To begin with the end in mind, my hope is that when you finish reading this article, you’ll feel more inspired to trust your instincts and experience the joy of trying a new piece of gear for yourself.
When I reflect on the days before the internet (and yes, I’m dating myself here, at 68), the way we approached buying gear was straightforward. You went to a music store, picked up guitars, amps, or pedals, and played them until you found the one that spoke to you. You may have gone to the store because you saw a guitarist you trusted using a brand and model of guitar or an ad that piqued your curiosity about an instrument, but the final decision was usually based on your own hands-on experience.
While today’s world offers an incredible wealth of information online, it can sometimes overshadow the most valuable resource we have as musicians: our own senses. Reviews, videos, and forum discussions can be helpful tools, but they can never replace the clarity and confidence that come from playing a guitar and hearing how it sounds in your own hands and through an amp.
I’ve often seen how powerful this firsthand experience can be. At clinics, I spend a lot of time encouraging players to trust their own ears and instincts. Recently, I was at a store where 15 Silver Skys were hanging on the wall, yet none of the salespeople or customers had plugged one in. When we finally pulled them down and played them, the reaction was incredible. People were surprised and excited by what they heard and felt. Often, instruments don’t match your expectations, but that’s the magic at work.
“Here’s my challenge to you: Next time you’re thinking about a new piece of gear, go to a store and try it out.”
The truth is, a guitar, amp, or pedal can’t fully reveal its character through words on a screen. You have to feel the shape of the neck in your hands, feel the finish on the neck while you’re playing, hear the resonance of the instrument, and sense how it responds to your playing. That’s where the connection is made. It’s not about what you’re told the “right” answer is; it’s about discovering what’s right for you.
I’ve even found that non-musicians often have the most honest reactions during a demo. They don’t have preconceived notions or decades of lore and experiences influencing their opinions about what something should sound like or be. They simply listen to what they hear in the moment and respond instinctively. It’s a beautiful reminder of how powerful and reliable our sensory experiences can be when we let those senses honestly guide us.
So, here’s my challenge to you: Next time you’re thinking about a new piece of gear, go to a store and try it out. Let yourself experience it fully. Feel how it plays, listen to its tone, and let your instincts lead the way. Even if you’ve read every review and watched countless demos, give yourself the chance to make your own discovery. Another way is to do your research, order the guitar online or through a phone call to a dealer, and try the instrument at home, knowing that if you don’t like it, you can return it within a certain amount of time.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there’s a certain magic that comes from trusting your gut. Your experience is one of your best guides to finding gear that feels musical, inspiring, and uniquely yours. Forget what you think you know, and let the moment tell you what’s true. Often, what I’m told doesn’t match my experience when I’m trying a new piece of gear.
Pick up a guitar. Play it. And trust yourself.
