Rise and Fall - How builders live and die by the forums

[@michaelborn3318]

I love the positivity that you guys bring to our industry and passion. It's supposed to be fun to be in the music business!

[@Ryanvatz]

Morning routine: - make the coffee - noodle on the ole guitar - check KZbin for a new Casino Guitars vid!

[@Ryanvatz]

I am expecting my gold sticker in the mail...

[@CasinoGuitars]

You for sure are very close to that sticker my friend:) where do you live Ryan? And that’s a good routine!

[@Ryanvatz]

@@CasinoGuitars Austin, TX

[@ericcarpenter3263]

I thought this was everyone’s morning routine. I also add the crying about not wanting to go to work. That’s about the time my wife kicks me in the back and says “they are done talking about it, now get in the shower it’s time to go to work”.

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@ericcarpenter3263 that made me (baxter) laugh out loud....loved it! My wife finds me watching guitar KZbin videos all the way and is so confused... Thanks for sharing that Eric!

[@friedrudibega6384]

Rapidly becoming one of my favorite channels. Great stuff.

[@natashanyxx9486]

I’m starting to think that this “Derek” is just a fictional character that they use as an off-camera trope. We need proof of life before this charade can continue.

[@CasinoGuitars]

I think you may actually be right!!! Love ya Natasha:)

[@BlackDogOriginal]

I would feel very comfortable buying from these guys. Exactly what you want, friendly.

[@scheissami]

Small gripe, the “Jackass theme” is Corona by the Minutemen, killer punk band, worth a listen and deserve to get credit 😉🤘🏻

[@suereed]

I come for the film references, directors alternate cuts, cult classics from Ingmar Bergman, Kurosawa and Lynch, guitars are just the vehicle.

[@terryshrk]

Hes a film School instructor posing as a guitar store owner

[@CasinoGuitars]

Man that made me happy. The fact that I’ve seen all the directors works you just mentioned is upsetting:) don’t let me go down the Korean well, man I love those movies!!!

[@suereed]

@@CasinoGuitars I have NEVER seen a bad Korean movie, good shout. Where to start?

[@terryshrk]

@@CasinoGuitars You can do and be both,..its possible to both be a cinephile and standup next to a mountain and chop it down with the edge of your hand ! Wear it proudly bro!

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@terryshrk yes indeed, I shall and thank you:)!!!

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Thankful for everyone who makes the web a fun, encouraging place! And you guys are a great example of how to do this well.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thank you sincerely! We sure do love guitars and love the folks who come here to get into that same mindset! Thank you for sharing greg and have a super one!

[@ChrisEck13]

Thanks for making this video, guys. This is an important conversation. There's an entire group of people that seems to live to bash Gibson, despite the improvements they've made and continue to make. Most of them have little to no experience with a Gibson but it's just the cool thing to trash talk them. The thing is there are people out there that are buying Gibsons and loving them. They'll go on the internet and talk about this amazing Gibson they just bought and they'll get ridiculed. The same thing happens with pedals. There are some people that look down on any pedal that's not "boutique" and they're not afraid to tell you how much your favorite pedals suck. Brands like MXR, Boss, and EHX have been good enough for all of our guitar heros but they aren't good enough for the forum guitarists. You can't go on a forum to talk about how much you love a particular piece of gear without someone telling you how much it sucks, unless it's the hot brand of the moment.

[@BizarrePudding]

Thanks for this. I love Gibsons, I have 5 of them, and an Epiphone...I'll set myself up for the abuse that's surely coming my way and say that Gibson is the premier maker of popular (as opposed to classical) American stringed instruments of all time...Name another company that's been able to produce the range of products - archtop acoustic guitars, flat top acoustics, banjos, mandolins, semi-hollow body electrics, hollow-body electrics and solid body electrics of the quality that Gibson has for over 100 years... Fender?...Amazing electric guitars and basses but not in the same league as Gibson with acoustics, semi-hollow and hollow body instruments... and to my knowledge don't even make banjos or mandolins...(Before anyone brings up Fender Amps, I am speaking ONLY of stringed instruments here)... Martin?....purely as an acoustic guitar maker Martin might be superior overall to Gibson, although the iconic Gibson flat tops compete favorably with Martins iconic models...but once again, Martin has never competed in either the archtop acoustic or the electric guitar market, so no - not nearly as influential a company as Gibson...Martin did make some cool mandolins but for some reason they're not all that popular... I understand that Gibson has had some serious issues over the years and it's fair to call them out on those - hopefully it's part of the reason the company is in turnaround right now - maybe they're listening!...And I'm in NO WAY putting down Fender or Martin - they are both great companies. But to continually take cheap shots at and denigrate such an iconic brand - one that has been and still is responsible for the design and manufacture of so many fine stringed instruments, has had an immeasurable influence over all forms of popular music for over 100 years the world over, and has spawned countless imitators - is pathetic and as you point out, is just a cheap way of getting upvotes on internet forums (fora?)...In a nutshell it's just lame... P.S..I'd welcome a detailed discussion on this topic, I'd love to hear from other guitar players/lovers...However if you just want to repeat the same old boring jokes about QC, headstock breaks, "playing authentic" "Gibson fanboys" etc, well go for it, we've heard it all before countless times...However if you're up for a lively discussion around the relative influence of the major American stringed instrument companies on the music of the last 100 years, that'd be a fun discussion...Hopefully some of you will engage!! Great vid guys, this subject needed an airing...thanks!!!

