Yeah, it says that the expensive boutique bridge is garbage… literally disabled/made unusable from a small piece of debris… that’s terrible that replacing the entire system was the easier thing to do than clean/fix it.
wasn't the bridge, it was the vibrato. The tolerances are super tight and the arm snaps into place, unlike SOME Fender equivalents that merely push into place, clunk and rattle, etc. Its not "boutique" per se, it's a much better version of the offset vibrato mousetrap. A blast of canned air likely would've remedied the issue, but Novo did the good faith thing and replaced it. And Rhett is right, you are not supposed to remove it. Leave it in when cased. I have one on my JM and it's glorious.
@@michaelpower3824 yeah can't believe builders are still using those dated schematics. A part of me tells they use it so you have to go back to them so they can fix it. Never would I mess with that type of shit, give me a hard tail.
A wise man once told me; "The guitar chooses the player" - which I wholeheartedly believe, because as much as I have coveted certain guitars, they didn't always stick around. But the ones I've kept, I'll never part with. It seems that your Novo has chosen you, Rhett.
I hear you! Back in 1980/81, I bought a friend's 64/65 Tele that he never liked...it plays like a buttery dream and is the most fabulous guitar I own. Love them Teles! :-D
This is such a wonderful video! My Novo Serus J was made at the same time that yours was. Novo even posted a picture of our guitars together way back when. I got mine in a very similar manner. I played it at CME, and I instantly knew I had to have it, but I didn’t have the money. I live 2 hours from Chicago, so I went home very saddened. I just couldn’t get the guitar out of my mind, so the next weekend I drove back to Chicago, traded 4 of my guitars and paid some money on top, but I got it! It was a joyous event, and I adore the guitar to this day. It was originally made for Josh Scott at JHS, but he didn’t like the amber tint coat over the Olympic White, so he sent it back after using it as a demo guitar at NAMM that year. Dennis then sold it to CME, luckily, so now it is one of the best guitars that I have ever played/owned. Mine has three Porter A90 pickups. Novo forever!
I bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio from the Music Go Round here in Kenosha back in 2013 (my first les paul) the store said a few hours after I bought it someone came in to buy it. It was meant to be.
My Ice Blue Metallic Serus J is a direct result of hearing you play yours!!! Thanks for telling me about the Amalfitano P90s as Mr Amalfitano himself made and shipped a set to NOVO who graciously installed them on my custom built Serus J. Mathew Timmons is one of the nicest people I’ve ever spoken to. He, Dennis and the entire NOVO Team are amazing. My NOVO was a gift from my wife for completing my rounds of chemo and radiation. I’m still fighting the battle and still loving my NOVO. Thanks Rhett for being kind to me when I asked and Thanks to NOVO for building an amazing guitar!!!!
Hearing this makes me feel lucky, I spent years with all sorts of guitars till I bought a cheap Squier Telecaster from a catalogue, I bought it to give to a student but couldn't part with it, I was playing it all the time, not even plugged in. I've switched the electronics out since and gave one of my other guitars to my young guitar student who has since gone to college to study music. And the Squier is still my No 1.
I have some guitars that are fairly expensive, but I have a Squier Bullet Tele that feels great. I wasn't even a Tele fan before I bought it. I swapped out all the electronics on it, but the neck and body are original. It just feels great.
My brother bought one of the early Japanese Squier Telecasters back in the 80’s, and that thing rocked! It was better than any Fender I’d ever tried up til then.
Hell yes! I'm primarily a bass player, and the bass I play the most ('cause I can't keep my hands off it) is a 2009 Squier J-bass that I paid $75 for; it's also red, damn it, and I have always hated red guitars & basses! It's easily the best Jazz I've ever played, Fender, Squier or whatever...
Robert the thing with the Novo, at least the Serus J, is that it is so nice to play right away but then it grows on you even more afterwards. It is a musicians guitar. I would have never thought I would own a "pine" guitar. I have 40ish guitars, none are pine, but I'm now a believer. I have one of the last non distressed ones that Novo was offering. It's an Ice Blue Metallic and I sprung for block inlays and neck binding, I went with Lollar Minis. It is a phenomenal guitar.
Some guitars have that extra 10% and you just have to buy them. I've almost exclusively played the same Les Paul for the past 27 years, but that changed earlier this year when I found the best Strat I've ever played in my life. It also happens to be the best guitar I've ever played too - it has vibe in spades. This is coming from a guy who never got on with Strats my whole life, and now my main guitar is a Strat.
I came across a 98’ Fender Strat, that was a stock American standard from that year, and it just had a feel that was perfect, and I thought it sounded great through any amp I used. A friend owned it, and he ended up giving it to me for what he paid for it, and I’ve played it for over a decade now. It’s what I compare any other guitar I’m playing or thinking about buying. There are mods that most people do with them, but I’ve kept it stock and it’s only needed soldering or work of any kind once. I fix the action or have it setup when it’s time, but it stays in tune really well, and the action is just excellent.
Before I say what I’m gonna say I mark this situation down as a fluke. I am not a master builder, and it just worked out perfect. The only guitar I’ve found that has that extra 10% for me is the one that I made myself, and I’m glad that it worked out like that. Not a partscaster or any of that, actually handmade it. I’ve made a couple others since, but none have had the wow factor of that first build I did.
I tried to like Strats, but the tone isn't really my thing, but it definitely has its place. Despite that, the only reason I dont own one anyway is the volume pot placement,..The knob is tragically in my way. It is a deal breaker. I've been playing for 39 years and live gigging for the past 26 years and know countless players that have the exact same issue that I have with the Strat.
One of my best sounding and playing guitars is a early 90s’ Mexican strat made of poplar wood with SD-1 Korean knock offs. I have had musicians play it that have Shurs, etc. They are surprised of the feel of it . It is hard to find that extra 10% from a variety of guitars .
Great story Rhett! Your guitar has changed my life as well! I saw your video on it and, just like you, I fell in love with Novo guitars and just had to get my Serus J that kept calling my name. Since then I've decided I want to make a living with music and I am working on that dream. You and Novo have been an inspiration in many ways. Thank you for what you do and for sharing it with us all.
