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Guitar Gear

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Strap buttons are an important part of a guitar’s design, providing support and stability when playing while standing. Typically, a guitar has two strap buttons: one located at the bottom of the guitar and the other near the neck joint. These buttons allow the player to attach a guitar strap securely, making it easier to manage the instrument, especially during live performances or long practice sessions.

Guitar strap buttons are often made of metal or durable plastic and are designed to hold the weight of the guitar safely. Some guitars come with only one strap button, usually at the base, requiring the player to install a second button at the neck to balance the strap properly. This is especially common in acoustic guitars.

Strap buttons not only add functionality but also ensure the player can perform comfortably for extended periods. Without these buttons, holding a guitar for too long could lead to discomfort or limited mobility. For players who perform often, this simple feature becomes crucial in maintaining a smooth playing experience.

In addition to comfort, strap buttons are essential for guitarists who enjoy moving around the stage, giving them the freedom to express themselves without the fear of dropping the instrument. Whether playing a casual gig or headlining a major event, strap buttons offer a sense of security.

Overall, the strap buttons are a small yet critical part of a guitar that every player should understand. Proper care and installation of these buttons ensure the guitar remains balanced and easy to play, allowing the musician to focus solely on their performance.

When it comes to guitars, the proof is in the pudding: if it looks great, feels great, and sounds great, then you have a fantastic guitar in your hands.

And a matching price tag to boot.

But, hold on—there’s another thing going that explains why guitars charge how much they charge. In a nutshell, these are the full force of material quality, brand, and origin, plus the added factor of supply and demand driving the price much higher than the average guitars in the global market these days.

Before we start, here’s an interesting exchange between two guitarists discussing the price increase this year:

So why are guitars expensive? It’s the intermingling elements of material quality, brand, origin, and supply-and-demand variable driving the guitar price up.

Let’s look at each element in detail.

The Material Influence

If you walk into a shoe store and spot two pairs of nice boots, one made from genuine leather and the other from faux leather, which one do you think will cost more?

Between a custom-made solid wood work table and a laminated wood work table, which one do you think will cost more?

And which items do you think will last longer?

Needless to say, the ones made with premium materials win.

When it comes to just about any item, the quality of materials is typically the biggest price determinant (other than the brand, but we will get to that later).

The difference between a $200 guitar and a $2000 guitar usually lies with the materials with which they were made. That and other variables, such as (again) who manufactured the instrument and to some extent, the method used to make them.

● The Wood

Some acoustic guitars, for instance, can be very expensive because they are hand-made with the highest quality woods and materials.

Woods that are harder to source due to proximity from the manufacturing location naturally costs more. The same thing is true for woods that belong to protected species or are scarce. The exotic rosewood and rare ebony woods are expensive and can be difficult to import due to stricter restrictions.

Some woods are prized for the gorgeous appearance they impart on the finished instrument. A quilted maple top guitar, for example, is a solid 10/10 in the looks department compared with, let’s say, a mahogany top guitar.

These exquisite woods usually go to constructing premium guitars, whereas the more common, lower-grade woods are used to make lower-end models. And that’s how the wood used for building the guitar influences the price.

● The Hardware

Choice hardware can bump up the price of guitars considerably. To keep the guitar price down, some manufacturers make their own tuners, controls, and other hardware rather than buy these parts from other companies.

You would know when tuners and bridge are made from cheap materials—they are wonky and hard to control. High-quality tuners turn smoothly and hold string tension steadily. Select bridge materials, likewise, securely grips the strings to the guitar body while allowing for their natural movement. Superior quality bridge saddle adjusts easily, transmits sound to the soundboard efficiently, and is smooth and durable.

● The Electronics

You can easily gauge the quality of the guitar with the way it sounds. Excellent electronics produce excellent sound—and it all boils down to the pickup, the guitar’s sound center.

A pickup is composed of magnetic pole pieces wound with super-thin copper wire. They are often coated with lacquer or wax to protect against corrosion and moisture.

The way the wire is coiled around the magnetic bars, as well as the number of times it is wound, decides the way the guitar will sound. Too little and the sound is weak, too much and the sound becomes muffled. With just the right amount of winding and gaps within it, the sound is clear and crisp.

Good quality pickups with proper wiring and protective coating, combined with excellent volume and tone controls, produce a seamless tone with no buzz, popping, or crackling.