[@ChrisEck13]

@@BizarrePudding I definitely agree with the point you're making here. The way I feel is that it really doesn't matter whether Gibson is the "premier" company or not. They make great instruments, as do other companies and there's room in the market for all them right now. Someone may prefer a Fender or a PRS over a Gibson, and that's fine but that doesn't mean that Gibson hasn't made and continues to make amazing instruments that inspire people every single day. And it doesn't mean just because they aren't someone's preferred guitar or they can't afford one that they should bash those that do love Gibson. You got me beat with 5. I only have 2 Gibsons but I love them both.

[@BizarrePudding]

@@ChrisEck13 Thanks again Chris, I appreciate the nuance and insights here...I agree that it's fantastic to have other great instrument makers out there, even I wouldn't want a world of only Gibson or Gibson clones...Other stringed instrument companies are hugely influential and make fantastic stuff...It just gets my back up when forum trolls denigrate a company whose instruments have been played by both some of the titans of the stringed instrument world (the mighty Earl Scruggs played Gibson Banjos) and countless amateur players alike, for over 100 years already... As for the 5, well I'm lucky in that I inherited 2, and I'm also 62 so I've been able to accrue things gradually along the way...Incidentally I blew my stimulus $$$ on #5 - a 2004 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe - and it's bringing me a lot of joy already!! Good luck Chris and thanks again for the thoughtful and interesting posts!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Great share there chris and thanks a ton! We just hope that with a little look on the mirror we can all wait on the keyboard attack and rejoice in the golden age of guitars we live! Serious thanks for your comment:)

[@BizarrePudding]

@@CasinoGuitars Amen!!!!

[@chrisross7423]

I found your chanel shortly after picking up a guitar for the first time (7 ish months ago). I love the mentality you both have towards guitars and the community. It has helped me along in my learning and gets me excited about playing.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Chris that is wonderful to hear and thanks a ton for sharing that! We really just love the guitar world and are thrilled to be a part of your journey as well! Best to you always and keep on rockin!!!

[@cgmoog]

I am also used the pandemic as "time to learn guitar". While the learning has been slow I have been entertained by this and other guitar channels.

[@michaelriffey2372]

Thanks guys. You two jokers have become part of my morning ritual before work. It’s a few minutes of levity before I go and face the day. Have a great weekend!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thank you Michael! We are thrilled to enter your life, probably cause a bit of wasted time that you can never get back, but hopefully bring a wee smile along the way. Sincere thanks for hangin out with us and have a wonderful day!

[@FlyPilatusB4]

I just have to comment this, from my parent's basement... You made my morning guys 😂

[@nasanroberson]

These videos are not boring I love watching two dudes talk about guitars!!

[@bryantwalley]

Yep, we watch all the way to the end.

[@jasonmagyar1643]

great video!! Forums are like Twitter for me. I can't stop looking, but I get soooo sick of the negativity. But sometimes, just sometimes, you find some great and helpful info.

[@fearandloathing668]

The girlish squeak Jonathan made after the matching guitar comment killlllled me. So funny!

[@CasinoGuitars]

His inner girl finally revealed itself...very similar to the Eminem interviewee's on "The Interview." Thanks a ton for sharing and pointing that one out!

[@scriptphase]

Love the channel, Guys. Spot on about TGP. Too many posters there want to be the smartest guy in the room, but there are a number of knowledgeable folks and the search function is really the most valuable part of the forum. In terms of having a positive vibe, though, I like other forums way more.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thank you and you are right about the search function. You can steer away from some of the negativity with clever searches there. Fortunately for me, I know I am never the smartest guy in the room:)

[@homersreluctantodyssey2508]

"i'm a yellow belt", you guys crack me up. dont worry you'll be a lavender belt soon

[@proteus2103]

“I can definitely take him now that I’m a yellow belt.” lol famous last words

[@BizarrePudding]

What do 1st year Karate students and Brooklyn hipsters have in common? They have trouble getting past the white belt.

[@SuperBakersk8er]

Lmao now that im a yellow belt he says 😂

[@MrGixxer1300r]

I love how these guys celebrate the industry, but I'm also liking Baxters movie reviews. Great stuff never stop!!

[@MinivanMegafun100]

I work for an industry regulatory body. People are really weird about communication. Customer will call and then send an email 5 minutes later with the same question. And they'll also call every number they can find and leave messages for multiple people. And then they'll send them same email to multiple different people/inboxes. So now you've got 5 different people looking into and responding to the SAME ISSUE. And on top of that if you don't reply in 20 minutes they start going up the ranks claiming, "no one is getting back to me!" So I mean, I see how not communicating can be an issue, but you also need to balance the reactions of the customers because they don't get a reply immediately.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Oh my, and then oh my again...that is insane! I am going to read this for the entire staff! That was an exercise in insanity and time wasting! You are a very patient person and that was both terribly funny and depressing all in the same world:) Have a super super day and thanks a bunch for sharing!

[@BoyitoEnnui]

I think the biggest problem is communication and how quick people are quick to blast builders/suppliers in forums after not getting an immediate response. Not everyone is a big supplier with a call center. But, at the same time builders have to open up their yahoo accounts at least once in a while to answer questions and concerns.

