Watching these three almost makes me feel like I have friends. Almost.

Buy the guitar that makes you want to pick it up and play, regardless of brand or vintage

I think it's infinitely more important to find a guitar that resonates with you as a player. If you can do that, everything else is kinda an after thought.

It’s really what speaks to you as a player. If it’s a cheap guitar that blows you away or a $10k+ guitar that does the same. All that matters is it makes you want to play music and put a smile on your face.

Like Rick Nielsen once said "back in those days, those guitars were called "used"".

“Typically the woods came from North America...Canada too..”

I've been playing guitar for 57 years now and I find myself to largely be in agreement with these guys. When I think back to some of my earlier instruments, there were three guitars I owned back in the 60s that, if I wanted to buy them today, no way would I be able to afford them. They were, in the order of purchase, an early 60s Strat (sunburst with a rosewood fingerboard), an early 60s SG Special (cherry red), and a firsr-year-of-reissue 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom. There isn't a week that goes by that I don't regret selling those guitars, but I was an idiot teenager back then, so what did I know? Of the three, I miss that SG the most. Now, about woods, I'm not just a guitarist, but I'm also a luthier. I specialize in classical guitars, but I've built others. When it comes to woods - for a classical, at least, and for acoustic guitars in general, woods are critically important. The tap tone of the soundboard is of supreme importance. And the tap tone of the back wood is almost as important. But electrics, especially solid body electrics, are a different animal. With electrics, anything goes, and often you still can wind up with a nice sounding instrument. I do believe woods still play an important role, however. For example, with a Les Paul's construction, you have a solid mahogany body with a maple cap. I believe that combination lends a certain "woody" character to the Les Paul that gives it its unique sound. SGs and other Gibsons just sound different. With Fenders, especially Strats, on the other hand, I think the pickups play a much more important role than the woods. I have two Strats, each made from different woods, but their sonic properties were affected more by the pickup selections than the woods they were made from. I have a theory as to why there is this difference between, say, a Les Paul and a Strat. A Les Paul's bridge and tailpiece are anchored into that maple cap, and the strings are directly coupled to that, whereas a Strat, with a tremolo, the strings are secured to a tremolo block that doesn't touch the wood at all. Yes, the bridge plate is anchored to wood, as are the tremolo's springs, but I just don't see these two points transferring as much of the wood's sonic properties as Gibson's system. Anyway, great talk, and my take on the whole vintage guitar thing is, if you play long enough, and just hang onto your guitars -- and don't sell them, one day they'll be vintage.

Old records were made with people playing new instruments, I never thought about that, kind of makes sense!

As someone who also plays a violin, I love how quaint the vintage conversation is. From what I’ve read from luthiers, wood that has been cut and aged for 50, 100, 200 years in instruments does change sonically. This is why when a luthier passes-there is a bit of a bidding war for the wood. And this debate has been going on since the early 19th century when the first “aged” instruments where being made in England and France to recreate the Italian greats.

I always kick myself for selling my 66 Mustang 20 years ago, but then I remember playing it and thinking "This thing kinda sucks"

In 1975 I bought a 1958 Strat for $125.

The other guitarist in our band picked up one of those Fender amps for gigging, it's really good. He's in a wheelchair so it makes loading in/out so much easier for him.

I love it when the 3 of you get together and just "shoot the breeze" about a topic. It is so entertaining and educational.

These are my favorite videos on this channel. You three are the best!

A thing to add, that I tell younger kids, the best way to get good vintage gear is to buy good brand new stuff, and wait 30 years.

It's something along the lines of what Dave Simpson said: vintage guitars aren't automatically better. Are some magic? Yes. Are some crap? Yes.

These are my favourite videos, with Rhett, Dave and Rick chatting.

I went through the “ get the LP” or “ get the whatever is hot...” and at the end of the day, the ones that I loved, were no where near those “ hot” guitars. I simply love playing Godin guitars. Everyone who hears them and plays them, are shocked at the feel, sound and definitely the price. Play what best reflects you! Great video guys 👍🏻

Absolutely 100% spot on about the resonance of the older guitars. I remember as a kid in the eighties playing a 57 Strat at Axe in Hand in Dekalb IL. Unplugged that thing sounded like an acoustic. Not to mention the neck shape and over all feel. Should have begged, borrowed and stolen the $1700 and bought that guitar.

Some guitars have songs in them. Sometimes that exceeds any other consideration.

I can't afford PRS guitars so i usually by POS guitars LOL.

I could never afford vintage gear, but they sure would look and sound amazing in the collection, no doubt! To say that is worth it is up for debate.