Many expensive guitars have these high-end hardware and electronics parts sourced from fabricators that specialize in the design and production of these parts.

The Brand and Origin

We know about the brand and origin factor all too well.

We have ideas why iPhones generally cost more than Android phones, why a bottle of good French wine will set you back a few more dollars than an equally good bottle of wine from Spain, or why the luxurious Egyptian cotton is more expensive than Pima.

We know why Gibson guitars that are made in the US cost more than their close relative, the Epiphone guitars made in the Far East.

When it comes to guitars, you know you would be paying extra for branding and origin.

Brands that have been around for a very long time know the business, market, and industry to the core. These established brands are the major league players and have set the standard for best and icon-status guitars: Gibson (let’s include its entry-level brand brother Epiphone since guitars under this brand are created with the same aspects of Gibson guitars), Fender, Gretsch, Martin, Squier, and many others. Yes, that means a lot of these pieces of art come with a sizeable cost!

Let’s not forget how location can significantly influence the guitar cost. Mass-produced Fender guitars in Mexico and the Far East are generally cheaper than those manufactured in the United States. Guitars made in these big factories are made with less skill and time (because, machines!), and materials like wood and hardware are readily available in those parts of the world.

We’re not saying that guitars from those factories are inferior quality-wise; we’re merely pointing out why they’re more inexpensive than their North American counterparts! So, don’t get discouraged—many great guitars are born in those factories!

The Rule of Supply and Demand

This is another thing we are all very familiar with—remember the hoarding or panic buying issue during the height of the pandemic in the US?

But even before COVID-19 became a thing, people were already known to stockpile salt to use on their driveways before the winter season comes, or gasoline, water, and other essentials before the hurricane season swing by. And this behavior often results in a seasonal price hike of said items. Remember how people fight for the few remaining supplies of whatever item is in high demand in a specific circumstance, even willing to pay extra to stake a claim?

Truth be told, the rule of supply and demand is among the biggest contributing factor as to why guitar prices increased. The recent rise in guitar demand in the US market following the upsurge of Americans learning guitar in times of pandemic resulted in the guitar price increase.

With guitars selling like hotcakes, business is booming; companies will sell the guitars at a higher price. As long as there are customers willing to pay the price, companies will continue to sell their guitars at that price.

And that’s inflation for you.

The thing about inflation is that they never go back down; it’s irreversible. In fact, it just continues to soar. Pandemic-influenced inflation is the reason why guitar giants like Gibson, Taylor, and Martin have augmented the price of their goods and amplified their sales in recent years.

Guess we will all just have to get used to this.

Coping with Guitar Price Increase: Final Thoughts

You’re a guitar newbie and you are eyeing a pro-level Fender or a Gibson Les Paul, and we understand why. But the thing is that these brands may set you back a few hundred to thousands of dollars and might not even be good guitars to start with.

What we’re saying here is, consider picking up cheaper guitar brands—there are plenty that sells for only $100 or even lower—to learn the basics. You can even buy a really good second-hand guitar as your starter instrument before you move on to higher-end brands or models as your skill level goes up!

While expensive guitars might be better (because of high-quality parts and all the other things we just discussed earlier), remember that there are always great, inexpensive guitars tapping into the specific market—the newbies—and are ready to offer you low-cost alternatives and a wonderful playing experience.

What Guitar Did Johnny Cash Play? While Johnny Cash played a wide variety of guitars throughout his musical career, he is mostly known for playing Martin Guitars. His Martin D-28, D-35, and D-42 guitars all served him well, but the Martin D-35 is often considered to be Cash’s main guitar.

Johnny Cash and His Guitars

The Man In Black

Johnny Cash lived from 1932 to 2003, his somber music and black stage clothing leaving a tremendous impact upon the music world that has sustained far beyond his passing–and will undoubtedly continue to influence aspiring musicians indefinitely. His deep, rich voice and sorrowful lyrics pierced listeners’ hearts while he made a name for himself as a man of defiance and brutal honesty in Memphis, Tennessee.

Cash quickly stood out amidst others in the rockabilly scene as a musician of note once he started performing. He later played with his backing group, the Tennessee Three, for over 20 years. Together they recorded numerous hits like “Ring of Fire”, many of which are go-to songs for beginner guitarists today. But plenty of Johnny’s most poignant performances consisted only of himself and one of his trusty guitars. So, which guitar is he most known for playing? Well, it’s hard to say for certain which guitar was Johnny’s true favorite since he performed with several, but many people know him best for his Martin D-35 and believe that he preferred it over his other instruments.

