I Ranked Import Guitar Brands Worst To Best
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- Опубликовано: 14 июл 2024
- Import Guitar Brands Under $600 Video
• I Ranked Import Guitar...
Here are some Affiliate Links to some of the highest rated guitars that I liked
My Favorite Sub $1,000 Godin Guitar
imp.i114863.net/3G1bd
My Favorite sub $1,000 Fender model
imp.i114863.net/Q51V3
Shijie Guitars
www.shijieguitars.com
My favorite sub $1,000 Jackson model
imp.i114863.net/LQkeM
My Favorite Chapman under $1,000 model
www.guitarcenter.com/Chapman/...
My favorite sub $1,000 FGN model
reverb.grsm.io/fgn
My favorite sub $1,000 Schecter
imp.i114863.net/B6LDy
My favorite sub $1,000 LTD
imp.i114863.net/6JZBq
My favorite sub $1,000 EVH model
imp.i114863.net/0ea0J
My favorite sub $1,000 Reverend model
reverb.grsm.io/Rev
This is were I buy my used gear online
reverb.grsm.io/PhillipMcKnight
Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
imp.i114863.net/c/2224555/791...
This is the pick I use
amzn.to/3e3NhH5
These are the cables I use Klotz 15ft Cable with breaker ( You will never go back)
amzn.to/2YilLQS
String Swing Wall Hangers. The only Stands and Hanger I use
imp.i114863.net/aErjN
Know Your Gear T shirts
teespring.com/stores/know-you...
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The straps I use are Dimarzio straps and I've been using them since 1992
imp.i114863.net/NMYAV
D Addario Fret Polish Kit
imp.i114863.net/LMYvY
![Veeze - F.A.F (ft. Rylo Rodriguez) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7hlz2S2GmIY/mqdefault.jpg)
40. Vintage 1:08
39. Aria Pro 1:31
38. Fret King 1:55
37. Greco 2:25
36. DiPinto 2:41
35. Washburn 3:09
34. Hagstrom 3:32
33. Eastwood 3:42
32. Cort 4:01
31. Framus 4:44
30. Supro 5:04
29. Agile 5:23
28. D'Angelico 5:38
27. Rivolta 6:00
26. Michael Kelly 6:20
25. G&L 6:39
24. Gretsch 7:08
23. Guild 7:37
22. Tagima 8:02
21. Danelectro 8:19
20. Kramer 8:50
19. Chapman 9:08
18. Dean 9:39
17. Sterling 10:00
16. Jackson 10:31
15. EVH 10:44
14. Yamaha 11:23
13. Dean Zelinsky 11:44
12. ShiJie 12:10
11. Epiphone 12:41
10. FGN 13:22
9. Godin 13:46
8. Solar 14:21
7. ESP LTD 14:42
6. Ibanez 15:07
5. Charvel 15:42
4. PRS SE 16:00
3. Reverend 16:44
2. Schecter 17:10
1. Fender 17:44
We love you LOL ♫
THANK YOU!
You are the MVP.
“These lists seem to be really popular...they’re fun to make so they must be fun to watch?”
Conveniently leaves out the point of consistently providing top tier content and information with a humble and down to earth approach that everyone can appreciate. Well done, as always, Phil 🤘
Ha ha Started off sounding like it was going to be a diss!
N D you couldn’t pay me to diss Phil. The man is a diamond.
Lists are popular because they summarize as much as possible. It's easier for people to find what they want to hear for a given product and it gives people confidence on where their potential purchase ranks on a chart. (Also a lot of people like to show up post-purchase to validate it too lol)
So glad your guitar videos are around during all this chaos. So nice, happy, informative, and fun. Thank you!
I'd say you were pretty spot on with this list! I was happy to see Schecter come is as high as it did. I have a $600 C-1 platinum sitting directly to my left and it's one of my favorite guitars!
Loving these ranking vids!! Stay safe and healthy Phil!!
This list was especially exciting. It also will made me sweat with the air conditioner running. My brain did not know what to do. Buy, buy, buy! Really appreciate the work you put into these Phil.
