Don't Make This Guitar Buying Mistake 

Thanks! My little sister who passed 2 years ago would be turning 64 this April 1st. Miss her. Happy birthday Kieth, I enjoy your Channel. Jeff

I saw the chat calling for a "Guitars of Ian Anderson." While I am honored, my collection wouldn't be worthy of the deep dive ;) I was gifted a flute once though! Love the channel Keith! Liking these interesting topics!

My take on this as a retired London UK pro is that,...you buy guitars that give you as many different sounds as you need. So l have Strats, a Jazzmaster, Tele's, Les Pauls, one with P90's, a 335, a Duesenberg even, and a lovely Resonator, they are all great guitars that do different jobs. I might prefer using one over the other at home but if l was in a studio and was asked to get a realistic Kossoff sound l'd be in trouble if l had just my strat with me. I love playing ALL of them though. There's not one "bad" guitar amongst them. You're right though Keith, people just love their own gear and maybe are blinkered about the other things on offer or just heed bad advice from others who only like their own gear. I just love guitars. I recently made my own cigar box two string slide blues machine with no frets. It sounds amazing, l love it, and it cost me about £20 make. It's got so much mojo and just rocks! Maybe a lesson there for all of us.

The promise of a meditational break! Yes!!! Well said!!!

I’ve become A guitar minimalist. I had a ton of gear over the last 43 years of playing in my case, and I’ve actually had my gear acquisition syndrome basically shut down with a Pair of PRS and a Kemper into powered monitors or the effects return of a Suhr Bella for live performance. I’ve slowly sold off gear and upgraded to a couple of dream guitars that make me happy and are a joy to play. I used to think I “needed” one of everything, now I’ve found what works for me, what has my tone and makes me want to play and be creative. I’m blessed that I can afford the gear I want, I can use software to wire music I like, and have had opportunities to share music with friends and large audiences.

I’m at the point where even though there’s a ton of guitars I’ve never tried, I’m happy with what I have. Now I finally fell down the pedal rabbit hole and I need your “most amount from the least gear” reminder! I just wanna try all the different sounds and effects. Right now I’m lusting after a Hologram Microcosm or Chroma Console. But honestly, money is better spent on lessons. I changed from Fender Play to Paul Gilbert’s ArtistWorks course in December and I am really enjoying it. 10:35 it’s totally validation and confirmation bias. Especially because 1. Guitars are expensive but they’re not a “need.” It’s not like a car where you need to have one (depending on where you live). So you feel like you have to justify what you have and that the money you put in was worth it. But you’re right! It’s totally about what you need for your style and your journey. I feel like I say this every time I comment on your videos - the violin world is so different. Once I got my 2004 Albert Topa, not once did I ever say, “wow, I wish I could have that instead” or “okay, what’s next” - nor did I ever try to convince anyone that my violin was better. Is it because (at that level) they’re not mass-produced? 11:31 Exactly! IT’S ABOUT YOUR PLAY STYLE. My violin is loud and boisterous and has a beautiful lower register. It matches my flamboyant playing style (which is influenced by my loud personality and naturally loud speaking voice, I think.) So if someone is a really light touch player who loves playing floaty, ethereal high parts in seventh position on the E string, my violin would probably lack something for them. But as a violinist who looking back would probably really enjoyed viola if I got over the whole “viola is the Nickelback of the string instruments” joke (and started later than age 6 when I knew what a viola was), it’s perfect for me. I’m not saying my violin is a Guarneri, but it’s more Guarneri than Stradivarius, ya know?

Happy birthday, Keith and thanks!

Happy birthday 🤠 I love your show.

Just ordered a shirt and a mug after watching a video yesterday and missed the 20% offer. Saw it after I purchased!!

I'm in the market to buy a new guitar and downsize on some of what I own. And this video is exactly what I needed. I've gone back and forth for months about what guitar to buy next and I've done entirely too much listening to what's out there in comment sections and forums regarding the best Fender (I'm a Fender fan girl) and not to what speaks to me. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on a competition mustang. It's not considered the best fender by any means but it's comfortable to ME, inspires ME, and makes ME want to play and find MY own voice, and not emulate or imitate all the Fender guitar heroes. Somewhere along the way I lost the point of playing and became too focused on what would impress other players.

I definitely go along with the idea of finding what's right for us individually and not being driven my the crowd. The wonderful thing these days is that high quality guitars are so much more affordable than when I started playing in the '70s, so it doesn't break the bank to experiment. I've found some totally unexpected gems that way - and also realised that some guitars that I'd assumed would be a perfect fit just aren't meant for me. A perfect example for me is finally getting a Jazzmaster - something I'd passed over all these years - but the affordability of a Squire J. Mascis model made it worth a punt as a "birthday-present-to-me" ... and... Oh my goodness! I'm smitten! 😎

Happy Birthday, Keith.