It's a strange thing when a guitar just grabs you! happened to me in the late 70's, Dekalb Ill. my dad and I went there for some reason, tons of cool guitars, but a 1967 ES 355 mono just did the same thing to me, it was just YEAH!! $700 no way I could afford it, a few weeks or months later my dad showed up and opened the trunk of the car and there it was, had it ever since, thanks dad!! miss you!!
I basically bought my Novo thanks to your TH-cam channel. It’s a fantastic guitar! I’m definitely looking forward to my next one. Since I started gigging again this year, it’s turned into my #1, replacing my 63 reissue 335.
I have been trying to find a video like this for over a month. This happened to me when I went to a guitar shop and tried a bunch of guitars even though I had no money. I really gravitated to LP Jrs. I loved the burst finish, but a a black one had the best neck I ever held and a perfect weight. It was so resonant I didn't even plug it in and I knew it was a special thing. A week later I went back and plugged it in. My wife had insisted I go back and play it because I kept talking about it. Then she told me a couple weeks later to go and buy it. Best $1500 piece of wood I've ever seen. When I got it home and cleaned and set it up it became even clearer that the guitar was meant for me. Thanks for sharing your experience, Rhett. Videos on this subject are rare and much appreciated. Earned my sub today.
My 2018 Fender Strat is the one guitar that really took my guitar playing to a whole new level because of that "thing" that you were talking about. It has become my main guitar to play at all my gigs and it really has become my favorite guitar. I'll probably own it till I die.
I feel this so much! My Strat may not have pushed me into the echelons of guitar greatness, but it has quite literally saved my life by giving me something to hold onto during some of the most difficult times of my life. Thank you for sharing your story, and for letting me share mine. Cheers 🍻 and God bless 🙏.
Glad you were able to get the guitar! It’s really meant to be yours. I have a similar story with my 2012 American Vintage ‘52 Tele that I kept coming back to every time I visit this one music store. One day while at the store, I saw the guitar getting purchased and it broke my heart. Apparently, it was my wife who secretly bought it as her wedding gift to me.
I'am currently in love with a Fano Tc6 and i don't know what to do. Not a cheap one, now I am playing a mexican strat and a S2 prs (great guitar) but this Fano just came to me like a miracle, I thing I'll do the right thing and get one of those man in black memory laser........I'll probably buy it next week. My wife doesn't mind.
Pretty sure the Novo team are glad they helped you out that day, as I'm sure a whole bunch of people have come to know of their brand just through this guitar and your channel.
Thats a really beautiful guitar, buddy. I am a lifelong P-90 enthusiast and you have really made me want one of these. I think all of that wood mass contributes massively to the sound. Beautifully built. Have been a fan of Dennis' work for a while without having bought anything from him.
I bought a proper Gibson Les Paul at the beginning of the pandemic and it has inspired me to love the guitar again and pursue a career in music. It just has “the thing”. Instruments can be mighty powerful! I love that NOVO! Cheers
Great story and great advice about listening to that inner voice. I'm going through a similar situation. Last year I was going to buy a Godin with P90s when the pandemic hit. I saw one in the local music store here in Montreal. A friend said a band mate of his worked at Godin and I could probably get a deal on the one I wanted. While we were trying to connect to make it happen, I was visiting friends in Quebec City where I stopped by the local music store and on the wall was a PRS 30th anniversary Hollowbody SE. My wife suggested I try it. I played one chord and new it was special. After about ten minutes, I knew it was the one. It immediately became my new number one. I'll be launching my own TH-cam channel very soon. I would have already done it but I landed a role in a movie I couldn't pass up so I have to figure out how to juggle it all.
That is truely a love story. Thx for sharing. All the best to you from Belgium. Go to see R.J. is a fan too. He is one of the most inspiring guitar players on the net.
Wonderful story Rhett! I saw (and hear) you on your Novo years ago and was instantly hooked. Owned Serus T for two years now and it sounds magical. Due to weather conditions here in the Netherlands I had an issue with the neck and sent an email to Novo in the evening. The next morning I had the golden tip in the mail. Speaking of service (and passion for their products)… Every guitarist should own a Novo or at least try one... (before you die!)
Great story man! I'm brazilian and left handed, so finding a guitar is almost impossible. Generally, there's those beginners with cost 50 USD and ordered Fenders or Gibsons that can cost more than a popular car in Brazil. So, living is São Paulo had it good side. I found I guy selling a Fender Tele Mex for a fair price, rushed to send a massage, finished to work early and basically ran where he was (working close to my house and he had the guitar). I played the "Shine On you Crazy..." lick and just transferred the money. I can't part with my Tele now.
I got lucky I got money from the IRS and a credit card so I have a custom made Telecaster built with tv jones pickups and staggered vintage Fender tuners. That guitar was about 2 grand. It stays in tune unbelievable well. The body is black with double pearl binding, the neck pearl binding with Iron Cross pearl inlays.
I almost bought a “Brownsville“ guitar years ago. It was green sparkle. I should’ve. It was light and very playable. I’m glad you bought that before the other guy. I know that feeling of being beaten to the punch! 😆👍🏻
I love hearing the story of how players chose their guitar, or the guitar chooses them. Reminds me of guitars I have that didn't have a special place in my heart that I parted with easily, and ones I never will (my Tokai 1984 Fender Jazz Bass copy). Thanks for sharing your story. It's really inspiring.
I have a how I found "My #1" guitar story, except it's about my #1 Bass. I happened to see a video of Geddy Lee talking about his new Signature Fender Jazz Bass. I was impressed with how he described how he found his "#1" 1972 Jazz Bass, and how he felt he very accurately duplicated this bass with Fender's expert help. I had to have one, but could not afford it at the time. Fortunately I found a new, "Open Box", returned item, Geddy Lee Jazz Bass that I could barely afford. I bought it, but it arrived in damaged condition. It smelled very, very smokey, like it had somehow survived a house fire. I played it, and it sounded magnificent! I kept it and spent weeks polishing the smokey smell out of this truly unique "fire survivor." I have more money now, and have bought several Jazz Basses, and NOTHING sounds and plays (even unplugged) like that bass. It will forever be my very incredible sounding/playing "#1."
