2 Pages V   1 2 >  
Cork Sniffer Much?
Todd Simpson
Nov 27 2017, 04:35 AM
GMC:er
Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
I got in to a HUGE debate in the Ibanez users Facebook forum today that lasted for about 3 hours. It got rather heated and finally resolved itself and I came away with the knowledge that I am in fact A ....
Attached Image

Sad but true smile.gif Here is the Urban Dictionary definition for those new to the term. It's a bit derogatory in general, but with an element of humor, hopefully.

This term is very commonly used in the discussion pages of popular online forums dealing with guitars, in which the cork sniffers are the ones that argue and debate over the subtleties of various factors that contribute to tone, such as wood types used, guitar picup types, body shapes, finishing methods, manufacturing proccess etc.


The term originated in the WINE industry from folks actually sniffing corks from bottles. Yup. One of those guys. Getting a bit misty eyed with I talk about MIJ IBBYs and how they were lovingly hand finished by Luthiers trained by God himself smile.gif You get the picture. The realization came upon me rather suddenly as I kept getting called "cork sniffer" for defending Golden Era (80s 90s) Ibbys and in fact insisting that the "Golden Era" was actually a "Thing". I had to finally accept that yes, I've become a Cork Sniffing Ibby guy. smile.gif I never thought it would happen to me, but yup. It was rough, having to sort out all those Philistines who insisted the Golden Era was myth. But somebody had to do it. Heretics smile.gif

Have you guys become cork sniffer on any given subject/about any given item/product/etc? It happens to most of us at some point smile.gif

Todd

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 27 2017, 04:45 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
klasaine
Nov 27 2017, 06:05 AM
GMC:er
Posts: 4.552
Joined: 30-December 12
From: Los Angeles, CA
I thought 'golden age' Ibby's were 70s models? wink.gif

When you're around something for years or decades and you use that 'thing' all the time in your daily life and that thing is something that you love - then you can become a cork sniffer. I think it's natural. I'm definitely a cork sniffer with all my gear (amps especially) but 1) I've given up trying to convince another guitarist about a piece of gear and 2) I can and many times have to work with less than stellar (IMO) gear. So my cork sniffing is more of a personal ideal. Yeah, I like (and know) a good bottle of cabernet but I'm fine with a $3.00 Trader Joes red if that's what I'm dealing with.
I'd prefer my lovepedal Eternity or my Landgraff Mo'D but a stock TS9 will do the job just fine, nobody really cares (or hears) and I've totally made peace with all that.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by klasaine: Nov 27 2017, 06:06 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
bleez
Nov 27 2017, 08:03 AM
Experienced Tone Seeker
Posts: 3.348
Joined: 4-November 11
From: Scotland
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 27 2017, 03:35 AM) *
I got in to a HUGE debate in the Ibanez users Facebook forum today that lasted for about 3 hours. It got rather heated and finally resolved itself and I came away with the knowledge that I am in fact A ....
Attached Image

LOL! Im surprised that this is a revelation to you, Todd. This forum is littered with your Ibby cork-sniffery laugh.gif

Im a bit like that with Squier strats. Ive always kinda disliked them ( for no rational reason ) . Although I wound up having one and it is one of the nicest guitars Ive played..... which bothered me greatly rolleyes.gif
My only consolation is that its a 1989 Korean model and somehow that pacified my cork sniffery somewhat and made me fell better about liking it so much smile.gif

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------


You say 'minor pentatonic ' like it's a bad thing
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
PosterBoy
Nov 27 2017, 09:53 AM
Learning Roadie
Posts: 3.179
Joined: 26-October 11
From: Galway, Ireland
I looked at your post Todd. It was interesting. The $699 in £ at that time was around £431 I bought my Fender US STD Telecaster that year for £550. Looking at https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/article..._November_1.pdf It and the US STD Strat were on a par with the RG series guitars money wise.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------
My SoundCloud


