Gibson guitars are highly sought after because of their quality and iconic status in the music industry, but they also come with a hefty price tag. Do they live up to the hype, and are they worth the money? If you’re considering buying a Gibson guitar, read on to find out why many players say it’s worth every penny.

Are Gibson guitars worth the money? Gibson guitars are worth the money if you want a high-quality guitar that looks, sounds, and plays great. Gibson is one of the top guitar brands in the world, and it makes arguably the best electric guitars on the market.

Why Gibson Guitars Are Worth the Money

A Gibson guitar will probably be out of many people’s price range, especially if they want a new one. Gibson produces instruments that have been played and loved for decades, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before spending your hard-earned cash on one.

Gibson has a long, reputable history.

It may be hard to believe, but Gibson Guitars have been around since 1894 when Orville Gibson patented a mandolin design which eventually led to Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co., Ltd. In that time, they’ve built up a reputation for building high-quality instruments that are worth the money they cost.

Indeed, one of the reasons Gibson guitars are so expensive is their popularity and reputation. Gibson is a well-established brand that has produced some of the most popular and iconic guitars ever made, like the Gibson Les Paul.

Gibson uses quality materials.

What makes a high-end guitar? Quality materials. They might not be cheap, but they sure do make a difference. Gibson guitars use only top-quality woods and finish them with care. That’s why musicians trust Gibsons to help produce their best music.

One of Gibson’s signature tonewoods is mahogany. It uses this wood to construct the bodies and necks of its solid-body guitars, which have focused lows and rich mids. The density of mahogany contributes to the long sustain that Gibson’s guitars are so well known for.

As any guitarist will tell you, there’s no point in paying for something cheap that doesn’t perform well or last long enough to justify its purchase—particularly when it comes to something as important as your instrument.

Gibson guitars are made in the US.

Gibson guitars are worth the money because they are made in the US, not sweatshops. They have a high standard for quality and will never settle for something that isn’t up to par with their standards. Their designs are all beautiful, and many of them are widely appreciated by players worldwide. When buying a Gibson guitar, you know you will be getting something of good quality and lasting value, not just some throwaway item that will fall apart after six months.

Gibson guitars, famous for their unique tone and finish, are made at two separate factories in the US. Gibson’s acoustic guitars are manufactured at a separate Montana-based factory. Gibson had previously made their semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars in their Memphis plant, but just before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, Gibson sold the facility and moved production to their main Nashville factory.

Gibson guitars have good craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship is what you’re paying for when you decide to invest in a Gibson. Aside from being expertly made in the US, Gibson guitars also have a unique tonal quality that makes them the first choice of many famous musicians. For instance, the legendary Les Paul model has been played by Eric Clapton, Slash, and Jimmy Page – some of the best guitarists on the planet – because it was their number one choice.

The standard of craftsmanship on Gibson guitars is exceptionally high, and they are built to last, making the price tag worth it. Like many other leading guitar brands, Gibson guitars are made with the help of sophisticated CNC machines. These machines can accurately cut out pieces of wood for bodies and necks, saving time and thus money. However, every guitar is sanded, shaped, and finished by hand by skilled employees who give each instrument their undivided attention.

Gibson guitars look and sound different from other guitars.

The tone and resonance of Gibson guitars are incomparable. Many people buy a Gibson guitar to copy famous bands and guitarists like the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix, but most people don’t realize that these instruments produce amazing sound on their own.

Gibson’s quality of workmanship sets it apart from any other instrument on the market today, in both visual appeal and quality of tone. The guitar market is competitive, but when you come across a Gibson, it’s easy to know that it’s going to be good just by looking at it and touching it.

Gibson offers tons of options.

One of the most important things to consider is the availability of different options and models—and Gibson has tons of options available. From Les Pauls to SGs to Flying Vs, if there’s a guitar sound or look you want, the odds are that Gibson has an option for it.

Compared to other brands in its price range, Gibson also offers more features (like stop bars and Grover tuners) than many similar products on today’s market.

Gibson guitars are iconic.

Known for its spanky sound and sweet sustain, no list of top guitars would be complete without mentioning Gibsons. For instance, just the iconic red Gibson Les Paul alone has adorned the stage of some of the greatest guitarists in history, such as Slash to B.B. King.