Great Story about the guitar AND you now know that Tillie is a very special lady that was meant to share life with you! Congratulations on two great choices in life!!!
After seeing this video, I too can now justify myself buying a new expensive guitar that I will fall in love and inspire me to great musical adventures! Thanks, Rhett!!
Great story Rhett. Guitars and Women - you get that tingle the 1st time you hold her hand or what you felt when you struck the 1st chord. It feels right with zero doubt.
Thanks for sharing this story! Only other guitar geeks will probably get it, but that's okay! I had that same connection with a Washburn D10CE that I purchased over 25 years ago, and I still play it more than other other. It just feels right and familiar. Even my wife and daughters get the connection with that guitar, which makes it even more special. Thanks, Rhett, for all the great info you give us struggling players!
I saw this video years ago and it's stuck in my mind like a phantom haunting me for years. I just purchased this guitar in green turquoise. You do what you do very well lol. No doubt it's gonna be awesome and I'm super stoked. Thanks a lot Rhett!
Surprising that Americans use literally so much given their antipathy for the metric system. Should it not be bushelfully, 32/18-inchstickwiselly, Walmart-sizedly or something arcane like that? 😃
Something about you calms me down the way you explain things you're down to earthiness never heard of that guitar but love the way it sounds and looks and I know exactly what you mean about that moment when something you play is special feeling
Great story great guitar I really enjoyed it. I remember once picking up a Fender Tele in a guitar shop it was nothing special as far as model I believe at the time they were called American Specials and there were 4 identical ones hanging up the one I grabbed had a weird grain spot on the neck. I strummed it and it was twice as loud as any of the other telecasters in the shop even the custom shop ones. Idk it was like it was alive. I came back to buy it 3 weeks later and it was gone and all these years later it still haunts me and I’m still searching for a guitar like it. It’s crazy
Hey Rhett, I've always loved this story and your guitar. So, I've got one over at Novo being built for me and should be ready by spring 2025. I'm so excited and you are the first person to bring Novo guitars and specifically the Serus J to my attention. Keep on keeping on brother.
It was because of you with that Guitar I drove to Nashville and set an appointment. It was an experience that I find to be beyond understanding I have owned tons literally tons of high end guitars and without a shadow of a doubt they are the best I’ve ever played thanks to you!
Forgive me if it's been done already, but I think a video or vlog on how Rhett became a musician full time, like the little details involved in networking, schooling (if any) and tips on breaking into the industry as a player. It would be great for kids in middle America to help them build a blueprint for a career as a musician. I missed my time, but youngsters coming up wanting to play rock/blues/country etc. could use the help I'm sure. Great vlog and great guitar. 👍🤘
Ive not enjoyed a guitar story more than this one. you have modeled the mystery of life with this. listen to the little voice. when something is meant for you, it finds its way to you. serendipity. cool stuff.
Guitars are so inspiring !!!! I've just bought my most anticipated one (and only the second one in over a decade, i used to buy guitars in my 20's all the time). This incoming guitar already inspires me A LOT to start taking music(ianship) totally serious again. I'm 43 now, and i think it's not too late. Thanks new guitar 🔥❤️😌
I hated the look of that guitar when I first saw some of your videos, but it has since grown on me and I really dig the way it looks and sounds now. I’ll have to take your word on how well it plays.
this is one of those iconic guitar and player relationships. Hendrix had the white strat. Page had the mirror/dragon tele and the 59 Paul… Rhett Shull has the pink novo.
I bought a v similar specced custom sparkly Novo Serus J recently, purely based on seeing you and yours! I loved yours straightaway. Of course on the order form. the answer to the question “how did you first hear about Novo”…. was simple…..Rhett Shull….I hope the artists bonus payments at Novo are sizeable! A Rhett Shull signature would be the absolute business!
Hey Rhett , That was great , you should do a barn find / weird places you have found a great guitar episode. I jagged a beat up old 2006 Lp Jnr from a pawn shop for $700 , it was beat up and in poor condition, have it a good service & swapped out the stock wrap tail bridge for a Wilkinson adjustment G/B saddle slot and it came to life ! So resonate , it’s a ringer that’s for sure. Oh and a single P90 is magnificent, roll off the volume and cleans up so well , roll back up and it attacks like nothing else.
Ignazio here, from Jensen Speakers. Dennis Fano is one of the most amazing and original guitar designers and builders outta there. So much innovation in his designs, and still they feel familiar. Unique looking yet not "strange for the sake of being strange". Tone for days, super accurate selection of materials and parts and incredible finishes. What's not to love? Lovely story about your Serus J, Rhett! And agree so much about the "epiphany" moment. When the click happens you really should consider it. Many of the world's top builders say that the decision of buying a high-end guitar over another is almost invariably ignited in the first 10 seconds of playing. I played a few of the original Fano guitars, and all were special. Played only one Novo, and it was astounding. One day, hopefully...
I just recently missed out on my dream acoustic guitar. To me it sucks, that I'm not the one that got it. But, at the same time, I'm not the caliber of guitarist it deserved. I'm glad you didn't miss out.
The Guitar that changed my life is a 1997 Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop Reissue I Own since 2006. I'm it's third owner, but it is still in great shape. I love it!!!
I so, so, wish I still had my first Fender Stratocaster!! From the early, early 80s maybe even late 70s not sure. It was the model when Fender decided to replace one of the tone knobs with the cable plug-in. So it didn’t have the traditional slanted style plug-in like every other Strat has, and it was missing a tone knob. But it was still 100% Fender Stratocaster and I absolutely loved that guitar! I was 14 or 15 when my dad bought it for me straight off the rack in Muskogee Oklahoma about 30 minutes from our house in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, capital city of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Yes I am Cherokee as is 90% of everyone from Tahlequah. I eventually lost it to the pawn shop monster when I was 18 or 19. Never saw it again or another one like it (with the crazy plug-in and missing tone knob). It was black with a maple fretboard and was the second guitar I ever owned. Oh, how I wish I could do some things differently.
