Sometimes Things Still Suck
If there has been a theme recently, it has to be something about how nostalgia drives more guitar gear desire than anything else out there. Why else would Van Halen still be such a force in the business, despite not having anything meaningful to say musically since the eighties?
I'm terrible for this. Every few months, maybe years, I pull my Korg AX10G out of the closet, convinced that there are great sounds contained inside, and that if I was only patient enough, I could pull them out...
And each and every time, I give up after 20 minutes, mostly disappointed.
Look, if you can pick this up for twenty bucks or so, and you aren't expecting much, then this is a great buy. the 70s Marshall sound, set to low gain (less than 1/3rd), is the best clean sound in there, and the tremolo (which is harmonic I think), is pretty great sounding. The entire thing is plastic though, so the effects selector is dodgy, and the whole thing feels like a toy.
In short, it's bullshit, but it's a bunch of different kinds of bullshit, so if you want to experience a bunch of different sounds to better narrow down what you're looking for, look no further.
FWIW, I spent 10 of the 20 minutes playing random stuff that involved the 70s amp, a spring reverb, and the tremolo assigned to the expression pedal running into the clean channel of the Fender Super Champ XD.
It's not all bad.
Forty bucks MAX.
Look, for this kind of money, it's a bit hard to be critical. The color is great, the bridge is hardtail (which as this price makes a huge difference in terms of "less to go wrong"), and the neck could probably be worked into something cool.
This is one of those listings that give me pause, because the price is so good that I get to thinking about how I'd put together the money through selling to make this happen.
Gibson is in the news for all the wrong reasons, but I don't think that explains the bottom falling out on faded stuff. Sure, most ads inviting trades specifically say nowadays "No Fadeds", but is that really enough to move prices down this much?
If you don't know who Pete Anderson is, you probably don't listen to real country music. Whatever, I'm not getting into it. Pete was Dwight Yoakam's guitar player and producer for the bulk of Dwights career, and his playing is as much a part of Dwight's sound then as anything else.
I'm terrible for this. Every few months, maybe years, I pull my Korg AX10G out of the closet, convinced that there are great sounds contained inside, and that if I was only patient enough, I could pull them out...
And each and every time, I give up after 20 minutes, mostly disappointed.
Look, if you can pick this up for twenty bucks or so, and you aren't expecting much, then this is a great buy. the 70s Marshall sound, set to low gain (less than 1/3rd), is the best clean sound in there, and the tremolo (which is harmonic I think), is pretty great sounding. The entire thing is plastic though, so the effects selector is dodgy, and the whole thing feels like a toy.
In short, it's bullshit, but it's a bunch of different kinds of bullshit, so if you want to experience a bunch of different sounds to better narrow down what you're looking for, look no further.
FWIW, I spent 10 of the 20 minutes playing random stuff that involved the 70s amp, a spring reverb, and the tremolo assigned to the expression pedal running into the clean channel of the Fender Super Champ XD.
It's not all bad.
Forty bucks MAX.
Squier Bullet Stratocaster - $80
Look, for this kind of money, it's a bit hard to be critical. The color is great, the bridge is hardtail (which as this price makes a huge difference in terms of "less to go wrong"), and the neck could probably be worked into something cool.
If this were located closer, I'd probably buy it as the next project guitar.
Buy: If you're looking for a cheap backup, a project, or a low cost gift for another guitar player.
Pass: The likelihood that this is some diamond in the rough is slim to none. Beginners/Projects only.
Gibson SG Faded - $450
This is one of those listings that give me pause, because the price is so good that I get to thinking about how I'd put together the money through selling to make this happen.
A recent YouTube video about a guy reworking his SG Faded made this listing seem serendipitous, but making this a project means investing time and money, which changes the value proposition here.
What I really like is the fact that this is a 2005 model - it's been around for over 10 years without issue, and it clearly hasn't been abused.
Buy: Hard to argue with price. Real Gibson for Epiphone money. I'm super tempted.
Pass: I can't think of a reason at this price. Honestly, having a hard time...
Les Paul Studio Faded - $575
Gibson is in the news for all the wrong reasons, but I don't think that explains the bottom falling out on faded stuff. Sure, most ads inviting trades specifically say nowadays "No Fadeds", but is that really enough to move prices down this much?
It might all be coincidence at the end of the day. $575 for a faded Studio is good value, and once again, we're looking at an instrument that looks well taken care of - it's pictured on a Hercules Wall Hanger, and comes with Strap Locks. This owner cared about their guitar.
Buy it: Which do you want, an Epiphone Les Paul Standard, or this and a hundred bucks in your pocket?
Pass: You already own a Les Paul?
Reverend Pete Anderson - $1200
If you don't know who Pete Anderson is, you probably don't listen to real country music. Whatever, I'm not getting into it. Pete was Dwight Yoakam's guitar player and producer for the bulk of Dwights career, and his playing is as much a part of Dwight's sound then as anything else.
I really dig the execution of this model, and I've been itching for a semi, but this isn't it, mostly because of the price.
Buy: The more I read about this model, the more I'm convinced that the price is fair (New runs near $2K).
Pass: I'm just not looking to spend this kind of scratch.