This is one of my all time favorite RUclips channels for reviews and info. Phil never wastes my time, comes at everything in an honest and easy to follow manner and I really love the way he keeps an eye on value. I've bought a few brands based on his high ratings and I've yet to be disappointed. Just popped on a Schecter PT Special because of the many positive things Phil has said about Schecters. Thanks as always!
Hi Phil! I'm really glad to see that a Brazilian brand has made your list. keep up the wonderful work!!!
I love these kind of videos. Some of these brands I've never even heard of! Thanks 😊
The biggest guitar shop round here laughed at me when I asked if they carried any ESP LTD as if it were below them. Went elsewhere to buy my LTD Snakebyte and it is one of the best guitars I've ever played over my 25yrs of (amateur) playing.
Morons. GC behaves like that in Greenville SC
I got an LTD Eclipse last year and it's my favorite guitar I've owned. Top notch features, the neck is really comfortable, and personally I think they've got the best LP-style body shape. I just ordered an Arrow (which is their offset V equivalent) as an early midlife crisis guitar, and I'm eagerly looking forward to trying it out.
I've gotten the same treatment before. Between 2011 and 2018 guitar shops and music stores would shame anyone who didn't own a Gibson/epiphone or a fender/Squier. The reason being is that the immense level of competition at many different price points makes it hard for guitar shops to make easy money. Especially when the major brands like fender and D'angelico are giving huge kickback to guitar center.
Hi, Phil. I like everything you do. Always entertaining and especially informative. I would like to see a hollow body list between $600-$1,000.
Keep this lists going! You have so much validated opinions on these brands that I want to hear.
Love the video, great to see all the guitar brands nd the ratings and the side notes of the guitars being great at certain price points.
Yup, with you on Fender at #1 here. Back in the '90s, a MIM Fender was pretty much the go-to for everyone. Nearly every music store had them, they were within reach for most of us price-wise, and they were solid, giggable instruments. Not much has changed in 30 years...in fact, I think the MIM line has only gotten better with time.
I was recently looking at getting a Jaguar. I was specifically interested in the Player Series Jaguar. I went to a store to check them out because they had 3. All 3 had frets that would cut your hand as did most of the other MIM Fenders there. The pickups were ok but nothing fantastic. I played lots of guitars that day, Gibsons, Epiphones, high end Squiers, and the MIM Fenders. The Fenders were the only ones with such horrific fret sprout and poorly done frets, so much so that the Squiers I played felt way better. I only played the higher end Squiers but still. I asked the store about it and they told me that they see this problem every year with Fenders, a few months every year where the frets are done poorly. They told me it wouldn't cost all that much to have them fix the frets up but for a $900 new guitar that's kind of ridiculous. They had some new Gibsons for 100 bucks more, they were perfect with absolutely fantastic pickups. . The Squiers were perfect, the Epiphones were perfect. Its been years since I've played a MIM Fender but they didn't seem as good as I remembered them as. I wasn't a fan of the pickups on the older MIM but they felt better than the ones I played recently.
@@devilsguitaristmusic In my opinion, no store should put a guitar that costs that much out for sale until they fixed them. Send them back to Fender, or fix them in-house. It makes Fender and the store look bad. It's like selling a new car with a flat tire.
@@TexanUSMC8089 I do think they should probably be sent back to Fender. But with the amount of MIM Fenders that have horrible fret sprout recently, I don't really think this would solve the issue. I'm sure Fender is aware, it's been a pretty common topic of talk recently and if any of their reps ever visit dealers they will see for themselves. I do think that dealers have some responsibility in regards to what they're selling and letting the customers know of issues, but I don't think that a dealer should have to fix frets on every Fender they receive and even if they did, the problem is likely to come back. Fender really needs to start drying out their woods and using higher quality woods. I haven't seen this issue on high end Squiers, Epiphones, Gibsons, USA Fenders or any other brands. It's only the ultra budget guitars and MIM Fenders
I knew a guitar teacher who called Schecter "Sphincter."
That's great 😂
"sphincter hellraiser"
oh wait i got one better
"sphincter demon"
Lol spinchter tempest
😂
LOL! Do they really suck?
Amazing info in this video series. Keep them coming! Cheers!
Thank you for this, ive been looking for a video just like this
Also: goddamn props to Solar/Ola for being ranked so high and being so new to the game.
