WHY I SOLD MY JIM ROOT GUITARS

[@thunder8585]

I discovered this channel looking for slipknot content a year ago but stayed for your own personal playing style, positive attitude, and personality. As someone who has only been playing guitar for about 2 years, I came to the channel with little knowledge about gear at all and learned a lot. Even learned some tips for writing my own music, and how to use the gear I have effectively. Keep up the good work!

[@ratt669]

For that stupid fake smile as well.

[@theshotgunscientists]

I found your channel a good while before the Jim root video. I’m here because this channel is just awesome all around and your positivity is refreshing to see.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Hey thanks so much Tyler

[@zacharymicah]

Your enthusiasm is why I keep watching! Riffs and big grins on Ray's face are what it's all about!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Hey thanks so much!

[@zacharymicah]

@@xanderraymondcharles You're welcome bro!

[@jordansmith444]

Because I wanna be different, I found you when you compared evh amps, because I was trying to decide whether I want the 6l6 or the el34 version. And ended loving that video so much, I bought them both. I didn’t know about the Jim root stuff until much better haha. Hope all is well!

[@jconner3891]

Have both too. Well the stealth and el34

[@JNCGaming]

Congratulations on being signed! 2022 is YOUR year!

[@Karlgolden]

I felt exactly the same about myself with my GNR stuff and it’s 100% right decision even if it means less views to change direction. Do you bro 🔥🔥🤘🤘

[@bradhargis2261]

Makes total sense. As I moved up in life after highschool I found myself wanting signature guitar after signature guitar, the prs se paul allender, an se tremonti, an se mike mushok, schecter syn custom, the kieth merrow km7, they were so cool and unique, etc. Then I got in a small little cover band and started playing shows. I immediately lost taste in and sold all my signature guitars except my Mike mushok sig as that was a wedding gift from my wife. I got regular guitars and customized them to what I liked and regained a sense of self and a new love for the instrument.

[@jarrettpratt3289]

I’m so happy your finally getting the recognition you deserve! I remember watching your videos when you only had 3k subs, I always knew your channel would grow fast.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Hey thanks for sticking with me the whole time. I really appreciate you!

[@jeffleecust]

I jumped on around 16k. Knew I picked a good wagon to get on.

[@Ewright85]

@@xanderraymondcharles hey brother. Giving a shout out to a fellow veteran. 11B in 2ID in Camp Casey and Camp Red Cloud South Korea. Love the content. Been following for quite a while now. Dealing with issues of my own you’ve been a huge inspiration and I also love your playing style. Even though I love Jim I’d definitely message you just to message you. We’re brothers in arms and in guitar. Stay positive and do you. You rock bro. Shout out from Texas

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

There's always a catch to someone getting a big break. I'm sorry you had to go through that,man. I came for the guitar related content and I plan on staying for it. I'm happy to see where you're going. Keep up the great work,man.

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

Congrats bro!

[@EJsGuitars]

Clicked for the drama, stayed for the inspirational conversation! 😎👍🏼 Congratulations on the record deal!🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@PooNinja]

Save the drama for ya llama

[@EJsGuitars]

@@PooNinja 😆

[@RancidAmputation123]

Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you Ray! You’re one of the best guitar youtubers and your endless positivity while making consistent, informative and interesting content is a breath of fresh air

[@dexxfilm]

Ray, I watched your videos before the Jim Root interview and you definitely have your own unique style man. Keep doing you, congrats on your success dude. You deserve it.

[@dustynguilford7893]

Totally respectable man! Wanting to be and become an individual and be your own kind of artist and player is cool. There’s way too many people trying to be like someone else. The music world would be so much more rad if more people would try to find their own sound and their own style etc. I feel it bro! Keep on keeping on!

[@drakecampos4503]

Dude I respect the hell out of your decision! You are damn good musician and you deserve to have you own legacy and brand! Keep it up!

[@heatherbari1766]

Stay being you, that is what I like about your videos, and you have taught me a lot.

