what the guitar companies don't want you to know

Maybe I'll save somebody someone from wasting their time and also provide them with some insight. Or at least know what BS they're watching and listening to.
 
 "what guitar companies don't want you to know"  - Do you really believe that to be a valid statement?
 
If you want the truths-  take a tour of the many factories that offer them. Ask all the questions you want and they'll answer you.
If you can't take a tour, talk with a local luthier or send an email to one.
 
Believe me...they want you know exactly why you would want to buy their guitar and I can tell you without doubt and for a fact they do.
I had questions, many questions so I contacted John Page and I can say- that man loves building guitars and is willing to share info/help. He took time to not only answer my questions, evaluate my first guitar build but also offered to help me with any issues I may have down the road. Matter of fact, I haven't met or talked with anybody that builds guitars that isn't willing to share info or help in any way they can.
 
I'll also add that I supplied a build cost sheet with every build I've done and also a photo journal of the build.
Hell, material costs for a guitar isn't the only factor...of course building costs reflect the higher priced materials but that isn't a hidden factor. There isn't anything to hide or lie about. Most builders will go along with requests and mention what might not be a good idea or a better one in wood choices or any other aspect of the build.
 
Everyone knows that "name" is important. Resell value. It's part of the instrument. There are many aspects that the price of a guitar reflects and I don't know any of them that are hidden from people that inquire.
 
Well, all kinds can post whatever drips from their brainpan...so I guess I'm good to go.
 
IMO, that guy should be ashamed and remove that video. I also don't like it when people post that kind of crap and don't say anything...as if it matters what I think. pfftt
 
 
 
 
 

I didn't watch the video because...well, I didn't want to do it. That being said, it is always amazing to me how great a mediocre instrument sounds in the hands of a great musician. Rather than go off on a whine-fest about types of wood, pros and cons of various pickups, etc., some musicians might be better off focusing on improving their skills. We all know that the weakest part of any instrument is the empty space between the ears of its player. 
 
At least, that's what my drums keep telling me. 

DrLumen
I'm not a guitar person but I could see how certain woods and finishes would affect acoustic instruments.
 
In electrics perhaps denser woods would sound brighter due to sympathetic resonance to the other strings resulting in more harmonics? I would not be surprised to find that a glass body guitar would sound different than a plywood guitar. In the end though doesn't it just come down to durability? Again, not a guitar person but a plywood body would concern me due to possible warping and strange effects based on temperature and humidity.
 
Oh well, I'm just running off at the mouth... much like the guy in the video.

I didn't want you nor your question to be ignored so I'll share some thoughts.
 
No it doesn't just come down to durability although that is a consideration. Oil finish is popular and as with most finishes offers some protection. 
I think 'stability' is much more important. Even if it is a well built guitar it still requires protective care by the owner- as we know. 
 
I enjoy talking with luthiers about woods- application of, wood grains, working with, and many other aspects that I find much more interesting than the old hat opinions about what percentage of this and that- a boring trip that gets to nowhere. 
I mean, a luthier examines the woods considered for a build- checking grain, weight, tap tone etc. and decides whether or not to use it. Cull- just use the best that feels right at that moment. It's not like it's known that that piece of wood is going to have a percentage of this or that to the overall results. It's a choice made of many factors by one trying to get the best they can from the materials at hand. 
 
One building few guitars a year that may be depending on them to sell can't afford to experiment or take unnecessary risks with material choices or methods/tools. Many of the woods used have a history of successful use. Not only for creating great sounding guitars but also appealing aesthetics. 
 
Unfortunately a lot of the woods with the appealing aesthetics are relatively expensive. There are many reasons that they are. 
Many of the woods have specific uses. That's easy to understand- a dense (heavy) wood that is oily may be perfect for an unfinished fretboard, opposed to a Maple fretboard that one would want a protective finish, but it may not be the best choice for a body/neck.
 
Balance is another important aspect. Combinations of commonly used woods and design are other important considerations. 
 
Wood grain, how the wood was cut, (flatsawn, etc) 
 
I won't go on...I only wanted to share examples of why I find conversing about "percentage of this and that" so damn boring. 
 
I would think it would be best for many to just keep it "magical". I mean; We know we can go into a store and play all of the Strats hanging on the wall, all made with the same type of woods, all with the same everything and find out that there is that one...the one that is different for unknown reasons. Unknown to the ones that built it and unknown to the ones that play it. It's magic. It's a part of building that I love. I do everything to the best of my abilities with no guarantees. It's when I plug it in and find out...wow, like magic. It somehow all came together and made this fantastic instrument. Now "stability" comes in. If I do my part and take care of it, it'll perform for many years. 
I have to say...sometimes, and fortunately for me, I've only had to backup and rewind pups twice to help correct a couple that for whatever reason...just weren't quite singing. Nice thing about an electric...one may have options to make it better. 
I've also had weird ones. Nothing magical at all and if there was magic is was black. Gave me nothing but trouble from start to finish. Had to fight with every little part to the point of wanting to trash it...but I couldn't give up and finally rewarded. Luck. My magic was stronger I reckon. 
 
Well maybe I answered your question Doc and maybe some understand why I find their "tone" opinions so boring. With no offense meant of course.