Guitar Nut Thursday with Radio 45’s Aaron Greer
Guitar Nut Thursday! Notes of wisdom from r45’s lead ax-man.
I have a saying: “It’s not the guitar… it’s the player.”
A few nights ago, I stumbled upon a YouTube clip of Keith Richards playing guitar on a late-night talk show. He was sitting next to the host’s desk, strumming what appeared to be a cheap, nylon-string classical guitar, a far cry from what he typically uses on stage. The remarkable thing was that, in his capable hands, that humble guitar still sounded unmistakably like Keith Richards. He played it with such gusto, unfazed by its subpar quality, proving that it’s not the instrument but the skill of the player that truly matters.
I have a deep affection for budget-friendly guitars. I firmly believe that you don’t need to spend a small fortune to find a great guitar. The cost of guitars has soared since the COVID pandemic, making it increasingly difficult to find a decent instrument at an affordable price, even in the used market.
Several months ago, I came across a Squier 50’s “Esquire” on Reverb for just $415. It looked fantastic, and I was in the market for a Telecaster-style guitar, so I decided to give it a shot. Some players might dismiss anything with the “Squier” name, which are Fender endorsed budget guitars made in Indonesia or China. However, when the guitar arrived, I was blown away. I played it nonstop for nearly three months. It had a fantastic twang tone and, most importantly, an exceptional feel. Moreover, I was drawn to its simple, vintage appearance and beautifully tinted neck. It quickly became one of my go-to guitars for all our R45 shows.
As for the tone, it delivered that perfect twang. A bit edgy, sure, but it was precisely the twang I’d been searching for.
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, once attributed 40% of his sound to his hands. He’s absolutely right. So, once again, it’s not about the guitar; it’s about the player.
Come see R45, and you’ll witness this guitar in action!
More to come,
Aa
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Photo Credit: Digital Noise Photography
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