These sit down talks you guys do are great. Awesome insight!

Love that you have Rhett to add his knowledge, opinions, etc... in an easy going way, and also Dave being such a guitar encyclopedia...but I think the bottom line is we can all agree...Rick - 'you da man'... Cheers, Guys!!

I spent almost a year learning amateur lutherie, so now I buy inexpensive gear, and spend $1000 worth of my time and $200 in parts, and they are great for me. I have learned to pick and choose the the best of the worst, and the easiest to fix. Of course, being older, and nearly tone deaf helps too...

A really exemplary piece of gear is more likely to be kept, cared for, used and passed on in one piece than a mediocre one. Many vintage guitars survived in part because there is something special about them. But Rhett is right...for every one of those wonderful ones there are many more that were merely acceptable (or worse). We absolutely *are* in the golden age of gear. A player in 1975 would be amazed at what a modern buyer can get for a few hundred bucks. Squier in particular is killing it.

Short answer: "Generally no" Long answer: "If it's cheaper than non-Vintage and not too used up, then yes. Otherwise, only if you run a museum."

My favorite guitar I own is a 1994 MIM Fender Strat. Got it for 200$ on reverb and while it needed to be set up and the electronics replaced, the neck and body is the best fender I’ve ever played. I know the 90s MIM fender have a weird story to them, but I think it’s also that the guitar has been with me for years and I know every aspect of how that guitar will respond. It’s the friend that’s always been there and will never go away

My buddy has the tone master deluxe. Awesome. I’m really loving the quilter stuff. All solid state, and loves pedals. Great stuff is being built now. Only getting better too. Love what you guys do.

Best guitar player I ever played with, 20 years ago, used to say: never spend more than $500 on a guitar. So, adjusted for inflation, maybe a grand? His point was, from a playability and sound POV, diminishing returns kicks in with a vengeance at that price point.The history/cool factor influenced hm not at all. He was ridiculous player, a hear it once, play it right no matter who the source. Just a data point.

Hey Rick, this video made me very happy. I actually recently bought a tonemaster deluxe reverb a few weeks ago before I listened to this video. I had heard about it and I listened to a few blind comparisons and I swear I liked the tone master over the tube version every time. I really committed to it after I heard a demo from Andy's channel. I couldn't believe it and I'm not a pro by any means. But aside from the weight, the other major benefit is that when your amp is solid state each amp is wayyyyy more likely to sound like the next whereas I find there to be much more variation in tube amps. Basically if you want to pick something off the shelf if you're an amateur player and be confident you are getting that "fender tone" this is probably a better bet then a tube deluxe reverb. Also not to mention aside from the base price being less then the tube version, there really are no consumable parts or biasing and maintenance, so in the long run it will be much cheaper I believe. I just love it and the built in attentuation was a must for me as I live in NYC and don't want to upset neighbors and family.

Love these chat sessions these guys have. Feel like I am sitting on a couch ten feet away with one of my vintage guitars in my hand just waiting til we jam!

Well speaking as a Keyboard player (mostly) - There's nothing that still can replicate a Fender Rhodes or a Mini Moog.

Damm - KZfaq won't let me do 50 likes! Why is it so satisfying listening to three guys talk about stuff you completely AGREE with? Rhett you are so sharp, focussed and on point with all your opinions - wise beyond your years

This was a sensational show - great conversation. I learned a lot about the history behind some guitars here. Excellent.

I remember back in the early 80's when I was living hand to mouth down in Central Texas, I used to see these incredible vintage guitars, in these fantastic pawn shops there (they were really more like vintage music gear stores). I remember a particular Gibson Flying V from the 50's that they were asking $500 for; I went to everyone I knew to try and get the money to buy it, because I knew...."they dont make 'em anymore", and that they would just skyrocket in value. Couldn't get anyone to lend me the dough. I weep today over that. Could have retired 10 years ago on what I got from selling a guitar like that, and that was just one example of many of the guitars and amps that were available for next to nothing, back then.

I played that deluxe tone master today and had no clue it was the tone master. I thought it was just a normal deluxe until someone pointed it out. I bought it on the spot.

I enjoyed this segment. I found a Schecter Damien Elite used for $250 at Guitar Center one weekend I stopped by in between gigs. I always wanted a Les Paul type guitar since I had to sell my old 71 wine red custom and there this was, a guitar with EMG's for that price. It plays great and sounds killer. It does way more than metal.

