“Only they who believeth in their guitar quest shall be granted passage”

Category: Learnings

  • Why Cheap Guitars Still Matter (and Always Will)

    Why Cheap Guitars Still Matter (and Always Will)

    When you look at the price tags on high-end guitars from Gibson, Fender, or Martin—often running into the thousands—it’s easy to wonder: why do cheap guitars still exist? With all the advancements in technology and craftsmanship, shouldn’t the market have moved past budget instruments by now?

    The truth is, guitars under $200 aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. And they’re not here just because they’re “cheap.” They’re here because they play an important role in the world of music, from sparking a beginner’s first song to fueling creativity for seasoned players. Let’s break down why affordable guitars are still so essential, and why they’re far from second-class citizens.

    • The Gateway for Beginners

    Every guitarist starts somewhere, and for most of us, it wasn’t with a $2,000 Les Paul. Budget-friendly guitars remove the biggest barrier—price—so anyone curious about playing can give it a try.

    beginner guitar learning

    If you’re just learning chords, a $100 acoustic from Yamaha or Rogue is more than enough to get you started. Love it? You can upgrade later. Don’t stick with it? You didn’t burn a hole in your wallet. That low-risk entry point is what keeps millions of new players picking up affordable instruments every year.

    • Better Quality Than Ever

    Here’s the thing: cheap guitars today are way better than they used to be. Advances in manufacturing—CNC machines, global factories, and standardized designs—mean even entry-level models are reliable and playable.

    guitar collections

    A $150 guitar today can easily outperform a mid-tier model from the ’80s. Materials like laminated spruce or nato keep costs down but still deliver a tone good enough for practice, songwriting, or small gigs. Brands like Ibanez and Yamaha have nailed the formula: affordable guitars that actually sound great.

    1. Online Retail Changed Everything

    The internet made it ridiculously easy to find affordable instruments. With a few clicks, you can order a Donner, Orangewood, or Squier and have it delivered to your door. Plus, customer reviews, YouTube demos, and forums help buyers feel confident in their choices.

    Globalization also plays its part—factories in Asia produce for multiple brands, which keeps prices competitive. That’s how you can snag a $120 electric guitar that looks, feels, and sounds far better than you’d expect.

    Modified Guitar
    Modified Guitar
    Vantage Stratocaster front look
    • Perfect for Hobbyists and Casual Players

    Not everyone wants to shred on stage or record an album. For hobbyists, campfire players, or bedroom jam sessions, a budget guitar is all you need.

    Think about it: a $90 acoustic at a barbecue or a $150 electric paired with some amp modeling software can bring just as much joy as a high-end setup. With modern recording tools like GarageBand or Neural DSP, even a cheap guitar can sound studio-ready.

    • A Staple in Education

    Schools, music programs, and community centers rely heavily on affordable instruments. They’re durable, inexpensive, and make it possible for groups of students to learn together. Fender’s Squier line or Yamaha’s FG series are staples in classrooms around the world for exactly this reason.

    • The Joy of Modding and DIY

    Cheap guitars are a playground for tinkerers. Many players buy them as modding platforms, swapping pickups, upgrading hardware, or giving them custom paint jobs. A $200 guitar can quickly turn into a gig-worthy axe with some upgrades.

    Guitar Pickups Wiring Mod
    Guitar Pickups Wiring Mod

    Social media is full of before-and-after builds where budget guitars get transformed into unique, personalized instruments. That hands-on culture keeps cheap guitars exciting.

    • Culture, Nostalgia, and Attitude

    Cheap guitars also carry a certain vibe. Think of Kurt Cobain’s pawnshop guitars or the raw sound of garage rock bands. Budget instruments have been at the heart of some of the most iconic music ever made. They’re gritty, authentic, and full of character—sometimes more so than pristine, expensive models.

    • The Reality of Money

    Let’s be real: not everyone has the budget for a $1,500 guitar. Economic realities mean affordable options will always be necessary. In fact, surveys show most new guitar buyers list “price” as their number one deciding factor. For many players worldwide, a $100 instrument isn’t just the best option—it’s the only option.

    The most reasonable answer

    Cheap guitars aren’t just the “budget bin” of the music world—they’re a vital part of it. They open the door for beginners, keep music education alive, fuel hobbyists, inspire tinkerers, and even shape cultural movements.

