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mgridgaway · 03-22-2010, 01:33 PM

I see something very similar happening in the cable world. Take HDMI cables for example. At most brick and mortar type places I see HDMI cables being advertised for $30, 40, and even higher. I bought mine for $3 shipped online. Why? Because the signal is digital, which means it either works or it doesn't. 1080p is 1080p with a "cheap" cable or an expensive "cable." There is no quality improvement.

What I think is happening with guitars is perceived quality. You spend much much more on a cap or premium tailpieces and expect it to sound better. Therefore it does sound better. It's an effect similar to Barnum's "People want to be fooled" theory.

Granted, I think replacing a plastic nut with one of bone is a good upgrade. Upgrading really bad tuners with something that'll stay in place longer is good. But these boutique upgrades - the caps, tonepros, etc - they're preying on a guitarists obsession with getting the perfect sound.

Also, on the "Gibsons cost more because they're built better..." statement, I think the elitist proved that wrong years ago.

03-22-2010, 01:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
mgridgaway Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Best cases of guitar snake oil? I see something very similar happening in the cable world. Take HDMI cables for example. At most brick and mortar type places I see HDMI cables being advertised for $30, 40, and even higher. I bought mine for $3 shipped online. Why? Because the signal is digital, which means it either works or it doesn't. 1080p is 1080p with a "cheap" cable or an expensive "cable." There is no quality improvement. What I think is happening with guitars is perceived quality. You spend much much more on a cap or premium tailpieces and expect it to sound better. Therefore it does sound better. It's an effect similar to Barnum's "People want to be fooled" theory. Granted, I think replacing a plastic nut with one of bone is a good upgrade. Upgrading really bad tuners with something that'll stay in place longer is good. But these boutique upgrades - the caps, tonepros, etc - they're preying on a guitarists obsession with getting the perfect sound. Also, on the "Gibsons cost more because they're built better..." statement, I think the elitist proved that wrong years ago. __________________ No dice.