5 Reasons to Buy a Cheap Guitar

[@Paulbarnesjr]

Hey Rhett,I was the kid that you met before you started filming thanks for taking the time to take a picture with me it was nice to meet you!

[@RhettShull]

Great meeting you man, and happy birthday!

[@Paulbarnesjr]

@@RhettShull thanks!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

That’s SO cool! Happy Birthday 👍

[@Paulbarnesjr]

@@BeesWaxMinder yea he’s a super cool guy!

[@kenk4555]

@@Paulbarnesjr I have no idea who you are but Happy Birthday!

[@alexevans1826]

5 Reasons to Buy a Cheap Guitar: 1: I have no money. 2-5: See reason one.

[@mael1561]

Definitely been looking for this comment

[@llengford]

😆🐂💩

[@johnwashburn3793]

1. Ask Santa 2. Ask Joe Biden 3. Start a go fund me page 4. Get a job, or a better job

[@freak49]

Bingo!!

[@llengford]

Buy you a Yamaha or a Fender Squire those are good budget guitars pretty good quality in both of them I know I have both of them

[@cianseale9721]

Rhett: “I want another guitar, i’ll just make a video about it so this purchase seems justified”

[@ericjenks9596]

Turns it into a tax write-off lol

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Dude that’s the dream

[@AlmostGrewMyHair]

This video payed for the guitar. 300 IQ play.

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@MarcStanton1]

@@I.M.Guitar-Nerd Can you imagine how much work it would take to produce videos on a regular basis for that guitar? It seems the older you are the more work it would be 🙂

[@thejeffhowe]

I used to go to pawn shops to buy cheap, no name guitars. Then I took them home and practiced upgrading them - tuners, pickups, pots, etc. It was a good way to learn how they were constructed and wired.

[@TheRealxVincent]

I got busted up and mistreated instruments to practice on. Can't afford to do it on something fancy!!

[@potatoheadhaoy]

Same here, modding and fixing cheap guitars is so much fun, and unlike expensive guitars, you can go absolutely crazy on em.

[@TheRealxVincent]

@@potatoheadhaoy I'm working on my 1988 Jackson/Charvel Custom Shop Soloist right now, and so much yes. Old Floyd Rose + Set Neck + Old Active Electronics + Expensive (don't scratch, it's had 1 on it since it was passed down to me) = NERVES

[@micclay]

I remember when Mexican strats/teles could be picked up in pawn shopa for $250.

[@thejeffhowe]

@@micclay I have both a MIM Tele and Strat. Think they were $300-$400 when I bought them.

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

Bought a cheap but decent-playing strat copy. I love it because I feel absolutely no guilt in modding the electronics in unorthodox ways, routing the cavities, throwing it around a bit more, taking it outside, whatever. It's now my go-to for jamming and practicing. Easy to play because it's a strat, lots of sounds to mess around with.

[@Krustenkaese92]

Cheap guitars (or cheap instruments in general) are the unsung heroes in all of music. The number of famous artists who never would've or could've gotten into music if they hadn't found a cheap one is probably astronomical. I started with a 100 dollar knockoff from Amazon and then bought a Squire a year later, once I had found my bearings and decided that I wanted to pursue guitar further. If it hadn't been for cheap guitars, I never would've started playing.

[@brautigan81]

Amen! Beautifully put.

[@Music_is_fun]

I would have bought a 4000$ for my first guitar if I could have afford it

[@officialWWM]

You make a great point.

[@CMHobbies]

Every artist who came from lower to middle class started on a cheapo. Low risk for parents who know kids jump around with interests or the kid used own money and got what they could save up for. J Mascis- went to buy a strat, owner of store jacked up price on him, so he bought a jazzmaster. Now that’s all he plays and it’s iconically his thing. Hendrix played a toyish guitar at first, if I remember. Jack’s White’s plastic Sears guitar. The list goes on.

[@edgarmezavids]

The bassist from The Jesus Lizard still plays the Memphis Jazz bass copy he started out with live.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

YES! I'll shout it from the rooftops. Danos have a super unique vibe and sound. Also, the orange flake looks sick. The middle position sound is my go to sound on the Dano.

[@ZaneDalton]

Totally agree!

[@ZaneDalton]

Btw, love your channel!

[@隠れた花]

A new dano video from u would be cool

[@kamasotomonte5043]

1st you are rigjt AF 2nd Just discovered your channel , sweet 🔥

[@leeasbury7273]

That middle position...do u find there is a big volume bump there? And how bout Dat aluminum nut!? Picked up a blue sparkle demo for $400 as well. Action is great, due to flatter radius in part, I think...stays in tune...awesome ride.