[@jfrankcarr]

And, when they do respond to a poor service complaint it's usually a "dog ate my homework" type excuse or a "no soup for you" angry message.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Boyito that is a great comment! I would agree on both sides. We are all too quick to type our angers away and the builders need to be responsible in their communications as well. Hopefully we all just go forward with the best intentions and in the end, just keep the love of guitar going!

[@scriptphase]

What concerns me is how quick some people have been call builders out on TGP over issues. I understand doing this if you’ve talked to the manufacturer or dealer about it with no resolution, but I’m seeing it happen right off the bat for leverage.

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

The REAL problem is people can hide behind an alias and vent in a easy to use, no investment forum with no consequences. Quite cowardly and should be ignored.

[@mcfontaine]

Only found your channel a few days ago, but hell am I glad I did. You guys just make me smile. Only positive interaction for me ... I’ve connected with Mastery when I wanted a bridge for my anniversary Jazzmaster. They were so helpful.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Mark! That is wonderful to hear about Mastery. We love hearing about the good these cats do in the guitar world. And sincere thanks for doing us. We love this music universe and love spreading the joy, talking some of the issues, and having a great time along the way. Best to young yours and sincere thanks for hanging out with us for a bit:)

[@offbeatinstruments]

I just caught up with your video and wanted to say that you are rapidly becoming my favourite guitar channel. The bottom line is that you are both just natural communicators and clearly love what you do. I only ever had one guitar made for me, a Suhr carve top back in 2001. It took almost a year to arrive and is incredible - and John Suhr was a real gentleman throughout the process. I have no idea if it is still the same now 20 years on when they are much bigger, but it was a very positive experience. I guess the other thing is that a custom instrument is now a big investment, so I am not sure I would ever go to a small shop and risk getting nothing in return. The only shop I think I would go to now for a custom is Novo, they are just the right size, not too small and not so big that it gets impersonal.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Paul thank you for your kind words and great to meet you here! Thrilled you had a great experience with Suhr..they are a class act and have established themselves in this world. I love some of the new ones and will take the risk slowly but I am a bit of an oddball. I may actually fly out and see where these things are being built but that is because I am a bit of a nut:) Thrilled again to meet you and thank you Sincerley for joining us here.

[@philipbrister]

What’s crazy is these guitar and amp builders come and go but Strymon and analog.man is still the standard for guitar pedals.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thats a good point. Earthquaker has become a gold standard and there are more rising stars that I hope can stick!

[@GuitarOnTheRun]

You guys are on point with this topic. Negativity in forums and Facebook groups just acts like an “energy hog” sucking the fun and enjoyment out of the process. People show a guitar and immediately get told why they picked the wrong model or all of the issues that they “might “ have. And this isn’t limited to guitars. It is all types of forums. People seem to hate other folks having enjoyment. Maybe it’s jealously, or a need to feel like the smartest person in the room, but it kills the mojo.

[@stoneysdead689]

Nope- is about validation- they want you to like the same things they like; hate the same things they hate- these ppl are typically very insecure about their own opinions and need to have them validated by others constantly. That- and then you just have the trolls who will say something negative regardless because that's the whole point of trolling- not sure what they get out of it, but apparently quiet a few ppl enjoy it. Then you get the guys who had an bad experience with whatever company or brand you're talking about- and they judge them solely on this one experience. No company is perfect- even the best makers let a lemon slip by every now and then. But if you've saved for months, years, to buy your first and only nice guitar- and then you get a lemon- it's really hard to be diplomatic and try to understand.

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

good one guys! I always try to look at the positive sides of the community. I was so close to pulling the plug on my YT channel due to paying members of thegearpage calling me a self-promoting, clickbaiting small crap youtuber just because I wanted to share something on the forum lol. Then you guys came to the rescue and gave my channel a nice shoutout that blew my mind and that I'll forever be grateful for! From that moment, I haven't even considered to not upload anymore. Thank you guys, cheers!

[@jimb2577]

I've been skeptical about boutique builders but I played a Crook tele once and it had the most amazing neck. Love the channel.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Crook....amazing builder! And thank you for the kind words!!! We have been skeptical as well and still are. I tend to dig pretty deep behind the scenes if I am to even consider bringing on a boutique builder. I like to tha=ink that is our responsibility as a seller and would hope more folks would do the same in our fantastic business! Have a super day and thanks again!

[@phillippitts6294]

I would love that telecaster deluxe with the tortoise shell pick guard !

[@joemarine2140]

I have seen post from people I know go so negative online. I real life they would never speak that way. I think it is keyboard courage, and the fact you don't have to see the damage you cause in real life. This is another reason local guitar stores are needed in the world. I like to look online to see guitars, but I would rather buy in person. We need a way to get someway to connect the small builders with the stores.

[@ldenskyify]

Great topic. Reminds me how Chapman guitars got so big.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thank you Lee!

[@thundermind5572]

You guys are so right about this. I've thought about the angles and Imma just keep it a hobby because it will stay fun. Way more laughing and jamming involved. Good talk fellows.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a bunch Thundermind! And we agree, keep it to the jamming and fun:)

[@proteus2103]

I build all the guitars and basses I use. It’s really fun and cheaper than spending a thousand on the same quality of instrument.

[@NorCalBASSIX]

Your channel is awesome guys. I watch every morning, like a kid watching cartoons. If you guys start showing basses, you can just take my money.

