and restrictive to play especially for a fat guy. LOL!!! Stratocasters are comfortable but the SG has always been the one for me. I think they should get more respect than they do!!! Keep up the good work Phil!!!

[@Bobyoudontneeemyname]

Great recap phil..got my delos in october and haven’t put it down since..i am regretting not getting one of those valiant basses though….

[@ctcards2636]

I def recommend everyone trying out a aluminum neck guitar at some point in their lives. For me its the guitar and sound ive heard in my head all my life. I own a Travis Bean TB1000S made it 2021 by EGC with people who were originally involved with the Beans back in the day. Unique doesnt even begin to explain this guitar. Theres other companies like the one Phillip mentions in this video who make necks and guitars etc. Biggest issue with these guitars ? Taking the guitar from the freezing cold to a warm stage or vice versa. Just take the guitar out of its case and get use to the temperature of wherever your going to be using it for about 15-20 mins and i have had ZERO of the issues ive read others complaining about. Anywhoo just thought id mention the above. :-)

[@ctcards2636]

I have some videos on youtube of my Bean and some of my other guitars as well if ya guys want to see the Bean. I named it, Mr. Bean. :-)

[@lisah336]

This was fun to watch. Memories as a viewer too.

[@peterjones4621]

Thanks for the informative video Phillip. I've come to really enjoy your content and the way you present it. You obviously have a vast amount of knowledge of guitars, how to play them well and your delivery is personable and interesting. You do a great job Phillip, I pray someday I can play one quarter as well as you and that's probably pushing it. Thanks Phillip.

[@DustinRadtke]

I got the EART Tele after your review! I really wanted a Tele just to have one, but every Fender I played wasn't set up nice and expensive. I swapped a Chopper T in, and it is my main guitar now. I even sold my two PRS CE's since they were not being played. Not everything is perfect, but that fret board is, and it's the best playing guitar I've ever owned. The price did drop by $100 though for a while there, but even at $$354.85 it's still a steal.

[@limpindug]

A really enjoyed the show Phil, thanks for your hard work and sharing, all the best. 👍👍👍👍Respect to you mate.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

I bought an AIO 335, I replaced all the electronics Plus SD ‘78’s, I doubt I could do better for $800 total, it screams sounds great no amp as well, the fretwork is a little rough, but no bad notes or buzz. Only question now is will it change over time, small narrow tight neck, kinda like a tiny 1965 SG neck with the trem and trapezoid enlay’s but the workmanship on this one is really good, you’ve taught me how to look😉. The quality and consistency of the finish is a little iffy, but nice flame top and back. I’m not at all disappointed, and unlike most folks, (mail order) I found their store front in LA, I live a few miles away. I tried what I bought through a vintage Mesa Boogie mark 4, they had several nice amps for demo, but it was just me, the lady and the guy setting them up, 100’s of them in boxes, all styles. Most unusual “guitar store” I’ve ever seen😊. Loved the personal service. Purple 335, cool !!!

[@davva360]

The Sweetwater midnight security call story is pretty funny. Cool of them to let you do what you wanted.

[@pedally]

14:30 Thank you for including us in your "Best of" video. We really appreciate it. -Brian and Ryan

[@BitMatt1]

Ive been dreaming of an AN amp. Difficult to choose whice one. Hopefully you can try the Ampliphonix and Gain as well.

[@greghobbs1728]

Hi Mr. McKnight. Happy Holidays from Florida. I don’t currently have a decent computer so I would not be downloading “features” from the net. Given that my 30 year old JCM 900 is on “IR” for now, I am thinking about the line 6 Catalyst over the Katana modeling amp. Did you ever find time to do a “deep dive” on the Catalyst ?

[@avenue6.554]

Very cool. I don’t watch all your videos but was surprised how many you reviewed that I had watched. Great channel.

[@domonicramey3960]

Just rewatched past years to prepare for this!

[@papasteve7376]

As always Phil, thanks so much. Happy Holidays

[@truthinesssss]

Thank you Philip, great job as always.

[@barackmycat9448]

Good info there. In lower cost guitars/basses some are better than others. I got a CNZ bass and it`s the nicest neck I`ve had since I started 50 years ago. I got a Squire Tele and it looks and sounds great but the neck is horrible. I`m getting the frets fixed. If that doesn`t work I`ll go for a new neck. That`s the way it goes.

[@snappy-strat-snacks1551]

The Dumble Clone was a fantastic interview/demo. Amplified Nation👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@TurfShifter]

Great recap of the year.

[@elevenAD]

I have been comparing all my guitars back to back this past month just to see which ones i think sound and play best and all i can say is Kiesel and PRS make very nice guitars and i regret putting my Fenders and Gibsons against them in a head to head. The finish on that Delos is lovely!

[@JohnColucci88]

Love the look of that crossover collab you did with Kiesel.