[@warrenburroughs3025]

The Danelectro is not a cheap guitar, it's an inexpensive guitar. I got one (Go Go Blue colour) a few years ago and I absolutely love it. The only negative thing is the stacked tone/volume knobs. If you move one the other moves as well so you have to hold one in place while you adjust the other. It doesn't bother me as I usually just set & forget.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

There are quality stacked pots around you can use to replace these (and nicer looking pot knobs too. I own a DC-59 "Clapton", a DE56-D, a Coral Sitar and a Longhorn bass. I love Dano near as much I love my high-end Vigier or Leduc guitars and basses

[@jhend1000]

That store is where I got my Marshall 1960B! If you're in the area, that is an amazing store.

[@ArvelJoffi]

I bought a $169 tele-style guitar, spent $90 on a new nut and setup, and I. Freakin’. Love it.

[@mikeg.9238]

Michael Really doesn't matter as long as it's solid and you enjoy it. Iv'e got a $200 Ibanez grx and guitars over a $1000 . But i love the grx just as much as some of my expensive one's , i threw some SD's invaders in the bridge and it plays like a champ. I love the feel and tone of it , people think you need to spend $5000 on an overpriced gibson for it to be any good , but that's B.S. IMO!!!

[@arttuuusisalo8709]

the longer you play guitar you start to notice that a good guitar is a good guitar and it doesn't matter what brand logo is on the headstock

[@Bensonbadger]

Haha and the longer you play Danelectros the more you realise they are awful....despite how cool jimmy page looked with one.

[@0000song0000]

@@Bensonbadger Dude, it's all relative (ask Jonah Falcon)

[@jayyoungmusic919]

I won’t buy a guitar if it’s ugly, idc how good it sounds

[@Mr68Strat]

I could buy 5 of my Epiphone 335s for the price of a single Gibson 335, and I think it's a wonderful instrument. Also, my Squier CV Tele thinline is a tone monster for $399 (2015 purchase by my wife for Christmas).

[@niloayer]

man, I think in the future you, and people like rabea, mary spender, paul davids and a few others, will be studied as an outstanding example of artists and how to couple video and music content in a manner that is wildly entertaining, while being massively educating and informative as well. I don't even play guitar and I'm always delighted by your videos, mate. big love from Brazil. Cheers

[@FilipeM]

6th reason to buy a budget guitar: you can't afford the expensive ones.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Spot on for 90 percent of guitarists out there! Even the now legends, when taking their first steps.

[@Buckseed]

😂 This guy gets it.

[@johnhuteson4779]

Vineyard Les Paul copy. A copy of an LTD Les Paul. Talked the store owner down from $600 to $80. Because of how much dust was on it. It’s a dream guitar. 🎸 5/24/24. Mahalo. Thanks for the videos.

[@richardturner7209]

Just bought that exact 59 nos for my son for Christmas...right out of the box it's incredible...set up really nice ...neck and fretboard feels great...the sound is so unique.. absolutely a great budget guitar!

[@biasthoughts]

One of the dopest guitar channels on KZbin

[@blaine393]

There has always been something really special about lipstick loaded Dan Electros that punch way way above their price point. I’ve always preached about these things. They are especially great because they are actually unique.

[@tulyar57]

I can think of two more, Rhett; affordability and individuality. Many people (especially kids starting out) can't afford the big names, so encouraging players to find a guitar and a tone that stands out and is truly their own (the way you have done here) is the way to go. Great video.

[@Ponchy]

great vid man! I recently did this and picked up an Epiphone LP Junior as well as the TV Yellow Special for 379 and 399 respectively and all I did was swap out the tone caps and these things are AMAZING for the price!

[@leonid4468]

LOVE My Dano 59 reissue with the "found" NOS pickups made in the 90s (aquamarine blue, named Audrey after the Hepburn of the same name). Thing stays in tune like a champ, and SUPER playable, flat radius, fun scale length, and due to all those factors, responds well to pretty much any string gauge. And if anyone still doubts the serious punch and massive sound, this is what Page used on Kashmir, so....yeah.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Guitars come in all shape and sizes, and that includes price. There truly are gems of guitars out there that are really cheap indeed. Great work man!

[@TheSpiceLord]

I'm in love with the G&L Tribute line. Every guitar I've played sounds great and for the most part plays great and its all sub $500.

[@leegilbert5804]

I got an ASAT Deluxe used for $269.00. I couldn't find a mark on it. It had a fresh setup and the guy at the guitar store threw in a really nice gig bag. Merry Christmas to me!

[@Prettynoise]

Agreed G&L Tribute guitars are amazing !!!

[@mooskerdu9244]

I agree, the Tribute guitars are insanely cheap for what you get. I have an ASAT Deluxe and a Legacy HSS and they're both great.

[@michaelogden5093]

Ehhh, I got a G&L Tribute and there were so many choked frets I ended buying a new neck for it. Plastic nut was .011" oversized so you had to shape an oversized blank nut for it. Mine ended up being a money pit but I like it now cause nothing on it is factory anymore except the body and that's covered with some pretty thick poly.

