Why They Say These Guitars Are Overpriced / The Pit Falls Of Trading Your Guitars

[@D1mMak]

I can wholeheartedly appreciate your honesty. I used to play guitar but lost the feeling in my hands due to extensive chemotherapy. Even though I've lost my love to be able to play guitar, I still enjoy spending time listening to your videos.

[@brianstrawser3654]

I have never heard "Don't bring sand to the beach." Thnx Phil. Will be using that one.

[@audiophileman7047]

As someone who was once certified as Lead Inspector/Assessor for lead in buildings in California by the Department of Public Health, the testing Max performed is not definitive. Qualitative lead testing kits can give false negatives. When I did inspections for lead in paint, I used an XRF handheld spectrometer to determine what is defined as "lead based paint" at 5,000 ppm or higher lead content. Below this amount is what's called "lead containing paint" and an XRF spectrometer isn't reliable below this amount. To test for lower levels, we took a physical sample and had it analyzed by a lab with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The only way to definitively determine if lead is in the pieces of a guitar involves taking physical samples and having them analyzed by a reputable, certified lab. The question is whether or not this is really a hazard to the guitarist. Only a lead professional or certified industrial hygienist can make this determination.

[@hughschick6847]

Much simpler than that. Using no tools other than google, you can find out what alloy of brass is used. The vast majority of brass contains lead. Brass Tele saddles contain lead unless they are made with special lead-free alloys (which are actually bronze)

[@Spetsnazty]

@@hughschick6847this is the dumbest comment in the history of KZbin. Congrats

[@audiophileman7047]

If you have an honest manufacturer, it may be true, but there are manufacturers who don't tell the truth for various reasons. Proper testing is the only way to go to rule lead out, but you can always assume it to be positive for lead and take appropriate precautions when handling the parts with lead. @@hughschick6847

[@TheBillStickers]

Unless you plan on grinding a whole guitar, snorting and eating it I doubt "lead contamination" is much of an issue. However, it is a concern for the factory workers who might be exposed to the dust and fumes (see Lead Solder). For consumers, lead traces are only panic worthy for food and drink. Some old lead plumbing is probably more risky than any Chinese guitar in terms of dosage/exposure. (Sweatshops are a whole other debate though...) Heck, I'm probably more at risk as a luthier but then I have safety measures. Also, speaking as a luthier, it's definitely true about guitar marketing. Big brands can charge $1000 for technology readily accessible and creatable for about $10 in materials (if you know what I'm referencing, then you know). I say this to remove the pedestal. Personally, I don't like the inflated price tags but I am privileged to build whatever I want. If you trust me to make a guitar that you will love, for whatever reason, then the price goes as high as your heart desires. If there isn't as much trust, the price goes as high as your wallet can risk. This applies to every manufacturer (unless you go price fixing haha...aaaand get caught), there are no infallible brands just more successful ones for now, all taking turns in the spotlight.

[@cullenjames7542]

I was just about to post similar. Lead in water and food items is a concern. Lead in something you're not going to ingest is not much of a concern. Heck, I even use lead solder. The fumes are not from the lead, but from the core. Still not good for you, but just as bad and lead-free solder. I wear a mask and gloves while soldering, and wash my hands thoroughly when done.

[@noonoo8080]

@@cullenjames7542 yeah i agree man. lead solder taste better too.

[@cullenjames7542]

@@noonoo8080 Ask Phil what kind of solder he uses.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

​@cullenjames7542 Pretty sure he uses lead, that's the good stuff.

[@cullenjames7542]

@@scramblesthedeathdealer Yes. That's my point.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

That ornament on the D'Angelico headstock is called a Finial. (FIN-ee-uhl)

[@peterkatznelson12]

Thanks Phil, joyful Easter to you and your family. Blessings🙏🏻

[@mchammer1836]

Thx for the info on String Spring hangers. A lifelong luthier I know told me he uses Hercules and has never had a problem with any of his Gibson guitar finishes and uses them for very old, rare models.

[@deansoto8377]

Duct tape, Play dough or chewed gum are good for picking up steel wool pieced.

