binding work or uneven buffing.
More serious problems may be
evident in rough fret ends or loose
strings in the nut slots. Any obvious,
visible problems suggest that the
manufacturer is not serious about
quality control and that the guitar
may have hidden problems, too.
RULE 11
LOOK FOR INNOVATIONS
Lots of people can make a good
guitar. I want a guitar from a
company that’s trying to make a
better guitar.
Which guitarmakers follow the
instructions and assemble an
adequate product, and which
ones truly make a better guitar?
The answer can be found in the
maker’s track record for innovation.
A long history of innovations
– such as Gibson’s arched top
design, adjustable truss rod and
humbucking pickup – indicates
that a manufacturer is constantly
trying to improve its guitars. Also,
a manufacturer whose instruments
are recognized as standard-bearers
in several different styles – such
as solidbody, semi-hollow and
hollowbody electrics – obviously
has a wide-ranging knowledge
of guitars. Companies that
know the guitar inside-out, that
maintain their own research and
development departments, are
more likely to have found the best
combination of materials and
design elements.
HANDS-ON EXAMINATION
RULE 12
CHECK THE NECK
The neck is great on my ES-335.
It’s connected perfectly. The
intonation is so true, it sings like
a bird. I can tune it and put it
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