Gear
Tyler Burning Water 2K
Burny RLG90 with BK Emeralds
Fender US Tele with BK Piledrivers
Epiphone 335 with Suhr Thornbuckers
PRS SE Custom 24-08
Ax8

Fessenden SD10 PSG
Quilter TT15
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
jstcrsn
Nov 27 2017, 02:18 PM
Learning Tone Master
Posts: 3.622
Joined: 29-March 08
From: kansas, USA
Everybody is a cork sniffer about something , even if you say you're not .. you will start cork sniffing about not being a cork sniffer . Like everyone is a nerd (whether they can admit it or not )about something . I guess it just boils down to when , where , why , how or who's cork your sniffing

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
yoncopin
Nov 27 2017, 02:52 PM
Experienced Tone Seeker
Posts: 747
Joined: 26-September 09
From: USA
What was the substance of the argument? I'm curious, because despite your Ibby love, I've never thought you were completely irrational or exclusionary about it. I think of a cork sniffer as someone who's kind of elitist and looks down on others for their inferior preferences. I've never perceived that.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Sensible Jones
Nov 27 2017, 04:19 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 7.277
Joined: 2-January 09
From: London-ish. UK.
QUOTE (bleez @ Nov 27 2017, 08:03 AM) *
LOL! Im surprised that this is a revelation to you, Todd. This forum is littered with your Ibby cork-sniffery laugh.gif

laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

In the Guitar World my personal line of 'Corkage' is 'Lawsuit Era' stuff, still to this day some of the best Japanese built Instruments ever! I've worked on, rebuilt and basically learned most of my 'Tech-ing' skills on these instruments.
biggrin.gif

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------
I'd rather have a full Bottle in front of me than a full Frontal Lobotomy!!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Todd Simpson
Nov 27 2017, 08:41 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Well said smile.gif I do suppose it's a natural thing that just happens over time. You develop an odd sort of intimate knowledge of the things you really love, and those things can include guitars and amps for musicians smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 27 2017, 01:05 AM) *
I thought 'golden age' Ibby's were 70s models? wink.gif

When you're around something for years or decades and you use that 'thing' all the time in your daily life and that thing is something that you love - then you can become a cork sniffer. I think it's natural. I'm definitely a cork sniffer with all my gear (amps especially) but 1) I've given up trying to convince another guitarist about a piece of gear and 2) I can and many times have to work with less than stellar (IMO) gear. So my cork sniffing is more of a personal ideal. Yeah, I like (and know) a good bottle of cabernet but I'm fine with a $3.00 Trader Joes red if that's what I'm dealing with.
I'd prefer my lovepedal Eternity or my Landgraff Mo'D but a stock TS9 will do the job just fine, nobody really cares (or hears) and I've totally made peace with all that.



Hey now!! EASY THERE! Steady on!!! smile.gif

Now that you mention it, yeah. I always thought I was just being objective to be honest. But yeah, I can see it now. Cork Sniffery everywhere smile.gif "sniff" ooh how I adore my Made In Japan Golden Era, All Stock, RG560 for it's rare HSS pickup configuration etc. "Sniff" smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (bleez @ Nov 27 2017, 03:03 AM) *
LOL! Im surprised that this is a revelation to you, Todd. This forum is littered with your Ibby cork-sniffery laugh.gif

Im a bit like that with Squier strats. Ive always kinda disliked them ( for no rational reason ) . Although I wound up having one and it is one of the nicest guitars Ive played..... which bothered me greatly rolleyes.gif
My only consolation is that its a 1989 Korean model and somehow that pacified my cork sniffery somewhat and made me fell better about liking it so much smile.gif



That's what I thought as well smile.gif However, the term broadly applies to anyone a bit too enamored with a particular brand/era/build of just about anything in terms of guitar/amps etc. I do have a bit more love for the Golden Era ibby's than just your standard ibby user who has various guitars in their collection. I've gone pretty much Ibby only and even bought a prestige. It's fine though smile.gif I just try not to be "that guy", the snooty cork sniffer. Those folks can be trying at times to be sure.