[@lazvt8469]

Picked up a demo lefty S-500 last week....fantastic playing...and those MFD pickups beat any USA, even USA Deluxe pups I"ve owned.

[@timnewman1172]

I love inexpensive guitars, I have owned several for all the reasons you mentioned. However for modding I prefer the MIM Fenders over the Squier... used they are in the same price range, but nearly all of the parts are interchangable with every other Fender guitar. My Tele was built from parts with a new MIM Fender neck and has Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups... I couldn't buy another one this nice "off the rack"!

[@richardjhgraham]

My good guitar is a Mexican Strat. My cheap guitar is one I found in a skip.

[@pgroove163]

👍

[@aloisraich9326]

I could listen all day long to your playing, warm, funky, laid back, bluesy, and so on, thanks

[@thepirate5955]

Back in 2009 I bought a used Danelectro DC-3 with the silver sprinkle flake finish and the "Select-O-Matic" pickup position selector knob for a whopping $300. I had it set up to my liking and it has proven to be the very best guitar I own, and I've owned Strats, Gibsons, Epiphones, Harley Bentons, etc. Very cool retro approach but the TONE is outstanding! If you have a chance to get a decent used Danelectro, you can't got wrong, but I'd suggest getting an older model. I have a demo on the DC-3 of my own on my little amateurish channel, in case folks are interested in hearing it. Great little (and light!) guitar. Bravo!

[@michaelmarkel434]

My first guitar was a Danelectro DC-3 with a nifty fifty amp. I still have it more than 20 years later, and it's one of the best sounding guitars I own.

[@dulla8469]

i just bought my first guitar couple months ago after deciding to take guitar seriously, and upgraded alot of stuff that i truly think that im gonna be using this squier strat for years to come, even if i get the money to buy a fender american strat or something, i dont think i will ever let this one just sit and collect dust

[@RogerThat902]

One of my local shops. It's cool because they basically let you do your thing without hounding. Prices are very reasonable.

[@MegaRom1973]

Totally agree! My 2 main player guitars are under 500 enven though I have a 1974 strat. Behind a good fuzz, a lot of guitars sound! Your car is amazing! You are welcome in France!

[@DonFranko68]

Very nice that you support the local dealer. I love these local music shops. They are usually treated very personally and well advised there, even if the choice is not always very large.

[@jkinthewind]

I really wanted a 12 string Rick but I'm not a professional musician so the price didn't make sense. So enter into my life a Danelectro vintage 12 with lipstick pickups. I agree with what you found. The middle position is sweet.

[@TheBiggerNoise]

I love my danelectro 12; a very well spent $400

[@tedsmart5539]

A friend dared me to restring his Rick 12 string once... ONCE.

[@iuchilton]

Are you kidding me right now? I literally just purchased the Danelectro 59m nos+ in blue metalflake on Reverb and then 30 mins later this video pops up. How timely!

[@pdog5731]

Awww man! I wanted that one! Kinda like that orange metalflake a little better, but the blue is just soooo electrifying.

[@leeasbury7273]

Got one too bro. It's on the bench now for a setup. Orange is cool...one of my favorite colors...my burnt Orange motorcycle, some clothes, sweaters, beanies, other guitars...even my helmet, same color as that Dano. The blue is so sick in person. Perfect royal blue sparkle.

[@57stratkat]

The Classic Vibe Squier's have gotten very impressive. Nice necks. They make great mod platforms. I bought the semi-hollow Starcaster and upgraded the wide-range pickups, pots, and nut and now it just kills. I have guitars that cost 5 times as much and I find myself reaching for the Starcaster more often than any other lately. It sings. Now all I need is the new Bigsby pedal! (there's no bottom to the rabbit hole)

[@cowboy7x]

Just bought one of these (same model but black and white) MINT at a pawn shop for 325.00. I was on the hunt for a Tele. I was blown away at the condition, setup and ease of play. It sang out loud when I strummed it not plugged in. I even bought it without plugging it in until I got home. I couldn't get it to go out of tune. (And I tried). I brought it home and NOW, treat it as gingerly as my expensive models because I love it that much.

[@JackTheSkunk]

My first guitar hero, Duane Eddy, recorded several really, really great tunes using a Danelectro 6 string bass. He bought it in Hollywood and I'm guessing it was one of the cheapest guitars in the store. His sound was brought to life by the recording prowess of Lee Hazlewood and together they made a great team.

[@markleadbeatter6196]

I pretty much only own budget guitars and as I am not a professional musician that makes sense on so many levels. You can buy some fantastic instruments for very reasonable money these days, so it really is a golden era for us players.