While less-expensive alternatives are available for aspiring musicians, you’ll struggle to find a more revered brand name than Gibson.

A Gibson guitar is an investment.

While Gibson guitars are admittedly more expensive than your typical run-of-the-mill Fender or Ibanez model, they are still a solid investment. Sure, they’re a bit pricey to start with—but like anything worthwhile in life, the investment pays off in the long run. The sheer quality of the instrument is worth its weight in gold, as it will not need much maintenance and will last you decades. Plus, they look super cool.

Not only is it an excellent sounding guitar that can serve as a status symbol, but it also retains its value very well. Gibson guitars have excellent resale value, allowing you to make back some money if you decide to sell down the line.

Conclusion

Among experienced guitarists, a well-loved Gibson is often referred to as the real deal. This reputation comes from years of fine craftsmanship and innovation, but it’s no accident that these guitars deliver such iconic sound.

Rogue guitars are an interesting topic of conversation among guitar enthusiasts. Though they are not as well-known as other brands, rogue guitars have a following all of their own.

Let’s take a closer look at these instruments and find out what makes rogue guitars so special!

What Are Rogue Guitars?

Rogue guitars are electric guitars that have been on the market since the early 1990s. Made with maple and rosewood fretboards, these guitars are known for their affordable prices and quality construction. They are ideal for beginners because they provide good value for money.

Who Makes Rogue Guitars?

Rogue guitars are manufactured by Sungbo Industrial in Korea using the latest guitar-making technology. They are distributed by a popular music distribution company called Musician’s Friend situated in the Rogue Valley of Medford, Oregon.

These instruments have been around for a long time, and they continue to be popular among beginner and intermediate guitar players.

Since their introduction in the music industry, the rogue line has expanded to include other instruments like basses, mandolins, keyboards, and amplifiers. The guitar line, featuring electric and acoustic guitars, ranged between $35 and $300.

Acoustic guitars come with ash wood tops, while electric guitars feature a mahogany wood construction.

Who Was the First Person to Create a Rogue Guitar?

The steel-stringed acoustic guitars you find today were first created by Christian Frederick Martin, who had emigrated from Germany to the United States. Back in the day, guitars used catgut strings made from sheep intestines.

Where Are the Strings of Rogue Guitars Made?

Rogue guitar strings are made in the United States. This is true for all kinds of rogue guitars – acoustic, electric, and cigar box.

Are Rogue Guitars Good?

Rogue guitars are not as well-known as some bigger brands, but they offer excellent quality and value for the money. Many people find that Rogue instruments have a better sound and playability than guitars that cost two or three times as much.

Rogue Guitars for Beginners

Rogue guitars are becoming more and more popular these days, and for good reasons. Many beginning guitarists start with a Rogue guitar, and they never need to upgrade!

Let’s find out why.

Affordability

For one, they are affordable, which is important when you are just starting out and don’t have a lot of money to spend on your hobby. A new guitar can be a major investment, but Rogue guitars offer great value for the price. You can find a quality Rogue guitar for under $200, which is much less expensive than many other brands.

Choice of Styles

They also come in a variety of different styles, so you can find the perfect guitar for your needs. Plus, they are easy to play, which makes learning the ropes a breeze!

Durability

The quality of these instruments is also top-notch, which means you don’t have to worry about durability. They are made from high-quality materials, so they can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and take a lot of abuse, making them perfect for beginners who are still learning how to care for their instruments.

Excellent Sound Quality

Lastly, their pickups produce a rich and full sound perfect for beginning musicians. They have an excellent tone that will make any beginner want to practice more often. With the right strings and tuning, they’ll play beautifully too.

How to Choose the Right Rogue Guitar for Your Needs

Now let’s talk about how to choose the best Rogue guitar for your needs. Below are a couple of things you need to consider before making the final decision.

The Type of Music You Want to Play

The first thing you need to know is what type of music you want to play. If you are interested in classical or jazz, it would be better to buy an acoustic model. However, if rock music is more your style, electric models might suit your needs better.

Your Budget

You also need to know how much money you can afford to spend on your guitar. If it’s less than $100, we suggest buying an inexpensive acoustic model with good sound quality but won’t break the bank if something goes wrong (which is very likely for a beginner).