Hat's off for having the integrity to not be afraid to down score the 'big names' in this series
This a great series of videos! Sharing this kind of info is your sweet spot Phil!
Love all your lists! You really know what you are talking about -- so highly informative. Please do more especially in the over $1000 category. Also maybe ranking the top obscure brands.
Fender imports have always been amazing. I've owned a player strat, an earlier Mexican tele (2003 or so, I think?), and a Japanese strat, and they were all killer.
Fender is still reputable. They are the best for their price points.
Agree!… but man the new Squier guitars are rivaling and in some cases even surpassing the MIM Fenders…
When I was young, cheapish guitars sucked!😂
Godin is #1 in my opinion. Although it’s all subjective on fit and finish and feel, the fact that they are made in Canada makes it #1 for me. The feel of their Stadium and Passion series rivals the fender customs shop but for a fraction of the price.
And they’re made by people who earn a decent living wage and have employment benefits. I do wish people would try to pronounce it correctly.
Dude, Thank you! This list allows me to branch out a little more exotic than I would usually. You’ve done a lot of work. I trust your judgement, Phil. Cheers
Love these list videos! Can't wait for the under $300 video list! No wonder you have been so busy making content. Great work and thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
dbraysd Id bet my left nut it’s Squier in that category haha!
Very happy with my Player guitars. I bought a Strat first and loved it so much I bought a Tele!
Great list Phil. Love my Godin but to add weight to it’s inclusion on both import lists, a lot of their guitars are handmade still in Canada at their Quebec factories. My Radium is a good example as well as I believe the Radiator models. Easily some of the best guitars I’ve played (ok, I may be biased being a Canadian 😂).
Thank you Phil! So much to learn from you!
Very informative. Thanks for doing this video!
My first electric guitar was a MIM Strat. Never sold it and I find myself playing it much more than my other, more expensive guitars I have since purchased. I think you are spot on... you can’t go wrong with MIM Fender product for the price.
The guitar I regret selling out of all of them was a MIK Lite Ash strat with factory Duncans. So amazing
Have A 97 MIM start I bought used at a guitar show for $300 bucks. It was my first guitar. Put about $100 bucks into if swapping out the bridge pick-up for a hummbucker and getting it set up properly. Luv that thing. Great little home use axe.
I absolutely love my Charvel San Dimas Style 1 Candy Apple Red! (Recently purchased used)
Yamaha is always a great choice when you just don't know but you want a good quality instrument for the buck!
Ibanez will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for the great vids man!
Dude. You do great work and I appreciate it. So thorough!
thank you for consistently uploading great videos Phil! I appreciate you for giving away this knowledge!
I really wish that ESP would lose the LTD logo on their headstock. They would DOMINATE. I mean, ALL the biggies have High and Low End guitars and are PROUD to put their Brand on everything they send out the door (ie: Jackson, Ibanez, Fender, Gibson, etc... ). IMHO 🤘
Dude you are on to something there...thats a great idea!!!!!
larry dickman I think we all feel that way... lmao
Toxic avenger E-ii... don’t get me started! Ha!
While they don't put the ESP name on their cheaper guitars, it still seems to me that they're much prouder of their low end line than other brands. They've featured even the lowest end LTD on their IG account. I can't say I've seen any Gios on Ibanez social media accounts
All I'm saying is ESP can work on it. Hell, I like the PRS SE logo design now. And, Gretsch moved the Electromatic logo from the headstock to the pickguard.
I have 3 Schecter guitars, all killer, fit, and finish is above what I thought it would be. They're keepers.
Omen model is awsome
I’m a big PRS fan but I love reading the comments where a player has found a guitar that just flat WORKS for hm or her. Enjoy playing those Schecters!
Great series and very informative. I would love to see more of this content in the top tier price range as well. Thanks :)
nice camera angle! Love that you started on number 40 and not 10 or 20! Excellent long list and awesome review! SWEET!
Love my 2017 MIM Fender Player Limited Edition...aged and black\black. On sale, I paid $499 (couldn't pass that up). And, plays "as good" in my opinion as the American version. Good choice for #1.
Glad to see FGN in there. I have an Iliad and it’s fantastic. Can’t beat Japanese quality.
I just got an Iliad, and it's awesome. I'll put it's build quality up against any other other guitar manufacturer.