Glad you started this channel, it's a wonder what one guitar can do in this world,many of the stories we love so much, center around a person's life,because of a guitar and the riffs that followed, keep on keeping on, thanks Rhett.
Great Video Rhett, A kind thank you for your contributions expanding my knowledge on musical applications. I'm not not as talented as you, my profession is not music but my passion is, always has been. I have been blessed in having the opportunity in performing with my band, which I started 8 years ago, performing weekly, something I can cherish down the road. Your inspiration and knowledge is appreciated, I own and tried many of the gear you demo, including my very own Novo Serus J. The guitar is something special, will be with me to the end.
Rhett, to your point, the Serus spoke to me. I saw and heard a guy playing one at a local gig not too long ago after watching a ton of your videos and especially this one and I was hooked. Damn you Rhett.. Damn you :-) I just sent the folks at Novo my $500 deposit for my custom build. Will be a grueling 12 month wait but they ( Devon ) was very helpful with his suggestions and a few minor tweaks. You were not joking about the price. I chose to custom it out and wait the extra 9 months over a select get exactly what i wanted and it came it at $4200.. If i was going to spend over 3k on a 3 month wait predefined one might as well go ahead and buy once and cry once and get what I want. Cant wait. I have a home in Asheville and know you are there from time to time. Would love to buy you a beer and talk shop. Good stuff.. Keep up the great content.
I have been checking the Novo site and dreaming of buying one ever since I saw this guitar on your channel. Someday! And Tilly rules for giving you that nudge to buy the guitar.
In a way that guitar changed my life as well. I've been watching your videos for a long time and your playing of this guitar and the Rivolta made me notice that there was indeed something special about them. At the onset of lockdown I had decided to upgrade my main guitar at the time. I was primarily playing a cheap Epiphone LP with P90's which had already set me on the path as far as p90 pickups were concerned. I decided to look into alternate brands and discovered that Rivolta was basically the less expensive offshore Fano guitars. I couldn't afford the real deal anyway, so I took a chance on a used Rivolta Combinata JR off of Reverb. WOW. I have never played another guitar that fit me so well. I'm 51 and have been playing since 1984, so I have been through a few different guitars over the years... the Rivolta is my favorite. I'm already wanting a second one, but I do wonder if I got lucky or if they're all this good. Happy for you.... and me too brother. *Fistbump
This is the best video I've ever seen you do and I'm a fan of all the ones I've seen - it's just such an honest description of how strongly you felt about this guitar. I think we can all relate to it, too - we've all become obsessed with particular guitars at some point. I'm just glad you were able to get this guitar. You clearly know how lucky you were to get it and hearing you tell the story about the day you got it made me smile. Thanks for making this video.
Thank you for doing this video. I purchased my Select Series Serus J two months ago after watching you play yours on your videos. I can't put it down. it is everything in a guitar that I always dreamed about!
I absolutely love all your videos!!! Be it the tour vlog, this kind of stories, tuning, gear, whatever...you are an absolute sympathetic and passionate musician, thanx for all this amazing content. Please keep up this good work!!! All the best to you and greetings from Germany!
I'd watch your videos time to time and sorta wait for this wild looking guitar on thumbnails, crazy because I'm always curious to hear what tones come out of this guitar compared to others. Crazy enough there's a back story to this guitar. It sounds amazing, as if the soul of your voice was in it when you play.
I bought a really expensive guitar one time, and it changed my wife.
Funniest comment ever!!
Buddump - PISH!
I’m happy for you
Boom!
Worth it… every penny
Dennis replacing the Mastery on the spot says a lot about the Novo ethos.
I was like RONQUILLO the mighty duck man I swear to god. RONQUILLO!!!
Yeah, it says that the expensive boutique bridge is garbage… literally disabled/made unusable from a small piece of debris… that’s terrible that replacing the entire system was the easier thing to do than clean/fix it.
wasn't the bridge, it was the vibrato. The tolerances are super tight and the arm snaps into place, unlike SOME Fender equivalents that merely push into place, clunk and rattle, etc. Its not "boutique" per se, it's a much better version of the offset vibrato mousetrap. A blast of canned air likely would've remedied the issue, but Novo did the good faith thing and replaced it. And Rhett is right, you are not supposed to remove it. Leave it in when cased. I have one on my JM and it's glorious.
You rock too, RJ!!
@@michaelpower3824 yeah can't believe builders are still using those dated schematics. A part of me tells they use it so you have to go back to them so they can fix it. Never would I mess with that type of shit, give me a hard tail.
"besides my wife's engagement ring", smart guy, knows his priorities
Good get
Dump wife get more guitars :)
@@timitbiscuit3620 You can't say that part outloud.
@@marknachmias423 yeah Tilly is a queen
Smooth recovery.
Love guitar stories. Our lives are full of crossroads. The day you bought that guitar is definitely one of yours.
A wise man once told me; "The guitar chooses the player" - which I wholeheartedly believe, because as much as I have coveted certain guitars, they didn't always stick around. But the ones I've kept, I'll never part with. It seems that your Novo has chosen you, Rhett.
Very true words there
Such a good words!
My ‘69 Tele changes my life almost every day. Bought it new. Love your stuff, Rhett!😉
I hear you! Back in 1980/81, I bought a friend's 64/65 Tele that he never liked...it plays like a buttery dream and is the most fabulous guitar I own. Love them Teles! :-D
This is such a wonderful video! My Novo Serus J was made at the same time that yours was. Novo even posted a picture of our guitars together way back when. I got mine in a very similar manner. I played it at CME, and I instantly knew I had to have it, but I didn’t have the money. I live 2 hours from Chicago, so I went home very saddened. I just couldn’t get the guitar out of my mind, so the next weekend I drove back to Chicago, traded 4 of my guitars and paid some money on top, but I got it! It was a joyous event, and I adore the guitar to this day. It was originally made for Josh Scott at JHS, but he didn’t like the amber tint coat over the Olympic White, so he sent it back after using it as a demo guitar at NAMM that year. Dennis then sold it to CME, luckily, so now it is one of the best guitars that I have ever played/owned. Mine has three Porter A90 pickups. Novo forever!