On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend more than $100, electric guitars may be your best option.

Our Recommendations

Some of the top Rogue guitar models for beginners include:

• Rogue RA-090 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
• Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar Red Burst
• Rogue RA-090 Concert Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

All three are fairly cheap but have good sound quality. Plus, they’re perfect for beginners because they’re easy to play and don’t require much maintenance.

If you want to buy a Rogue guitar, we highly recommend checking out Musician’s Friend or Amazon.

Final Words

Rogue guitars are some of the most popular instruments on the market. They have been popular with musicians for years, and their popularity is only increasing.

These instruments are known for their excellent sound and construction and are available at a fraction of the cost of other brands. Most people like that Rogue has a wide range of options available at different price points, so there’s something out there to suit anyone’s budget.

Musicians who are just starting out would be a good fit for a Rogue guitar. They are relatively inexpensive, so they won’t break the bank. At the same time, they offer a great learning experience. Experienced musicians might also want to consider buying a Rogue guitar. They can use it as a backup instrument or for practicing new songs.

But don’t forget, not all rogue guitars are created equal. If you are a beginner, it is important to choose the right guitar in order to avoid frustration and improve your learning experience. This is because the quality of your guitar will have a big impact on how well you progress as a musician.

Good luck!

The humble guitar capo has earned a permanent place in the accessory pouches of many guitarists across the world. This little tool allows guitarists to change up their sound and play songs in different keys with ease. If you have recently lost your capo and are unable to purchase a new one, do not fret!

Today we will be answering the question, “What can I use as a substitute capo?” and examining which objects work best for this purpose.

What is a Capo?

Before we answer the primary question this article is based around, it is worth learning what exactly a capo is.

A capo is essentially a small tool consisting of a bar with a tension mechanism. The capo is fixed onto your guitar’s neck where it pressed down the row for frets evenly. For example, setting a capo at the third fret of your neck allows it to press down on the third fret of each string. Doing so essentially pitches up your guitar’s tuning by three semitones.

Guitarists often use capos when they want to transpose a song into a higher key. They may also use it to play chords at a higher pitch for compositions and recordings. Many famous songs in recent decades were composed and performed using a capo. This includes:

• The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun (Capo at 7th fret)
• Eagles – Hotel California (Capo at 7th fret)
• Oasis – Wonderwall (Capo at 2nd fret)

Types of Capos

There are many different types of capo designs out there. Each one functions on the primary principle of a “bar”pressing down on a row of frets with the help of tension applied from behind the device. The most common types include:

1. Trigger Capos

Trigger capos feature a simple “clamping mechanism” powered by a spring. These capos are in their “closed” position by default and can be “opened” by the clamp’s handles. Trigger capos are favored because they can be opened and adjusted with just one hand. This makes them popular for musicians who need to apply or move their capo in a couple of seconds during a performance.

2. Screw Capos

Screw capos are special because they allow you to adjust the amount of tension applied to your guitar’s neck and frets via an adjustable screw. Guitarists can position their capo in their desired neck location and begin tightening the neck until each string is being pushed against the frets properly.

Screw capos ensure the right amount of pressure is being applied. This helps avoid any unwanted buzzing from the tension being too low, or damage from the tension being too high.

3. Strap Capos

Strap capos feature a bar that has tension added onto it using a strap. This strap is usually made from an elastic material that stretches. This strap’s tension can be increased by pulling it and fixing it using various notches. Many guitarists use strap capos because they are gentle on your guitar’s neck. However, the tension they provide may not be consistent due to the elastic nature of the straps.

What Can I Use as a Substitute Capo?

If you have recently lost your capo and need one for an important performance in the next few minutes, do not fear! It is possible to fashion a capo from a set of household objects quite easily. Let’s look at the steps below.

What you will need

You will need the following items for your makeshift capo:

1. Small wooden pencil, a few inches longer than the width of your guitar’s neck
2. A strong rubber band

How to Make Your Capo

The capo we will be constructing will be similar to the strap capos mentioned above. To make this, you should follow the steps below:

• Place the pencil perpendicular to your guitar’s neck and at the fret position you would like it to be.
• Place the rubber band around the pencil’s top end.
• Place the back end of the rubber band around the pencil’s bottom end. The end result should have the rubber band draped across the back of your guitar’s neck.