[@chipcaronte]

This is a nice tip! Thanks!!!

[@chipcaronte]

This is a nice tip! Thanks!!!

[@FrankBuyers...guitarista-iu3zg]

Epiphone is worth every cent and more I have three 2021 high end Epiphones and wouldn't have it any other way

[@johnown16cantplayanyroddy]

Love guitar of the week.

[@JPinBrooklyn]

Love D’Angelico… I got an upgraded version from Sweetwater… Milni DC-XT.. Ovankol fretboard, locking tuners, upgraded to Seymour Duncan jazz humbucker and JB humbucker. It sounds amazing.

[@beewebber3231]

Don't bring sand to the beach. Such a good way to put it

[@anewkindofman]

I REALLY love the sound of that D'Angelico! Can't wait to hear one of those beautiful Gretschs in a future Guitar of The Week! Now, the Texas Toast thing, what's all that about really. Do those people pushing it so have skin in the game? I don't know why they want a deep dive since they already seem to know exactly what it is! If they already own one why would they want a Deep Dive? Do they think they're infomercials? Can't wait for those mysterious videos to hit this week, you definitely caught my curiosity!

[@tompiano6871]

Hum @

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

Army veteran here. 1986 to1992. The bologna sandwich and chili mac reference hit me hard.

[@seamdye147]

I do the same thing Phillip. I traded in a ton of low/mid range gear and guitars for a PRS core CE24 Semi. It’s now one of my favorite instruments. I did the same for a core Silver Sky, and Gibson Standard. All no cash out of pocket. Traded ‘expendables’ for keepers. Thanks for the great shows each week!

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Agree about the trade ins. Stores truly don't care what you have unless its something unusually desirable and that means you can get more than the trade in value by just selling it

[@sweettoof9002]

I have a Les Paul Special that would not play in tune at all. I had a luthier put a new nut on it and the guitar is now in tune and playing great. The factory nut was terrible, the strings were basically just sitting on top of the nut. Big big difference.

[@francisholvoet2]

Like guitar of the week. Good to listen unplugged. Thx for this. Hello from Belgium. 😊

[@jfrankcarr]

Most Chinese guitars are made in a factory complex city dedicated entirely to making musical instruments. The super short supply chain decreases the costs plus now they have an experienced workforce that makes good wages, for the area. This will be going away though as the current workers age out and there are not enough young workers to replace them.

[@mobiousone363]

Phil, while we are talking about vocal doppelgängers, I just wanted to point out that you’re voice sounds a lot like Bob Odenkirk to me. Idk what you’re supposed to do with that information, but enjoy!

[@chipcaronte]

Maybe something with the heat and the desert. 😊

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

112 degrees at night?!? I think that's nature's way of saying you picked the wrong part of the world to live in. I live in Scotland where there are teenagers who have never seen the sun, they think it's just a folk tale put about by their grandparents.

[@jray5363]

112 degrees at night is like living 3 doors down from the gates of hell!

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

@@jray5363I've experienced about 105 degrees a couple of times and it was like being repeatedly hit with a hammer.

[@MarkRigler]

😂😂😂

[@abrahamct6]

That sounds like heaven

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

I like the D'Angelico headstock, but I think it works best on the big EXL-1, where there are other Art Deco elements on the body which tie it all together.

[@JeffSealePhD]

My D'Angelico DC fretboard is ovangkol, which is a relative of rosewood from Africa.

[@bstoner1300]

I do wonder what Paul Reed Smith would say about the D’angelico headstock. Tone hood ornament? Lol

[@lenwhatever4187]

first few frets out of tune.... yeah I can pick up just about any guitar and find the first few frets are "out of tune".... I also play bass... might have something to do with that. I was going to buy a PRS because their tuning is supposed to be pretty good (I have a "Jack" by Hohner) but when I played one in the store it was out of tune the same way as mine (I hadn't even plugged it in yet).... like maybe squash the strings a little less... or go heavier strings. One of the few times I had decided I was ready to buy something where I just walked away. I am getting better now that I am aware I need a lighter touch, even with "9s" on the guitar. I may revisit a new guitar purchase again but my reasoning for it will be different, if I do.