Todd

QUOTE (yoncopin @ Nov 27 2017, 09:52 AM) *
What was the substance of the argument? I'm curious, because despite your Ibby love, I've never thought you were completely irrational or exclusionary about it. I think of a cork sniffer as someone who's kind of elitist and looks down on others for their inferior preferences. I've never perceived that.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
thefireball
Nov 27 2017, 09:34 PM
Learning Roadie
Posts: 4.537
Joined: 9-March 10
From: United States, Arkansas
I mean.. i like Ibanez's also - but that's mainly because it was my first guitar brand - my first love, if you will. smile.gif I also like the thin necks and profiles. But their stock EMGs on many models is slightly annoying.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
klasaine
Nov 27 2017, 10:47 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 4.552
Joined: 30-December 12
From: Los Angeles, CA
Here's some cork sniffery for you ...

Fender has amps that 'say' deluxe, princeton, bassman, etc. on the front. "Please, have you ever seen the inside or actually played any of those from the 50s or 60s"?

Same for Vox, Orange and Marshall.

I'm not saying the amps don't sound decent to good but they ain't anything like the real deal (maybe their hand wired, nos parts, $3500.00 versions - ?).

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
bleez
Nov 28 2017, 07:57 AM
Experienced Tone Seeker
Posts: 3.348
Joined: 4-November 11
From: Scotland
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 27 2017, 07:41 PM) *
Now that you mention it, yeah. I always thought I was just being objective to be honest. But yeah, I can see it now. Cork Sniffery everywhere smile.gif "sniff" ooh how I adore my Made In Japan Golden Era, All Stock, RG560 for it's rare HSS pickup configuration etc. "Sniff" smile.gif

biggrin.gif
TBF you've never came across as snooty about ibbys at all and they are damn fine guitars smile.gif

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------


You say 'minor pentatonic ' like it's a bad thing
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Todd Simpson
Nov 29 2017, 03:07 AM
GMC:er
Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Thanks smile.gif That's good to know. Certainly never meant to be overly "Cork Snifferly" smile.gif I do get a bit misty when talking vintage ibby's, so that probably puts me well within cork range. But as was mentioned, most of of have some area of interest where the cork does tend to get sniffed smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (bleez @ Nov 28 2017, 02:57 AM) *
biggrin.gif
TBF you've never came across as snooty about ibbys at all and they are damn fine guitars smile.gif

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
klasaine
Nov 29 2017, 04:37 AM
GMC:er
Posts: 4.552
Joined: 30-December 12
From: Los Angeles, CA
I too would agree that you've never come off as the Ibanez snob at all.
You know a lot about those guitars, you've owned a ton of them and you're a fan, so naturally you have an opinion. An 'informed' opinion.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
AK Rich
Nov 29 2017, 09:38 PM
Learning Guitar Hero
Posts: 3.553
Joined: 10-September 11
From: Big Lake, Alaska
QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 28 2017, 07:37 PM) *
I too would agree that you've never come off as the Ibanez snob at all.
You know a lot about those guitars, you've owned a ton of them and you're a fan, so naturally you have an opinion. An 'informed' opinion.

No doubt. If anyone ever had a question about an Ibanez, at least from the 80's to the present. Todd is definitely a go to guy for that.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by AK Rich: Nov 29 2017, 09:42 PM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Todd Simpson
Nov 29 2017, 10:40 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Thank you sir "sniff" I appreciate it "sniff" smile.gif

Todd
QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 28 2017, 11:37 PM) *
I too would agree that you've never come off as the Ibanez snob at all.
You know a lot about those guitars, you've owned a ton of them and you're a fan, so naturally you have an opinion. An 'informed' opinion.



Many thanks smile.gif Among may Sniffers, the transition from the ROADSTAR to the RG is the "Big Bang" of the Ibanez Universe.