[@dylanporter8105]

That jazzmaster was for sure a classic vibe which means it has a bone nut, classic vibe series is absolutely insane value for money

[@ArmanBaig]

True. Classic vibes are godly for the price

[@bciecko1]

That was definitely not a classic Vibe. A classic vibe has the mustang style saddles. This has the Vintage Modified saddles. However I was looking and didn't see Duncan Designed on the pup covers. That's interesting. As a VM it would've had those. As a CV it wouldn't had a diffeent bridge (saddles.) Very interesting specimen. Also, the anodized aluminum guard, intersting and not on any CV models besodes the FSR Purple and Gold Jazzmaster. I have the Purple and Gold CV and it's killer.

[@gringogreen4719]

He's right on the bridge though. A Mastery bridge and trem would significantly upgrade that guitar. Eventually what happens is that guitar will be closer to a grand when all said and done as putting significant upgrades tends to lead to other significant upgrades (tuners, pickups, wiring) and yes you have a really cool guitar but its a hotrodded Squire at the end too. Basically do that if it ends up becoming a main guitar.

[@bciecko1]

@@gringogreen4719 The good part of any of these upgrades is that if you get a Fender the exact same upgrades need to be made. Even a Vintera, it'll need an upgraded trem and electronics and bridge. The CV has a better nut than a Vintera. You'll be in way less money getting a CV and upgrading it. I had a Vintera and the CV just sounded better. They felt the same but the CV was better in more places, stock. I put a mastery bridge and AVRI trem and upgraded the electronics too. I did put some handwound pickups in it too. It's a great guitar and way, way better than a Vintera.

[@adamgreenhill110]

@@bciecko1 Yeah, and the CV already comes with the upgraded bridge. My CV Jazzmaster is flawless, I play it daily!

[@scottharringtonSR]

I have a mix of higher end and budget guitars and couldn't agree more when it comes to budget guitars. I picked up a hollow body Gretsch 5420 Electromatic made in Korea a few years back. Swapped the nut, put some locking tuners on it and dropped in a set of TV Jones pickups. It is pretty much on par with a couple of high end Gretsch hollow body models I own at this point. I keep this one strung with flat wound strings and it really has killer tone. If you don't use alternate tunings or oddball strings much but want it as an option that is another great reason to find some good budget guitars that you can mod a bit. A good luthier is also a great resource for any work that is beyond your ability, most are actually pretty on par with the big box stores price wise and the work is usually exponentially better.

[@TheFitnessRoadmap]

I just purchased my 1st acoustic guitar (Yamaha FS800) 2 days ago from Atlanta Discount Music 2 days ago! Great shop with friendly staff. They let me take all the time I needed and were available to answer any questions. I'm planning on going back in 6-12 months and getting an upgrade once I develop some skills!

[@johnnyo0507]

My Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster is a TOTAL sleeper!!! Bought for a little over $350 (Canadian) nine years ago and never regretted it. Upgraded the pickups to custom shop TexMex pickups (used) and the thing just sings like an angel now. In many blind shootouts, pro's have had a hard time thinking it wasn't a $2000 tele. I wouldn't get rid of that guitar for anything.

[@cuzcuzinz5883]

If $450 is cheap for you then I'm watching the wrong video

[@GarethThomasTunes]

I just finished an album in Neil Finn’s studio. He has that exact guitar (and many others) after A-B-ing through all the options we came back to the Danelectro almost every single time.

[@audiodemon]

I recently bought a Squier Jazzmaster for many of the reasons you mention in this video. It's seriously an awesome guitar for the money. The pickups are actually P90s masquerading as Jazzmaster pickups so the sound is a bit thicker with higher output. I also already has a tune-o-matic bridge. This has quickly become one of my favourite guitars.

[@sphexes]

I bought the J Macsis Jazzmaster. Love it.

[@napwneoenejeod3740]

the classic vibe 60s jazzmaster is my main guitar with one of my bands, the alnico low output pickups are sweet

[@bobbyterrito8011]

To me, Danelectros are the perfect middle ground between a Fender with single coils and a Gibson with P-90s. They mids are focused, but the bottom end is very round and highs are still crisp and clear. Now I have to get one, thanks Rhett!!!

[@ltsrecording]

I only own cheap guitars and I love to change parts, and extend my setup skills....still learning!

[@davidkozischek615]

Nice to see you guys play songs and chords and not just shred for 30 mins. I agree with you…I’ve played for 45 years…and there are a lot of good budget guitars

[@quailstudios]

Every guitar will need a setup. I’ve found that even $3,000 guitars need a little work to fit my taste. It’s a personal thing. Once you figure out what you need and like, personalize it, and it’s yours. For me a bone nut is a must.

[@RJRonquillo]

That doo doo brown Gretsch though

[@RhettShull]

Only the best

[@rome8180]

I personally love the color. Way more appealing than another damn sunburst.

[@luistijerina]

I like the finish though. Walnut finishes are cool too.

