I know guitarists are risk averse but I’m bemused with Fender and Gibson selling essentially 4 guitars each with the most minor tweaks for over 6 decades.
I do have a soft spot for a nicely done relic in a classic shape, though preferably with a modern neck shape, frets and radius.
But other than that, every recent visit to a guitar shop has left me completely cold for 95% of the stock.
For instance why can’t Fender sell a nice modern strat that would take some cues from Ibanez - no pickguard, comfortable and light body shape, better neck joint, maybe even god forbid some noiseless pickups ? No pointy looks or vomity finishes, just a bit of an update.
I’d be all over something that sounds like a strat ( without getting anal about vintage tone ) but with less compromises.
Surely they could do that at a similar price points to their current offerings.
I’m aware fender do have more modern elements in a couple of the lines but they’re the more expensive models and they are still very timid changes.
I do wonder if Gibson, Fender, maybe even PRS will eventually fall into irrelevance with the newer generation of players who are less into believing that old designs somehow give a magic mojo and that you shouldn’t touch anything and on the contrary always try and get closer to the old ways.
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Good for you, but this might not prevent you being burned at the stake (Honduran Mahogany, or Brazilian rosewood of course).
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
There have been many advances in construction and design over the years, it seems crazy to me not to take advantage.
Gibson and Fender chase their own retro markets whilst many other guitar manufacturers have moved on.
In reply to the OP, yes I get bored in a guitar shop too.
Actually, they are still repeating the same monumental screw ups
There's not really that much you can do to a 6 string instrument with 2 or 3 pickups and still make it practical and reliable.
I know other smaller brands are leading the innovation these days, it's just a shame that the shops with the most resources AND reputational goodwill, who could really bring improvements and innovations to the masses at affordable price points, are busy chasing their own tail and hoping for the best, or failing to understand where the real useful innovations are ( i.e not robotic tuners ).
There will always be attempts at innovation but they'll only take off if they are actually preferred to the existing designs.
The electric bass is a good example - since the Precision came out there have been all kinds of innovations and attempts to improve it but a significant portion of players still prefer the Precision.
In fact, the vast majority of records use either that or the Jazz which is just one step of innovation ahead.
Many guitars have a re-sale value. Some you'll never want to sell.
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