Great story, bro! Thank you for sharing.
I bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio from the Music Go Round here in Kenosha back in 2013 (my first les paul) the store said a few hours after I bought it someone came in to buy it. It was meant to be.
My Ice Blue Metallic Serus J is a direct result of hearing you play yours!!! Thanks for telling me about the Amalfitano P90s as Mr Amalfitano himself made and shipped a set to NOVO who graciously installed them on my custom built Serus J. Mathew Timmons is one of the nicest people I’ve ever spoken to. He, Dennis and the entire NOVO Team are amazing. My NOVO was a gift from my wife for completing my rounds of chemo and radiation. I’m still fighting the battle and still loving my NOVO. Thanks Rhett for being kind to me when I asked and Thanks to NOVO for building an amazing guitar!!!!
Hearing this makes me feel lucky, I spent years with all sorts of guitars till I bought a cheap Squier Telecaster from a catalogue, I bought it to give to a student but couldn't part with it, I was playing it all the time, not even plugged in. I've switched the electronics out since and gave one of my other guitars to my young guitar student who has since gone to college to study music. And the Squier is still my No 1.
I have a few Squiers like that, some of them are just soooo good and others, not so much.
a good Squier is amazing
I have some guitars that are fairly expensive, but I have a Squier Bullet Tele that feels great. I wasn't even a Tele fan before I bought it. I swapped out all the electronics on it, but the neck and body are original. It just feels great.
My brother bought one of the early Japanese Squier Telecasters back in the 80’s, and that thing rocked! It was better than any Fender I’d ever tried up til then.
Hell yes! I'm primarily a bass player, and the bass I play the most ('cause I can't keep my hands off it) is a 2009 Squier J-bass that I paid $75 for; it's also red, damn it, and I have always hated red guitars & basses! It's easily the best Jazz I've ever played, Fender, Squier or whatever...
Cool story Rhett. Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻😁
Such a cool guitar. I still have yet to try a Novo. One day I will!
They'll send u one
Robert the thing with the Novo, at least the Serus J, is that it is so nice to play right away but then it grows on you even more afterwards. It is a musicians guitar. I would have never thought I would own a "pine" guitar. I have 40ish guitars, none are pine, but I'm now a believer. I have one of the last non distressed ones that Novo was offering. It's an Ice Blue Metallic and I sprung for block inlays and neck binding, I went with Lollar Minis. It is a phenomenal guitar.
Lol I’ll have one too in your next giveaway, hint hint wink wink Robert…
Acacia might get jealous...
If they are a smart company they will make you one for free.
If not, Marketing dept needs to go back to the drawing board.
Some guitars have that extra 10% and you just have to buy them. I've almost exclusively played the same Les Paul for the past 27 years, but that changed earlier this year when I found the best Strat I've ever played in my life. It also happens to be the best guitar I've ever played too - it has vibe in spades. This is coming from a guy who never got on with Strats my whole life, and now my main guitar is a Strat.
I came across a 98’ Fender Strat, that was a stock American standard from that year, and it just had a feel that was perfect, and I thought it sounded great through any amp I used.
A friend owned it, and he ended up giving it to me for what he paid for it, and I’ve played it for over a decade now.
It’s what I compare any other guitar I’m playing or thinking about buying.
There are mods that most people do with them, but I’ve kept it stock and it’s only needed soldering or work of any kind once. I fix the action or have it setup when it’s time, but it stays in tune really well, and the action is just excellent.
Before I say what I’m gonna say I mark this situation down as a fluke. I am not a master builder, and it just worked out perfect. The only guitar I’ve found that has that extra 10% for me is the one that I made myself, and I’m glad that it worked out like that. Not a partscaster or any of that, actually handmade it. I’ve made a couple others since, but none have had the wow factor of that first build I did.
Fantastic. !! 🙂
I tried to like Strats, but the tone isn't really my thing, but it definitely has its place.
Despite that, the only reason I dont own one anyway is the volume pot placement,..The knob is tragically in my way. It is a deal breaker.
I've been playing for 39 years and live gigging for the past 26 years and know countless players that have the exact same issue that I have with the Strat.
One of my best sounding and playing guitars is a early 90s’ Mexican strat made of poplar wood with SD-1 Korean knock offs.
I have had musicians play it that have Shurs, etc. They are surprised of the feel of it .
It is hard to find that extra 10% from a variety of guitars .
Great story Rhett! Your guitar has changed my life as well! I saw your video on it and, just like you, I fell in love with Novo guitars and just had to get my Serus J that kept calling my name. Since then I've decided I want to make a living with music and I am working on that dream. You and Novo have been an inspiration in many ways. Thank you for what you do and for sharing it with us all.
Your OG demo of the Serus J was paramount to me ordering my Novo, such amazing guitars and inspiring to hold. Cheers!
I love real stories. And the way you put this story together is excellent.
This guitar lead you to be the musical director of "Pedals: The Musical"
You'll always have that Rhett.
Seriously.....keep up the fabulous content.
I enjoy the tone of that guitar and it's why I keep coming back to your videos, I also enjoy your playing style.
Great story!
Thanks Keith!
It's a strange thing when a guitar just grabs you! happened to me in the late 70's, Dekalb Ill. my dad and I went there for some reason, tons of cool guitars, but a 1967 ES 355 mono just did the same thing to me, it was just YEAH!! $700 no way I could afford it, a few weeks or months later my dad showed up and opened the trunk of the car and there it was, had it ever since, thanks dad!! miss you!!
I basically bought my Novo thanks to your TH-cam channel. It’s a fantastic guitar! I’m definitely looking forward to my next one. Since I started gigging again this year, it’s turned into my #1, replacing my 63 reissue 335.
I have been trying to find a video like this for over a month. This happened to me when I went to a guitar shop and tried a bunch of guitars even though I had no money.
I really gravitated to LP Jrs. I loved the burst finish, but a a black one had the best neck I ever held and a perfect weight. It was so resonant I didn't even plug it in and I knew it was a special thing.
