# The Great Ongoing Guitar Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [January 31, 2010, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172 "2010-01-31T23:20:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 305
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6086 "2023-12-01T00:15:27Z")
> [@ColdBrew50](#): > > Only solution? New guitar! The Squier Classic Vibe line supposedly has a good rep. I’ve handled 1 or 2 in a store and they seemed fine. [https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=squier+telecaster+classic+vibe](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=squier+telecaster+classic+vibe) > [@](#): > > Hey, new strings? Know what that means? A set of 12 flatwounds with an unwound G. Wait: 12? Aside: it is possible to buy single unwound G or some players would use a banjo string, so I hear. ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6087 "2023-12-01T00:20:29Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Wait: 12? > > Aside: it is possible to buy single unwound G or some players would use a banjo string, so I hear. Well, yeah! For bending purposes. I’m not a total jazz snob…that was the whole reason I dipped into the Tele realm in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6088 "2023-12-01T00:21:29Z")
I mean, you need 12 strings on your presumably 6 string guitar? Wut? Why? ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6089 "2023-12-01T00:23:11Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > I mean, you need 12 strings on your presumably 6 string guitar? Why All right, enough already! You know what I mean! 0.012 set with an unwound G. If I wanted a guitar to sound out of tune _all_ the time, I’d just buy a twelve-string! ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6090 "2023-12-01T00:25:15Z")
> [@ColdBrew50](#): > > You know what I mean! 0.012 set with an unwound G. Actually, I didn’t. People would usually says something like “a set of 12s, flatwound”. > [@](#): > > If I wanted a guitar to sound out of tune _all_ the time, I’d just buy a twelve-string! True dat. I owned a cheap 12 string electric; damn thing was never in tune and I gave it away to the next poor soul. ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6091 "2023-12-01T00:27:31Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Actually, I didn’t. People would usually says something like “a set of 12s, flatwound”. It’s OK. I forgive you! Still laughing though! 😆 Oh, I see. “Set of twelve.” OK, I can see that confusing. Set of twelves then! ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6092 "2023-12-01T00:40:57Z")
> [@ColdBrew50](#): > > Duly noted. I do have a number of steel rulers which are probably accurate to within 5/64ths of an inch. To set the truss rod though you need to be able to measure .008” to .012”. Hence the feelers. ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6093 "2023-12-01T00:44:24Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > To set the truss rod though you need to be able to measure .008” to .012”. Hence the feelers OK. Yeah, I can roll with that. Not too expensive seems like, for a decent set. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6094 "2023-12-01T00:47:48Z")
A few bucks at an auto parts store. Then you know with certainty what a good relief feels like and you internalize that and you likely never need to measure again. OR, you get a guitar that’s way out of whack down the road, and you have the tools to isolate the problem instead of trying to fight your way though multiple issues at one through guesswork. ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6095 "2023-12-01T00:57:30Z")
Good stuff, through and through. One of these days I’m going to have to start playing beyond a hurr-durr level But, if even a rube like me on guitar can tell the differences between a properly set up instrument, I’d say it’s a worthwhile digression. I know guitar techs and luthiers earn their keep, and be assured I’m not keeping them out of business, but it’s kind of similar to car repair or house repairs, IMHO. It’s best to know one’s instrument. No, I’m not interested in cutting nut slots, but a good set of feeler gauges could be handy for a number of other things as well. Well…maybe not exactly, but it’s a small investment. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6096 "2023-12-01T01:08:46Z")
I’ve found that I kind of like the work. I spent a little money earlier this year on a sanding beam and a set of fret files (the z-files from Stew Mac are incredible) and did a full fret level and dress on one of my G&Ls. Was super satisfying to feel the improvement and know exactly what I did to make it better. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6097 "2023-12-01T01:16:22Z")
> [@ColdBrew50](#): > > I’ve looked long and hard on the Yamaha THR line, and they have some real ardent fans. I’ve had a THR10 on my desk for many years now and I play it often, both guitar and bass. It’s small and is always available and easy, easy to get different tones out of. I probably play it more than my tube amp which is nearby but is overkill for my practicing. It’s easier to match volume output of the Yamaha with my computer (I tend to play out of my powered Audioengine speakers rather than output through the Yamaha) than through the tube amp. > [@squeegee](#): > > Squier Classic Vibe line supposedly has a good rep That’s been my main guitar for many years and it’s my favorite. Of course, my other electric guitars are oddballs: Hondo Flying V clone I bought when I was 18 and a 60 year old Harmony Rocket with goldfoils. So, it makes sense I play the comfortable, stable, easy to play guitar. I always thought that at some point I’d buy a humbucker equipped guitar but I’m playing so much more bass now, I’m not sure that will actually happen. I really should get rid of the Hondo and Harmony since I rarely play them. I keep the Hondo out of sentiment (I’ve had it 35 years), and the Harmony does sound fantastic but the playability is garbage (the fret board is so round bends choke out before you get very far). ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6098 "2023-12-01T02:20:11Z")