The Black Martin D-35

Johnny Cash clearly loved his Martin D-35–he played it in most stage performances for about 20 years, after all. Cash had made a name for himself as “The Man In Black” by the early 1970s thanks to his wardrobe, and by 1989 he decided that it was time for his guitar to match: So, he ordered himself a custom Martin D-35 in a sleek, black finish. C.F. Martin III was the president of the Martin Guitars company at the time, and he actually rejected the idea because he believed that a completely black finish was too radical and deviated too much from the signature design of Martin Guitars.

Luckily for Johnny, not everyone at the company agreed with the idea of denying a request from such a legend. His custom black D-35 was indeed crafted with care, and the process was carried out entirely in secret. C.F. Martin III didn’t catch wind of it until he saw Johnny Cash playing the new guitar on TV! The black Martin D-35 has been directly associated with Johnny Cash ever since and served as a powerful symbol of his influence, not only on music itself, but upon the instrument manufacturing industry as well.

Martin Guitars later crafted replicas of Johnny’s custom instrument, making a limited number of “The D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative” guitars before discontinuing production. As a result of their very limited availability–not to mention their connection to a musician that many people see as a hero–these black D-35 guitars are highly sought after and can be quite expensive. But of course, plenty of passionate fans, guitarists, and collectors consider the purchase to be totally worth it.

What Did Johnny Cash Play Before His Signature D-35?

Before he got his hands on the Martin D-35, Cash played a variety of other guitars. And not all of them were Martins, either! Johnny played the Höfner Congress during his early days, first getting familiar with it during the year 1950. He also played the Gibson “June Pride” Hummingbird and the Gibson J-200 during the late 50s and 60s, with the latter serving as quite the musician’s status symbol at the time. Johnny even had his name engraved on the fretboard of his J-200 to commemorate the way his song “I Walk the Line” exploded in popularity and became a top hit during 1957. Interestingly, despite the customized nature of the Gibson J-200, Cash played his Gibson Hummingbird for far longer.

Johnny also played a black Fender Kingman for a few years starting in 1966, and many believe that he got the idea from Elvis Presley who played one as well. Johnny and Elvis considered one another to be friends, and always spoke highly of one another’s work and creativity during interviews. Plenty of people theorize that Cash liked the Fender Kingman as much as he did because of its black finish, which was uncommon amidst the glitz and glam of the 60s–a credible theory, considering his custom black D-35 that came along later. Johnny played his Kingman at many different shows, including his appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1968.

Now, Johnny Cash consistently circled back to Martin Guitars even before the legacy of his all-black D-35 began–and he continued to try out different Martins throughout his career, even while he performed mainly with his Gibsons, Kingman, and others. So, it should come as no surprise that he fell in love with Martin Guitars before the D-35 came along: He especially enjoyed the feel of the Martin D-28, which was essentially the predecessor to the D-35. In fact, Cash continued to play the D-28 all throughout his career, playing it in between his other favorites. Plenty of people would argue that the D-28 was a close second to his legendary D-35, if not secretly his favorite guitar after all.

During Johnny’s later years, the Martin D-42JC entered his arsenal, custom made to honor his faithfulness to the classic Martin instruments. Johnny used the D-42JC now and then from 1997 until his passing in 2003, but predominantly stuck with his old favorites–the D-28 and D-35–since he’d become set in his ways by that point in his career. While some people would be justified in confusing the custom D-42JC with Johnny’s black D-35 at first glance, the D-42JC sports a couple of visual differences: A fancier arrangement of tone woods and bindings, and a glitzy set of golden tuning pegs.

An Eternal Legend

No matter what type of guitar Johnny Cash held in his hands from one gig to the next, he delivered compelling performances that touched listeners’ hearts all across the nation: He was the Outlaw, The Man In Black, and an absolute icon. His grave bass-baritone vocals and skilled, emotive guitar playing blended together to create a signature sound that you can still feel in your heart to this day while you contemplate his messages of moral struggles, suffering, and redemption.

While the Martin D-35 is considered to have been Johnny Cash’s main guitar, there’s plenty to be said for the feelings he evoked with each and every guitar he played!

As an iconic instrument in the music industry, not only has the 1959 Les Paul become a legend, but it has also attained the highest, most acclaimed value in quality and investment. The 1959 Les Paul is widely regarded as the most desirable electric guitar ever manufactured. It has achieved such heights on the collector’s market.