You can now strum your guitar and check if each string sounds right. If you hear buzzing when you pluck certain strings, it means the tension from the rubber bands is too loose. In this situation, you should reconstruct your capo using a smaller rubber band.

If you want to reposition your capo up or down the neck, simply hold the pencil from each end with one hand, lift it and slide it along the neck. This method allows you to adjust the capo’s position without having to take the mechanism apart.

Can I Use a Pen Instead of a Pencil?

You may be able to use a pen instead of a pencil for your makeshift capo.  However, a pencil is recommended due to its flat sides. These sides allow the pencil to sit evenly against the strings.

The pencil’s wood material is also less likely to damage your guitar’s wooden neck, especially when compared with a pen’s plastic or metal material. However, if you are in a pinch, you may be able to get away with using a pen. If possible, look for a pen that has flat sides like a pencil does.

How Long Can I Use the Substitute Capo For?

You may be able to use a substitute capo for the duration of your performance. However, you should avoid leaving it on your guitar for extended periods. This is because your guitar strings may eventually dig into the pencil’s wood, and this may affect the sound produced.

The rubber band’s tension may also lessen over time, so it is best to take your substitute capo apart after your performance.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, creating a substitute capo is a fairly straightforward process that can be accomplished using a few household materials. You may never know when you will need a capo in an emergency. So keep the above guide in mind before your next performance.

There are three types of steel guitars today. The first one is a resonator guitar, the second is a pedal steel guitar, and the third is a lap steel guitar. Each guitar is interchangeably used in different genres of music, although they are notably popular in jazz, country, folk, and traditional music.

Each guitar differs from one another as well. And in this article, we will talk about the difference between a lap steel guitar and a pedal steel guitar.

That being said, there are several factors that differentiate what a pedal steel guitar is, and what a lap steel guitar is. But the most notable distinctions between the two is their (a) build and (b) musical expression.

Essentially, pedal steel guitar comes with foot pedals and knee levers used and is supported with legs, while a lap steel guitar is placed on the lap and typically resembles a ukulele. And because the former comes with knee levers and foot pedals that is used to alter the pitch of the instrument’s strings, a pedal steel guitar allows players to express their music in a lot more ways compared to a lap steel.

But not only that.

Both guitars differ in the level of playability, sound, tuning, and even strings as well.

A Quick Guide to Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Guitars

Before we move forward and talk about the different aspects that set the two steel guitars apart, let’s discuss first what exactly lap steel and pedal steel guitars are.

Having said that, what exactly a lap steel guitar is?

Also known as the Hawaiian guitar, a lap steel guitar is a type of string instrument that is played horizontally and is placed across the musician’s lap. Its build and size resemble a ukulele but depending on whether it is an acoustic or electric lap steel guitar, the external appearance may vary as well.

In terms of playability, a lap steel guitar is played by pressing a steel bar against the plucked strings. A great difference from how a traditional guitar is played, which is pressing the strings against the frets.

Moreover, the steel guitar originated from the Hawaiian Islands and was popularized by Joseph Kekuku.

Pedal steel guitar, on the other hand, is a type of instrument that is—physically—quite different from other string instruments. Because instead of a guitar, it looks more like an organ.

Essentially, a pedal steel guitar is a console-type string instrument that has knee levers and pedals. The pedals and the lever are then used to alter the pitch of strings. Such ability to change the pitch then enables the musician to create and play diverse and more complicated music.

The pedal steel guitar is associated mostly with Hawaiian and American country music too.

What Makes the Two Steel Guitars Different?

As said earlier, pedal steel and lap steel guitars differ largely from one another despite being categorized as steel guitars. From their sounds to how they are played, the two instruments are not alike.

That said, here are the factors that set the two steel guitars apart. 