A week later I went back and plugged it in. My wife had insisted I go back and play it because I kept talking about it. Then she told me a couple weeks later to go and buy it. Best $1500 piece of wood I've ever seen. When I got it home and cleaned and set it up it became even clearer that the guitar was meant for me.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Rhett. Videos on this subject are rare and much appreciated. Earned my sub today.
My 2018 Fender Strat is the one guitar that really took my guitar playing to a whole new level because of that "thing" that you were talking about. It has become my main guitar to play at all my gigs and it really has become my favorite guitar. I'll probably own it till I die.
I feel this so much! My Strat may not have pushed me into the echelons of guitar greatness, but it has quite literally saved my life by giving me something to hold onto during some of the most difficult times of my life. Thank you for sharing your story, and for letting me share mine. Cheers 🍻 and God bless 🙏.
Glad you were able to get the guitar! It’s really meant to be yours. I have a similar story with my 2012 American Vintage ‘52 Tele that I kept coming back to every time I visit this one music store. One day while at the store, I saw the guitar getting purchased and it broke my heart. Apparently, it was my wife who secretly bought it as her wedding gift to me.
I'am currently in love with a Fano Tc6 and i don't know what to do. Not a cheap one, now I am playing a mexican strat and a S2 prs (great guitar) but this Fano just came to me like a miracle, I thing I'll do the right thing and get one of those man in black memory laser........I'll probably buy it next week. My wife doesn't mind.
Pretty sure the Novo team are glad they helped you out that day, as I'm sure a whole bunch of people have come to know of their brand just through this guitar and your channel.
Thats a really beautiful guitar, buddy. I am a lifelong P-90 enthusiast and you have really made me want one of these. I think all of that wood mass contributes massively to the sound.
Beautifully built. Have been a fan of Dennis' work for a while without having bought anything from him.
I bought a proper Gibson Les Paul at the beginning of the pandemic and it has inspired me to love the guitar again and pursue a career in music. It just has “the thing”. Instruments can be mighty powerful! I love that NOVO! Cheers
Same here Brian! Stay focused brother!
Same. I got myself a 50s standard and it just sings ...
I'm still sad I sold my '72 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty back in 1980. I had no clue what I had at the time.
Good call on buying a guitar that speaks to you. I didn’t buy one that I really loved and I still regret it today.
Great story and great advice about listening to that inner voice. I'm going through a similar situation. Last year I was going to buy a Godin with P90s when the pandemic hit. I saw one in the local music store here in Montreal. A friend said a band mate of his worked at Godin and I could probably get a deal on the one I wanted. While we were trying to connect to make it happen, I was visiting friends in Quebec City where I stopped by the local music store and on the wall was a PRS 30th anniversary Hollowbody SE. My wife suggested I try it. I played one chord and new it was special. After about ten minutes, I knew it was the one. It immediately became my new number one. I'll be launching my own TH-cam channel very soon. I would have already done it but I landed a role in a movie I couldn't pass up so I have to figure out how to juggle it all.
That is truely a love story. Thx for sharing. All the best to you from Belgium. Go to see R.J. is a fan too. He is one of the most inspiring guitar players on the net.
Been watching you for about a year and I have to say, that Novo is the best sounding guitar I have ever heard. I wish I could afford one. Love it!
Wonderful story Rhett! I saw (and hear) you on your Novo years ago and was instantly hooked. Owned Serus T for two years now and it sounds magical.
Due to weather conditions here in the Netherlands I had an issue with the neck and sent an email to Novo in the evening. The next morning I had the golden tip in the mail. Speaking of service (and passion for their products)…
Every guitarist should own a Novo or at least try one... (before you die!)
Great story man! I'm brazilian and left handed, so finding a guitar is almost impossible. Generally, there's those beginners with cost 50 USD and ordered Fenders or Gibsons that can cost more than a popular car in Brazil. So, living is São Paulo had it good side. I found I guy selling a Fender Tele Mex for a fair price, rushed to send a massage, finished to work early and basically ran where he was (working close to my house and he had the guitar). I played the "Shine On you Crazy..." lick and just transferred the money. I can't part with my Tele now.
Que bom ver brazuca por aqui !! 🤘🎸
I got lucky I got money from the IRS and a credit card so I have a custom made Telecaster built with tv jones pickups and staggered vintage Fender tuners. That guitar was about 2 grand. It stays in tune unbelievable well. The body is black with double pearl binding, the neck pearl binding with Iron Cross pearl inlays.
Going to be ordering a left-handed Serus J this month. Can’t wait to join the Novo family!
I almost bought a “Brownsville“ guitar years ago. It was green sparkle. I should’ve. It was light and very playable. I’m glad you bought that before the other guy. I know that feeling of being beaten to the punch! 😆👍🏻
I love hearing the story of how players chose their guitar, or the guitar chooses them. Reminds me of guitars I have that didn't have a special place in my heart that I parted with easily, and ones I never will (my Tokai 1984 Fender Jazz Bass copy). Thanks for sharing your story. It's really inspiring.
What a great, honest account of the agony involved in deciding on what ended up as your favourite guitar ever...
I think after this video, we want one on that Gibson next!
I have a how I found "My #1" guitar story, except it's about my #1 Bass. I happened to see a video of Geddy Lee talking about his new Signature Fender Jazz Bass. I was impressed with how he described how he found his "#1" 1972 Jazz Bass, and how he felt he very accurately duplicated this bass with Fender's expert help. I had to have one, but could not afford it at the time. Fortunately I found a new, "Open Box", returned item, Geddy Lee Jazz Bass that I could barely afford. I bought it, but it arrived in damaged condition. It smelled very, very smokey, like it had somehow survived a house fire. I played it, and it sounded magnificent! I kept it and spent weeks polishing the smokey smell out of this truly unique "fire survivor." I have more money now, and have bought several Jazz Basses, and NOTHING sounds and plays (even unplugged) like that bass. It will forever be my very incredible sounding/playing "#1."
