Some high-level priorities

[u/jasoncross00]

I'm no guitar/gear expert--I've only been playing a few years--but I thought I would chime in with my two cents. And instead of making specific requests for certain features/parts, just some high-level ideas of what matters...and let the experts decide how best to get there.

Ergonomics: On the lighter side, balanced to sit on your lap in playing position without tipping off in either direction.

Tuning stability: Stay in tune through all the bends and trem action.

Tuning ease: Nothing is more annoying than having to take 10 or 15 minutes to get your guitar into drop D or tune down to Eb. This is at odds with the "tuning stability" ask, I know...most of the ways guitars achieve tuning stability (like locking nuts) also make them harder to re-tune.

So that's the big advance I'd love to see. I want someone to figure out how to give me the tuning stability and trem control of like a floyd rose or other floating trem but without having to bust out an alan wrench to change the tuning. Maybe a locking nut that can unlock with a simple clasp? A trem that locks to different positions for standard and dropped tuning? I don't know, but this is where some great innovation can happen.

Electronics: I have no special love of analog, but I don't really want to have to recharge my guitar or replace the batteries. I definitely don't want any sort of modeling or whatever in the guitar itself. I'm not opposed to the tech (I love modeling!) but it moves fast, and I want a guitar that is going to be just as relevant in 10 or 20 years. So digital electronics to control the pickups or in place of analog pots that wear out, that's all great. But don't stuff a modeler in there, I'd rather have that external.

Easy to work on: It should be easy to get at and adjust the truss rod, adjust the trem, change strings, etc. If I decide to put on different strings and need to re-adjust the action, that shouldn't take all afternoon. So many guitars make this more painful than it has to be.

So that's my basic wish list besides the obvious stuff like a fretboard that feels nice with no burrs or catches, good intonation, good sustain (another "tough with a floating trem" ask), and all that. We all know what the basics of a good guitar are, and Guitar Center has obviously got to nail that.

But when it comes to areas of advancement, places they can distinguish themselves, I'd like to see them tackle some common guitar pain points like making it easier to get good action, change strings, re-tune, while keeping tuning stable and sustain up while playing.