[@lootbox9465]

I feel like I'm the only one who loves pau ferro. The caramel color goes so well with the olympic/mint strats.

[@AmericanVetMusic]

I’m with you Baxter, I’m having way too good of a time in the music industry to be a di#k to my fellow human beings. The more art I create, the more of a peaceful, well rounded, well adjusted person I become.

[@JoeKyser]

The opening was the best joke I heard in a while. When he posted that on Instagram....too funny

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I like the point about bad customers. I bought a guitar from an independent retailer via Reverb this week. I was quite surprised to get an email letting me know that the seller rated me 5 stars as a customer. Oh I wish I could have rated customers when I worked in retail or call centers

[@dangolguitartech]

There’s a lot of not that, though. Baxter, I don’t know if you realize the true gravity of that statement… Lots of toxicity on a lot of those forums. Not all of them are bad, but most of them are not good. Thanks for another great video and have a kick ass weekend!🤠

[@LakesideWeldingJerry]

Cool to hear you guys mention the Ibanez Artcore. I inherited one from my brother, and I love playing it. That's in my forever collection!

[@joeking433]

Yeah, I got the cheap $300 Artcore and put in a Gibson bridge pickup and it's amazing!

[@michaelogden5093]

Marauders... come out and play!

[@jondiven96]

Great Film reference !

[@BizarrePudding]

The internet is a bar where the obnoxious drunks never get cut off and thrown out...

[@stephanematis]

I want the sticker for watching all the way to the end. LOL In my work life, we focus on the client and bring a positive vibe to our efforts. Negative moments happen, if you deal with them in a negative manner, you aren't likely to improve the outcome. That's just simple experience speaking.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Stephane thank you and thanks a ton for making it to the end! That is an accomplishment onto itself:) Great point on handling the negative experiences, and hopefully a few folks will read your words there and take that to heart. Love it and sincere thanks!!!

[@BizarrePudding]

What I find is that people nowadays seem to take any form of disagreement as a personal affront and then respond vituperatively...You like Fenders, I like Gibsons...That doesn't make you my mortal enemy, nor vice versa... We discuss - even argue - the relative merits of the brand of instruments we prefer to play...then we pop open some beers, bust the Strat and the Paul out of their cases, and we jam!...

[@CasinoGuitars]

That should be the way, love it and all the way in there!

[@BizarrePudding]

@@CasinoGuitars Thanks guys...and thanks for keeping it positive, we could all use a reminder of how important that is - starting right here with yours truly!

[@CasinoGuitars]

@@BizarrePudding and thank you! Always smiling that’s the way to roll:)

[@FrankLafone]

Few thoughts.... First, I firmly believe this sort of trash talk happened in every music store in America and every bar with bands long before the Internet existed. The difference is really scale. Now, instead of trash talking XYZ pedal or guitar to a dozen people, literally thousands if not 10's of thousands can 'hear' it. That scale can be both good and bad. We can now get exposed to things that would have taken decades to hear about because it never grew outside its regional influence otherwise. We can also learn about issues with Whatever Era Gibsons/Fenders/Martins/Taylors/Whatevers without having to spend thousands of our own money for the education. But that means there's a lot of unjustifiable negativity out there too. Part of becoming an informed Digital Citizen is learning to tell the difference. Our grandparents needed to size up the one grumpy guy at the Music Store or Bar and see if he's just a grump or he's got some good points. Now it's faceless people on the Internet. It's just a skill we all need to have now. Second, I wonder what builders didn't make it in the 40's, 50's, or 60's because their products just weren't that great. You see this all the time with, say, music or pop culture. "Music was so much better back in 19-whatever" then a list of famous stunningly great songs from that time. Yeah, but you're not listing the astoundingly awful dreck from that time either. Is the ratio of good music to bad music that much different compared to today? Certainly a point for debate. However, is boutique builder X today making a guitar/pedal that becomes legendary or are they making the whatever flash in the pan from the 50's that nobody remembers? Are they getting "canceled" or is the market doing what the market does, pick the best that can compete? And back to the first point - does the Internet just make that process work quicker or not? I don't know the answer but I think the question is more complicated that it'd appear on the surface. Third, how many of these "canceled" builders are just a victim of the inherent oligarchical power of the current guitar market? I mean XYZ guitar builder might be the best thing since sliced bread, but nobody ever went wrong recommending a Telecaster or a Les Paul to buyers. You guys yourself just did a series of "how to spend your stimulus" and how many boutique builders did you feature on those videos? I'm not intending to call you out because your series was perfectly reasonable and what you expect anyone to answer when asked "What guitar/amp should I buy with my stimulus money?" I enjoyed them! But I'm just trying to point out that there are big players in the guitar market and they tend to crowd out new stuff pretty hard. It's hard for a new builder to get a foothold in the market of Gibsons/Fenders/Bosses. It's an uphill battle one can certainly fight and win (Klon being an obvious example), but let's not pretend a lot of those are exceptions to the rule. I think most of these "canceled" products are less a victim of online trash talk and more a victim of people not being able to break into this crowded market, particularly with guitar builders. Hell, even Leo Fender himself struggled to make a 'new' thing with G&L and had to go back to making essentially Teles and Strats. If Leo Fender can't pull it off, what chance does John C. Noname have? Pedals are a little more latitude in that area just because they're comparatively cheap to take a chance. Still, even that colors the market so much. There's a reason every boutique builder and their dog has some sort of OD or Boost or Fuzz, but not as many delays or vibs or whatever. It's hard to compete with a Boss's offerings in those areas because they're just so cheap. The drive circuits you can talk about 'color' or 'range boosts' or whatever and why you should pay $100+ more for the 'boutique'.

