Why is it that some guitars (regardless of cost/value) just feel "right"?

HarrySeven

As a number of you will know, I have a LOT of guitars, but my current squeeze is this:





Judging by the logo and hardware, it's earlier than Trevor Wilkinson's involvement and must be worth at least half a Groat - it certainly cost me peanuts.

Can't put it down - neck profile fits my hand like a glove and (feel-wise) I much prefer it to my Gibson SG's. I'd buy another one in an instant.

Does need some better pickups though...

Nunogilberto

Know what you mean. I always preferred my Epi SG to my Gibson Standard. I've got a Vintage V120 Jr which is a phenomenal guitar for the money and feels great to play.

HarrySeven

I would hate anything to happen to this, because it really does feel that good. Problem is, I've not seen another (identical model) for sale in ages.

stuagu

It just feels right because it feels just right. It suits you. Names n logos doesn't come into it.

HarrySeven

stuagu said:

Names n logos doesn't come into it.

Couldn't agree more.

HarrySeven

TTony said:

HarrySeven said:

Problem is, I've not seen another (identical model) for sale in ages.

And even if you did find an - apparently - identical model, there's no guarantee that it'd work as well for you. .  

'Tis true - but I've never played another (only more recent versions), so I'd be interested in finding out!

TTony

HarrySeven said:

Problem is, I've not seen another (identical model) for sale in ages.

And even if you did find an - apparently - identical model, there's no guarantee that it'd work as well for you.  How it's set up, the amount of fret & fretboard wear, even the smell of the guitar (and lots more) are all factors that combine to make the guitar work, or not, for the player.  

stimpsonslostson

@TTony is right. I had one of these too, stupidly sold it... Found an "identical" that felt totally wrong. That's how I now define a "keeper"- a guitar that just feels right, regardless of brand or price tag. My Vintage V100 Lemon Drop is in that category: I've played all manner of Les Paul's, but this one fits me like a glove so it stays.

Flink_Poyd

Because you're judging it by its physical properties rather than its visual properties and brand association. A Gibson must be better than a "brand x" because it's a Gibson, brand loyalty and perception of that brand have influenced you before you realise it.

thomasross20

And so many feel so wrong.

thomasross20

Sometimes it might just be a bad set up (high action being the worst) or VERY rusty strings. How are you meant to tell if it's the first for you if it's not set up to a good standard.

Chalky

I had two of these. Gave the better playing one away to a school. It just had more voice and feel.

Samgb

I've got a Vintage V6 strat and it's my fave guitar by a mile. Lovely neck.
And putting new pickups in it shouldn't be held against it - plenty of people on here seem to buy high end guitars and immediately strip everything out, pots, electrics, etc. Which of course begs the question... Why if you were that unhappy with it did you buy it for that much money?!

HarrySeven

Which of course begs the question... Why if you were that unhappy with it did you buy it for that much money?!




Who said anything about being unhappy? And it did indeed cost next-to-nothing.

Deadman

It just goes to prove that you don't have to spend big bucks in order to own a guitar that you're happy with and can even go as far as to bond with if it really is that good (won't use the M word). Took me years to realise, spending lots of dosh in the process.

daveww

This guy (Andrew Pipe of The Mentulls) has played Vintage guitars for years and gets super tone from them

timmysoft

I had an epiphone g400 that absolutely slaughtered the 3 Gibson Sg's I had, stupidly I sold it for 100quid.

Samgb

HarrySeven said:

Which of course begs the question... Why if you were that unhappy with it did you buy it for that much money?! That wasn't directed at you - what I meant was it's entirely reasonable to tweak a cheaper guitar to make it better when people spend thousands on top end stuff and do the same!




Who said anything about being unhappy? And it did indeed cost next-to-nothing.

HarrySeven

Ah, I see!

Fez

Put some hand wound UK made pick ups in it FTW

fretfinder

It's also personal to an extent I reckon - one man's keeper can be another man's dog. I'll bet if you put a dozen guitarists in a room with a CV Strat that the owner felt was 'better than CS', not many of them would agree with that. And I wouldn't on principle, which just goes to show how personal bias can come into the equation, whether you recognise you're doing it (as I do!) or not.