[@stuartmcshitz5758]

You have got to be one of the nicest people I've seen on KZbin. I've got an acquaintance in the industry. We've emailed a handful of times over the past year. I don't talk about it because some people will ask you to get shit or do shit for them. Some people can be selfish. The times we've corresponded, it's always been about an artist or something guitar affiliated. I personally asked him for a favor, but it wasn't for me necessarily. It was about getting his product local. Long story.....lol I almost pulled a " Stay Metal Ray" and came close to saying too much....🤣 J/K Rock on brother!

[@Okla_Soft]

100% understand that sentiment, you love your idols and influences but you want to have your own identity. You don’t want to be forever known as “that dude who sounds like Jim Root”. You want to make a name for yourself while drawing inspiration from your heros. Props to you man, you’re definitely doing your own thing, I know I click when I see a video from you.

[@carpingdownsouth7082]

I discovered you though your baritone playing and purchases. Not even a slip knot fan. But enjoy the content, you do you man !

[@mg8224]

Hey man, can you ask Jim what kind of hair products he use?

[@DheadslayinG]

BRO!! Congrats on the record deal Ray! Been seeing big things happen for you lately but this is the crème de le crème!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Hey thanks so much. I’m doing my best!

[@alexradsby]

I totally respect this dude. Do your thing and congratulations!

[@Emoboijeffrey]

I found your channel via your mark v 25 unboxing. It’s been a fun ride watching you grow 👏

[@JaFoste_Studio]

I'm here because of your positive attitude...like you've ALWAYS got a smile on your face. Congrats on the label signing!

[@slipvayneknot]

Congratulations brother! That’s awesome!

[@thelos76]

Love the channel, been watching for a few years. Congratulations on your success!!! “Lata!”

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Hey thanks so much!

[@BigMurph45]

Xander you rock! Never thought you were a Jim Root clone or wantabe. Killer guitar channel. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@xanderraymondcharles]

You’re the best

[@sargetparrot]

im one of them who found you through the jim root rig rundown. i mean yeah i loved that becuase im a giant gear nerd, but i appreciate your perspective on gear and your an inspiration on the guitar. big things ahead for you, looking foward to where you go from here.

[@edwardsmith9801]

Congratulations on all the success Ray !!! You deserve the hell out of it, love the show & can't wait too see what the future holds for you, glad I found your channel man!!! Your awesome , ignore any haters, Rock on!!!

[@captpootis8495]

Whatchu do is whatchu do, I stay here because I’m here to see what you do. If it makes you happy man then do it. No one deserves to feel trapped in a cage. Be blessed man 👌

[@MikeYeary]

I personally never saw that interview, probably because I'm not a big Slipknot fan, but I can totally understand not wanting to stand in someone else's shadow. I'm just here for your great attitude, and playing!

[@martink.9466]

Glad to see a passionate man chasing his dreams and living it! You are great! Keep going!

[@maxcady5287]

That's all right. I remember when i was crazy about Mark Tremonti guitars and so, i used to have 3 of his usa signatures... with time and hours of guitar like you, evolving i realised i needed something different. Flatter radious, higher frets, floyd and though i keep the lp scale. I sold them all, but thanks to those now i know what suits me better. Great video!!

[@rangerc310]

Love that you are becoming you as a artist.

[@telecasteroil]

Glad Yur Signed , best of luck .... You do you and all others should be Themselves!!!! Great Video Ray can't wait for the Solar stuff too !

[@alexskibicki2262]

I understand what you’re going through. I at one point went through a phase where I wanted to buy and try out different basses and and guitars. And after years of trying different Models of instruments, I’ve decided to stick with models I truly like. As for wanting to your thing, I’m all for that, I’m all for that. I’ve played for a number of different bands over the years and while serving as a member of these bands, I’ve formed side-projects to create my own music. And now I play in my own band. Anywho, when it comes to owning instruments, as long as it has a sentimental value to you, that’s all it matters.