I didn’t know a guitar headphone amp was an option. Great setup when space is limited. Not much bigger than a cigarette pack. Plug in the electic guitar / headphones and start practicing. I hear subtle problems in my playing with headphones. Notes that aren’t cleanly fretted. Can I hear all the strings in the Chord? It’s easy to miss when an amp is turned down. Headphones offer privacy. I can Woodshed a piece and play it 40 times without irritating my family. A amp with cabinet is better. But I wouldn’t mind one of these on trips. I could put this little guy in my carry bag with the cables and headphones [https://www.amazon.com/Blackstar-amPlug2-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B07V2NJCVX/ref=mp\_s\_a\_1\_19?crid=GHUYTQDIY2I4&keywords=Vox+amPlug+2&qid=1701396887&sprefix=vox+amplug+2%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-19](https://www.amazon.com/Blackstar-amPlug2-Guitar-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B07V2NJCVX/ref=mp_s_a_1_19?crid=GHUYTQDIY2I4&keywords=Vox+amPlug+2&qid=1701396887&sprefix=vox+amplug+2%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-19) ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6099 "2023-12-01T02:46:52Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Was super satisfying to feel the improvement and know exactly what I did to make it better. I heard “Wes” and that’s about all I need to pull the trigger some gauges from Mac of the Stew. Maybe not the Z-files, since I don’t know how to use them correctly, but a basic set of feeler gauges. Now just need to start playing like Wes and shouldn’t be a problem. Those high paying gigs will start blowing up my phone. Pretty sure, ;D However, since I’m not Wes by any stretch, I can at least pretend to play pretty. Or at least buy stuff, including maybe a little router or rotary tool (i.e., a Dremel), if I want to check out some PAFs or whatever else. Perhaps it will improve my non-existent soldering “skills” to boot,. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6100 "2023-12-01T03:00:10Z")
> [@ColdBrew50](#): > > I heard “Wes” and that’s about all I need to pull the trigger some gauges from Mac of the Stew. Maybe not the Z-files, since I don’t know how to use them correctly, but a basic set of feeler gauges. You only need the Z-files if you need to crown a fret or frets after a leveling job. But the beauty of the Z-file is you just about can’t mess it up. Unlike a traditional file, you can’t take too much material off the top or create a weird profile. The shape is built into the file’s channel. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6101 "2023-12-01T04:59:49Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I didn’t know a guitar headphone amp was an option. Great setup when space is limited. Not much bigger than a cigarette pack. Plug in the electic guitar / headphones and start practicing. Those are always an option. At one time I owned a Tom Scholz Rockman, which was a lot of fun if you wanted to sound like Tom Scholz in your headset. I’ve found the same thing applies to the others: there are 3 or whatever sounds (crunch, lead, clean etc) one of which sounds 🤩 and the others are meh sure okay. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6102 "2023-12-01T05:27:04Z")
Heck, one of my favorite headphone amps is only $23.00, and it’s a dandy little bedroom amp to boot. It’s not the best. but it has tons of charm, and it’s about as cheap as they come. Apparently pushing the IC amp to 18V makes it even better, but even though I’ve had it a few years,I haven’t bothered hooking up some 9Vs in a series to find out. Seriously, get a Honeytone to play with. It’s cheap, and if you don’t like it you can give it to a niece or nephew who’s just starting out. [https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HoneytoneBlk--danelectro-honeytone-n-10-mini-guitar-amp-black](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HoneytoneBlk--danelectro-honeytone-n-10-mini-guitar-amp-black) ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6103 "2023-12-01T05:31:29Z")
Solution found. Buy a new, improved Squier Tele, swap out the stock strings for 12s flats, and keep this old Sonic Squier in open G. Classic Vibe model Squier Tele. And tell Sweetwater to stop having “my” Sales Rep calling me every day to see how my rig is going. Christ. The candy’s fine: I can give them to my nephews or my mom or whatever! http s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrMnkbkzvi ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6104 "2023-12-01T05:44:15Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > Honeytone As mentioned in the very first post of this thread, 13 years ago! The OP eventually bought one and liked it a lot. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2023, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172/6105 "2023-12-01T06:28:50Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > Seriously, get a Honeytone to play with. It’s cheap, and if you don’t like it you can give it to a niece or nephew who’s just starting out. I’ll check it out! Thanks [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172.md?page=304) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-ongoing-guitar-thread/527172.md?page=306)