WHY SHOULD I PAY THE PRICE FOR AN EXPENSIVE ELECTRIC GUITAR?

Why indeed? :))

Well… The first time I picked up a $500 guitar and compared it to $2000 guitar I thought “hmmm not much of a difference.” The guitars felt pretty close; the sound was different, but the $500 guitar was GOOD ENOUGH. Now this is the key right here. In the store it sounds just GOOD ENOUGH.

I kept thinking that the $500 guitar was good enough until….well, until I had the money to get the $2000 guitar. What happened was that I played the dream guitar for a few weeks and then….I forgot about the $500 guitar.

Why did that happen? Here is why:

1. The more expensive guitar was easier to play.
2. It stayed in tune much, much longer.
3. The tone was significantly better.
4. No hums, noise or pops.
5. Perfect tuning and intonation

Maybe not immediately, but within a month or two from purchasing the $2000 guitar, I had a very clear idea why the more expensive instrument was better. Let’s elaborate a little on the different aspects that make it a better guitar:

The wood

There is a big difference between the different kinds of wood and the way they sound (I will have a separate post on this topic in the future). Also it is very important how the wood was prepared before it was turned into an instrument. For now let me just say that the more expensive guitar is usually made from a higher quality wood, which, in turn, gives a better sound.

Tuning Machines

More expensive models have better keys. I personally like Sperzel or Gotoh tuning machines. I would also recommend getting the locking type even if you use a Floyd Rose or another locking tremolo system. This will give you much better tuning stability.

www.sperzel.com
www.guitar-machine-heads.com

The pickups

Some more expensive models already have great pickups. You can also check:
www.dimarzio.com
www.seymourduncan.com
www.carvinworld.com

Bear in mind that you need to have some experience with different pickups to start noticing the difference. The sound will also depend on the style you play, the guitar, the amp, the cables, the effects you are using, and, most importantly, on HOW YOU PLAY. Still, the rule of thumb usually is that the more expensive instruments have better pickups.

The Tremolo

I have all kinds of tremolos and bridges in my arsenal, but since I use the whammy bar a lot, my top choice is the Original Floyd Rose tremolo. I say the ORIGINAL because there is a huge difference between the original and any copies. I don't know why, but I’ve had several guitars with licensed tremolos where I was afraid to use the whammy bar because my guitar would be out of tune in no time. With the original, I stay in tune for days no matter how much I use it!!!

So if you like to use the whammy bar go for THE ORIGINAL FLOYD ROSE. You will love it!
http://www.floydrose.com/

Let’s Summarize

The most important thing to take from this is that more expensive guitars are made of better wood, hand finished by people who spent their lives making guitars (not just any machines), have better hardware ( frets, keys pickups, tremolos ) that are installed in the perfect position and set up by a specialist in the factory. Also, the quality control is very good.

My favorite custom made guitar has the following specifications:

.
CARVIN DC400AC
Right Handed
Floyd Rose Tremolo
Floyd Rose Locking Nut
Clear Gloss Finish
Deep Dragonburst Quilt
Neck Covered By Optional Top
Wood -
Inline Headstock
5-Piece Neck/Headstock Shows
Birdseye Maple Fingerboard
Stainless Jumbo Frets .055" H .110" W R14 - 14in Fretboard Radius
S22B - S22B Bridge Pickup w/ Metal Cover to Match Hardware
S22J - S22J Neck Pickup w/ Metal Cover to Match Hardware-
Black Coils w/ Black Bezels
Gold Hardware
Elixir 1046E Light Gauge .010 -.046
Gold Plated Logo
Metal Knobs w/ Abalone Inlays
Engraved Truss Rod Cover
Truss Rod Engraving: 4040
.





Best,
4040

Welcome!

Hi Gang,
4040 here. Welcome to my blog.

As you may have noticed, it is under the name of 4040 Records. No worries, this is my recording company.

My main desire is to make good music with fine guitar playing in its core.
Since I like both songs and guitar instrumentals, my music follows both of these paths.

A big part of my time is spent being attached to a piece of wood with strings, frets, knobs, dots, head, keys etc….called the guitar. I love THE GUITAR, and I love THE SOUNDS it makes.

For years I have worked on having a better control over my mind, fingers, and that magical wooden instrument, and I am still leaning. I have succeeded in finding a lot of answers throughout the years, and I am still looking for others.

With this blog I would like to talk about some of the questions about playing the guitar and creating music that I've asked myself and some of the problems I have encountered; I would also like to reveal some of the solutions that I have come up with and hear about your perspective, opinions, and tricks of the trade.

Basically I am going to discuss everything that has to do with the guitar - from choosing the right one for you through playing exercises to additional gear that you could get. I would also like to share some thoughts and tips about composing, arranging, songwriting, recording, mixing and mastering. I believe that an important part of the process of music making is how to promote your music, and since my main business is advertising, I will probably be able to say a few words about this too.

4040's GUITAR TIME

4040's Guitar Time will be a weekly feature on my blog. Stay tuned for a fresh update every week on useful tips and tricks for music creation and playing the guitar - tuning, guitar set up, warming up, speed exercises, getting a better tone, getting a better sound, choosing the right instrument, tools, amps, pedals, etc.

Best

4040