It gets easier over thr years. Your preferences solidify, it becomes easier to know what makes a guitar great for you personally. Example: somewhat comically, the 'best' Strat Ive ever owned (Ive had 9), was the cheapest. A used limited edition Mexi. The neck is perfect in my hands, the fretwork flawless, action as low as I like it. Lightweight alder body with grain so rich it looks like ash (honestly), gorgeous rosewood fretboard with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and hints of red. Perfectly balanced, pick it up by the strap and it wants to sit perfectly in playing position. The pickups were 'meh', but that was an easy fix. The limited finish? Candy Red burst, currently my favorite strat color. For me, it isnt good, it's _perfect_. But I had to play for a long time for all of those preferences to develop and solidify to know 'the one' when you pick her up. I think mistakes comr from having a less clear idea of what you really want in terms of feel and tone. Sure, there are other guitars I like. But for a primary, #1, this cheap Strat checks every box from how it plays and feels to how it sounds. She even sounds good unplugged. Now, someone else could pick her up and hate her. She was sold used for cheap. Traditionalists hate Strats with a bridge humbucker... But I dont care, to me, Strats are better with 'bucker in the back. Being able to effortlessly jump back and forth between Hendrix/Gilmour tones and EVH tones is... Perfect. But that is just me. The key is the self discovery that comes from years of playing to know thyself, your own preferences. No one can tell you what is best for you. Youve got to figure that out for yourself. The good news is, that journey is a LOT of fun.

If there is one ultimate truth about this topic, it is that you are absolutely correct, sir. I recently watched EVH playing 'Little Guitars' (the song) live in '83 on a VERY little guitar (mini Les Paul). I also saw them that year. It was a huge, "WTF?" when he came out with that guitar and it sounded just like it was supposed to sound. I'm sure it had good pickups/electronics, but it was still a VERY little guitar (scale length, tiny body)... on a song that has some pretty intricate parts.

So funny, SRV has been in my top three. I met him on the Texas Flood tour, have seen him six times, have more guitars then I will admit, but have no interest in strats. Can’t explain that at all.

Paint with the colors you love! I got off the wagon. I haven't bought a brand name electric in nearly 20 years. Im fortunate enough I could buy nice vintage or modern stuff, yet, I KNOW what I like/love and im also fortunate enough to build what I love. The sad fact is, most of us do our best, or most creative work relatively early in our journey. And we do it on the worst gear we will own (typically) as most of us have little money to get the "good" or fancy stuff.

So my guitar journey started at 10 years old so it is my 50th year also. I lasted a lot of years with a Sigma I played in folk group at St. Patrick’s church and my LP Firebrand, which I bought with the first $600 I earned at McDonalds when I was 16 years old. I also built my first amp from an old tube stereo and speakers. It was many years later when the sigma had just deteriorated from neglect that I bought my first Martin C series. Later, close to my 45th birthday I bought my dream guitar which was a Taylor 12 string because back in the folk group days that 12 string players were cooler. Then things went a little crazy. Replaced the C series martin with a GPCPA1 which is my favorite guitar to play. Then I got a Strat because I had some money and it was a strat (which I got a Jimi Hendrix strap for). All was good. 4 guitars, a Martin 6 and Taylor 12, a LP from 1980 and a Strat. Then the bug hit me. I started buying stuff (mostly stuff sub $800) that would be “in essence” the tone of the more famous guitars. Then there was a cheap epi 335…and then A Danelectro 12 because I couldn’t justify a rick. Then I got an epi SG to get a guitar with P90s, and then the Dragon telecaster just because it’s cool. Then I got the tonewood bug for acoustics and needed a rosewood dread, a 00 hog and a maple small body. Then a Danelectro longhorn bass. Then a Casino, then a gretsch 5420. Along the way I got some amps, pedals and other equipment. There is a certain amount of fun picking which guitar(s), amp, effects and combination of instruments I use for my next cover on RU-vid. Looking back I could get by with my GPCPA1, my LP and my bass. Okay maybe I’d keep one of the 12s. But really I could reduce the total by 75%-80%. In the end I enjoy all my guitars and some get used a lot less than others. However I will say I would not trade being able to do this for another hobby.

The biggest mistake: "Buying ourselves into a sense of belonging" -Keith Williams, 03-26-24 Going to keep this one in my pocket. Thanks Keith

Love your comments about David Grissom and Eric Johnson sounding like they always sound no matter what gear they are using. I thought that the other day watching a John Cordy video. He always sounds basically the same no matter what gear he’s showing us. The guy has his own thing and I think that’s great.

been thru the ringer on trades sales buys whatever when i turned 27 i made a decision i need a guitar with p90s one with humbuckers and one with single coils if the guitar can over all the bases in that category that's great then i wanted my dream guitar so i got 3 guitars for sub 500 that do the work then i got the more expensive one for myself never looked back and nothings come along that's made me change my mind people with 30 guitars typically cant play but are really good at scrolling thru the local market

I bought one of every type a guitar thinking I would need them to create “that sound”. Over the years I’ve sold most of them and I’ve kept only my Teles. It was an expensive way to find out I’m a Tele guy. I did keep a Strat since it’s my first guitar and I’ve had it for over 25 years.