[@BizarrePudding]

You make a lot of excellent points here!... I agree, the internet has had a lot of beneficial effects, it's not just all trolling and negativity...however the latter qualities do seem to be what a lot of people enjoy using it for and I applaud these guys - as well as folks such as yourself - who try to raise the level of debate and discussion... And yes, denigrating products in forums isn't the only reason smaller builders find it hard to compete...however I would counter that since they don't have huge marketing budgets word of mouth is far more critical to them than it is to mammoth brands like Gibson or Fender...so bad "press" on internet forums probably does affect them disproportionately... One last point - I totally agree that trash talk in public places, like bars for instance, is nothing new...however there is a critical difference - in the real world mouthing off to people face to face can result in getting your lights punched out...I know - Ive eaten a fist sandwich on 2 occasions for shooting off my big mouth in public.. Great post, thanks for taking the time to write it!

[@natashanyxx9486]

Come for the information, stay for Baxter wrecking Jonathan’s marriage.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Okay, that was an out loud laugh:) That's what I am here for! Much love Natasha!!!

[@Louis_Rain]

Great video boys! Love it, keep it positive!!!

[@ColinKEvans]

Like spoilt children.....even bad attention is attention. Being positive takes an amount of thought where as any simpleton can be mean. Newcomer to the Chanel and I’m enjoying it.Well done lads.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a ton for doing us Colin, thrilled to have you with us:) Great point...I have three toddlers so I know the sentiment...shucks I never thought of it that way until you put it in words:) Thanks a ton Colin and have a super day!

[@Seriouslycantplayguitar]

Hitting nail on the head for the "small business squeeze". Too big to do it yourself, too small to pay well. Shucks, let's just close up shop.

[@bryantcoleman5619]

Go spend a few months on a golf equipment forum or a custom automobile forum. You will swear you’re dealing with the same people. 😆

[@CasinoGuitars]

Man that just made me giggle:) We are friends with some gold shaft manufactures and losers you are right. I never thought about it though until now...All the cats in the manufacturing side of golf we know are amazing people, amazing...and the ridiculous things they deal with like "you said this would give me ten more yards and roll and I have gotten worse" after a year of not picking up a club, developing a drinking problem, and gaining twenty pounds...oh boy...we may have it better in the guitar world. Thanks a ton for sharing and great point!

[@JeffSeale]

23:45 Where’s my gold sticker? I prefer it in the form of a 59 Les Paul Goldtop (P90s). :)

[@edwardsmith9801]

I remember Blade guitars, they were one of the up & coming new builders in the 90s & just seemed to disappear? I imagine because he was a small builder in somewhat of a guitar boom?

[@MrSmiley1964]

Oh yeah, there's a cult pedal builder out there. I own a couple of his pedals and they are sweet enough. Stupid high resale value, esp on the older stuff, but here's the thing. I had a question and reached out(3 times) and never heard back. I've seen several on his websight I'd be interested in buying since then, but I just can't bring myself to push the button. Whereas someone like Robert Keeley, Great guy! I've never met him, but we've joked over KZbin I've gotten some autographed pedals. I've never had a problem with a pedal, a great crew to work with. Highly recommended!

[@wildersparks9161]

I had no idea people were still canceling things. Then again I don’t go on Twitter.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Oh it seems unfortunatley still a thing but hopefully with enough positive talk and just pumped up about guitars people talking together we may end that game. When something does go haywire, it should be dug into but hopefully we'll keep some civility along the way:)

[@markferguson3745]

I've often considered how growing up with the internet, vs. having it arrive when I was in college, would have changed my life.On one hand, I laugh at the ignorant foolishness it seems to inspire, while being constantly amazed at some the the obscure, in depth, topics and subjects that are available; no doubt, it's a two headed monster, - just like the mixed blessing of the options available gear wise, vs.when I was 16, or 25. I don't think the degree of the information blackout back in the 80's can even be appreciated now; you had to DIG , and travel, and meet people for exposure to anything new.You did fresh and original things because you truly didn't know any better. A negative side effect to all this access is people believing they KNOW,- whatever the subject.One thing I can promise any 20 something is that if, in a decade, or 20 years down the road, you don't mock what you used to firmly believe, - you are a stagnant, sad, individual.Everyone wants to spring forth, fully formed, and all knowing, - but that almost NEVER happens.They say live and learn for a reason, yet , that growth is clearly not a guarantee, either.You have to remain open, and stay curious, and be willing to acknowledge mistakes,- which is harder when all is advertised on social media. Peace.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Wise wise words there and yes, if I could go back and meet my 20 year old self I am sure we would have a ton of fun...mostly just laughing at my 20 year old self:) Sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts here and I love your sentiments!