Great Story about the guitar AND you now know that Tillie is a very special lady that was meant to share life with you! Congratulations on two great choices in life!!!
After seeing this video, I too can now justify myself buying a new expensive guitar that I will fall in love and inspire me to great musical adventures! Thanks, Rhett!!
Great story Rhett. Guitars and Women - you get that tingle the 1st time you hold her hand or what you felt when you struck the 1st chord. It feels right with zero doubt.
My life was changed when I got my Gretsch. I finally had something good enough to show off so I started gigging
Thanks for sharing this story! Only other guitar geeks will probably get it, but that's okay! I had that same connection with a Washburn D10CE that I purchased over 25 years ago, and I still play it more than other other. It just feels right and familiar. Even my wife and daughters get the connection with that guitar, which makes it even more special. Thanks, Rhett, for all the great info you give us struggling players!
I'm homeless and was gifted with a $60 acoustic from Target... Keep playing everyone! What else is there!
youre right ...what else is there ?.....Im 50 and not skiing, playing hockey or basicly doing anyhting i did at 25
I saw this video years ago and it's stuck in my mind like a phantom haunting me for years. I just purchased this guitar in green turquoise. You do what you do very well lol. No doubt it's gonna be awesome and I'm super stoked. Thanks a lot Rhett!
Wow don't think I've ever been this early to a Rhett video :)
yes! i know this is the one you are most comfortable with and i am proud everytime i see it on you in a video
Drinking Game:
Take a drink anytime Rhett says: "literally"
😆
I died after ten minutes
Surprising that Americans use literally so much given their antipathy for the metric system. Should it not be bushelfully, 32/18-inchstickwiselly, Walmart-sizedly or something arcane like that? 😃
You will literally get alcohol poisoning.
@@meadish I see what you did there ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) And I like it. That being said, literal and liter have nothing in common etymologically speaking.
Something about you calms me down the way you explain things you're down to earthiness never heard of that guitar but love the way it sounds and looks and I know exactly what you mean about that moment when something you play is special feeling
Great story great guitar I really enjoyed it. I remember once picking up a Fender Tele in a guitar shop it was nothing special as far as model I believe at the time they were called American Specials and there were 4 identical ones hanging up the one I grabbed had a weird grain spot on the neck. I strummed it and it was twice as loud as any of the other telecasters in the shop even the custom shop ones. Idk it was like it was alive. I came back to buy it 3 weeks later and it was gone and all these years later it still haunts me and I’m still searching for a guitar like it. It’s crazy
Rhett. Outstanding story. We love the tech stuff, but we also love the human element and experience. Keep talking....
Like dropped...
I love British
Hey Rhett, I've always loved this story and your guitar. So, I've got one over at Novo being built for me and should be ready by spring 2025. I'm so excited and you are the first person to bring Novo guitars and specifically the Serus J to my attention. Keep on keeping on brother.
Wife > guitar
the other way around bro
@@jackds7107 :)
In $’s, yes, but I finally found a cure for that.😅
A good wife, definitely yes, most wives, definitely not.
Rhett - nice video, glad to see that you are back to your old self after the shoulder injury/recovery!
It was because of you with that Guitar I drove to Nashville and set an appointment. It was an experience that I find to be beyond understanding I have owned tons literally tons of high end guitars and without a shadow of a doubt they are the best I’ve ever played thanks to you!
Forgive me if it's been done already, but I think a video or vlog on how Rhett became a musician full time, like the little details involved in networking, schooling (if any) and tips on breaking into the industry as a player. It would be great for kids in middle America to help them build a blueprint for a career as a musician. I missed my time, but youngsters coming up wanting to play rock/blues/country etc. could use the help I'm sure. Great vlog and great guitar. 👍🤘
Great story Rhett! Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you for sharing this video. What a cool story!
I am glad you found "The One."
Rock on!😎
I JUST sold my funky Les Paul and got my dream guitar that shimmers and just sounds beautiful too! When you strummed that chord, I absorbed that homie
Ive not enjoyed a guitar story more than this one. you have modeled the mystery of life with this. listen to the little voice. when something is meant for you, it finds its way to you. serendipity. cool stuff.
Guitars are so inspiring !!!! I've just bought my most anticipated one (and only the second one in over a decade, i used to buy guitars in my 20's all the time). This incoming guitar already inspires me A LOT to start taking music(ianship) totally serious again. I'm 43 now, and i think it's not too late. Thanks new guitar 🔥❤️😌
I hated the look of that guitar when I first saw some of your videos, but it has since grown on me and I really dig the way it looks and sounds now. I’ll have to take your word on how well it plays.
this is one of those iconic guitar and player relationships. Hendrix had the white strat. Page had the mirror/dragon tele and the 59 Paul… Rhett Shull has the pink novo.
Rhett, your guitar playing is very musical..that s a rare and awesome way.. That's a compliment in the highest honor..
I bought a v similar specced custom sparkly Novo Serus J recently, purely based on seeing you and yours! I loved yours straightaway. Of course on the order form. the answer to the question “how did you first hear about Novo”…. was simple…..Rhett Shull….I hope the artists bonus payments at Novo are sizeable! A Rhett Shull signature would be the absolute business!
Thanks, Rhett! I've one on order. Always good to see this type of support as my wife is also very skeptical about the price. Bob
Hey Rhett ,
That was great , you should do a barn find / weird places you have found a great guitar episode.
I jagged a beat up old
2006 Lp Jnr from a pawn shop for $700 , it was beat up and in poor condition, have it a good service & swapped out the stock wrap tail bridge for a Wilkinson adjustment G/B saddle slot and it came to life !
So resonate , it’s a ringer that’s for sure.
Oh and a single P90 is magnificent, roll off the volume and cleans up so well , roll back up and it attacks like nothing else.
This was great, Rhett! Proof that a guitar really can change your life. How far you've come too! Keep the great videos coming!
been waiting on this guitar demo since i started watching this channel , Thanks Rhett
10/10 would love to see more videos like this. Love it!
That guitar automatically grabs your ears !!!!! Helps to have a great player bending the strings! Great story Rhett !