I've got several Fujinen built Ibanez and they rock.
@@typhoolin I'm looking at getting one, myself.
I literally have the exact Schecter you labeled as your favorite, the Hellraiser Hybrid, trans-black and all, but it's actually Korean made! It's been nice checking out your channel and seeing somebody else talk about this brand, and it's nice to see someone else finally rate it so highly! Love the videos!
Your lists are killer man! Love your channel
PLEASE do a ranking for ACOUSTICS!!!
People that said PRS SE guitars made in Indonesia had QC issues, were probably just playing the demo ones at Guitar Center.
I had to take my first SE Standard 24 back, that was box fresh. It was actually better than the replacement bar a small section where the lacquer was lifting on the side of the neck and would have just broken away quickly.
my se 245 had a poorly cut nut that causes fret buzz
@@haydendoglione3863 Mine was flawless.
My first PRS was an SE Standard Indonesia (lowest price point). IT went back to PRS for a number of problems, the worst of them was the neck kept moving. I had to adjust the neck weekly. I firmly believe there was an issue with the truss rod. I have bought three2014 Korean SE's that have been fantastic guitars, another Indonesian (2019 Paul's Guitar) which was also fantastic, and most recently 2020 USA CE (nicest guitar I have). I almost swore off PRS after the problem with the first one, but I'm glad I changed my mind.
Christopher Nicoll Sorry to hear about your troubles...I bought an Indonesian made PRS SE Custom 24 for dirt cheap from Proaudiostar a few months ago and it’s been my go to guitar. I also apologize for my smartass comment...I didn’t think it would offend so many people and open up old wounds...I hope all is well and you enjoy your guitars...I do know for sure that PRS customer service is amongst the best...I hope they made things right for everyone
Great, informative and fun video!! Thanks!!
thank you for all the wisdom, Phillip!
I totally agree with the top 5. I don’t think Fender can be beat in this price range. I own two Player series and they are awesome.
Are you, by chance, going to do lists for basses in different price categories since you also play bass? That would be great to see one on here since most music stuff is regular guitar oriented videos.
Love to see my Classic 30 over your right shoulder! Thats a sweet head!
Thanks for the insight Phil! Always a pleasure.
Fantastic list! Many surprises and I learned a lot 👍🏻
I’m glad Schecter made it up so high up on the list. I love my Schecter reaper. Best playing guitar I’ve played and it looks beautiful too!
I couldn't give an opinion to most guitars on your list. I have not got my hands on them. However, I've owned multiple Reverend guitars. I've NEVER been dissatisfied. Reverend makes great stuff. I'm happy to see them in the top three. For me, they stand up to bigger name brands that can be significantly more expensive. I've experienced this first hand.
I agree with your number 1 choice. Myself and many people I know who take lessons at my local music shop all have fender player series guitars. Amazing quality for the price. I would highly recommend them to new and old players. Thanks Phil for all you do! Your channel brings me so much happiness in these crazy times.
I do enjoy these Phillip. Helps an fart like me learn about other brands out there. Look forward to the next one.
Finally someone that says Tagima, properly. And (being Brazilian) I’m so glad they did it to the list
Tokai si an excellent brand, made in japan and at quiet good prices . Greetings from chile 🇨🇱
Can't wait for the over 1K list. My Fender Jim Root Tele is still my favorite player and it opened the door to me when I purchase now. MIM guitars are no longer scary to me.
i'd like a similar content but with more detail about each guitar. Good stuff, keep it coming.
Hi, if I may ask, I would love to see your review of most popular guitar brands/models, and how much you would price them regardless of their actual price. Thanks.
Chris Dipinto is a great guy, a great player , and his guitars are well built. The Mach IV is an awesome guitar.
Phil, I would like to see you do a similar ranking for acoustic guitars. Great work as usual.
Great job, thank you for this!
15:08 - Because of you I bought the Ibanez RGRT421 which is very impressive for the low price ($400).
I switched the pickups to Seymour Duncan Black Winter, so in total, I paid $600 for amazing quality.
I couldn't afford a Solar guitar, but I'm very happy with the Ibanez.
