Every time my elite security detail allows one of my adoring fans to come within 15 feet of me, the fan always asks me two questions: 1) How is it that I am even more stunningly beautiful in person, and 2) Why do I use a lot of what would be considered “cheap” instruments from entry level brands instead of the Ibanez, Fender, and Washburn guitars and basses.
To answer the first question, cameras are unable to truly capture my radiance. To answer the second question, I need to do some explaining. So, I will give you the low-down on why buy what I buy.
Let’s get the simple part of the equation out of the way: Of course, these instruments and gear is going to be considerably cheaper than buying even an Epiphone and Squier instrument new in many instances. There is no doubt that buying a guitar for $70 is going to have even more corners cut than a $200 Epiphone. The parts may be a little cheaper, for sure. Also, the wood used will be different, too, in many cases.
Most of the entry level instruments from brands like Glarry (my choice for low-cost guitars and basses) and others are often made from a readily available, fast growing, and low environmental impact wood called basswood. Another feature of basswood is that it is noticeably lighter than a wood like mahogany and it is often used to craft musical instruments.
With my back as bad as it is, any weight shaved off of an instrument means that I can play comfortably for that much longer. Two pounds to you may be nothing on your back, but mine it could feel like a ton at times.
The cost, sustainability, and environmental impact are all just little bonuses compared to its lighter weight (admittedly, the cost factor is definitely important as well but an instrument that hurts too much to play enjoyably is no good). I chose Glarry due to the fact that I’ve had very good luck with them and would honestly recommend them to anyone looking for a low-cost instrument.
So, anyway, that is the big reason that I have started buying cheap guitars.
I am not sponsored by them (but I’d be happy to be… ahem), but I do believe that they are helping to democratize music by making suitably playable instruments at a low cost. I bought 2 of their fretless basses, for instance. I wouldn’t have bought 2 of them if the first one showed up unusable out of the box. They also make great platforms to modify.
I have my bragging instruments, were their the need to be an asshole about it. But now I am old and have outgrown that “I would never own a First Act” snobbery a long time ago. And I can prove it, as I own one and have recorded with it. It’s actually quite fun to play.
Stay safe.