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WHAT IS A RANT? |
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Bold, Brash, Politically & Sometimes Even Grammatically Incorrect
- Statements Guaranteed to Stimulate Your Medulla Oblongata.
(Make you think)
- Statements Totally Aimed at Deprogramming You From The White Bread, Corporate America Lifestyle, Which
has Swallowed Up Our American Culture.
- Statements & Opinions That Will Surely Draw Fire & Flaming From the
Diehard, Lumpen Proletariat, Traditionalist, Old Boy Network That Decides on What
Your Next Guitar Purchase Will Be.
Misdirected ignorant brand
loyalty clogs the wheels of progress !!!
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Rant
Title |
Rant Excerpt |
| Asian Made
Guitars 2000 |
Here's another one of my politically incorrect, too little
too late, pain in the ass articles reminding you that you
are screwing the entire American way of life by buying
expensive high end products made in Asia.
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| Beginner Guitars 2002 |
If you are getting ready to buy little
Johnny his first guitar, I suggest you read the page/pages below. You will
probably be
surprised to find out a few things. |
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Best in Store 2000 |
When I go into a store, (any kind of store),
I like to see a large selection of unique items. I
like to see things that I don't know about. |
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Brand
Loyalty 2008 |
Misplaced, brand loyalty is clogging
up the wheels of progress. Don't fall into that trap. Don't
buy a corporate guitar. !
used Hamer guitars as the whipping boy for this article. I
am a big Hamer fan myself !!! I personally own 5
Hamer's !!!
It is critical that you
understand the point of this article !!! |
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Broken Gibsons |
Why is it that the most expensive
overpriced guitar on the planet is prone to neck breakage.
It is my contention that Gibson guitars need a major update
to their design. |
| CNC
Machines |
A look at the pros & cons of using
computer numerically controlled machines to build guitars.
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| Chain Stores
Guitar Center Sam Ash, Best Buy, Walmart &
Costco |
Some people may
read my rants and may assume that I was sour grapes on Superstores for self
serving reasons. I have thought about it long and hard and I have assured
myself that my own agenda is truly unaffected by these stores. |
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Commissioned Sales People |
The main reason "Guitar Center" has such a high
employee failure rate or turnover is probably because they have a commission
system that forces people to work at minimum wage. |
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Corporate Guitars 2008 |
Corporate
Guitar Companies are ruining our industry forever. They are
destroying any semblance of quality that once existed, They have
taken much of the manufacturing to the Orient. It's probably
already too late, Someday soon you won't be able to buy a
handmade guitar. |
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Cost Cutting |
Many people wonder why
large companies try to shave pennies off their costs.
Especially when the product sells in the multi thousand
dollar range. Most people don't grasp the reasoning behind
it. |
|
Ebony Fingerboards |
It really rankles me that PRS
refuses to offer Ebony fingerboards. I mean what's the deal, I thought PRS was
supposed to be a Premium High End Guitar? |
| Flamers
|
Currently there are some individuals on the internet who
don't agree with my opinions. I have no problem with
that. I also have no problem with profanity and flaming. |
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Free Country |
In the United States of America we are supposedly guaranteed
certain inalienable rights. Simple things like freedom of speech and freedom
of expression, religion, opinions etc. |
| G.A.S |
Many of my customers have asked me about what kind
of guitars I play. Currently I use my Quicksilver
guitar when I need major tonal versatility. I am still using a headless
LSR for a backup... |
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Ghost Builders |
You may be skeptical regarding some of the
facts that I will be relating to you in the examples section below. It is
possible that there may be a couple of errors... |
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Gibson Lawsuits |
Extension of
customer complaints I am running out of space in the Gibson
Section for printing unhappy Gibson customer letters. |
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Guitar Center Fixed Prices |
Guitar Center will no longer be
offering extra discounts and deals. In
fact they have raised their prices !!!! The new
owners have gone to fixed prices.