Indeed, the 1959 Les Paul is a legendary guitar by anyone’s standards, but why exactly does it stand out from all the other models produced by Gibson? In this article, we’ll take a look at the unique attributes of the 1959 Les Paul and learn about its history and how these elements make it such an iconic guitar.

Why is the 1959 Les Paul special? Widely regarded as the holy grail of all guitars, the 1959 Les Paul was used by several guitar legends such as Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton. It was the most advanced solid-body electric guitar by Gibson at the time.

What is the 1959 Les Paul?

The Gibson 1959 Les Paul guitar was in production from 1958 to 1960. Its physical features include a solid mahogany body, mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays, PAF pickups, and cherry sunburst finish.

The sonic characteristics of the 1959 Les Paul are noted for their smoothness and warmth thanks to the even frequency response across the whole range of its controls, which makes it suitable not only for lead but also rhythm playing styles.

The 1959 Les Paul has a special place in history as one of the most important guitars ever created and one of Gibson’s most recognizable models. According to Tony Bacon, author of Million Dollar Les Paul and 50 Years of the Les Paul, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard “represents the pinnacle of imaginative design and masterful craftsmanship.” This is because the guitar has become the holy grail of guitars in the minds of professionals and collectors the world over.

What makes the 1959 Les Paul so special?

1959 Les Paul’s Hardware

The original 1959 Les Paul, otherwise known as’ Bursts, came into production for only a few short years between 1958 and 1960. In hindsight, its production represents a benchmark of guitar evolution.

At the time, it was the most advanced solid-body electric guitar the music world had ever seen. The 1959 Les Paul was literally maxed out on all special features one could think of that made the guitar a classic.

Cherry Red Burst

In 1959, the original Les Paul Standard was given a fresh makeover in a colorful cherry red sunburst. Gibson used a lush, semi-transparent cherry sunburst finish to the model to showcase the potential beauty of the carved maple tops used on Les Pauls, which typically displayed finely figured quilted, flamed, or tiger-striped maple.

PAF Pickups

The 1959 Les Paul also featured the PAF humbucker pickups invented by Gibson engineer Seth Lover. The “Patent Applied For” (PAF) pickup, first introduced in 1957, became one of the greatest tone icons of all time. Aside from eliminating the hum in Gibson guitars, the PAF pickup also enhanced the fuller, warmer, and more sustaining tone that has come to be known as Les Paul’s signature sound.

Necks

Another thing that made the 1959 Les Paul iconic is the better neck feel than its 1958 or 1960 counterparts. David Davidson, a vintage guitar collector and CEO of Songbirds Guitar Museum, explained in a MusicRadar interview:

“I think [1959] was the year Gibson really got everything right. In ’59 they had the big neck but they also had the big frets. In ’58, you also had the big neck, and the frets are smaller. In 1960, unless you get a very early production ’60, you get a thinner neck and the big frets. You don’t get the big neck and frets unless it’s very early 1960. I think that most people like that feel, that larger neck, and it’s much easier to bend the strings with the larger frets.”

“I think the artists that wound up playing ’59s played them because of the bigger neck and frets… it was kind of the perfect storm,” he added.

The rarity of the 1959 Les Paul

Gibson only shipped 643 Les Pauls in 1959 from the Kalamazoo factory, which makes it extremely rare. Considering all the other factors, including its special features, it should come as no surprise that 1959 Les Pauls are some of the most expensive vintage guitars in today’s market.

While it is common knowledge that Les Paul guitars are pricey, a 1959 Les Paul guitars commonly have six-figure prices, according to Forbes. A well-preserved 1959 Les Paul with a prized flame maple top might easily reach $500,000 or more.

Despite being reissued several times, nothing has since quite lived up to the virtues of the original 1959 Les Paul in the minds of many players and collectors who believe Gibson guitars are worth the money. To them, specific construction processes and materials used in the past are irreplaceable. Because of this, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for an original standard production model of the 1959 Les Paul.

Legendary Players of the 1959 Les Paul

The desirability of the 1959 Les Paul is also due to the legendary guitar players such as Peter Green, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, and Slash. They used it as their main axe, further pushing the iconic image of the guitar in music culture.

In 1964, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones began playing a sunburst 1959 Les Paul Standard, making him the first “star-guitarist” to play in the British scene.