I bought a Ibanez Rg6003fm Guitar Center Musicians Friend special brand new for 275 and that has wizard III neck fast playing light guitar with Quantum Humbuckers. Love this thing go to player
The Fender FSR Made in Japan guitars are excellent for $899 if you like vintage-spec guitars. I have 2 Japanese FSR Teles and their craftsmanship is superb, IMO.
I concur!
I think those are made by the Fujigen factory though
I had a Tele 72 FSR MIJ, how I miss it a lot, very very wonderful quality
well done. A lot of great material at a nice pace.
another wonderful, extremely well thought out demonstration from Phiilip M. Thanks again, Phil.
well, its wonderful that it covered so much in the very small amount of time this video was. I wish this was an hour long at least, lol!
Am I the only one who’s never bought a brand new guitar other than their first “beginner” guitar
I've been using the used market since basically day one. great way to stretch my dollar as far as it'll go.
Nope you're not the only one! I'm a big fan of letting someone else drive it off the lot, and buying used in Excellent or Mint condition. Phil's tip that saved me a bunch of $ is always make an offer on Reverb, or at the brick store even if they're not asking for one. Just be realistic with it.
I used to buy new but did not like over paying for just the name. I only buy used, usually full thickness squiers and epiphone, then upgrade the to full Fender or Gibson levels. Great satisfaction doing all the work myself too at a fraction of a new price guitar.
Nope, your not. But I only buy guitars I see as heirloom or collectable. Cheers!
I've only bought 1 electric. My first guitar was a cheap late 90s korean Tele copy that was a gift from my grandparents, I bought an Ibanez Artcore TM71 Talman in 2005 and that's it. My acoustics have all been used, the first two were awful because I was a 'kid' and had no idea what I was doing, my current acoustic is a Fender FR-50 round neck resonator and it is awesome but I grabbed it for $75-80 used and maybe I just got a good one but I love it. Currently I'm trying to decide if I want a Gretsch G5222 double jet, a Yamaha Revstar 502T, or a Squier Mustang Classic Vibe and will probably but it new.
Great list! I’d personally switch the Fender and Schecter. For instance, my Schecter Nick Johnston Diamond DESTROYS every Player model I’ve ever played. Just holding them... not even playing them... the Schecters feel like a much higher priced guitar, especially compared to the Players. Plug them in and the quality is even more apparent.
Either way, still a great list. Keep it up!
@Quiksilver To each their own. The NJ Diamonds are $699-$799 in the States, so no, the price doesn't kill anything here. They come ready to play with locking tuners, consistently beautiful fretwork, great pups, and a fit-and-finish at least as nice as my American Pro Tele and Lincoln Brewster Strat (both of which are amazing).
Why on earth points would be lost because it's a signature model is beyond me, but as I said, it was just an example. Pick up whatever Schecter you want in this price range--same. 🤷🏻♂️
@@DougHinVA There are a ton of great deals out there. Moreover, if someone does want a new one, retailers (SW, MF, etc.) can often get 15%+ off from Schecter if you ask them. Either way, hard to go wrong with anything in the top ten of his list.
@Quiksilver Wow! KILLS and SLAUGHTERS. 🤦🏻♂️ Dude, chill. Didn't mean to poke your fanboi. I said it was an example of a Schecter that, in my experience, plays and feels superior to the half-dozen or so Fender Player models I've played. Schecter makes plenty of other guitars at this price point. And if my European friends have to pay more, that's too bad, but it's irrelevant to my opinion, as in the States they are $699-$799 and easily found for 10-15% less--that is, about the same price as a Fender Player model over here. 🤷🏻♂️
Personally, I really like the rings in the board, so if you feel the need to go all Boomer on another one of my personal opinions, take a whack at that for awhile. 🤣 👋🏻
I'll put my Diamond Series Nick Johnston up against any Strat, American or otherwise.
I don’t think any guitar destroys another . The reason Guitar Acquisition Syndrome is so prevalent is because there are so many great guitars out there. They’re all good in their own ways .
Thanks for the video as well as the previous one for $600 and less guitars. I learned a lot about guitars, some that I never new existed!