[@ASM881]

RJ Ronquillo, you are my favourite guitar player of all time. You have such a sense of rhythm and style about you, your style is everything I aspire to. Peace from Northern British Columbia, Canada.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Agree!!

[@b2tall239]

I bought a Squire Strat at a pawn shop for $35 8 or 9 years ago. It's been my "Frankenstrat" ever since, I've swapped the pickups 4 times now - using both humbuckers and single coils at various times. It's a great test bed and a nice guitar in any case.

[@barbarak8158]

Thx Rhett! :) Just recently bought a guitar and learning to play, at 76 yrs old! Love watching these videos. Did u recently break your arm? Seems like I saw that without watching video. Said a prayer for speedy healing! God bless.

[@legendsofabhaile]

My god even your car is hipster, love it.

[@markuswehrle7]

True, although it would have been nice to turn off the engine while standing in the parking lot and filming. Because there is no plan B for the planet we live on

[@roinerwonkler8754]

Markus Wehrle shut up nerd

[@tomazferreira6990]

@Markus I think you are blaming on individuals a burden that can only be successfully approached by governments and big corporations.

[@stanbrown915]

@@markuswehrle7 I have a dozen old truck tires in my backyard that I'm gonna burn in your honor.

[@johnnytightlips991]

@@roinerwonkler8754 🤣🤣

[@jjcale2288]

I only have budget guitars and I'm very happy with each of them ( 5 electric and one classic ).

[@Antsanc82]

Dude... the guitar is dope but your car is mad smooth bro!! Love the old school boats man!!!

[@189pinto]

Bought an Ibanez RG3EXFM1 at a local pawn shop as a definite impulse buy. I took it apart, cleaned it up and set it up and now I play it all the time. Definitely happy with the purchase, but like almost everything else I've got, it's on the chopping block and will probably get sold next spring.

[@kylecurran6484]

speaking of budget guitars - after watching your epiphone casino video, i just went and bought one! i absolutely love it. running it through a super reverb with some overdrive on the bridge pickup and man - i dont think ive ever had more fun.

[@TheNewRevolution]

1 of the guys I work with has a Danelectro with the amp in case(Silvertone) that his dad bought him for Christmas when he was a kid. It still has the original lipstick pickups and the amp still works. I can't believe how good it sounds. He said his dad paid around $60 to $70 for it. I'd imagine it's worth quite a bit more now. I've offered $500 for it myself on several occasions. I don't know if any of today's cheap guitars will be as admired as the old 60s Danelectros but you never know. Cheap don't always mean bad. Some of those old Danelectros sound better than guitars that cost thousands of dollars today. They definitely have a unique sound. I know the old Danelectros are wired in series instead of parallel like most guitars. It sounds like the one Rhett bought is also wired that way.

[@smeagle3295]

He bought a 59M NOS+, and I believe you are correct.

[@williamy641]

I watched this video and was so inspired that I stopped by my local shop to play some cheap guitars. I ended up playing a brilliant guitar that was really expensive 😅. After months of going back to the shop and playing it, I bought it. Bloody awesome.

[@fr3ak1shh]

That's hilarious. The best part of cheap guitars is it makes it easier to appreciate expensive ones 😂

[@williamkelley4899]

I like that you’re not using that screaming feedback, I can tell how it sounds.

[@97guitarzan]

I purchased an Ibanez AM93 archtop guitar a couple of years ago 2nd hand and its a great playing and sounding instrument. My other guitars are american made Gibson and Fenders mostly and this AM93 really holds it's own. I didn't find the need to mod anything...great sounding pickups. It does the jazz to blues thing really well. I recently had the frets leveled and my luthier was really impressed with its build quality.

[@muzikman789]

Bought a mex tele and strat for $300 and $400 respectively souped up the pickups and did some neck adjustments. love them both

[@nordicguitar8395]

😂 Rhett has an assistant. He becomes a bandleader for the JHS musical now he’s all Hollywood. Spreading that paycheck from Josh all around Atlanta. You rock, man!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Fender Pro Reverb!!

[@jensk4140]

The best!!

[@brandall101]

Yes... plays a $400 guitar through a $1900 blackface fender amp :)

[@clawhammer704]

That'll do it every time if you know how to play.

[@ericcrapton8275]

I ended up buying a gibson melody maker on a whim cause it was 300 bucks from my boss who ended up passing away. And that ended up being maybe the best guitar purchase i ever made. Also its cool that your in Georgia too your sort of a local celebrity

[@archiiebarrett]

My Grote Telecaster is one of my absolute favorite guitars and I play it religiously. It needed a minor set up, and to throw my own strings on it. Love it.

[@cshaw3317]

I have a squier classic vibe 50s strat and it's outshined my friends american standard on playability and some sounds

[@RhysticStudies]

if I had to buy one 'cheap' guitar over and over again, it'd be a dano.