Gretsch guitars are the unsung heros!!!

Irrelevant comment … but I was surprised to learn you are going to be 64 this year and I used to think you are probably in your early 50s. You look fabulous and goes on to prove guitar happiness is a thing and keeps you younger inside out . Keep up the great work and here I was thinking I am in my late 40s ; when am I going to do all the things I want to do with my podcast and my band? You inspired me . Thanks again for the fun channel . I love the streams 🤘🏽

Happy birthday Keith.

I know what I like and what I like is to be flexible and open to new experiences. I don't want convert people to my point of view and that's the example I set in hope to be given the same courtesy back.

⚓️ Thanks 🌈 Keith 😎 Cheap …. Newer guitars ♨️ CNC has really boosted the quality of lower $$ guitars ♨️ I’m 69 yo beginner… Squier, Epiphone, G&L,Yamaha, Recording King ….. Indonesian & Chinese 😎 All are wonderful instruments because they sound great … easy to maintain - repair & not a big $$ deal if something goes wrong. Not possible if CNC was not part of the process.

I have a few suggestions I don't mind sharing.🤔 Buy the gear that you find is sexy. This will help bring out your confidence when you play. Art is either something that you like or you don't. I view most guitars as art you can play. Guitars are investments in happiness overall. Buy what makes you happy and boosts your confidence. If you buy gear to impress others, there will always be a hollowness to that feeling while you own that gear. There is more than one way to get the sound you have in your head (usually). Keep in mind that with playing guitar, the journey is AS IMPORTANT as the destination.😉 Enjoy the ride.😎👍✨

It's taken me years to dial in the right tone for me on that 12-watt Champ 12. (The overdrive & built in reverb suck, but the clean tones are great.) Thus the Fulltone and the Strymon Flynt.) Those 12 watts are louder than the Bassman Compact.

EVH is the best...everything else is junk. Only kidding! ; ) I hear what you are saying and you are absolutely right. It's a personal thing. I like to own one of everything so that I have all the tonal options. I have 16 now, which is a modest collection. I used to have 35 but could not maintain them all and it was nearly impossible to play them all. I never played a guitar that I did not like.

The biggest mistake is not buying about 10 guitars. You gotta have Gibsons: Les Paul, SG, 335, and something with P90s, Fenders: Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster,. PRS: Whatever because they are awesome. Martin D28, Finally, something really weird that costs under 500 from a pawn shop. Finally, cash in something and buy any Amplified Nation combo amp. Bingo, then shut up and play your guitar

There is objectivity about gear and subjectivity about gear, and yes, some people suck at being objective, but no, its not all subjective, a piece of gear can be objectively bad.

My goodness, I've been playing guitar longer than you, I sure should be a lot better than I am! But I haven't been consistent, and rarely played in bands.

As a guitar player of 45 years The playing the tone etc starts in your hand and ends up coming out of the speaker I love 5 W world and Psionic Lyle hope your feeling better, BUT TO THE POINT I've got a $400 used guitar and a $400 used guitar amp 15 W A couple of driver pedals And everybody looks at me like I'm Eddie Van Halen which I'm not I'm not a tech Or some genius I'just followed my heart and my way. NO SHIT

what has better tonewood, churches or temples?

You can't own them all. Guitars hold value pretty well so I try to keep what I need and trade around when that changes.

Opinions - sets of conclusions unsubstantiated by empirical evidence. But, who, and by what right is a conclusion sufficiently substantiated? And what constitutes the empire? Ultimately all conclusions have some measure of opinion joined to the concluder and the substantiater. The term is most usefully applied in the negative sense as a label on an opponent to besmearch their effectiveness of arriving at conclusion. Besmearch...?

Another mistake in this internet world is buying on looks and not handling the guitar before you buy......

gona spend money do it on yourself hit burklee ..play all styles and play with everone you can..

As long as you don't tape a wad of cash to a codpiece and jump around a guitar center with a t shirt over your head until the wiliest employee takes the cash you should be good,

Everyone has an opinion. I have 5 Stratocasters, 2 Telecasters, 1 Les Paul, 1 ES 335, a Custom Carvin and a cheap acoustic. I love them all. They all have pros and cons. They all do their own thing. (Even the multiple Strats…). Remember, when it comes to guitar, this is no rule book or standard. What works for you, works for you… Relax and enjoy playing. 😉

I was in a local guitar store last Friday and I picked up an HSS strat off the wall. I played it a little and everything about it felt just right. I own an Epiphone Les Paul and an Ibanez RG. I was there because I was bringing my RG in for repairs. When I go back there to pick up my RG, I’m going to buy that Strat. It’s the best playing guitar I’ve ever played. I’m selling my LP to help cover the cost.