In 1966, George Harrison used a 1959 Les Paul when recording Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) with The Beatles.

In 1967, Jeff Beck played a 1959 Les Paul in his band The Tridents before joining The Yardbirds.

Conclusion

The 1959 Les Paul is closely associated with rock and roll because of its popularity among guitar heroes like Keith Richards and Jimmy Page. Beyond its association with these musicians, though, Gibson’s Les Paul has an unmistakable look and feel that—even sixty years later—remains unmatched by any other electric guitar.

For all these reasons and more, there will never be another Les Paul—and as an icon of electric guitar design and popular music in general, music fans have reason to celebrate it forever.

With a multitude of guitar colors to choose from, certain hues win the mark of merit for many guitar players. These guitar colors are black, white, yellow, red, and the timeless sunburst with different intensities, saturation, and even color combinations.

Jimi Hendrix, the most influential electric guitarist of all time, is wildly known for his white Fender Stratocaster. But did you know, from the year 1967 to 1969, Hendrix played this beautifully customized Gibson Flying V?

The “Love Drops” Flying V, at first, is just your standard v-shaped black and white guitar – not until Hendrix, himself, decided to use an array of colors (nail polish) to paint psychedelic patterns. And the final output is a masterpiece.

With this said, did you ever wonder about adding a bit more personality to your guitar? Or simply buying a new one, but wondered on what color to get?

Well, we have all the right goods for you.

How Color Matters in Guitar

On the surface level, guitar color doesn’t necessarily feel like an important point to spend time pondering on. With so much to consider (guitar type, strings, genre, price, and pickups), this may just end up at the bottom of your lists.

But to an extent, the color of your guitar matters.

If you’ve been in the guitar-playing game for a while, you’ll definitely agree that your guitar is more than just an instrument. For many exceptional guitarists, it’s an extension of oneself – much like how we like to dress up ourselves (and we don’t like wearing clothes that don’t fit).

A well-thought-of guitar can effectively exude your personality.

Before everything, let’s have a short trip down memory lane with your guitar types. Why? If you’re considering color, guitar types can greatly expand or limit your choices.

Let’s say wood-based guitars (this would be your acoustic and classic ones!). Many of these guitars retain their natural wooden texture in earthly tones of varying intensity. Conversely, choices are vast for electric guitars.

With these said, what are the (arguably) best colors for your guitar?

The Can’t-Go-Wrong Black Guitar

Let’s get the big one out of the way: you can never really go wrong with black.

A hue that absorbs all visible light across the spectrum. But what is it about this color that enables it to compliment anything? Black is associated with either strength or mystery. It’s a hue that inspires introspection and neutrality.

A gloss finish may accentuate this color, resulting in a cleaner, more sophisticated, and sexier guitar.

However, it’s never all sunshine-and-rainbows for this guitar color. Manufacturing black guitars can be significantly tricky. When not done right, missed spots, bleaching, damage, and scratches can be annoyingly obvious.

Not to mention, black guitars do not necessarily pop out on stage (especially when everything is dully set). Unless that black guitar is a fancy Squier Black, you might end up blending into the background.

Some prominent black guitar owners include Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, and B.B. King.

The Winsome White Guitar

Sure, we can consider black as a neutral color (as it goes well with anything). But nothing can be as neutral as white.

Though color association may not be as universal as we hope, white can be astonishingly transcending. It is often associated with purity and cleanliness (as cliché as this sounds). But on a visual level, white adds more space and dimension to things. In fact, designers would gravitate towards this color if they want something to appear bigger.

It can also evoke feelings of focus and concentration – pretty useful during practice sessions! White guitars are not difficult to spot as well. And unlike black, white would definitely stand out on a dark stage. But, it may not be as memorable.

Jimi Hendrix is also known for having a white Stratocaster.

The Warm and Cheerful Yellow

Take a quick glance at this butterscotch blonde Squier.

After looking at such marvel, it is undoubted that nothing screams joy and warmth like yellow.

People will remember you if you play a brightly colored yellow guitar at any gig – talk about making a lasting impression! Yellow is a vibrant and vivid hue, which may explain why it evokes such powerful emotions.

Yellow has the ability to attract attention instantly. Excessive usage of this color, however, can be harsh and cause feelings of fatigue.

A yellow guitar will most likely suit any genre you play, which is a significant bonus. Yellow also looks great on any electric guitar (if you happen to play one). It makes little difference if the yellow is faded, brilliant, or even burned.