[@brentparks3669]

The Gretsch Junior jet club seems to be very good as well! Plus it has filtertrons which gives it a different sound as well, or you can get one with a p90 in the kneck.

[@alledzebu1975]

Well, that's one thing i would not be bothered happening again and again, unlike a certain someone's: "are you gonna pay 1?" over and over every god damned turn!

[@dillavou444]

Awesome stuff! I have had amazing luck with the mid range Epiphones, modding and upgrading and trading parts. It has become a super fun hobby.

[@jerryrussell2600]

What I have noticed about the epiphone guitars, is the manufacturer takes short cuts, they do not glue the fret wires, then they work their way out and cost you money for refretting teguitar.

[@Dram1984]

A cheap instrument with a good set-up and good fret work usually feels like a guitar two or three times it's price.

[@daleonov]

Taking it to a good luthier to do fret job may also cost 2-3x prices of a cheap guitar. But absolute bargain for those who can do it themselves.

[@noisetv1863]

Agreed, I just bought a squire super sonic (paranormal) and fixed it up a little/adjusted things, swapped parts, etc. Now it's pretty buttery!

[@hardac7943]

There are many factors that go into the why the sound different but its a tool at the end of the day. An if you like it then fix it keep in mind some repairs can change its tone. But if it don't then have at it as long as its not beyond repair ie severe damage or warp age. If you can afford it then its your choice value is in the owners hands. Because somethings you just can't put a price tag on or easily replace.

[@Dram1984]

@@daleonov depends on where you live. One of the best techs in my area charges $120 for a fret level, crown and polish. Which is well worth it on most cheap guitars.

[@mikeg.9238]

Truth! Also swap out the pickups and you're golden!

[@rafaspinola]

I bought a Squier Telecaster Custom II with Duncan Designed P90s and Graphtech Ratio tuners for 249 on Times Square GC. When I went to the cashier, they told me the price included a hard case. Amazing guitar, and it completed what I needed to fill your recommendation of 5 guitars one must have.

[@recordman555]

Thanks, Rhett! As an up-and-coming producer myself, I appreciate any and all knowledge regarding instruments. I've been considering the Danelectro Stock '59 as an addition to my studio arsenal. Thanks for this information.

[@trevorkinman1946]

I've never bought a guitar new and never paid over $300 for a guitar... I've also played quite a few expensive guitars ($1000+) and I generally prefer my cheap ones. My favorite guitar I have ever played I bought for $120 and it sounds and plays amazing

[@pabo619]

Yeah my Aria was a $120 pawn shop special. I don't think I will ever sell it.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

Cool story bro. Big if true

[@rayjingloryproductions3770]

I bought my Danoblaster Rumor Bass new in 2004 for $134.00. I will never part with it. I have a few other axes that were in the $200.00 range and some even cheaper. ALL of them sound great.

[@void0094]

I have 2 Squier Classic Vibes and I'm gonna buy a third one soon. I get why they are so cheap but they're good enough for me since I just play at home.

[@xiv_tm431]

"I think I'm gonna go ahead and grab this" *just gets up and walks out of the shop with it*

[@joacovignoli]

Hahahahaha

[@joacovignoli]

GTA SAN ANDREAS

[@georgemijatovic728]

Haha

[@johnnaighley9252]

Yep, another good idea to get a great guitar for a song ... ;-)

[@davidrewit]

Lolol that was hilarious

[@markbelluardo127]

Hi Rhett, I recently bought a Loar 250(discontinued) to play open mics and jams. So that I don't have to risk my guitar, and maybe my life taking my D28 into a sketchy bar. Where instead of seeing a great guitar they just see money. I put a great pickup into the Loar and I'm really happy with it Thanks Rhett

[@caileanhunt8679]

I bought a kramer baretta special for 160 bucks. It's really well made and has a beautifull neck. Upgraded the trem and now it's a keeper.

[@davidevans3175]

Cheap guitars are awesome. They can add so much character in the studio. I love them.

[@gravelrhoads]

I bought a strat style Kona nearly 20 years ago and it's been my go to for trying weird things on. I like the spacing on a classical guitar and wanted to try it on an electric. So, right now my Kona is a five string with individual saddles and a classical nut with the high E cut off and a hot rail in the bridge position. Kind of interesting to play.

[@tomsnow2872]

Damn straight Rhett Shull! you have to do a video about what is the valco sound, that series you have is monstrously entertaining!

[@jordandangelo180]

It is an awesome series.

[@BrokenRealityYT]

I bought the cheapest Les Paul Epiphone makes, the Les Paul Special-1 for $140 USD, and I absolutely do not regret it. I put in a new SH4 Jb in the bridge, new strings, and some cosmetics like a pickguard and knobs. It plays super nice and sounds absolutely great! Definitely my go to for gigs from now on. Probably one of my favorite guitars in my collection.