Great list, thanks! Love my Schecters, LTDs, and Solar, good to see them all in the top 10. The only one I was surprised by was Hagstrom. I have the Pat Smear model, and I am blown away by it. It probably has the most acoustic projection (played unplugged) of any solid body I have, and it just overall feels very alive. No issues at all, solid build, great pickups, the only thing it needs is locking tuners (because all guitars should have them). Granted, I may have just gotten very lucky, and I also got it just over a year ago, new, not b-stock, for like $670 I think, but now places have it listed for much more than that. Thanks again!
Phil LOVES him some pointy hair metal, skinny nut guitars, and Fender or fender knockoffs. I liked Reverend when they were $700 new. But they keep jacking up the prices. Now, once you throw in sales tax, even their less expensive models don't even really fit on the sub $1k list,
Most of their guitars can be had new from retail for 1000, and the used market they can be found every day in droves for 600-800, mint condition often with a case
*but i agree, like 3-5 years ago you could get them used for like 4-500. But, the newer ones are also better- roasted maple, full paint jobs instead of black backs, upgraded nut, neck binding and fretboard inlays on more models, etc
Because Reverend still manufactures all of their guitars in the South Korean factories known for producing outstanding instruments. However, the cost to produce guitars in those Korean factories has increased, and this is the reason for most Reverend models being priced between $900 - $1100. It’s also the reason the production of PRS SE and most sub $1000 Schecters and ESP LTDs has moved to Indonesia. As for the South Korean-made Schecter’s, they are almost all well over $1000 and some over $1300. The same is true of D’Angelico’s Korean-made guitars, some of which are over $1500!
@@sketchyold Great point- it's definitely not just Reverend raising prices. For me though, if I'm buying new (which is foolish IMO anyway), I'm never going to pay that much for an import. In the $1k-2k range it's tough to find a better value than the PRS S2 line. I'm cheap though- I'd rather pick up a Core PRS cheap because it has a scratch on the front that's driving the original owner/lawyer crazy every time he sees it
@@mgreene300 I would be willing to pay up to $1000 for a Reverend or Schecter, because they are just as well-made (if not better) than lower-priced Gibson’s and USA Fenders. I’m over the myth that foreign guitars are always inferior to American-made (and often with better components). The same was once said of Japanese guitars, but now they are among the best in the world. If I’m confident about the feel, components, and fit-and-finish of a guitar, I’m not concerned with resale value. If I enjoy a guitar but decide to sell it one day for half (or less) of it’s original price, I consider that “loss” the price I paid for the time I used and enjoyed the guitar. I will never pay $1200 or more for a Gibson LP faded, just to say I have a Gibson.
I have an Indonesian made schecter Nick Johnston signature, and i would put it over the fender MIM stuff, which I had prior to my Schecter. I would even say that the Schecter has a better feel and look over my Fender performer series strat. And also the fretwork, I would say, is superior as well. Can't complain for an $800 guitar.
Totally agree
I freaking love this series
Thanks man, I am trying to figure out where to go with my next purchase. I am running blind without you.
I'd love a $1000-2000 U.S.A. made guitars episode!
Reverend FTW! Love them 🧡
Ohh yeah baby this is like my favorite kind if video ever!!!
As always great video phillip
how about a worst to best guitar amps
Yes!! More bass content!
You missed the middle child of Dean Zelinsky: Diamond (formerly DBZ) Guitars. World Music in Korea not only makes them again, they now own the brand and are fantastic guitars.
Great list again - and not shocked by the winner at all, but they do deliver.
Great video. Heard some brands I wasn’t familiar with
This video makes me want to spend money.
Lol me too 🤣
"Godin", in Kentucky, is pronounced, "Schecter".
But in France, "Schecter" means "the cattle are dying" both good guitars...heh heh
@@MarshallAmpMan If I ever buy a Schecter I will name my new axe the beef hatchet. None of my friends will understand why.
@@Kevlarel84 genius
MarshallAmp Man maybe you made a joke that went over my head but Schecter doesn’t mean anything in French.
Love this lists!
Nice Shijie I think its custom shop quality for a third of the price. Haven't tried one, but every video and comment I've seen it says it's really amazing, just as good as any video review to there.
If they shipped to my country I would have purchased one. So glad to see it in the list!
And nice to see Reverend top 3, damn I love those guitars!
they looked the coolest to me besides fender obviously
PRS SE should always be number 1 for import guitars! I love (and play) my SE more than my USA made Gibson Sg.