Rick, I love these kind of videos. Feels like a conversation with you guys. Thanks

I own a tone master twin reverb and it sounds phenomenal, there’s rich harmonics, there’s tons of headroom, you hear every note in every chord, it goes loud as all hell, and quiet enough to play in the bedroom.

For vintage guitars, Johnny Ramone's white Mosrite (in the RRHOF museum) is a beautifully worn work of art. He treated it like a Dewalt tool, and it shows.

I remember an interview with the guy who built slash’s Paul clone on Appetite say that he was going to guitar shows in the mid eighties and there were rows and rows of bursts they couldn’t move at fire sale prices.

I don’t know how to play at all but I could listen and watch these conversations all dayp

I grew up right down the street from the old Gibson factory on the north side of Kalamazoo,MI. Love vintage Gibsons!!

I started with vintage guitars, because they were used, and relatively inexpensive. I mostly play new guitars now. There's something great about being the only owner.

90's Gibson's a vintage? now i feel old...

Hands-down the best guitar/gear/music content on KZfaq today. Change my mind.

This channel is the greatest thing since the internet ! Thank you Rick I can’t wait until you dive into country music , especially some of the session players such as Brent Mason

Why doesn’t anyone ever talk about a good setup and perfect intonation? I was talking to a luthier today and he said the difference is in the neck.

Right, "Why bring it to a gig....?" if so valuable. I like having decent "cheap" things that I can take out and not worry so much. Thanks for such a good rundown on values of guitars.

I can vouch for what they're saying about the Fender Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster. I tried one at a local shop and was gobsmacked! It's insane how much it sounds and most importantly. REACTS like a tube Deluxe Reverb, with volume on your guitar, or pick attack. You'd swear it has to be a tube version. I was hoping in a year or 2 I can pick one up used for a good price, but based on what I played, and the love it's getting online from so many tube snobs, I think these amps will not be depreciating very much, very soon in the used market once they start to show up!

Good information makes Rick so happy, and it makes me happy as well

I bought the Deluxe Reverb. And I own a late 60s blackface pro Reverb, multiple silver face fender amps, amongst a few univox, and early Vox amps. That deluxe is climbing up to be my most used studio guitar simply for the ease of having a DI out to track, and then doubling it with a live microphone at a low volume level (thank god for that attenuator). I whole heartedly suggest that amp

Hey, Rick, as a Tokai enthusiast, I would love to hear your take on the so-called lawsuit guitars.

What I love about these guys is they are real people. I could walk in the door with a pizza and a six pack and would be right at home. Great episode Rick.

Rick, I have a 1956 Gibson Country Western that looks just like that. I call it my “Beatles” guitar, because it sounds just like their albums every time I record with it. Really enjoy your videos!

The one amp that I've had since 1965 and I'll never get rid of is the Princeton reverb the black face something about the app I just love.

Good Show. In 70ish I crashed the after party of JJ Cale's Performance at the Saenger Theater In Mobile. JJ told the roadies to let the kid in. I got to drink Schlitz and smoke Kools with Him and the band. And to top it off JJ Cale signed 4 or 5 items in my wallet for proof. He was the Koolest.

About 3 years ago I went into Guitar Center around 4th of July, and there were these Line 6 Spider amps for $99, so I bought one. The thing weighs about 10 pounds, but it puts out insane volume. If I set it on 3, the neighbors are hearing it. It has a record out, a built in tuner, and reverb, chorus, tremolo, delay built in. Yes, this is the best time to be an electric guitarist for sure.

This was very interesting thank you. Also, I have heard great things about the fender tone master and it’s greatest strength is that it looks like the amp we all fell in love with.

Great point by Dave that the "vintage" guitar trend started during a bad era for Gibson and Fender in the 1970s, where customers would buy/try the current models, and find them worse than the ones produced 7-10 years earlier.

Outside of genuine collectibles, the only time I think vintage gear is worth the price is if you find more inspiration playing it than other gear.

Love these Amp Side Chats so much!

I have a deluxe tone master and I love it. Downloaded the bright clip mod firmware and it fixed the reverb being too much as well. Can’t say enough about that amp:

I bought myself my first guitar. I play drums. But, I grabbed, dare I say, an epiphone LP Studio. Back in feb. The thing is a beast. Sounds absolutely amazing. I dont care what anyone says. For $260ish........thats it, seriously. the thing is incredible

I bought one of those Deluxe Reverbs the day they were released.. LOVE it! I have a room full of Fender Tube amps and the Tone Master is my go to..