The Fiery Red/Maroon/Cherry Guitar

If a color can be at par with yellow in terms of evoking strong feelings and making bigtime impressions (as well as standing out on live sessions) it would be red – and all of its shades.

One of the greatest things about this is that you would never run out of options for this color! Take for example the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster in Torino red.

The color red is connected with strong emotions like love and rage, as well as enthusiasm. It draws the greatest attention, is engaging and exciting, and has a significant relationship to heightened cravings and sensuality.

However, just a little of this color can go for miles. And hence, too much can also induce visual strain. This is something that is almost always linked with bright and warm colors.

Red guitar has a distinct edge over yellow guitars in terms of masculine perception (if that’s important to you!). Finally, as previously said, red exudes energy and dominance – Pete Townshend’s #5 Gibson Les Paul in wide red is a testimony to these.

The Classic Sunburst

Probably, the most reliable option out there (especially for those fond of acoustics) – the everlasting sunburst.

To say that this classic is “boring” or “plain” is surely a bluff. Sunburst isn’t a single hue. If you have any experience with guitars, you’ll probably know that there are probably thousands of sunburst finishes – ranging from different intensities, saturation, and even combinations (the typical shades used for this style are also the same colors listed here!).

The smoky Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar would surely bring in the luxury in sunburst guitars.

Despite being extremely reliable, a major downfall is that there are probably multitudes of guitarists with the same guitar color. Hence, you’ll probably need to do more to make a lasting impression!

In case you’re curious, here is how they do a two-tone sunburst:

Final Words: A Guitar Color That Says YOU!

There’s a lot to go about when choosing a guitar color. Maybe you might even be thinking of painting an old reliable one just to add a spec of personality. Probably this article can help you figure out if that’ll affect how your guitar sounds.

In this article, we delved deep into the importance of choosing a guitar color that matches you and the music that you play. Much like acoustics, visuals are a universal language that sends out a message.

We also listed down some of the best guitar colors (in our humble opinion) to help you out on deciding.

But do note that in personalizing your guitar, there’s a canvas way beyond colors. An important first step is introspection – know what you want and how you want your listeners to see and hear you.

How much is a used guitar? For a used guitar, you can expect to pay around $200-$500 less than if you get yourself a brand-new one. Some used guitars even slash $1000 or more off of their brand-new price. Of course, the price will depend largely on the brand and model.

Everyone loves a good deal. And when it comes to guitars, how else can you get a better deal than by scoring a guitar that’s $500 less than its original price?

Of course, we are referring to used guitars.

Buying a second-hand guitar is a great way to save cash, although some may have second thoughts about it. But don’t worry, we will guide you on how to pick the best used guitars and what to expect when it comes to pricing.

We will also tell you why many enthusiasts include used guitars in their collection, so you won’t have to get scared of getting your very own pre-owned one.

And who knows, you just might come across a rare gem—perhaps a limited edition, or maybe one with an interesting pre-ownership history.

Why Buy a Used Guitar?

As beginners, many people gravitate toward inexpensive brands as a starter instrument—never mind if the quality matches the price. This is not to say that cheaper brands are mediocre; in fact, there are inexpensive guitars in the market with impressive qualities!

The key to buying a used guitar is to examine what you are getting. But before that, let’s see why buying a pre-owned guitar is not such a bad idea. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Best value for money.

A used guitar is a great option when you are on a budget or just on a hunt to see which guitar type and style will suit your skill and taste before settling for your very own brand-new ax.

2. Used guitars have a broken-in quality.

Used guitars have this broken-in nature about them and they tend to be better setup than new ones, as well. Some guitars tend to feel—and sound—better as they age; in addition, mechanical parts tend to improve with age. The guitar is basically settled in.

3. A used guitar just might be better than the brand-new ones.

You know how the older generation says, often wistfully, that things from the past used to be a lot better in quality. Despite being technologically advanced, our gadgets and appliances, for instance, tend to be “disposable”; we use them for an X number of years, and then, replace them. In contrast, basic appliances and machines from the past have stood the test of time, and even make it to the next generation, still functional.

Guitar makers use wood that was far better back in the day and this speaks volumes about their quality and durability. If you get lucky, you might find yourself taking home a preloved instrument with superb quality and craftsmanship for a steal!