[@AmericanVetMusic]

Sailor Jerry Whiskey and fresh made Southern Style Sweet Tea go together like Arizona and all the western brethren that have migrated here. It seems like it’s goin down smooth until you’re puking behind the Rockabilly diner. 😅

[@xxGriff]

not having the freedom to go out and try gear is not something I ever thought could or would happen. Luckily i have found some good people to buy gear from. like a great luthier or Amp tech, i keep my business with them. the internet presents +/- and it does suck that something that could lead to improvements and really cool gear can just as easily become troll fest nightmare. I found you guys thru a guy I have known for years, and played some gigs together. old school networking lead to a nice place on the web to check stuff out and nerd out. I look forward to being able to check Casino and your stores vibe.

[@kitano0]

Would love to see a Baxter "favorite movies" video...he could do it while holding a Tele w/one pickup!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Yes please says me (Baxter). Yes oh yes:)

[@Rogijimbex]

I've been lucky to always have good experiences with guitar purchases, feeling welcome and friendly. In 40 years I've had one bad go on a Pignose amp from a "combo" department. Turned out the owner thrashed the guy for his behavior so it turned out well. Looping...probably the best I've ever seen is Tash Sultana. If you've not seen her it's worth every minute of your time.

[@mikedr1549]

Okay Baxter - I told my wife we had to watch Pride and Prejudice because one of the guitar guys on the Internet said it was great. My wide was like "uh - one of the guitar guys like Pride and Prejudice??? Was he being sarcastic???" I said no - we have to watch it. So we did. We actually had to pay $1.99 to see it and I have to say - egads my man - what are you on about???? I mean - it wasn't bad, but boy was it not a movie for the male species! Anyways - my wife enjoyed it and I fell asleep half way into it. You owe me $1.99.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Mike my man...I am more impressed that you gave it a shot! Sorry it didn't thrill your soul..it somehow makes me and my wife high five when we get to the end but oh well...I think I am a bit different. My other favorite is Braveheart though, seen her 51 times, so that might be more up your alley. I also love all things Tom Cruise (live die repeats being on the top at the moment) and the Rock brings me way too much joy:) Much love Mike!

[@mikedr1549]

​@@CasinoGuitars The exact quote from my wife last night as we were headed off to bed was "In the future you need to run any movies from your Internet guitar friends by me for approval before renting them."

[@rossmacpherson5092]

@@CasinoGuitars I am a guitar playing man, but my favourite writer is Jane Austen, and It's a good movie. I would love to see Tom Cruise play Mr. Collins though.

[@stevedix3695]

Jesus preached peace & love! Sounds like the 60's. I was there at the beginning of rock & roll. Hate is wrong!!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Love that Steve! Love it. That is what all in music should be doing. Leave the hate to the rest of the world, love cant Strat with a song!

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

i like guitars. they aren't my primary instrument, but i have an electric, and an acoustic. neither are fancy. both are loved. there are many like them, but these two are mine.

[@AmericanVetMusic]

So, I have an example of what you are saying. My wife NEVER buys me guitars and in December, she bought me a new guitar from a major big box store. It was the biggest purchase she or I had ever made on a guitar. At first, I was treated great because I was spending a lot of money but as SOON as I had a problem I was listed as a problem customer and treated like garbage. I don’t believe that this company has any respect for the military servicemen and women of America and as a matter of fact, I was treated worse as a result. I still own this guitar because it reminds me of my family and it’s been a dream to have a pink guitar of my own since 1995, (she’s a gorgeous pink.) But I’m afraid every time I play it or look at it, I think of this horrible situation and it’s difficult for me to play spirituality. So, unfortunately, I’m thinking about trading it. It’s just not worth the heartache anymore. If I can’t play spiritually when I pick it up, I’m simply not interested. Plain and simple. 14:02

[@NickM95]

The video you referenced Baxter was by Jeremy Shepperd, I believe.

[@halfcalkt8367]

It’s been about a year now and I’m STILL waiting on my “gold sticker”! It’s on the internet, so it has to be true…

[@TheGeniuschrist]

In my experience the lawyer is going to cost more than the item. And Jonathan would win in an arm wrestling contest

[@LA3Music]

Both those movies are great! Chopping onions is how I punish bad store buy ins! lol kidding

[@douga8296]

One of the reasons I don't buy boutique guitars: if something happens to a boutique guitar, it could take months to years to replace it. I'd rather have all my guitars off the rack, so I can grab another one easily. Also -- can most of us really afford to replace a boutique guitar?

[@scottbrower9052]

Good clip, guys 👍

[@EWhite-95]

I remember the Strictly 7 and other custom luthier drama from the Sevenstring forum. Ahh fun times

[@lance134679]

I'll admit it: it was fun bashing Gibson, especially when we found out about all the lawsuits against companies like Dean, and the whole "play authentic" thing where Agnesi actually went on KZbin to threaten people with lawsuits, not just builders but musicians that played their guitars on TV (as if they were supposed to pay Gibson for using a guitar they owned). Then people were just looking for stuff, so they dredged up that video that showed hundreds of Firebird Xs being destroyed with a backhoe, which were probably defective, but a weird way to dispose of them for sure. I think Gibson deserved all of that backlash because they were acting like the corporate suits they are instead of a company that actually cares about music, regardless if they're wearing leather jackets. They've been doing better lately, building the guitars people want and refraining from publicly threatening their customers.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Speaking of businesses going dark, Reverb used to have customer support but now it is next to impossible to get things done/resolved quickly. Too bad. Looking at other ways to sell again like Craigslist which saves quite a bit of overhead. PS Can't wait for the use of the word "cancel" to drop out of our vocabulary!🤙🏼

[@KyleDean66]

Great convo. Unfortunately, the internet doesn’t require us to sit on our thoughts for 24 hours before posting. Many of us are guilty of posting our instant reaction or feeling at the exact moment we feel it. Reading or responding to these comments can be detrimental to business decisions. It’s the reason I don’t read comments on news articles anymore. Starting to feel the same about comments on any platform - although, comments on your videos make me happy.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Great great point! We do ha e a great group of folks here as well that enjoy the happier side of the internet:) Thanks a ton Kyle for the great thoughts and good cheer!