Every guitar I’ve ever owned was “player grade”: my 79 Fender Strat, 95 PRS Custom24, and now a 60th Anni Fender Jazzmaster have all been heavily modified to fit my needs. It’s a tool: Make it work for you. Speaking of new modeling amps, I recently got a Yamaha THR1000HD. I can’t see myself lugging a Silverface Fender Dual Showman to a gig anymore.

I have a mid-range vintage Yamaha acoustic guitar that survived a house fire. The heat must’ve dried the wood out a bit because after it was recovered, it sounded completely different. Massive sound, great sustain and just a sweet timbre that can’t really be described.

I have been collecting vintage guitars since the early 70's. I never paid much for them because my BFF owned a pawn shop and when they came out of pawn he would call me. I ended up with over 30. Since I retired I have came to the conclusion that if I do not play them then someone else needs to enjoy them. So I have sold over half and kept only the ones I play at my shows. Yes I miss them but someone else needs to enjoy them now (0)=+

"Just because it's old doesn't mean it's good" ~ spot on.

Fender sent me a Tone Master Deluxe. For what it is it's insanely good. I was pretty blown away

great chat. agree, new guitars are so amazing now. it's actually quite unbelievable. i had a couple of vintage pieces that as beautiful as they were it didn't make sense keeping them under lock & key as they were too valuable to gig & travel with and/or even play on a regular basis.

My Greco Rock Spirit 3/4 bass circa 1985 was a total heart decision. I just saw it & fell in love. Never seen anything like it EVER. Broke all the rules I set for myself for buying an instrument. Was on line interstate and the price was high for what it is. Just did the intonation today with new nickel round wound 50 - 105 strings and I regret NOTHING. Its a fucking WEAPON! Looks like a les paul black w gold hardware but plays better than any Gibson I've ever held. Its like this old stuff has a soul. Wheras the new stuff is just product. I know thats likeley just bullshit in my head. Dont care. Im one happy little piggy 🤩 The vintage market has nothing to do with logic. The value is a heart decision based on nostalgia, image & scarcity. The reality of ownership of vintage gear also is a hassle unless you get real lucky like I did. Every decade the vintage passive guitar pickups loose 4-6% flux density ( magnetic force) which after half a century or more renders many almost unplayable. Unless you use backing magnets or re- magnetize. Yet people debate weather this should be done or not? WTF? If it aint played its an expensive boat anchor. For me any instrument that isnt played is useless.

I love Rick's reaction at the price at 7:02!

Very intresting discussion. I usually deal with drums but the vintage market is... vintage market regardless if it's drums or guitars! I get along with everything here. I've recently shot a video about a similar topic (for drums of course) where I discussed new expensive drum kits vs. standard. Other that the sound, to me there's another good reason to buy vintage gears which is the feeling that you have when you perform with it. If playing an old gear sets you in a certain mood, well... it does its job greatly! It could be a placebo effect, but if that gear make your feeling different and inspire you to create something great, that's good! On vintage drums we don't go over a 5 figures numbers for one piece of vintage gear, usually the most expensive and rare is half of that price, but over the years I came to know that guitars reach crazy high prices and well... you have to tread carefully with this! Dave

Just in case this wasn't picked up: 'The Wind Cries Mary' was recorded in January, 1967 - in roughly 20 minutes at the end of the session for 'Fire' (sans future overdubs).

Man, every time I see you three in the thumbnail for the video I can't click on it fast enough.

Went to guitar center, tried the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb side by side with the “real” tube Deluxe. Couldn’t find a thing that could justify the purchase of the tube version! To me the difference one would find, can also be found on two real tube deluxe Reverbs, made a couple of years apart. Please fender.... make a couple of tweed tonemasters!

I own several vintage guitars. I’m 62 and when I got them in the early 70s they weren’t vintage. I still have them. I have low production # 59 Les Paul, one of the first Travis Bean: The Wedge, The koa artist (I helped in the warehouse and they were a gift), Old koa Flying V and others. SME with amps Fender 56 champ, Marshall 59 Plexi, Bluesbreaker all on excellent condition. I never sold a guitar. I took lessons from Randy Roads who talked my dad into loaning me the money for the 59 LP and taught me to never sell anything as I will miss it and regret it. I’m not a serious player due to a brain injury and am trying to relearn which has been discouraging but can’t give up. I appreciate Rick & Rhett’s shows. They help. Wish I was in Nashville I d take lessons from you Fhett. Thanks for what you guys do. George

Brilliant interview, as always, guys.

When will we see a rundown of all your guitars, amps and pedals? That would be so interesting.