[@stoneysdead689]

Thanks for a great year Phil- hope you and your family have a great Xmas and an even better new year. One question and I'll leave you be- the 5-way switch on my HSS Affinity Strat went bad- my fault, long story but- I decided to upgrade the guitar instead of just fixing it. It's going to be a project guitar now- anyway, I just ordered the 5-way switch, tone/vol pots, and input jack for an American made HSS Strat. Will it improve my tone or is it going to sound about the same as what was already in there?

[@bripslag]

It's not likely the tone will change, but those are still worthwhile upgrades. Better parts like those are typically more reliable.

[@TheRealRoadhog]

Hi Phillip, for the record, I am not a subscriber, but I have a challenge for you. In a few months, I'll be 65. Been playing guitar since I was 14, purchased my first Stratocaster in 1974. Not sure how you learned how to maintain and mod guitars, but myself, the old fashioned way. Went to the public library, grabbed some books, and never looked back. All my 22 guitars are Rosewood fret boards, just don't like the feel of maple, it's a personal preference thing. I would appreciate your feedback on using what I have used for years to condition my fret boards. I have been using "Raw Linseed Oil" on my guitars for all these years. They feel great, look dark and rich, and just works awesome in my mind. Process is as follows. Clean your neck with your preferred cleaner. Using paper towel, apply a even coat of raw linseed oil, you won't need much. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, using either a cloth or shop paper towel, remove the excess. One bottle of raw linseed oil will last you about 25 years depending on how many guitars you own and how often you change your strings. For the record, I been a guitar processor user since I bought the Roland GP8 way back in 1988. I currently bounce between my GT 100 and my GT 1000. Sorry about the long post, enjoy your presentations, keep up the great work.

[@AB-ib8dm]

Dear RoadHog. Subscribe. It doesn't cost anything. 👍🎸😀

[@TheRealRoadhog]

@@AB-ib8dm Duh!, of course it costs nothing. But I have many interests and channels I visit when there is a topic of interest. Guitars, processors, Reaper, Video Cards, Computers, and so on. If I were to subscribe to one, it would only be fair to subscribe to all. At that point my phone would literally ring off the hook with notifications, something I have no patience for. Phillip has provided a service to the community showing how you don't need to sell your first born to purchase a decent guitar, etc. I for one believe that a high end guitar should be no more than $1600 USD. Gibson, Fender, PRS, Suhr and so on sell at what the market will bare. I believe in a decent product for a fair price. Sorry for rambling, but there you have it.

[@ctcards2636]

Something that I think would be awesome for your to check out as a lot of Fender fans of the Twin dont seem to know about this is the SMS Classic Tube Preamp. Its a Twin in a rack form. I use this with a ART SLA-1 power amp and a 2x12 with JBL e120 speakers. I use two 68 Twins for about 20 years and one i tried the SMS i was blown away. Def an interesting amp that more people need to know about. :-)

[@RaccoonHenry]

what you did for Valiant was super cool!

[@victorycrosby4896]

Merry Christmas Phil n family happy new year !☆

[@jefflemieux8890]

Love my Servo pedal too! Thanks Phil!

[@davethefed]

Merry Christmas, Phil!!!

[@lamediamond4172]

Would you recommend the EART NK-C1 or the Ibanez Gio for the lower priced guitars you've reviewed this year?

[@ringthane1957]

You missed the Special Cranker pedal. I bought that one and a Servo pedal from your videos. Both great pedals.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you

[@brolsonmusic]

I bought an EART headless. I feel for the money it's a really nice guitar compared to my guitars worth thousands of dollars. No lie!

[@YouSeeSorrows]

I would like to see your opinions on the Ibanez LB-1, Lari Basilio's signature guitar.

[@stew9063]

FYI - Taurus servo pedal at 9:43 didn't make the index

[@TheSavagederek]

Music is win did a review of the Amplified Nation amps and they sounded incredible. I can't remember the exact models now. I love how you can customise a few of the things on them, but sadly they are beyond my pocket. Still stunning amps.

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

I'm not a strat guy really, but that kiesel is amazing. I love the orange, my favourite colour, which is often not done well. The orange you have is great.

[@SimonSawal]

wow, that's a big thing to say about the epiphone 1959 les paul. Then i've to give it a try. i owned a gibson les paul 60s and a couple of epiphone les pauls (one with gibson pickups) and an epi les paul custom. I'm curious now what the epiphone 1959 is like :)

[@blaineadams7484]

You said awhile ago about bot liking the comments about how expensive some stuff is. But I don't think you know Phil that you looking at our unobtainium helps us figure out the features that we really want and what we can live without. I'll probably never own the big stuff like fender and gibson usa but I found the things I love in a Reverend and in others that I can afford. So thanks for putting up with the snide comments including mine

[@johnnyq2773]

Can you do a DiPinto guitar review this year??