[@roosterj2599]

Ray. I respect where your coming from. I never saw you as a Jim Root clone or fan boy. Just good ol Ray. I'm very proud of you and happy for your success. I knew you would make it. You have what it takes and some to spare. God speed Ray and Stay Metal🤘🤘🤘

[@sillyness3456]

That interview was cool, but I honestly enjoy your show VLOGs the most, because they remind me of how I used to play shows... My last show is closing in on being four years ago...

[@dgs5809]

Grab yourself a Schecter SLS Elite Evil Twin of some shape. They are amazing axes!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

I’ve already got one on the channel

[@dgs5809]

@@xanderraymondcharles Awesome you know what I'm talking about then! My PT Evil Twin is the best guitar I've ever held in my hands, of course it's all subjective. I'm new to the channel and can't wait to go back and see more of your content. Congrats on the deal and everything you've achieved, I'll definitely be checking out your music too. Cheers!

[@noelvaldez96]

I’ll be interested to see what guitars you mostly play now! Also, I started to use that philosophy for myself and started getting rid of guitars that I don’t play anymore. I had an acoustic that was just collecting dust and I thought it was dumb to keep it just in case I wanted to play it but I rarely ever did since getting it. So I’m currently selling it and using some of the money to fund guitars that I actually will play.

[@charlesholland6851]

Congratulations on the signing! And I feel ya on everything you said in this video.

[@themog4911]

Good for you Ray and good luck 🤘🏻

[@epistaxis1395]

Congratulations Ray,, bright future ahead brother !

[@metalfreak4791]

Congratulations on getting signed!!!! Can't wait to hear your band jam and when you start touring, please come to San Antonio , Texas!! \m/

[@jeffalfred5785]

Can't wait to see what greatness the future brings for you. Enjoy the ride and ...STAY HUMBLE!

[@dartthewarrior]

I found you from “the” video, but stayed for that true, full Ray experience! Stay safe dude!!

[@toddhahn3690]

I wasn't a subscriber until long after any Jim Root interview that you've done. I discovered your channel by force of the algorithms lol. You just seem genuinely happy to be putting out content on KZbin, which is what basically drew me in. Congrats on your recent accomplishments and good luck man!

[@grimmfm6239]

You are like my spirit animal. I have written my whole life, and playing music for a living is a dream. And I am happy to see you get to do it, enjoy every minute bro. I first found you through a thumbnail or something saying military vet guitar player or something like that. Followed right away before hearing a lick. You are very good bro, the album riffs sound just so good so clean. You got me going…hmm I might go check out a baritone guitar. And as far as Slipknot I never really dug them myself and never even saw that video yet. I never was a cover guy myself I like writing.

[@Vvaughensahnoun]

Good luck Mr Ray I love your content here on youtube

[@tatocta]

Since you metioned it, what happened to that Slipknot Tribute Metal Band you were in?

[@Leo_Safko]

Congrats Ray!!🤟

[@brandynosborn3374]

Damn man, I guess I didn't really even notice. like, I didn't come here for just purely Slipknot content. I found a best bud, someone who shares his passion and his drive to create and evolve into the artist we all know you can be! To me, just being a part of your story by witnessing all you've created that's special man! You are like a KZbin Brother to me and I'm sure many others! Always refreshing to see someone giving it their all and staying humble an honest through it all. I keep coming back for the same reason, to see what the bro Ray is throwing down! Keep grinding man! 5 years has felt like just the start! :)

[@schneibgamer1]

Man that white Jim root is my favorite, I love the rugged look of it

[@robflores5172]

Totally get it. I was never into signature guitars even in the beginning I was always about customizing guitars. With the exception of certain legacy players like Jason Becker and Shawn Lane. Actually plan on refinishing my first guitar again soon!

[@Merjia]

Ray, gotta tell you, my headphones fall off every time I watch one of your videos because the inro makes me bang my head that hard. Felt this was the right time to tell you, keep on kicking ass bro! \m/

[@toastynotez]

Just because he's your influence doesn't mean you live under his shadow bro. You are doing you, and a great job at it. Smart move setting the expectation. Mad respect. I stayed because you enjoy and love playing the guitar. Everything else was circumstantial!