[@sublyme2157]

Oh my gosh, Guitar Max and Pete Thorn really do sound alike!

[@cullenjames7542]

Steel wool on pickups. I've been sloppy in the past and gotten steel wool on some pickups. No problems with the pickups. I was able to clean them up using duct tape.

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

? You mention D'Angelico {very good}; Shigie ; Bootlegger [Cali VG]

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

Canned air for keyboards may help out for blowing off the steel-wool bits. Place a magnet a good distance away from the pic's for some safety. ¡¤¡

[@danielshafer3227]

I can't believe you were hanging out with Guitar Max. You guys are my two favorite You Tubers. It's funny because you have different perspectives on things. He's Pro Chibson. You're Anti-Chibson. You're not exactly a fan of Harley Benton and he has a signature guitar with them. Lol. Anyways you and guitar Max should do a joint venture. It'll get views for both of you.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

What I used to hate with trade offers, is I would put in my ads that I didn't want certain things that were common offers and not of interest to me... and then every trade offer I got was "I know you don't want this, but would still trade for it?" I don't get these people. Why would I trade for something I didn't want that was a dime a dozen and have to sell or trade to someone else to get what I wanted? 😂

[@54fighting5]

1:33:10 🤣 Thankfully I wasn't taking a sip of coffee right then because that made me bust out laughing. I think that we can all agree with that sentiment. Love your channel and also the new GOTW segment. Thanks for what you do Phil. Best to you🙏

[@idlepickups]

I worked on a dangelico once and it had a really dark fretboard like yours. When I cleaned it by scraping with a razor blade, all the dark… veneer? dye? paint? came off to reveal pau ferro underneath

[@Bastion71]

I will buy a KYG work shirt. Whenever they're ready!

[@hughschick6847]

3:40 There is lead in almost every brass Tele saddle, which led me to make bell metal (lead-free alloy) “Premium Unleaded” Tele saddles.

[@justinnegley1058]

My 2019 American made Fender Ultra Strat tested positive for lead on the frets and my inspired by Gibson Epiphone Muse LP

[@Zoso981]

I was looking at a D'Angelico for the longest time, but ended up buying an Epiphone ES335 Figured Top instead. Another great guitar, and a few $ cheaper.

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

? D' Angelico ... nice I'm raising my hand ond that builder.

[@thebooda]

Love you to death Phil!! Please stop gulping your drink into the microphone. Your podcast is so fantastic in everyway until your mouth noises come thru your mic. It's like when there is silence the volume of your mic increases and the noises are amplified. Just trying to help... Thanks for all you do!

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

? I agree about companies increasing prices on their products based on sales. Their gear is really decent guitars at what was in prices at ie $650-to-$750 are now at $900-to-$1200 and I would still buy from them ... but why such a jump??? As much as give who the builders name in China/Korea the quailty parts and attention to details.

[@ebikes2xs159]

Why the big deal about bone nut and stainless frets? How much do those things cost, almost nothing? I have a hammer with beautiful flame maple handle. To get that on a guitar it's hundreds. What gives.

[@jray5363]

Nice hammer analogy! 😂 I work for a home improvement store, and I often see wood destined for the garage that would look great on a guitar or a piece of furniture! It breaks my heart to throw it away! But it has no value unless someone is willing to pay for it. Years ago, this rich guy built a humongous new deck out of special order Brazilian rosewood! I went to the house during construction, and there were scrap pieces of rosewood all over the yard ! All I could see was guitar fretboards laying everywhere! 😢

[@LukeMosse]

You can get those features for not much money. I got a Harley Benton with baked maple neck and stainless frets for 190 quid new.

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

? I did not know Texas Toast was here in Colorado ...

[@Sierra-xi2ty]

Have you ever tried an Aristides guitar? What are your thoughts on them?

[@gitrhack2763]

Thanks!