[@robertwillett4122]

Phillip, Good Sir. I appreciate what you do. When guitar company sends you an axe to review, don't you think they go over it with a fine tooth comb. Do you think that your playing the average guitar or maybe they make sure you get the best, someone does a killer setup. Make sure there's no fret sprouts. I don't take it very seriously unless you yourself go to a music store and just pick up anything or better yet buy strait from the factory in its original boxing to really get a better handle on Q.C. and playability. I know if I was a C.E.O. of a major or minor corporation, you would get a guitar that has been checked, worked on and setup properly. And ofcourse I listen to it on a smart phone and your recording it with some kind of a microphone that can alter the sound drastically. Myself, if you say it's a great guitar then I go by your word, which you haven't let me down. Do I have a point here or I'm I just thinking wrong? Anyway, love the show.

[@Casey3-P-O]

Dude, I feel like you're totally living "the dream," Phillip...or at least you're living my dream. It's awesome that you get to try out these awesome guitars, amps, and pedals.

[@kuruptmetalhead2739]

Really liked some off the vids of the gear here.. watching. Adelaide me remember them again some cool.gear

[@mccauley6027]

Personally looking at the Amplified Nation Overdrive Reverb. Does it take pedals well?

[@younkinjames8571]

When I think "vintage radius" on a neck, it seems that they didn't have that spec figured out yet and these things will get better...I'll stick with my RG fetish. Ibanez knows what they're doing. I was considering a PRS until I learned it has a vintage radius...that's a hard NO for me now

[@Ian-qf5ny]

Phil id definitely buy that ibanez gio off you when youre done haha! Id love to compare a phil special gio to my used MIJ ones i set up myself.

[@avjake]

It's been a year, hasn't it? Happy New Jams to you!

[@scottchilds5726]

I just fell into gods music room. That is the best man. Thank you

[@yiwei8817]

May I know what is the les paul liked guitar in white and green color? Thanks

[@Kevzilla100]

Phil is a river unto his people. I'll probably own a P90 Revstar eventually.

[@michaelsmith2785]

Want a more PRSish Strat? Try the Fiore...? There's no SE though... 🤔

[@BrianSGuitars]

One of my favorite videos of the year!

[@highrollerdiscs805]

do a tier list video sometime?

[@peter-jameswalker1092]

Sorry for being so uneducated but what is that blueish green and white guitar hanging back there on the right?

[@ajc9644]

The Music Man Sabre didnt make the list! I keep thinking, that looks like my ultimate guitar, I wonder if it is overpriced?

[@andreaslundell7807]

Your occasional updates of the temperature down there may be intresting, but for non US citizens adding celsius would be appreciated, but I guess the conversion is just as much a pain in the ass as it is for us non US citizens.:)

[@Spidouz]

25:49 Damn…. The Carrikers know their gear :)

[@disco4535]

@23:18 Is that a PRS CE 24 Semi Hollow?

[@tonygunk6795]

Was that jaguar Texas Tea? Beautiful color

[@leighton138]

i got a audiofuse studio interface

[@DoJo-HyGe]

No Yamaha THRii? If you're mostly a home player, this amp is awesome and never lets me down.

[@joeswilkins1]

Holy crap! Matt and Dr Lee?? Very cool!

[@brenthorrocks]

Thanks Phil! I think you should do this video in November, so we all know what to put on our wishlists :)

[@erickoob4803]

What's the singlecut behing phil to the right that is Tealish and white?

[@danstringer7610]

Thanks!

[@eddiep7134]

I ordered a Gibson Les Paul Standard. I really want the custom, but I can't spend $6,000 on a guitar. I feel like i'm not getting the real deal unless it's the custom shop. Collecting for 20 years, never owned Gibson. I keep putting it off and they keep getting more expensive! I know they aren't better than my Jackson, Fender, Kiesel, Ibanez or B.C Rich, or any other guitars out there.

[@stefanfilipov7254]

In my opinion Ibanez Guitars are one of the Best Guitars out there. Their mid to high tier instruments, like the premium just blow out the competition when it comes to quality and pricing. It's one of the most underrated brands out there, and it's a shame people pay crazy money for brands like Gibson or Fender, while they can't even hold the candle to Ibanez....

[@Abbynorml1979]

Whatta year!

[@lancomedic]

I can't afford his favorite amp or guitar but at least I own his favorite pedal, the Taurus. I like it too.

[@rustyfenders101]

What that an Ash Funko Pop!?

[@JF-em6hr]

More Ralph please.

[@fuckyoutube4]

14:45 c'mon, man... jag"wire"?

[@Buffrt66]

Gloamer pedal sounds like something Wolf Alice would use.

[@rockystarland6051]

You are the man!

[@natashanyxx9486]

That was fun!

[@TarnishedViking.]

Nice!