If a guitar inspires you to advance you playing to a new place it is the right guitar... 75 dollars or 7500 it does not matter

I've been playing 40something yrs, and I didn't buy my first "high end" electric guitar for about the first 20. At the time this made no difference, as I was learning and buying different inexpensive guitars (Squire, Ibanez, Washburn, Yamaha, Epi, etc...) to figure out what worked best for me. Eventually, I settled on an ES-335 vintage dot burst, and Strat Std. for small venue, studio & recording work, and I still use only these two today

WAIT! You said fiancé. Don’t you usually say girlfriend? What’s going on?

I had a ten pound Les Paul for 8 years. My left clavicle no longer sticks out.. it’s squished. 45 years of straps probably didn’t help…. Lol

I’m 62. I started as a bassist. Switched to a Les Paul. Played rhythm for a few years. Then went back to bass. I got a 92-94 Japanese jazz bass. Over the years, I got that bass to emulate almost every bass tone I could find. It was straight into an amp. I learned that tone was entirely in my hands. Adjusting tone and volume pots…. Then I joined an Iron Maiden tribute band. Getting a precision bass with Steve Harris pickups and a badass bridge. Learned to use my right hand like Steve. Nailed his tone. No efx. I’m retired now but strong spiritual playing memories.

Love the opening dialog. "we are on our own journey". I'm old and didn't start playing until post pandemic. I really enjoy buying "cheap" Guitars, modding and playing them. Play on!

One of the things I like about your channel is the emphasis made on it just being your opinion (and to be kind). You emphasize that is not to say someone else’s opinion is wrong. They are just different. I liked your comment and I think I have paraphrased correctly - if you like the guitar and want it (I’ll add and can afford it) then buy it. I have more than I need but do enjoy playing each one. I enjoyed “listening” to this live session! Being a member of your Patreon community is a great investment! BTW - I would love to hear about Heritage Guitars as they are a spinoff from Gibson. Does Goden have a big enough following?

The problem with buying for reasons of belonging to a perceived community is that deriving meaning from being a part of that community can become part of our identity. If we have relatively few connections, disagreement about things like gear can then feel like an attack on our identity. It's the same deal with your college professors - I'll bet some of them have few connections outside of work. You see it most with some football fans (soccer to you Americans) for whom supporting their team is literally like a religion, and any decision against their club or team is an outrage. Well grounded and rounded individuals don't do this. If one reads this and it feels like preaching from a chair, it isn't. I've also experienced and come to terms with those emotions. The thing to do is make more connections. Music can help with this!

I have been a die-hard DeArmond player since they were first imported to the US. , people look at them and go What is that? I have owned dozens of them. I own both Gibsons and Fenders and I like them but the unknown DeArmonds have stolen my heart. If you have an opportunity, you should try one out. Love your channel...

I have found that one good Tele is all I need, along with 4 amps and a half-dozen acoustic guitars. 😮

A Gretsch and a Vox AC15 or AC30 and your set.

I knew that my Les Paul Custom black beauty was the guitar for me because l found tones l'd been searching for so easily, on both pups, with different tone and volume roll offs. It just seemed easier and when it was played with gain at volume it was epic. I just needed that guitar. ❤

So true. And that mind set permeates the pick up / speaker / amp areas as well. Being fortunate to own many of each, I can say this....the overall signal path (and that is everything) matters. The same pick up in different guitars WILL sound and perform different. And so on and so on. That is why you always see one person trash a pick up, and the very next person will say its great. Guitar playing is so nuansed, you have to just dive in and figure out what works for you. I got to the point where I no longer buy mainstream guitars, I make them now, just so I could, of course, make them my way, to my ears. Glad I did. I learned a lot in the process, and highly recommend it.

I had just a Yamaha acoustic then a les Paul tribute fell into a sg special helped a friend out for a 92 lp studio Gibson helped another friend and got a t310 tele by epiphone and fell into a 50th anniversary 54 stratocaster I love them all couldn't choose between the studio, strat,or the epitele says alot for the 310 but all are exceptionally playable picking any type and just play I even beat on a sqire and a Jackson 7 whatever moves you is the right one❤

I wanted a Gibson 335. I ended up buying a Yamaha SA-1000 simply because I liked the way that it sounded better. Put a Bigsby on it and used it as my main axe for years. Not a night would go by without some dude in the audience say to me "nice 335" despite the guitar was labeled Yamaha on the headstock plain as day. People want to believe what they want to believe.

If ya want a "strat" style guitar, get a G&L ;-) . Sorry i had to throw that out there ;-)

You mentioned the haunting reverb on two rocks amps. I haven’t played a two rock but in my option I own a hand wired Swart atomic space tone and it not only features all tube reverb but also all tube tremolo. The reverb on the swart is the most haunting sounding reverb l have ever heard! I recommend checking out the atomic space tone. It has a retro design similar to a 1950’’s Gibson GA amp. I would suggest trying one.!it’s rated between 18-22 what’s which isn’t a massive amount of power but you can certainly get away with being able to keep up in a small club/small group setting especially when mic’ed through the house system. Plus the swart isn’t a really heavy amp. It’s a smaller combo with a single speaker. I recommend trying one out.