@@jonthehermit8082 It took me a while to really appreciate the 85/15 S pickups on mine. They sound amazing and full on clean but can be boomy and a bit muddy with distortion. I find turning the bass down and treble up on the gain channel is key with these pickups.
Agreed! I'm surprised to see Fender beat them out. I've played a number of Fender Players and have yet to find one that I'd consider exceptional. By comparison, my PRS SE CU24 gives my Gibson LPand US Fender Strat a run for their money.
@@James-zy5lh
Disagree
There are many nice Fenders and Gibsons, you have to try them out
If you buy a $1000 guitar ask yourself the question ‘is it worth $1,000?’ Maybe it’s worth $700, $800 or $900 . Don’t be fooled by clever strategic marketing. Maybe it’s worth paying $1100 for a guitar that was reduced from $1500. So easy to pay too much or end up with a lesser guitar than you may have expected at this price point . JMHO
I say don't fret over 200 bucks for something you could enjoy for many years.
Love this series. It be cool if you shared your scoring criteria as an attachment
Interesting list Phil ,thanks ! 😎🎸✌
Please do a Hollowbody list!
The Strat is still the best designed guitar ever made. Leo hit it outta the park with that one. I don't know maybe he was smoking alien weed when he designed it.
Very arguable! Also imagine making the Tele on the first go 🤯
@@kgr6438 Another amazing design.
@@kgr6438 of course, he copied the one Paul Bigsby made first...
the tele, I mean...
the strat is shit it dosent stay in tune
I bought a shijie based on your review and I am still gratefull for this.
Phil, I dont know about "Fun to watch" but very informative as usual. Keep up the good work man !
Ibanez has really done A LOT to improve their sub-prestige lineup of guitars in general over the past few years. They've been offering more interesting designs, good quality pickups (if you're able to spend $1,100 you will find multiple guitars with Bareknuckle or Fishman pickups), outlandish and fun colors, and more at a quality level that matches the price. It's a lineup that's a dream come true, especially for a metal guitarist.
Lately, when I buy a "new" guitar, I first go to Reverb to see what Ibanez Pestiges are available for around $1,000, and I've found multiple with some really impressive after market mods (including Bareknuckle pickups 🤤).
I love Ibanez. They have been my favorite brand ever since I played an SA260fm as a student back in 2005. But one think I've learned from owing scores of ibanez guitars from every range barring J-Custom...they have legendarily dodgy QC across the entire spectrum. The first run of premiums was insane though imo, they really knocked it out with that. AZ's, I had pretty bad luck with
I'm glad you've had nothing but positive experiences with the sub-prestige range! I wanna like them as much as you, but I've come across a number with really sketchy QC. Things like really sharp fret ends, finish problems, cracky electronics, cheap hardware, etc. I find the Iron Labels and anything cheaper to be the culprits the most, but every once in a while a Premium will have its share of problems as well. Let's not forget the Premium Universe reissues which had misaligned necks and/or bridges. A damn shame.
I love Ibanez but I hate how they discontinue all their guitars. I fall in love with some and before you know it, it's not on the market anymore. Guitars like Strats and Les Pauls, I can get one any day. I like the 90s- early 2000 RG series Ibanez. The ones now that they make don't look as good.
@@TobyKBTY I'm with you, Toby. Fret ends that could cut a cheap steak and cracks in the finish at the neck. I so want to like Ibanez, but after the issues I had with them, they just leave a bad taste for me. :/
Great video Phil, well thought out and considered. I'll shout out ShiJie -- I have one of their standard series, can't fault it, they have a small factory but they are turning out quality product. In the future I may well go for a Schecter or Ibanez semi-hollow, as much as I want a Gibson or Gretsch, can't afford them.
Great video
Great revu! Surprised Ibanez was so low. But impressed with MIM Fender. Nicely done.
I’m curious why you didn’t rank Shijie higher? Sounded like you gave them some very strong praise in terms of quality that would befit top five kind of territory.
Love my Reverends and my Mexi-Strat...
Enjoyable video. Glad to see Reverend placed high. They deserve it.
Excellent job Phil! I think PRS should be top 3 but can’t complain with 4th. Great List! 🤘🏻🎸