[@beatleme2]

I got a 89 Gibson studio in 98 changed the pickups to t-tops. for 600 ..but for me my Gibson pro 2 born a Pro 1 in 1972 i got off of ebay for 100 and shipping,as a Husk..as is in 2015 was the most fun and learned how to build a guitar ..broken truss rod, had to refret the board learned about vintage guitars and the norlin yrs, the tone caps modern vintage etc...before then i learned to make 6v6 tube amps from record players when i was younger to fixing expensive tube amps..so for me its not about Cheap, but learning you guitar amps pedals and even reconing speakers that makes up the whole sound = saving $ to me. People buy the big brands as an Investment so when needed it will sell - So, i look for as-is projects that was once expensive and needs work, and fix it to resale or keep etc…all part of the Fun ..is the learning, the Journey..and just maybe finding the right people and writing songs that become a Hit…if it's in my destine, if not …oh well also, Jimmy page made a Danelctro sound great, but its Jimmy and marshall amps also ...all in the Hands, talent, education dedication = the total ..plus Tax, lol

[@RByrne]

I tried a Dano Devine 59 today, and I absolutely loved everything about it. Even the plastic finish on the neck and body made it seem cooler, like some 50s appliance or something. It was so easy to play, like every note was just automatic. I didn't buy it but I'm likely going to soon

[@jacobnemeth7634]

I’m going to college soon and I’ve been going through listings for guitars under $150. Might change the pickups and stuff. Lots of potential!

[@OriginalKKB]

Love the Semi-Hollow sound

[@yodhanhunter]

I kind of only play budget guitars. High end Squiers, partscasters and 80s guitars I found for a steal. My most expensive guitar is a partscaster I made for around $600. They all do what I want and I love them.

[@popogejo7245]

Rhett, I have about 30 "budget" guitars, and I love most of the, bent necks and dropped ones aren't so much fun, but all that can be fixed. Most are "hanger queens" or "guerrillas" that hung on the wall at a pawn shop somewhere too long. I fix up for kids,(mine included) that can't afford a PRS or something yet, and once I clean up the fret board, and install good electronics, they work great at an affordable price. I'm glad you tried the lipsticks. I've got a Tele I want to put a lipsticks in. I Really think it'll be a bit more bluesy.

[@GeoFitz4]

I'm a firm believer in that guitar tone and quality of sound starts with having a good quality amp. Obviously a high end guitar or amp isn't going to make a garbage of the other sound great. But I feel like a good quality amp is better at turning a budget guitar into a great sounding guitar than the other way around. But at the same time, I think that's one of the things that often makes me cringe at reviews of budget guitars. "Here, let me take this $300 guitar and plug it into a $4,000 amp head. THIS GUITAR IS GREAT!" It always makes me feel like it's not the best quality of reviews when you're taking a budget guitar and putting it into a very high end amp or vice versa. If you want to do a good review of a budget guitar, then also put it through a reasonably priced amp that someone who would be buying a guitar in that budget range could also reasonably afford. Something like a Fender Blues Junior, Vox AC10, or a Boss Katana.

[@littlesometin]

Yes, thank you! Unbelievable how many reviewers are out of touch.

[@nucleararmeddogg568]

straight up! not to mention the amount of compression that's been added to the audio in post.

[@jonathanforsythe990]

I would of agreed with you until I plugged my PRS 245 main guitar. Into my home practice fender champion amp. And couldn't believe how well the pickups push that amp.

[@nucleararmeddogg568]

​@@jonathanforsythe990 yeah, I definitely don't fully agree that everything about a good guitar tone necessarily depends almost solely on the amplifier as @GeoFitz4 would suggest. however, while a PRS 245 is a mid-level offering, they still retail for over 2x the price used in their example and are definitely more expensive than the ones in the video. plus, I'd argue that a lot of fender's cheaper practice amplifiers still sound pretty good for what they are in most cases (keyword: most). either way, none of that negates the fact that this video has a very noticeable amount of post production pertaining to the audio. the amount of compression is really obvious, which I think makes this video really misleading especially for less experienced players. if this was intended to be a real comparison video it would have got straight to the point, with a mic'd clean amplifier and then the cheapies played after similar more expensive guitars. there's just something so disingenuous about this style and scene of modern KZbinrs. it's really a bummer that it's almost turned into another version of overproduced television.

[@jonathanforsythe990]

@@nucleararmeddogg568 I agree I noticed the audio compression and didn't think to deep into it. But now that you dove deeper into I agree how it can be misleading for the inexperienced. I forgot to mention that my 245 has studio les Paul pick ups in it. My buddy swapped them out for me so it's still mid level guitar but it gets the job done for what I do. I think most players coming up dont understand the concept of maxing out what you need for what you do. The studio I play at has a Zwreck and the tech is insanely talented so mid range guitars sound like a dream on that thing but then again it's a Zwreck lol but that's a fine example. Most gigs for my needs a fender blues deluxe or AC15 micd is plenty of tone for me. But all good points.