[@retroman541]

I think that people who say that a guitar is overpriced when they do not know anything regarding the details of the hardware and the quality of its construction and craftsmanship don't know what they are talking about. . . When I compare Gibson to Texas Toast guitars, it is the Gibsons that are overpriced. Just because Gibsons may have a better resale value means nothing to me. I don't buy a guitar considering what it might get on the used market; it's the overall quality, tone and playability that matter to me. That is what really matters from day-to-day, not how much value it retains. Pure enjoyment is what it is really about, no matter how much a guitar costs. I'll support a talented and reputable small builder any day over a huge company that mainly makes mass-produced guitars. Especially when customizing certain features is fairly priced. Gibson charges a small fortune for its custom shop guitars; Texas Toast guitars are reasonably priced with a level of quality-control and hardware choices that easily beats Gibson. You also get the guitar delivered a lot faster. In the early 80s I had two acoustic guitars made by a hobbyist builder who was then known for developing a labor-saving technique for doing high-quality guitar inlay. His book on the subject is still highly respected and some well-known luthiers (Santa Cruz Guitar Co. for one) use his innovations. I paid $300 and $350 respectively for a 6 and 12-string . The materials, construction and inlay are based on the early 1940s era Martin D45; the luthier actually deconstructed one to learn what made it so special. In some ways he made improvements to the design. Both guitars are now conservatively valued at over $4000 each.

[@EvilHomer1973]

I literally had a lead ball i used to play with

[@chrisclassical7]

on the finance thing, i read this today, i guess it is from the bible: The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. not making a religious statement but it must have been the same way back as it is now.

[@danstringer7610]

There is nothing new under the sun.

[@MrSteney]

How do we know the test kit is accurate? It was made in China, too.

[@Bastion71]

GotW D'Angelico is really nice, particularly for that price!

[@mikeadams4605]

I have a White D’Angelico Premier DC with an ovangkol fretboard. Same thing. Very dark. Like Ebony. I wonder if they are stained or even painted the fretboard?

[@isaac0079]

I have a $200 amazon (IYV) guitar. I think its one of the coolest looking guitars ever but it doesnt sound great. Going to put some new pickups soon.

[@guitar_gnome]

I like the guitar of the week segment.

[@stoneysdead689]

Become a member of TANG!

[@rocnpops62]

Freakin love that brownburst!!!

[@jamesonpace726]

You're so nice. You never ream the ijits who shout "overpriced!" you gently educate them. Whatta guy....

[@alsantangelo]

Hi Phil. When you were talking about magnets and putting pickups near each other: So, a pair of humbuckers stuck face to face in a box until you need them is no good?

[@thisdyingsoul76]

The fakes are harder to spot than ever. Whenever I am buying a guitar for more than a few hundred, I research like mad to see if there are fakes and how to spot them. Any red flags, I walk away. On trades at music stores or 2nd hand shops, keep in mind you will never get what its actually worth. They need to make a profit and they also need some wiggle room in case that gear isn't selling as fast as they hoped. If you are ok with that, trading in at a store is viable.

[@DjmcSteve]

Use a magnet to test for stainless steel , it doesn’t stick if it’s real

[@deansoto8377]

Stainless steel is magnetic (steel has iron).

[@guitarprepnplus1]

Depends on what grade of stainless

[@deansoto8377]

All stainless is magnetic, because they have iron. There are other alloys that don't contain iron that are wrongly called stainless steal, but they are not.

[@brianhester8918]

I buy all my things on the interest free deals. I can’t afford to plug down 5500 0n a prs 10 top, I like to stay liquid. However I can afford to put down 150 bucks a month. Why save you could die tomorrow. As long as you’re not paying interest where’s the harm. However, you’ve got to do it right. You can never miss a payment if you do they’ve got you. You always set up an auto payment as soon as you buy your product. Also let’s say it’s 48 months interest free I pay it off in 47 months and I pay an extra dollar. That way you’re covered and they owe you a buck. Same thing with tv’s. If my tv blows I’m not gonna save up I’m going tomorrow to get one.

