Are YOU a guitar contrarian???

[Heywood Jablomie]

Absolutely a contrarian! Here's a partial list of voodoo/mojo BS that make virtually no sonic difference on electrics:

- Body/neck/fingerboard "tonewood"
- Finish
- Nut material
- Bridge/saddles
- Tail piece
- Fret metal
- Pickup covers (or none)
- Brand of tone capacitors, pots, switches
- Type of wires
- Cable to amp
- Shielding

[oldguy]

Absolutely a contrarian! Here's a partial list of voodoo/mojo BS that make virtually no sonic difference on electrics:

- Body/neck/fingerboard "tonewood"
- Finish
- Nut material
- Bridge/saddles
- Tail piece
- Fret metal
- Pickup covers (or none)
- Brand of tone capacitors, pots, switches
- Type of wires
- Cable to amp
- Shielding

I respectfully disagree, although I do believe fingers and amph are the larger denominators.

[Heywood Jablomie]

I respectfully disagree, although I do believe fingers and amph are the larger denominators.

Although I don't give a rat's anus whether or not anyone agrees with my opinion, it seems rather silly to disagree in this case, considering the thread topic.

[Eric***]

Although I don't give a rat's anus whether or not anyone agrees with my opinion, it seems rather silly to disagree in this case, considering the thread topic.

Well, I guess the point of this discussion board is discussion, huh? Just sayin'.

Curious about your post though -- what do you value or what would you say matters in guitars?

[Heywood Jablomie]

Curious about your post though -- what do you value or what would you say matters in guitars?

As far as electric guitars are concerned, I think the amp/effects are the most defining thing. I've heard guys with 335s that sound like Telecasters, for example, although Strats do have a singularly unique sound that doesn't seem to be duplicatable (and maybe Ric 12s).

I mostly chafe against the endless touting of aftermarket parts in the likes of Premier Guitar, claiming total tonal transformation of one's guitar.

Arbitrary perception, who famous played one, etc. seems to be a bigger deal with a lot of players, especially younger ones. For example, Casinos and 330s were considered somewhat bargain models in the 60s Kalamazoo line, but because of Lennon's rooftop performance, the Casino is HUGE. And it seems that guitars often sell more for aesthetics than other factors. I often wonder what players would choose if they had to make their choices blindfolded.

The "placebo effect" of guitar mods is not to be underestimated, either. People who swear that the new nut made their guitar a "tone monster" (I hate that expression), are absolutely positive that it's true. Same for bulltique capacitors. Hell, my guitars sound different from day to day just subject to my mood.

Now here's the cool thing, as far as I'm concerned: When I was playing in the 60s, there was Fender, Gibson, Guild and junk (Teisco, Harmony, etc.) I preferred Gibson. Having re-entered the world of electric guitars a few years ago, I was quite pleased to discover all of the VERY playable guitars available at price points starting at $200. I got an Epiphone Dot Studio as my re-entry guitar. After replacing the pickups with P90s (I had a Gibson 330 and SG Special in the 60s and always loved P90s, and the Epi hot bridge pickups are horrid), I find no logical reason to upgrade to a "better" guitar.

On the other hand, I think the variables in acoustic guitars are vast, and the differences between the cheap ones and the good ones are huge. Now if I could just afford that D28.......

[duhvoodooman***]

I won't delve any further into this topic than to say that, if somebody tries to sell you something and uses the term "mojo" as part of the sales spiel, head for the exit....

[Geraint Jones]

I won't delve any further into this topic than to say that, if somebody tries to sell you something and uses the term "mojo" as part of the sales spiel, head for the exit....

Hey DVM I take it that you are not a huge fan of this road worn / relic phenomena then . I`ve been looking at a few Teles recently and most seemed to come with this added mojo thing , is this not a good 'thing' [and where is it kept / located ].