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Guitars Resale
Value 10/09/07 |
This Rant Posted 10/09/07
It is about resale value and some of the hijinks that
certain manufacturers try to pull on unsuspecting trusting
Consumers . NEW RANT |
| Glossary of Terms |
Due to dealer agreements
and competitor complaints many companies won't allow me to
print my LOW prices. |
| Hand Made |
Is a guitar really handmade if its made
by 100 pairs of hands aided by several million dollars worth
of machines? |
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Harmony Central 2008 |
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Heel from Hell - PRS |
Years ago PRS guitars had no heels, Today they
use this big flat heel on the back of the neck. In 1995 PRS switched to this
monstrosity and it has remained ever since. |
| Import Guitars |
I used to carry very few imported guitars, I personally would rather sell
USA made guitars. In the downturn economy that happened in
2001 and a seeming rebirth of American pride, many of my
customers refused to buy Asian imports. |
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Investment Guitars 09/01/08 |
I can help you with a purchase of an investment
grade guitar!! In fact you would be surprised to find out
that many good investments are not necessarily expensive. in
fact that's what makes it a good investment. |
| Asian Made
Guitars |
Here's another one of my politically incorrect, too little
too late, pain in the ass articles reminding you that you
are screwing the entire American way of life by buying
expensive high end products made in Asia.
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Les
Paul Broken Necks |
FACT: Gibson necks
Always Break !!!! On this page Ed Roman explores the
reasons why that is. |
| Magazines |
It occurs to me, that if you write a book on something you
are then supposedly considered an expert. That is not
necessarily true. |
Mailbox
etc Rip-offs
Be Careful Mystic Mailbox, Mystic
Connecticut |
Always go directly to UPS or Fed Ex. Mailbox etc typically
charges at least triple UPS rates,
Mystic Mailboxes
The winner of our overcharge of the year award. |
| Manturd Chronicles, The
2007 |
Enjoy this, I hope you enjoy the story as much
as I enjoyed writing it. After you finish write me and tell me
if you think that this guy is nothing more than a Wimpy Wussy
Whining Wiseguy... |
| My Price Guarantee
1995 |
I will not be insulted if
you try to negotiate or make a better deal. I realize that
human nature is such that every one wants to get a good
deal. When a customer starts negotiating price, He is
telling me that he is a serious buyer. |
|
My Selling Style 1994 1996 |
People have called me a good salesman, I don't think
that I am, A good salesperson can sell anything, I can only
sell what I truly believe in. So in effect I am
telling you that a 17 year old kid who works in a Guitar
Center or Sam Ash is actually a better salesperson than me. |
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Overpriced Guitars 2001 |
An
expensive guitar would be like a
JET or a
Centurion or maybe an
Abstract.
These are guitars that cost a lot of money. An overpriced
guitar would be one that the long term cache value is added
into the initial cost.
Be Very
Careful Of This. |
|
Relics 2008 |
Personally I
don't need the false Mojo of a beat up guitar to convince
people that I have been a a road warrior for 30 years. |
| Prices |
I get numerous E-mail because I don't post all my prices, Believe me I
wish I could, it would make my life so much easier. Hell all I would have to do
is wait for the checks to arrive. |
|
Scams For The New Century |
Many respected companies are hiding the fact that their products
are not made in USA.
Many respected companies are employing huge
costcutting methods. |
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School Music Teaching Programs
XXX |
I am available to any
school public or private who wants my advice on how to set
up a program for the kids to learn guitar. I will not charge
anything and I will be glad to help with any recommendations
for instruments, books, and general information that may be
helpful. |
| Spend Your $$$ |
Stop complaining, shut
up, and spend your damn money, There has never been a
better time to spend your money, There has never been a
better reason to spend your money. Money is not
edible, Most money is not collectable and money does not
even make good toilet paper. |
| Starter Guitars |
If you are getting ready to buy little
Johnny his first guitar, I suggest you read the page/pages below. You will
probably be
surprised to find out a few things. |
| Vintage Guitars |
A
Guaranteed Sure Fire Way To Tell The Real From The
Rip-Off's. All guitars in
our
inventory that are sold as vintage will be approximately 25
years old or older. Ed Roman guarantees they are what we
say they are. |
| Vintage Guitars Are Not Worth It |
Someone posted this
article on the web and sent it to me. I have made a
few comments on the article.
I
think it's a great article. |
| Rant Page Number 2 Archived Rants |
EVEN MORE RANTS !!!!!!!!! |
I get at least 3 or 4 letters from people a day
who ask for more rants !!!