[@kandlekulish1484]

Taking a class from Texas Toast made me appreciate the level of effort it takes to build something of quality. Having built a guitar solo now, I think TTGs are worth more than they are currently charging for what you are getting. They also could not be nicer and more giving of their knowledge. I just ordered an icon model and am taking another class in the fall. Thanks Phil for highlighting small companies and for everything!

[@mchammer1836]

At firsr, I thought he said he calls Chibsons FROGS 😂😂😂

[@user-qn1tw4nk1e]

They are only overpriced to the ones who can't afford them

[@claudiajay8291]

?? I think you are on the money when you say buying a Gibson is the best bet . For $1600 , the Texas Toast guitar just can’t compare with the used Gibson in terms of value over time. I like the Gibson neck and now you can get one with weight relief …Texas Toast isn’t as interesting .

[@ZblockWoW]

Was it Dean Guitars? 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrTraewilliams]

A Texas Toast American Icon would be cool to see on the channel 💯✌🤟🤘

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

I agree with you on the Chibsons, They even caused companies like Ibanez to put out lower quality cheaper instruments like the JEMJR to compete with them, I have not had good experiences particularly with cheaper Ibanez guitars, the Premiums MIJ never had an issue with even the MIK were great, but for some reason the Indonesian ones.. I have nightmares lets just say, I began to detest them and won't touch them, to be clear anything around the $800+ range is fine but below that in my experience they are nothing but problems or are just difficult to play due to fit and finish issues in my experiences at least. Lead is an issue with quality control in China it actually has always had this issue from their factories, so a guitar here or there may have lead in them, its also a reason why I blacklist Chinese made guitars, China does not have the same manufacturing tolerances or regulations on products like the US and Europe does so there is contamination, and not to sound alarming or cause a panic but there is also in particular some love with Thorium that is radioactive that they use for orthopedics and Ionic cleansing kind of things that are dangerously radioactive that slip through the ports into Amazon products and such.... just be aware that it is an issue, several Youtubbers have notified Customs of particular products that seem to have....issues.

[@amandacoombs8270]

I missed it!!!!! Ughhhhhhhhhhh stupid nap!

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Shhh, me too! Same sin of retirement🇺🇸✡️✝️

[@bradconklin2878]

Cheers. I despise fake guitars. (But I like walking on grass)

[@erikrummel6277]

I predict it is going to be a Strat 7-String.

[@GeorgeVaaeth-kc9wc]

Not a big deal unless you are going to sand it, or put it in your mouth.

[@sspgearthcity6572]

37! In a row?

[@guitar_gnome]

Weird how Gibson doesn't want my business.

[@gabemeyer2244]

110 degrees in your house didn't damage your guitars?

[@tompiano6871]

What do you care what something cost if you can't afford it you just can't afford it that's all

[@ldfox11]

I bought a new guitar using a famous finance company and realized I paid too much because of the interest on the loan. Then I bought two more guitars by the same method, but why? I figured out a way to do it without paying more. I make offers to music stores online. When they offer me a price that's equal to or close to the interest on the loan, I pull the trigger. Using financing and getting a guitar as if I used cash is OK with me.

[@phenderson20]

You paid cash for a brand new truck?? 40-50k at least. Wow

[@whiterose7055]

Sell them. I have way too many and don't need to have so many.

[@user-iz6ry2ms6x]

ATHENS ... FARM COUNTRY

[@tomfoolery2082]

Plus the Texas Toast crew are just plain cool .

[@robin5054]

You do know that a lot of the Chibson Knockoffs come right out of the Chinese Epiphone factories? I know for a fact this is true from a very reliable source. A lot of the parts are all Epiphone....bridges, pickups, tuners, vol/tone pots etc.

[@robin5054]

I wish there was a way to post some pictures up here. I can show you some stuff that will blow your mind.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

you can send proof to [e-mail]

[@RandallHayter]

Parts? Sure. Those aren’t made in the Epiphone factory. Guitars? I’d love to see proof because that would mean Gibson allows it.

[@Alfredo78666]

Phil reads!