You look great for 64 … 56 here ! Cheers and I’m not a strat guy I have 1 hard tail strat… my new and old wish that I’m trying to get to is a 65 ventures mosrite … keep it up

The best guitar is the one you love to play, not impress people, I have a Fender Stratocaster, a Epiphone SG, and a Les Paul jr copy with P90 pickups, and I love the distinct sound of each of them, it's what makes them fun for me, just play what you got.

I used to think I needed one of everything, until I realised what I wanted was a Tele, and something with a reverse headstock. So, I sold my LP and SG, which had stood collecting dust, and happy days!

Another GREAT Video! I feel about Les Paul guitars as you do for Strats. I do have one Gibson which is an SG, but that is all I want much less need from them. I am a Fender/Gretch guy, and bought the guitars I wanted based on my own needs and not to impress anyone... but myself! Enjoy your time away... see ya when you get back... ! 🐺

Re: PRS consistency: Paul (the P in PRS) says go to your local music store and buy the "one" that speaks to you. I expect the the neck shape is real close one to the next, and even the neck set. They work hard to tune all pick ups the same..... but Paul effectively admits they are not exactly the same.... the wood is always different and ultimately, he wants you to be happy with his product. SO if you spend some time with a few, you arev more likely to love what you bought.

I love my Harry Kolbe-modified Champ 12, my solid-state 40-watt Fender Bassman Compact, my Strymon Flynt, and my Fulltone FullDriveIII. I also love my mint 1997 Fender Stratocaster Plus.

let me contribute a few words. Im a musician, and i say that cause i too play guitar, but unfortunately i dont gell with i detifying as a guitarist, and i am quite uncomfortable with all the guitar identity politics of this bizzaarr de-evolution. Im serious, i am a square peg in a round hole......there is so much of this experience that it feels like im back in high school and i am not one of the cool kids.....lol....i digress....basically heres a quick antidote ........up untill recentlly i use to always have some guitarist who after hearing me play they were disappointed to see that i was playing a squire strat and not a real fender strat.....this type of thing happens in all forms with the arts..... its just amaizing that we live in a world with such ridiculous observations.....and some of these folks nare on a righteous soap box.......this also happened with DAW that werent Pro Tools....being a Cubase user, I always would hear, "why dont you use a real DAW like PT, if youre serious about recording, youll never get a Industry standard recording with out it".........Well now we live in the world where squires are embraced along with Epihones, and Cubase and Logic are viable DAWs and even though i use Studio One, I am happy to know that I am and never will be that pretentious person that is validated by gear and I dont care about letting the world know that real professionals play $3000 guitars, and truth be told, maybe if thats you, perhaps that money is better spent on lessons, and go buy yourself a fender squire, that are perfectly fine instruments. Trust me, Im a musician. Cheers!

Money aint cheap. Give us the goods. Personally, im avoiding names. I look pick up and play and feel it and listen for something special. But im open to advice. Cheers. Enjoy your vacash. Ps: look at Lennon, choosing a Rick before they wr a 'iconic' guitar. McCartney geting a Hof cuz thats all he had.

I did just purchase my first 5 watt amp... FYI.. I love it.

Love the five watt world platform. Great talk today. Very true.

Great job, Keith. I'm about 4 years younger than you but started playing at about the same time. I'm in total agreement with you. I have a bunch of guitars (21, sort of a fortuitous accident), and the "5" are all represented, one way or another. Two BIG mistakes I've made: 1) buying before playing/on line..... I've bought 4 guitars on line. 3 we're home runs, one was horrible. 2) when that deal of a lifetime comes up, GET IT. I had a chance to buy a 1964 Stratocaster.... the real deal... in the early 1990s, for less than $1000.00.... and I passed on it being a responsible husband and parent ... 😢

I have been a Tele guy most of my life...got a Les Paul just to round out my options and love it...but the Tele is still my go to guitar. Always thought about a Strat but never found one that spoke to me, until last week and I bought it. I was afraid your video would tell me I did something wrong but it sounds like I did it just right.

I wore out many 45s and 78s ,playing on my parents console stereo, listening and trying to play the right notes, in the late 50s and early sixties. I learned to listen carefully.

For "myself" purchasing a guitar usually involves what I want/need for a particular project I'm working on. I have played now for over 60 years. I have over the last 5-6 years had the opportunity to play more on different projects, along with my weekly gig at church. Latest purchase is a US made Tele I purchased from a collector. It is a really nice guitar and I well be playing for a high school musical. (Playing in the "pit" always kicks my butt.) The coolest thing about playing for HS productions is we get to play with a mix of experienced musicians and students. BTW I also teach guitar and have had my students watch "You're not listening" vid. One of your best! Happy Birthday Keith.