Ignazio here, from Jensen Speakers. Dennis Fano is one of the most amazing and original guitar designers and builders outta there. So much innovation in his designs, and still they feel familiar. Unique looking yet not "strange for the sake of being strange". Tone for days, super accurate selection of materials and parts and incredible finishes. What's not to love?
Lovely story about your Serus J, Rhett! And agree so much about the "epiphany" moment. When the click happens you really should consider it. Many of the world's top builders say that the decision of buying a high-end guitar over another is almost invariably ignited in the first 10 seconds of playing.
I played a few of the original Fano guitars, and all were special. Played only one Novo, and it was astounding. One day, hopefully...
I just recently missed out on my dream acoustic guitar. To me it sucks, that I'm not the one that got it. But, at the same time, I'm not the caliber of guitarist it deserved. I'm glad you didn't miss out.
Keeping going Bud. We keep on waiting.
The Guitar that changed my life is a 1997 Gibson Les Paul 57 Goldtop Reissue I Own since 2006. I'm it's third owner, but it is still in great shape. I love it!!!
I so, so, wish I still had my first Fender Stratocaster!! From the early, early 80s maybe even late 70s not sure. It was the model when Fender decided to replace one of the tone knobs with the cable plug-in. So it didn’t have the traditional slanted style plug-in like every other Strat has, and it was missing a tone knob. But it was still 100% Fender Stratocaster and I absolutely loved that guitar! I was 14 or 15 when my dad bought it for me straight off the rack in Muskogee Oklahoma about 30 minutes from our house in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, capital city of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Yes I am Cherokee as is 90% of everyone from Tahlequah. I eventually lost it to the pawn shop monster when I was 18 or 19. Never saw it again or another one like it (with the crazy plug-in and missing tone knob). It was black with a maple fretboard and was the second guitar I ever owned. Oh, how I wish I could do some things differently.
Glad you started this channel, it's a wonder what one guitar can do in this world,many of the stories we love so much, center around a person's life,because of a guitar and the riffs that followed, keep on keeping on, thanks Rhett.
Great Video Rhett, A kind thank you for your contributions expanding my knowledge on musical applications. I'm not not as talented as you, my profession is not music but my passion is, always has been. I have been blessed in having the opportunity in performing with my band, which I started 8 years ago, performing weekly, something I can cherish down the road. Your inspiration and knowledge is appreciated, I own and tried many of the gear you demo, including my very own Novo Serus J. The guitar is something special, will be with me to the end.
I now own 4 novo guitars thanks to you. It's been a treat.
Rhett, to your point, the Serus spoke to me. I saw and heard a guy playing one at a local gig not too long ago after watching a ton of your videos and especially this one and I was hooked. Damn you Rhett.. Damn you :-) I just sent the folks at Novo my $500 deposit for my custom build. Will be a grueling 12 month wait but they ( Devon ) was very helpful with his suggestions and a few minor tweaks. You were not joking about the price. I chose to custom it out and wait the extra 9 months over a select get exactly what i wanted and it came it at $4200.. If i was going to spend over 3k on a 3 month wait predefined one might as well go ahead and buy once and cry once and get what I want. Cant wait. I have a home in Asheville and know you are there from time to time. Would love to buy you a beer and talk shop. Good stuff.. Keep up the great content.
I have been checking the Novo site and dreaming of buying one ever since I saw this guitar on your channel. Someday! And Tilly rules for giving you that nudge to buy the guitar.
You are one of the reasons I decided to get a Novo. Thanks Rhett for the background story and awesome content.
In a way that guitar changed my life as well. I've been watching your videos for a long time and your playing of this guitar and the Rivolta made me notice that there was indeed something special about them. At the onset of lockdown I had decided to upgrade my main guitar at the time. I was primarily playing a cheap Epiphone LP with P90's which had already set me on the path as far as p90 pickups were concerned. I decided to look into alternate brands and discovered that Rivolta was basically the less expensive offshore Fano guitars. I couldn't afford the real deal anyway, so I took a chance on a used Rivolta Combinata JR off of Reverb. WOW. I have never played another guitar that fit me so well. I'm 51 and have been playing since 1984, so I have been through a few different guitars over the years... the Rivolta is my favorite. I'm already wanting a second one, but I do wonder if I got lucky or if they're all this good. Happy for you.... and me too brother. *Fistbump
This is the best video I've ever seen you do and I'm a fan of all the ones I've seen - it's just such an honest description of how strongly you felt about this guitar. I think we can all relate to it, too - we've all become obsessed with particular guitars at some point. I'm just glad you were able to get this guitar. You clearly know how lucky you were to get it and hearing you tell the story about the day you got it made me smile. Thanks for making this video.
Great Vid ! Amazing guitar ... Love the sound you get out of that beautiful gem.
I could listen to you play for hours !
Great story
I’m super happy for you
And your band is kick ass🤘
Hi Rhett from Australia 🇦🇺 Love that guitar, love your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 🙏
Glad you did this video, it’s the reason I started a watching your channel in the first place!
Thank you for doing this video. I purchased my Select Series Serus J two months ago after watching you play yours on your videos. I can't put it down. it is everything in a guitar that I always dreamed about!
I absolutely love all your videos!!! Be it the tour vlog, this kind of stories, tuning, gear, whatever...you are an absolute sympathetic and passionate musician, thanx for all this amazing content. Please keep up this good work!!! All the best to you and greetings from Germany!
Hell yeah!! Your channel has re-ignited my passion for music, especially electric guitar and when I read the comments, it sounds like I’m not alone!
Dude.. that tone at the end of the video.. 🔥😩🔥
I'd watch your videos time to time and sorta wait for this wild looking guitar on thumbnails, crazy because I'm always curious to hear what tones come out of this guitar compared to others. Crazy enough there's a back story to this guitar. It sounds amazing, as if the soul of your voice was in it when you play.
Yes I would love to try a Novo! Yes you "convince" to investigate into the Novo's! Thanks for this.
It's so cool that you get to make a living doing what you love!
Dude I love this!! Such a similar story to me and my purple telecaster. That guitar found you….. it was meant to be…. Love it man. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