[@mathewvasquez4774]

That guitar his assistant was playing looked so sick and sounded so good. I would’ve walked out of the store with one man.

[@McMahonGary]

Yes, me too. It has an incredibly clear, rich jazz sound, and attractive, natural woodgrain on the body.

[@mattorourke87]

I think it's a Teisco. Most likely from the 60s. Japanese company. I just bought a similar one with 4 single coils. The selector switches allow you to turn each pick up on and off independently which is crazy. Most have a 0 fret and built in effects. I think Five Watt World did a video on them.

[@samhuntley344]

I was so curious because the tone on that thing was so rich. The headstock says Kingston. Looks like they are made in Japan

[@Mountainrock70]

@@samhuntley344 They don’t go for much. Another one of those overlooked but good guitars. Most of them were made at the Fujigen factory.

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

The cheapest axes I own are a Squire mini (£120 roughly) and Ibanez GRSM20B (bass BTW £170) they are both AMAZING! 🤘🎸🤩 It shouldn’t matter how expensive your gear is.

[@-Thunder]

I bought that Bass on a open box deal. As guitar player I love it. So much easier to get around than a 34" bass, but still sounds great.

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

@@-Thunder it’s the only bass I have but it’s the only one I need! 🎸🤘

[@ProfessorRockstar]

I have 10-plus guitars, but I didn't have anything Tele-style. I'm not a fan of the blocky simplicity of the look, but I wanted to get one and use it for slide. I've been looking at budget T-style gits, looking for the shape and sound, but with some body contours, belly-cut, etc. I finally picked up a Grote T-style (GR-150 Super Series), belly-cut, nice arched deep wine-colored flamed-maple face, locking tuners, blacked-out hardware and humbuckers, and I ordered a lipstick pickup to swap out in the neck position. The price was great. I had to do a LOT of setup work, but it now plays great and looks gorgeous.

[@stuartgodfrey5000]

I have a similar Gretsch. It's a 5622t. Played it at an event all day Saturday. It sounds sooooo good!

[@martincloud1323]

I just really want to know one thing - what is that car? It's absolutely amazing! Who else would love a video on that car?

[@davekuder1590]

Ford LTD brougham bro with the opera window

[@FlyingsCool]

I was wondering if that muffler sound was on purpose or...

[@littlesometin]

as posery as it gets

[@Sally-uu3yt]

That orange danelectro and the natural finish one the assistant was using. I want them

[@thrash8315]

The opening chord with the orange sparkle sounded like "Breathe" from Pink Floyd.

[@clickster1883]

GD, man, I dig the car as much as the guitars you featured, and I *really* dug those! 😎

[@richardmerriam7044]

Just bought a '21 Bronco bass to mod. Building up a new aged pearloid guard with all new electronics. Bridge and tuners later. Picture a Pinto pimped out with landau bars and wide white walls. You get the idea. BTW, great video!

[@jamesgretsch4894]

The Squier Jazzmaster and the Dano sound amazing.

[@guitarmanz4879]

I just think of Robert Baker when I see that guitar, He uses his all the time.

[@rnickoles]

As did Jimmy Page

[@bassinyoface64]

Man, the lapels on your jacket are gonna have to get a lot wider if you’re gonna drive that car...nice !

[@davidtharp1591]

PIM

[@timothycormier3494]

Hahahaha that’s Funny comment!!!

[@iannicholls7476]

I hope he’s got one of those fancy in-car phones like Frank Cannon!

[@vstags]

@@iannicholls7476 CANNON!! How that chubby bastadd caught anyone was the real mystery

[@SandauxBeats]

I did this. I got a JCraft LTX1 Telecaster with double humbucker set up with string thru. I immediately changed the stock pickups for another cheap pickups, Wilkinson. I think JCraft is like the equivalent of Harley Benton of South East Asia.

[@SandauxBeats]

It's $120. Perfect for project guitar.

[@cageliner]

I have several budget guitars. I bought an $88 single pickup Squier Strat and put a Gibson P-90 in it. I have a used 2007 Melody Maker reissue ($450) and replaced the goofy half 'bucker with a Strat sized lipstick pickup from GFS. I bought a new, cheapo Junior Jet Club Gretsch for $420 but haven't modded it yet. All prices Canadian dollars. My used 2019 Junior Tribute wasn't really a "budget" guitar but I paid a lower price ($600) than what they typically sell for in Canada. Four guitars and three different pickups for $1250 US, plus the price of the lipstick pickup. The P-90 was a pull from my 2013 '50s Tribute, and it was a blowout demo that I proceeded to mod the dickens out of.