4. Some used guitars can have this charming, classic look.

It’s the vintage vibe! Older guitars can have that rustic, antiquated appeal that some guitar enthusiasts dig. Who knows when you might chance upon a rare find and become the next owner of a collector’s piece!

5. Easier to upgrade (or to let it go if you end up not liking it after a while…).

If for some reason, you find that you don’t bond well with the instrument further down the road, there would be fewer regrets on your part to let it go and find its new happy owner.

Or, maybe one day, you will come to outgrow the guitar and decide to buy one that you know will be for the long haul. It will be much easier for you to give away or resell the guitar to upgrade and invest in a brand new one.

The Price of a Used Guitar

So, here is the question you’ve been meaning to ask all along: How much do I expect to pay for a used guitar?

The answer to this may vary depending on factors such as the guitar’s brand, general condition (excellent, good, fair, B-stock, or with functional problems that may need repairs), how long ago it was first bought, and its repair history.

In most cases, you can expect to spend around 30% less than the original price of the guitar, assuming that the instrument is in a good condition with just a few minor blemishes and other signs of normal usage. Of course, these “flaws” should not affect the guitar’s functionality.

Here are some of the popular guitars sold second-hand in the market today and how much they cost:

Used Electric Guitar Prices

  • For used Les Paul (Gibson and Epiphone) electric guitars, you get the highest savings with Epiphone Traditional (up to 30%) and Junior models (up to 29%), at around $350 and $300 average price for second-hand, respectively.

Higher-range models such as Gibson Les Paul Slash are sold at $2500 (17% off the brand-new price), Gibson Modern at $2100 (25% off), and Gibson Standard at $2100 (16% savings).

Gibson Studio and Epiphone Les Paul Slash also offer competitive saving potential on their second-hand prices, at $1100 (27%) and $700 (26%), respectively.

  • For used Fender/ Squier guitars, the Squier Affinity gets you the highest savings, at $120 (48% off) average second-hand price. Both the Fender American Performer and Squier Classic Vibe get you 33% savings, at $900 and $300 second-hand price, respectively.
  • For used PRS, you get the highest savings at 39% off the brand-new price with PRS S2 Custom 24, which sells at an average $1100 second-hand price. The more affordable model PRS SE Custom 24 sells at $700 (18% less than the brand-new price).
  • For used Ibanez guitars, the Ibanez RG Prestige sells at $1300 (28% savings); the more affordable Ibanez JS100 sells at $450 (that’s 44% savings!).
  • For used Schecter, you get the unbelievably highest saving (up to 56%) with Schecter Omen 6, which sells at $200. The Schecter C1 Hellraiser is also priced competitively, at $550 on average (52% off the brand-new price).

Used Acoustic Guitar Prices

  • For used Gibson and Epiphone acoustic guitars, the Gibson J-45 Studio sells at an average second-hand price of $1500 (25% savings), while the Epiphone EJ200 sells at $400 (27% savings).
  • For used Taylor guitars, the premium Taylor 814ce sells at $2450 (30% savings), while the models Taylor 214ce and Taylor 414ce V-Class both get you up to 23% in savings, at $1150 and $2000, respectively.
  • For used Martin guitars, the premium Martin D35 sells at $2600 (19% savings). The more affordable model, Martin LX1, sells at $280 second-hand price (30% savings).
  • Used Seagull Maritime SWS sells at an average second-hand price of $750 (25% savings), while Guild D-40 sells at $1700 (19% savings).

Take note that the prices listed here are just the average for used guitars in good overall condition. The price could be higher (for near-new conditions) or lower (bottom price, or those with minor but still fixable defects).

Final Words: Knowing What You Are Getting

As promised, we will help you with what you should look for when it comes to buying a pre-owned guitar.

Buying a used electric or acoustic guitar entails a thorough understanding of what to look for (and also, what to avoid). Of course, the most important thing to do is to assess the instrument carefully before purchase to make sure that it is in good working condition and offers value.

Aside from ensuring that the guitar plays in tune and frets easily, you must also consider its overall construction, the materials used, the workmanship, and any aesthetic additions to the instrument.

If something doesn’t feel right about the guitar, perhaps a fret buzz or damaged nuts, ask the seller about it. When you’re dubious, just go with your instinct. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you feel that the guitar could be sold for less than the price they listed.

Here’s a more in-depth guide to making sure you know what you are getting when it comes to used guitars:

Happy guitar hunting!

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:

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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