Interesting story: I started selling off some of my guitars, and I started to ask myself why. Turns out the answer was partly your channel, and your minimalist aesthetic. I asked myself if I was making myself happy, or whether I was selling them off to impress you (or people like you). So I determined that having lots of guitars just flat-out makes me happy. I've pretty much achieved equilibrium, with 12 electrics, a bass, a mandolin, three acoustics (yes, I need all three😊), an ukulele, and my violins (my main instrument). Not ragging on you at all, just agreeing that no one can tell you what guitars, how many, how few, you should have. I realized what makes me happy, and what works for me economically. 😊

I tried to like many guitars, but I go back to my Les Paul in the end. It's just what I like to play and hear.

I am very much a child of the 80's - grew up on all things hair metal and am a massive fan of Edward Van Halen. You'd think my collection would be all super-strats equipped with whammy bars - but it's almost all fixed bridge single-cuts in various flavours. The reason I even own multiple guitars is that I have them all in different tunings. To be fair - there was a very large gap of no guitar playing - before I picked it back up a few years ago when nearly 50. I still feel I'm in my learning phase of finding out what I truly like - so I'm happy to pick things up second hand as they show up. I just haven't got the hang of selling things off yet. (LOL)

i heard a story about Robin Ford and Larry Carlton switching to the others Dumble's ... if true, demos the truth of subjectivity and what works for individuals. Same goes for guitars... dont forget how to talk with people. not talk to people. Major reason i dont do GP etc boards. 'nother good vid Keith! Gonna go meditate now ...

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Keith also have a fantastic vacation ❤❤😂😂😂😂😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Keith, You are a legend, love your work, love your approach to music and guitar. I appreciate and value what you contribute to the art. 🤙🏽

I subbed to your channel recently and I have to say I really enjoy your deep dive into various guitar history … it’s always well thought out and rich in detail 👍🏻👍🏻

Damn, I missed it this week. Heading to NY tomorrow. Now I have something to watch on the plane. I hope all is well Keith.

“My Strat is another arm, it’s part of me. It doesn’t feel like a guitar at all. It’s an implement which is my voice. A Les Paul feels like a guitar and I play differently on that and I sound too much like someone else. With the Strat, instantly it becomes mine so that’s why I’ve welded myself to that. Or it’s welded itself to me, one or the other.” Jeff Beck

If you're a gigging/session musician, it makes sense to have "one of everything." But for 99% of us, there are tons of great options that cover all the bases.

Happy belated birthday, Keith! I'm with you on the Stratocaster thing. I've owned a Mexican, a U.S.A., a Jeff Beck with tweed case and two parts casters I built. I sold them ALL. I'm just not a strat guy. Same with a Telecaster. I just don't like them. The reasons are as follows: 1. For the strats, they don't have a lot of sustain like a guitar with humbuckers. 2. For the strats, even the "Noiseless" pickups still make noise. They hum, unlike humbuckers. 3. For the teles, (and strats) I don't get that "crunch" that I do with a Les Paul or a humbucker style guitar. 4. The strats (and teles) sound "empty" or "hollow". There's no depth to them. That's not to say that Les Pauls are the end all be all. They don't stay in tune very well. And if they're not chambered, they're VERY heavy.

I get asked from time to time, what's the best guitar. And I can only say, that the best guitar is the right one for you? I have 18 guitars, and I played Gibson's for quite a few years, then I went to PRS, and now I mainly play Fender's. I started on an Ibanez RG550, which I still have, and it's been modified a lot, to suit my needs. But recently I've been loving the look, and sound of Firebirds, but they are expensive, and hard to find here in the UK. But a local shop had a new Epiphone Firebird, so I took my Ibanez RG7 string in for them to have a look at. Because it had been modded as well, and looked amazing, they exchanged it for the Firebird. I've never considered an Epiphone before, but it's beautiful, and sounds different to everything else I have. I think that this just goes to show that there are some fantastic guitars out there that don't have to cost a fortune, unlike my PRS's? Now unfortunately I want more Firebirds! The best guitar is subjective, and one player may like a big neck, or the sound of certain pickups, and the next may not, it all comes down to what's right for you? And as for PRS, I have two core custom 24's, one of them looks gorgeous, and sounds great, but the other one is the best guitar I have. It just has some magic that I can't explain?

Really fun rant. Insightful. It dawned on me (duh!) that I wonder which guitars my favorite players are using for parts/tracks that I know like the back of my hand. The answer is, as you point out... it really doesn't matter... they still sound exactly like themselves, whatever the instrument and setup. Mostly. You nailed it.