Todd

QUOTE (AK Rich @ Nov 29 2017, 04:38 PM) *
No doubt. If anyone ever had a question about an Ibanez, at least from the 80's to the present. Todd is definitely a go to guy for that.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 29 2017, 10:41 PM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
jstcrsn
Nov 30 2017, 04:37 AM
Learning Tone Master
Posts: 3.622
Joined: 29-March 08
From: kansas, USA
QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 29 2017, 04:37 AM) *
I too would agree that you've never come off as the Ibanez snob at all.
You know a lot about those guitars, you've owned a ton of them and you're a fan, so naturally you have an opinion. An 'informed' opinion.

hey man , don't hijack this thread .t's about cork sniffin , not brown nosing

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
klasaine
Nov 30 2017, 05:34 AM
GMC:er
Posts: 4.552
Joined: 30-December 12
From: Los Angeles, CA
Never sniff a brown cork.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
jstcrsn
Nov 30 2017, 01:02 PM
Learning Tone Master
Posts: 3.622
Joined: 29-March 08
From: kansas, USA
QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 30 2017, 05:34 AM) *
Never sniff a brown cork.

sooooo wrong ,

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Sensible Jones
Nov 30 2017, 02:03 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 7.277
Joined: 2-January 09
From: London-ish. UK.
QUOTE (klasaine @ Nov 30 2017, 05:34 AM) *
Never sniff a brown cork.

More over, never cork a Brown Sniff!!!

Todd makes a good point here about the transition from the Roadstar Series to the RG being the 'Big Bang' for Ibanez.
In my early teching days one of my Customers had an amazing collection of Roadstars. Every Model from first to last, all the different configurations and a couple got resprayed with Porsche Pearlescent Paint through a friend of mine who was an Auto-sprayer. When the first RG's came out he tried them and said "Nah, don't like that, it'll never catch on!!!"
laugh.gif laugh.gif

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


--------------------
I'd rather have a full Bottle in front of me than a full Frontal Lobotomy!!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Todd Simpson
Nov 30 2017, 11:37 PM
GMC:er
Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Some folks still prefer the original ROADSTAR series! Especially those that grew up on them. I've played some and they remind me a bit of some Jackson axes I've played. It was when they made the switch to the RG that things really started heating up for them and wads of folks sorta caught on. It just happened to coincide with the BOOM in "Shred" as it were. The RG5xxx line was built to shred from day one with the thinnest production neck around and hand finished necks, quality bits, locking trems, etc. Suddenly you could buy a good shred axe for $800 instead of having to buy a USA Jackson for quite a bit more.

However, as the brand expanded, and other facilites in Korea/indonesia were brought in to help with production, things changed a bit. Also, with the WIZARD II and WIZARD III necks, the neck got thicker which was sorta the Party Piece of the RG. This is partly why guitars from the so called "Golden Era" E.G. MIJ RGs (which some folks insist is a myth) are still sought after by Ibby folks.

Sometimes, you can find a Made In japan Ibby from decades ago for a crazy low price. If you do, and it's got no cracks in the neck near the lock nut, BUY IT!!! smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (Sensible Jones @ Nov 30 2017, 09:03 AM) *
More over, never cork a Brown Sniff!!!

Todd makes a good point here about the transition from the Roadstar Series to the RG being the 'Big Bang' for Ibanez.
In my early teching days one of my Customers had an amazing collection of Roadstars. Every Model from first to last, all the different configurations and a couple got resprayed with Porsche Pearlescent Paint through a friend of mine who was an Auto-sprayer. When the first RG's came out he tried them and said "Nah, don't like that, it'll never catch on!!!"
laugh.gif laugh.gif



Sometimes you are just grumpy for the sake of being grumpy crsn.

QUOTE (jstcrsn @ Nov 29 2017, 11:37 PM) *
hey man , don't hijack this thread .t's about cork sniffin , not brown nosing

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Nov 30 2017, 11:39 PM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

2 Pages V   1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 




RSS Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 28th March 2024 - 03:35 PM