[@Blep42O]

This was all news to me but I haven’t seen your old videos so you keep doing you.

[@HGB777]

Congrats on the record deal man!

[@bryanb2852]

I did not know you even did a Jim Root interview lol I subbed because I just like the channel

[@viking7937]

Very happy you are pursuing your own path. Congrats on the record deal!

[@sublyme2157]

That's funny, I actually found your channel a couple weeks ago, it was your "Do I regret buying a Les Paul" video. Sorry to hear about all that Jim Root drama! Slipknot was cool twenty years ago when I was young (Duality and Vermilion Pt2 were my jams!), but things change as you get older :) Congrats on the record deal, and best of luck man!

[@nacktheslayer9882]

keep doing your thing man. i found you like a year before that jim root interview with those metallica gear videos you did

[@chugmarks]

That whole "If it doesn't play, it doesn't stay" is good. I have a brand new Solar AB1.7 that I LOVE...but it's just doing mixing with me. I don't know what it is and I'm sad to think I have to let it go hahah

[@jasons.3921]

It was just a matter of time for you to figure this out. I for one am very happy for you Ray. I wish you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors. Also, looking forward to hearing what ya got cooking. Cheers my young brother!

[@gytrplr]

The interview with Jim was great because you both turned into huge guitar nerds but only hang around to hear how you grow. Can’t wait for the Tunes peace

[@carlmcgilton1120]

You should do your own thing. You have put in the work and time. I think you are correct in moving on to what ever makes you satisfied. Great content SMR.

[@MrJingles021]

I found you through the Jim Root video, and the time you were featured on SWOLA. But I quickly saw you as a fellow single cut fan who plays metal.

[@1thess523]

I've never listened to Slipknot a d I don't even listen to the same type of music you play, I just found you as a gear channel and enjoyed your personality and content. I play skate and pop punk 👍

[@thorpenator9148]

Love the big block inlays on that guitar.

[@Swiftnl]

Ray I have always enjoyed your content and to be honest the interview was off topic for what you do. I personally enjoy getting geeky and drewl on gear as a hobby gitarist and your content fits the gitarist life. Stay strong and chugg on ✌️

[@manhattanmike6959]

Do you Ray. You don't owe me an explanation. Love the channel

[@JahmezFox]

I found this channel when you did the tone comparison between the Squier and Fender Jim Root telecaster but I stayed for all the awesome content, so fuckin shit that people just tried to use you to get to Jim

[@Terry3Gs]

Totally understand your points & yeah being the end all for mr. root would be a big PITA when probly most of the stuff is a google search away. And on the record deal ... congrats ray !! Well earned/deserved. :)

[@billyhollister6060]

So Ray you made the grade your a recording artist signed kudos my virtual buddy well bloody done

[@ScreaminT81]

RAY, but I need you to message Jim for me!!! NOW. Ha no I’m kidding. I found you with the whole Dean/Gibson debacle a couple years ago. Following you on here and on IG since then. I love the content and your growth in the YT realm has been extremely inspiring to myself as a vocalist. Seeing you being picked up as an artist with some amazing companies is proof that if you work hard you can get to where you wanna be. You’re an infectious human being and I’m glad you’re kicking ass my friend. Cheers, and hey… STAY METAL RAY 🤣🤣🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@chrisreed3593]

Congrats on your record deal bro! Been a fan for years and not just for the slipknot stuff! Your gear reviews helped me in a ton of ways and I look forward to all the new stuff your doing and can’t wait for new content! From one veteran to another hoah!

[@the_swoletariat1621]

Actually, I found you because of the EVH amp comparisons lol. Ended up getting a 6l6 2x12 combo. It’s rad you’re looking to be your own person, have fun man!

[@naruto199797]

I understand you wanting to divert away from being the slipknot guitar guy and being more of a individual I'm looking forward to seeing where you go next as far as content and your band stuff

[@darielsshadow4264]

Respect bro frfr u killin it.