Viva, Aries! Viva Horoscope! Viva the chain of command. Tell the boss, there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues! I didn't go to work...told the boss I was sick. I am only here for amusement...try my work-repellent. Will you still need me? Will you still feed me? When I'm 64?(in 9 days!) Talking or listening are the same thing, I think. I only want to be on the right path... which can only be done by not-seeking-it! If that is true...then throw a rock at it. The rock will land back in your own hand! Happy Birthday, friend! Thank you! KC

Awesome video! I love a my Epiphone and Gibson Les Pauls and Strat which is a Classic Series Fender Strat. Had lots of others which was driven by GAS but now I’m happy with what I have. The key is just to play and practice more on what feels good 👍 My go to (at the moment) is my Gibson LP 50s Standard (2022 model) with Epiphone ProBuckers 1&2. I don’t know why, but I just prefer warmer pickups. The BurstBuckers were way too bright for my playing which is mainly… no, exclusively at home 😂

HA! Happy Belated 64th B-Day!! Trust me, you don't look anywhere close to 64!! IMHO having a full head of hair really helps in that regard, Keith. I've been bald and/or balding since I was 19. We've chatted a tad in the past but don't know if I ever mentioned that I'm now 72 and quite healthy, more or less. Check this: I had my first guitar lesson at the tender age of 10 in 1961. Having said that, I didn't start getting serious until 1964 after hearing the Stones 'Satisfaction'. That did it!! So... that translates to 60+ years of playing guitar. It has given me more joy and pride in accomplishments (bands galore, including 20 years in a pro blues band) than anything else in my life, and that, my friend, is saying a lot. Cheers!!

Hahaha you’re aging well buddy! One thing I’ve had to do is…I got a Two Rock amp. I got a Gibson Custom. Etc. Then realized that my Epiphone LP is pretty much as good. It’s like 85% maybe for 25% of the cost. And realizing that the gear doesn’t make the player. It’s not the arrows it’s the archer. So I’ve sold most of my premium gear because I just don’t see the need. Now. If someone wants the premium stuff, just cause…I get it. And no judgment.

My journey was about pleasing me, 30 years of reading guitar gear mags, while I had just 2 guitars, then add some funds, & lots of time after my partner passed away ….and I just wanted to find what was right for me, have fun swapping/buying parts and adding to each guitar anyway they needed it, In short, use the knowledge I’d gained from past and present, (about effects pedals too, I’m glad all I had was an overdrive 😀 back in the day!) [I recently Plex’d 2 guitars another sonic revelation!😳] and after buying like 6, mostly after watching a particular review, I know what I like, it’s a particular tone from a humbucking equipped guitar, what I’ve learned is, at most I need 3 guitars 1 with a trem, 2 without, wrap around bridges, big frets, a medium C carve and Seymour Duncan’s I’ve learned odd things, like changing from plastic nut to Bone, or stock writing versus cloth covered and hi quality switches pot and jacks makes an incredible tonal change. But I can really only play one to my satisfaction, my Revstar, I changed most of its parts, but the build quality, fretwork!(especially when compared to its cheap original parts) is just soo good, beats the PRS, competes with my ‘66 SG I bought in my 30’s, simply because the Yamaha has a neck PU, I don’t play my 1 PU guitars anymore So it’s been fun, but why keep what I don’t play, I recently bought a switch so I could jump from one to the other, but a month later and I just play the Revstar🤣. Great show, I don’t understand validators either😳 weird, I’ll only admit I bought them hoping to have a jam partner, so it’s not showing them off, just have g a guitar good enough that they didn’t need to bring theirs! Sigh…. Covid kinda trashed my plans, and I’m basically a recluse now. But I sure play a lot better🤣🤣