• Sound. For musicians, the sound is a crucial factor when playing an instrument. And for pedal steel and lap steel guitars, the sound, as well as the timbre that both instruments make, are almost similar.In fact, if both steel guitars are played at the same time, it would be difficult for the listeners to recognize which sound comes from the lap steel guitar and which sound comes from the pedal steel guitar. The difference takes place, however, when you start using the knee levers and pedals of the pedal steel guitar. And it is because, as mentioned earlier, levers and pedals are used to alter the steel guitar’s strings pitch. Changing it then allows the player to musically express the notes by creating new sounds.

   

• Build and material. As mentioned earlier, the most notable distinction between the two is their build. Pedal steel guitar comes with foot pedals and knee levers and is supported with legs. On the other hand, a lap steel guitar typically resembles a standard guitar and has the size same as a ukulele. Thus, in terms of size and weight, it is easier to carry a lap steel guitar than a pedal steel guitar.Moreover, a lap steel guitar has fewer strings compared to a pedal steel guitar. The former usually has six to eight strings while the latter can have ten—or even more than that—strings. In a way, this makes a lap steel guitar easier to learn compared to pedal steel. 

• Tuning. Another factor that sets the two steel guitars apart is how the two are tuned. The lap steel guitar, for instance, is often tuned to an extended and open chord such as 6th, 7th, and 9th rather than the standard guitar tuning which is E-A-D-G-B-E.But among the said chords, the most used is the C6 (C-E-G-A-C-E). In fact, it is the most common modern tuning for a lap steel guitar and is the most accessible. The C6 chord is very versatile, and you can find a lot of learning materials available on the internet.A pedal steel guitar, on the other hand, typically utilizes an E9 tuning. But in the case of double-neck pedal steel, musicians usually tune each neck to E9 and C6. 

• Playing position. The two steel guitars also vary in playing position.As its name suggests, the lap steel guitar is played while resting on the musician’s lap. Although it can also be placed on a small stand. And because its size is similar to that of a ukulele, it is much lighter to carry than pedal steel. Hence, it is portable. On the flip side, a pedal steel guitar needs a stand to efficiently make use of its foot bars and knee levers. It is larger compared to lap steel too. And, thus, may require more time to set up.
• Cost. All instruments vary in price. And the same goes with pedal and lap steel guitars. An entry-level lap steel guitar, for example, can cost you up to $100—or even more. Factors such as the brand, age, as well as overall quality of the instrument can influence its value.A pedal steel guitar, on the flip side, is a lot more expensive due to its size as well as the additional mechanical and musical—the pedal and the lever, to be exact—options. Entry-level pedal steel can cost you between $300 to $1,000 while a professional set is often sold from around $2,500 (used) to $4,000 (brand new).

Conclusion

In music, instruments play a vital role in what a specific genre of music sounds like. Rock music, for example, is to electric guitars while jazz is to piano and trumpet. It is why learning the differences between two or three instruments of the same category is crucial for musicians. 

That said, in conclusion, we learned that a lap steel guitar and a pedal steel guitar vary primarily in build as well as musical expression. And that the level of difficulty on how to learn the instrument, the sound, design, tuning, and even playing position also make the two steel guitars unique from another.

What are the most expensive guitar strings? Some of the most expensive guitar strings in the market today are Optima Gold Plated Strings and Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic PB Strings for their coatings, Thomastik-Infeld Guitar Strings and D’Addario NYXL Strings for the quality and feel of their strings, and Martin Titanium Strings for its titanium core strings.

Fender, many’s go-to stop for anything and everything about guitars, pumps out 90,000 guitar strings a day. If you lay these out end-to-end, you’d have enough to circumnavigate Earth! With this amount of strings in the market, you’d surely fancy to stand out.

Speaking of “fancy,” it’s essential to understand why we’re drawn to luxury items. We, as social animals, tend to impulsively go for big purchases without actually asking if it’s worth that overtime pay—all for the sake of showing off.

Hence, we’ve compiled some of the most expensive guitar strings in the market and assessed whether they’re worth the extra couple of bucks.

Optima Gold Plated Strings

We think the name, alone, could explain why a pack of these strings costs over 20 bucks. Who are we to argue against gold, after all? The gold coating on guitar strings increases warmth and longevity and makes them sound richer (no pun intended).

Gold-coated strings are great if you want to produce warm, comforting versions of your go-to chords. Many also say they look way cooler in your guitar than your average metal strings. Reviews also say that these strings feel softer to touch but stiffer than standard.