[@ledthrax]

I was introduced to your channel because of the Jim Root interview, but I quickly went down the rabbit hole of the rest of your channel. I could tell that you were your own artist from videos way before the interview. You definitely have your own signature sound and things you are known for so I completely understand moving away from other artist’s signature gear. Will i still chat with you about Slipknot, JR, and other cool stuff like we have done when I got to hang at shows with you? Hell yes, but that’s because we are both big fans of those things, not because you are link to som other artist. That’s complete crap that people were pulling that. You keep doing you Ray and a lot of us will be along for the ride!,

[@martincavazos1281]

Still the coolest thing that you bought the Jazzmaster, it was an honor! -GM58

[@johnp7080]

Started watching you through a Slipknot rabbit hole. Stayed for you and your content. Decided to subscribe today!

[@fabricedufour5325]

Good on you brother. Congrats and best of luck \m/

[@circlesofficialmusic]

I don’t put you in a bucket with anyone from Slipknot or any other band. You are who you are & I respect you for that.

[@ABoyd1852]

You do you Ray. Good for you.

[@impossivel2006]

You did an interview with Jim Root? That's cool man.

[@1HYB]

Happy that you're finding your own path, Ray.

[@jayrific]

Congrats Ray

[@JoeKyser]

I feel like the sediment of being a signed artist is losing its grace these days. Especially with the way social media has carved out the space and made it the way it is.

[@elus1ve0ne64]

Hey man, Congrats on the record deal brotha !! It’s awesome to see that the dream is still possible. You’re an inspiration 👊 😎

[@deluzh]

I'm trying to make music a full time carrer as well because i friggin love it, is there any advice you can give a me as a musician Ray?

[@xanderraymondcharles]

That’ll be a great video topic!

[@jonathanwapner6262]

I regret selling my white JR Strat. I needed the money. That guitar was so great though. I just assumed I'd be able to get another one, but they stopped making them, and white ones are impossible to find.

[@codysroom6303]

Ray bro, i wish i had the attitude and energy as u. As well as your gear and talent. Im so happy for you. You went all in and now its paying off huge good on u brother. And yes 😆 lol i to found your channel from the jim route interview video. Then i saw u weren't a "music journalist" you were a sick af guitar player with a smile always. Your whole vibe is why i love your content.

[@thetrendkiller8444]

I came around the start sometime, think you had less than 1k subscribers. Found ya looking at people play Revolution Is My Name. I wouldn't say you were/are a Jim Root guy man, but there definitely ain't no denying that you are a Wes Borland guy. Everything I've seen screams Wes. Whatever is fun for ya though man, keep enjoying yourself is the main thing and don't overthink sh#t. If you have to try or work to be a certain entity or image that you want to show, it's not real. Anyways, cheers bro!! Here's to 5 more years and a hell of a 2022!!

[@dylanroyka1362]

great video man, I will always support. One thing im wondering about that guitar is what gauge strings are you using, i couldn't stop looking at the. they look thick

[@audioproducer9089]

all good bro, i think the "real fans" will get and evolve with you

[@travisjgood02]

Kinda reminds me of Angel Vivaldi signing with charvel instead of Ibanez like his influences Satch and Via, wanting to walk his own path. Looking forward to your upcoming releases!

[@RedDed228]

Ya know I'm sure Jim would be proud of you for choosing your own way, I mean a part of the reason for the finish on his guitars is so that everyone who owns one has their own way of playing shown visibly on the guitar. So being a unique person is big to him I'd say.

[@DamagedAndroid]

I discovered your channel when Fluff gave his opinion on the whole JST plug-in thing so I’ve never viewed you as a “Jim Root” channel. I can see how some would though and totally get not wanting to be pigeonholed to that.

[@SDubU416]

When I started out I was very influenced by korn to pick up a guitar. So I was very much just a Ibanez player but as time went on and my taste evolved I found myself leaning away from Ibanez and more into different brands now. I’ve also been heavily influenced by Jim and slipknot but never would try to use you or someone else to get in contact.. that had to get annoying quick.