In Austin, Texas. I’m known as Dr. Tone. I was fortunate enough to be born in Austin Texas in 1967 Atown, a wash in fine instruments, selected from all over the world for their tone. In the 1980s tone was a thing of the past. The pawnshops we’re full of these broken dreams.Tone machines in the form of guitars, amps and effects pedals. I’ve owned so many amazing guitars. I settled on a Mark Erlewine exact copy of Billy Gibbons, Pearly Gates, Les Paul. When I say exact. I mean everything, but the pick ups is copied to a T from his guitar down to the flaw. That makes it what it is as far as internation goes. I have had many guitar techs, tell me they could fix this flaw within the intonation. I have told everyone of them the same thing, NO! It makes it what it is. I bought this guitar in 1989 from Music Makers on South Lamar for $900 bucks. I understand it was around 6000 that the guy paid to have it made. The flaw that I speak of was the reason he was selling it so cheap. He was that mad. He thought Erlewine made a mistake? When you hear Billy Gibbons false harmonics, you’ll know why ? It was no mistake. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This guitar sits right next to my 1958 ES 225 Gibson they will be treasured long after I’m dead. And they still aren’t the best work guitars I ever bought. They are unique, and they do their thing better than nothing else. The best guitar I’ve ever bought sad to say it came to me late in life, but at a time when I could appreciate it the most is an Ibanez Artist 2916. With 15 selectable tones, 10 more than a PRS. This guitar is a chameleon it can be anything you want and I’m not kidding. If there’s a tone that guitar can’t get it would surprise me. The only thing that it can’t do well is the sound of an acoustic or classical guitar and I would venture with enough dialing and switching. You could find a close proximity? Now let’s talk about the neck? It is without a doubt the most smooth transition from neck to body of any neck I’ve ever found on any guitar it is the ultimate in playability. I know it was made in 1976 and I know that if you buy anything after 1977, it will be questionable as to whether you get that particular type of neck. It’s like a tree trunk when you get down to the body but it’s a smooth transition no divot no ridges nothing, amazing. I’ve been playing musical instruments for over 40 years and never found a guitar as smooth as this one with it’s 15 selectable tones, it can sound like a Gretsch, Rickenbacker, a Stratocaster, or Telecaster with ease. It has some amazing Les Paul tones. If only I had found this guitar 40 years ago? And now I’m at an age that it doesn’t matter whether I keep it secret anymore I have one and that’s all I need although I’d probably like one more just in case you break a string. It really is that indispensable as a tonal weapon on stage or in the studio. My only advice on this guitar is buy one before it’s too late and May the tone be with you? I have 35 amplifiers if you’re wondering? Probably more? My favorites are three orange amps a 1975 100 twin, a 1970 Plexi 100 and the steel face 1971 graphics 120 and one1969 matamp white with bass, boost, a 1964 AC-50 Vox, an 1967 Vox royal guardsmen block 400 paperback writer Beetle, distortion, a Sunn 1000s. These are my favorite for playing live. I have a whole host of studio amps. and hundreds of vintage pedals. My favorite are the old fuzz faces of course the crybabies Italian. I love anything mu-tron! Gibson made maestro pedals the ones that look like doorstops Moog help design? Hard to beat that for tone. But what do I know I’m just an old gearhead whom someday will have to sell all of these wonderful dreams. I just hope the next Tonal archaeologist will be as enthusiastic about these discoveries as I have been. How many people do you know whom walk around with a doctors bag with two mu tron Bi-phases in it? May the tone be with you?

My deal is, I can't resist the equipment that I dreamed of and drooled over when I was a young musician but could afford or acquire. 50 years later I definitely don't need the stuff and will likely lose money on it but can't resist picking it up as I find it.

I bought my guitar back in 1980 which is 50$ Japan 1972 Aria SG. It is played countless times on records and gigs. I broke the neck and body repaired it cost me a lot more than the initial price and still playing after 45 years. It has magical low output humbucker pickups. It is still my only guitar although I can easily spare the budget for 5000$ custom LP.

Keith, Happy Birthday 🎉🎂🎊 Sir!!! I play both bass and guitar. My two main basses are Ibanez headless (a 4 string and a 5 string) and my three main guitars are three seven string headless (a Kiesel, a Strandberg, and an Ibanez). The reason why is because I have MS and headed instruments put more of a strain on me physically. I find these instruments sound as great as my Fenders, Squire, and Warmoths. I still use my headed basses and guitars from time to time, but I am very happy with my five headless instruments. Be blessed 😇 from Alexandria, VA.

I couldn’t relate to or agree more with this sentiment, perfectly stated!!! Those dudes who comment all negative have one thing in common I’ve noticed: they’re all terrible players or don’t play at all! 🤦‍♂️🤣💯🎯🎶 Watched the Yamaha guitars video yesterday, the amount of homework and passion you put into your videos is unmatched, thank you for your commitment to All things music and guitar! 😉👏

I think my whole guitar career has been influenced by my guitar heroes - My Les Pauls are because of Jimmy Page. My Strats because of Clapton. My PRS because of Santana. My Tele because of Springsteen. Etc etc. I readily admit it - and - I'm perfectly okay with it.

Strat, Les Paul, telecaster, assorted acoustics, six string banjo! Assorted tunings etc. it is all a toolbox to a professional player that plays different motifs and genres. Specific things you need a specific type of guitar. Take for instance the cream reunion Clapton played a strat. In my humble opinion the quality in the tonality of the concert I was sadly disappointed. Also did not play a wahWahsolo on white room! I love a strat but I don't play cream or ACDC or Jeff Beck group without a Les Paul! -Peace

Oh, a Mesa Boogie, 5:25 & an EVM 12L in sealed back speakers, I’ve got 2 of each🙂. What works for you? Endeavor to find out! that would be my only advice in the end, I could help, but it’s up to you!

I have a 65 Epiphone Texan that I love. I'm always telling people it is an outstanding Texan. Then I tell them they probably won't like the skinny neck, the adjustable bridge or the plywood bridge plate, and never ever buy one without playing it. Without the disclaimers, people might make a huge mistake.I have a D 35 many would say was crap, then list the reasons I like mine. It is very dry for a D 35.

Can we all just agree the speaker is the biggest factor in tone?