Still, be wary that gold-plated strings, like this one, sound drastically different compared to average ones. Hence, you might spend some time tweaking. That gold plating may also be prone to rust.

Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic PB Strings

We’ve talked about gold-plating; now it’s time to look into NANOWEB coating. You might be wondering what’s NANOWEB: It’s an extremely thin, nearly undetectable coating that’s applied on metal strings. They feel and sound natural (while maintaining a superb tone), and they significantly increase string life. It accomplishes this by preventing corrosion of the rust-prone string.

Copper and zinc alloys were used to make these 80/20 Elixir strings (encased in bronze). Thanks to the coating, it’s also easy to move your fingertips along them. It also means you won’t have to be concerned about making squeaking noises.

Even though they are pricier, they should last considerably longer, which is ideal for any guitarist looking to make a long-term venture.

Thomastik-Infeld Guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld is an Austria-based firm that manufactures basic needs for fretted string instruments (including guitars). Their strings are regarded as having the “brilliance and power” of carbon strings (stiff and robust) but still generating natural-sounding chords like nylon strings.

They’re pretty gentle on the fingers because they’re composed of a novel material. They also save you from creating those bothersome squeaks, which may be irritating during recording sessions.

Its biggest downfall, however, is its price tag. But if you have an affinity for luxury yet high-quality goods (and have the budget for it), this is a good pick for you!

D’Addario NYXL Strings

“D’Addario NYXL electric strings will bend farther, sing louder, and stay in tune better than any string you’ve played before.”

These strings are pretty hyped up on the company page. According to studies provided by its producers, these strings stay in tune 131% longer compared to standard! Hence, spending some extra cash on these can help you save more money in the long run. D’Addario also claims that no other products over the same sort of longevity.

Each pack can cost past 20 bucks, being at par even with gold-plated guitar strings. Despite the price tag, the product generally received positive reviews from users, stressing how the strings stay corrosion-free for longer, even on nearly daily use.

Martin Titanium Strings

Going back to patented technology, we have Martin Titanium Core strings.

These strings are said to have super intonation and tuning ease, claiming to be better than any other strings in the market. Just as the name says, these almost 40-buck strings are primarily titanium. So, what’s the difference?

Titanium strings are known to have the same tensile strength as steel. However, they’re a lot more flexible. Hence, it’ll be easier for you to strum and press these, making it beginner-friendly as it curbs finger fatigue.

Aside from titanium, the alloy used for these strings is also infused with nickel. This makes the strings less prone to rusting and, thus, stays in good condition longer than average.

Some Important Pointers for Choosing Guitar Strings

In actuality, there’s more to look into when buying guitar strings (aside from the price tag).

First, get a grasp on your guitar type. It’s just that specific guitar types work better with specific strings (e.g., nylon strings for classical guitars, metal alloys for acoustic).

You should also put heavy consideration on your playing style and experience. If you’re a beginner, strings made of more flexible material may be ideal (they significantly reduce finger fatigue and make strumming a lot easier).

Pay some mind as well on what genre you usually play. Let’s say you play a lot of metal; you’d probably need something reinforced (to withstand all trashing).

Are Expensive Ones More Awesome than the Cheap Ones?

Guitar strings are usually reasonably priced – the highest one costs up to a little above 20 bucks and would probably last you long. Hence, “upgrading” them would be more of an investment than a risk (especially if you have a well-paying job or an effective saving habit).

With everything we hovered on, we can say that spending a little dough may be worth the hustle! Quality and novel strings would not only retain their tone and condition longer; they would also make some substantial tactile improvements. This could even go as far as helping you play better.

You (and your wallet) may be used to your affordable standard steel or nylon strings, but experimenting from time to time may actually do you good!

Are Expensive Strings Really Worth It? Final Thoughts

To reiterate, upgrading to high-end strings may be worth the (sort of) financial risk. They’re not as costly, and they offer a variety of new experiences.

We have gold-plated strings with lush, warm tones, nano-coatings that increase longevity, and titanium alloys that diminish finger fatigue. The real risk here is finding out you chose one that mismatches your needs and wants!

With proper research and self-assessment, you can make expensive strings worth every penny.