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

I keep seeing these a-holes seeking on marketplace "Gibson copy. This is a copy of a Les Paul and NOT a real Gibson bla bla " and then they sell it for $500 or 600. So... You're "disclosing" but you think making it up 100% isn't illegal?? It's even illegal to sell it at a loss, but they are marking them up and I've seen legit guys selling them for real pricing and not realizing they got taken. Putting the Gibson logo on it should make it a criminal offense and you should be arrested for even owning one, knowingly, especially selling it.

[@LRHutch]

Whay is everyone worried lead paint? You dont chew on your guitar lmao.

[@jamesonpace726]

Yeah, bologna samiches. Credit? Sheet, I drive an old truck & bought my house with cash. Some folks call me a cheapskate, I call me just, cheap....

[@LiteralApe]

O wise one, teach a young man(21) how to buy a house with cash

[@Bagledog5000]

@@LiteralApe Be born rich or fifty years ago, or find a house where the owner is delinquent on their taxes.

[@lou.yorke.x]

Can you skate? LOL

[@jamesonpace726]

Save, save, save, for long time - bought that house at 60. Sorry....

[@shanetx81]

@@LiteralApe a house is one of the few things that does make sense to buy. It’s the most important and expensive purchase most people make in their lives. Etc. Etc. I think it makes sense to finance a house. I don’t think it makes sense to finance a guitar.

[@vanhalen5150jhs]

yo

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

P-yet-zso(e)

[@Stachtube]

For me the problem with Chinese guitars isn’t sweatshop labor, it’s that you’re supporting the Chinese government, which oppresses people. The factory conditions aren’t relevant to me. You can’t avoid buying some stuff from China because no alternatives exist, but you can avoid buying Chinese guitars.

[@two50ne77]

first

[@PXR5-PXR5]

It was partly guilty of taking down the Roman Empire (not kidding) By making the Romans less fertile.. Nb, its not mine theory. (Ledpoisoning from the pipes)

[@Bagledog5000]

They used to store wine in lead lined containers as well, bad news that.

[@PXR5-PXR5]

@@Bagledog5000 Yep, acid+led= Bad Combo.

[@jray5363]

I’ve actually seen that mentioned in documentaries before!

[@ldfox11]

Lamborghini overpriced. Let me tell you how overpriced they are. If someone gave you a Lamborghini for free, you probably still couldn't afford it. Yearly maintenance costs on a new Lamborghini will cost you over $250,000 a year. Talk about overpriced.

[@jamesonpace726]

You have any idea the engineering involved in that maintenance? No, I thought not....

[@ldfox11]

@@jamesonpace726 I've been a mechanic since 1970 and have maintained Ferrari's for customers. I think I know a thing or two.

[@jfturner67]

@@jamesonpace726are you defending Lamborghini prices? What world do you live in? It must be wonderful.

[@Ksantipacat]

​@@ldfox11So you're saying, but the maintenance cost of a Lamborghini is over 250,000 a year? I've never owned a Lamborghini or service one, but even I know that that's just not true. That's probably what you would pay for one, but if that's what it costs you yearly to maintain it, no one in the right mind would ever buy one

[@ldfox11]

@@Ksantipacat May be it's changed. In 2012 my son said he wanted a Lamborghini when he grew up. So his mother sad, "Lets go on Google and see how much it cost to have a Lamborghini." They looked it up and Google said not only does it cost to buy one, but that at a certified dealer, the maintenance cost of a Lamborghini was 250,000 a year for the duration of the warranty period. So lets look at what Google says now. "Over five years, including scheduled maintenance, tires, and potential repairs, you can expect to spend $15,000 to $25,000 or more on upkeep alone." So not so bad right? I could buy a Toyota for a couple of years of maintenance on a Lamborghini, a much more reliable car. I shouldn't of took my girlfriends word for it. I guess I was wrong, but average American still would have a hard time maintaining one. I'd rather buy a home. So, the minimum cost of the warranty is at lest 75,000, the max 125,000.

[@ratwynd]

Lead, schmed.....I don't lick my frets or chew the tuners and knobs..........

[@erikrummel6277]

A magnet 🧲 would tell ya pretty much what you needed to know.