Rants Page 2
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PUBLIC
SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
ONE MORE WAY WE GET
SCREWED BY POLITICIANS
2010
is an election year for 1/3 of the senate and 1/2 of the
house of representatives. It would be nice if congress
got the message; the voting
taxpayers are in charge now.
Social Security 2009
LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON "PEOPLE POWER"
AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET. PLEASE
FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW.
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT!
Propose this in
2009:
START A BILL
TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS ON SOCIAL SECURITY !!!!
(This is
worth reading. It is short and to the point.)
Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social
Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.
You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for
persons of their higher status in society. They felt
they should have a special plan for themselves!!
Many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.
Most Americans don't know about this farce !!!!
No congress person has felt the need to change it.
After all, it's a great plan.
(For Them)
For all practical purposes their plan works like this:
When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay
until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of
living adjustments. ......
For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and
their wives may expect to draw $7, 800,000.00 (that's
Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with
their wives drawing $275, 000..00 during the last years
of their lives. This
is calculated on an average life span for each of those
two Dignitaries.
Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will
receive much more during the rest of their lives.
Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. ZIP!!
NADA!!! ZILCH!!!
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to
them. You and I pick up the tab
for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement
plan come directly from the General Funds;
"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay
(or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which
amount is matched by our employer ), We can expect to
get an average of
$1,000 per month after retirement.
Or, in other words, we would have to
collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68
years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's
benefits!
Pinocchio & His Political
Team
Social Security could be
very good if only one small change were made.
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the
Senators and Congressmen. . Put them into the Social
Security plan with the rest of us Then sit
back..... And see how fast they would fix it!
If enough people receive this, maybe a
seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes
will evolve.
How many people can YOU send this to?
Better yet...... How many people WILL
you send this to ?
P.S. The same goes for their health plan
!
A public service message from Ed
Roman who does not appreciate what the politicians are
doing and have done to our country. |
My Opinion
Calling yourself a patriot these days can be
dangerous,
If you call yourself a patriot the government might
suspect that you are trying to subvert the powers
that be.
I always thought that being a patriot meant to love
& defend your country and it's constitution.
People who try to change our constitution are
terrorists in my opinion!!! Especially if they
are in elected office.
Ed Roman |
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Federal agents
raid Nashville Gibson guitar plant.
amid concerns
about source of harvested wood
By Associated Press 6:34 PM CST,
November 17, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Federal agents have raided a
Gibson guitar manufacturing plant and seized guitars
amid concerns about where the Nashville-based
company obtains the woods that go into its
instruments.
Television stations reported Tuesday that
authorities seized wood guitars and other items, but
no charges have been filed.
Neither the U.S. attorney's office nor Gibson
officials immediately returned a call from The
Associated Press for comment.
Gibson issued a statement saying the company is
cooperating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
"as it pertains to an issue with harvested wood."
Guitars and other musical instruments are often
built from tropical hardwoods. Amid rain forest
depletion, such woods are increasingly the focus of
tight controls.
Gibson Guitars Raided For Receiving Illegal Wood
Sources say the Nashville-based guitar manufacturer
is charged with violating the Lacey Act, a key piece
of environmental law, for importing endangered
species of rosewood from Madagascar. Rosewood is
widely used in the construction of guitars and sells
for $5,000 per cubic meter.
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Hey Ed, I hope everything is nice in Nevada.
Here's an interesting story I read on the internet just now. I
don't think you will be surprised when you read it: http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/gibson-sues-rock-band-creators-wal-mart-and-other-retailers/
They are spending money suing video game makers instead of, oh I
don't know, focusing on music. I don't know if you follow game
stories, but this "Guitar Hero" is huge for Gibson. You have
probably at least seen the fake little game controllers shaped
like Les Pauls and SG's with five color coded buttons on them.
You are supposed to push the buttons in the sequence in which
they show-up on the screen and you have to hit them at the right
time in order not to suck. Then you will be a guitar God. Why
the hell don't these kids get a damn guitar and learn to play a
few riffs? You have to give credit to Gibson though, by putting
their name on the controller it will hugely influence a first
time guitar buyer into getting one of their crappy axes. Here's
the funniest story now. There are companies on the Net that
actually make "custom" game controllers! Oh yeah, you can have
any picture or design you want on your custom Gibson shaped game
controller.