[@JoshuaC923]

Danish Pete memes were the best 🤣🤣🤣

[@CasinoGuitars]

He is a legend among us:)

[@MattyK-USA]

@@CasinoGuitars Considering the honestly unfortunate way that he first connected with Lee Anderton, it's been AWESOME to see Pete be so successful!

[@JoshuaC923]

@@MattyK-USA he deserves it!

[@MattyK-USA]

@@JoshuaC923 No doubt, Joshua 🙂. Pete is one guy I'd love to hang and jam with 👍

[@kokobily]

Consider reviewing the Chrissie Hynde signature MIM?

[@OrbitlynX]

Guys, at this point I think if Jonathan wife saw at least one video where you mentioned that she is not watching those (and I have seen this reference at least in 7-8 videos already :D), she is certainly watching them now :D

[@SaintrioMike]

I got ripped off by a builder. I eventually got a joke guitar. He was extremely vitriolic and threatening. I made a video with a detailed review of the guitar along with all the emails and texts that went back and forth. It got really ugly with lawsuits he was going to file and pictures of his guns and he was removed from the forum. I was never sued and I'm still alive but I'd never buy from a small builder again.

[@greasymonkeyguitars9292]

Same here. My build took two years, had a poorly repaired headstock crack (new build) and impressions in the paint from clamping it with no clean up work. uneven frets, scratched up paint and he buggered up some hardware that I sent him. And I had to remove excess paint and glue just to adjust the truss rod. He's a moderator on a Les Paul forum and he's done other builds for forum members, and they did look great. I just think he hated my guitar and wanted to just get it out the door. I'm gutting it of all the parts I purchased and I'm sending this POS right back to him. Lesson learned. Off the rack for me from now on.

[@Bomber848480015]

Thank you so much for this but I was wondering if you can do one on how to get fired from a band? Thank you in advance. HMM I commented on the wrong video.

[@xF1revolution]

Pau Ferro seems to vary wildly in its saturation/color. It is used as a budget wood by import builders and those tend to not look so great, but the stuff that Suhr uses looks great. Varies by wood stock it seems.

[@michaelborn3318]

If you think pau ferro is cheaper than Indian rosewood you would be mis-informed. It revolves around the difficulties of obtaining rosewood and getting products exported during the CITES listing.

[@ledzeppelinzoso]

I picture the wrinkles under baxters left eye is because he wears a monacle 90%of the time to better observe flametops lmao

[@sharonraizor2839]

I've never paid attention to the forums, I play a Whitfill Esquire and I think it is the best guitar I have ever owned.

[@BellTunnel]

Forums can be negative places where posters who ask insightful questions or attempt to start valid discussions are “outliked” by the first snide, derisive comment. I’ve also seen instances of pedal and guitar builders or other businesses get rightfully called out for very bad behavior only to have the mods close and delete threads because those builders/businesses are current or may be future sponsors. And the sites might be naturally inclined towards negativity: just google the Gear Page’s terms and rules. The language used by the admins is a bit defensive, like a bouncer anticipating a fight. “If you get booted or are unhappy with us, don’t ask us to remove your account or posts. You joined and posted on your own, and we will not spend time deleting things just because you're angry.” Generally positivity breeds positivity and negativity breeds negativity. Unfortunately, there are just too many trolls in the biggest forums. Many probably don’t even realize how their behavior comes across. Most wouldn’t behave in person how they do online. And things get lost in translation. All the more reason to support communities that form around channels like Casino Guitars, That Pedal Show, and Josh over at JHS!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Off topic, I work from home, in the same room with my guitars. I gotta stop watching your videos while I’m at work cause they make me want to play instead of work! Based upon personal experience when I was young, I think a lot of people might be dissatisfied with a product but might not know enough about instruments or playing the instrument to be able to communicate their dissatisfaction clearly. They just are upset and so they aren’t able to communicate their problem effectively to the guitar shop. They are, however unfortunately, able to effectively communicate being upset to the rest of the world. Now that I’m older and more experienced I know what I want/like, and how to communicate that to a luthier or salesperson. A good guitar shop will recognize this when communicating to their customers!

[@seanbrooks2583]

Hey. I live in my own basement thank you very much!

[@phillippitts6294]

I have to stop myself sometimes , from being snarky

[@BizarrePudding]

Ditto...