The main problem I've had with older guitars is that they're much harder to play. The necks are usually narrower and shaped less ergonomically while the frets are much deeper.

I love the feel of an old Fender in my hands, the age and tones feels good. Half of it is mental but makes me happy.

Really enjoyed listening to this! Would love to hear a similar discussion aimed solely at acoustics....

I have a new Fender Duo sonic and a Gretcsh streamliner, both great new "old" guitars.

I want to see a video of you three jamming!

This is an eye opening material. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge! Is good to know that my kids will inherit my gear and by that time they will be vintage. 2005 Stratocaster Deluxe, USA Made. 1967 Epiphone Zenith. 2014 Duesenberg Starplayer TV. 2002 FMT V Fender Jazz Bass, USA. 2001 50th Anniversary Fender P Bass, USA. 2004 Fender Jazz Bass, CIJ.

Rick, love your vids, insights and teachings. I'm a new fan and love the gear geekery!

Well, there hasn't been one non-vintage guitar that has caused me to weep tears of joy. Then again, my '77 355 is the only vintage one that has made the hairs stand on end and made my eyes well up. There's just some kind of magic in some vintage guitars, and anyother vintage instrument for that matter.

Just another thought: you want to buy a “vintage quality” guitar? Build your own Warmoth. The quality is incredible. As good or better than old guitars. Blows away any off the shelf model. Costs a reasonable $ fraction. The neck on my Warmoth with the raw unfinished Goncalo Alves and Ebony, I would say is a warm and incredible to play as many vintage Gibson’s.

The Tonemaster is amazing. I have a boutique Dr Z but now I want a Tonemaster. Absolutely hands down the best digital amp I've ever tried. 'The Tesla of amps' was an appropriate statement.

This was a real fun video!

The klon centaur is one piece of gear that has significantly increased in value since it's 1994-2000 production run.

Since art is about expressing feelings and emotions, right?, I'd say the guitar that makes you feel great and gets you inspired is worth it. If it's a 250k 1959 Les Paul, go for it. If it's like me a used EVH striped thingie, great.

For 45 years I've had my Gibson SG with an original Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position. I love this guitar. I recently bought a PRS Santana SE and put new Dimarzios in it. For under $850 I have a guitar that sounds amazing, with a rich sustain. It's my new favorite. So much so, I'm selling my Gibson.

What a team! Great job guys.

Apparently the myth of maple fingerboards having a brighter, snappier tone came about because in the late 60s/early 70s, people found the fifties Strats and Teles brighter. The only difference seemed to be the rosewood fingerboard. People assumed this is where the difference lay. Truth was that around the time the switch to rosewood happened, Fender started winding the pickups a bit hotter. Ergo, the older maple necks sounded brighter.

I thought Jimi recorded Wind Cries Mary, on a Tele he borrowed from Noel, in Winter 1966.

Enjoyable bull session. Just bought a PRS Hollowbody II, used but mint, from a store in England. Very easy to play, lots of different tones, very light (this is why I bought it, on Rick's recommendation), and I wanted the Piezo. It was about $3,700, not a steal, by any means, but a lot less than buying it new in Europe or UK. I also love the small body of this guitar, it's just very comfortable for me to play, more so than any guitar I have ever played, really, better than an acoustic parlor guitar. I love this guitar. Decent jazz tone with just the neck pickup, not as good as the two real jazz boxes I have, but I'll live with it, because it's way more versatile than a jazz box and it sounds fine, it's just not as mellow as a dedicated jazz box, less of a wood sound. I bought this guitar without being able to play it, or any model like it. I think this is the guitar I will die with, I'm about to turn 70. But we'll see, it's early days. This is also the most expensive guitar I've ever bought, but not by much. I've got a luthier-made steel-string acoustic that I now think I overpaid for and would have trouble selling for what I paid, although the same model that I paid about $3500 for 15 years ago (so, adjusted for inflation, it was more expensive than the PRS) is now close to $9,000. I bought this PRS guitar because of Rick Beato. Now I see that a lot of pros are playing this guitar. On the vintage guitar market, one could sum up the conversation simply by saying that it's like the art market, or the market for gold, it's completely irrational, it's not clear to me that these prices, which are unrelated to what Marx called use-value, in this case, the marginal utility to a professional player, should be permitted, in the sense that some people clearly have too much money and should be giving that money to other people. The people who have too much money include some professional players.

I use fairly new guitars on the road because of the reliability factor ... and if it gets damaged or stolen , it's easily replaced ... you guys are right ... again ... great channel (s) all 3 of you guys are awesome ! Thanks for the interesting content and analysis !