    At the end of the day, music isn’t about how much you spent on your guitar—it’s about what you create with it. Whether it’s a first strum, a campfire singalong, or a garage band recording, affordable guitars prove that you don’t need deep pockets to make meaningful music.

    And that’s why cheap guitars aren’t going anywhere.

  • Become a Gear Demo Creator on YouTube (Even in Your Spare Time)

    Become a Gear Demo Creator on YouTube (Even in Your Spare Time)

    Love guitar gear and want to make some extra money? Being creator on YouTube might be your ticket. Not only can your videos earn passive income over time, but local music stores might also pay for your demos if you play your cards right. Here’s how to turn your passion into a rewarding side hustle.

    Start With What You Have

    You don’t need fancy cameras or expensive gear to begin. Your smartphone is probably good enough to shoot high-quality video. If you’re using just one camera, film extra close-ups of the gear later to spice things up. But here’s where most people mess up: bad audio. That’s what separates a “pro” from a blurry, wobbly groin-shot video with muddy sound.

    Nail the Sound First

    Your viewers want to hear how the gear performs—clearly and accurately. For electric guitar demos, a decent amp modeler or DI box works well. But don’t rely on your phone’s mic. A proper microphone (even a budget one) and a simple audio interface, field recorder, or DAW will massively upgrade your demo quality. If your amp has an emulated out, use it. And yes, you can use your phone’s audio as a sync reference in editing.

    for example i have decent condenser mic vs direct to DAW recording took my guitar sound samples:

    or you can check my most viewed video so far on my channel:

    Keep the Talk Tight

    Let’s be honest—no one clicks on a gear demo hoping for a five-minute ramble. Start with playing, give a brief intro, and get right to the point. Focus on answering the main question: “What does this thing sound like?”

    Play to the Gear’s Strengths

    Demoing a high-gain pedal? Save the mellow jazz licks for another time. Match your playing style to the gear, and if it’s a versatile piece of kit, show that range. Think like the viewer—what would you want to hear if you were considering this pedal or amp?

    Don’t Overplay

    You don’t have to shred like Yngwie Malmsteen. In fact, it’s better if you don’t try to. Play something musical and relevant. You’re showcasing the gear—not your chops.

    Also, avoid jamming over copyrighted backing tracks; it can get your video flagged or demonetized.

    Edit Smart, Not Fancy

    You don’t need Hollywood software to make a clean, pro-looking video. Free tools like iMovie (Mac) or GoPro Studio (Mac & PC) work just fine. Use cutaways, close-ups, and alternate angles to keep the video visually interesting. Keep it short, punchy, and polished.

    Guitarlearner creator on Youtube Channel
    Guitarlearner creator on Youtube Channel

    Build Your Channel Creator on Youtube

    Want to land a deal with a music shop or gear brand? Show them your reach. Start by consistently uploading demos, naming your videos clearly (e.g., “Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal Demo”), and tagging them well. Ask viewers to subscribe. Create a memorable channel name that reflects your niche or personality. Mine on Youtube is GuitarLearner. Surely you are welcome to subscribe and feel free to leave comments there.

    Make the Pitch

    Once you’ve built a small portfolio, reach out to local stores or brands. But first—do your homework. What kind of gear do they stock? Are they active online? What can you offer them? Think: more views, more clicks, more sales. Tailor your pitch to match their goals.

    Timing is Everything

    Independent music stores are often swamped, so be smart about how and when you approach them. Ask for the manager, not the part-timer behind the counter. Call ahead and book a quick appointment. Bring your best videos on a tablet or laptop, and come across as friendly, professional, and realistic. Avoid busy times like Saturdays or right before closing.

    Another option is looking for entertainment park with music theme in it to make deal with. I got one video for that:

    Make It Worth Their While

    If a store is hiring you to create videos, their goal is simple: sell gear. Make sure your video includes branding, mentions the shop name, and clearly shows the gear’s price. Add a “Buy It Now” link in your video description to make it easy for viewers to take action.

    Ready to Press Record?

    Becoming a gear demo creator on Youtube isn’t just for pros—it’s for players who love gear and want to share their passion. Start small, build up your skills, and soon enough, you could be making money doing what you already love: playing guitar and talking gear.