[@matthewking8944]

looking forward to the protypes that's going to be awesome. i give ya a gold star for that . rock on jhon & baxter.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thank you Matthew! We are as well, come on world and open back up faster please:)

[@matthewking8944]

@@CasinoGuitars i agree baxter you & jhon keep puting out the awesome videos

[@stoneysdead689]

Here's the thing- imo you can blame online shopping for the rash of unsatisfied cst. when it comes to guitars. Used to- we lived by the slogan- try before you buy- now we choose what we want looking at pictures and watching videos, and then we roll the dice and hope for the best. Also- in the past when we bought something we were face to face- which made them feel more accountable. If you know someone can and likely will confront you face to face you will try harder to make sure they're satisfied- if they're just a name and an address- not so much. They also know you're less likely to return something you have to ship back- it means parting with the goods while still not having your money, you usually have to pay return shipping, and ppl worry about it getting lost or damaged. However, if they can just stick it in the truck and drive to the shop- they'll return it much more readily. This means lots of us have just decided to deal with small issues that otherwise we would've insisted on having fixed. Stop buying online guys- drive to the shop, try before you buy, and hold the seller accountable. You'll have a much nicer time with the hobby- far less stress.

[@ronniefnd]

I can't even look at the forums as a train wreck. I tried reading stuff on a few of them and it's a lot of negative energy feeding more negative energy about something that probably wasn't even true to begin with.

[@CasinoGuitars]

It is a very sad place to live...and when you pull back the curtain and find out there is a monetization to the negativity...oh, it's even more depressing:( That's what we hope through enough super positive chatter we can slowly nerf and minimize those that thrive on that. Thanks a ton for joining us!

[@rongroves9620]

I think mostly you've got a happy crowd of followers. I've only commented on a few videos ever and those have been yours. You replied to one and I told my wife that was my second brush with fame. I met Ted Nugent in the 90's.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Ron that is hilarious! Thanks a ton for the kind words:) And if we are any of your "fame" encounters we really need to improve your fame radar:) Tell your wife hello from Baxter and the rest of the knuckle heads here at Casino! Happy weekend to you and thanks for the good vibes!

[@chris_2714]

Having a strong online connection is important these days. I've noticed regular interaction on TGP by Line6 and Suhr, and their products are held in almost God like status.

[@CasinoGuitars]

We agree:) It has become rather important and just part of the business.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

Could you guide me to the strat forum that doesn't hate on relics? I don't care either way about if someone relics a guitar. If you love it do it. Also, if you're going with Pride and Prejudice, you want the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies version.

[@CasinoGuitars]

I couldn't even watch the zombie version cause I love the other one so much...even though I love love love zombie movies...cannot wait till World War Z comes back to streaming:) And yes, the forum relic haters...they have become their own cult. I agree with what you said exactly...if it's your thing, let it be:)

[@andrewhess2978]

Fender prototype? You working on a shop exclusive line? Perhaps the Casino 11, like the Wildwood 10 but these go to 11.

[@alexo5861]

Maybe Casino Guitars needs there own limited run (25) of Epiphone Casino’s?

[@JoeKyser]

Let me add some relevancy here. About a year ago I started getting real into building. It steam rolled real hard and fast. At the time I was uploading youtube videos. I had just intriduced some guitar stuff and then stopped. I stopped because I was afraid to put out there what I was doig. Its not the first time I have come across this. Same thing with my custom shoes. Once I deceided to go public, I was happy that I did but I feel like it can goso wrong. Idk thats just how I felt. Largely due to the cancel culture that has evolved.

[@kevinhay7073]

I've never been in a forum I'd rather practice.There was a bar around here called The Forum but they only hired schlock show bands.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

What are you guys ON today?

[@CasinoGuitars]

I think happiness...mixed with sadness=crazy Bad and Johnny boy:)

[@mikedr1549]

Ya'll are up early this morning! I have to wonder - and I know it's not a popular opinion but - do we really *need* any more guitar makers at this point? Is anyone really doing anything innovative or substantially different in a better way?

[@216trixie]

"Everything that's going to be invented has been invented." The US patent office ca. 1905.

[@mikedr1549]

@@216trixie With a relatively simple and mature instrument you don't really see innovation after a certain point.

[@216trixie]

@@mikedr1549 Fanned frets. Multi-radius fingerboard. 7 and 8 strings recently popular. The guitar has been around for hundreds of years. In the last 70 or 80, we have electrified it, radically altered its shape from the traditional violin to any other shape you can imagine.Players and playing keep evolving, so the guitar has been evolving, more in the last few decades than ever.

[@cautiousoptimist1926]

A small percentage of builders are offerring innovative designs. Some are at least offering cool aesthetics. But, sooo many are just grossly overpriced strat, tele and les paul clones.

[@erichutchinson5150]

You guys should watch lemmo demo guitars at Norm's Rare guitars. He is really a great guitar player. The guy will probably be famous someday.

[@CasinoGuitars]

The cat is a fiend! Thanks for sharing as well:)

[@kevinpatton108]

Other than how to stuff, I stay away from forums in general. I wouldn't fault any store or builder for making a mistake, how they handle the problem is much more important for future transactions. Why shop somewhere you aren't valued as a customer.

[@joybuzzer]

Behringer pedals. The cheap plastic pedals. Everyone on the forums is quick to reply about how fragile they are but I've never seen a single picture of a broken one.

[@2000SkyView]

The internet is an amazing source of knowledge and (unfortunately) stupidity.

[@wirthwhilemedia]

@baxter Pride & Prejudice is my GFs fave film. Ive seen this MANY times too..lol

[@CasinoGuitars]

Yes, enjoy the trap and tell her that you have a guitar KZbin channel that supports her cinema choices thoroughly!!!