What Makes a Guitar Special: My Favorite Picks and Why They Stand Out
Hey everyone! After our recent podcast on assigning value to guitars, I thought it would be fun to delve deeper into what makes a guitar special to me. I’ve got a few of my favorites hanging around, and today, I’m going to share why I choose the guitars I do. Hopefully, this can inspire your own guitar choices. I'd also love to hear from you about what draws you to a guitar.
The Magic of Selecting a Guitar
We’ve all experienced that moment when we’re walking through a guitar store, and something catches our eye. Maybe it’s the feel of the neck, the look of the finish, or something intangible that just clicks. What makes you want to know more about a guitar, take it down from the wall, and maybe even take it home? And conversely, what makes you put it back? Here’s a glimpse into my thought process when selecting guitars.
My Top Picks and Why I Love Them
Texas Toast Guitars Challenger Level Two
One of my all-time favorite guitars is the Texas Toast Guitars Challenger Level Two. This guitar features a set of my P90s, and what I love most is the feel of the neck. All my guitars have a smooth, non-sticky finish on the neck. I can't stand the plasticky feel of shiny urethane finishes. The matte finish on the Challenger’s neck is perfect and feels incredible in my hands. It’s these small details that make me choose and stick with certain guitars.
Gibson Les Paul Slash November Burst
Next up is Les Paul November Burst. While this guitar has a shiny neck, the nitro finish feels different from the plastic feel of polyurethane. Over time, the nitro finish becomes smoother and more tactile. It's fascinating how the finish interacts with body chemistry, making each guitar unique. This Gibson has aged beautifully, and its feel is something I deeply appreciate.
McPherson Sable
One of my favorite instruments is the McPherson Sable, a carbon fiber guitar designed by Matt McPherson. Despite being made of carbon fiber, it has a matte finish on the neck and offers a unique playing experience. The engineering behind this guitar is remarkable—it doesn’t need a truss rod due to its design. This guitar stands out not just because of its build but also due to its incredible sound and stability.
Martin D-28
Owning a Martin D-28 is like having a piece of guitar history. The legacy of this instrument adds to its allure. For me, it’s important to own the “real thing” and not a copy. The D-28 serves as a reference point for comparing other guitars. Its sound, build quality, and the legend behind it make it a cornerstone of my collection.
PRS Silver Sky
The PRS Silver Sky is a guitar that I initially didn’t like due to its neck size and string spacing. However, after playing it for a few weeks, I fell in love with it. This guitar taught me the importance of being open-minded and willing to explore new things. The Silver Sky’s design, particularly its peg head, offers a superior playing experience, and it’s now one of my favorites.
What’s Your Guitar Story?
I’d love to hear from you. What makes you choose a guitar? What’s the one guitar you dream of owning? Let’s get a conversation going in the comments. This has been a fun little video to share on a random Wednesday. Thanks for hanging out, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button as we approach 100,000 subscribers. Have a great day, and see you soon!