Anyway thought you would like to read an interesting story. What
do you think of this Robot Guitar Gibson has? Another way to
lure in newbie guitar players who don't want to learn to tune a
guitar or any of that traditional stuff. Some gimmicks are great
and some suck donkey balls.
Lem Smalley
Ed,
I have been reading your rants for quite a while now and I have
to say that you have deprogrammed me. Thank you. I just started
playing guitar and unfortunately, I didn’t find your site until
after I bought my first guitar (Fender Toronado GT HH), so I
have no one to blame but myself....but, I do have a
question....what is everyone’s FIXATION with Les Paul guitars???
Is it Brand Loyalty? Band Sponsorships????? Shilled Magazine
Articles???? Gibson paying off everyone???? Please enlighten
me....sorry this isn't a YES/NO answer, I got on my own rant.
Tim Surovy Whitehall PA 18052 P.S.
From the pictures I have seen, you guys do beautiful
work, I am starting to save for a Baker or eventually (if I have
enough before I am eventually laid off), a Quicksilver.
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Mr. Roman, Thank you for maintaining your website; great stuff!
I've learned a lot about guitars and music stores
since 1965 and agree wholeheartedly with most of your
rants. Your focus on quality is impressive but I'm
glad you sell "corporate junk" too because most people
who want to learn to play will never be very good and
they'll never know until they try. I know very few
folks for whom Quicksilver quality would make any
difference and many for whom it would not.
I distinctly remember being frustrated with my
inability to get the sounds I was hearing on the radio
from my '63 Guild S-50 JetStar and Ampeg
Reverbo-Rocket. Getting a Strat and a Big Muff was a
tremendous improvement but didn't help me play like
Hendrix. Getting another amp and a 'Paul expanded my
options but didn't help me play like Keaggy. I have
acquired several other guitars since and still can't
play a solo that I want to listen to.
I intentionally did not see the movie "Wayne's
World" but have heard the line: "I'm not worthy!"
well... I'm not... and neither are most people. A high
school kid with a learner's permit doesn't need a new
Maserati. He or she shouldn't be lied to at the music
store OR the used car lot but I know from personal
experience that with persistence, it is possible to
find one of those black Squier Strats which can be
made to play well enough to have some fun in a garage
band and find out he or she hasn't got the chops to
bother spending thousands on an instrument they can't
play anyway.
You wrote yourself that unrealistic prices from the
mass marketers made custom building viable. Keep the
custom shop going and don't apologize for making
affordable instruments available to the wannabes who
fund the industry.
Mark
Hi, my name is Chris Lamb, I'm 17, and I'm an
aspiring (read: starving) musician. I own several
guitars and lately I have been spending a lot of
time at edroman.com. I gawked and gasped at
the incredible axes Mr. Roman has to offer, but
after looking around a bit more, I found that the
most valuable part of the site is Mr. Roman's
"Rants" section. After having read many of the
articles, I am beginning to think Mr. Roman is one
of the few sane and intelligent people left in the
music world. My favorite rant,
"Overpriced
Guitars", hits the nail directly on the head and
should be in the back of every guitar player's head
at all times. I must admit that even as a young
player, I have made many of the mistakes mentioned
in the rants, and wish I had come across Mr. Roman's
words of wisdom MUCH sooner. Luckily, I started out
with a Dean Baby V- a decent guitar- at a very
reasonable price ($130). However, I have loads of
sympathy for aspiring guitarists who make the HUGE
mistakes of buying from mega-stores, or starter
packs from "Music Depot." Why more people aren't
aware of the scams present in the music industry is
beyond me- Mr. Roman's advice is available at a
mouse click and here's the best part- it's totally
FREE! Thank you for imparting your wisdom to me- I
am an exponentially smarter consumer for having
taken the time to read your rants.
Sincerely, Chris Lamb, Vacaville CA.
Hello Chris
Thanks for your letter, &
fine compliments, I especially thank you for the sane
and Intelligent compliment, But I must deny the part
about being sane. It's pretty hard to keep any
semblance of sanity in my life. This is an insane
industry where I deal with insane people on a minute to
minute basis, I am trying to stay a little sane, but
often I feel I am losing the battle. Thanks
Again !!!
Ed Roman Jan 20th 2007 |
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